Grad School Announcement and Two Success Stories

on November 20, 2009
in All Posts

As I mentioned yesterday, I got into the University of South Carolina grad school program for Physical Therapy.  I was really excited to get in because there are only 18 spots available. 

 

I literally killed myself for the last 6 months while studying for the GRE exam, shadowing a physical therapist, and surviving classes (and blog, run, and work).  Which is kind of ironic because at the end of September, I landed the Operation Beautiful book deal, and my whole vision for my future changed.  Things started to happen in my life that I never, ever imagined would happen. 

 

That’s why I’m not going back to school in August as originally intended.  A major factor in my decision is that the book is going to come out in August, and I am contractually obligated to promote it (and of course, I want to promote it). I can’t juggle a doctorate program and a book tour.  There are other reasons why I’m not going back in August, but I can’t get into them.

 

I have asked to defer my acceptance until August 2011 to buy myself more time.  I hope I do not end up regretting this decision, but its the only one I can make, and honestly, the last year has shown me that you NEVER KNOW where life is going to take you.  It’s great to plan and have goals, but you also have to be flexible and open to opportunities. 

 

So, I’m wrapping up this semester (I’m just in Anatomy now, I dropped Physics), and I won’t be taking classes next semester.   THANK YOU for your support as I took classes. It meant a lot to me when the blogworld supported me when I was very stressed out.  🙂

 

Onwards…

 

I took a nap this morning, woke up, and inhaled ice cream:

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I was having post-Vegan 4 A Day withdrawals. 

 

And for lunch, I had Israeli Cous Cous, which I pumped up baked tofu.

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Success Story Number 1

 

I’m proud to say that my mom participated in her first 5K last weekend!  She walked the Race for the Cure in Knoxville, Tennessee with a friend.

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I think my mom is so COOL for getting healthier and more active as she gets older.  She is 64! I hope she’s not mad that I told everyone her age, but I think it’s so impressive… most people slow down, and she’s SPEEDING UP!

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My mom told me that she wants to try to walk/run another 5K in the future!  Yay!

 

Success Story Number 2

 

In March, I got an email from a girl named Laura, who wrote, “I’m completely new to running, and, like you, was inconsistent (at best) with diet and exercise in the past.  I just completed my first 10k – my first race, really – last weekend and LOVED it!”  She wanted to know about managing knee pain, so I gave her some tips (now summarized in this post).

 

A week ago, Laura emailed me to say, “I successfully ran my first half marathon in May and just completed my second a week ago – busting 13 minutes off of my previous time!  Moreover, I’ve lost over 20 pounds in the past year!  Since becoming a runner (and yes I finally consider myself a "runner"), I’ve never felt healthier or happier!”

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Imagine my surprise when I read the next paragraph of her email, which said: “I started a doctoral program in August, and, one day, when I was using the restroom on campus near where I park my bike, I saw a post-it on the mirror that said "You are beautiful… operationbeautiful.com."  I thought, that’s nice, everyone can use a little positive reinforcement. I had no idea that Operation Beautiful was your *other* blog until I went to the site! The note on the mirror in an obscure UC Davis psychology department women’s room is a testament to the widespread impact Operation Beautiful is having.”

 

When am I going to find an Operation Beautiful note?!  I want to discover one SO badly.  I would kneel over and die, me thinks!  🙂

 

Did you ever make big plans for the future and then have everything change?  Tell me!

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Amber November 20, 2009, 2:46 pm

    Good luck in your endeavors! And WOW your pictures are looking awesome, that class sure helped! I need to take class!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 20, 2009, 2:47 pm

    I think that is a great decision – life has a funny way of working things out. 🙂

  • Mica November 20, 2009, 2:49 pm

    Congrats to your mom on her 5K!

    And I think that’s a very smart idea to defer grad school. Once you get in, you basically feel like you can never leave and don’t have enough time for anything. I sometimes wish I had taken a year or two to do something fun. Not that studying French ALL THE TIME isn’t fun…er…um.

