this old rowhouse

Sunday Lately: Dwelling, Helping, Forgetting, Switching, Relying

- Mel

I do my own regular “thinking” recaps in my Weekly Therapy posts, so this Blogger, May I? post was a nice change of pace for today. Although, given I JUST RAN A HALF MARATHON (and finished a two-page paper for school soon after), my brain struggled through this a bit. But I like how the prompts can be reflective of different meanings, depending on the blogger.

Dwelling
It’s been six months since contractors wrecked my life in order to fix my house. They finally came back this week to touch up some “mistakes” and fix other issues — including changing the light in my entryway (which they ruined during the renovations).

The new light is beautiful!
IMG_0337

Helping
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’d like to give back, since volunteering was something that had to take a backseat with school and work full-time and my full training schedule. I’ve been inspired by Project R.U.N., Kids of Steel, and Girls on the Run programs, and I hope that I can soon find my place to help make an impact about healthy lifestyle choices with kids in my community.

Forgetting
I’ve been consumed so much by this race that I keep forgetting that my birthday is next weekend (it’s also finals week, blech).

Switching
Time to switch gears: IT’S BIRTHDAY WEEK!

Relying
Relying on my group members this week to get me through this last week of projects and presentations! Have I mentioned how much I’m looking forward to Spring Break next week?

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: got that new carpet smell!

- Mel

the week:
Carpet was installed in the guest space, and now we wait for the final finishes and touches (and a back-ordered pendant light) to complete the renovation. I have been MORE than impressed with the work from these contractors, and we hired them to start other projects in the house next month. Yep, we’re going all out for a master bathroom remodel! Which means I also get a (tiny) walk-in closet.

{check out the pics down there in the Insta-therapy sidebar!}

weekend:
Last regular season game (away) in Ohio! Then it’s time for Playoffs. Get it.

seven things, seven days:
1. I was super pumped to attend a session about sports psychology and CrossFit last weekend, sponsored by my box and given by a fellow athlete and almost-psychologist.
2. Found another gluten-free bakery just outside of the Pittsburgh area: Truly Wize. They also sell their sweet goodies at Naturally Soergel’s; boyfriend also found some packaged oatmeal cookies at Market District. I’m currently embarrassing myself over their version of a swiss cake roll (IT’S SO AWESOME).
3. Somehow in my sleep I purchased a case (a CASE!) of Figgies & Jammies, so says this Amazon email. They are the best, and I was traumatizing myself that I forgot to purchase at Soergel’s this weekend. So I will eat them.
4. Can you believe I have been gluten- and nightshade-free for six MONTHS!? I have my retesting next week with Emily Levenson (look her up if you’re interested in having sensitivity testing done).
5. REALLY looking forward to Britt Reint’s Conspiracy next month. In Pittsburgh? You should join the group!
6. West Elm Bakery Square is opening in Pittsburgh next week (YAY!!!).
7. Three tips to change your perspective on nearly everything. {via PsychCentral} I really like the idea of the heart-to-heart. We all need that perspective at one point or another.

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: finding serenity in change

- Mel

the week:
Better late than never: THEY’RE FINALLY STARTING RENOVATIONS. Ahem. I have to admit that it hasn’t been THAT bad, but the construction is really distracting me from schoolwork (I’m doing most of the “important” concentrating things in the evenings, after they leave).

…and then they put a nail into a new pipe. SERENITY NOW.

furries anthrocon pittsburgh
Furries! (and me, in my awesome StitchFix dress)

weekend:
I have to work another night shift (for our big annual fundraiser); otherwise it’s all homework, all the time on this weekend to-do list. Although I’m hoping at least for Sunday brunch and a glass of champagne with my bestie who is visiting for the party.

seven things, seven days:
1. OATMEAL! Love oatmeal. And this is why oatmeal keeps you full. {scientific american}
2. Is being too nice a problem? {via daily times}
3. Hanging out with the Anthrocon “furries” last weekend was great.
4. Although TOO. MUCH. DRINKING.
5. Derby break is over, and back to regular practices! I both loved having a break and loved being back.
6. And now I get to use my derby organization in a research study for one of my classes. Kind of nice having 60+ people at your disposal for surveying.
7. Need a durable tote like this, in cognac leather color, to carry laptop and such. Suggestions? LL Bean confirmed the cognac bag was discontinued. For sad.

