The Starting Line

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I think writing a book is like running a marathon (or having a baby?).

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You have to forget how hard the first one was to do before you want to do it again.  πŸ™‚

 

I went to my beloved Barnes and Noble to look at books and think about my next move.  I know, I know Γ’β‚¬β€œ the book hasnÒ€ℒt even come out yet.  But itÒ€ℒs already time to think about my next move, and I have tons of ideas (not all good, IÒ€ℒm sure!).

 

I actually ate lunch in between the racks:

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I had a pear, an English muffin with almond butter, and a latte.

 

And then I went a little Operation Beautiful crazy.  HereÒ€ℒs a few:

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After working for a while, I actually had an eye doctor appointment.  I lost my glasses when we were in London over Christmas, and I really need new ones.

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(Expelliarmus!)

 

Guess what? My vision has improved by 0.5 in the left eye and 0.25 in the right eye!  My doctor asked me if I had made any dietary changes in the last four years (I havenÒ€ℒt been to get a new script in forever), and I said yes, that I try to eat a lot better now.  Guess what?  He thinks my healthy lifestyle improved my vision a little!  Not sure if itÒ€ℒs entirely true (he also said it couldÒ€ℒve just naturally Γ’β‚¬Λœleveled offÒ€ℒ) but itÒ€ℒs still neat.

 

Post-doctor snack of crackers, cucumbers, salsa, and hummus:

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Have a great FRIDAY afternoon!

 

(And donÒ€ℒt worry, I did not buy the Harry Potter glasses.)

{ 83 comments }

 

  • jen trinque April 23, 2010, 3:39 pm

    First of all, you are so brave to post a pic of you with those glasses, you’re so cute! My glasses are ten years old! I only wear them at the most desperate of times. I hope at some point you’ll be sharing some of your next book ideas – does your publisher want something else from you at some point, or was it a one book deal? How does that all work?

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 3:46 pm

      i think my contract states that they get first dibs, but they aren’t required to buy anything else from me.

  • Cyclist Kate April 23, 2010, 3:43 pm

    It’s Friday ;).

    And your next “movie”???

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 3:45 pm

      hahah man i have been really great with the funny typos lately. the other day i wrote that i crapped the bottom of the bowl (i meant scraped). LOL

      • Cyclist Kate April 23, 2010, 4:24 pm

        love funny typos!

  • Sarah for Real April 23, 2010, 3:45 pm

    Oh I wish MY vision would improve through foods! I’d eat about a thousand carrots a day if they could promise me that.

    I have the worst vision and my eyes throw a temper tantrum every time I try to wear my contacts πŸ™ I’ve been jogging with my glasses! I’m such a dork, hahaha.

    Was B&N helpful for you to figure out your next move? Seems like it might be overwhelming unless you had a specific mission…

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 3:46 pm

      yes it was helpful! it’s important to look at see what is already on the market.

  • Evan Thomas April 23, 2010, 3:45 pm

    Bahaha, that picture of you in glasses made me laugh out loud

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 23, 2010, 3:45 pm

    crazy about your vision improvement!

    i can only imagine that writing a book and being published is addicting πŸ™‚ can’t wait to hear about your next move πŸ™‚

  • Jessica @ How Sweet April 23, 2010, 3:46 pm

    Love that you posted OB notes in B&N – that is probably one of my favorite places on earth!

  • Jess April 23, 2010, 3:46 pm

    Gah, I LOVE harry potter, but not his glasses πŸ˜‰ You look cute though!

    I bet your first book is going to be AMAZING!

  • Rachel April 23, 2010, 3:46 pm

    It’s Friday, not Saturday : )

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 3:48 pm

      HAHHA what is wrong with me lately?!

      • Rachel April 23, 2010, 3:49 pm

        ha ha, you’re fine. have a beer, it will help!

  • Errign April 23, 2010, 3:47 pm

    Think you’re a day ahead, Caitlin – it’s Friday afternoon πŸ™‚

    I wish my vision improved like that – I am doomed to be nearly blind for life! πŸ™‚

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 23, 2010, 3:47 pm

    Love the picture, you are too cute πŸ™‚

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle April 23, 2010, 3:48 pm

    Um… Friday. Otherwise I wouldn’t be at work.

