OB All Over

on April 13, 2011
in All Posts

Psst – Searching for a Mother’s Day gift (it’s May 8!)?  The Operation Beautiful book is temporarily on-sale on Amazon for 60% off retail!  Pretty sweet.  🙂

 

Morning!

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It was a very early morning for me, indeed.  I was up at 5:30 for a 7:30 flight. 

 

Does anyone else have the worst time sleeping before any big event?  Even if it’s just a race or a morning meeting, I toss and turn all night – it’s like I think I’m accidentally going to sleep through it (which I never have but my mind thinks that’s besides the point).

 

Today’s journey is for work.  I am going to the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA for an Operation Beautiful presentation.  I actually went to PCT last year for a presentation, but this year, I’ll be doing a brand new presentation.  I’m a little nervous to do something new, but I’m excited, too!

 

I also did an Operation Beautiful presentation last night in Charlotte. I spoke to a small group of middle school girls in a special after-school program called Beautiful Girls, which is intended to boost confidence and help them stay out of trouble.  We ended up posting notes all over 6th grade bathroom and using a few notes to cover up some negative graffiti on random lockers.

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So much better than “F–k You!”  Seriously.

 

Back to today…

 

Since my wake-up call was so early, I ate breakfast at the airport:

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I died laughing when the woman handed me that huge bowl of oatmeal and asked, “Are you sure you just want a side of oatmeal for breakfast, honey?!”  Ummm… this is no side dish!  I smiled and said it would be fine.  🙂

 

I brought my own sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and banana to mix in:

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‘Twas delicious, but the entire time I was eating it, I could feel the businessman next to me STARING at my food as if to say, “What the heck are those little black thingies and WHY is she eating that?”  (I wish he had just asked – I would’ve told him that chia seeds are a good source of Omega 3’s and fiber.)

 

The pilot just came back on and said we’re delayed even more.  We’ve been sitting on the tarmac for an hour now!  I wish I had gotten a coffee before boarding…

{ 84 comments }

 

  • Molly April 13, 2011, 9:06 am

    You have my sympathy for being without coffee!

  • Jackie @ Baking Charms April 13, 2011, 9:07 am

    I can never sleep if I have something big the next day. Ugh sorry about your traveling delay… those are super annoying!

  • erin April 13, 2011, 9:12 am

    I can’t believe you can even -get- oatmeal at the airport. Ours are full of croissants and toasted sandwiches… both of which have their place, but aren’t exactly nutritious.

  • Cindy Robinson April 13, 2011, 9:13 am

    I am the exact same way the night before events (big & small)….I feel like I have to set several alarms for fear of sleeping through it..or heaven forbid the power go out…and my alarm not go off 🙂 But, just like you said, that’s never happened…. Hope you get off the ground soon! Good luck on your presentation, you’ll do great. Keep spreading the positivity!

  • Freya April 13, 2011, 9:13 am

    Ohh how awful to be delayed on the plane! That sucks – so cramped.
    :O – the corridor in that school looks JUST like they do in the movies! Love it 😛

  • Christina April 13, 2011, 9:14 am

    Hi Caitlin! I am thinking about taking my dog to FABO this weekend after seeing it on your blog – it looks so cute! I know they have delicious looking treats, do they have treats for the dogs as well?

    Good luck with your presentation!

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 9:17 am

      Yay, FABO!!! Yes they have dog treats the cashier will give out, but not like, doggie baked goodies.

  • Jess (Daly Authenticity) April 13, 2011, 9:14 am

    Awe! My sister is going to be a Freshman at Penn Tech in September! Hopefully you go back 🙂

  • Kelly April 13, 2011, 9:14 am

    No coffee?! The horror! 🙂 Have a good one!

  • Michelle April 13, 2011, 9:15 am

    Random question – Do your chia seeds make it through security okay? I just got back from a week and a half trip and I wanted to take chia seeds with me but were afraid they’d look weird in a little baggie…

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat April 13, 2011, 9:16 am

    Aw sorry to hear about your delay!! Sounds like you had a great presentation last night though. Like you, I also have trouble sleeping well before big events. There is always so much running through my mind and I’m terrified that for some reason or another, my alarm won’t go off. Good luck with your next presentation – I’m sure they will love you! 🙂

  • Valerie April 13, 2011, 9:16 am

    Wow, I’m originally from Williamsport! I’m glad to see that you are taking your message there..

  • Lisa April 13, 2011, 9:17 am

    As a teacher, I often take yogurt with fruit and chia seeds and eat it before homeroom. One morning a few students came in and said “EW, what is that?!” So funny, but I’m glad they ask. They still think I’m crazy, but now at least they know what chia seeds are! So hopefully they will never stare at you in an airport!

