Hello, Villanova University!

on November 17, 2010
in Operation Beautiful Events

I am working hard to change a key personality trait – chronic lateness.  Seriously, this MUST change.  It is my worst habit, it increases stress, and it’s totally in my control.

 

Look, I was on time for my presentation tonight!  🙂

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Great, BIG Operation Beautiful presentation.  This was the biggest event that I’ve done to date.  The Women in Business Society hosted their annual “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” event, and I was the keynote speaker.  Look, they even bought the book for every single attendee!

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My keynote was about destructive negative self-talk, and afterwards, I hosted a breakout session in which I talked about ‘the stories we tell ourselves.’  You know, that little voice inside you that says, “You can’t do this, you shouldn’t do that.”  I talked about finding opportunities in failures, blogging as a career, and getting financially responsible before taking career leaps (of course, I’m still learning about that!).  There were a couple of other bloggers in the breakout session, too (Hi, Elizabeth!!!).

 

Next up:  more panels.

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Awesome ladies who helped organize things:

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I had some time to spare so I opted to attend a panel called “To Jimmy Choo or Not to Jimmy Choo?” and it was about preparing yourself for the realities of finances after you graduate.  It was a helpful talk and definitely got my own gears turning about my endless quest to reign spending in.

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Then, the attendees had a networking session.  There was food available, but it was really meat-heavy so I just ate a fluffy cupcake.  :)  Which was awesome.

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And since I knew room service at the hotel was over (and I don’t have a car), I opted to quickly dash into the student lounge once the event was over and get some FOOD!

 

I love student centers… so much activity going on at 9 PM. 

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I recalled a freelance article I wrote for Unigo.com called “Eating Healthy on the Go” and opted to start my dinner at the salad bar to ensure I got those veggies in.  Most of the other food stations were closing down so the night, and I quickly grabbed a slice of pizza.   

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I am KNACKERED.

 

Look at this bed.  Doesn’t it look comfy?

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Going to dive in!

{ 64 comments }

 

  • Casey November 17, 2010, 10:01 pm

    Hope you enjoy your (short) stay in PA!!!

  • Vicky @ eat live spin November 17, 2010, 10:08 pm

    Sounds like a successful event! Congrats!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black November 17, 2010, 10:13 pm

    Sleep well- cozy looking bed!!!! Glad it was a success.

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black November 17, 2010, 10:13 pm

    Sleep well- cozy looking bed!!!! Glad it was a success.

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen November 17, 2010, 10:18 pm

    that bed looks heavenly and soft!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) November 17, 2010, 10:21 pm

    So glad to hear the presentation went well!!!

  • Becky at Flybynyght November 17, 2010, 10:29 pm

    Congrats on the talk! As for being late…

    My husband has a very harsh stance on being late. He says that by being late you’re showing that person (and yourself) that you don’t respect them or their time, and that you think that your time is more valuable than theirs. Harsh, but in actuality, quite true…

    Being late is a habit – very changeable!

    • Caitlin November 17, 2010, 10:33 pm

      I COMPLETELY AGREE!! Which is why I want to change so badly.

      • Jen November 18, 2010, 9:03 am

        I know. It’s a “good” habit to break absolutely. But don’t be so hard on yourself…I always have good intentions – but then am out to the car and realize I forgot my lunch, or get stuck in horrible traffic. As long as your not dilly-dallying at home simply trying to get your hair just right or something – then your on the right track?

        • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 9:06 am

          Well, my issue is the blog. The blog is the biggest time sucker because there are always comments to read and emails to respond to. I have an obsession with a clean inbox so I’m constantly running behind! I need to close the puter sometimes.

        • Jen November 18, 2010, 9:44 am

          Of course!

          But then – look at the positive – your doing it for others! It’s amazing you actually read and respond to your comments even – that’s special. Other popular blogs don’t answer questions sometimes – and it can by annoying in a way because otherwise what’s the point in commenting or having a discussion?

        • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 9:49 am

          I agree 🙂 discussion rules. Its my favorite!

