Newbie and Flatbread Pizza

on November 10, 2009
in All Posts

Want to know one of the key aspects of my personality?  Well, I really like it when I am a newbie who has no idea what’s going on.  I think that’s why I got so attached to running even though I couldn’t go 1/4 a mile when I started. I relish being inexperienced.  It’s so fun to LEARN something new.

 

I actually used to be the opposite – not being in control made me freak out.  But a few years ago, I decided to embrace my inexperience when confronted with a new situation.  It made life much more fun!

 

Case in point: the new Canon Rebel camera.  I have no idea what 1/2 of the buttons on the camera mean (what the heck is ISO?), but it’s so interesting to be clueless! 🙂

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I stopped by Colonial Photo and Hobby (recommended by Ryan) to ask them some questions and see if I needed a lens filter (I did) or another lens (I did).  The nice man behind the counter told me that they are offering a 3 hour course on Canon Rebels THIS Friday – can you believe my luck? I signed up right away!  I won’t be clueless for long!

 

After the excitement at the camera store, I went for a walk downtown and played with ReBella.  This lovely swan served as my model.  🙂

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As did these guys:

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They asked me to take a picture of them! Randomly. 

 

Then, it was time for a haircut at Alta Moda salon.  If you live in the area, I highly recommend Christine!  She tamed my mane.  I debated bangs, but I always end up going the safe route.

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There’s a lovely restaurant right next door to the salon that serves the BEST flatbread pizzas, and I considered dining solo… but then I remembered Back on Track Month.  One of my goals is to not eat out as much!  I came home and made my own version.

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I bought flatbread crackers from Costco a while back, but I’ve been eating them straight from the box instead of actually cooking them.  They were SO tasty (I cannot remember the brand name now).  I topped them with Classico Sun Dried Tomato Sauce, cheese, and ‘bella mushrooms.

 

Plus, steamed Brussel Sprouts:

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All together now:

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Do you like trying new things or does not knowing what you’re doing make you nervous? 

{ 80 comments }

 

  • Sana November 10, 2009, 12:20 pm

    I loveee the nervous energy I get from trying new things’ But most often I play it safe. hehe!

  • Kara November 10, 2009, 12:27 pm

    I used to exclusively play it safe and never try anything new, but then I realized it was boring!! Now, I’m much more open to trying new foods or going on random adventures, but am still working on taking risks when it comes to the “big” stuff, like work or going back to school.

  • Courtney November 10, 2009, 12:40 pm

    The older I get, the more nervous to try new things I get. I have two small kids and I can’t believe how fearless they are. I’m working on learning from them. When I was a senior in college I went skiing for the first time. On Taos no less! I skipped the bunny hill and went straight to the top. Fearless was my middle name that day! I skied my little heart out and wiped out about 20.000 times! Didn’t matter – I LOVED IT! I couldn’t see myself doing that now – but I do love to ski!

    I’m so glad I found your blog. I LOVE it. It’s inspired me in more ways than you can imagine – I even called my husband one day and said, “That’s it, we’re moving to Florida!”

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 12:42 pm

      awww thank you! i can understand being nervous about new things once you have kids – i think thats a pretty logical reaction to wee ones depending on you for existence!

      however, i will NOT ski. ever. i think it’s like suicide on snow.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! November 10, 2009, 12:42 pm

    I think trying something new is always a bit nerve racking but usually a fun experience, so go for it!!!

    That FLAT BREAD pizza looks so good! I want some now instead of the same old “sandwich” I will be having shortly………=(

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion November 10, 2009, 12:43 pm

    I like trying new things a lot too! But, sometimes when I try new things, if I can’t figure it out easily I get frustrated! So, I guess it all depends on my mood. The good thing is, I am always super motivated to figure things out for myself, so I am never a newbie for long!

  • Kat (kats daily plate) November 10, 2009, 12:43 pm

    I think trying new things is so important. I try to do the things I fear so that I can show myself there is nothing to be afraid of. It is very empowering to push fears aside and just LIVE!

