A Big Day

in All Posts

**PayPal shut down the Garmin 305 Raffle because raffling violates their terms of use, even if it’s for a charity.  If you entered, your raffle ticket was counted, but there are no more tickets being sold.  The raffle raised $1,000 for the Livestrong Foundation, which is AMAZING!  I’ll announce the winner at lunch TODAY**

 

Morning!  I had every intention of waking up early and getting a short, fast run in, but when my alarm went off, I hit the snooze button. Sooooo tired. It looks like today is going to be another rest day because I’ve got a BUSY work day!

 

More on that in a second.

 

First, breakfast:

IMG_7345

I had two whole wheat waffles with a serving of Pumpkin Yogurt and ground flax on top.  I love waffles for busy mornings because you just mix it, pour it in, and walk away.  A few minutes later, ta-da!  Waffles!

IMG_7343

Today is a BIG day for me because I’m doing an Operation Beautiful presentation at the University of Central Florida.  Practice for the book tour, I guess!  More and more schools and colleges are becoming interested in Operation Beautiful workshops, so I hope this goes well. 

 

The idea of speaking in front of 100+ people is kind of making me nervous, but I’ve done a lot of public presentations before (I used to be a sexual assault advocate in college)… I might be mistaking nerves for EXCITEMENT!

 

I made a new Operation Beautiful video for the event – check it out!

 

Second exciting thing is today kicks off the Chevy Traverse Girlfriend Getaway promotion.  A few weeks ago, an awesome reader e-mailed me to tell me about the contest, which I promptly entered. Chevy was looking for female bloggers in Orlando to test drive the Traverse for one month and blog about it on their special website.  I was selected, as was Meghann.  Full disclosure (as always!):  Chevy is giving me the car + gas + other goodies for one month for free.  They aren’t paying me to say anything nice; they want my real opinion.  Healthy Tipping Point won’t be taken over by Chevy ads, I promise!  :)  But I’ll link back to my Chevy posts so you can read about it if you want.  

 

And…. I’m off!

 

Are you scared of public speaking or are you a master orator?

{ 150 comments }

 

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat February 24, 2010, 8:23 am

    Good luck today, Caitlin! I’m sure you are going to be fabulous 🙂

    I used to be afraid of public speaking but I’m much more confident now. Although 100+ people is not something I have yet experienced!

  • Jess (Fit Chick in the City) February 24, 2010, 8:23 am

    You are going to rock this speaking engagement!! I’m not so great at it either, but am always up for this sort of challenge.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 24, 2010, 8:25 am

    Hehe I keep thinking your pumpkin yogurt is peanut butter – I was going to say :O gosh that’s alot! But yogurt makes more sense…
    All the best with your talk! I’m OK with public speaking I think, as long as the audience aren’t too close, cos then they just blur into one big mass; way easier.
    I must say, I really really admire your Operation Beautiful mission – I’m going to start doing some OB Notes in my uni, from tomorrow! Spread the joy in England too 😀
    (Oh and just quickly, I’m DYING to tell someone, and I thought seeing as you’d been through it, you’d feel my joy – I RAN 15MILES THIS MORNING!!! SO happy 😀 hehe!)
    Have a great daY 🙂

    • Angela (Oh She Glows) February 24, 2010, 8:26 am

      CONGRATS on your 15 miles! 🙂

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:28 am

      YAY CONGRATS on your 15 miles!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) February 24, 2010, 8:26 am

    Goodluck! I love when you said ‘I may be mistaking nerves for excitement’ that is a great way to look at it. I do that when I get nervous about things too. 🙂

  • whit @ whitinspired February 24, 2010, 8:26 am

    Good luck, I know you will do an awesome job! I hate public speaking (actually doing anything in front of a lot of people)and am really terrified of it. I break out in hives and my voice gets noticeably shaky. All my wedding ceremony pictures have me covered in hives!

  • megan February 24, 2010, 8:27 am

    I get really really nervous about public speaking. I’ve done well each time I’ve been forced to do it, but I can’t help but get so nervous! I’m sure you’ll do awesome. When it’s something you feel so passionate about, that will come across in the talk. People will be able to tell your enthusiasm and excitement and that’s what really counts. good luck!

