Mum
May 8th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Day 127
Sometimes, as a writer, it’s impossible for me to gather words, form sentences and convey thoughts properly.
Sometimes, as a person, I find it very hard to express just how much the people closest to my heart mean to me.
My mother is one of those people.
We’ve never had a perfect relationship. There have been arguments and disagreements. There have been times where I didn’t understand what she was trying to tell me, or the value in the lesson she was teaching me.
I’m sure I’ve not always made the most sense to her, either.
But somehow, we triumph. We overcome. We never go to bed or hang up the phone in an argument. We always end every conversation or parting way with “Love you!” even if it’s rushed as I run out the door or yelled through the hallways in our house.
Many would view moving back home as something difficult. The mere idea of it makes them shudder. Oh I could never, they’d say.
While it’s not a forever thing and it’s certainly something we have to work at, I’d say moving back home as provided me with a unique blessing to spend time with both my mother and my father at a point in my life where the conversation is less about curfew and homework and more about world views and being an adult.
She’s shown and taught me more than any other woman on the planet. She’s been my biggest fan and my greatest admirer. She’s stood by my crazy moves across states and countries. She’s the best and she’s all mine.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mum.
Love,
Cait
My Brother, The Great
April 27th, 2011 § 7 Comments
Day 116
I grew up in an extremely musical house. While I could go on and on about how much of a presence and influence it had on my brother and I, I’d like to just talk about him and the influence it had on his life.
If I were to give you the Cliff Notes version of his history it would go something like this: loved it from the womb, played concert band, acted as drum major, competed, marched in drum corps, studied it, taught it, has now gone back to study it some more.
If I were to pick a few of the most poignant pieces of that time line, they would be about my brother’s competing, teaching and drum corps.
A lot of the world doesn’t even know what drum corps is. I knew it before I knew how to read. It’s a musical marching unit – similar to a marching band – but with just brass and percussion as the instruments and a color guard with flags and rifles. Every summer, dozens of drum corps tour US cities, competing and performing shows about eight-12 minutes in length. The members range in age from 13 to 22. These kids give up their vacation to learn drill, practice it for over 12 hours a day, sleep on a bus, shower in high school locker rooms and eat food from a truck – all for the glory of stepping foot onto a football field in uniform to do what they love every night. Folks, if you’ve ever wanted to see passion come to life right before your eyes, a drum corps show is where it’s at.
My brother auditioned for and became a member of The Cavaliers, a World Class Champion drum corps based out of Rosemont, Illinois – the same corps my father marched several decades before. Countless weekends were spent driving and flying back and forth to Chicago where my brother also ended up attending college to become a music teacher.
And every summer, my parents and I would spend a few weeks packing up our bags, driving through various parts of the country, sleeping on gymnasium floors and volunteering with The Cavaliers. With no female marching members, this 16-year-old was in her glory. I piled my paper plate high with the nightly dinner specials (you wouldn’t believe the wonderful food that came off that truck, and this was long before the food truck phenom of today) sold souvenirs to fans before and after the show and had the honor of getting to watch my brother and the other 134 members perform every night.
Have you ever stood in front of a brass band and let the notes hit you? First they hit your face, but open your heart and they’ll live inside you forever.
Have you ever sat just a few yards away from a timpani drum night after night and memorized its deep vibrations? I promise you’ll never listen to a song the same way again.
Have you ever watched someone twirl a flag, spin a rifle and perform as if they were an elite member of a Broadway dance performance? You’ve never seen a smile so big.
Those summers, that is what I did.
I have watched a group of musicians – performers, really – begin their summer with shaky notes and unsure steps and end it at Championships with confidence dripping down their faces masked as sweat on a 90-degree August night under the brightest lights at the biggest stadium they’d seen in three months.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I got to watch my brother grow up. Most of the time I was caught up in my own coming of age, but in hindsight and with a less self-absorbing nature, I can see it now.
On Monday, my brother had the honor of conducting a piece at the University of Houston’s wind ensemble concert. The selection? Niagara Falls – the same program he performed his next to last year of marching with The Cavaliers.