  • Kristy November 10, 2009, 12:50 pm

    I love to try new things. New experiences help you grow, inside and out! Of course, it does make me nervous but in the end it just shows me how strong I am.
    Those pizzas look yummy

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 10, 2009, 12:53 pm

    Your hair looks great! I love being new at something (like blogging, lol) because I love the challenge!

  • Rose November 10, 2009, 12:54 pm

    I hate reading instruction manuals, so sometimes I’m not always the best newbie. I do like figuring things out though 🙂

  • Matt November 10, 2009, 12:55 pm

    I like trying new things, but it doesn’t happen as often as I would like. I always second guess myself and I need to work on that.

  • Graze With Me November 10, 2009, 12:55 pm

    I *hate* trying new things! It makes me so nervous & I’m neurotic enough as it is…BUT once I finally do try something new, I’m really happy I did. It’s just getting over that initial hesitation.

    Great idea on the pizzas, I have a saying I repeat to myself whenever I want to eat out but can’t afford it. “You save both money and excess (unknown) calories. Win/win.”

  • Anne P November 10, 2009, 12:56 pm

    hair is looking faboo, my dear!

    lol and i love the random pictures of the dudes. they look really excited.

  • Evan Thomas November 10, 2009, 12:57 pm

    New places make me very nervous and uncomfortable, but I guess the world was new to me at one point and I got over that pretty quickly lol
    That flatbread looks awesome

  • MelissaNibbles November 10, 2009, 12:58 pm

    Your hair looks pretty! So soft and light.

    I’m not one for trying new things. Once I get stuck in a routine, I’m pretty set in my ways. This is something I vowed on New Years to change about myself. Since starting my blog, I’ve tried tons of new foods, workouts, and met new people! It’s really helped get me out of my comfort zone. I never thought a blog would be able to do that! I’m a very shy person and struggle with my self-esteem, so the blog community has been such a blessing.

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 1:00 pm

      i feel the same way <3

  • carolyn~ November 10, 2009, 12:58 pm

    Will you share some of the tips you learned about the camera? I am toying with getting the Rebel you have but have also heard to buy it seperate and not get the lens that comes in a kit. I am very impatient at times and I dont want to do all the research so was just hoping I could skip some steps and get it from you 🙂

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 1:00 pm

      yes! i will take diligent notes during my class and share everything i learned in 1 master post likely.

  • Ellen November 10, 2009, 12:58 pm

    Not knowing what I’m doing makes me TOTALLY nervous. I always play it safe with my hair too, but I’m thinking about being daring just this once and asking my hairdresser to give me a Lily Allen cut. I hope I go through with it!!
    (http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/)

  • lori November 10, 2009, 1:00 pm

    I kind of hate not knowing things, but it does give me the chance to dig around and learn so much – and then once you figure something out, you feel awesome! I remind myself learning is part of the process. The only failure is quitting – learning is growing…. And face it, while we are here, you mind as well keep growing.

  • Lex November 10, 2009, 1:04 pm

    I used to just jump right into new things and love it – but for whatever reason as I grow older I am discovering my nerves!
    I was so gung-ho about learning how to use my Rebel – but after a while I got overwhelmed with all of the settings! I even put the SLR away and brought out my trusty point and shoot out of sheer frustration!
    I am slowly going back to the SLR and plan on taking a class in the new year (intro to the rebel xt lol) when $ becomes available!
    good luck with your SLR! They are amazing creatures and produce fantastic photos!

    PS – your hair looks fab! and I AM envious of the length! (diorchik on twitter) LMAO!

    And I agree- post your tips with the camera! Sometimes reading online is so technical that a ‘noobie’ giving information can be easier to interpret! LOL

  • Britt - Runnerbelle November 10, 2009, 1:05 pm

    I definitely need to get better at trying new things. I think I get too caught up on making a mistake or doing something stupid. Although when I do finally commit to trying something new, I am usually pleasantly suprised…..so I should learn from that, huh?! 😉

  • Morgan November 10, 2009, 1:05 pm

    I love trying new things. I like being goofy and inexperienced. I joined a college swim team after not swimming for 4 years. I was definitely the newbie, but it was one of the best things I have ever done!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) November 10, 2009, 1:06 pm

    What a nice little morning you had! Sounds relaxing:)
    That’s cool they’re offering that Cannon class!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) November 10, 2009, 1:08 pm

    Kudos to you for making your own version of the restaurant pizza – I bet it was cheaper and much healthier! And it contained a lot of veggies, yay!

