52 books in 52 weeks

Weekly Therapy: The thrill of getting caught… up.

- Mel

the week:
Feeling incredibly inspired this week. And, like, fist-pump-the-sky happy. I feel like I’m going to accomplish a lot of crap this weekend. *fist bump*

Birthday #latergram
Birthday #latergram

weekend:
Oh my, do I have some relaxation planned for my weekend! I’m also looking forward to Beauty Slap’s LP release at Cattivo on Saturday night AND finally getting in at my tailor for alterations (seriously). It’s only taken me since January!

52 books in 52 weeks:
#15: The Three Marriages. I disliked this book. A lot. The author both exhausted and bored me. I am glad that I finished it, however, as the final chapter had some valuable insights.

I love that Goodreads has a book tracker function in its yearly reading challenge, for me to set my goals and see how many books I’ve read so far. Not too terrible on my challenge, by the way, only 4 books behind schedule.

Moving on…

seven things, seven days:
1. Welp, I’m officially signed up for my second half marathon. Destination: Cleveland.
2. Submitted my application for graduation. Guess I should start seriously looking at grad programs.
3. Ahem. Another straight A semester!
4. For my birthday, the boyfriend bought me my first outfit from lululemon. Ladies, I *totally* get it now, why you spend $90 on a pair of yoga pants. These things are AMAZING (for my butt).
5. I am also the proud owner of a new iPhone 6 and matching rose gold MacBook (shipping TBD). Hashtag, spoiled.
6. There’s so much outdoor yoga happening this summer around Pittsburgh. Yoga every weekend!
7. I like this: The unexpected pleasure of doing things alone. {via The Atlantic}

Weekly Therapy: “whatever you encountered on your way here, let it go”

- Mel

the week:
I am currently over-dosing on orange juice to combat this cold or whatever plague is fighting with my respiratory system. It’s the nasty kind of pre-sickness, where you’re super exhausted but toss-and-turn in bed for 8 hours unable to sleep.

If I end up napping in child’s pose this weekend during yoga just LEAVE ME BE.

Waldo_finds himself

weekend:
Two special yoga sessions scheduled: LA’s return to SHPY and a blindfold session at Urban Elements.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#10 Kluge: The Haphazard Evolution of the Human Mind — required book for one of my theory classes, but it was actually a really interesting look at the “clumsy” evolution and nature of our brains.

#11 The Art of Mental Training: The Guide to Performance Excellence. This book fell flat on several levels, but there were some good take-aways and practical exercises. Although, man do I hate chapters full of conversational quotes — this is why I read non-fiction! I don’t want to read a movie script.

seven things, seven days:
1. Hallelujah, it was house cleaners week!
2. Went to #burgh this week at Point Park University, and it really invigorated some creative ideas on how to better use our social space at work. I love being inspired like that. Also I got to meet @sree!
3. Received a dividends email from REI, which prompted me to buy a waterproof jacket for spring running. Mostly because I do not want a repeat of that RnR race. Ever.
4. Finishing up one of my classes this week (woo!), and starting some kind of torturous human resources management course next week.
5. Speaking of new classes, a new low on required textbooks: this one cost me over $200 (just ONE book) and it’s seriously 3-4 inches thick. For a SIX WEEK COURSE. (Double-u, tee, eff.)
6. Maple Water: IS THIS REAL LIFE?! Heck yeah, I’ll buy this.
7. My friend did a really amazing thing this week — 235 burpees for charity!

Weekly Therapy: Spring forward

- Mel

the week:
I hate the time change. I haven’t been able to sleep properly all week, even being purposeful about going to bed at a decent hour and sleeping through three different waking up with my pre-set alarms. And GAWD, isn’t it just the most-draggiest week?

weekend:
Road trip to DC for the Rock n’ Roll series of running events — 5K for me, and my friend Lauren will be running that with me. The rest of the crew will be tackling the half: Chelsea, Steff, and Kelsey. I volunteered for a RnR marathon in Phoenix over a decade ago, but have never participated. It’s a super-fun race environment, the medals are awesome, AND Better Than Ezra at the finish party?! TAKE ALL MY MONEY. Ok, please not all of it.

Also, I think this is my first race since… November? To be honest, I’m a little nervous about my knee. And the rain. SIGH.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#8 A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin: I’m on a female comedienne-author book club kick. I was ALL IN to this book… until the weird chapter about Woz. I didn’t laugh out loud, but overall this one was a fun and juicy read.

