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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: picking up where I left off

- Mel

the week:
RECOVERY is the word of the week. After skating 4 games in 3 days and driving 8+ hours to/from Evansville, Indiana, with 1 (revenge) win and 3 losses, an elbow to the nose and a trip to the ER, my body and mind is ready for a mini break. Alas… feeling conflicted about the end of the season.

weekend:
My favorite event in the Cultural District: Gallery Crawl! This one also features the Night Market again, which has been a popular feature of the quarterly gathering. It’s also date night, which… we need right now.

Also: here’s hoping I can actually finish my Statistics homework this weekend. I’m taking MUCH longer than the estimated time for these assignments, and basically burned out last week — unable to take the weekly quiz. Really hoping to make up the score too, but I feel like nothing is possible right now. SIGH.

seven things, seven days:
1. Went to my first Happiness Conspiracy meet-up, and it was so wonderful to meet new women who are doing amazing things in Pittsburgh. We also did something creative called black-out poetry, and I’m kind of obsessed with it!
2. Hahahahahahahahahah I signed up for my first 15K. In November. I’m so dumb. But, hot chocolate and peer pressure wins. And no, that 1 in front of the 5 was not a mistake… Probably.
3. Got all new bloodwork to see where my Vitamin D levels are. It was really good to hear confirmation from my doctor that I was making good diet decisions. Now, let’s hope my results agree.
4. Kinda-sorta-hadda start over on my diet restrictions, since I cheated with sugar during my tournament travels (baby needs her sport beans).
5. OMG you guys, I’m only 5’3″! My entire life being a 5’4″ woman is a lie. But at least I’m now officially petite?
6. I love Kate and her blog. Now that she’s in the 30 Club, I wanted to show off her recent post about cultivating personal style as a “jazzy old woman.”
7. What’s the #1 thing that prevents you from changing your habits? Summer Tomato with another wonderful post about limiting beliefs.

Weekly Therapy: taking care of old business

- Mel

the week:
The background colors and layout here at 30-something Therapy were bothering me for a long time. I contacted a few designers about tweaking the blog, but got some serious sticker shock. I decided to figure it out on my own…

So, check out my new site layout — mobile-enhanced now too! And please let me know if something is wonky.

Speaking of new layouts, we met with a contractor about possibly recreating the space on our second level. It’s a weird layout and really doesn’t define a first and second bedroom, mostly because of 12 foot glass doors separating the two spaces, but also because of a terrible bathroom addition. We can’t really do much with our attic space either because of space (and possible historical) constraints. He had some great suggestions, and would solve the problem for us using the space we have — AND only 3-4 months of stress! Next up is a meeting with an architect.

weekend:
A little happy hour with derby buddies on Friday night and an EPIC bottle share with friends on Saturday. Hangover on Sunday, natch. True story: we had to go buy two more dining room chairs to fit our anticipated party size.

seven things, seven days:
1. I am love with this all-natural hot chocolate mix from Silly Cow.
2. Is there nothing better than coming home to a professionally-cleaned house? Especially so when you plan to host 15 guests on the weekend.
3. Finally had x-rays for lingering, nagging derby injuries on my left hand and foot. No visible fractures, so likely ligament damage on each (blargh). So much healing time.
4. Signed up for unlimited month at CrossFit, which includes a strength training program. Did you know that I can deadlift 133 pounds?! Me neither.
5. There is a thing called rice nog from the brand Rice Dream (I use rice milk in my cereal). I *squeed* a delightful squee when I found it in the grocery store. And thoroughly embarrassed myself in the presence of strangers.
6. Special order: Bulleit boubon truffles from Sinful Sweets. Mmm-hmm, that’s right.
7. Who are the “Masters of Sex”? I’ve been wanting to download and watch this Showtime series about Masters and Johnson. Sunday’s hangover might be the perfect opportunity.

Weekly Therapy: another year “wiser”

- Mel

the week:
Yeah, yeah, yeah… birthday week. It’s been one of the hardest of my last few years — and has nothing to do with aging. Well, I’m sure that I’m thinking too much about it because of my age, but it’s nothing to do with NOW I’M 36. I’m equal parts just speechless about a lot of things right now and really stressed. Relationship maintenance is hard, you guys. I don’t even know where to start or finish after saying that.

But thinking about this Cooking for Two: Reconnecting with Your Loved One from A Taste of Therapy.

photo 1

weekend:
Bout Day! actually, I have TWO bouts this weekend (one of which, a hangover bout… woof) and hopefully a little bit of birthday celebration.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#12: “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell – wasn’t quite as engaging as “Blink,” but I did enjoy the personal stories of success.
True story: I was NOT posting this weekly update until I finished this damn book.

seven things, seven days:
1. Started off the week with a Cinco de Mayo stoop
2. …and a big argument. *sigh*
3. Continuing tradition with a free birthday dinner at Eleven (third year). They always have the best birthday desserts too.
4. Started my 10-day NO IBUPROFEN challenge. It’s not really a challenge so much as it is REQUIRED… but, because we took this month off from 30-day challenges, why not?!
5. Rules for Life from the lovely Bloggess. Don’t stop reading at the end of the article… the comments are just as important.
6. Want this book! It’s so pretty to look at.
7. 13 reasons why growing up is mind boggling {#12 is so hard to admit sometimes}

National Food Truck Date Day: your Valentine’s Day replacement

- Mel

So, with the trip to California and all, this post is a little bit late to spread awareness of a date that happened a week ago, but it’s still something I wanted to share.