    Trying new things can be scary (just bought my own domain name and am about to self host by blog, ahhhh!!!), but also exhilerating!

  • Stacey November 10, 2009, 1:09 pm

    Trying new things makes me both nervous but very excited!! I have a list of about 5 things I want to learn how to do 🙂 Can’t wait to get started! Loving the hair cut (just typed cute lol) 😀

  • Therese November 10, 2009, 1:10 pm

    My mom has a brand new Canon Rebel and she was just saying the other day she wishes she knew how to use it! I have to tell her about the class on Friday!

    Your hair looks fab! I like the longer sweep bang on you better than a short bang I think.

  • Katerina November 10, 2009, 1:15 pm

    Love the picture of those brussels, it looks like you are getting a hold of that camera pretty quick.

    (I also shoot with an SLR, a nikon, and I don’t really know how to work it either. There is so much to learn!)

  • Katie November 10, 2009, 1:15 pm

    your hair looks awesome!!

  • megan November 10, 2009, 1:17 pm

    I am not good at trying new things. I hate to fail! I know, I know, fail your way to success and all that, but it hasn’t sunk it yet. that being said, i can’t wait to hear about your camera class. I’m debating whether I want to go all out and save up for a good camera or not. I love my blog, and I’d love to have better pictures, but is it really worth it? My blog is so tiny 🙂

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries November 10, 2009, 1:18 pm

    I’m the same way. I love being new at something. I also hate getting too regimented in anything because I get bored. I’ve always found it weird that I like the challenge of NOT being good at something more than the comfort of what I do know.

  • Sara November 10, 2009, 1:19 pm

    That’s so funny that those guys asked you to take a picture of them. Cute hair! That pizza looks great.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) November 10, 2009, 1:23 pm

    Way to follow the plan! You sure made a damn good looking flat bread.

  • Christina November 10, 2009, 1:28 pm

    I think I’m a bit of both, I can be cautious about things and will go over it internally a few times but then I’ll still do it.

    I also like being able to say I did something crazy or tough, like last year I went down the double diamond ski hill on a dare, the guy who dared me only skiied 1/2 the hill and then had to walk… I reallly liked being able to say I skiied the whole thing.

  • Jenna November 10, 2009, 1:31 pm

    trying new things is always scary for me.
    great flatbread pizza 🙂
    jenna

  • Lindsey @ eatreadrun.com November 10, 2009, 1:35 pm

    I have gotten better at trying new things, but change is generally tough for me. I recently received the Canon Rebel XSi as a gift and am slowly learning the ins and outs as well. I wish there was a class in my area! Your pics are looking great. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve been getting since my upgrade.

  • Megan November 10, 2009, 1:40 pm

    As a control freak, trying new things sometimes makes me a little nervous, but I’ve been trying not to be so crazy and go with the flow more, especially when it means trying new things!

  • MegaNerd November 10, 2009, 1:40 pm

    Your hair looks gorgeous, love!!

    😀

    Miss you!!! and running… lol

  • brandi November 10, 2009, 1:41 pm

    I’m the same way! Actually, blogging has made me a bit more courageous, strangely enough. I like learning new things and now I can actually document it!