  • RhodeyGirl February 24, 2010, 8:28 am

    Caitlin! I forgot to mention during the pumpkin yogurt discussion of last week… I used to make a big batch of pumpkin yogurt at the beginning of the week and then portion it out every day. It would get a teeny bit watery over the week but nothing a little stir couldn’t fix!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:28 am

      nice!

  • RhodeyGirl February 24, 2010, 8:28 am

    CONGRATULATIONS on the car and on the event! Good luck, and don’t forget to smile!!!!! 🙂

  • Little Bookworm February 24, 2010, 8:28 am

    Good luck with the presentation! I’ve never commented before but just wanted to say that I love Operation Beautiful – I think it is such a fantastic idea! 😀

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:29 am

      Thank you 🙂 Your comment name is cute!

      • RhodeyGirl February 24, 2010, 8:29 am

        I was just thinking the same thing. “Little Bookworm” is absolutely adorable!

  • Kelly February 24, 2010, 8:29 am

    I get a little nervous about public speaking, but I am usually not speaking in front of SO many people so that might make me a bit MORE nervous! Good luck!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet February 24, 2010, 8:30 am

    Good luck today, girl!

    I just met up with a friend for dinner last night who just got a Traverse – I LOVED it! My hubby is looking for a new car and I am trying to talk him into it.

    I don’t mind public speaking. I get a bit nervous, but overall am ok. 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 24, 2010, 8:30 am

    You’re going to do awesome!!! I’m terrified of public speaking…which is hilarious, because I’m a teacher!

    We’re talking about body image and the media in my classes this week, and I’m going to use Operation Beautiful (as well as the About Face website…have you seen that one?) as an example of young women creating backlash against the image of perfection that the media perpetuates!

  • Amy February 24, 2010, 8:30 am

    looooooooved the video. Great job.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 24, 2010, 8:31 am

    Good Luck today with your presentation!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 24, 2010, 8:32 am

    Here’s the link to that site if you’re interested:

    http://www.about-face.org

  • Meghan@traveleatlove February 24, 2010, 8:33 am

    Good luck! I get soooo nervous, but you will be great!

  • Paige February 24, 2010, 8:33 am

    I hate public speaking! If the public speaking involves reading something or calling out names (like at my school’s awards ceremonies) then I am fine. If I have to “wing it,” and just get up there and talk, I cannot do it. I start talking to fast and lose track of what I am supposed to be talking about.

    I really admire those who can speak well in public. For me, it has always been a challenge.

  • Nicole February 24, 2010, 8:34 am

    Good luck on your presentation! I think you’ll do great! I get so nervous with public speaking, but I think I’d be able to do it on something I truly know and understand!

  • D February 24, 2010, 8:34 am

    this is REALLY nitpicky, and i might be wrong, but you wrote “obtain the unattainable”…shouldn’t it be attain the unattainable, or obtain the unobtainable?

    just a thought! good luck today. dont be nervous – they asked you for a reason!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:41 am

      ahh F**K. thanks! i think it could go either way, but attain would’ve been better.

    • Megan February 24, 2010, 2:02 pm

      This comment made me giggle.

  • Carolyn February 24, 2010, 8:36 am

    Good luck today!! Can’t wait to hear about the Chevy experiment.

  • Christie @ Honoring Health February 24, 2010, 8:38 am

    Good luck with the speak; you are going to do fantastic!

  • Kristina @Mendonpondmusings February 24, 2010, 8:38 am

    Good luck Caitlin! You will be brilliant.

  • MaryBe February 24, 2010, 8:41 am

    Congrats on scoring the Traverse for a month! Does Chevy know about your mad driving skills? Ha!
    You’ll do great at the presentation. After all you have accomplished,you should be great at conquering the unknown. I think you will love it once you get started!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:42 am

      hahaha pray i dont crash it!

  • kirsten February 24, 2010, 8:41 am

    Good luck today!! You will do great!!

  • Madelin @ What is for Breakfast? February 24, 2010, 8:41 am

    Terrified of public speaking! But I’m sure you will be amazing :). Looking forward to the recap!

  • amanda @ fake ginger February 24, 2010, 8:44 am

    Good luck today!

    I am so so so jealous of the Chevy thing! When you pick it up, let them know there’s a blogger in Alabama who NEEDS to drive a Camaro for a month. 😉

  • Katy ( The Balanced Foodie ) February 24, 2010, 8:44 am

    Good luck, Caitlin! You’re going to be great. I really hope a lot of girls come out for this. I wish I could be there but I have a weekly commitment on Wednesdays!