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats April 13, 2011, 9:18 am

    I had chia seeds in my oats this morning too. The first time I used them, my boyfriend thought ants had gotten into the oats jar. Yum. Safe travels! Good luck on your presentation.

  • Baking 'n' Books April 13, 2011, 9:19 am

    I hate staring people! Ugh. Just in general. I would have turned to him and asked him if there was something wrong or told him exactly what you were eating so he can now turn away – please 😉

    It occurred to me that OB must really be something your passionate about hey? To put all this work and effort into it. I guess I never really thought of it that way because you wear “so many different hats” – and it didn’t start out as “I have to specifically write a book about this”…funny how the world works.

  • Carolyn @Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. April 13, 2011, 9:20 am

    You just might end up getting the coffee when you deplane and get stuck at the airport. For the sake of getting to your speaking engagement on time, I sure hope not.

    I travel entirely too much for work! And I bust out my entire kitchen sink when I travel. Everyone looks at me funny, but I enjoy my veggie wrap and fruit and homemade trail mix while they have airline pretzels.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday April 13, 2011, 9:20 am

    Sitting on the tarmac is the WORST. I hate being on a plane for any longer than I have to… I try to be one of the last people to board the plane.

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com April 13, 2011, 9:24 am

    I’ll drink a coffee for ya. 😉 have a great flight!

  • Melissa April 13, 2011, 9:25 am

    So, I’ve always wondered…when a book is on discount like that, does the author get the same amount of cash from that sale?

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 9:29 am

      Short answer is: No! Long answer is authors don’t anything for sales until you earn back your advance (which is rare). Then, you only get a small % of the sale price.

  • Kate @thepseudovegan April 13, 2011, 9:26 am

    I get those looks with chia seeds alllll the time!!! and then the person will say, like a chia pet?! HAHA Good Luck on your presentation. I would have loved to have someone like you speak at my school and give such a positive message! You rock!!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg April 13, 2011, 9:26 am

    In December I flew to Chicago and I remember sitting at the terminal eating my overnight oats. A lady did ask me what the heck I was eating. Maybe it was because I was eating them out of a sour cream container?

  • Joanne April 13, 2011, 9:30 am

    I start tossing and turning and not sleeping a week before a big event. But somehow I find the energy to push through.

    Good travels – be safe.

  • megan @ blackberries for jam April 13, 2011, 9:34 am

    I sleep HORRIBLY before big events too! Morning plane travel, really long runs and races. The race thing is really a problem and I’m trying to work on it so I can sleep before my marathon. Before my half, I got TWO hours of sleep. I’ve sort of resigned myself to being really sleep-deprived during the race.

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good April 13, 2011, 9:35 am

    Yes, I have trouble sleeping before a big day. So annoying. Hope you have a great trip/presentation!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) April 13, 2011, 9:36 am

    Good luck! I can’t sleep when I know I have a flight to catch. I always feel like I’m going to over sleep. I have to tell you though that my kids were talking about Operation Beautiful this morning. They are boys and I know they heard about it from me, but they were talking about the sticky notes with good thoughts on them. I don’t talk about it often, in fact I think they remember it from the time you were on The Today Show. I just thought you would like to hear that even little boys know about the power of positive thoughts! Thank you for spreading positivity!

  • chelsea April 13, 2011, 9:39 am

    I hate being stuck on in the plane when it’s delayed. I always have a hard time sleeping when something is going on in the morning, especially flying. Have fun!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs April 13, 2011, 9:40 am

    I walked into my college library yesterday and all over there are signs that say, “you look beautiful today.” I was walking with a friend (who didn’t know about OB) and she was having kind of a rough day. She turned to me and said, “Wow, that really just made my day.” Afterwards, it seemed as though her attitude totally turned around. It was amazing.

    Good luck with your presentation! 🙂

  • Emily April 13, 2011, 9:40 am

    Someone in my office totally asked why I had “bird seed” (aka chia seeds) in my oatmeal this morning! haha

  • Hats @ See How She Runs April 13, 2011, 9:45 am

    The only time I wouldn’t mind being delayed is if I were in first or business class. Sadly I doubt that’ll ever happen!

    Anyone know any good places to get chia seeds in the UK? I’m dying to try overnight oats.

  • Jen April 13, 2011, 9:53 am

    You’re so smart bringing your own food to airports! Healthy fuel is necessary…especially when you’ve been waiting forever like you have! Good luck on the presentation (even though I’m sure you don’t need it).

  • Jen @ keepitsimplefoods April 13, 2011, 9:56 am

    Just curious…does your publicist book your speaking engagements? How do you find opportunities to speak?

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 5:02 pm

      Places usually approach me. I’m trying to be more proactive. I have a speaking agent but she’s non exclusive so I usually broker the deals myself.

  • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch April 13, 2011, 9:59 am

    Sounds like you’ve already had quite the morning! Hope your flight takes off soon, I hate sitting there waiting!