Listening to it brought back a wave of memories, emotions and feelings. All of a sudden I was 15 again standing on the field at the University of Maryland, feeling the music I couldn’t help but memorize for hearing it so much. I was watching my brother make history as a part of a world champion group yet again.
Sitting in the Moores Opera House, I was tapping my feet and moving my head, jumping ahead in my mind to the notes I knew were coming next. Although I hadn’t heard it in years, the music’s effect on me was like riding a bike – I just got back on and started peddling.
As I sat there, I thought to myself, Man, my brother is so cool. Then I thought, No, wait, he is really awesome – talented beyond belief! And he’s my brother. I KNOW HIM!
I spent a lot of my childhood announcing (proudly) that I’d never be in drum corps. I may have said a few times band and music was dorky. I wanted something that was my own and anything to do with music was most certainly not it. I loathed the requirement from my mother to be in concert band. I rolled my eyes when I was asked to help. I whined when we were the last ones to leave a drum corps show. There were times that I loved it, but I know I didn’t always show it. I don’t regret not making music my own for one minute – my talents lied elsewhere – but I do regret being a total brat about it sometimes.
Cory, I hope you know that I’m proud of you. I’ve been proud for as long as I can remember and even before that, too. I get to look at you, watch you, talk about you and say, “That’s my brother, I know him!” I may forget that from time to time as I get caught up in my own life, but at least now I know I have the memory of Monday night to bring me back down. Thank you.
I love you.
Love,
Caitie Mae
In The Evening
April 9th, 2011 § 3 Comments
Day Ninety-Nine
My parents’ backyard is home to five hummingbird feeders. They’ll have you know when they lived in Pennsylvania no matter how many feeders they had, the whirring, buzzing tiny birds certainly didn’t come around like they do here – and my Dad will proudly tell you that if you ever find yourself taking in an evening in their backyard. After spending decades in the snow – sometimes up through mid-April – you can almost feel the relief that comes from them knowing that their hands will never feel the weight of shoveling precipitation again. On a breezy night or a particularly warm afternoon, I often hear them say, “Cait, it’s (insert month.) Did you ever think you’d be in a t-shirt/wearing flip-flops/looking at green grass in (insert month)?”
And while it’s nice to sort of forget what snow is and rock a pretty pedicure 24/7/365, you’re going to need to remind me that I’m in the part of the country with the more favorable weather when it’s 100 degrees and my face is melting in about a month.
On a side note, thank you all so much for your unbelievable support on yesterday’s post. I have so many wonderful readers, friends, blends and a wonderful community. If it was your first time visiting, or today is your second time, welcome and thank you for coming back. Your presence makes me beam. Your encouragement and support means the world.
Show And Tell
April 5th, 2011 § 5 Comments
Day Ninety-Five
After many hours of resizing, editing and a little bit of frustration, I have my first gallery up on my studio’s site! The perfectionist in me wants to tweak every last bit of it but for now I am going to walk away and enjoy not staring at a computer and cursing Lightroom. Please head over and take a look!
The Power of Words
February 4th, 2010 § 50 Comments
A short time ago, my life took a huge, sharp turn off the path I thought I had all but planned out pretty well for myself. Scary as it may sound, it was a welcome detour not for the scenery but rather for the company I had with me. I met someone who I thought was very wonderful and it was pretty clear he thought the same of me. Our journey together was no casual stroll in the park – it was more like an intense all-out run. One that is challenging in the moment – but rewarding in so many ways. Since the path was new, it opened up my eyes to many things. Among them, the possibility of life changing so much, the possibility of achieving the my dreams in a new exciting way and the probability of having someone to share it with.
Three days ago, I quickly found myself looking over my shoulder realizing I was running alone. When I turned back around I ran full force on to a sheet of ice and slid into a brick wall.
When I came to, I was back in the place I knew so well – the path I was walking down before my run.
When I came to, I was crying for the first time in as long as I could remember. I was holding my head in my hands trying to make sense of it all. Trying to explain it to myself, my friends, my family, my heart. I wanted a do-over. I wanted a hug. A drink. An explanation.