    • Sara November 20, 2009, 8:57 pm

      I’m in graduate school (public health) and couldn’t agree more. There are not enough hours in the day! 🙁

  • Samma November 20, 2009, 2:55 pm

    I was so sad I had to miss Buddy’s Race Against Cancer- it’s one of of my fave events here in Knoxville (Race for the Cure was a few weeks ago). Congrats on the grad school- when do you find out if they let you defer?

    • caitlin November 20, 2009, 2:56 pm

      they already said i could. it’s done!

      • Samma November 20, 2009, 4:20 pm

        That’s great!

  • Marissa November 20, 2009, 2:55 pm

    I think you have to do what is right for you! I think you are making the right choice 🙂

  • Laura Georgina November 20, 2009, 2:56 pm

    Congrats on grad school–getting into a PhD programme isn’t easy! I hope you can defer your admission to promote the book and do your thang until then.

    I truly admire your approach to the changes and opportunities you have faced over the last few months. It’s incredibly hard to pick the unknown over the “safe” and to have the self-assurance to believe that you will land on your feet. It’s to see someone be as brave as you–you are a real inspiration to us all!

    BTW, your mom is beyond cute–reminds me of mine 🙂

  • Amy November 20, 2009, 3:00 pm

    I think it’s great that you are doing what is best for you! Things change FAST and you just have to go with it. My big life change happened about a year and a half ago. I was working on my MBA and was not really loving the direction my work life was going in but I didn’t know what to change. I worked 9-5 chained to my desk and then took classes that I didn’t even enjoy. That summer after almost completing my first year in the program, my grandpa who raised me had a major heart attack. I spent a week going to the hospital (he’s okay now, thank goodness!) and reevaluating my life. It was that week when I decided to make a leap I didn’t think I would be able to do. I decided to go to nursing school for my BSN/MSN to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Like you, I had to keep my career change quiet at work so I would work all day and crammed in all the science classes I avoided during my undergrad years. I scrambled to get applications together but here I am today with almost a full semester of nursing school under my belt.

    A few years ago, I never would have dreamed I’d be on this path but I know for sure that it’s the one I’m meant to be on. I’m happier with my life than I have ever been. 🙂 I think what you’re doing as a writer is a great thing. You’re making a positive impact on so many lives. You’ve definitely made one on mine. No more fat talk in this mind! 🙂

    • Sara November 20, 2009, 8:55 pm

      What an inspiring story. Good for you! 🙂

  • natalie November 20, 2009, 3:00 pm

    You are so right about goals, plans and being open to opportunites. We were planning on building a house, we applied for the loan had done so much and were just about ready to dig…we both (hubby)and I felt like it was not a good idea! WHAT?!?? but we had already spent, time (months and months) money and were in a huge contract. We prayed about it and we knew it was the right thing to do, so we walked away. THE NEXT DAY we found a short sale that was an AMAZING steal of a deal and that is now our new home…we just moved in last weekend! Check out http://www.nono2yoyo.com/rest-day to see it!! I am so excited for you and your book and your book tour!

  • skinnyrunner November 20, 2009, 3:00 pm

    that is so cool about laura and your mom picking up running. yeah for runners!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers November 20, 2009, 3:00 pm

    since i live in orlando maybe we can “stage” an operation beautiful note run in. any special places you’re going this weekend? 😉

    i think that your plans for the future sound amazing & it’s great you’re following your heart & goin’ with the flow. i think the publishing of your book & book tour will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) November 20, 2009, 3:02 pm

    You’ll thank yourself for delaying grad school when your book tour comes around!!! You have the rest of your life for school no need to rush it! Congrats on getting into USC!

  • brandi November 20, 2009, 3:05 pm

    congrats on getting in! I think deferring is the perfect solution, especially since you know you WANT to and have to promote the book! There will be so many things going on with that, that you don’t want to have to worry about classes at the same time. I think it’s awesome that they’re letting you push it back.