    Hey the positive side of not getting the coffee is you might be able to avoid the airplane toilet – ick!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas April 13, 2011, 10:02 am

    I know what you mean about not being able to sleep before a big event! I am a teacher – and most of the time I feel like I sleep like my kids do! First day of school.. toss and turn all night! Field trip.. same thing!
    I lose the most sleep right before a vacation though.. since I know I get time off!

    Good luck with your presentation!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food April 13, 2011, 10:04 am

    So sorry to hear that your flight has been delayed. I hate that especially when I’ve gotten up super early to catch it!

    Hope all goes well with your presentation, I’m sure that it will.

    When you get a chance I would love it if you took a look at my Self Love post from yesterday. I think it would make you proud in an Operation Beautiful kind of way. 🙂

  • Jamie@Healthywalk April 13, 2011, 10:05 am

    Have a great time! Your presentation will be wonderful! I love Operation Beautiful! It’s great to post notes everywhere and I love finding them when someone else does it!

    Where do you find chia seeds? Can I find them at any grocery store? You always have such great looking food that I want to recreate!

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 5:01 pm

      Try chiaseedsdirect.com or Whole Foods!

  • Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition April 13, 2011, 10:06 am

    I feel like people have been stuck on the tarmac and delayed on flights a lot lately, I wonder why. I hardly sleep a wink before a huge event. A big meeting, interview, you name it. I used to take sleeping pills in anticipation but I have stopped doing that because I just don’t think that’s good for the body…

  • Kara April 13, 2011, 10:06 am

    Have you ever seen that episode of 30 Rock where Matt Damon is the pilot and he says that they always say it will be 30 minutes to take off? That’s long enough that people forget to check their watch, but not long enough to stir up dissent. 🙂

  • Presley April 13, 2011, 10:12 am

    People can be so nosy when it comes to food… It’s so funny! My coworkers always comment on my lunches and I always feel so uncomfortable! I need to get over it 🙂

    • Faith @ lovelyascharged April 13, 2011, 10:15 am

      Mine comment whenever I take photos of my food…I’m just now starting to get over it and be like “yeah…I have a food blog…sure it sounds weird but its no big”

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) April 13, 2011, 10:14 am

    Hahaha a side of oatmeal. Anyone who thinks a bowl of oatmeal is a side has never tried a real bowl of oatmeal with fruit, nuts, chia seeds, nut butter, etc!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged April 13, 2011, 10:14 am

    Sorry about the airport delays. The last time I flew I was coming home from DC and NYC and spent my whole flight editing food pictures…the woman I was sitting next to was clearly amused/confused as to what I was doing and why!

  • Kacy April 13, 2011, 10:15 am

    I do the same thing with super early wake up calls. I get so paranoid I’m going to oversleep. Especially with flights!

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty April 13, 2011, 10:16 am

    NO COFFEE?!!! Hope it’s not a long flight – if you ever get off the ground. I wake up too, when something important is going on early. The oatmeal looks good.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me April 13, 2011, 10:26 am

    ugh delays. What a bummer!

    I’m the same way before big events. I toss and turn like crazy!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels April 13, 2011, 10:26 am

    boo delays!

    Yeah I’m bad at sleeping when I have morning stuff. And all week I’ve had major exam anxiety and haven’t been able to sleep, even though I need the sleep for my brain to function and study properly. I never had anxiety when I was in college the first time, or when I was doing part time classes, but now that I’m back to being a full time student the pressure seems to be creeping up on me 🙁

  • rebecca lustig April 13, 2011, 10:32 am

    When are you coming to the Philly/NJ area?!! We need youuu!! 🙂

  • betty@runbetty April 13, 2011, 10:33 am

    Yes! I totally have a hard time sleeping the night before a “big” morning event!

    Just yesterday, I had a 6AM conference call, and I must’ve woken up 4 time between 2 and 6. I even DREAMT that I missed the call.

  • Miranda @ working mom works out April 13, 2011, 10:34 am

    Haha. Not much worse than someone starring while you eat.

    Btw where go you get your chia seeds? I looked at Earthfare and couldn’t find any.

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 5:00 pm

      Whole Foods or chiaseedsdirect.com

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley April 13, 2011, 10:39 am

    Oh middle school. I remember graffiti like that very well. I’m sorry about the lack of coffee. Have a good flight!

  • Jen April 13, 2011, 10:39 am

    I always have a terrible time sleeping the night before anything “big”.
    Love the OB note covering up the F U 🙂 Much better!

  • Liz April 13, 2011, 10:53 am

    He probably thought the chia seeds were poppy seeds!! scandalous!

  • Abby April 13, 2011, 10:55 am

    Mmm! Oats on a plane! Great way to start the morning!

  • Khushboo April 13, 2011, 10:58 am

    Haha I love freaking people our with my eats! Hope the presentation goes well!

