I know I’m in NYC on the biggest, craziest day of my life… but let’s talk about lunch. Because it was that good.
OH, lunch! My publisher took me to Gobo, a vegan restaurant, and it absolutely blew my mind! The flavors were intense; the food was cooked to perfection; the experience was divine! The other ladies were pretty excited to try Gobo, so we ordered a ton of small plates to start off with so we could each try everything.
Yucca fries:
Spinach and tofu cheese wontons:
Something amazing that I can’t remember the name of:
And spring rolls with thick, juicy slices of cucumbers.
For my entree, I ordered the Pumpkin Soup (Pumpkin?! In the middle of the summer?! I had to get it) with coconut and raisin rice. I had about half of each – I was stuffed!
Since I was dining with book people, we talked about the books we loved as kids (we were all in our late 20’s to mid 30’s). Remember these classics?
- The Babysitters Club
- Goosebumps
- Nancy Drew
- Hardy Boys
- Sweet Valley High
After lunch, we took the car back to the Penguin offices so I could record an author podcast and meet and great some of the Gotham execs. Everyone was so positive and excited and kept telling me the up-to-date Amazon ranking!
Oh, and the Real Simple magazine people were outside the publisher’s handing out whoopie pies! I grabbed a little petite pumpkin one.
(Obviously) there are so many books in a publisher’s office! I really do LOVE books and got to walk away with a few new ones to read. (The Murder Room is actually for my mom because she loves scary books.)
I have something to read on the flight home tomorrow! 
Headed over to Sirius radio to record two segments with Broadminded and Cosmos with Patrick.
The view from the studios:
I feel really comfortable doing radio (hey, I get to hide behind a mike!) and the hosts were all really cool. Sirius seems like a fun place to work! In fact, I feel like EVERYONE I’ve met in NYC has really cool jobs. But crazy ones!
Cosmos with Patrick was a fun way to end the shows – it was cool to talk to a man who “gets it” AND a reader called in to say hi!
And – now I am back at the hotel and ready to CRASH. After 4 hours of sleep and the pressure of so much awesome (!!) media, I am exhausted. I have to film one more TV spot tonight at 10:30 PM, so I better squeeze in my catnap now.
Oh and one last thing. Did you guys see the article on Feminsting about this appalling ad by The Gap? I think we’re ultimately responsible for our own idea of self worth, but I just hate negative messaging like this – even if it’s a “joke.” And unfortunately, many people are heavily affected by this kind of stuff. Plus, what’s the point? Doesn’t make me want to buy Gap pants.
If you’re feeling inspired by Operation Beautiful today, contact The Gap and tell them that we want POSITIVE advertising, not Fat Talk advertising!
Twitter
Operation Beautiful
wow, that ad is really offensive! shocking since GAP is usually a lot more positive than that…
on another note, your day is just better and better and better! can’t blame you for getting the pumpkin soup…it sounds amazing!
sounds like a whirlwind day! how crazy but fun! GL tonight!
This looks like such an incredible day!! I love Gobo, there’s one downtown near NYU and it’s delicious….never tried the pumpkin soup though, it sounds heavenly! It definitely sounds like a fairytale of a trip, and you definitely deserve it. Enjoy the rest of your trip in NYC, I wish I could have made the meetup last night!
HOLY COW – that ad is insane. Horrible. What’s wrong with people?!
I’m so excited for you Caitlin. Today sounds amazing. You may be really, truly tired, but don’t forget you are living the dream right now!!!!!!!!!
Congrats on your awesome day Caitlin! You did an awesome job on the show!! So proud
I used to LOVE Babysitter’s Club as a kid! Did you know they’re re-releasing them? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/05/AR2010040504450.html I bought “Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls” for my BBBS “litte sister”
I saw that ad in my local Gap and was upset as well.
I heard recently that the author of Sweet Valley High is working on new books about the twins in their adult life to market to our generation!
I listen to “Cocktails” with Patrick on Cosmo every day LOVE him–BUT had such an awesome surprise when you came on..way to go!! You’re amazing, what an awesome adventure your life has taken you on…. I wish you wouldve taken pics with Patrick (yb) and Leah (little leap)..ha ha… enjoy NYC!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What’s with clothing companies these days? That reminds me of Urban Outfitter’s T-shirt urging women to eat less. Did you see that? Here’s a link: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/06/urban_outfitters_stopped_selli.html
Yes… also disgusting.
