Woof. I am pooped. One weekend I swear I will have a relaxing one with lots of making my apartment a home time and putting up my feet. Time to rally for the full work week ahead. Caffeine hit me! But I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some marvelousness. 
Marvelous… for all your encouragement and support. I have to say, I am happy to be back to the normalcy of blogging. Sarcasm and all. 
Marvelous… unplugged day yesterday. I know you didn’t hear from me but after a morning run at 7 am (slow 9.4 miles to shake out the legs) I headed to my cousin’s baby shower. This is a cousin I haven’t seen in over 10 years. My dad’s sister’s family is a side of the family we rarely see because everyone is all over the place and they do less family stuff together. That being said, they really wanted me to come because they are 2 hours outside of Dc. My uncle drove two hours to get me, that is a total of eight hours of driving for him counting driving me home afterwards. Yes, I knew no one at the shower. Yes, I didn’t get back till almost 830 pm and left at 10 am. Yes, I had a long night of catch up because of that. BUT it was good to do something, anything, with people. Man was I dehydrated and hungry though after being there all day. ![photo[16]](http://therunwithin.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/photo161.jpg?w=225&h=300)
(the baby finder game, do you see me?)
Marvelous… that I saw a cousin I never thought I would see looking beautifully pregnant with a glorious glow. Her and her sister were two cousins that while they are about 10 years older than me, my sister and I always looked up to. I still remember we used to only see them on the Cape each summer but we loved it. My sister and I felt so cool playing with the older cousins and learning from them.![photo[20]](http://therunwithin.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/photo201.jpg?w=300&h=300)
Marvelous… that I forced myself to question my mindset. I struggle to justify getting a therapist, to me it feels like such a ‘weakness’. In reality, even healthy normal people have therapist. Why should I not let myself have this one space? I feared the judgment (oh she must be falling back). This is so not true, I know myself I am moving forward and so happy with the place I am at.
Marvelous… cooler mornings we have been having in Dc. I can’t believe that my runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday were actually, dare I say, cool to start. Beautiful to say the least. My body has been feeling these runs lately, such a stress reliever.
Marvelous… that while I may not have attended HLS, I get to read all the recaps.
Marvelous… my buddy is back in town. Play time please? 
Marvelous… the Angie’s giveaway winner is Britt over at Miss Fit Britt. Please email me at therunwithin@gmail.com with your address!
After all this marvelousness, I am so ready for a Monday. How about you?
Questions: What is marvelous about your Monday? Anything that gets you ready to go even when you are tired?


I love your honesty! This is one of my favorite blogs because of that
You should definitely go see a therapist. That sounds weird to say haha, like I think you’re crazy or something. But it’s not that! I’ve seen a therapist for 5 years and I absolutely love it. I think everybody should go to therapy! Even if nothing is “wrong” with you, it’s a great way to talk out your thoughts and get a little good, unbiased advice
Plus, I bet there’s a TON of good ones around you since you’re in such a big city. One other suggestion I have is to shop around. I had pretty bad experiences with my first three therapists. It wasn’t until I got to the third one and it clicked that I really understood how well therapy can work. If it doesn’t feel “right” during your first meeting, definitely try and try again!
This is so true. I had one in college that I hated and it got me no where versus my one in high school was amazing and really pushed me forward. I think finding the right one is key. Thank you for saying all those kind things.
Marvelous that the sun was shining! The baby shower sounds like a nice day!
the sun sadly is hiding here, my run was dark the whole time. never fun.
Great post!
A day “unplugged” can be really relaxing sometimes,I agree with that one. Lately,it’s too hot to even turn on my computer for a long time,so that’s helping me in this quest a bit,hehe
Anyhoo,you definitely deserve to see a therapist,my girl. No doubts,it’s a fact.
I just hope I can find one!
Is that you Cat? That’s the cutes picture!!!! So “adorably sad” if you know what I mean
XX
Haha ya, when I don’t have people to hang out with I get bored. hehe
Oh and please… if you feel like talking to a therapist can help you with whatever… do it! Nothing weird about that
Knowing when to seek help is a very powerful ‘tool’!
Thank you, my worry is actually finding one in the city.