  • alli November 20, 2009, 3:06 pm

    good for you! i think you will be happy that you aren’t trying to do everything at once. you’re a great example of leading a balanced life 🙂
    WAHOO! way to go caitlins mom! that’s great!
    and another shout out to laura! 13 minutes is huge!
    oh boy, i made huge plans only to have them squashed in my face! the past 20 years all i’ve wanted is to be a mother. well, we’ve been trying for 3.5 years and we wont be parents unless we do ivf or adopt. but i’m sure things will work out better that way 🙂

  • Evan Thomas November 20, 2009, 3:06 pm

    Congrats on knowing yourself well enough to make a move like that

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg November 20, 2009, 3:11 pm

    You’re following your heart– that’s smart! You know what’s best for you!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 20, 2009, 3:12 pm

    Congrats on the run this morn AND your decision.. and way to go to your mom!!

  • Cathy P November 20, 2009, 3:18 pm

    You made a decision that suits your life- you don’t have to justify anything! Besides, the hardest part is over, you got in! Congrats by the way! I am in grad school now (total career change to become an RD while I still work my full time job) and I am 30- timing couldn’t be worse, but its never too late for anything and if it’s something you really want, putting it off won’t be a problem b/c you know you’ll go back to it! Congrats on everything!

  • Julie November 20, 2009, 3:18 pm

    Damn, your mom is 64?! She looks great! Lucky for you! Congrats to her!

    Congrats on getting in, and making the right decision to defer acceptance.

  • megan November 20, 2009, 3:22 pm

    way to make the best out of a tough situation. like you said, it’s really the only decision you can make, so no need to doubt it! 🙂 I once put my job on hold for 3 months (my company was awesome) to go on a mission trip to China to teach English for a summer. Definitely one of the best decisions I ever made. So worth it. Thankfully my company let me come back to work, but I would have done it even if I had to quit.

  • D November 20, 2009, 3:24 pm

    Congrats on grad school!

    2 questions:

    1. Was your undergrad degree in any way related to what you want to do in grad school? If it wasn’t, how does that work? I’m looking at grad schools in the US but I didn’t know if the undergrad degree has to be related.

    2. Have you read the China Study? It’s all about the health benefits of a “whole foods, plant based diet”. I don’t think it even mentions the word “vegan” and it certainly doesn’t discuss animal rights, but it’s absolutely fascinating. It’s pretty heavy handed with the scientific side of things, but it’s better than an addicting novel!

    • caitlin November 20, 2009, 3:26 pm

      1. my undergrad is in english writing and political science, so i had to go back to community college and take all the necessary science pre-reqs so i could apply to the program.

      2. no i havent but i want to!

    • Lindsay November 20, 2009, 6:27 pm

      I think it really depends on what you’re going to grad school for… usually the more science-y you get (like physical therapy :D) the more pre reqs you have to take.

  • Carrie H November 20, 2009, 3:26 pm

    I really want to find an operation beautiful note too! I’ve left a bunch and my mom mailed me one once, which was awesome, but I want to find one left by a total stranger somewhere random. I live in a small town in a rural area, so when I do find one, I’ll know operation beautiful is everywhere!

  • Kirsten November 20, 2009, 3:26 pm

    congrats on getting into grad school! that is so awesome. I think your decision to defer is a really good one. school’s not going anywhere! 😀 who knows, the OB book might lead to a few more book deals too!

    • caitlin November 20, 2009, 3:30 pm

      😉 that’s what i’m hoping!

  • Sarah November 20, 2009, 3:26 pm

    Congrats in getting into grad school! Defering until 2011 is a great idea, I don’t see how you could *really* promote your book (which, with all the hard work you’re putting into it, is absolutely necessary) AND study full-time for a doctorate.
    And as for your mum – WOW! There’s no way that she looks 64. Good for her!

  • Erin November 20, 2009, 3:27 pm

    What great stories!

    I think you’re doing the right thing — grad school will still be there in a year but who knows what other amazing opportunities will come your way in the meantime. I did something similar when I decided to spend the two years directly after college traveling rather than finding a “real” job or going to grad school. I’m SO happy with my choice and freedom! 🙂

  • Jessie November 20, 2009, 3:28 pm

    Changing plans is something I did NOT like… until now.

