Weekly Therapy

Weekly Therapy: stop picking on me!

- Mel

the week:
Five days straight of roller derby. Whew. I’m exhausted.

Oh, and my nose is severely bruised (hopefully not broken, but ouch). Not dealing with that until I’m home from California. I also found myself in tears again in the middle of practice out of total anger and frustration after a drill. Then the next practice I smashed my knee on the rink floor (yes, even with knee pads). W.T.F. This week is picking on me.

weekend:
Day trip to Philly for banked track training camp. We’re playing two banked track games in San Diego (we are part of WFTDA, a flat track league), so we need to LEARN how to skate that type of track beforehand. This is on my derby bucket list, so I am excite.

Then, napping all of the hours on Sunday. What super bowl? Pffft. Oh, I probably should get some packing done for Cali. (I’m going to try to fit in meeting an out-of-town, visiting-someone-else friend for brunch too.)

This weekend is also GROUNDHOG DAY. Man, one year I have to drive up to Punxsutawney to experience that madness. Also, I spelled that correctly on my first try! If you can’t make it to see Phil in person, Groundhog Day (the amazing movie starring Bill Murray) is playing tonight at the Hollywood theater in Dormont.

52 books in 52 weeks:
9. The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo. 304 pages. LONG pages. Woof. I never thought I’d finish this book. I was anticipating reading it for weeks (while it was checked out of my branch for a month or so by someone else); what a let-down.

seven things, seven days:
1. Started my 30 days of waking up before 8am… *yawn*
2. Also, my first drink of alcohol in 31 days. Hello, beer.
3. Check out this awesome article from Pitt News about my derby league (you just might spot me in the gallery too *wink*).
4. HOMEMADE YOGURT-COVERED CRANBERRIES!!! {from the Kitchn}
5. Interviewing for a local non-profit internship position for a really cool project. Wish me luck!
6. Boredom (and me) explained! (in under 300 words) {from PsyBlog}
7. How to cope with failure {from PsychCentral}

Tell me what’s part of your Weekend Therapy!

Weekly Therapy: when the boyfriend’s away, the derby will play

- Mel

the week:
practice. practice. practice. repeat weekly. I’m learning to adapt to the late nights of practices and added responsibilities (and soon, travel) that come with the beginning of the derby season. We had tryouts for our incoming meat class on Sunday, which is exciting (I’m a Mentee to two newbies); and hosting out-of-league skaters for a training camp this weekend. I slept surprisingly well for the boyfriend being out of town… likely because I. am. exhausted.

I’m also on 26 days without a drop of alcohol, so I’m all kinds of cranky. (FOUR MORE DAYS to meet my January goal!)

And that’s why Friendly’s makes ice cream.

Oh, and that incident last night with cops responding to an intruder alarm at my neighbor’s house. When I was home overnight alone. o_O

weekend:
It’s the quarterly Gallery Crawl tonight in downtown Pittsburgh! One of my favorite nights to explore the city and new exhibits (yes, even in 20 degree temps and a few inches of snow). New event this year: there’s a pop-up night market and curling session with Yelp and the Pittsburgh Curling Club.

Sunday is BOUT DAY!

52 books in 52 weeks:
I’m falling behind! I’m stuck on this book that is overly repetitive and extremely slow to read… and I should just QUIT already.
8. “I Want it Now! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” by Julie Dawn Cole

seven things, seven days:
1. Interviewing two “hot” jewelry designers for a client – so exciting!
2. Refreshed, new hair color. *ahhh*
3. Brunch at Verde is my new fave. We checked it out as part of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week specials.
4. Found TWO different unused gift cards: Sephora and Old Navy (woo-hoo!)
5. Shopped two sports bras, a yoga tank and a BRIGHT track jacket with balance on Old Navy card.
6. Was nominated for league’s rookie award at our banquet a couple weekends ago. I didn’t win, but so proud and honored. I love my leaguemates.
7. Two weeks until California! (Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since I’ve last visited?)

Weekly Therapy: crushing goals… and the stupid flu again.

- Mel

the week:
Completed my first week of no alcohol, which was difficult, considering tryouts nerves! BUT I found out last night that I made the team! WOO! And also means I’M GOING TO CALIFORNIA! More on that later…

This “12 cognitive biases that prevent you from being rational” story is all the more important when getting a pang of flight anxiety again.