I know…I blogged about that. Sophia Bush wrote a post on her site talking about how awful it was and promoting eating disorders…I didn’t think much of it until I actually seen the shirt…honest I don’t know how women do it – let along L.A women…is NY like that with those pressures??
It is horrible… can’t believe anyone would buy that, let alone that Urban would sell it!
Congratulations on your wonderful day! You’ve inspired me to create a post about your ‘Operation Beautiful’ just in case my readers haven’t heard about it. Thank you!
And what a terrible ad by Gap:(
Looks like a yummy restaurant! Congrats on all your accomplishments & your whirlwind day!
Penguin Publishing…too funny…I interviewed at their parent company back in December when I was looking to change jobs!
Wow, that ad is horrible! I am so happy for you and all that is going on for you! You have really had me thinking today about myself and my family. I hope you have a great night!
Terrible ad. Gross.
Oh, and was I supposed to only read the Baby Sitter’s Club when I was little?
Sooo fun!!!
I’m so happy you’re bringing us all along on the ride through your blog. It’s awesome.
You were amazing on the today show. I can;t imagine what a whirlwind today has been for you. You and such an inspiration and show that hard work and dedication really pay off.
Ultra Marathon Man is an amazing book. You’ll love it!
I would love to see a bunch of Post-it notes covering that ad.
So awesome getting the star treatment! (Bc you ARE one, obvi
)
That GAP ad is disgusting! I hadn’t seen it, but will def fire off an email to the Gap – thanks for sharing!
I finally got a chance to watch your Today show segment. Amazing! I can’t wait to read your book. I am so jealous you were on “Cocks with P” – I love Patrick and Leah! Enjoy the rest of your fabulous day!
I love that shot of the microphone! Thanks for keeping us all updated while you’re traveling. It’s like we’re all along with you.
That ad is disgusting! EEK!
You look remarkably energized, well-rested and calm…seriously!! I love your outfit–is that the one you got from BR? I want to go to that restaurant the next time I’m in NYC….it looks fabulous.
Happy napping my friend!
yup, all b&r on this trip!
Woah, that’s the 1st time I’ve seen that GAP ad – that’s awful! Sheesh :s
Have a safe flight tomorrow
ooooH i just read all about your interview! Seriously – I am so very very happy for you!
Horrible ad!
On to happier things, the restaurant you had lunch at sounds great and those books look like fun.
Hubby loves Sirius radio that he has a subscription to it for his truck…you know he has Reggae music playing all the time ha. (we don’t have the online sub so I can’t listen to your interviews bummer)! Hubby could totally be a Sirius spokesperson.
Looking forward to the link of your next TV segment!
You were bomb today. I feel like someone I “know” and who is from my hometown is famous. Wahoo!
PS. I was a freak about Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew, Babysitter’s club and such growing up. I was a serious nerd.
Ultra Marathon Man is my husband’s FAVORITE book!! He’s the one that inspired him to train for his ironman this November.
That GAP ad needs to stop. Horrible messaging.
Pumpkin soup makes me want fall to get here – fast!
You look so professional! I am so proud of you! And I don’t even know you. But what an amazing day you have earned and built for yourself. I know so many more good things are up ahead!
Dear Gap,
“Put Some Pants On! – Because we can’t all look good in shorts”
Really?
I thought you were better than this.
Your humor & the humor of your marketing team is lost on me.
Shaming customers into buying their back-to-school bottoms from you?
Really?
The men & women who make the CHOICE to shop with you deserve better.
Until you treat your customers with respect and reach out with healthy & compassionate advertising…
I will CHOOSE to take my business elsewhere and it will not be to your other brands: Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime or Athleta either.
Sincerely,
Nikka B.
(Los Angeles, CA)
Remember every time we spend money on one company/item instead of another, we are voting!
Wow that advert sucks. Bad gap.
Also I watched you on the today show, you looked amazing. Seriously amazing and you sounded so great and confident. I just ordered your book as I have two young beautiful nieces and their mothers do talk about weight a lot in front of them and I want to teach them to love themselves no matter what.
