Octopus Hugs

on December 20, 2010
in All Posts

I went to hot yoga today looking like an octopus wrapped me up in a great, big hug.  🙂

IMG_7279

My back was killing me – killing me – so the Husband did some acupuncture and cupping on my back.  It went from being a 7 to a 3, and then I went to hot yoga and it went down to a 2!  Natural pain relief, yo!

 

(If you have NO idea what cupping is, check out this post.  And yes, people in yoga were probably like, “What the…?”)

 

I was reminiscing earlier about when the Husband and I first met.  See, when I met the Hus, I had never met a boy who:  liked to meditate, took all these healthy supplements, talked about God, cried about road kill, did Tai Chi…  Let me tell you THIS: he didn’t even take antibiotics when sick!  I always took antibiotics!  Boys that I had dated before were much more traditional – shall we say?  And really, so was I!  It took some getting used to.  The British accent helped.  🙂

When he told me that he wanted us to move from Pennsylvania to Florida to become a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (and I readily agreed because he had actually transferred from Miami to Pittsburgh so I could finish college with my friends).  I was like, “Now, what exactly is that?”  :)  But once he was in school and could practice on me, I was converted!  It’s amazing how much those little needles and cups help to reduce pain levels.  Being married has definitely been an adventure!

 

Memory trip, over.

 

Oh wait – how about a cute picture of James on the night we got him?  He was one year old!

Now really… dinner!

 

A bowl of roasted veggies and a black bean burger all smushed up with ketchup:

IMG_7284 

Two cornbread muffins:

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And a few Christmas cookies!  My neighbor brought them over! <3

 IMG_7291

To bed I go… I need to catch some ZZZs.

{ 75 comments }

 

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 20, 2010, 9:27 pm

    Love hearing about when you met- and the old pic!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston December 20, 2010, 9:28 pm

    This was so cute hearing some memories. I remember seeing your blog See Bride Run on Weddingbook back in the day (I think we were engaged at the same time but you got married first).. but I didn’t exactly follow it all the time.. so it’s nice to get some back ground of your love story 🙂

    • Caitlin December 20, 2010, 9:30 pm

      Confession: I still read and comment on Weddingbook (now called Wedding Buzz).

      • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston December 20, 2010, 9:31 pm

        I still don’t like the name Weddingbuzz 😛

        When I read the boards now I usually use The Nest on Facebook (I forget if there’s a special name!)

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 20, 2010, 9:29 pm

    I love natural medicine – I woke up sicker than a dog today, went to my natural care doctor, was given a few natural meds, and I honestly feel 90% better than I did this morning.

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 20, 2010, 9:30 pm

    I have heard such wonderful things about acupuncture and cupping, once I get good insurance I will have to check out my local doctors!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) December 20, 2010, 9:34 pm

    Aw, James looks absolutely adorable and like, ‘What is this woman doing hugging me?’ 😉

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) December 20, 2010, 9:36 pm

    you are sooo lucky! I mean if i had access to free, whenever i wanted it cupping and acupuncture, I’d be the happiest girl ever!!

    natural medicine is 100% what i believe in! I think it’s so awesome that you are a believer…but even more awesome that your very own hubs can treat you. oh, what I would give…

    🙂

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 20, 2010, 10:08 pm

      Oh I know, wouldn’t that be awesome. I secretly wish my husband were a masseuse or something like that.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) December 20, 2010, 9:38 pm

    Thanks for the story. This is gonna sound creepy, but I was just wondering how you two met a couple days ago.

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. December 20, 2010, 9:38 pm

    You two are really adorable. It gives me hope there really still are good guys out there (now, I just need to find one for me!).

    • Erin @ Bishella December 20, 2010, 9:40 pm

      They’re totally out there! I snagged one too 😉

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 20, 2010, 9:41 pm

    I love the picture of James looking up at you- you can feel the love!