After I got over the initial shock of how I found myself single again – the irrational way in which someone else’s decision was given to me without a say – I began to dissect the conversation. I tried to connect the points made and make some sort of sense for myself why and how it had happened.
One reason he felt we were “on different levels” really bothered me.
“And the whole blogging thing. I don’t get it.”
Let me make a few things clear about that (as I am sure some of you are outraged that was a reason to end a relationship.) While I never rearranged our time together to blog, I am constantly connected to all things Internet through my phone (Twitter, Facebook, Emails, Blog). For as many times as I put it on the opposite side of the room to avoid the blinking red light of my Blackberry and the ping! that meant a new message, I was also sneaking in glances at times when I should have just let it be. I was constantly having to hear remarks about how “I wasn’t myself without my Mac,” which is not true at all. There’d be many nights we’d spend together that I didn’t even crack it open. And for those of you who aren’t regular readers, just look at the sporadic schedule of my posting recently. Granted, I have never posted every day, but my blog has not received the love I vowed to give it January 1st.
When I told those close to me – friends, blends and family alike – this was a reason for the breakup, they were shocked. Writing is the craft I am skilled and educated in. It is my passion and my hobby and something in which I hold a talent in. Right now, this blog is the only place I have to hone and practice that craft and skill. How could someone who seemed to get me not get me at all?
The words of encouragement from these people – and from some I didn’t even expect – floored me. It’s no surprise as I told you all a few posts ago that when I’m down, I’ve got those friends who are below me if only for a second to gain enough room to pick me up and bring me back to where I need to be. The calls, emails, texts, g-chat conversations, Skype dates and hugs have meant so much.
In less than 100 hours, I am doing better than I thought I would. I am coping at such a different level than I would have had this letdown happened a year ago.
I’m looking at this occurrence as a reminder to myself. A reminder that what I’ve stumbled upon – this blogging network of 20-something life, healthy living and food bloggers – is one of the most wonderful occurrences in my life. The network is not only one of shared interests, but one of support and love like I never could have imagined. This occurrence is a reminder that what is important to me is not to fill up my Google Reader with blogs and Tweet and comment to my heart’s desire, but to give back the support, encouragement, laughter and friendship that so many of you have given to me. And to write. My goodness, isn’t it about the writing?
Blogging has given me confidence. It’s taught me to be open and candid and as honest with myself as I am with others. It’s pushed my thought process outside its comfort zone and challenged my ideas and knowledge. It’s something that he just didn’t get. Because he couldn’t. And here’s what: that’s OK. It’s acceptable. It’s life. Thanks to the advice of a wonderful friend, I now know – and I want all of you to know – that if someone can’t value and appreciate you for who you are this second they don’t deserve you for one second.
As with any relationship, there are many lessons – ones that I have learned in a few short days and many that are waiting for me down that familiar path. The point of writing this post is not to point fingers and be outraged and expose someone’s actions. After all, the only people who truly know a relationship are the ones who are in it. The point is to share a story in which I am gaining so much more than I thought I would lose if I found myself here.
If you ever find yourself discouraged because someone doesn’t “get it” – and by “it” I mean your passion – I hope you’ll remember this story. I hope you’ll know that sometimes life – and what you’re made of – can shock the hell out of you. I hope you’ll believe that there’s a force greater than you and I guiding you through the straightaways and detours of your path. And I hope you’ll smile. I know I am.
Southern Exposure
February 1st, 2010 § 7 Comments
I told you it would be a week until my Maryland trip recap! It’s crazy to think that on a day to say basis sometimes I feel like time is going so slow, but then when the week wraps up all I can think is “Holy Cannoli! Where did the last seven days go?!” So let’s travel back a little bit to my wonderful trip to see my family in Annapolis.
It’s funny because my Dad’s family is from Pennsylvania but somehow two of his siblings migrated to Maryland where they raised their families and some years later two of my cousins from other siblings made their way there. I have spent a significant amount of time there, having lived in Baltimore and just outside D.C. for a summer as well as making trips down for weddings and just to visit. Being next to last in the birth order for my dozen and a half cousins, I was always the “baby” who got treated as such and well, acted as such. Me? Immature, whiny and annoying for 10 years of my life? Never.