Thank you!
I was all about nancy drew when I was younger! I was quite the book work (and still am) I would read all day and finish a book during the summers. I can’t believe that ad!
Wow, I can’t believe the busy day you’re having!! But I’m glad you’re living it up in NYC! That restaurant looks divine!
I’m shocked by that GAP campaign! Bad idea, Gap.
looks so fun and productive. I haven’t tried gobo yet but have wanted to. maybe we will to celebrate my new job!
Congrats on the great first week!
oh, and SVH was my FAVORITE!
That ad IS awful. I saw it the other day and was disgusted by it. It was particularly offensive to me because I have spent MANY a summer NOT wearing shorts because I was embarrassed of my legs (spider veins). Anyhoo…a few years ago I decided I was “taking back the shorts” so-to-speak on behalf of all the women who think they can’t wear them and because I have a daughter who watches everything I do. It’s hot and darn it, I don’t want to wear pants. Spider veins be damned…I’ve had three babies and I am proud of my strong running legs and all that they let allow me to do. I’m wearing the shorts.
I’m delighted that they are re-releasing them…I bet a whole bunch of us thirty-something moms will be buying them for our daughters to read.
On a more cheerful note, I LOVED the babysitters club. I wanted to be Claudia with the cool earrings and candy stashed all over her room
Caitlin, you did such an amazing job on the Today Show!!! I just watched it and (this may be creepy because I obviously don’t know you) but I was so PROUD. You were so professional and positive. It was awesome!
Diesel also have a terrible campaign right now “Be Stupid”. It makes me crazy and so does this one. Ugh.
it’s YOUR DAY, have fun!
I just sent an email to Gap. You can go to their web site, scroll down to the bottom and look for “Contact Us.” I hope others will send emails too!
On a much more positive note, congratulations on all of your success today! I have been checking your Amazon rank throughout the day! So exciting!
I finally had a chance to watch your Today show interview now that I’m home (stupid work internet blocked it!) and wow, you did great! You were so poised and if you were nervous, it sure as heck didn’t come across on camera. GREAT job!!!! Congrats!
Those looks like samosas, maybe? (the unidentified dish at lunch)
Wow, I hadn’t seen that GAP ad. Really appalling, and I say that as someone who loves the GAP.
This ad is appalling! I remember studying racist/sexist advertising in school but this takes the biscuit in terms of day talk and negative self imagery! It makes me really angry!
Glad youre having such an amazing experience!
Loooove how you say takes the biscuit! (Sorry, off topic.)
You were great this morning! Oh and I loved the Ultramarathon Man. That guy is insane and incredible and it really makes you reconsider what the human body is capable of!
Can I just say you look incredible today? You really pulled together some great professional looks! Is it all from Banana? You make it look so easy
All from Banana… Too bad they are the same company as the Gap! Sigh!
Ack! I didn’t even think about that! Oh well, can’t win them all. Important part is that you looked great!
Congrats on your amazing day!
I am appalled by that Gap ad. I saw it the other day and my jaw dropped. Seriously? Going to email them now!
I just emailed Gap…I feel much better now.
Seriously!!! Thanks- What was their marketing team thinking?!?!?!!
I loved Sweet Valley High — did you know the author is writing a book (maybe a series?) catching up with the sisters ten years later! It comes out next year!!
AREE YOU SERIOUS!!!!???? I LOVED THEM!!! Thanks for that bit of info- I can’t wait!
this would make my life lol
Sounds like a fabulous day! Remember every moment of it. AND oh my goodness, what a horrible ad. Gap needs some Operation Beautiful action!!!!!
What a great day! Gobo is delicious and that is so awesome that you got to go on Sirius radio! Gap needs to get a life.
What an awesome day for you! I love watching you on the Today show. And seriously Gap?! Yikes!
I love your outfit!
Finally got to see the today show clip when I got home, you looked stunning and did an amazing job in the interview! YAY! I was smiling like a fool the whole time LOL! Oddly enough your voice is so different than I had imagined! haha! So cool seeing Bobbi in the clips too, I’ve been following her blog a long time.