  • Maddie (Healthy Maddie) November 17, 2010, 10:43 pm

    Glad your presentation was a success!

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini November 17, 2010, 10:59 pm

    Love the title of the event–very I am woman, hear me roar! 😉 That’s so cool that you were the keynote speaker! And that they bought a bunch of books!!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write November 17, 2010, 11:01 pm

    That is so cool that they bought your book for the attendees. That must feel amazing! You are great, Caitlin, truly. 🙂

  • Allison @ livingoneday November 17, 2010, 11:40 pm

    Awh I’m so jealous I couldn’t make it tonight!!! The Connelly center was my JAM in college! Come back soon!

  • Krista (kristastes) November 17, 2010, 11:47 pm

    So mad I couldn’t make it tonight…instead I was getting slammed at work. Maybe next time you come to the Philly area 🙂

  • Lisa November 18, 2010, 12:02 am

    Looks like an awesome event!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now November 18, 2010, 12:07 am

    Looks like a great event they put on! Also, I miss being in Uni and grabbing food from the student center. Always a buzz with people!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 18, 2010, 12:08 am

    That pizza looks SO darn good!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Dee November 18, 2010, 12:38 am

    What a cool event that must have been! Hope you get some much needed rest! 🙂

  • Laura @ DramaticallyFit (New blog!) November 18, 2010, 12:55 am

    First of all, that cupcake and pizza look absolutely DIVINE!!

    Second of all, I wanted to ask about your experience with deep tissue massages. I went to the doctor the other day for chronic headaches (I get one almost every day and tylenol does not help it go away in the least) and she said it might be tension headaches and wrote me a prescription for a painkiller and a prescription for a deep tissue massage. I want to try the massage before I try the meds, so I scheduled one for Monday, but I have NEVER had one before! And I have very sensitive ribs! Do they hurt? Are they worth it? I’m really nervous and actually a little scared! Advice?

    Have a safe flight tomorrow =)

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 7:03 am

      Deep tissue massages hurt so good 🙂 But I don’t think she should be pressing much on your ribs for a tension headache. I would make sure she knows WHY you are getting a massage before she begins. Also tell her your concerns. Oh and drink a lot of water afterwards.

      Try acupuncture!

      • Laura @ DramaticallyFit (New blog!) November 18, 2010, 10:54 am

        I have always been dying to try acupuncture, but it’s very expensive where I live and not covered by insurance. Massage therapy is partly covered so it’s not as huge a dent in the wallet, but I’m a very poor college student with very limited resources! So even if I saved and saved religiously, it would take me at least four months to save up for a single session! Four months is a long time to have a headache every day, but I guess if the meds and massage don’t work, that will be my next step! How often do you get acupuncture treatments?

        • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 1:38 pm

          That’s good that massage therapy is covered!

          I don’t get a lot of acupuncture actually because i dont have any medical issues of late 🙂

  • Laura @ DramaticallyFit (New blog!) November 18, 2010, 12:56 am

    The above question is also for ANYONE who has ever gotten a deep tissue massage or suffers from frequent tension headaches!!

    • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman November 18, 2010, 8:12 am

      I LOVE deep tissue massages. They hurt and you’ll be sore the next day if your massage therapist did it right, but any kinks you may have had will be gone. I’m guessing she assumes tension in your back, neck and shoulders are the root cause of the headaches. I’ve never had my chronic headaches go away from a massage, as good as I felt after.

      I second Caitlin: There’s a proven link between acupuncture and fewer headaches in people who get chronic headaches. Also: I started getting fewer headaches when I cut meats with nitrates (lunch meats, for example) out of my diet. There may be a food cause. Just a thought!

      Good luck!

    • Laura November 18, 2010, 8:23 am

      I get migraines a few times a month and a friend of mine who is a physician suggested trying a low tyramine diet. One of the elements of the diet is actually reducing or eliminating meats with nitrates as Tracey mentions, as well as cutting out anything aged or fermented (like some cheeses, tofu, etc). Here is some info: http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Low_Tyramine_Diet_for_Migraine There is a PDF you can download at the top of the page. I printed it out and keep it on the side of my fridge as a reminder. I hope you feel better soon!