Weekly Therapy: More Thanks

- Mel

the week:
We were anticipating “Gobblegeddon” to arrive in Pittsburgh just prior to Thanksgiving, and we were thankfully spared (but definitely not from all the doomsday MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TOILET PAPER AND BREAD!!!! style weather reporting).

Hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner with mixed family was so wonderful, and we were squeezed in! I loved having people in our home and planning a meal for 12 people… and decorating the table for a REAL dinner party. I loved not having to drive somewhere (especially considering my work schedule around the holiday). My nieces were adorably high strung; the cats were beyond terrified. And besides the boyfriend chopping off a small section of his finger cutting the absolutely last item (ahem), there was no bloodshed! My dad took over turkey carving duties — his first attempt; he cut that dang bird perfectly.

weekend:
CHRISTMAS DECORATING! Our tree isn’t being delivered until the first week of December, but I’m bringing up the bins from the basement to prepare. And there WILL be glitter nutcrackers adorning my mantel.

seven things, seven days:
1. I started Thanksgiving running the PNC YMCA Turkey Trot. Not only did I run the entire 5K (my ultimate goal of the race), I freakin PR’d that thing! Did I mention it was 17 degrees?!
2. I wore my new Splendid boots the ENTIRE day of Thanksgiving. They were so comfortable, I wanted to sleep in them. Hey, I wonder if Splendid makes slippers…
3. My Black Friday treat this year was a MVP pass to Rollercon.
4. A portion of our back roof is getting replaced. Finally. The contractor is going to seal the chimney too. Praise Tiny Baby Jesus, these leaks just may stop in time for Christmas!
5. I found someone on Etsy that makes frames for those photo booth strips. We have so many of those cute pictures that I want to hang.
6. Doctor bills are SO much more manageable when your yearly deductible has been met. And I get to see hot doctor again this week.
7. If you missed it on Facebook, I shared this story from Door Sixteen about her 30-something experiences with acne and skin problems. I can’t tell you how much I can relate.

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: sweater weather (!!!)

- Mel

the week:
The boyfriend’s birthday was yesterday. He was excited about buying a second house for his big day — the vacant property behind us that is currently listed in the treasurer’s sale, to eventually use as a guest suite-slash-investment. I’m still warming up to the idea of taking care of two houses, what with the difficulty we already have with one. But soon enough, I’ll be back in school, making my own financial mistakes. LOLZ.

Anyway, the treasurer sale was this morning, and I received a text message around 11am that read: We only own 1 home.

I can’t wait to hear this story! You too?

weekend:
I have to work all weekend, so… hashtag, annoyed.

We have a Halloween party scheduled for Saturday night, but I honestly don’t think we’re going to go. How lame is that? I’ve been alternating days on feeling well, then being sick again, and repeat. We’ll just use our costumes for trick or treat next week… WHICH IS ALSO OUR TWO YEAR HOUSE ANNIVERSARY.

seven things, seven days:
1. Brownberry sandwich thins are my new favorite thing. NO CRUST is where it’s at.
2. I surprised the boyfriend with tickets for a lecture series featuring Steve Wozniak. He was pretty psyched. AND the tickets were free. WIN.
3. Birthdays mean SUSHI! My favorite sushi is still House of Hunan in Akron, Ohio (thanks to the boyfriend for that one). So glad that I made that part of the boyfriend’s birthday plans this week.
4. I found a sweater organizer (finally) for my closet. It’s coming together, even if it’s still over-packed. I don’t want to talk about when I was putting it INTO the closet that the other hanging organizer in there collapsed and ALL OF THE THINGS went tumbling to the floor. Sigh.
5. I have to return 2 out of 3 items from my recent World Market order because of wrong and/or broken items. Ugh. #dumb
6. We’re not allowed to dress up for our Halloween event at my part-time job. Whomp whomp. LIES! Now we are allowed!
7. Remember the #barenaked campaign from Stylish White Female? A reporter from Point Park News Service wrote about it. And published my no-makeup selfie.