That gap ad is brutal, they clearly need to clean house with there advertising team, that’s just ridiculous.
speaking of terrible advertising:
http://jezebel.com/5599980/we-prefer-the-chocolate+filled-variety-ourselves
!!!
this ad is really bad. yes, you CAN be too thin!. ugh. I hate realizing that we are all so accepting of these concepts that advertising is using our own self hate to sell us products!
I haven’t heard of that ad before, that is awful!
You look gorgeous! I’m so glad you’re having a great time in NYC!
i am still so uber excited/happy for you, and impressed with your composure and professionalism through all of this…but i also must comment on something kind of trivial (oh, who am i kidding…it’s muy importante)
pumpkin.whoopie.pie!?! you have GOT to be kidding me. how in the heck was it????
It was epic!
=0)
oh and…. guess who found Operation Beautiful at her Northern CA B&N!? This Girl! my co-worker secretly snapped a pic of me trying to read it on the sly during our lunch…i got a few more individuals interested, since i obviously couldn’t put it down, even with food around! =0)
First, congrats on everything!! We watched you this morning and you did AMAZING!!! I would of been freaking out, but you were so calm and together ; )
All the food looks great! Love yucca fries. We used to make them on the grill all the time ; )
you were wonderful today…direct, positive…lovely.
sorry, but it is true…not everyone should wear shorts. ccc
Why?
HTPDad
This is exactly the problem. Other women do it to other women, therefore it opens the door for others (i.e. the gap) to do it. It’s not okay. Women should support other women, not tear them down.
THIS! Women perpetuate this negative self-talk and sexist attitudes just as much as men and advertising execs.
ANYONE should be able to wear shorts, despite what their legs look like or how much they weigh or what color the shorts are or how short they are. As long as they make that particular person feel comfortable, then more power to them!
We spend so much time policing other people’s outfits/weight/looks/habits/etc. instead of focusing on ourselves.
ANYWAY, Caitlin, I’ve been reading your blog for what feels like forever, and have loved OB from the start and I am just so happy your dreams have come true and keep getting better. You totally deserve it! You were awesome today!
I agree with Heather and Whitney… well said ladies. No one should be made to feel ashamed.
So, who gets to decide? You? No thanks.
as a matter of fact i do decide. and i choose not to wear shorts. and…i’m totally fine with that choice. ccc
Oh calm down, seriously who cares about that ad, you all take everything way too seriously. Some things in life need to be taken for what they are… jokes. When in life did everyone lose their sense of humour and get so serious about everything!!!
I think that we need to look at this critically. I mean, you may be able to take this as a joke, which it’s supposed to be, but how about a vulnerable teenage girl who’s already not sure she wants to wear shorts? There are jokes that are quite harmless and then there’s body image jokes, which I honestly don’t think are harmless for most people.
Hi Georgia:
I can definitely laugh at some advertising, but in the context of the larger issues in our society, I do find stuff like this disturbing. I think MOST people can laugh at it – but as the commenter above mentioned, not everyone can, and perhaps companies should be more sensitive.
Caitlin
I have quite a few friends that absolutely REFUSE to wear shorts because they ‘think’ their legs are gross. This kind of advertising fuels their unhealthy thinking. I, too, fell prey to this kind of advertising in college, I didnt want to wear shorts. I had/have large muscular legs and all of my friends were tiny and had thin legs. This ad is horrible for women who are unsure of what they feel about their body.
the message that I see when I look at this ad, is that “put some pants on” refers to the fact that summer is almost over, and it is a switch into fall clothes. That said, this ad was also clearly made to get a reaction, the people at Gap are not stupid and I am sure they excepted this backlash. All publicity is good publicity right…
This ad would no more make people who don’t think they should wear shorts, no wear them then a huge billboard of a beautiful model wearing shorts. (which is not a bad form of advertising either)
Society has gotten so over sensitive that we can’t even say Merry Christmas without backlash about how culturally wrong it is!!
Comment #58 got it right!
