t’s Wednesday, so I thought I’d check in and give a little update on my crazy, hectic week.
The Struggle is Real: Muscle Cramps & Headaches
First and foremost, I have been dealing with the worst muscle cramps in my shoulders. We’re talking intense spasms that pinch a nerve, sending what feels like a thousand bee stings through my body—then it stops. Fun, right? I picked up some magnesium-based muscle cramp relief foam, which helps, but not for as long as I need it to. Why is this happening? Who knows. Just another exciting surprise from my body.
To top it off, I woke up with a headache this morning. I’m really hoping it’s not turning into a migraine because I do not have time for that. Fingers crossed it’s just a minor annoyance and not a full-blown, hide-in-a-dark-room situation.
Work Chaos: Committee & Commission Week
Work has been busy, but the real fun (sarcasm intended) starts tomorrow. It’s committee and commission week, which means long hours of meetings—like 4 to 6 hours a day of sitting, listening, and absorbing information. While it can be exhausting, I’m grateful for the work and actually love my job. The meetings are incredibly informative, so even though they take up a big chunk of the day, they’re worth it.
Oh, and today, I also have an advisory council meeting. So, that should be interesting!
Schoolwork: The Literature Review Grind
On top of everything else, I’m pushing through my schoolwork. Right now, I’m working on Chapter Two of my literature review, and I’d say I’m about 90% done. But you know how it goes—I keep finding more information I want to include. I’ll have to go back after I finish my draft and make sure I’ve covered everything I need to.
I do worry that I’m not doing this correctly, but honestly, I’m trying my best, and that’s all I can do. One day, Dr. Walsh will be a reality!
Anxiety & Mental Health: Starting CBT
Now, let’s talk about anxiety—something I struggle with a lot. To help manage it, I’ve started a 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program. The goal is to recognize the onset of anxiety and develop tools to reduce it, rather than relying on medication (at least for now).
I had my consultation yesterday, and I officially start on Monday. I’m really hoping this program helps. If you deal with anxiety, how do you manage it? I’d love to hear what works for you. And just a reminder: mental health is important. If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. There’s no need to suffer in silence. My inbox (or comment section) is always open if you need to talk.
Food Talk: Meal Planning & Super Bowl Eats
On a lighter note, let’s talk food! I finally figured out my meal plan for the week. The only hold-up was tonight’s dinner, but I think I’ve settled on a taco casserole. Sounds good in theory—let’s see if the kids agree.
Now, I need to start planning next week’s meals and, more importantly, Super Bowl Sunday food! I love Super Bowl snacks—appetizers are my favorite. Do you have any go-to Super Bowl foods? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Wishing you all a productive and stress-free week!