#9 Bossypants: by Tina Fey. HILARIOUS, actually laugh out loud. I couldn’t read it in bed because the chuckling would annoy my boyfriend. Definitely recommend!

seven things, seven days:
1. New curtains for the living that I found on Overstock for, like, half of what others are selling linen panels for. Although 1 out of 4 panels they sent was shorter length (even though the package says otherwise). HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!
2. Taxes are done — holy crap, I’m getting a refund this year! After a few years of mostly freelancer income, this is so wonderful.
3. Dentist took two more old silver fillings out this week (a super-fun appointment scheduled before work). While I am happier about the whiter molar smile, OMG did my face really need to be numb until 1 in the afternoon?
4. Obsessed this week with mid-90s punk and alt-rock music. Thanks, YouTube!
5. I really want the opportunity to volunteer (undergrad-style) as part of a Psyching Team this summer for a marathon. Send me leads!
6. Daylight-Saving Time is bad for your relationships {via WSJ}
7. Speaking of your valuable time: is it worth more than money? Finding the balance between time and money {via NYTimes}

Weekly Therapy: Ain’t no sunshine

- Mel

the week:
OK, we’re going to talk about the weather this week because I think I speak for most of us when I say this shit is for the polar bears. Winter, I love you but I am OVER you. Looking ahead to the 10-day forecast though and I am all SUNSHINE AND GIMME THE BUTTERFLIES.

winter red lips

And yes, all the bright lipstick.

weekend:
After a cheese plate happy hour tonight, we’re going to hit up the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show, but otherwise I plan to RUN. OUTSIDE. Next weekend is the RnR 5K in DC, and I am so far from even thinking about attaining a 5K PR. So I’m going to go all out in my St. Patrick’s Day silly gear and have some fun with my friends.

Don’t forget to “spring ahead”!

52 books in 52 weeks:
#7 Finished one of my textbooks, Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a Changing World
This actually would have been a great class semester ONE in the psychology program… not class “almost finished.” Weird context from this perspective. Alas.

seven things, seven days:
1. I’ve had a tab for the Niagara Falls International Marathon open on my computer for an entire week, hoping to make a decision on running that this fall. I. Am. Terrified. (But I still want to do it!)
2. We lost our power for 20 minutes this week. Was fun for… one whole minute.
3. Bill Withers live at Carnegie Hall (1973). Mmm-hmm.
4. Rug sale (again) and found a large jute rug for the living room for only $60. SCORE!
5. Holy crap, there’s a MOOC course about superheroes and their impact on pop culture from Smithsonian featuring Stan Lee! I AM EXCITE.
6. You guys! I started tearing up at my desk when I read this adorable story. Animal Rescue League program has kids read to cats. {via CBS Pittsburgh}
7. Signed up for this month’s Creative Soul Connection, hosted by Britt Reints of In Pursuit of Happiness and the Happiness Conspiracy.

Weekly Therapy: I promise I won’t mention the weather.

- Mel

the week:
Has this felt like the longest short week to anyone else?
I feel as though I have accomplished nothing, and yet, SO BUSY AND FRAZZLED. It hasn’t helped my brain or my training much, the fact that I experienced an awful onset of DOMS from Monday’s CrossFit workout. I was in so much pain, I spent my training week healing and rolling and stretching… and ARGH. Frustrated.

Why do these taste like chewable Flintstone vitamins? Blech.
Why do these taste like chewable Flintstone vitamins? Blech.
Also, why do my iphone pictures STILL upload sideways (even after editing the image). This has been happening for nearly the lifetime of an iphone. Fix it, wordpress!

weekend:
Massage Saturday, then dinner at Bar Marco — I’m considering waking up for a yoga session at SHPY too. BIG PLANS FOR NOTHING on Sunday.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#6 Elite Minds by Stan Beecham. FIVE STARS. I’m going to read it again, it’s SO, SO good.

seven things, seven days:
1. I’ve really been scoring with deals on work clothes on Poshmark.
2. …and I finally sold a pair of shoes on the dang app.
3. I made a new friend at happy hour this week who grew up in the same city in Ohio!
4. I also mad an investment on new thermal running pants because this shit seems to be sticking around.
5. How are your resolutions going? (Terrible!) You still have 10 months to meet one goal per month this year! {via The Chalkboard}
6. As someone with three sisters, this was a WOOOOOF (that would be air deflating)… and then tears. Forty portraits in forty years {via New York Times}
7. “Visualize the proverbial curtain rising.” 5 Ways Thinking Like a Ballerina Can Bring Balance to Your Life {via HuffPost}

Weekly Therapy: plan for greatness, but also don’t forget to adapt to reality

- Mel

the week:
Well, I’m glad my two new classes are rolling out slow this week, as I hit my midway point in my Coaching class (and have another paper due this weekend), AND I started my new job on Wednesday. I have a lot of nervous energy, but through my peer coaching sessions, I made some good measurable goals to take me through this transition with (hopefully) little anxiety and a lot of success and openness.