    • Laura @ DramaticallyFit (New blog!) November 18, 2010, 10:55 am

      Like I told Caitlin above, I would love to try acupuncture, but it’s so expensive where I live and I’m a very poor college student, haha. I’ll look over the information and research what might work best for me based on your suggestions. Thank you guys so much!

  • Jenne November 18, 2010, 1:32 am

    Thank-you for working on your tardiness…as someone who is always early, nothing makes me feel less valued than when my friends are late. I heard someone say once that being chronically late is a form of arrogance…without even meaning to you are telling people that there time isn’t as important as yours. I am by no means saying that you are arrogant, far from it…it’s just a differnt perspective to view lateness. 3 of my 5 closest friends are chronically late, so it’s something that I constantly deal with!! Good Luck!!!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed November 18, 2010, 4:06 am

    Great work!! How nice of the organisers to give everyone a book! That bed looks so comfy, sweet dreams 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Julia @ Brides Up North November 18, 2010, 5:04 am

    Hi Caitlin,

    How AWESOME that they bought a book for every attendee. You must have been loving that!! The Jimmy Choo presentation is also something I could have done with in college unfortunately!

    EXCITING NEWS: Kath from Kath Eats is my featured Real Wedding over on the blog today – you must go and check it out: Link (which I hope you don’t mind me including, think you will be interested, take down if you like please: http://bridesupnorth.com/2010/11/18/american-beauty-a-real-wedding-kath-matt/

    Julia xxx

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 7:04 am

      Oh she had the cutest wedding!

  • Laura (Starloz) November 18, 2010, 5:21 am

    love that you grabbed dinner before you headed back.

  • Keri November 18, 2010, 6:38 am

    Wow, I love Villanova, I almost when there for college 🙂 Such a pretty school

  • Lauren November 18, 2010, 6:52 am

    Congrats on another successful presentation. You certainly get around these college campuses these days. I’m sure it brings back so many memories.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey November 18, 2010, 7:10 am

    That hotel bed looks super comfy!!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 18, 2010, 7:17 am

    It sounds like the event went well! I am so happy for you and proud of you for spreading such a great message! I have boys and I still think they benefit from the information you share! Speaking of kids, just a warning, when you have them, they will make you late everywhere! They take longer to get ready than I do!

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) November 18, 2010, 7:39 am

    Haha- glad I’m not the only one who’s late for everything! 😛
    Looks like a great event! Especially good that they bought a book for everyone there! 😀
    Glad to hear it went well! Enjoy your R+R 🙂

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine November 18, 2010, 7:44 am

    My friend Kaitlin from high school was actually at the event!! I’m bummed I wasn’t home in time for her to sneak me in 🙂 Glad everything went well…and if you have some transportation (and time!) today, you should definitely grab a bite to eat in Wayne. It’s a cute town!!

  • Hope November 18, 2010, 8:19 am

    I totally forgot you were going to be at Villanova! I work so close to it! I’m glad that everything went well! That bed looks so cozy! 🙂

  • megan @ blackberries for jam November 18, 2010, 8:37 am

    Punctuality is NOT my strong point either. I’ve tried all kinds of tricks – setting the clock a few minutes fast, getting up/ready 10 minutes earlier – but I always revert back to my old ways. It drives my husband nuts! Good for you for being on time!

  • Cindy Robinson November 18, 2010, 8:39 am

    That’s so awesome they bought all attendees Operation Beautiful books! Good luck on your punctuality progress. I’m not sure if this will work for you. And excuse the extreme corn factor, but you said you’re been into meditation for a bit, and this is similar…Keep those “I’m going to be late, I’m running behind, I need to rush…” thoughts and feelings out of your mind. Instead replace with “I have plenty of time, time waits on me, all green lights” etc. I promise it works!