    P.S. I SO wish I would have known about that Chevy contest, I am car-less right now! Would have been perfect timing. Oh well, I’m glad at least you girls get a sweet ride this month! 🙂 Enjoy!!

  • Abby February 24, 2010, 8:44 am

    You have some really exciting things coming up! The OB presentation, book and book tour, AND driving around an awesome brand new car for free. Weee bit jealous over here!

  • Jessica February 24, 2010, 8:54 am

    Chevy the american car….Drive it like you OWN it…

    Dont worry about this, you are speaking and just think of the minds and thoughts you might change, you have definantly been an inspiration in my life as I get life on the right track and LEARN to love ME!! GOD made me this way and I am GLAD!!!!!!!!!

    Love your video…What song is that?

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 8:55 am

      The Adventure by Angels and Airwares

      thank you 🙂

      • Emily February 24, 2010, 12:28 pm

        Ohh! I LOVE Angels and Airwaves! Great great band!!

  • Diana February 24, 2010, 8:54 am

    I’m terrified of public speaking. terrified. i admire anyone who can comfortable speak in front of an audience. good luck today!

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind February 24, 2010, 8:56 am

    I definitely was fighting back tears watching that video, Caitlin. I’ve been meaning to contact NEDA (and associations like it) to get involved for a while…I think you just gave me the kick in the pants I needed.

    Sometimes I forget how much I love Operation Beautiful; it’s such a truly, truly awesome thing. You’re going to kick butt in your presentation – what could be BETTER or MORE EASY to talk about than such a good cause and something you’re so passionate about?!

  • Laura Georgina February 24, 2010, 8:56 am

    I’m sure it’s 95% excitement and 5% nerves at most! It’ll be a lovely crowd and you’re going to rock it and get the best natural high from it after you’re done 🙂

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 24, 2010, 8:57 am

    That is so fabulous that you are speaking on OP again. Such powerful stuff! Stand up there and be proud hun! You have started an amazing movement!

    Public speaking and I get along very well actually. 🙂 Similar to you…I get so excited that I translate that as nerves. Go kick some behind!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 24, 2010, 8:58 am

    Best of luck with your presentation!!! You will rock it!!!

  • jodie February 24, 2010, 9:00 am

    I am totally and completely afraid of public speaking. I know you will do great though.

  • Matt February 24, 2010, 9:01 am

    Good luck today! Speaking in front of 100 people would have me crapping my pants!

  • Alicia February 24, 2010, 9:03 am

    Caitlin,
    What are your tips for waffles? My waffle maker must hate me, because I can never get waffles out of it. I’ve tried overfilling it AND underfilling it (and just right). The problem seems to be that I just can’t get it to come out of the waffle maker.

    I just got my waffle maker for Christmas and I quite like it so, 🙁

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 9:03 am

      grease it! i coat it with cooking spray

  • Jenny February 24, 2010, 9:03 am

    GOOD LUCK!! I know you’ll be great 🙂

    I guess it kind of depends on “what” i’m doing the public speaking about, but in general, I’m pretty timid about it. I think it’s one of those things that you get better with practice.

  • katherine February 24, 2010, 9:07 am

    Good luck on your presentation!!

  • Kailey (SnackFace) February 24, 2010, 9:07 am

    Caitlin!!! GIT IT GIRL!!! You are going to be fabulous!

    I received the best Operation Beautiful love yesterday. It wasn’t even a post it. I was sitting in magazine class and a girl across the room grabbed my attention and mouthed “you look beautiful” to me. I mean, how amazingly sweet is that?

    Anyway, I like public speaking! I’ve done a lot of theater, musical theater, choir performances, so audiences are kind of addicting.

    You’re going to rock this! Have fun! 🙂

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:35 pm

      that is so sweet. what a lovely thing for that girl to do!

  • Rachel (Suburban Yogini) February 24, 2010, 9:10 am

    Teaching yoga class after yoga class means I end up pretty confident speaking in front of people. Mind you I’ve always loved public speaking. I was in debating club in school and college (did I also mention I’m a dork!).