My blogger-friend Jeanna of 50 Food Truck Dates {you should add her blog to your reader!} wants to change the negative perception of Valentine’s Day being all about going broke and being bored (or bummed for those who feel left out because they don’t have a “love” worthy of celebrating the holiday).

From Jeanna: There’s a lot of bemoaning about needing to “prove” your love one contrite day a year, and a lot of sulking and sad feelings if you don’t have someone to line your stairway with rose petals, stand outside your window with a boombox, or cook you dinner, naked, in an Italian David statue apron… So I thought to myself – why not motivate everyone to change this negative Valentine’s Day sentiment around?

I was definitely on board! The boyfriend and I didn’t have any big plans this year because of our big vacation the week prior (not that we really celebrate it any other year either, plus it was a practice night for me). While we were out west we found a food truck to celebrate our love of corn dogs, tater tots… well, and each other. Together forever in mustard and viking ketchup dipping sauces. I am, however, bummed that I didn’t get a picture of us TOGETHER. Just me and my corn dog in the passenger seat.

30-something hungry belly approved!

We selected the Viking Truck, which was parked outside of The Bruery in Southern California. The brewery tasting room was PACKED — we just stopped by for a mini-tasting and maybe to purchase a few bottles before continuing our road trip to Phoenix. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay long enough to endure the crowds, but having a food truck in the lot made up for that disappointment with all kinds of food-sized AWESOME. Also, did I mention corn dogs and TATER TOTS?!

I kept my corn dog traditional (the Viking Dog), but loaded up the tots — the Vikings called them Dragon Eggs. Yep, that’s some seriously delicious bean chili spread all over (which I had to eat IN THE CAR. Good thing it was a rental. Heh.) Boyfriend had the naked tots (easier to eat while driving) and one of their bratwursts (I think it was the Odin).

I love the idea of National Food Truck Date Day as a replacement to Valentine’s Day because, let’s face it, I’m a cheap date — a cheap, HUNGRY beast of a date. Just the same, the boyfriend & I love to try new restaurants, especially while traveling. Pittsburgh doesn’t have a large food truck scene — it’s just now starting to gain momentum, but unfortunately, vendors still face apprehension from government and restaurant owners — so being able to take advantage while on vacation just adds to the experience.

Do you have a favorite food truck in your city? Would you celebrate National Food Truck Date Day (next year) in lieu of Valentine’s Day?

Giving Thanks: to friends and family, old and new

- Mel

On this Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for the life that the boyfriend and I have created together — and those three cute kitties that keep our feet warm at night.

While we’re not with family this holiday (see you at Christmas!), we’re spending it with dear friends who are just as close to both of us (and their newborn *squee*). They’ve graciously opened their home to us and a few “orphans” stuck in Charleston for an epic feast.

I am in this picture… doing my typical Photobomb Face. Or, that was some crazy-good Mac n’ Cheese.

Not gonna lie, but I’m also very thankful for this lovely vacation to a beautiful city. And banana Moon Pies (#keepingitreal).

I’m so happy that I decided to start this new project. I’ve already met a handful of wonderful bloggers through this venture who share in my 30-something passions. And thank YOU for stopping by and reading (are you lurking?) — I hope that you leave a comment to tell me about yourself and your own personal projects.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finding Your Place: the loss and cultivation of identity

- Mel

I realized that making a commitment to blog for 30 days straight, that I’d be “calling it in” on more than one occasion (I promise not TOO many only-picture posts; I don’t want to talk your ear off either). But the REAL goal is opening up this page every day, logging into WordPress, considering what to write in this space — the possibility of connecting with Readers (hi there, if there’s anyone out there!) — creating a habit. Creating a new identity, albeit online.

Starting over with this new site, there is considerable time to realize any sort of growth or success or even pride. In life, you experience many stages of growth and need to adapt accordingly. Take this blog, for instance: I need to find my voice here. Find topics to write about that matter to a completely different audience. Just writing SOMETHING is an exercise in finding myself again.

I’ve now experienced the death of a blog too — a “popular” one at some point in its existence. And, likely, an idea that was stretched for far longer than its need. Can the Stages of Grief be applied to the loss of a blog?

The Kubler-Ross model, commonly known as the Stages of Grief, include the following steps:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

More recently, there has been the addition of Shock and Guilt to encompass a “seven stages” cycle of grief.

I only kicked the “other” blog to the curb when I could hit PUBLISH on that final Goodbye post. When I knew everything would “be OK” (however many emotions I go through that equate to relapsing those stages). And as I go through a variety of online and in-real-life changes, I’m feeling a considerable loss of identity.

I thought the worst of that was behind me when I turned 35…

30 Day Project for this 30-something: A Post Per Day in November

- Mel

I needed a project, a new passion — a new blog. I’ve finally (effectively?) killed my former space on the Web to concentrate on something new (here!). The decision was difficult for sure, as it was a huge part of my identity for so long, but I couldn’t refresh something that it wasn’t anymore — something that I wasn’t anymore (a 20-something single blogger, natch).

So, November ends one chapter of my online life and begins another.

What I hope to accomplish with posting everyday:

  • get back into the habit of regular writing
  • find my voice again
  • adapt this blog to incorporate new areas of interest
  • use as inspiration for future projects
  • develop regular series for this blog

Post #1 complete.

Have you ever started a new blog after posting elsewhere for a long time, or have you ever just stopped blogging? Tell me about your experience!