I have to say, I am loving the autonomy and flexibility that comes with this position (no more asking for bathroom or lunch breaks). But holy crap, you guys, I have been EXHAUSTED.

weekend:
I’m excited for a Trigger Point workshop hosted at the new yoga/spinning studio Urban Elements on Federal Street (North Shore) on Saturday — it’s targeted to runners and athletes with and emphasis on myosfascial techniques and work on mobility and flexibility or injury points common with runners.

Then, I’m GETTING MY HAIR DONE! (finally.) It’s also the Super Bowl this weekend, if you’re into that…

52 books in 52 weeks:
#5: Coaching & Mentoring at Work: Developing Effective Practice — my required textbook for my Organizational Coaching class, but finished the book in advance of some intense assignments coming up for the next couple weeks.

seven things, seven days:
1. Snow, YAY! LOTS of snow. Woah.
2. I tried out three different modes of commuting to work this week: car, walking, and bus. It’s certainly a benefit that I have options!
3. Is it silly that the thing that made me most nervous about my first day at work was lunch with my boss because of all my diet restrictions. (edit: it went fine — but of course I had to return my salad when it came out with tomatoes.)
4. LOTS of fancy deluxe-size sample goodies came with my Bergdorf beauty order, and my feminine side is all SQUEE.
5. Received — and LOVE — my new furniture from West Elm. Now I need to get this old couch out of here!
6. Some perspective we all need to consider: How to embrace Plan B {via Carrie Cheadle}
7. As I have been exploring more about the topic of Authenticity, I came across: The Authenticity Paradox {via Harvard Business Review}

Weekly Therapy: holiday detox

- Mel

the week:
Recovery is the theme of the week. I still haven’t been motivated enough to play with all my Christmas “toys.” I wasn’t able to work out for a week because of the holiday and changed schedule implemented as result of the holiday week — and it was basically driving me crazy town. No runs because I’ve either been working during daylight hours or driving around from crazy town-to-crazy town. This is the part I hate about the holidays.

weekend:
Work (duh), but we have a game night planned with our neighbors.

52 books in 52 weeks:
Did I really only read 9 books this year? That’s embarrassing. Of course, that doesn’t count all the reading for my classes and corresponding textbooks. Alas… finished “On Top of Your Game: Mental Skills to Maximize Your Athletic Performance” by Carrie Cheadle this week in preparation of the new derby season and upcoming tryouts.

seven things, seven days:
1. New Year’s Eve: asleep by 11pm…
2. And an eye sty for good health!
3. YAY! My sister from Phoenix came to visit for a night!
4. Catching up with friends these last couple of weeks of break has been so valuable.
5. I finally went to the Cathedral of Learning and visited its nationality rooms! It was so beautiful — especially that the building was still decorated for the holidays.
6. This New Year’s post from TWLOHA was like a punch in the gut. In a good way.
7. 7 Psychological Tricks to Make Your Resolutions Stick {via Time}

Weekly Therapy: what is your greatest fear?

- Mel

the week:
I finally went to Scarehouse! Four years of being in Pittsburgh, and a friend who works there took me. We also did The Basement, which… well, I’ll leave it for you to experience.

Question for you to ponder: What is your greatest fear?

While we were visiting Scarehouse, we were asked to participate in a research study about fear emotions. The researcher hooked us up to an EEG headset, and as a pair, we took a series of “tests” before and after touring the haunt. Interesting addition to an already-interesting evening, nonetheless.

scarehouse bunny selfie
Scarehouse is scary.

weekend:
Friday night was the season opening of Pittsburgh Ballet, with Sleeping Beauty. How awesome for the boyfriend, to celebrate his birthday with me and the ballet? *wink* Have I mentioned how much I want to do adult ballet classes? I think I’m going to start soon, especially since we get a discount with our subscription to PBT. We had dinner before the show at Grit & Grace downtown, which I am just in love with — and I can find multiple items every visit that are gluten-free! See also: ONION RINGS (!!!)