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 8:43 am

      This is a good idea. If I tell myself I’m going to be late, I probably will be.

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee November 18, 2010, 8:51 am

    I love the striped wall paper!

    • Leanne November 18, 2010, 8:55 am

      A tip for being on time is to set your watch/clocks a couple minutes ahead… it helps me keep on track! I also try and leave 5 minutes earlier then I have to & usually that helps me get to where I’m going on time!

  • Liza November 18, 2010, 8:53 am

    Let me introduce you to a different problem: I am ALWAYS early. No matter what. My brother drove me to school for two years (until I got my license) and he was always late. I would have straight up panic attacks because he refused to leave on time. Now, my husband is always late. Like thirty minutes late everywhere he goes (except for work or school). We actually almost broke up over this very early in our relationship. Now I just tell him to be places thirty minutes before he really needs to be there. That way I only end up waiting about ten to fifteen minutes!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing November 18, 2010, 8:59 am

    That looks like an awesome conference! I miss college, when those kinds of things came free. Now they cost so much money, and working for non-profits, they only pay for them half the time 🙁 Glad they chose you for their speaker!

  • Jen November 18, 2010, 9:05 am

    I really enjoy your posts as of late. The writing is good and the mature direction with discussions and focus on the book, charity, etc.

    I still don’t get how people can blog for a living though?! For a salary? Even with ads and a lot of hits, that can’t be enough to live could it without being hired by a company or something? Jenna wrote about it too and it just baffles me! 😉

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 9:07 am

      Thanks so much Jen 🙂 I appreciate it!

  • Ashley November 18, 2010, 9:06 am

    Wow – amazing! You have made such an impact on so many people! Congrats! Also – love that stereotypical college food (pizza & cupcake) : )

  • Shannon November 18, 2010, 9:08 am

    Hope you enjoyed your Stay in PA!! Nova has a beautiful campus!!

    As a Philadelphia resident and sports fan (to your previous post) I couldnt agree more with your thoughts on MVick. Fly Eagles Fly!

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle November 18, 2010, 9:16 am

    Sounds like an awesome event! Also love the Jimmy Choo titled presentation, catchy title and I am sure it was very helpful.

  • Melissa November 18, 2010, 9:20 am

    Looks like a great event! Congrats on the success of your book and kudos to you for making such a positive impact!

  • Sarah November 18, 2010, 9:29 am

    Thank you to speaking at our event- and happy we were able to help with your ability to arrive to the airport on time today! It was so great to meet you to understand that successful individuals are normal people too. Thanks again from @novawib!

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 9:33 am

      YAY 🙂 I wasn’t late for once, all because of you!

      Thank you!

  • Elizabeth November 18, 2010, 9:51 am

    Caitlin!

    Thanks so much for the shout-out!! I loved your presentation and your blog, and without sounding “groupie-like” you are a big inspiration! I started reading the book on the train home and I love it. Thanks again for all the tips!

  • Laura November 18, 2010, 9:54 am

    ahhhh that’s so lovely that you went to nova!!! i went there and i hope you got a chance to walk around the campus….it’s an arboretum!

  • CarrieBeth November 18, 2010, 10:28 am

    come to arkansas for a presentation!!! i’m out of college, but i’d love to find a way for you to come my former school, the university of central arkansas. i’m going to find a way…i’d love to meet you!

    • Caitlin November 18, 2010, 1:40 pm

      tell the Arkansas Student Health about it! 🙂 And make them allow the public in 🙂

  • Jenny November 18, 2010, 10:35 am

    Yay for Villanova! Thanks for attending the conference, the Women in Business Group was so lucky to have you! Seems their on-campus presence has gotten a lot stronger thanks to the support of great role models like you!

  • Amber K November 18, 2010, 3:19 pm

    I have the opposite problem. I am almost always way too early! Then I sit around waiting for whomever I’m meeting. But I hate the feeling of being late so much I can’t stop.

  • Hangry Pants November 20, 2010, 8:52 am

    Aw this makes me so happy!

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