Oh, I see… well it can’t be too hard right? At least I know so very (very!) many therapists in my area, so I just assume they’re everywhere – like an invasion of shrinks
I think I just need to know where to look.
Love these MIMM posts- great way to start the week My Monday is marvellous because I don’t have to be at work..last 3 days of holiday and I am relishing every second while I can
Jealous! I wish I wasn’t working.
Oh what a Marvelous post Alex! That’s wonderful that you were able to get out of your comfort zone & attend your cousins babyshower. I’m sure everyone was estatic to see you.. I know I would’ve been!!
. Love hearing about all your long runs girl. I swear running is the BEST stress reliever, am I right or am I right??!!??
The only thing marvelous about my day is the smoothie I just made. I’ve made it before, but for some reason it turned out to be huge!! Pathetic I know, but it’s not been a good day. Still in pain, walked to the gym to find out it’s still closed ((which I’m pretty sure I’ve already told you that)), and oh yeah did I mention I’m still in pain?? Ughh!!!!
1. That smoothie needs special powers to make you feel better, 2. I wish I could be there to make you feel better 3. I suck at going out my comfort zone but I need to do it more often, 4. my aunt sent me home with baggies of cut vegetables, does she know me or what?
1. So far that smoothie lacked in special powers, 2. Me too, and we cold have the hubs make us something yummy for dinner while we just complained about our teeth problems, 3. Oh what a GREAT aunt you have. She’s a keeper
I know she really is. Now find me a guy like yours, haha!
the babyshower sounds like such a great time! It’s always kind of awesome to see family you haven’t seen in awhile like that – and I’m so glad you got out of the city and got to be with your family for a bit
I know what you mean about seeing a therapist…there’s this weird stigma about it, I’m not sure why because who DOESN’T have a therapist these days?? I saw one last year during my senior year of college and though she was a sweet lady she didn’t help me much. My mom’s been trying to get me to find someone at home this year, but I haven’t really found anyone I clicked with..maybe once I get settled in CO. In any case, you’re right – it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it doesn’t mean you’re slipping back! The ability to say “yes, I need someone to help me” is HUGE and I see that as a step FORWARD.
That is my worry, I never found one I clicked with or helped at all after my first on in high school. I worry finding one here may be tough. I was always so against it until I found the right one, it really does make a huge difference.
So many marvelous things!! While I had a fab time in Boston, itz marvelous to be home with my hubby and pup!
Home sweet home!
Gosh I wish I went to Boston! I love the feeling of coming home too though from a trip.
I totally agree about all the HLS recaps, wish I had been able to get there! I am glad you enjoyed an unplugged day. Those days are always a marvelous change
It was a great change, I never realize how much i rely on it until I unplug.
It looks like you had fun at the shower. I’m glad the unplugged day went well. I should do that myself soon, always gotta remember that the times spent away from the computer are when you’re truly living life and the best times. That’s why we usually do cruises for vacation, because you’re pretty unplugged from technology (and you don’t miss it at all).
I’ve seen a few therapists. I think it’s a great idea for everyone to go sometimes. The stigma isn’t as bad as people think it is- a lot more people go that I thought did, and if it helps you, it’s really worth it. Plus it’s good to have someone “from the outside” who sees your situation differently than the people really involved in your life.
I hope I can find one around me that is really my biggest obstacle right now. I always have trouble finding one I connect with, a bad therapist is just so unhelpful. I hope you get a day to unplug, got to take it for yourself!
Happy Monday!!! I love older cousins like that. What a sweet baby shower. And I love that cat. I am thrilled this Monday about my new running buddy (Pippa)!
What a great new running buddy. I know that cat made me die laughing.
going out to dinner with friends tonight
Oh man that sounds like a blast!
Yay for a marvelous Monday! Glad you had fun with your cousins! Have a great week!!
I hope you have a great week too!
so glad you took the time to unplug for a day, it is refreshing sometimes! I wish you could have been to HLS but there is always next year
. Marvelous was coming home to my boys after a weekend away from them.
I bet they missed you, I loved seeing all the pictures of all the blogger friends together. I bet it was amazing!
I’ve been enjoying the HLS recap posts too!
I need to unplug for a day. Need.