    I entered into a PhD program in fall 2008, fully intending to get my degree, get a post-doc, then teach at the college level. As part of my grad school program, I had to teach my own lab section of introductory biology… and realized my passion most certainly is in education. So, after a year and a half in the program (not to mention months of applying & interviewing for programs before that) I’ve decided to leave to pursue a masters in education… and I’ve never been more excited! But also scared- I am definitely one of those type-A, need-to-be-in-control-of-my-life person- but I’m learning to embrace change & follow my dreams!

    I think deferring is a great idea- you can always go back 🙂

    • Wendy November 21, 2009, 3:58 pm

      The same thing happened to me! Except I had about 6 years, marriage, a year at a horrible job, and two kids between the time I learned that I love teaching to when I started the teacher certification process (as a result of a job offer that came out of the clear blue sky). Good luck Jessie!

  • Jacqueline November 20, 2009, 3:28 pm

    Life works in funny ways!
    Can’t wait to follow your next adventure.
    Will you still be moving next summer?

    • caitlin November 20, 2009, 3:29 pm

      yup – that is a decision based on my husband’s desire to launch his acupuncture practice in North Carolina. that’s why i specifically applied to that school

  • stina November 20, 2009, 3:28 pm

    First of all, huge congrats on getting in to grad school. Second, congrats on being able to make the confident decision to defer your acceptance.

    In the last couple year I’ve learned in a big way how subject to change plans are and that you have to be willing to go with the flow. I spent 5 years of college (and not to mention most of my life) knowing I was going to be a teacher and preparing myself accordingly. The time came and I did my student teaching only to discover, I didn’t really want to be a teacher. It wasn’t that I was bad at it; in fact, quite the opposite, everyone told me how natural it seemed for me to be up in front of the class. It wasn’t even that I hated teaching. It was that I didn’t love it. I got up and did it, but I didn’t feel passion for it. I didn’t feel right pursuing a teaching career because I didn’t think it would be fair to my students to have a teacher whose heart was only half in it. That left me with a giant “now what?” moment. It also put me into a bit of an identity crisis; after all, I had spent the last 18 or so years knowing I was going to be a teacher. Two years later, I’m still trying to work it out and decide what I want to be when I grow-up, but I’ve learned so much about rolling with the punches and just taking life as it comes at you.

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries November 20, 2009, 3:30 pm

    I think you’re making the right decision–and embracing the wonderful opportunity you’ve currently got!

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries November 20, 2009, 3:30 pm

    PS dairy was first on my list too today after vegan for a day!

  • Carolyn November 20, 2009, 3:36 pm

    Great decision about grad school!! Take the opportunities as they come. 🙂

  • Jenna November 20, 2009, 3:43 pm

    i am glad you made a good decision that suits you well!
    jenna

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 20, 2009, 3:47 pm

    Wow, I totally admire your decision and I think that no matter where life takes you between now and then, it will be awesome!

    Good luck writing the rest of the book, I can’t wait to read it 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 20, 2009, 3:48 pm

    I meant to say too, your mom looks great! I’m glad you told us her age, I would’ve guessed late 40’s 😉

  • Emily Eats and Exercises November 20, 2009, 3:50 pm

    The OB book was clearly an unexpected and amazing opportunity. You have to run with that and take the next step as it comes. All your hard work will still be useful – just delayed a bit!

  • Julie @savvyeats November 20, 2009, 4:02 pm

    It sounds like you made the decision that is right for you and will make you happiest.

    I know what you mean about life taking you places you’d never imagined. Up until this fall, I assumed I’d be working an engineering job somewhere in the Midwest. Now, I’m moving to New York and am going to pursue writing. Not my initial plan at all!

  • Liz November 20, 2009, 4:13 pm

    That’s awesome for your Mom. You put up a picture of the Sunsphere. Have you or your Mom every been in it? There is a bar in it you can go up to. I went my senior year and one of the managers gave us a tour of the room at the center of the sphere where they host events. I reccomend it for you and your Mom next time you visit her. The night view of the city is pretty cool!