    Best of luck today – I’m sure it’s going to be awesome 😀 😀

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) February 24, 2010, 9:12 am

    Goooood LUCK! You’ll do amazing 🙂

    I’m a dancer and singer, and yet I get horrible stage fright and am totally scared of public speaker! Once I get going I’m okay, but right before I get on that stage I’m a ball of nerves!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 24, 2010, 9:13 am

    Good luck, you’ll do great! It completely depends what I’m talking about and why I’m doing it whether I’m a nervous wreck or completely ok 🙂

  • Karla February 24, 2010, 9:14 am

    Good luck! It’s so great that you’re going to college campuses to speak about this! You’re a great influence on women! I’m sure your presentation will be great!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 24, 2010, 9:14 am

    Good luck today girl!! And congrats about the Chevy win.. that is too cool!
    I’m terrible at public speaking and it makes me so nervous.. I can’t imagine doing that!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) February 24, 2010, 9:19 am

    good luck! you’ll rock it! 😉

  • Karen W February 24, 2010, 9:23 am

    have a great time! I am sure it will be fantastic!

  • Lizzy February 24, 2010, 9:23 am

    Good luck today Caitlin!

  • Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle February 24, 2010, 9:24 am

    You’ll be great! You know all the details, you’re passionate about it, and you’re proud of the project– there’s no way you can go wrong! Good luck 🙂

  • Nutritious Foodie February 24, 2010, 9:25 am

    Congrats on the Chevy win. Good luck with your presentation.

    I am normally a tad bit nervous when I start but as I start I get more and more comforatable. Good luck today, as I am sure you will do fine.

  • brianna February 24, 2010, 9:26 am

    GREAT video, caitlin! i’ll be thinking of ya today!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels February 24, 2010, 9:27 am

    GREAT video . . . you will do awesome today I know it . . . let us know how it all goes 🙂

  • Carolina John February 24, 2010, 9:27 am

    Good luck with your presentation today! I’ve never had a problem with public speaking. Been teaching programming for several years now.

  • Samantha February 24, 2010, 9:28 am

    boooo on paypal! Good luck on your presentation, you’ll do great!!

  • Emilee February 24, 2010, 9:29 am

    I love the blog Caitlin! I’m a UCF undergrad student (graduating in December!) and am hoping to make it tonight! I love Operation Beautiful and have posted notes in the UCF Education buildings. 🙂 You will do WONDERFUL tonight!!!

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:36 pm

      i hope to see you tonight! please come up and say hi!!!!

  • skinnyrunner February 24, 2010, 9:29 am

    a free car for a month? awesome!

  • Erin @ Erin Eats and Exercises February 24, 2010, 9:30 am

    I am actaully taking a public speaking course starting the second week in March. It is being paid for my work for a full 12 week program. Sooo nervous!! I know I can only benefit and grow from this. Any tips? Let me know!

    GOOD LUCK : )

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:36 pm

      the key for me is remembering that people are not there to watch you fail, they want you to succeed. and they just people, too! and are sympathetic to nervousness, etc.

  • Christie February 24, 2010, 9:31 am

    Good luck on the presentation today!

    I used to be nervous about public speaking but now I’m a trainer at my job and so all I do all day is talk in front of people 🙂

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! February 24, 2010, 9:37 am

    Man, I knew I should of went to pay pal that day, but work kept interrupting………dang work! Oh, well no Garmin for me this time. =( Glad you raised so much though that is great!

  • Meg @ Be Fit Be Full February 24, 2010, 9:38 am

    Good luck with your presentation today! I don’t mind public speaking as I used to do it all the time for my old job, but I am definitely not the best at it. Just have fun!

  • Sophie @ yumventures February 24, 2010, 9:41 am

    Awesome new video! Kick butt at your presentation!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 24, 2010, 9:42 am

    So funny that you asked this question today, because I have a presentation on Coconut Oil for a nutrition class coming up. I am not one for enjoying presentations and definitely get nervous (shaky voice—eeks!) However, I find the more presenting that I do, the less nervous that I get. If I know the material well and have an interest in sharing the information, then it tends to go pretty smoothly. 😀

    Best of luck with your presentation…you’ll be great! 😀

  • Trainerpack February 24, 2010, 9:45 am

    Where do I get pumpkin yogurt??

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:37 pm

      click on the hyperlink in the post, it’s a recipe!