I want to offer a differing opinion on the Gap ad…
I’ll preface this by saying that I don’t think it’s an intelligent, thoughtful, or creative advertisement, and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say it’s controversial, because that would imply that there’s a debate over it, and I think most people agree that it’s just dumb and unnecessary. It has been said that the problem is that the ad seems to associate self-worth with appearance…HOWEVER, by taking offense, WE are the ones that are not separating media/superficiality/appearance from worth. I feel really strongly about this actually, and it’s the same response I have to people who shun the scale. If you really don’t care, don’t weigh yourself, and that’s awesome – but don’t say it’s because you don’t want the scale impacting your sense of self. True acceptance comes from seeing that number, or seeing a photoshopped model, or an offensive and sexist ad, and not caring! We can’t get rid of all the negativity in the world, so the answer is not to try and get rid of everything, but to find acceptance and self-confidence in spite of it. Getting completely offended by the ad says “I am not yet strong enough to see this ad without feeling bad about myself”. No, the ad should definitely NOT have been put out, but I believe self-confidence is like happiness. It’s easy to feel it when everything around you is lightness, but you can’t always eliminate dark patches, and if you can find lightness in spite of that, then that is truly acceptance.
Nicely said. There are aLOT of things in life that really, really suck. We have to just not let it affect us…but we should also fight for equality and what we believe in…
I have to say I really agree with this comment. I don’t think we are ready as a society for ads like this, given the current situation we are in with body image. Nor do I think we need to get ready because it’s a dumb ad. But it also says a lot about us if we let things like this bother us. Just my opinion though.
Thanks for sharing alternate views! I mean, I’m not going to riot Gap over it… but I would love to see them pull the ad because it’s pretty lame.
So so PROUD of you too – and I know, I don’t even know you!!
You worked so hard for this and deserve every moment – actually it’s not even a matter of how hard you worked – it’s a matter of pursuing your passions AND BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.
I only pray I can get there one day…
and Oh My Lord – The Babysitter’s Club, Nancy Drew…SVH!!! I LOVE IT – I want to reread those books now
! (and I’m sure I will)…
Can’t WAIT till your book gets in Canada…I checked out the bookstore just in case..;) not yet haha!
By the Way – sorry – don’t even know if your reading this LOL – most likely NOT – BUT if you are – I know you said you are a Writer now and that’s what your focusing on – so what do you hope to write about now?? Fiction, true-life??? And do you ever miss the idea of PT or a “normal” job? Pressure to blog and keep it up??
This new life is a lot of pressure but I feel fulfilled and inspired everyday. Can’t ask for more!
You deserve all of these wonderful moments, enjoy it.
Your book talk cracks me up! I literally had the same kind of conversation with my boss today about R.L. Stine and the Baby Sitters Club, before I read this! Hilarious!
Ugh. This is exactly why I don’t shop at the Gap. They suck. I don’t understand why advertising and attitudes like this are allowed to persist without people getting up in arms.
You totally rocked your interview on the Today Show! I was just in NY… wished I had been there when you were there.
Shame on the Gap! I didn’t hear about it until now.
I got to hear you on Cocks with P. You sounded completely at home and like you were having a blast. What an amazing day!
Omigawsh that gap ad is horrible and I had not hear about it either. I guess I was never a big gap person, but I surely won’t be now.
Congrats! I wish I could have tuned in for the Today show but I was in class
I cannot believe the ad gap. I sent them an email voicing my opinion on that!
That sounds like a pretty fun lunch! I’m only twenty but I was all over those Sweet Valley High books when I was little!! I read a few of the Babysitter’s Club but not too many..
OMG i can’t even believe that add!! Some people in advertising are so crazy.
I feel the same way about NYC! I feel like everyone there has such a fun job, but they usually work a ton and have very long hours. Still a lot of them are living their dreams, just like you
I saw your interview and you were amazing! Your NYC trip sounds wonderful.
And YAY for picking up The Lost Dogs! Do post a review when you have a chance…pits need all the good press they can get!
Caitin-I just watched your interview. You did AWESOME. You didn’t stutter or say UM (which I’m notorious for!) or anything! I did laugh though when you tucked your hair behind your ear bc you mentioned that you were trying hard not to play with your hair.
You were awesome.
And I have to admit, you inspired my post for today. From reading Jenna’s post to watching your video, I had a much needed epiphany. Thanks again for your positive attitude and everything you’ve done for people like me. Your blog has helped me to change my life (I’ve told you this before, I know…) I just wanted to remind you of how thankful I am for you!
<3 thank you so much. off to read your post now!
What an amazing and wonderful time for you! Congratulations on all of it. Enjoy!!!!!!!
