Weekly Therapy: Recovery Week Wine

June 3, 2017 - Mel

the week:
Recovery has been nice! I’m one my first of TWO WHOLE WEEKS without running. I started my ladies’ golf clinics and went roller skating for a few miles (including wiping out in the grass within the first five minutes lol). I feel like I have all the energy and time in the world — using it to clean out dressers and organize closets… and, um, drink a lot of wine.

Being fresh off a marathon finish has also given me a new kind of confidence to take on all the other life bullshit falling into the Procrastination category, and I’m on a roll crossing things off my to-do list! #gettingshitdone

weekend:
I volunteered this morning at Dam to Dam at the Tacopocalypse food table. It was so hot, and I was SO happy not to be running. Sorry to all the runners who didn’t get any pork nachos — we ran out of food after only 2 hours. 🙁

I plan to go for a bike ride tomorrow morning, and then partake in a little Sunday Funday (and probably Jethro’s BBQ brunch). I’m kinda liking this run-free summer lifestyle right now.

And here’s how to make your weekend feel longer. I love the first comment on the article: Don’t sleep in.

seven things, seven days:
1. Can you believe the back brake pads and rotors of my NEW CAR had to be replaced already? Crazy.
2. I put on my big girl pants and cancelled my gym membership (that I barely used once a month).
3. And now I need a place to do drop-in yoga. Any suggestions for Des Moines, preferably west/northwestern suburbs? No membership, please.
4. Got any early favorites for this season’s The Bachelorette? ?
5. Deep Inside Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos. I haven’t had Taco Bell in a few years, but I still crave it like my post-party, bar-crawling former 20-something self.
6. The Rise and (Maybe) Fall of Influencers {via NYT}
7. Brutalist redesigns of your favorite social platforms. BE STILL MY BRUTALISM-LOVING HEART. {via The Verge}

Weekly Therapy: “You didn’t quit; you learned.”

September 16, 2016 - Mel

I’ve been completely inspired by podcasts these last few weeks. Today’s title quote comes from Episode 7 of the BibRave Podcast — an incredible interview with Race Director of THE Boston Marathon, Dave McGillivray.

the week:
I’ve felt very harried and scattered all week, despite getting plenty of good sleep and not changing anything in my schedule. My to-do list feels a mile long, and I’m really anxious at getting a lot done this weekend. I don’t know… it’s like nesting or something but without the pregnancy. Maybe because of the changing seasons?

weekend:
Tonight is the members’ preview of the Vivian Maier photography exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center. YOU MUST ATTEND THIS EXHIBIT! It’s open through January 22. We’re also having dinner at Eatery A for the first time. So, I guess we’re having a date night.

The Capital Pursuit 10-Miler is Sunday — I’ve got my race plan and I’m ready to tackle it! #positivethoughts

seven things, seven days:
1. Today is National Run at Work Day — kinda bummed that I found out about it too late to plan something. I participated last year and had a blast!
2. I’m so proud of LifeTime in taking steps to implement a social media policy, restricting use of photos in locker rooms, saunas, and other private areas — and adding: No member may capture another member’s likeness without their consent. YES.
3. That time I went to BibChat and wasn’t wearing pants. ? ? ?
4. Are you recovering properly? {via Appetite for Health}
5. How do you feel about getting older? Well… it’s complicated. {via Pacific Standard}
6. The appeal of Botox — the savior of Resting Bitch Face {via Pacific Standard}
7. Couldn’t miss this article all week — Hint: it’s about SUGAR (Ugh!) {via NYT}

Weekly Therapy: Do the Thing! Win all the Points!

April 10, 2015 - Mel

the week:
Hey guys? It’s BASEBALL SEASON! I walk past PNC Park every day on my way to work, and I couldn’t be more excited — watching as updates and clean-ups have occurred in and around the stadium. I’ve been able to see the flags hoisted, the lights and scoreboard checks, and yesterday they were testing PA announcements. While it’s not the homestand of my beloved Cleveland Indians (RIP, The Jake), I can get behind some gluten-free burritos at the ballpark this summer!

Now if you don’t mind me, I’m heading home to curl up with a glass of wine and some MLBTV.

weekend:
It’s Cherry Blossoms weekend in DC and my first long race of the season. Every time I think about it, I get nerves, so I’ll have to save those emotions for another post.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#12: Need To Know: Social Science Research Methods — another day, another textbook. I’ll just say this: this book helped little for preparing me for course assignments or quizzes. Ugh, the worst.

seven things, seven days:
1. Speaking of sports, did you guys see that Hostess twitter post this week? I thought it was brilliant and hilarious.
2. Attended an info session with the local Girls on the Run affiliate and looking forward to being involved with the organization. That is, if they can place me for a coaching position.
3. Rejected a previously-RSVP’d-yes blogger invite this week upon receiving an email that stated “dress to be photographed” in the “can’t wait to see you!” update prior to the event. NOPE. Although I’m sure the event was cool, that’s just not my scene.
4. I failed the “why did you unfriend me?” test when asked on FB. And now I feel even shittier for not being honest.
5. Speaking of which, I don’t know… if Facebook makes you feel depressed, why are you using it? The Psychology of Healthy Facebook Use: No Comparing to Other Lives {via The Atlantic}
6. I am VERY excited for extraVEGANza to open in Pittsburgh. {link is to their indiegogo campaign with some sweet perks!}
7. “Comfort in our failures allows us to act without fear, to engage without judgment, to love without conditions.” The Confidence Conundrum {via the ever-amazing Mark Manson}

Touchdown, Cherry Blossoms!

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

March 27, 2015 - 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.

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!

Group therapy: put down the electronics!

April 24, 2013 - Mel

Months ahead of my social media hiatus (coming soon: this September!), I’m recognizing a trend in “advice” columns and articles and what-not, all about putting down your electronics. Stow your cell, and enjoy the life and people in your presence. Be. Present.

Aren’t we all a little bit guilty of this? That, Always Being in Touch. I find it difficult, given the appeal of online personalities (most of which are friends in real life too). Because social media has some great benefits — say, like finding friends in a new city or something fun to do at the last minute — there’s not anything drastic we’re going to suggest here. But we should be conscious and conscientious of being around our friends and significant others — of being in the moment. Of getting to bed at a reasonable hour (and potentially curbing insomnia caused by the glow of screens). Or not being consumed by an electronic device. I mean, didn’t you sit around long enough looking at a computer at work all day?! I love my Kindle, too, but make sure that I alternate with reading actual books too. Social media addiction is serious business.

Your twitter timeline will still be there when your happy hour with friends is over. Facebook status update eye-rolling once the workday is done. I’d go so far to say even TURN OFF THE TV since it’s obviously replacing quality time and conversation with your significant other. Hello, hulu! Most of all, don’t take your phones to the dinner table. This is a new rule that I’m putting in place in my house. I mean, it’s hard enough that I work from home full time AND my boyfriend continues to work once he’s home. We could at least enjoy dinner in silence, right? Ha.

Have you made your own “rules” for electronics and cell phones in your house? Have you found ways to lessen your addiction to social media?