  • Erin @ Bishella December 20, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Haha, your memory picture just made me turn to my boy and say “Right after the weather warms up again, I insist on a picnic with wine!” <3

  • Krystina (Basil & Wine) December 20, 2010, 9:43 pm

    Love the trip down memory lane. 🙂

  • ashleigh December 20, 2010, 9:51 pm

    I have that same place mat.. you have good taste 🙂 Cute pictures… especially baby james!

  • Mabelle@ Dance, Love, Dine December 20, 2010, 9:57 pm

    How did you meet your husband??? I think it can be worth a blog post 😉 sounds like such a romantic/inspiring story for those yearning for love…myself included 🙂

    • Caitlin December 20, 2010, 9:58 pm

      Friends introduced us! 😉 A pretty boring story actually.

  • the veg meg December 20, 2010, 10:07 pm

    I think I officially want (need?) to try cupping/acupuncture now. Soon. Although I can’t imagine being able to afford it.. maybe some day :]

  • greenbean December 20, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Look at how James is looking up at you! With his ears all tucked back. You made me just go hug my puppy. And I loved the trip down memory lane with the husband.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman December 20, 2010, 10:11 pm

    Aw, baby James! So cute!!

  • Ashley December 20, 2010, 10:11 pm

    That picture of you and your husband is so cute.

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 20, 2010, 10:14 pm

    You guys are so freakin’ cute together! What a cool guy. That pic of you and James is very precious, too!

  • J. December 20, 2010, 10:16 pm

    I was just wondering today how you two met. Did you date much before meeting him? And how long were you two together before engagement? You are so young to me.
    As for your husband, what kinds of things does he do?

    Can I say I’m jealous of your yoga experiences? 🙂
    Seriously. I have decided to make it just a “doable” goal and say 5 minutes of stretch or pose every other day. I just can’t seem to get into it. Pretty sad considering I do zero cardio. But simply walking is enough. It has to be. I have to believe that! Believe it now. And perhaps it will be a faster walk by the time summer comes.

    • Caitlin December 20, 2010, 10:20 pm

      You should do some yogadownload.com!

      Yea, we both dated a lot. I had one other really serious relationship actually. Husband and I started to date when we were 20 but dated other people for about a year before going exclusive.

      • J. December 20, 2010, 10:31 pm

        Yogadownload doesn’t work for me because my laptop is kind of…not good about that. Long story. Not a great laptop or power.
        So, just 5 mins of breathing and a pose or two it is. And even that is only maybe 3x a week.
        I guess its better than nothing…

        Sounds like a good relationship. I think a meaningful love in life must be a very very very good thing for a person. Definitely.

        I still marvel at your productivity. People write and read, etc…
        me…um..too much tv and too much eating 🙂

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 20, 2010, 10:23 pm

    The cupping actually really intrigues me. I would be interested in trying it sometime.

    Love the older pictures and James is too cute! 🙂

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate December 20, 2010, 10:24 pm

    Love the pictures and the back story. You guys seem absolutely perfect for each other. 🙂

  • Katey @c Bonne Santé December 20, 2010, 10:33 pm

    Naw, your hubby sounds lovely! Gotta love compassionate, sensitive, new-age men 🙂

  • Rachael December 20, 2010, 10:47 pm

    Gonna echo the above comment – progressive men rock!
    Always glad to read about happy, healthy relationships…you’ve reminded me that they’re not necessarily in the same league as the tooth fairy and unicorns 🙂

  • zoe (and the beatles) December 20, 2010, 10:58 pm

    yes! love the natural, holistic healing! you are one seriously lucky chick to have (free!) access to such a wonderful medical practice 🙂 i am a liiiittle jealous 😉

    and little james is so freaking adorable!!!!

  • Lindsay December 20, 2010, 11:02 pm

    I love your meeting story, it’s so wonderful and sweet. I started going to acupuncture in July.. it’s life changing!!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous December 20, 2010, 11:05 pm

    Yes, British accents DEFINITELY help 😉

  • Jen December 20, 2010, 11:08 pm

    LOL at the “now, what exactly is that?” Hubby and I knew each other in highschool and started dating shortly after graduating from HS. He decided to become a shiatsu therapist and I was totally “WTF is that?!” I learned bits and pieces about it during his 3 years of study since I was the one who would type his term papers. He went on to become an osteopath (slightly different here in Canada than it is in the US) and now I’m the one dealing with “WTF is that?” questions when people ask what my hubby does, lol. It’s all good in the end…both our guys are helping to cure illness & have their patients as healthy as can be. Three cheers for alternative medicine!!!