Now that we are all adults, spending time with my cousins is really enjoyable. Although there is still quite an age gap – anywhere from six to twelve years with the ones I saw last weekend – we can still relate to a lot more. I’m still the baby and I still get the “younger” treatment, but instead of it being because I am the tag-along, it’s because they all are looking out for me. Say it with me now, “Aww!”
Anyhow, I stayed with my cousin Michael and his wife Megan who are, without a doubt, two of the nicest and most kind-hearted people I know. I’m not sure if it was through my influence or not but they both read many of the same food blogs I frequent, so as soon as I walked in the door and sat down, I was handed a drink (rough drive in winter advisory weather) and we chatted about bloggers like they were long-lost friends or distant relatives for at least a solid hour.
The next day we had made plans to get a solid workout in at my cousin’s gym Big Vanilla – which BTW how cool of a name is that?! But first – the first of many new tries of the weekend:
The verdict? I don’t hate it! So much so that I tried – and by that I mean I made a good attempt but wasn’t 100 percent successful – to recreate it myself tonight. I believe this has Oikos, frozen fruit, two scoops of the SuperFood and a little water and ice in it. A few other ingredients were probably thrown in there but I wasn’t paying much attention.
Then it was time to make like Fergie and be up in the gym workin’ on our fitness.
That back left-hand corner will now be known as the spot where I got my ass handed to me. I seemed to think that I was unstoppable because I run a few miles a few days a week. Day-um was I wrong. Here’s what my cousin tortured me with set up for us:
30 Prisoner Squats
30 Pushups
10 Jumps
10 Stability Ball Leg Curls
10 Stability Ball Jackknifes
20 Step Ups (10 reps per side)
5 Inverted Rows
30 Forward Lunges (15 reps per side)
20 Close-Grip Pushups
15 Inverted Rows
15 Squats
5 Inverted Rows
For those of you keeping score, that’s 200 reps. And we did that three times. So, without tapping a calculator I trust you can figure out the level of torture I put my body through. To be honest, we switched some of these exercises up a bit (homegirl cannot do an inverted row to save her wimpy-armed life) but the quantity was still the same. And to be fair, Michael asked me more than once if I wanted to stop. My stubborn ass (and glutes and quads and tris and bis) said “No” which resulted in a solid five days of stiffness to the point that stairs were not in my best interest.
Post-Muscle Confusion-Not-To-Be-Confused-withP90X 2010, we headed to the homeland – aka Whole Foods. We wandered and browsed, settling on tasty selections from the Hot and Cold Bar. I know I tried a lot of new things like tofu and Urban Detox (neutral and love, in that order) but I was just so hype to load up and carb out that I couldn’t tell you what was on my plate. I did, however, enjoy every bit of it.
Speaking of Whole Foods, I also tasted Kombucha tea for the first time this weekend in the form of Synergy (the raspberry flavor). Megan swears by this. Michael absolutely loathes it. Me? I may have compared it to the juice that makes pickled eggs, well, pickled. Yet somehow we ended up bringing two bottles home with us from the Pittsburgh Whole Foods this week. Anyone out there a fan of this tea? There seems to be quite a debate over its benefits out there.
After a few hours of recovery, it was time to see more family!!! We had a little cocktail hour and caught up and the time just flew right by!
And there might have been a solid 20 minutes of burst of laughter playing with Photo Booth with my cousin, Joe.
Seriously, this is how it went down:
Joe: “Oooh! Do that one! (Points to effect)
Caitlin: “OK ready, look right there. (Points at camera on Macbook) RIGHT THERE JOE!!”
Photo Booth counts down 3 2 1. Takes Picture. We view.
Joe and Caitlin: “BAHAHAHAHAHA.” Insert tears rolling down cheeks. “ANOTHER!!!”
He and my cousin, Amanda, are expecting their first baby in a couple months. Who wouldn’t want to be born to a Dad like that?
And if you’re wondering, we did all manage to get a good one together.