  • Meghan@traveleatlove April 23, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I would love to write a book, someday. You are pretty awesome for going after that at such a young age!
    My left eye got so much worse between visits πŸ™ Hoping to curb that from now on if I can.

  • shannon (the daily balance) April 23, 2010, 3:48 pm

    whatever you do will be fab — just go with ur heart πŸ˜‰

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 23, 2010, 3:49 pm

    LOVE the glasses!! πŸ™‚

  • Anna April 23, 2010, 3:49 pm

    Wait at first I thought you actually got the HP glasses and I was thinking “hmmm interesting, those don’t really seem like her style…” hah!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin April 23, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Wow that is so cool that your diet may have improved your vision! My vision is pretty terrible so I would love for it to improve.. any day now!

  • Maura April 23, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Love those glasses! haha

  • Marissa April 23, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Yay for vision improvements!

    I bet someday B+N will have a whole shelf of your books πŸ™‚

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 23, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Haha that’s a shame you didn’tbuy those glasses, they look awesome πŸ˜›
    I love that note ‘Fall in love with yourself first’ – beautiful!

  • Maria April 23, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Just commenting to say I approve of Harry Potter references, A LOT.
    Annnd you still managed to make the glasses look cute πŸ™‚

  • Elaine April 23, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Ok, you should totally convert those frames into sunglasses! They would make super glam shades!

    Thanks for mentioning that your vision actually improved. I know that sometimes dietary changes can affect vision, but I thought it had to be a lot more specific than just “eating healthier.” (E.g. get X grams of omega-3s, avoid Y group of foods, etc. etc.)

    Maybe that’ll be the final push to get me paying attention to what I eat. πŸ™‚

  • Lisa April 23, 2010, 3:53 pm

    Hahaha those glasses are cute πŸ™‚

  • Sara April 23, 2010, 3:55 pm

    Your Harry Potter reference made me laugh out loud! And at least you didn’t really think it was Saturday like I did this morning when I woke up at 4:30 and said, “Well, at least you don’t have to go to work today.” Blurg.

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 3:55 pm

      haha epic fail.

      • Sara April 23, 2010, 3:59 pm

        Ha! FYI: I always say epic fail. But I also always say awesome and amazing. I’m an equal opportunity adjective user!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) April 23, 2010, 3:57 pm

    That’s awesome that your vision improved! I def. think a healthy lifestyle had something to do with it πŸ˜€

  • BroccoliHut April 23, 2010, 3:58 pm

    Love that you packed lunch to eat at B&N–sounds like a perfect way to spend the day.
    I had no idea you could improve your eyesight with dietary changes–here’s hoping I never have to get glasses thanks to my veggie addiction:)

  • betsy April 23, 2010, 4:00 pm

    I also just LOL’d at your HP reference.

  • Elizabeth April 23, 2010, 4:01 pm

    I made a weird snort/laugh noise when I scrolled to the picture of you and the wizard-in-training glasses (yet another reason to not read blogs while “working”). Your expression is priceless. And yet, you could totally pull them off! I mean it! πŸ™‚

  • Rachel April 23, 2010, 4:03 pm

    I LOVE Barne’s and Nobles.

    Speaking of reading, I actually purchased two new books today after your post a few days ago about foodie books.

    I was desperately needing some new reading material.

    I ordered “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan and “Real Food” by Nina Plank

    I also snagged a new water bottle!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ALLN4O/ref=oss_product

    Hopefully all my goodies will arrive soon!

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 4:05 pm

      IDOF is such a good book!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) April 23, 2010, 4:04 pm

    Harry’s glasses don’t exactly fit you. But they are fun πŸ™‚

    I’m spending my evening browsing B&N too bad your book isn’t out for me to buy yet.

  • megan April 23, 2010, 4:04 pm

    love harry potter. ever more than (dare I say??) twilight!

  • Matt April 23, 2010, 4:05 pm

    Isn’t it awesome how much your diet impacts your life??

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! April 23, 2010, 4:06 pm

    Great “sticky note” messages, SO TRUE! =)

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 23, 2010, 4:18 pm

    How cool!! I had no idea that diet could really impact your vision like that!

  • Shannon, Tropical Treats April 23, 2010, 4:27 pm

    oh geez i just died lolling. Harry Potter is seriously my future hubby πŸ™‚ Can’t wait for the theme park to open up in orlando soon!