  • susan November 20, 2009, 4:23 pm

    i thought i’d throw my thoughts into the mix. i do not think you should regret deferring your acceptance, not even for a second! there’s really no harm in it. when the end of your deferral approaches, you can revisit the decision. i think it was very wise to defer… see where life takes you.

    i have to remind myself all the time that i am YOUNG, have so much life to live, and so many decisions to make… we dont have to have anything figured out right now!

  • Anna November 20, 2009, 4:34 pm

    Congrats on your acceptance into a great school, and bigger congrats on making the decision that is best for you life right now! Don’t second-guess yourself, you have amazing things ahead of you.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 20, 2009, 4:45 pm

    I think you are making the smartest decision.

    For me I went through undergrad and half of grad school for education and had a successful and promising career as a Spanish teacher. After my first year of teaching I really felt called to do full time ministry. I loved my job but I really enjoyed working in my church and it was a passion of mine. I went back to school (seminary) and planned on being a single woman pastor. I met Hunni there and now we are both pastors together in our church.

  • Meg November 20, 2009, 4:46 pm

    I think your choice is an inspiring one. I really admire that you want to savor this time in your life with the book instead of plowing through with that + school.

    Besides grad school is for lunatics who don’t like sleep or fun or sanity (I should know, I’m in my first semester). Nothing wrong with putting off that kind of expensive torture to focus on the book!

  • Lauren November 20, 2009, 4:51 pm

    I also found out about your blog and operation beautiful through a UC Davis bathroom! So cool. Yay Davis. 🙂

    • Laura November 20, 2009, 6:33 pm

      Lauren, it’s the same bathroom and the same note 🙂 See you in the hallway sometime!

  • Kristin (runningsongs) November 20, 2009, 4:52 pm

    Congratulations on getting into grad school!!!

    Have I made plans that have totally changed? Yes. You know what they say… “You want to hear god laugh? Tell him your plans.” But… you’d be amazed at how things go around and come back around. Good luck!!!

  • Susan November 20, 2009, 4:59 pm

    I think you have to go with your gut in times like these, and if it’s telling you to put off grad school for a bit, then it’s the right decision!! Life is looooong, you have lots of time to finish up school. You need to take opportunities when you can 🙂

    Well, I quit my job a few weeks ago and decided today that instead of staying in my profession (ugghhhh) I’m going to follow my passion. Means a little more schooling, a little more time working as a barista, and a lot of strange looks when I tell people what I’m doing. But I think it’s a good starting point for me, and my gut is telling me to do it. I just can’t ignore that!

  • Anna November 20, 2009, 5:03 pm

    Squeee!!! The note Laura saw is a note I posted! So excited.

    Operation Beautiful and No Fat Talk have been wonderful additions to my life – thank you so much for bringing that to me and to so many others. It’s a great daily reminder to respect and love myself and my body.

    • Laura November 20, 2009, 6:34 pm

      😀 yay!

      • Marissa November 21, 2009, 12:45 am

        Yay UC Davis! (I’m a Davis undergrad and I definitely plan to post some operation beautiful notes :D)

  • kelly November 20, 2009, 5:03 pm

    Congratulations!! That is great news 🙂

  • jessica November 20, 2009, 5:10 pm

    Congrats Caitlin! If I have learned one thing so far during undergrad and now in grad school it is that not everything goes as plans! I am a planner and always plan everything ahead of time. Well, I have learned recently that it is good to plan but it is also OK if not everything goes EXACTLY according to your plan! Just do what you can with what your given, right? Looks like you have made the right decision for you 🙂

  • Liz November 20, 2009, 5:11 pm

    You did not “literally kill” yourself. You figuratively killed yourself. Congratulations

    • alyssa November 20, 2009, 5:22 pm

      does it make people feel better about themselves to leave comments like this? boggles my mind.

    • Jennie {in Wonderland} November 20, 2009, 5:47 pm

      Oh you’re so sassy. Not.

      Please leave Caitlin alone. I say this as someone who has a mad crush on her for being so awesome. She doesn’t deserve crap from anyone, least of all a person who forgets to put a period at the end of their sentence while at the same time criticizing someone else’s word choice.