What a horrible ad by the Gap!
And I LIKE the Gap! Jeez.
Your day looks like so much fun, and that restaurant looks delicious!
I heart YB Patrick.
Congratulations on such a huge and exciting day! UltraMarathon Man is a fun book, by the way! Enjoy every minute of your experience…
You did great this morning, I loved watching you! Your day sounds perfect. I live near Gobo and have walked by but never went in — now I HAVE to!
A trip to Barnes and Nobles is on my agenda for the weekend to buy your book! I’m so excited to read it and I really have had so much fun following your last few days! You rock!
Caitlin – I completely agree with you about the Gap ad. We think this stuff doesn’t make a difference but when it comes at us 150 times a day, it gets into the subconscious and we internalize it no matter how strong we are. I’m appalled at Gap. Is this the company that gave us the brilliant “RED” campaign? What happened???
Congratulations on the book and the great day in NYC! Well done!
I just emailed the Gap too! And I feel better.
I agree with you. Some people above said we shouldn’t sweat stuff like this but its CONSTANT. And that’s so wrong!!
I know everyone has said this already, but you totally rocked the Today Show this morning. I am so proud of you for all the great things you are doing right now and you deserve all the greatness that has come to you right now
Wow that IS a bad Gap ad! You look adorable and soo professional in your pencil skirt and sweater! Way to rock it today girl!
I guess I just don’t see what the big deal about the ad is. Yes, it’s in poor taste and I don’t really find it that amusing. But I take responsibility for my own feelings about my self-worth; I have those days where I feel terrible about my appearance, but that’s my problem alone. I don’t put it on anyone else and I don’t expect anyone else to fix it for me. Having spent years dealing with anorexia, I don’t take such issues lightly. However, I’m done expecting society to fix it’s own perceptions about what I’m supposed to look like. Instead of fighting to fix society, I’ve decided to focus on making sure I’m happy with myself- which allows me to then ignore things like this ad.
<3 I am so glad you can turn a blind eye to this stuff!!! I wish all girls had the inner resolve to ignore this type of negative messaging.
that ad totally sucks! ugh, check this one out too from Pretzel Thins: “You can never be too thin”
http://gothamist.com/2010/08/04/pretzels.php
Do not like these one bit!
You were so great this morning – I enjoyed watching you share the Operation Beautiful message on TV and luckily was able to catch it. Your book is in the top Amazon 100 – how amazing! I am excited to meet you next weekend!
I also do not like the gaps ad, I had already been frustrated with them for taking size 16 shirts out of their store and only offering them online. (I have a large chest and their t-shirts are cut small) Now I am going to completely stop giving them my money and this includes Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime and Athleta. Vote with your dollars, it’s the only thing businesses understand.
It also angers me that they would have this ad in their window during back to school shopping season when so many young girls and boys are at the mall shopping for clothes.
Caitlin- you were gorgeous and eloquent on the Today Show this morning. Great Job- I was late for a meeting this morning because I HAD to watch you!
[...] People Shouldn’t Wear Shorts? August 5, 2010 by Kaley I was reading Caitlin’s blog when I came across this new Gap [...]
I commented on others’ replies, but I just wanted to say CONGRATS. And breathe.
When will your segment with Good Day Philadelphia air?
Aww it just did!
No worries, I caught it! I ewas just confused b/c Good Day Philadelphia is the morning “news” show much like Today Show…your segment aired on the nightly news : ) But your Dad helped me catch it!
wtf is up with that gap ad? i cannot believe they would actually use that slogan/phrase. terrible!
You did so awesome on TV. Way to go achieving your dreams!
Thank you for sharing your day. I feel like I was with you. When I saw the picture at the radio studio was it? I was thinking, is that the same skirt but different outfit I saw on tv this morning.
How freakin’ weird.
I have goosebumps because I am so excited for you.
hhehe wardrobe changes!
the sirius station rules!
That view from the Sirius studies is AMAZING! What an extraordinary experience, how thrilling!! I’d love to be at Sirius for a day, it’s (satellite radio) one of my favorite things in life! LOL
That Gap ad is appalling. Did Abercrombie & Fitch buy them out or something? Highly distasteful.