  • emptynutjar April 23, 2010, 4:30 pm

    can i live with u and u can prep all my meals? and sit and chat?
    i admire your life as a writer…maybe one day.
    first priorities for me are to gain living and financial stability!

  • Hedda April 23, 2010, 4:40 pm

    How great was it to stand there knowing that your book will be in those shelves in a couple of months? πŸ˜€
    Outstanding πŸ™‚
    You were really hot with those glasses, the whole magic-look suits you very well.
    Have a great friday too!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 23, 2010, 4:42 pm

    I love trying on the silly glasses at the eye doctor. I wonder who buys them!

  • Melissa April 23, 2010, 4:46 pm

    I would so love if my vision improved! I had no idea it could improve, but thats great. Your snack plate looks so yummy and healthy too! Thanks for composing such an inspirational blog; it’s always a treat to read about your latest happenings!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises April 23, 2010, 4:50 pm

    I LOVE picking out glasses for friends. It’s one of my favorite activities. πŸ™‚ I would be really happy to pick out new glasses for myself, but since I wear my contacts 99.9% of the time it’s not really a good use of my money…

  • Jennie {in Wonderland} April 23, 2010, 4:52 pm

    OMG I love those glasses on you! YES I DO! They are adorable.

    Triscuits. I miss them. The second I move back to Canada I am buying 3 boxes and eating them all. With salsa. Lots of salsa. I’m remembering fondly the days I used to make Triscuit ‘nachos’ with cheese and salsa and chopped veggies. So delicious!

  • Nicole April 23, 2010, 4:53 pm

    OH MY WORD those glasses are pretty much the best thing ever! And no fair on your eyesight improving!! (but that’s super awesome!) my prescription was only 2 years old and my doctor said my eyesight drastically changed (worsened) in one eye.. πŸ™ ahhhhh!!

  • Sana April 23, 2010, 4:57 pm

    Congrats on the improvement in your vision. That is EPIC!

  • kate April 23, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I love spending hours in B&N!

  • Kailey (SnackFace) April 23, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I honestly was a little concerned about the Harry Potter glasses. I was thinking, Oh no! I’ll still adore her anyway. It’s fine, she can wear those, but when she comes to OU, chances are we’ll “loose” them.

    I’m not even kidding. That is the convo that went on in my head.

  • Lara (Thinspired) April 23, 2010, 5:16 pm

    Wow, that is crazy how your vision has improved! I have never heard of that happening with anyone before. Even cooler that it might be because of your healthy diet. Must be all those carrots! πŸ™‚

  • Mama Pea April 23, 2010, 5:22 pm

    Pea Daddy had an idea for your next book at the dinner table last night. I’ve got to email and tell you!

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 23, 2010, 5:29 pm

    Okay I actually think those glasses are quite cute!! πŸ™‚

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances April 23, 2010, 5:40 pm

    I think those glasses are super cute – I mean it!!!

  • Midgetkeeper April 23, 2010, 5:51 pm

    Woot for better vision, awesome news!

  • Lindsay April 23, 2010, 6:10 pm

    You’re probably getting more vitamin A (beta carotene) from eating so many more veggies now! That can definitely help your vision! Sweet deal!

  • Samantha @ Mama Notes April 23, 2010, 6:30 pm

    haha I was wondering if those were the glasses you bought!!

  • Claire April 23, 2010, 6:37 pm

    That is awesome (epic?!) about your vision improving! The operation beautiful notes posted in B + N are great too, I can’t wait to find one somewhere…the glasses are hilarious!

  • Wendy April 23, 2010, 6:40 pm

    My vision has actually improved over the last couple of years, too. I’ve gone from -6.0 in both eyes two years ago to -5.25 now. My eye doctor told me that as you get older, your eyes tend to get “lazy” about compensating for over-corrections in your glasses/contact lens. But, eating healthier definitely makes sense, too!

  • Bec April 23, 2010, 6:40 pm

    I can`t wait to read your 1st book and see what you have in store for the 2nd one πŸ™‚

  • Maggie April 23, 2010, 6:53 pm

    LOOOOOVE the Harry Potter reference!