  • Katie November 20, 2009, 5:13 pm

    I left school came back sold my horse and went from a science major to a Child and Family development major. I’m not training for a marathon, live in sweats and LOVE my major and future career. My life is headed in a completely different direction then last year and for the first time ever I KNOW I’m headed the right direction!

    Ride out your dreams you just never know. Congrats on getting into grad school! I know you’ve worked really hard and totally deserve it!

  • Heather November 20, 2009, 5:25 pm

    Your mother is 64? I hate to be one of those people that says something like “wow, she looks amazing for her age” but I thought she was in her early 40’s. Congrats to her! I love it when you feature all the inspiring things she’s doing (like hiking! I got my mom to go on a hike with me because of telling her about that!)

    I truly believe everything happens for a reason, so deferring definitely seems like the best decision! Good luck to you.

    • Caitlin November 20, 2009, 5:26 pm

      hahha YAY i love that you got your mom to go hiking with you!

  • Keri November 20, 2009, 5:27 pm

    Congrats on getting into grad school, and also on your decision to defer – I think you’ll find that you made the right decision!

    I actually went straight to grad school (in immunology) out of undergrad, and it was the right decision for me, but I know several people who ended up starting school, then taking time off or quitting because it wasn’t the right timing for them. If you’d started school right when your book tour was supposed to happen, you would have definitely had a LOT on your plate, and that road just leads straight to burnout-ville. This way, you get to put your full attention toward the book, and then put your full attention to your future career 🙂

  • haya November 20, 2009, 5:38 pm

    you’re totally doing the right thing! this way you’ll be able to enjoy working on your book/promoting your book properly, you’ll be able to fully focus on school when you decide to go without being totally burnt out/miserable, and they’ll give your spot for next year to someone whose life might change for the better. triple win!
    also, you’re mom is a rockstar.

  • Joy November 20, 2009, 5:43 pm

    Sorry if you’ve said this before- but what are you studying/going to grad school for? just curious! congrats on getting in and doing what is best for you!

    and wow, our mom absolutely does not look 64

    • Joy November 20, 2009, 5:43 pm

      lol… *your

    • Caitlin November 20, 2009, 5:51 pm

      Physical Therapy!

  • Amanda November 20, 2009, 6:18 pm

    I have had big plans and have had them change many times. The most recent is this year… I moved to Kentucky to go to school to become an equine physical therapist. I couldn’t get enough money to continue the program this fall, so I went to working full-time at a small animal vet clinic. The good thing is that Kentucky is horse heaven and I still see them often… but I want to work with them again one day.

    • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 20, 2009, 8:12 pm

      Yay, Kentucky! Sorry, I just had to say it 🙂 That’s where I live!

  • Emily November 20, 2009, 6:39 pm

    Hi Caitlin, this is a random question that has basically nothing to do with this post. 🙂 I am looking for a good “natural” mascara–basically something that is not chock full of scary ingredients. I wear mascara almost every day, and I’d like to switch from my usual Maybelline to something that’s better for the earth and my body. I also require something that’s waterproof. Do you use a natural mascara, or do you think you have any readers who could help me out? Thanks!

  • Cheryle November 20, 2009, 8:00 pm

    Caitlin,

    I’m 42, brand new to running, and discovered your blog two or three weeks ago. I have been thinking about starting a running-related blog, but haven’t gone beyond the thinking stage yet.

    Even though I sometimes like to think that I am at an age where I should “know everything” I wanted to let you know that I’ve learned so much from you! I hope you keep up the writing – especially about your runs as I just ran my first 10K distance yesterday and love to read your run reports to keep me inspired.

    Also – your mom is gorgeous and looks nowhere near 64. I would have guessed late 40’s as well. Go Mom! 🙂

  • coconutbutter November 20, 2009, 8:03 pm

    Amazing blog. You are wonderful.

  • Deb (Smoothie Girl Eats Too) November 20, 2009, 8:17 pm

    I LOVE that you ate ice cream for brekkie- I thought yours was an empty threat, but no, sister, you meant business!!:-)

    And I totally think it’s smart (and lucky) that you could defer your PT program. You have to seize the moment and right now the moment is for O.B.!