Jenn
You’ve had such an amazing day! You certainly deserve the rest. You’re awesome and amazing and beautiful, and I’m so glad to have been able to share this day with you.
Wei-Wei
Congratulations on your big day! I watched the Today Show this morning–you were great!
Congrats on your big day today! you deserve every bit of it, you’re amazing
hiiiii !! i want to say congratulations again! i’m so happy for you.
the gap ad, is that a message for american apparel?!
oh i love GOBO… I had lunch from there today too!
You sound like you had a very lovely day! So so so cool for us to join you on your journey!
Caitlin!!!! Congrats on the book and everything else you have accomplished! I just watched you on the Today Show online and teared up from the message you presented about Operation Beautiful! You were great!
The lunch looks amazing. The Gap ad is appalling!
Baby Sitters Club ruled, those were my favorite when I was younger.
I can’t wait to watch your segment, my cable was out this morning so my boyfriend Tivo’d it for me, I’ll have to get over to his house to see it.
That GAP ad is horrible. There is a similar one in the Lifetime Fitness gym that I go to. I think it’s for a sports drink, maybe Vitamin Water, but can’t remember. It says: “Spandex is a privilege, not a right.”
What a message to send to people who are obviously working hard to be healthy.
That vegan restaurant looks ah-maz-ing! I need to move to NYC! Happy Best Day of Your Life
!
What a stupid advertisement – if the Gap is having trouble selling pants, maybe they should make nicer pants that don’t look like “mom pants.”
HHAHAHAH I AGREE.
Ha, I used to love the Sweet Valley High books and TV series. I had actually forgotten all about it until now!
Glad you’re having a blast in NYC, you deserve it so enjoy every second.
That restaurant looks amazing!!
wow your on a roller coaster arent you! life is good for you right now it looks like. every where i go on blog land evryone is talking about you and your book, you should be so proud of yourself!!
lunch looks awesome! enjoy the rest of your day. N xx
I am so disappointed by the Gap ad. This is the first I have seen of it, but it’s an awful message to send to anyone, especially girls. Sadly, Old Navy (owned by The Gap) makes my favorite jeans, too.
thanks for the heads up about Gap. I just sent them an email to let them know that their ad is offensive and harmful. I hope more people will send in emails.
on a happy note… I ordered your book a couple days ago – can’t wait for it to arrive! congrats on all your successes and thanks for the work you do
That Gap ad is HEINOUS! Gosh, why does it everything have to be so negative in fashion? It’s not like that makes me respond. If anything, if makes me feel negative and NOT want to buy any clothes. Pshhhh.
Happier note! When my husband moved to the U.S. from Canada, I made sure that he packed his ENTIRE SERIES of Goosebumps books. They now are happily on display on an entire shelf in our living room. They certainly are the conversation piece. People walk in and say “OOH! This one was my favorite!”
That AD is awful!! Stupid Gap! Although I don’t think I can ever stop buying Banana Republic clothes…they;re my fav.
Anyways, this reminded me of another HORRIBLE ad I saw walking the streets of Boston the other day. It was for some random brand of like Pretzle thins…not the actual Pretzle Thins, it was a brand I hadn’t heard of, but the big sign said “You Can Never be Too Skinny”…. yeah, awesome. I was thinking “seriously?”
sorry, my bad it said “You Can Never be Too Thin” still.
oh apparently I’m not the only one who’s seen this…
http://gothamist.com/2010/08/04/pretzels.php
Oh bad work GAP! You would think someone would have realized the potential impact before putting that ad in print…
Oh, bad move GAP! You’d think someone would have noticed the possibility for that to go wrong before the ad was printed…
haha I think it’s so funny that you know what whoopie pies are! We call them gobs in Altoona, PA
No one I ever talk to who hasn’t spent time in PA knows what they are!!
I will not be buying Gap jeans anymore (although I usually get most of mine from Goodwill, so I’m not supporting them directly). I love the outfit from the Sirius Radio picture…nice mix of business and casual with the cardigan!!
I saw that GAP ad at the mall the other day and thought “wow that’s pretty harsh” and it gave me a bad feeling. I’m sure they have to be getting all kind of complaints on that one. Congrats on all of your achievements in NYC! Good luck with your TR marathon training! I’m doing the half!