  • Laura April 23, 2010, 7:06 pm

    It might have helped that you lost your glasses too? My eyesight has got so much worse since I started using contacts/glasses- my optometrist says this is quite usual πŸ™ Diet/vitamins can definitely help- they’ve halted my Mum’s cataracts from progressing (vitamin A derivative retinal is one of the photosensitive pigments in the eye that is important in the visual pathway, I think?!) I love bookshops and libraries- but my favourite was seeing the original books written by Shakespeare- so cool! Hope your visit has given you food for thought- I think you, the husband, Maggie and James should do a world tour, with you documenting it!!!

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) April 23, 2010, 7:37 pm

    I love barnes and Noble! sounds like a fun day.

  • Katherine April 23, 2010, 7:50 pm

    run your race with endurance and run to win
    don’t forget about the big picture; you’re doing awesome work- it’s exciting to hear about!

  • katie April 23, 2010, 7:52 pm

    Hahaha those glasses!! I so wish my vision would improve from my diet! Mine keeps getting worse πŸ™

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter April 23, 2010, 8:06 pm

    The book that I’m reading points out all of the facts behind what a healthy lifestyle can lead to like healthier skin, reduced chance of Alzheimer’s, cancer and a ton of other effects of course too. Great job!

    I also enjoyed some triscuits with salsa today πŸ˜€

  • Hangry Pants April 23, 2010, 8:24 pm

    I see you are in the cookbook section? Are you thinking of writing one?

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 8:30 pm

      not sure πŸ™‚

  • Nicole April 23, 2010, 8:36 pm

    I just want to say that I’ve been following your blog for over a year now and you truly are a role model to me. I have struggled with anorexia for 4 years and do have my high and very low points. From reading your blog, I realized that it’s ok to indulge at times and what well balanced meals look like. I hope to one day become an RD as well as meet you. I know that you probably get tons of e-mails and comments and don’t respond to all of them but I honestly hope to hear from you. Also, how do u get companies to send you healthy food samples? I need some connections girlie! Your the best, God Bless, Nicole

    • Caitlin April 23, 2010, 8:55 pm

      thank you so much nicole. you are so sweet. yes, balance is key!!

      re: the companies… just email them and ask! most companies love bloggers do to reviews of their products and are looking for people to spread the word.

  • Kacy April 23, 2010, 8:53 pm

    That’s AWESOME about your vision! I’m eating carrots and hummus right now. Here’s hoping I follow suit.

    I can’t wait for the book. And your second one πŸ™‚

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) April 23, 2010, 10:02 pm

    I love that you’re book is almost out!!! BTW I did a post a few months ago from WALMART as well…I DID however chooose obnoxiously huge frames…cause…I’m a nerd.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 23, 2010, 10:43 pm

    I am so excited to hear what your next move will be!!!!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 23, 2010, 11:40 pm

    I am so excited for your book to come out. Operation Beautiful is such an amazing website. Thank you so much for caring about the self esteem of your fellow women. We truly need to lift one another up!

  • Wei-Wei April 24, 2010, 4:32 am

    You look adorably nerdy with those glasses (don’t worry, more adorable than nerdy! ;))

    I can’t wait for your book to come out. You don’t know how inspiration Operation Beautiful is to me – I’m already dreaming up OB ideas for my own project! πŸ™‚

    Wei-Wei

  • Jalita April 24, 2010, 6:15 pm

    At my last eye appt. the doctor said my eyes improved, too. I didn’t think that was possible. I definitely haven’t changed my eating habits, so it’s not from that. It could be because I couldn’t decide which lens was more clear. I hate having to choose between the two!

  • Dave April 25, 2010, 8:57 am

    I see you are in the cookbook section? Are you thinking of writing one?

  • David April 26, 2010, 4:09 pm

    I am so excited to hear what your next move will be!!!!

  • Tony April 27, 2010, 2:05 am

    You look adorably nerdy with those glasses (don’t worry, more adorable than nerdy! ;))

    I can’t wait for your book to come out. You don’t know how inspiration Operation Beautiful is to me – I’m already dreaming up OB ideas for my own project! πŸ™‚

    Wei-Wei

  • Simon April 27, 2010, 2:58 pm

    You look adorably nerdy with those glasses (don’t worry, more adorable than nerdy! ;))

    I can’t wait for your book to come out. You don’t know how inspiration Operation Beautiful is to me – I’m already dreaming up OB ideas for my own project! πŸ™‚

    Wei-Wei

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