    Thanks again for tweeting my post from today on gratitude- I’m honored! 🙂

  • Liz November 20, 2009, 9:14 pm

    Caitlin, that is great that you can defer the program! That way the school option remains open but you dont have to jump into it with so much else going on.

    Also, congrats on getting all those science prereqs and getting into a field so far removed from your undergrad education. I’m working on my Phd now and I am finding it to be a super rewarding experience.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 20, 2009, 9:39 pm

    I made big plans to go to grad school and get my doctorate in psychology … but then I got offered a permanent teaching position (something I have been waiting for for 5 years, and I never thought I would get), and I realized that is what I want to do – teach.

  • Michelle@eatingjourney November 20, 2009, 9:56 pm

    after all of my health problems and life stuff in early of 09′ I was about to pack my bags and head back to America in April/May of this year. However, a friend insisted that i go to East Timor and chill out (in a war torn country) and get my life back together. It saved my life and totally changed my focus/direction. I am now ending my career, persay, and going back to school to become a nurse. Taking on a huge amount of debt, but knowing that if I hadn’t gone to Timor I would have been in the states letting a dream pass by.

    Life is funny like that. I remember when you first started OB notes..now look at what you’re doing. Enjoy the ride.

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) November 20, 2009, 10:55 pm

    I think it’s awesome what you are doing – chasing your dreams 🙂 I am so eager to read the OB book and other books by you 🙂

  • Tania @ Moment Anew November 20, 2009, 11:30 pm

    GOOD for you! I am sure that it will all work out beautifully 🙂

  • Kate November 20, 2009, 11:54 pm

    Good on you for doing what you love – I don’t think anyone ever really regrets trying to do something they really believe in.

  • K November 21, 2009, 12:19 am

    Good for you! It’s tough making decisions like that, but how great to know that a spot at the school is waiting for you if you choose to accept it! 😉
    I have also had plans go awry. I attended a ballet school in the States for a year (I am from Canada) and fully intended to return for another year, but the Security people at the border had other plans (the school couldn’t provide me with the paperwork for a specific visa) so I had to stay home. But that year, I auditioned for and got accepted in a ballet company here in Canada, which is where I am now. Had I been at the school, I wouldn’t have been able to make the audition.
    Enjoy this exciting point in your life! 🙂
    -K

  • Amanda@thegrainsofparadise November 21, 2009, 2:42 am

    You are awesome! Always listen to your gut! Best of luck…Aloha, Amanda

  • Holly November 21, 2009, 3:26 am

    That story is so awesome- I graduated from UC Davis, and it’s cool to other women are sharing the love on my college campus!

  • Saima November 21, 2009, 3:30 am

    Caitlin–i am from Canada and am pursuing my grad studies at Clarion U in PA. I have spotted 2 Operation beautiful notes within the past month….but, sadly my camera’s broken and my lame-o cell phone pix was pathetic at best!! ugghhhh….but, i was deffo excited to see….i actually squealed when i spotted them! hehe

  • Saima November 21, 2009, 3:40 am

    oh, wondering if ur hubby has plans to start his practice in NC how come you applied to a school in SC? just wondering…

    • caitlin November 21, 2009, 5:37 am

      the school in SC is actually the closest one to Charlotte. i would be looking at an hour + commute.

  • Erin November 21, 2009, 3:41 pm

    Congrats on the PhD program! As someone who is thinking about going back for my master’s and PhD (someday) I totally understand all the stress about applying and getting all those friggin materials together. And the GREs – gross. But you did it! And you know that you’re PhD material, no matter when you decide to go for it. And if you don’t, good for you for listening to your gut. That gut feeling is never wrong!

  • Wendy November 21, 2009, 4:05 pm

    Good for you Caitlin! I think it’s great that you have been able to roll with the punches so well. Good luck with the book, grad school, and whatever else you have up your sleeve and aren’t telling us about. 🙂

  • Isha November 28, 2009, 8:19 pm

    Too weird – I went to school with Laura! I saw the photos and squinted at the screen, like, “I think I *know* her…”. So, congrats to her on becoming a runner!

    And, as always, Caitlin, I really enjoy your posts. Thanks. 🙂

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