Do it! It was great, just what I needed.
We’ve been having cooler mornings here too! (NY) I can’t wait until fall lol I was just talking to my mom how I’m getting tired of my summer clothes
I have to say, I don’t mind the heat though. I hate winter so I am dreading moving into that season.
ah same.. apparently NY is supposed to get hit hard with storms this year :/
Gah don’t say that, I fear a bad winter is ahead.
Oh man, I am jealous of your cool runs! I just attempted my first morning run in Texas and it was way too hot and humid for me! I only ran a mile, with walk breaks, because I felt nauseous. It was awful! But, today is marvelous because I started getting back into my fitness routine after taking almost a week off.
I can’t even imagine running there,I heard it is so hot. i haven’t been to texas before.
I think getting a therapist would be awesome. The only thing that would prevent me from doing it is the cost
But I feel it’s really beneficial for everyone to talk to someone because we ALL have issues.
My worry is not only the cost but actually finding one that I have time to see. Eek we will have to see.
I love the idea of marvelous monday. Looking at the positives in life and choosing to focus on them instead of the other stuff!!! I helps you realize how marvelous life really is!!!
I seriously love this tradition Healthy Diva started, she is a rock star!
adie and emily look so beautiful!! im so glad you got to spend time with them
I know, her pregnant was adorable. Just adorable. Ps. I found pictures of us at her wedding, do you remember it? I sure do!
Ugh, unplugging.
I’m going to a cottage this weekend and will definitely be looking forward to doing some of that on my own – so needed once in a while!
It was so nice, I am jealous of your weekend away!
I am so excited to run in DC in a couple of months, I love that city! So jealous you live there. Espresso always gets me into gear on Mondays. Always!!
DC has been amazing running, I never thought I would be motivated to run at 530 am.
Cool runs… well runs in general during the beginning stages of the fall is just the BEST! I hope to get there again, and soon.
I say go see a therapist if you think it can help. I have been seeing one for the past 3 or so years (with some breaks in there) and she really helps me each time I go… even if I don’t feel like going, which is often, I am in a better place after
That is so reassuring to hear, I always think of myself as a failure for having to keep going but I know when I find the right one it will be worth it. You will be out there in no time, I believe in that!
Oh wow thank you! I will DM you!
Woot woot!
First of all, I looove your blog!
Marvelous Monday posts always start my week on such a great note. I love all the positivity. Even thought it was exhausting, it looks like you had a lovely weekend! Hopefully you’ll be able to get some rest soon though. I’m much more fun to be around when I’ve had a little relaxation time and adequate sleep.
I went on a run yesterday too- too bad I didn’t have cooler temps like you!
Aw thank you, I can’t wait to check out your blog. Thank you for reading.
My sister and I also had those older cousins which we looked up to and aspired to be exactly like! Great work on the running, it really is such an awesome stress reliever
Aw, I love hearing other family stories. Thank you! It keeps me going!
Where was the babyshower?! You coulda been out near me.
This is such a positive post, I love reading these! You definitely deserve a therapist if you need someone to talk to.. At school we have a free counseling center, and so many people go to talk to the counselors. It’s a completely normal thing. I’ve been enjoying the weather too!
I hope I can find one around here. It was in Baltimore or right outside it. Honestly, not sure exactly but somewhere in Maryland.
late to the party butttt someday I hope we shall have a meet up!! haven’t been to DC in forever besides that little accident last night
hope you have a great week girl!!
I will get your butt here somehow! I swear by it.
I love the quotes here. Also it’s nice you had a good time at the baby shower
I hope my cousins look up to me the way you did to yours
Aw thanks the baby shower was adorable. I bet they do and will!
I think this cooler weather is absolutely marvelous! and I think its great that you enjoyed your cousins baby shower, and that you are questioning your mindset about therapy. I constantly question therapy in regards to my ED but my husband and I also go to a counselor for our marriage and communication and I think its a great thing! we are happy together and dont have any significant issues outside my health but it still opens up our relationships and makes us get closer. Therapy can do wonders
have a marvelous tuesday
I have to agree, it is all about finding the right one. I don’t mind the hot weather usually but this cooler weather is nice. Just don’t get me during winter, I hate the cold!