  • Erin @ Cooking and the City February 24, 2010, 9:47 am

    The video is SO awesome, great job! Hope the presentation goes well! I am terrified of public speaking and have a serious blushing problem, I turn brighttt red which just does not go well with my fair skin and red hair :-p

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place February 24, 2010, 9:49 am

    how cool is the Chevy thing?! free car and gas for a month? Yes please!

    Good luck on your presentation. Operation beautiful is an amazing thing and will help so many women.

  • Jes February 24, 2010, 9:51 am

    Good morning. First, I’d like to say that your waffles look amazing! and I’m bummed I never got to purchase my raffle ticket. Oh well. Also, congrats on the Chevy win!

    I found out about your blogs because of an e-mail UCF sent out about the talk tonight. I know what you mean about public speaking. I have to give my first talk at a conference next Monday, and I am very nervous. I am sure you will be just fine though! My friend (also a Caitlin) and I are planning to attend the event at UCF tonight, and I am really looking forward to it. I think Operation Beautiful is a wonderful idea. I even sent the website to my youngest sister. Last night she sent me a text message with a picture of a Post-It that she put up in the girls bathroom at her high school. She had written “Smile You are beautiful!” and someone else had written “Thanks!” on it! Being a positive influence to my younger siblings is what I consider one of my roles in life. Thanks for helping me out!

    Have a wonderful day!

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:37 pm

      how wonderful!!!

      i hope you attend tonight – please come say hi to me and make me less nervous!

  • Stina @ Girl Can February 24, 2010, 9:52 am

    Bummer about the raffle. I guess that’s what I get for waiting until the last minute.

    I’m a pretty b.a. public speaking if I do say so myself. Of course, I studied to be a speech teacher so I know all the tricks. (Sadly, Illinois overlooks the importance of teaching speech in schools so the jobs aren’t really here.)

  • Stephanie February 24, 2010, 9:53 am

    Good luck today, you’ll do great! I love the thrill of giving presentations, in my current job I have a lot of face time doing so with upper level management and Executives and even though it’s nerve racking, nothing is better than the feeling of preparing, practicing and nailing it! 🙂

  • Amanda February 24, 2010, 9:55 am

    Public speaking is my biggest fear in life. In college I had to do a presentation and I actually faced my display the entire time I talked with my back to the class. I didn’t do it intentionally, it was just out of pure nervousness.

  • Gwen February 24, 2010, 9:57 am

    Love the new video Caitlin! Good luck tonight! I love to talk and be the center of attention, but I always get nervous to give presentations. Luckily this is something you are totally passionate about and I think that always makes it easier!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story February 24, 2010, 9:58 am

    Stupid Paypal! :/ But that was a quick $1,000 fundraiser! Yay!!

    You are going to do GREAT today!

  • Kelly February 24, 2010, 9:59 am

    Good luck today! I get really nervous before presentations also, you’re gonna do great.

  • Shannon February 24, 2010, 9:59 am

    aww man, so there’s no way to enter the garmin raffle?? 🙁

    good luck tonight!

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:38 pm

      not unless you want to donate $25 through the echelon site?

  • Nicole (dishin') February 24, 2010, 10:00 am

    Good luck today! I’m sure you’ll do great. I pretty much hate to speak to large groups (I get so nervous!) but I just took a new job where I’ll have to. I better learn to like it!

    How did you prepare? I usually just practice and practice and practice some more!

  • brandi February 24, 2010, 10:00 am

    GOOD LUCK on the presentation 🙂 It’ll be fabulous! I can’t wait to hear all about it.

  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness February 24, 2010, 10:05 am

    I don’t mind public speaking. I actually joined a public speaking group for a while to improve my skills. As long as it’s a topic that I’m interested in, I can speak confidently to a group, no matter the size.
    One of my favorite tips is if I had some sort of speech or notes printed out, I would write SLOW DOWN in the middle of them, or at the top of each page, since I tend to speak fast. I also learned to become very conscious of saying “ummm” or “uhhh” in between words or sentences, so I’ve been able to really cut down on those little fillers.
    GOOD LUCK! Let us know how your presentation goes!!!!

  • Monica @ Musings of the Granola Girl February 24, 2010, 10:05 am

    Yum that pumpkin yogurt looks diiiiivine!

