back to school

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?

Weekly Therapy: namaste

- Mel

the week:
The renovation project was on hold for a week, waiting for the electrician (who finally came to do the work on Saturday). The canned light placement was wrong, so needed to be fixed today. This will be the thing that sets me off, won’t it? Or was it the massive swarm of bees that found their way into a hole in our window sill? Anyway, contractors tell me that things will move very quickly now.

It better… because, week #4.

yogafest outdoors pittsburgh point park
Pedicure needed.

weekend:
I spent a few hours at WHIRL’s YogaFest – I won a set of tickets, thanks to Yelp! Pittsburgh. I completed three classes, including my first Bikram session, and completely pooped out from the exercise and heat and direct sun. The thought of doing yoga ALL DAY certainly was ambitious. Whew. I’m STILL struggling Monday.

seven things, seven days:
1. Can I reiterate how much group assignments suck? And how much MORE they suck when it’s a group PAPER?!
2. All I want to do is flake out and read for hours on end and finish a book. Alas, there are papers to write.
3. I’m taking my first Amtrak trip to DC in a couple weeks. Really excited about it. And it’s a great opportunity to work on aforementioned group paper on board.
4. Hosted a reunion brunch for my “meat” class. I love hosting brunches. CHAMPAGNE!
5. I’m a PlayBuzz quiz answer! I seriously love my teammate for creating this — maybe you’ll get me, like I did.
6. Do you watch The Bachelorette? Here’s a fun article: What attachment style is Andi?
7. SWEATSHIRT WEATHER!!!!!!

Weekly Therapy: OK, really vacation therapy this time.

- Mel

the week:
Two weekends ago already was my Florida trip. Wut?! But THIS weekend is actually, really our little getaway.
SERENITY NOW!

ft. lauderdale florida harbor boats
Ft. Lauderdale is pretty.

It’s been a week since my birthday so unceremoniously passed… huh. I should write about that. HUGE emotional difference from last year.

ft lauderdale brunch spots beach
A nice spot for brunch, eh?

weekend:
There will be relaxation. And none of that looking at next week’s school assignments.

scavenger hunt florida
High fives, Florida!

seven things, seven days:
1. Developed a stress management/development project for my Psych class this trimester, and currently putting the plan into motion. Maybe I’ll post about that here too?
2. In any event: STRAIGHT A grades this semester!!!
3. And a week off between semesters. Hooray!
4. New hair, don’t care. I went shorter and lighter for the warmer weather and feel GREAT.
5. Reading: Gluten Freedom. Intending to read every week NOT just for school — or at the very least, a complement to coursework that is NOT the textbook.
6. Continuing the stress talk: 6 Strategies that Surprisingly Don’t Shrink Stress (I wasn’t surprised… but maybe you will be!)
7. And there ARE benefits to stress! No, really!

Weekly Therapy: back and better (educated) than ever!

- Mel

the week:
Hey there, missed you. I’ll catch you up in another long-winded post, but for now… Riding high off a big derby win last weekend.
Life is not parallel though with wins-and-losses. And I can no longer find comfort in my favorite comfort foods.

hammock relaxation
All the relaxation.

weekend:
Went to the hockey game last night (boo!), and I had to work all Easter (whatever, double pay — woo!). Going home to lots of homework and hrutka.

seven things, seven days:
1. No biopsies at my yearly skin cancer screening! What a relief. I got an ugly mole removed just for shits-and-giggles…
2. Received my first Blue Apron shipment, and I’m so excited about the service — especially when the boyfriend is traveling!
3. Two weeks left to go in my first semester back to school. LET’S DO THIS.
4. Disappointingly, I couldn’t have the gluten-free meatball at the new Meatball restaurant. I was *so* looking forward to its open. SIGH.
5. Random LOFT sale: 50% off everything?! I love spring shopping.
6. The Crossroads of Should and Must really spoke to me. On that note I’m really enjoying finding heartfelt essays like this on medium.
7. The irrationality of irrationality: The paradox of popular psychology. Ooooh, where was this article when I was doing an assignment a couple weeks ago???