Simple Joys of the Week, September 23rd Edition

Happy Friday, one and all! It's been an interesting week for me as I've tried to play catch-up and settle back into my normal, everyday-life routine after a month of travel, but I'm so happy to be back (although I truly loved the time I spent away, too!).

Besides settling back in and unpacking my never-ending stack of suitcases, here's what has brought me joy this week. Et toi?

Season 3 judges Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and Shawn Stockman

Hear: The Sing Off

I love this show! Every year for the past 3 years, Ben and I wait with bated breath until this show comes on and when it does, we're totally mesmerized. If you haven't seen it yet, you must! It's a singing competition for a capella groups, and OMG are these people talented. Plus, Ben Folds is a judge and I'm a huge fan (of both his music and his completely nerdy-yet-hilarious-and-hot personality). Watch it--I promise you won't be disappointed!

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Taste: Astor Mediterranean

If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a total Mediterranean food groupie. Somehow, though, I'd never had Astor Mediterranean until this past week. It was wonderful! And the good news? There's a location in DC (Adams Morgan) and in Arlington. Who knew a girl could be so lucky? There's just something about the Mediterranean flavors that I just can't get enough of (um, hello hummus and feta!), and I'm so glad to have been introduced to a new fave. Yum!

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See: Home (Our Apartment)

After what seems like months away (a little more than 2-weeks), it was absolutely amazing to return home this past week. It was so nice to sleep in our bed, to use our shower, and to live out of an entire apartment--not just a suitcase. It's also been fabulous to get back to normal eating (not that I didn't enjoy gorging myself on a daily basis while away) and to get back to my normal yoga routine. As I've said before, I absolutely love getting away, and then I LOVE coming home and reveling in routine. Yay for truly liking your normal, everyday life!

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Touch: Barbells, Weights, and the Gym Floor (aka CrossFit DC!)

So, it had been QUITE a while since I'd done an official "CrossFit workout." Ben and I did some together while traveling, but it wasn't quite the same experience as doing them with coaches and a big group of people. So, last night I had a total blast getting back into it. Over the past few weeks Ben has been making the trek back into DC to take class with our favorites over at CrossFit DC (long story but basically the coaches, Tom and Chris, are the best and they're worth traveling for!), so I finally joined him yesterday. It was great to be back and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things. That's me stretching out in the purple top to the right ;)

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Smell: Neti Pot

Okay, so I have to admit that I've actually listed my Neti Pot in my SJOTW post (under this very same category!) once before back in April. But, this week it has played a very big role in my life, so I'm including it again. Also, I know that you can't smell a Neti Pot, but it goes into your nose so that's why I've now used it here twice. How has it played a big role this week? I've been fighting off a sinus infection since returning from NH and it has been my saving grace. Also, Ben tried it for the first time yesterday (he's also fighting something off) and it was HYSTERICAL. I've never seen the poor guy so nervous about anything. I had to pump him up for like an hour and then stand by his side while he used it. Awwwww. Don't know what a Neti pot is? Read here for more info.


And that's where I leave you...in Neti Pot-land ;) What made you smile this past week? Don't forget to take a few moments to reflect and feel a sense of gratitude today. Remember, it's the little things!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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