    I found a “you’re beautiful” note in my bathroom at school yesterday (someone put it in the papertowel dispensor so when I pumped paper towel out, it slowly popped out on top of the paper towel), it made my day 🙂

  • Jesse February 24, 2010, 10:05 am

    Good luck today! You are going to ROCK your speaking engagement! I love the video!!!

    I am terrified of public speaking and I actually cried once while giving a speech during my public speaking class in junior college! I guess I’m more a behind the scenes kind of girl 🙂

    Also, that’s AWESOME about the Chevy thing!!! Free gas for a month, yes PLEASE!

    Have a great day, can’t wait to hear all about your presentation!

  • Rachel February 24, 2010, 10:06 am

    Super bummed I missed out on the raffle, but CONGRATS on raising $1,000. That’s amazing!

    ALso, good luck with your presentation! I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) February 24, 2010, 10:11 am

    Good luck with your presentation today – I think you’ll rock it! I am a little bit of both in terms of public speaking, but I enjoy giving presentations and sharing my ideas. 🙂

  • steph February 24, 2010, 10:14 am

    I’d say I’m a very good public speaker, IF I practice a lot before hand, because then I feel confident going into it. Even though I know I can do it, though, I always have the biggest knot in my stomach right before I’m “on”

  • Emily Eats and Exercises February 24, 2010, 10:16 am

    I haven’t done much public speaking but I am a musician so I do a lot of performing. I find that a bit of nerves actually helps me keep up the excitement and interest in a performance.
    Good luck!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) February 24, 2010, 10:17 am

    Damnit, I want a waffle maker! I just might ask for this for my birthday 🙂
    Good luck today! Iknow you’ll do awesome. I’m sure you know this, but nerves area good sign! They’ll give you that extra adrenaline needed to really do a great job.

  • Kath February 24, 2010, 10:17 am

    Cool video!!

    And fun fun about the car!

  • Andrea (canyoustayfordinner.com) February 24, 2010, 10:20 am

    Best of luck today!! You’ll be great!
    I like public speaking and have won a speech award for it. So funny because I can’t imagine who the hell decided that, but I’m proud of it nonetheless.
    The Chevy Traverse package sounds so wonderful! I can’t wait to see your experiences!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Passion February 24, 2010, 10:20 am

    Goodluck today!!!!

  • Beth February 24, 2010, 10:21 am

    Congrats on getting selected to try out the car! That is so cool. Good luck today, I’m sure you’ll do great! Also, I love your meal ideas… I’ve given up all meat (except for fish) for Lent as an experiment and have been using some of your ideas. Today is day 9 and I am loving it!

  • Penny February 24, 2010, 10:24 am

    Watching your video made me cry.
    I’ve had 2 children, both by C-section, and I have a thyroid condition that makes it incredibly difficult to lose weight.
    So, yeah, I shed some tears.
    Thanks for that.
    🙂

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:39 pm

      your body gave you two wonderful gifts – never forget that!!!

  • Run Sarah February 24, 2010, 10:28 am

    Good luck today -you will do awesome. Cant wait to hear all about it!

  • alyssa February 24, 2010, 10:28 am

    I HATE public speaking, but you are speaking about a thing near and dear to your (and my) heart. You will do wonderfully! Good luck!

  • Ellen February 24, 2010, 10:31 am

    Nerves are good–it means you care. I always do best when I’m a bit nervous about something–keeps me on my toes. Good luck today, I know you’ll do a fab job 🙂

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Tricia February 24, 2010, 10:32 am

    I loved this video. I actually got a little teary eyed watching it! And the song choice is exceptional! Love Angels & Airways!

  • Nicole, RD February 24, 2010, 10:34 am

    I’m not a master at public speaking, but I’ve gotten a lot better at it! It doesn’t scare me any more, but I’m a fan of always being overly prepared!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin' February 24, 2010, 10:36 am

    I think I’m still terrified of public speaking– in fact, I’m still terrified just leading a meeting in my office with 10+ co-workers! Ha ha.

    Love the video. Perfect music choice! I’m sure you’ll do great today! 😀

  • Jessica Lee February 24, 2010, 10:37 am

    Good luck with your presentations today!

    That sucks about the raffling but you did a great thing by raising $1,000 which is a lot! Go you Caitlin. You’re awesome!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 24, 2010, 10:40 am

    i don’t LOVE speaking in public, but i think that i can fake confidence pretty well if needed 😉

    i’m so excited to hear more about your Chevy experience (just so happens i’m in the market for new car…) and your speech! you’re gonna do great!