The next day was spent walking around Annapolis eating copious amounts of food including a cheesy pretzel log from the Dutch Amish Market (inhaled too quick for consumption) a smoothie at Robecks, a chocolate peanut butter cupcake and coffee. It was pretty cold that afternoon but it was good to get the lactic acid pumping walk around and totally cool to see students from the Naval Academy in full garb running around buying groceries and eating ice cream.
Then we came home and cleaned up from the soiree the night before.
Obviously, I am back safe and sound 
And I have lived a whole week of my life since then – which I will (hopefully!) post more about this week! Happy Monday y’all!!
Crunch Time
December 21st, 2009 § 9 Comments
Hi y’all!!! Greetings from Texas. I am back to the South and L.O.V.I.N.G. this weather – 60s today! Quite a change from the several inches in Pittsburgh. I came into San Antonio last night and we got to go to Riverwalk which was Fab-u-lous!!
It’s a shopping and dining area Downtown along the San Antonio River, which, of course was decorated for the holidays, complete with BOAT CAROLERS!
I was the biggest tourist taking pictures on the edge of the sidewalk whilst my family was freaking out someone was going to push me in – wouldn’t that have made a great post? Good Lawdy. We ate Mexican at Cafe Au Lait and had a great view of the hustle and bustle below.
It’s supposed to be a gorgeous week – right now we have all the windows in the house open. I just can’t get over it.
The men of my family and I are going to tackle last-minute Christmas shopping today. I’m sure this is going to be real fun. I actually have just about everything done, there were just a few things I couldn’t order or successfully carry on. If nothing else, I am a pretty good organizer and planner so I’m not really someone who freaks out at the last minute. I also have a knack for gifting if I do say so myself. Are you feeling the crunch right now? Last year I didn’t have much money to spend on anyone so I did something unique. For my Mum, Dad and brother, I found an old picture of me and that person, blew it up to a 5×7 black and white and gave it in a simple black frame with white matting. For two of my other friends, I did the same thing for a recent picture. The kicker though was the card that went with it. It, too, was white with a black border I etched on the front with a single word written across it. On the inside, I wrote a letter with the significance of the word to the photo and my relationship with that person. Y’all, this is a shoo-in gift. Every. Single. Recipient. Got choked up. This was not my goal (OK maybe it was) but that’s how I knew it hit the spot. It’s cost-efficient and touching. In this life, people aren’t going to remember what you did for them, but how you made them feel. Here’s my Mum’s:
Yup, that’s me, circa 1985 in Baltimore with my Mum. Awww. I have a few surprises this year, too, but I can’t tell them yet for obvious reasons. We are doing Christmas tomorrow because my brother and sister-in-law are spending time with her family this week, too. I’m off to shop, wrap, frost and enjoy my day!!!
Are you feeling the crunch or do you have everything done? Anyone ever tried the homemade gifts? I love new ideas!
A movement of inspiration
December 14th, 2009 § 7 Comments
So I originally began this post last night, complaining more about my coughing – what’s new, right? And that I had a sneaking suspicion a Z-Pack was in my future.
Well color me psychic and call me Miss Cleo..
That, my friends is the cure to the ‘I feel like a 20 pound miniature sumo wrestler is laying on my chest at all times’ a.k.a bronchitis. After a quick trip to the Med Express and some drugs (and $70 later – oh, Chase, I have never missed you more) I am home, laying in bed with the following recovery aids by my side: humidifier, Vicks VapoRub, inhaler, mint tea, water, chapstick and of course, some John Mayer tunes and my wonderful Mac. If nothing else, having this little guy right now made the purchase totally worth it.
I will be returning to work tomorrow, and I am praying that this cough subsides a great deal. I get so embarrassed when I just hack my lungs out talking to people and have to make a run for the anti-bacterial hand sanitizer.
Let’s return to somewhat interesting topics, shall we?
So last post, I told y’all how excited I was to go see a dance performance with my former professor and friend, Rebecca, Sunday. That morning, I woke up to phone calls from work: all major roads had been shut down due to black ice. After I realized I hadn’t OD’ed on Nyquil, I noticed I also had an email from Rebecca saying she most likely would not make our date because a family member had hit some of said black ice and got into an accident (everything is OK – no worries!)