Wow I’m totally shocked by that ad! When people see that kind of stuff on a daily basis, it really can have an impact on how they feel about themselves!
That vegan restaurant looks amazing!
sounds like an amazing day so far
And that restaurant looks awesome!
I read all the same books when I was growing up! I’m pretty sure I read every Goosebumps (8 in one day, actually – don’t recommend it), RL Stine, Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High, Boxcar Children, and more.
I think the ad in and of itself might *seem* harmless, but you’re right that it really does influence how some girls feel about their body. And some girls will question, “maybe I shouldn’t wear shorts since I don’t look like that model.”
It’s negative, ugly, and totally unnecessary.
I guess I am in the minority that doesn’t understand the big deal over the Gap ad. I don’t find it demeaning at all (especially when you compare it to the pretzel “you can never be too thin” campaign. I don’t read it as telling anyone that they don’t look good in shorts…maybe I’m just reading it wrong?
It doesn’t make me want to buy Gap pants, but I thought the ad was (kinda) funny…and I wasn’t offended by it.
Congrats on an amazing day!
And as far as the gap ad goes, I agree with you. Yes, it might not be the MOST offensive ad I’ve ever seen but even if just ONE person sees it and suddenly has second thoughts about wearing shorts because of what others may think of them, then isn’t that enough? How does Gap have the authority to tell people not to wear what they want to wear, even if it is just a simple ad? It’s ridiculous and now I’m off to send an email to them as well. Thanks for shining light on this.
I owned every single Babysitter’s Club book. They are still in my mom’s basement.
Ultramarathon Man is one of my all-time favorite books. You will die laughing at the scene in his Lexus. LOL!
I loved “Sweet Vally High” books, I read them all and even tried to write a book like those on my own……but that is when I realized I am by no means a writer! =O
I think what’s funny about the ad is that if they left the tagline about the shorts, it would be a more compelling ad. Simply “Put some pants on” or better “Put some Gap Pants on” would be more compelling… to me.
Anyway… Watched The Today Show… you did excellent! Congrats on everything that’s going on!
On the subject of Sweet Valley High (which I loved as a kid as well, but didn’t read them all), my friend who I complimented yesterday has a YA blog with some other friends, and they have a series of posts about SVH (among other things): http://www.foreveryoungadult.com/
The SVH reviews are pretty snarky, though, so be prepared!
this is the best website ever!!!!!!
Oh I loved SVH and BSC books! I watched you last night on FOX, stayed up past my bed time, haha, great job! You inspired my post that I wrote yesterday.
I can’t believe that GAP ad… doesn’t seem like them. How disappointing.
I love COSMO radio and was totally taken by surprised when I heard you go on-HOW COOL.
You’re livin’ the dream
Enjoy!
I’ve read the Ultrmarathon Man book and it is crazy good! I would dig into that one first, it’ll get you motivated to run when you get home
I so need to go to the restaurant…and bring people who think vegan is all crazy raw food. It all looked AMAZING! I know you are tired but are you having fun?
Totally emailing Gap today. WTF?
Like #81 @Kristin, this ad does not affect me in the slightest.
Yet, I remember what it was like to be unsure of myself, aware of every flaw, terrified of what people thought, and letting each and every comment eat into my self worth. I emailed Gap for the younger version of me, who would have let this ad worm its way in. I emailed them because I’m sure there’s a girl out there now struggling just like I was who may let this ad push her over the edge.
I am 25, a runner, and fairly confidant… and I STILL have a very hard time wearing shorts because of what i feel like my legs are expected to look like… This ad is mimicking the words that we all say to ourselves. These mean words should be quieted, not shouted at us from store fronts.
bad Gap. now I spurn you AND Nike for bad business practices.
I am loving your blog. Thanks for sharing. I read Ultramarathon Man and it motivated me to make some significant changes in my life, including quitting smoking, losing weight, and starting to jog the trails near my house.
Gap, emailed!
Congratulations on your amazing whirl wind day!
I hate that sign and not because it negatively affects me, but because I have an 11yr old daughter that *might* decide that shorts are not cool if she were to read that sign. And I’m sure there are scads of young girls out there who have taken it just that way. “Your legs suck, cover them up”. Ugh…What were they thinking??