My life right now.

weekend:
After three days of minimal sleep (by no means my own fault; I was in bed… but just no sleep happened), I woke up this morning feeling sick. I’m trying to relax and push through, so that I can see Spank! (a parody of 50 Shades of Gray) tonight with a friend. Sober. I’m expecting it to be hilarious, especially given that I’ve never read the book and only the Tumblr making fun of it.

Saturday night, we have our annual derby awards banquet. This event calls for a date with my sequin pants!

For my Pittsburghers: check out Saturday’s Mascot Skate at Schenley Park.

52 books in 52 weeks:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (#7) – I read this entire book in less than 4 hours (across 2 days). I was bored at first and really didn’t want to go further (you know, stop before I get too attached to the story). But the character development was quick, and I was hooked. But I’m still confused by a few parts — one, especially an integral part of the story that I seemed to miss (I don’t want to spoiler!)… so I probably need to re-read it. On sale for $3.99 for Kindle at Amazon!

seven things, seven days:
1. Received all my transfer info from another school choice. This admission process requires a personal essay. And my ACT test results (from 18 years ago). Yikes.
2. I think we might have finally found an antique black slate mantel for the living room fireplace (via Craigslist)! Going to look at it this weekend. Cross your fingers!
3. This weekend I’ll be crafting some decorations for my friends bridal shower next weekend. I can’t wait to see my ideas all pulled together.
4. Check this out: HomeEC e-courses! I’m definitely signing up for a refresher “learn to sew” program. Remember those days when HomeEC was a required class in high school?! Just me then?
5. I’m totally in Decorating Mode. And super psyched to see HomeGoods boards on Pinterest.
6. Finding a “behind-the-neck” bra for a sleeveless, high-neck shirt is impossible. Bra shopping is my biggest nightmare, but there has to be SOMETHING. The shirt is white, I cannot go braless… unless I find a tank that’s cut the same way.
7. Author Hugo Schwyzer says empathy can be learned. Thoughts?

Photo credit: HelloFresh via Tumblr

Weekly Therapy: the travels and tribulations of a 30-something

- Mel

the week:
Driving. Snowstorms. Missing family plans. Paying an extra night for hotel because it was booked for December 25 and not December 26. (seriously). Hangovers.

HANGOVERS.

Just another holiday trip back to Ohio. While we were “snowed in” during our stay at the lovely Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, we checked out the new casino, and ate and drank our way down East 4th Street (a must-visit street on any visit to the Midwestern city).

By the time we arrived back home, I was tired and cranky and… sick. Ugh. So sick. Don’t mind me, I’ll just be that Old Lady recovering in her bed on New Year’s Eve.

weekend:
Sunday, Browns vs. Steelers at Heinz Field!

52 books in 52 weeks:
6. Cleveland is Your Best Friend: 67 Things I Miss About Home (gifted from the boyfriend on Christmas). Finished it in one sitting.

seven things, seven days:
1. Hot yoga on christmas eve — what a way to start the week!
2. AND a new yoga mat and bag to continue my practice in style.
3. Yes, I got my watch. (I know!!!)
4. 30-day No Alcohol rule in effect for January (this is not a resolution, but a “cleanse” if you will).
5. Derby practices start again next week!
6. So happy to connect with TWO new clients this week for my freelance business!
7. In light of the upcoming holiday, Making Habits/Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick (adding to my read list!)

Happy New Year, 30-somethings!

Weekend Therapy: playing The Chimney Song on repeat

- Mel

the week:
It’s state (car) inspection time in this 30-something household (and for the 2nd year in a row, it did not pass; this year, exhaust issues, which is not entirely terrible). As much as I swoon over the 2013 new Ford Escape and dream of trading in my ’05, the reality that my car is paid off in 6 months has much more clout. Whatever this type of maturity is, I can’t even.

weekend:
Is everyone relaxing before Christmas, or is it just us? I picked up an extra shift at my part-time job for Sunday, seeing as how I have both Monday and Tuesday off (hooray!).

The boyfriend and I had a date night Friday and checked out new restaurant Root 174 (at least new to us) in Pittsburgh, as well as a new chocolate shop Sinful Sweets (we ate the chocolate as our appetizer at a bar while waiting for our originally-intended restaurant to open, which wouldn’t seat walk-ins).

Then we went downtown to check out our holiday market (it was freezing & Santa wasn’t there), but I found this:

cat ornament
A Rudy Cat ornament!

We also intended to check out the new Speakeasy in town. But again, our plans were foiled, and they wouldn’t let us in. *sigh*

Sounds like the date night was full of Fail, but we actually had a fun time (we’re committed to having a date night at least once a month — and hey, look: spontaneity!). Our “replacement” restaurant ended up serving an incredible meal — I won’t stop talking about that tomato-fennel gorgonzola soup — I can’t wait to return!