So, I decided to wait it out. I didn’t know what the road situation would be like nor how bad my cough would be. So I waited and waited and finally about an hour out, I hopped in the shower and decided I was going to brave it alone. I put my best theater face forward:
And off I went! I got to the theater a few minutes before the show was set to start and just as I was about to walk in, I saw none other than Kiesha Lalama-White, the choreographer for “The Bench” and the woman behind many, many successes at Point Park University, including the show I wrote about my senior year. (I am trying to dig up a copy of this to post on the blog, would you guys have any interest in reading some of my articles from my reporter days?)
Guys, she is crazy talented. Dance is in her and it finds its way into those around her – including me. When I saw her Sunday and she then saw me, she got the biggest smile on her face and gave me a huge hug right away. I told her how excited I was for the show and she told me how much it meant to her that I was there with tears in her eyes. It was a really special moment.
As for the performance – brilliant. “The Bench” celebrates the journey of one couple from the first time they meet through every major event thereafter – marriage, kids, kids’ marriages. The focus is the bench itself, ever-present throughout the show, moving around the stage throughout the multi-media presentation. Live musicians provided the soundtrack – composed by a Grammy Award-winning artist – to the couple’s life as did quotes projected onto the stage behind the dancers with the change of each movement.
I wanted to share these with you, I think there’s something for everyone.
“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.” – Henry Drummond
“Any intelligent woman who reads the marriage contract, and then goes into it, deserves all the consequences.” – Isadora Duncan
“Making the decision to have a child…it’s monumentous. It’s forever deciding to have your heart walk outside your body.” - Elizabeth Stone
“Families are like fudge: mostly sweet with a few nuts.” -Anonymous
There were scenes of celebration and scenes of struggle and scenes of love that were extremely touching. I had chills at several points, I laughed and I shed a few tears. It made me remember there is a whole world out there of art and culture that I haven’t gotten myself into since moving back. I left feeling inspired and made a commitment to get back into the arts scene this winter. It’s the best time of year for theater – what better way to stay warm?
I’m off to go hit up the NyQuil and hopefully get a peaceful night’s rest and have a productive day tomorrow – only a few more before I am south-bound again – can’t wait!
What do you like to do in your spare time? Know of anything great I should be looking into? I am open to just about anything and love finding new ways to keep busy!
Number One
December 9th, 2009 § 7 Comments
Hola friends! My apologies for not posting last night. It seems that some sort of virus has inhibited my body and I was completely wiped out last night. I usually only get sick once a winter season and I have been trying to stock up on flu prevention – vitamins, vegetables, Green Monsters, constant hand washing, etc. However, when you work with the public, I suppose it’s bound to happen. I just hope my manly voice subsides in the next few hours because sounding like Peter Brady is not cool, mmk?
Anyhow, let’s continue on with holiday chat shall we? As you can see, I love Christmastime. Crazy shoppers, constant carols and terrible traffic aside, it really is a wonderful time of year. However, as we age and grow up, the season becomes quite different. Being in your mid-twenties can mean a lot of changes. Aside from the general excitement of a new toy subsiding at age 10, if you have older siblings (check!) they may have families of their own that they spend the holiday with. Or, maybe you’re the one that’s spending time away from your family. Me? Homegirl’s spent every Christmas with Mum and Dad. And I’ll admit, I’ve never really had to even buy a man a Christmas present. The last time I had a boyfriend this time of year was in sixth grade. I bought him a Weird Al Yankovic CD. We broke up before we went on break. Guess who was jamming out to “Amish Paradise” then?
It’s not that I have never had a boyfriend. I have dated quite an array of men – and that’s putting it very, very nicely. I just have a hard time weaning myself from the independence I have built up for myself in the last 25 years. It takes a special kind of man to understand what my needs are. I mean, who wouldn’t want this?
Haha. But, seriously, the holidays can be a rough spot for singledom, no? No “plus one” for Ugly Sweater Parties, no one to pull under the mistletoe or string the lights on the tree. Wahhhhh. I know, right? You’re probably thinking, “Dude, shut up. Quit feeling sorry for yourself.” or, “It’s no wonder your ass is single you crazy bia.” And, hey, that’s cool, you’re entitled to your own P.O.V. There’s some days it can be a struggle for me, and others when I just roll with it. Like when my friends are crazy mad stressed because they don’t know what to get their significant other? Point! Or when they’re pissed because their partner’s holiday party coincides with their traditional girls’ day? Score!
