thank you

Giving thanks.

- Mel

Thankful for: the last two months off derby to clear my head, refocus and recharge. AND spend more “free” time with the boyfriend and friends.

Thankful for: the physical ability to run and CrossFit and skate and yoga to keep my mental sanity (and get a great ass in the meantime).

Thankful for: the boyfriend’s support — mentally and financially — in my (seemingly) never-ending job search.

Thankful for: having an extra dining room chairs to seat additional adults at Thanksgiving dinner.

Thankful for: my boyfriend being responsible for planning, purchasing and making said dinner.

Thankful for: spending the holiday with my sisters, nieces and dad.

Thankful for: having a blended family get-together.

Thankful for: an upcoming week off in December to travel.

Thankful for: these three cats that keep me warm in winter with furry snuggles.

Thankful for: feeling more like “me”… and getting back to the things I love.

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!

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.