52 books in 52 weeks:
Finished #5: Sex & God at Yale. While mostly an interesting (debaucherous) read, the book itself went on WAY too many long-winded personal tangents. As an adult, did I really need an entire chapter devoted to the definition of “hooking up”? No. But maybe some out there do…

seven things, seven days:
1. The psychology behind organic labeling – from Science Daily
2. We got carolers at our house! On the one night I was gone this week… whomp.
3. But yay, team bonding! (over cider and cookies)
4. Holidays are meant for spiked milkshake happy hours… err, lunch.
5. As I write this, the cats are destroying the tree and presents beneath it. Broken ornament count: 2
6. I am an avid ponytail wearer – For winter, I need this Peekaboo Ponytail Hat!
7. We all seemingly made it through the End of the World! I suppose that’s something worth mentioning.

Have a happy pre-holiday weekend! I wouldn’t wish any last-minute shopping at the mall on my worst enemy!

Weekly Therapy: you can do it!

- Mel

the week:
I find myself often procrastinating with work and my to-do list; however, I’m subsequently stressed and then feverishly motivated by impending deadlines. It’s a furious cycle that I always intend to fix… yet, I procrastinate even on that. Woof. I’m all ears and eyes for any advice on breaking this terrible habit!

But I suppose that I should congratulate myself on the little successes: my holiday cards are shipped and Christmas shopping is DONE! I even wrapped everything already. Take that, procrastination!

weekend:
Off to Ohio! (oh, deadlines? yeah, I’ll get to you. Family first.)

52 books update:
Stalled on my reading a bit, but I’ve started two more books. Hoping to find the time to finish at least one this weekend. Damn deadlines.

seven things, seven days:
1. Fascinated and impressed with this post from Seventeenth & Irving: how to pack for 2 weeks in the winter. This is a task that I always struggle with.
2. And then Lauren from aforementioned blog pointed me in the direction of these bobbi brown empties.
3. 5 Questions with author Sally Koslow, via Dr Stephanie’s blog
4. Will definitely be making this spiced chai tea from A Beautiful Mess. YUM!
5. Fruit Cake soap? Fruit Cake soap.
6. I won an attendance prize with my roller derby team for November. Woohoo!
7. Found two small-balance gift cards in my car & rewarded myself with an eggnog latte. It’s like a holiday bonus!

Weekly Therapy: needs more room service

- Mel

the week:
I spent most of my week in Buffalo… doing nothing but work. I forgot my book, which made me do even more work. Even online distractions didn’t sway my production. Even though I decided not to explore the city (um, it was 22 degrees, nothankyou), I had something of a writing retreat, so it’s a win in my book.

When I got back, I had an interview for a part-time boutique position. I should find out some time next week about that…

weekend:
Friday night is GIRLS NIGHT OUT (special holiday gift exchange edition). I hope you make time for your girlfriends this busy season because we all need a release from the stressors (and holiday triggers). And wine. We NEED wine. (and in our case, cheesecake.) Check out the gorgeous earrings I got from my “Secret Santa” (also, a gift card to Starbucks for eggnog lattes so she doesn’t have to bring them to me anymore. ha!):

I promise, my finger is NOT that stubby in real life.

If you’re in Pittsburgh, pick up some unique gifts at Handmade Arcade on Saturday (11am-7pm) downtown at the Convention Center. Then Sunday, come see ROLLER DERBY! It’s our annual Toys for Tots charity scrimmage, so bring a toy for a child who needs a special Christmas.

52 books update:
So, I’ve finished four books since Thanksgiving. Not a bad start!
Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside
Nixon’s Darkest Secrets
Stop the Wedding! (A Romantic Comedy) – a random, silly book that Kindle store recommend; super easy read

seven things, seven days:
1. Christmas shopping started! (and finishing this weekend); Boyfriend is proving to be more difficult to shop for this year. Men.
2. Also, writing out all the Christmas cards. (I’m early!)
3. I’m hosting a bridal shower for a friend; check out these cute invites from Wedding Paper Divas.
4. WINE ICE CREAM!!!
5. Holiday shopping doesn’t mean I didn’t pick up a lil’ something for myself (duh!): this sequin sweatshirt from GAP is so fun (and comfy! And was 30% off.)
6. Bloggers Elsie & Emma from A Beautiful Mess geek out about Tea. More tea-geeking, please!
7. The Psychology of everything in 48 Minutes from Paul Bloom:

Weekly Therapy: a lil’ bit of this, a lil’ bit of that

- Mel

the week:
Back home. Back to work. Back to skating practices. Back to training. Back to eating healthier. Back to kitty snuggles.