So I usually rack up some major points in December, until said friends send me a picture message Christmas morning of the beautiful bracelet from Tiffany’s/pimped out iPod/brand new car/$1 million dollars from their man. I’m all like, “Yeah?? Well, I, umm, got this really pretty sweater!!!!” Just doesn’t have the same effect, people.
Someday, I’ll be on the flip side, snapping sweet shots of my loot and getting entirely too sentimental making new traditions. For now, though, I think I’ll just continue loving the fact that my Christmas shopping does not involve trips to electronic stores or trying to pick out the best giftset at Bath & Body Works for my mother-in-law nor do I have to endure awkward family dinners with creepy Uncle Joe. Point!
Stay tuned – I’m planning an update for December to Remember next post! How are you doing with yours?
What about you? Are you a fellow single holiday party goer? Or is it just the opposite and you find it hard to split time between families and make everyone happy? Let the commentary begin!
Fruity Girl
November 28th, 2009 § 10 Comments
Happy Saturday friends! You don’t usually see a weekend post from me but I’m on vacation!! Yee Haw!!
As I said in my last post, I am not a Black Friday shopper. However, I have been contemplating a major purchase for several months now and knowing yesterday might be a great day to find a good deal, I took my Geek Squad (aka my brother) and went to do some research at the Apple store.
Currently, I have a Dell desktop. It still works just fine, but I can tell it’s starting to slow down. With the recent uptake of blogging, using it has limited me in when and where I can write. So I began researching several laptops. I looked into the one Verizon offers, as well as some from Dell and Sony. All along, though, I knew my gut was whispering, “Mac. You’re a Mac..Just do it, stupid.”
Cory, Sarah and I ventured down to the Domain, a very lush outdoor shopping area/mall? I don’t know, we have nothing of the sort in PA and spent some time in the Apple store, looking at different models and talking to the specialists. We decided to walk around a bit and think about it.
Of course a huge factor into this was the financial aspect of it. I knew I would have to finance the purchase but my family also offered to put some money toward it for Christmas. I crunched the numbers over and over again, and realized, yes I can afford this (and not be paying it off for the rest of my life.)
As we walked, I frantically emailed Happy Go Lucky Alex for some “machine advice.” She is a Mac user and said something very poignant:
Nevermind. Screw being realistic. You are a writer, you need a good machine. Scratch that. You deserve a good machine, Caitlin! Macs are the best hands down, stop walking, start buying.
I read that and said, “She’s right, I’m a writer, dammit. Let’s do this.”
So with that, a Mac user was born.
Alex congratulated me.
Thanks, girl!! So here I am, coming to you live from my new MacBook. I have to admit, it’s pretty nice to just chill on the couch or hang out in the kitchen and blog. Hello Bliss, I have arrived. Boy, a lot of changes already in this Twenty-Fifth Year! Thanks for joining me on the ride!!
The rest of the day was pretty low key. I had Cory and Sarah try Green Monsters:
Verdict? They liked it! Hey Mikey! (They both licked the little shot glass – so yeah, it was goooood.)
And me? Well c’mon..
Last night we had some Texas BBQ
Followed by Breakfast Tacos this morning both from Smokey Mos.
Mine was egg, cheese and potato with some piquante sauce. Mmmmm!
We I also put up the Christmas tree. It’s a tradition in my house that I always do this solo. Mum put up the rest – and always does – so I am happy to do the tree. I’ll post pics after tonight – it’s prettier with the lights! I’m off to go “window shop” accessories for my new baby – I think I need to name her! Any suggestions?
How’s your weekend shaping up? Any fun plans? Tonight we’re going to dinner and out in Austin – I can’t wait!!
The Morning After
November 27th, 2009 § 5 Comments
Hi friends! How was your Turkey Day? Or just your Thursday in general if you are not a citizen of the good ‘ol U.S.A.? Mine was pretty darn good – started with a race and ended with a big old dinner – who could ask for more?