  • Susan February 24, 2010, 10:44 am

    Ooooh, GOOD LUCK today!! I am not a public speaker AT ALL. Which is funny, as people always assume I would be because I was a radio and television host. But talking into a microphone and lens is a million times easier than talking to a hundred pairs of eyes!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie February 24, 2010, 10:44 am

    I actually love public speaking. I get nervous before hand but always feel good once I’m up there.

  • Bridget February 24, 2010, 10:54 am

    Good luck with the presentation! It’s a great pathway, and I’m glad that it is starting off in Orlando!

    I’m okay at public speaking, but I have my work cut out for me on March 6th. I have a half hour long speech in allllll Japanese. The audience will be about 200 people that live in my town–and don’t speak English much, if at all. They want me to talk about good and bad points of living in Japan. The good points are easy, but the bad points are hard to talk about because I don’t want to risk offending people that I see all of the time. The good points are amazingly good: that the people are nice, helpful, work hard. The bad points mostly deal with xenophobia, inappropriate comments, assumptions that no foreigners can speak Japanese, etc. One of the things in dealing with the doctor here is that he didn’t study genetics, so he told me that I am fat because I am not the same as Japanese women of my height. Such comments are common here, and body weight/type is almost like an introduction or greeting. “Hi! My name is ~. I weigh ~, how about you?”

    I don’t really have the fat talk tendency anymore, because I’m in better health now than I had been for a long time. But, I think Japan probably forces a lot of girls to do just that. I’m trying to think of how to bring that up, or just point out that I am not Japanese (or Asian), so…stop implicating that all foreigners should be. It has to be tactful, so I’m meeting a friend to work on it this weekend.

    Sorry for the book of a comment, but I thought of you when I was starting to write the speech at school earlier this week. Hope that you have a very successful event today!!

  • Kiersten February 24, 2010, 11:02 am

    Good luck today Caitlin! I am sure you will be great!

  • Ildie February 24, 2010, 11:14 am

    Love the new video. Good luck with the speech. I’m sure you’ll be fantastic as always! 😉

  • Ildie February 24, 2010, 11:17 am

    Forgot to mention that I plan to link back to you and spread some love for your operation beautiful. It’s too fantastic not to share! Have a great day!

    • caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:39 pm

      thank you!

  • caronae February 24, 2010, 11:18 am

    Good luck! Everyone is going to love you and OB 🙂

  • Lauren @ eater not a runner February 24, 2010, 11:19 am

    Good luck today! I don’t mind speaking in public, but i definitely get a little nervous 🙂

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep February 24, 2010, 11:19 am

    You’ll do amazing today!!!

    I was wondering about the whole Chevy Traverse thing in the emails yesterday. How fun!!

    Oh, and I hate public speaking, but for some reason, I’ve always wanted to do it. You’ll be fine! Can’t wait to hear all about it.

  • Heather February 24, 2010, 11:23 am

    wow that is SO AWESOME about the chevy! JEALOUS!
    I love public speaking. I am a teacher, so i guess I am used to it!

  • Courtney February 24, 2010, 11:32 am

    Um yeah, I’m a total microphone whore. School assemblies, karoake, you name it, I grab the mic.
    Great job on your recent workouts by the way…I haven’t been commenting but I’ve been drooling over your two a days! Can’t wait to start tri training again. Starting half marathon training this week…whoop whoop!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • ella @ LA DOLCE VITA February 24, 2010, 11:34 am

    Ugh! I know a lot of people use & like PayPal, but I’ve had SUCH horrible experiences with them – their refusal to let you raffle for charity is just another reason to not use PP!!

    On more cheerful notes – I’m so glad that Operation Beautiful is a part of NEDA!! It’s such a great cause and I love the idea behind Operation Beautiful. You’ll be awesome – it’s something you really believe in!! 😀

  • Julie February 24, 2010, 11:50 am

    Good luck today!!!

  • Becky @ flybynyght February 24, 2010, 11:59 am

    I have no problem with public speaking and love the to be the center of attention! Good luck with your speech – I’m sure you’ll rock it!