  • Stacey April 13, 2011, 11:00 am

    I just bought the book! 🙂

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 5:00 pm

      Oh my goodness, thank you!

  • Beth April 13, 2011, 11:03 am

    Have fun in Williamsport–it’s my husband’s hometown!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti April 13, 2011, 11:21 am

    Good luck, Caitlin! I was actually thinking about OB the other day, and was wondering if you could dedicate a future post to the kinds of questions and comments you get from young women at these events. Have a great day!

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 5:00 pm

      Great kids, I will soon!

  • Sana April 13, 2011, 11:27 am

    I loveee that the businessman was staring at your b-fast. TOO funny!!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) April 13, 2011, 11:33 am

    haha! Those little seeds do look a bit scary don’t they? Eric eats chia seeds on cereal and he always has to check his teeth before leaving the house! The first time, he found 5 stuck in his teeth. lol.

    • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 13, 2011, 12:23 pm

      Those little things get stuck in my teeth so easily. When I brush after eating them, SO many come out?! Those sneaky things hide everywhere!

      • Angela (Oh She Glows) April 13, 2011, 2:10 pm

        They really do! Nothing like a smile full of chia seeds…lol.

  • Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing April 13, 2011, 11:39 am

    YES for turning those negative statements into positive ones with the OB notes! 🙂 Love what you are doing to help young girls, Caitlin!

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope April 13, 2011, 11:42 am

    HAHA! I don’t know… I think I’d be jealous if I were sitting next to you and you had that bowl of oatmeal! 😉

  • Carol April 13, 2011, 11:54 am

    Hope all goes well today! Yes, I am also curious how you get your speaking engagements arranged.

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 4:59 pm

      They reach out to me! I have a speaking agent but she’s non exclusive so I usually broker my own deals.

  • Amber K April 13, 2011, 12:20 pm

    I work every other day and even though I go to bed at the same time, I can never seem to fall asleep on nights before I have to get up for work. It’s frustrating! Even though I do everything the same!

  • Mary (what's cookin' with mary) April 13, 2011, 12:22 pm

    Since I already have sleep issues (a bit of insomnia), if I have a big event the following day… I end up having a super hard time getting my brain to shut off so I can sleep. I’ve always been that way and it has gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. No fun!

    Sorry to hear of your delays. Those are the worst, esp when you’re sitting on the plane waiting and not in the terminal. I do not heart planes lol.

  • Ely April 13, 2011, 12:23 pm

    The pressure to get a good sleep before a big day always gets to me. For me, I think the problem is that I build up the importance of sleep sooooo much, then can’t get to sleep to begin with, and then a cycle of worrying about sleep leads to less sleep… Yikes! I noticed this in particular before I wrote the LSAT. Too much pressure.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) April 13, 2011, 1:00 pm

    Haha, whenever someone is staring at what I’m eating, I’m always tempted to offer them a bite… if they’re staring, they’re obviously curious! One of these days I will, just to freak them out 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple April 13, 2011, 1:26 pm

    Hope you have safe travels! And best of luck with your presentation. Know that you have so much support for your cause so that should bring you an extra boost of confidence if you’re ever nervous 😉

  • Nessa @ Island Style Running April 13, 2011, 2:00 pm

    I’ve been seeing a lot of bloggers post about Chia seeds… hmmmm, are they similar to ground flax seeds? I usually use flax for Omega 3’s and fiber but always up for trying something new!

    Good luck with your presentation! You’re gonna rock =)

    • Caitlin April 13, 2011, 4:58 pm

      They are a little similar but I think chia seeds are better because they becomes all jelly when wet (like in a smoothie or oats).

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife April 13, 2011, 2:34 pm

    I hate hate waiting on the tramack…I feel so clostrophobic! Best wishes for todays’ presentation-you’ll do great!!

  • carlee April 13, 2011, 6:31 pm

    ahaha! I HATE when you know someone is staring at your food like wtheck is that! ahaha.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 13, 2011, 6:52 pm

    I love your idea to cover up graffiti with OB notes! I remember there were always so many negative comments written in the bathroom stalls at my high school and I always hated seeing them. Good luck with today’s presentation!

  • Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen April 13, 2011, 6:58 pm

    Good luck with your flight!
    That’s so cool that you guys covered up the graffiti. Even when it’s not directed at someone specific, it still has an impact.

  • Amy April 14, 2011, 1:29 am

    When the places approach you, is everything paid for through them? As the author OB, do any of your travel costs come out of pocket? I guess im curious how big a part is speaking engagements/book signings of an authors income (if this is too personal though, I TOTALLY understand!)

    • Caitlin April 14, 2011, 5:23 am

      I get paid a flat rate and pay all expenses out of pocket, which is why I try to be frugal when traveling 🙂

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