I woke up bright and early in Austin to this:
I ate my pre-race breakfast (peanut butter bagel and banana) packed up my gear and we headed to downtown Austin. We got there pretty early so I could pick up my bib and my chip. It was pretty chilly out – in the 40s – and people actually ran the race with North Face jackets and long pants. Oh, you Southerners – this is nothing! Come up to my neck of the woods in about two months!!
Then we just hung out for about an hour. There were several different events going on – a Kids 1K, the 5-mile Turkey Trot and a 1-mile walk. All three benefitted Caritas, an Austin charity. About 30 minutes before race start, the 5-milers started to line up. I said goodbye to my family and joined the pack. I stretched, tried to zone myself out, ya know. I don’t really have too many pre-race traditions except to say a prayer and just kind of slap my legs (it sounds weird but I did it for my first so I did it again) it’s as if to say c’mon let’s DO THIS! Then I took off!
As I said in an earlier post, my goal in this race was to just finish. I had not researched the course, and I hadn’t really run a good five miles before the race. Guys, I was not prepared. In my first race, I had so much adrenaline, I felt like I floated through the first mile. This time, my legs felt heavy then tight. I didn’t want to be running. I just felt unprepared. I decided to listen to my body rather than focus on other people – and people passing me. It’s so easy to psych yourself out in a race. There were lots of people walking the whole thing, or walking dogs or pushing strollers so I did slow down and walk more than a few times. The course had several hills, which I had never trained on – the stadium loop is flat. I cursed every one.
Did I mention that one of the soft pieces on my ear buds was missing? Yeah. The right side of my headphones simply did not stay put. I cannot run without music, so I just kind of winged it with one and a half.
I honestly didn’t pay attention to the scenery, either. I know it’s a beautiful city that I’ll get to explore more of this weekend. I was just focused on completing the course. I beat myself up a little bit and got discouraged a few times. At one of those points, a man ran by with one of my mantras on his back, “I can do all things through Christ. He strengthens me.” Guys, this is something I chant when I want to give up. It was like a sign – I just pushed on through. Near the end of the course, at another point of discouragement, I turned to see only another hill! I told myself, “Screw this, I am done with the hills.” I sprinted right up that sucker and low and behold – the finish line was in sight!
The crowds cheering helped motivate me – I sprinted through that finish line, threw my arm in the air, pointing my finger up to the sky and screamed, “Yes!” (I’m sure the professional picture will be great.) I finished in just over an hour, which I am satisfied with as it is pretty close to the pace of my first race.
The good thing is I am taking away a lot from this race and I plan to amp up my training. I will be doing a lot more core training, lifting and tackling different terrains. I really want to do a big race this year, but I have a lot of work to do.
After a few minutes, I found my family. It was completely awesome to have them there supporting me. I plan to make this race a tradition and my family wants to participate, too, which. is. awesome. y’all.
My apology to UT fans/alumni – didn’t quite get the Hook ‘Em Horns – I just ran a race people!
Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the urge to sleep the day away. Nor did I have a ravenous appetite. I also was not sore (until today). But, since it was Thanksgiving and all, I did eat some great food. Sorry guys, I only managed to snap a before shot.
P.S. Totally love my parents’ new house.
The little one in the foreground is my brother and sister-in-law’s dog, Norah. She’s a Brussels Griffin/Shih Tzu Mix (Shiffon) and completely CRAZY. She is our lab Loo’s shadow and hyper as can be. Also very tough to get a picture of or with. Here’s my best attempt.
Loo watches her like a hawk and has a slight “sibling rivalry.”
Then we watched the UT vs. Texas A&M game – my s-i-l went there and she and my brother are HUGE fans so lots of cheering and yelling ensued.
I’m not sure what the next two days hold for us. We’ll be shopping, eating out and hitting the town one of these nights. I’ll be posting again soon – have a fantastic Friday!
What are your plans for the weekend? Are you off or did you go Black Friday shopping today? After working retail for years and interviewing shoppers at 4 a.m. I will probably never participate!