  • Emily February 24, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Congrats on all of the awesome news (and boo Paypal). I’ve never been afraid of public speaking, which is interesting because I’m normally a very shy person. But I’ve spoken in front of 100’s before without even batting an eye!

  • LindsayRuns February 24, 2010, 12:01 pm

    Glad you it some $$ for the cause… Enjoy today! How exciting!!

  • Abbey February 24, 2010, 12:01 pm

    I just want to say thank you SO much for creating Operation Beautiful and posting so many moving and inspirational pictures and videos. Having suffered from disordered eating very severely in the past and sometimes even up until this day, I appreciate the messages you are sending more than you can imagine.
    Good luck with the public speaking today! I am definitely a member of the former group- I was in the debate club at my high school all four years, and I even became president of the club my senior year, but I STILL start shaking every time I get up in front of that podium.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople February 24, 2010, 12:04 pm

    Having agoraphobia/social phobia, I have the worst time with public speaking! It’s why I never took a speech class in college. I got a general studies degree at my community college instead one that would transfer because I didn’t have to take a speech class that way. Later on I did get three more degrees and slowly pushed my way through any classes that had a speech required at the end.

    I gotta take these things one day at a time! Luckily my job now I only do “public speaking” to 2-5 year-olds!

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) February 24, 2010, 12:25 pm

    Good luck on your talk today – I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park! Your passion for OB translates so clearly in your writing; I’m sure it will translate just as well (or even better!) in your spoken words.

    Oh, and according to every public speaker I’ve ever talked to, a healthy dose of nerves is a good thing 😉

  • Emily February 24, 2010, 12:28 pm

    I think you’ll kick the presentation’s ass! =] You’re so passionate (so it seems!) about this topic and have put your blood and sweat into this project! You’ll do great!! Any chance you’ll do a book signing in Shreveport, La?? =]

    I have total waffle envy over here! I need a waffe maker STAT!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2010, 1:40 pm

      i dunno! i hope so 🙂

  • Christina February 24, 2010, 12:38 pm

    I love public speaking. I always feel so accomplished afterwar. You’ll do awesome!

  • Bethany (@ NotUnlessI'mBeingChased) February 24, 2010, 12:48 pm

    I’m sure you’re well on your way to the big event now, but GOOD LUCK! When I think of how many lives you’ve touched with Operation Beautiful so far, I know nothing but great thing will come from your presentation today. That campus is going to be covered in Operation Beautiful notes by the time you’re through!!!

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers February 24, 2010, 1:31 pm

    GOOD LUCK GOOD LUCK! you’ll be amazing!

  • Summer February 24, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Good luckBreak a leg today, Caitlin!

  • Retta @ RunRettaRun February 24, 2010, 3:26 pm

    I am a total wreck when it comes to public speaking – stuttering, fidgeting, the works! Good luck and looking forward to reading the recap!

  • Amanda February 24, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I’m terrified of public speaking!

    Good luck!

  • Kendel February 24, 2010, 4:14 pm

    The new video gave me goose bumps. You will wow them with your simple yet life-changing message.

  • John February 24, 2010, 7:10 pm

    Hopefully your speech went well. I don’t like talking in front of big crowds. Talking in front of 30-40 poker players every week is enough for me!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 25, 2010, 12:53 am

    I used to be terrified of public speaking. Because of my job, I do it more and more often now, and I am really getting comfortable with it. It’s all a matter of confidence, and knowing what you are talking about!

  • Gaby February 25, 2010, 12:57 am

    I think I´ve never commented before but I just want to say that your video made me cry and I totally support you and operation beautiful, of course. I love what you are doing… as an ED girl in recovery and psychology student I think your doing a great job and helping a lot of people around the world (I´m from Mexico by the way).

    I´m going to keep spreading your message: Gracias por compartir tu belleza interior (thanks for sharing your inner beauty with us)

    • caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:54 am

      thank you so much for the sweet comment 🙂 and i love your spanish OB note!

  • JenRD February 25, 2010, 9:29 am

    I just had a chance to watch the video now, and it is AMAZING–gave me the chills! You are incredible, and I can not wait for this video, and your message, to be delivered all over the world.

  • eatingRD February 25, 2010, 12:16 pm

    how stupid is that paypal?! So cool you raised that much, wow! hmmm what do you think would be another option for donations lower than $20? So glad your speech went well, very inspiring 🙂

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