Don’t they all look thrilled?

Back to a certain level of life craziness and stress, I suppose too. I need to get back to yoga and back to reading…

weekend:
O, Christmas tidings! It has begun — the holiday season is in full swing. And we’re doing some decorating of our own this weekend (hello, 55 degree weather!). I’m not too keen on the concept of a real tree in a household containing three cats, but O CHRISTMAS TREE, this is going to be fun (proving the boyfriend wrong, that is). And I need to visit RECORD STORE to find myself some Bing Crosby.

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, check out the Warhol Holiday Bash with the one-and-only Sharon Needles, I Made it Market – Holiday Edition, COOKIES!!!! (ahem, Lawrenceville Cookie Tour) and Christmas Cartoon Fest at the Toonseum (and say “hey!” to Randy from A Christmas Story).

seven things, seven days:
1. Ever since I put a doughnut baking pan on my Christmas list, I’ve been mad-craving doughnuts. Like THESE.
2. Signed up for marathon relay team for this upcoming May (yes, we really named ourselves #teamstabby)
3. LOVE this scalloped felt skirt idea
4. We got our first snow fall of the year; nothing significant (and nothing stuck). And it’s going to be 55 degrees this weekend. WEIRDNESS.
5. Do not order the skinny peppermint mocha — it means “sugar free”… not fat free. I thought they only subbed in skim milk, not one of those fake-sugar-substitute flavorings. Blech!
6. From Apartment Therapy: a few ways to decompress this holiday season
7. And a completely gratuitous, musical start to your weekend: It’s Britney, betch.

Have an amazing first weekend of December!

Weekly Therapy: on vacation

- Mel

I had intentions of posting a variety of pictures from my trip… But when using the most recent backup from my old phone to set up my new phone, the pictures were gone. *sigh*

So you get a picture of my splurge from Black Friday:

20121124-125832.jpg

No discount from Apple — save for signing a new contract with Verizon device discount — but so much nicer to blog from! And I didn’t have to wake at some crazy hour to get it. I also purchased it when tipsy from hoppy beers, so there’s that.

Did you make any big Black Friday purchases? What was your best deal?

Weekly Therapy: subsisting on hot chocolate

- Mel

I’ve managed to make it to that part of the year where a daily hot chocolate is a necessity. So bad.
Oooh, wait. Is it eggnog season now?
I’m in big trouble.

hot chocolate_yum

the week:
I had a great game on Sunday (even if we lost by 11 points); I was jamming for most of the bout. This reminds me that I still have to tell you all about roller derby.

I picked up extra shifts at work — and my one day off, my cleaners wake me up at 9am o_O… I am still holding back some furious rage toward the USPS (synonymous with anger) for not delivering two different packages from two different dates (one, a personalized care package from a friend). This, after three rescheduled redeliveries; to which, they never redelivered… I know because I was waiting around ALL DAY. And now, apparently a missing package says my local branch. Grrr.

But, one week until thanksgiving = one week until vacation!

weekend:
Locally, it’s Light Up Night to celebrate the “beginnings” of holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh. Aka: let’s have some mexican and get drunk off margaritas then walk around and freeze our butts off… night. Or, at least that’s how last year looked.

I anticipate feeling just about as wonderful in the morning as last year. And then go spinning. And then go to Friendsgiving.

seven things, seven days:
1. Had an Emotional Health Check-up? This is just as important as your regular medical care.
2. I won a totally random giveaway this week from 3M: a safety kit. Pictures with goggles soon to come! (this also means that maybe there’s a dresser refinishing project in my future)
3. Reservations for Poogan’s Porch when in Charleston. Yes, I’m squeeing. Vacation. You are so close.
4. I’m also this much closer to Moon Pies.
5. Not gonna lie, I about lost my mind when seeing this recipe for TWO INGREDIENT Eggnog Muffins. TWO. Big love for this brand of easy cooking.
6. Penny Pincher Fashion has her Winter Survival Kit posted. It’s time.
7. Through a friend, found a Facebook group for women “recycling” their Lilly clothing. I scored a pair of pink capris – NWT! Kinda excited to finally fulfill this missing item from my “wants” list.