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 11:02 am

      Hahaha I love it!

  • Amber K December 20, 2010, 11:12 pm

    I think that it’s so neat that your husband is into all of that. I keep hoping my husband will decide that being a vegetarian is cool. He’s totally cool with any of the recipes I make for him, but he still would prefer meat over anything else. Ahh, well. I still love the goober. 😉

  • Camille December 20, 2010, 11:25 pm

    Aww, gotta love reminiscing 🙂 You have an awesome hubby!

  • Suki December 21, 2010, 12:03 am

    I’m the non-traditional one in the relationship, but he readily accepts it. 🙂

  • Kiran December 21, 2010, 12:15 am

    I am a huge homeopathy and oriental treatment believer. It does wonders, naturally unlike modern medicines with so much side effects. Not good.

  • Amanda December 21, 2010, 1:41 am

    Not gonna lie: those cupping marks look hardcore. In a good way of course.

  • Marina December 21, 2010, 2:07 am

    When I saw your back, I thought, what the heck happened to you 😀
    I’m glad your hubby helped you 🙂

  • Carin December 21, 2010, 3:15 am

    Hi! My husband has a British accent too… but then so do I, as we’re both Brits (and Kiwis too, now)!

    What sort of accent does your hubby have – is he posh/ a Brummie/ a Manc/ from Zummerzett? (I know he supports Man U but most of their fans aren’t actually from there!) I’m from Northamptonshire and my husband’s from Yorkshire.

    Is he fully Americanised or do you have conversations like “That’s not a casserole, that’s a bake”? Does he say Yough-gert or Yog-gert? Do you like British recipes?

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 11:00 am

      He’s from Redding! He is pretty Americanised. Like he says trunk instead of boot now and stuff. Sometimes he says word ‘funny’… like aluminum (al-you-min-nee-um).

      I’ve down a few British recipes!

      My favorite: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/sophies-apple-crumble

      • Carin December 21, 2010, 1:57 pm

        OK then – the real test is whether he thinks that Reading is in Bark-sheer or Berk-shy-er?

        We don’t miss much about the UK really.. just history,sarcasm, Quorn (!) and our friends and families, of course.

        You’d feel at home in Auckland at the moment – it’s just like Florida, hot and humid!

  • carlee December 21, 2010, 3:40 am

    Dinner looks yummy. Especaially the cornbread!
    haha I bet the people in yoga did think that! I know I would have!;)
    But also I just wantted to say how alive, radiant and ten times better you look now then you used to! You look so healthy! Your gorgeous!:)

  • anne December 21, 2010, 5:24 am

    do you mean talk about the nonexistence of god?

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit December 21, 2010, 5:45 am

    Cute story 🙂

  • Kristina @ Life as Kristina December 21, 2010, 5:53 am

    I’ve been trying to find cupping in Buffalo!
    Those corn bread muffins look delish-my grandma makes them for xmas and it’s probably the only time of year I eat them (that needs to change!)

  • Lauren December 21, 2010, 6:37 am

    Such a cute story to start my day. You and the hubz are the cutest couple and I love hearing all of your dating stories. 😉

  • Regina December 21, 2010, 7:55 am

    You’re stunning! I really like you with short hair but you rock the long hair well too. Cute story about meeting your hubs =)

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 10:53 am

      Thanks for this sweet compliment because I personally HATED the way I looked with short hair – so this made my morning!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 21, 2010, 8:13 am

    Aww…James is adorable! I didn’t realize you guys adopted him at one year. 😀

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) December 21, 2010, 8:24 am

    Sweet! I love hearing stories of how couples met! 🙂
    Woohoo for British accents! 😀

  • Kelly December 21, 2010, 8:35 am

    I would give anything to live near you guys…accupunture IS amazing!!! There is an accupunture school here in Austin and I will usually make appointments with them because it is half price and they are learning…it still feels amazing! I haven’t ever had a bad treatment!