Weekly Therapy: rock me mama like a wagon wheel

- Mel

the week:
Do you do the unthinkable in the name of fitness? Like, waking up at 5am to go to a 6am Crossfit class? Two sessions in, and I am totally hooked (also, very sore). Also, also? I squatted with a bar for the first time in my life (many squats!).

weekend:
HOOTIE! Going to see Darius Rucker Friday night — my first time at Stage AE — AND we’re scheduled for the preshow meet-and-greet.

hootie

Then I’m on “assignment” for the Steel City Big Pour. And then it’s the infamous waffle brunch at Fathead’s the next morning; ah, the sweet nectar of KBS. And hopefully CBS. How did yet another beer week sneak into my schedule?!

Sunday also marks the Steelers home opener… if you’re into that kind of thing, Pittsburgh. 😉

seven things, seven days:
1. Two nights out this week with various neighbors. So much white wine.
2. We’re signed up for the home & garden tour (the latter portion; we’re definitely not ready to show the inside) in our neighborhood and were hosted to a wonderful dinner this week.
3. Adding to that, we’ve got a new plan for the garden — and one week to finish it. I feel like I’m on a home decorating reality show, for real.
4. Somebody in the neighborhood said they thought the gray trim on my house was primer. And now I can’t stop thinking about it.
5. I lost my D&G sunglasses at some point in the last two weeks. So mad. Not going to admit that the shopping therapy for a new pair made me feel any better (buyer’s remorse again).
6. No remorse over my latest Stitch Fix [affiliate link] though! Once again, I loved EVERYTHING in it.
7. Don’t Panic! But Psychology isn’t always a science … but it can be. {via Mind Hacks}

Weekly Therapy: we keep it stinky

- Mel

the week:
The stinky corpse flower was blooming at the Phipps Conservatory this week. Of course I waited three hours in line to smell it. If you didn’t get out, it’s already too late (smell ya later, Romero!). My friend and I visited within 24 hours of its bloom announcement (Stink Gram?), and it was already starting to close up. If you’re unfamiliar with the Amorphophallus titanum, it only blooms once every 6-10 years — and only for around 24-48 hours.

Be tee dubs, whomever is handling their twitter account is brilliant.

romero

weekend:
My Tough Mudder is Saturday (ack!) — thought I’d be more excited. But honestly, I’m worn out. My body is worn out. At this point, I’m just hoping not to pass out mid-mud obstacle.

Sunday, we finally are “interviewing” another house cleaner. See above comment about being worn out. I never thought that a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath house would be too much for one person. It’s too, too much house for me to get a handle on, especially with three cats. I’m not too shamed to admit that. And that’s why life gave us professional house cleaners.

Otherwise, I’ll be over here doing yoga on the bridge.

52 Books in 52 Weeks:
Yeah, I’m seriously behind (don’t judge me!). But I started reading Rust Belt Chic: a Cleveland Anthology as result of my trip to CLE. More reading for my fellow rust belt city homies: Belt Magazine.

seven things, seven days:
1. Painters again. Gawd, I’m tired. BUT OMG I HAVE A YELLOW DOOR!
2. In the process of redesigning our patio space… again. Garden tour is in three weeks. FML.
3. Is there nothing better than finding a dress that just fits. like. a. glove? It really is amazing when you can purchase something and not have to tailor a damn thing (dress definitely not that short IRL). I wish I had all of the monies to shop Shoshanna for all of the things.
4. Forgive me, hair gods, for I have sinned; it’s been nearly 30 weeks since my last cut and color. I’ve had to reschedule my hair appointment twice in two weeks. Third time, the charm?
5. This post couldn’t be more timely: Are Dining Rooms Dead? {via BrightNest}
6. THIS. For all of the pet owners out there.
7. Speaking to my heart here: Writing & Speaking for Introverts {via Art of Non-conformity}