Otherwise, I’ll be getting a head-start on assignments, so I’m not concerned with them while I’m traveling next weekend (ha, right).

seven things, seven days:
1. I ran five miles. Does that deserve an exclamation point? Less than a month away from my 15k. I had to query other runners about nipple chafing, btw. So…
2. Apparently you make a lot of friends on twitter when you ask people about nipple chafing.
3. We cleaned the fridge TWICE and cannot find the source of a deathly smell. The boyfriend and I will be flipping a coin to see who opens and cleans the ice maker.
4. 90% on my Statistics mid-term. WHO AM I???
5. Non-petroleum jelly does NOT effectively combat nipple chafing. TMYK.
6. Finished Redirect: The surprising new science of psychological change. I don’t think I’ve highlighted so much information in one book!
7. A topic that I’ve been talking a lot about lately with friends and family. Because, I don’t think many of us are prepared. We’re older, but not wiser about menopause. {via

Weekly Therapy: glass half full

- Mel

the week:
Well, management theory is over, and I’m doing less-than-awesome in Statistics (which is really bumming me out). I’m all caught up on my grant writing course, however; last week I also started a sociology class about Workplace Diversity theories. No derby has opened up a “free” schedule of my dreams for studying and homework and general Getting Ahead. Another adaptation though (and really hoping it has a positive effect on my sleeping patterns).

We went to the post season Pirates game last Wednesday and had the most amazing seats (and were, embarrassingly, on the Kiss Cam *cringe*). I also got a foul ball souvenir from my seatmate. Too bad about those Pirates though; it was a bear of a game to watch… save for Bumgarner’s incredible pitching.

weekend:
I worked all day on Saturday, so I feel like I need another weekend from my weekend… sigh. That’s the worst, right? (Especially upon coming home you realize that your new class assignments are due on Saturdays and not Sundays). At least I could join a couple neighbor friends for delicious Sunday brunch at Kaya (still one of my favorites in this city), and I ran 3 miles! My body is starting to accept this change in exercise behavior.

seven things, seven days:
1. Thanks to Ashley from Our Little Apartment for the “unfilth” your habitat app. {NSFW language on the app, but go search in Apple store!}
2. I can’t be the only annoyed by the word “sweetie,” right? Please tell me that I’m not overly-sensitive about this. {This, I find from both men and women, but feels especially condescending from women for some reason.}
3. The sink cabinet that I adored and drooled over (and pinned!) for months is too big for the master bathroom renovation. And I’m angry devastated. Stupid row house space constraints.
4. But the contractors are starting this week on demo, so…
5. I LOVE RUNNING IN THIS COOL WEATHER!
6. We had to turn on the heat though. Good thing it works?
7. I’ve always preferred the word “adapt” to “change” — it’s all in the optimism, I think. Regardless, this article is appropriate given the season: Adapting to Change. {via PsychCentral}

It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that I’m reading Redirect: The surprising new science of psychological change.

Weekly Therapy: inspiration, perspiration… and probably a sweets coma.

- Mel

the week:
The contractors were totally right when they said things were going to start moving quickly. Because, OMG we have a room! Save for the random items that keep ending up on the back-ordered list (and that we need to find time to go mattress shopping for our new bed in the master), this guest suite is basically done. You know, expect for carpeting (ugh, delayed until the end of the month).

Last week, I’ve felt the most crappy since I started my food elimination diet. I was back to being lethargic every day… feeling like my body was caving in on me. Thankfully, it feels like I’m out the other end (glutened pun intended?) of a really bad contamination period. Can you believe I’m approaching my six-month mark?

last weekend:
I ran a mile! And then I had a margarita. The end. Oh, my summer semester ended too (two more A grades!). Then there was the annual APA Convention. So much in the way of travel stories and inspiration and things I learned that have to come later in another post — but it was an amazing experience.

this past weekend:
So much busy: happy hour dinner with the boyfriend, then the Steelers game, and then our neighbors hosted an alley party/dance party. ‘Tis fun, but I need a weekend!

seven things, seven days:
1. I’ve totally been stuck on the same book for over a month. The struggle is real.
2. Well then, that week off before Fall semester went by quickly. Starting off Fall semester with a management theory class. Woof.
3. Gluten-free baked goodies from a bakery in Rhode Island (mail order cinnamon buns!). You’re welcome.
4. Still craving ketchup. This helps.
5. Really sad about Robin Williams, right? Read: Depression when you have it all {via PsychCentral}
6. I was really hoping to do a SUP Yoga class before the end of summer. Know of any sessions available in Pittsburgh?
7. I poked myself in the eye with some sidewalk chalk (those big crayon-shaped instruments), and had a blood mark on my eye white for nearly three weeks. It’s finally dissipated (thankfully!). I swear, these weird situations seem to find me. And I need to stay away from blunt objects.

How’s your week?