  • Julia @ Brides Up North December 21, 2010, 8:39 am

    Love your reminiscing posts!! So cute.

    I actually really liked your hair bobbed 🙂

    J x

  • Ann @ Day by Day December 21, 2010, 8:46 am

    I liked hearing about your relationship and seeing old pictures too. Whomever I marry one day needs to love eating healthy and exercise like I do or I don’t know how it would work. I’m surprised no one in yoga did ask you about your back! I’m glad it helped your pain! Hope your back pain stays away for the holidays!

  • Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun.blogspot) December 21, 2010, 9:03 am

    I love hearing the story of how couples met. It is my go-to question at parties, because I always love hearing the answer.

    PS-I thought about you this morning on my (longest run) ever, because the run was awful and I was thinking: The minute I get to a computer I am re-reading Caitlin’s post about how to deal with a bad run!

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 10:50 am

      Awww but it was a GREAT run because you set a new PDR!

  • The Nerdy Runner December 21, 2010, 10:22 am

    So I was catching up on my blog readings this morning and the hubs caught a look at James’s adorable puppy picture. I was then forced to show him all the cuteness of James and cinnamon roll-likeness of Maggie and then explain to him why an octopus hugged you. Interesting morning. Lol.

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 10:50 am

      Hahaha I love this comment.

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy December 21, 2010, 11:46 am

    Love the memories … and I love that you love ketchup. Someone “made fun of me” for putting ketchup on sweet potato fries 🙁

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life December 21, 2010, 11:47 am

    I love the pictures of James! How adorable!

    And how fun is it to reminisce about the past. What a cute story about meeting your husband. 🙂

  • Aundra | Fit for Life December 21, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Love the photo of you and James! He’s looking at you so sweetly! It’s as if he knew how great his life would be with you guys…

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 21, 2010, 12:22 pm

    It just hit me who your husband looks like (it has been puzzling me for months :P) – Christopher from Gilmore Girls! Did you ever watch that show?

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 12:41 pm

      No but I just googled him and I see the resemblance! 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) December 21, 2010, 12:44 pm

    I LOVE your story!!! So cute 🙂

  • Rebecca December 21, 2010, 2:34 pm

    OH, I love the way James is looking up at you….”Mommy, I llloooovvvveeee you!!!!” So absolutely adorable!!

  • christin December 21, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Caitlin! You’re killing me – sweet husband memories and cute puppies all in one post!? 🙂 it makes my heart all melty.

  • Dee December 21, 2010, 6:13 pm

    I first learned about cupping very recently, interestingly, in a training course for mandated reporters of child abuse. They were teaching us how to recognize what is NOT child abuse, such as cupping. Apparently cupping is a cultural practice active in the area where I live, some families use it to help children when they’re sick. I think if I’d seen it for the first time on a child, I would have worried, but now I know it’s a perfectly valid healing remedy. Live and learn!

    • Caitlin December 21, 2010, 6:40 pm

      That is super cool! I would def freak out if I didnt know what cupping was and saw it on a kid.

  • Gigi December 21, 2010, 7:16 pm

    I am with #51. Yes, your husband looks like Christopher from Gilmore Girls!

    Love your sweet memory trip. And it is surprising to know that your husband did Tai Chi.

  • suzy pepper December 21, 2010, 9:14 pm

    I love that picture of you and the hubbie. It made me feel all happy. It was weird.

  • Erin H December 22, 2010, 10:00 am

    Love the story of you and the husband. He sounds like a such great guy – he doesn’t happen to have a single twin brother does he? I’m just asking… 🙂

    • Caitlin December 22, 2010, 10:01 am

      He does have a cute stepbrother who lives in Florida 🙂

  • Ali December 28, 2010, 9:25 am

    I love stories of people meeting their significant other. And pictures too 🙂 I really liked this post!

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