    I won’t ski either – I tried it, was horrible at it, and just kept thinking I was going to fall off the side of the mountain. I’ll stay inside and drink instead 🙂

  • Abby (Abbys Vegan Eats) November 10, 2009, 1:45 pm

    Your hair looks cute! 😉

  • Aggie November 10, 2009, 1:50 pm

    I need a Rebel class bad! I got mine over the holidays last year and still know nothing!! Your brussel sprout pic looks awesome by the way….and I know those flatbreads from Costco you are talking about, yours look delish!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 10, 2009, 2:00 pm

    I love trying new things! I let the nervousness inspire me to do it 🙂

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels November 10, 2009, 2:08 pm

    I really don’t like trying new things . . . gets me nervous and honestly sometimes rashy! 🙁

  • Sarah November 10, 2009, 2:09 pm

    Hiya, I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I just wanted to say how much I enjoy it, especially all the lovely pics of vegetarian food – I’ve really been inspired to eat more veggies!
    I’m still just learning to enjoy the newbie experience – it’s tough, as I have to keep reminding myself to relax, but when I do, I *really* enjoy myself.
    Your hair looks lovely! Makes me want to get my hair done 🙂
    Oh, and that photo of the random guys really made me laugh. 😀
    Good luck with the book!

  • Gina G November 10, 2009, 2:11 pm

    im actually could say i go both ways, i sometimes get nervous but am after so happy that i tried it! =)

    p.s.your hair looks wonderful caitlin!

  • Aimee November 10, 2009, 2:30 pm

    I definitely do not shy away from new things. It can be a little scary, sometimes intimidating, but also exciting to tackle a challenge or embark on a new adventure. The one thing I have yet to be able to do is make my blog public. I’m not sure why I have such trepidation about it, but maybe that will be a resolution for the new year. I love love love the healthy living blogs that I follow. I have learned so much from the blogs that I follow. I have tried so many new things as a result of the blogs, new recipes, running, a 5K, a green monster, chia seeds, to name a few.

    The flatbread pizza looks yummy! Love the new do!

  • megan November 10, 2009, 2:31 pm

    another question – what kind of lens do you need and why do you need it? I’m really debating the camera question so I want to know the extra equipment I would want too 🙂

  • Susan November 10, 2009, 2:31 pm

    Ooh, taking a photography class is a wonderful idea! I did photojournalism in university, but I still feel like there’s so much more I could learn! And your hair looks gorgeous 😉

    I’m allll about trying new things. I’m not a very spontaneous person, so being open to new experiences is how I keep life interesting 🙂

  • JAG November 10, 2009, 2:41 pm

    Hi Caitlin, your hair looks fab. I also love learning new things, I’m like a sponge and love soaking up new information.

    Flatbread pizza is one of my favourite things to make too and it proves that pizza doesn’t have to be unhealthy 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 10, 2009, 2:44 pm

    I’m a cross between the two. I love learning new things but only if I choose. I don’t like to be thrust into having to learn new things because I feel out of control.

    But I did pick up running on my own and now I love striving to get better at it.

  • Nikka @ neekadeek November 10, 2009, 2:51 pm

    I am a little of both: I love discovering and learning new things but I also experience a lot of nervousness in new situations, I just try to not let it get the best of me.
    As far as your camera, taking a class is great! Having someone to explain and show you how to use your equipment is priceless 🙂
    About your question, what is the ISO?
    ISO determines how sensitive the image sensor is to light.
    How to use it:
    * Use an ISO of 100 or 200 when taking photographs outside in sunny conditions.
    * If the sky is overcast or it is evening time, then use an ISO within the range of 400 to 800.
    * Night time or in cases of low light you might need to set your digital camera ISO to 1600. If you don’t then your photo will appear too dark if at all.
    Here is a great article: http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/camera/settings/iso.shtml
    I hope this helps!!!

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 2:54 pm

      genius!!!

  • shawna November 10, 2009, 3:03 pm

    I highly recommend the Canon 50mm/f1.8 lens. It’s inexpensive and will really help with your low light, non-flash situations.

    Raising your ISO will create more noise (grain) in your photos, so you want to keep it as low as possible. The lower the f stop, the more light you’re letting in/lower need for using a flash.

    You can raise your ISO, which will allow you to not need your flash in many situations.

    So, I always go with as low an f stop as I can go without having too much blur (or shallow depth of field). If I need to raise my ISO to get my shutter speed to 100 or more, then I will. I try not to have my shutter speed go below 100 because that just equals blurry photos from my hands shaking.

    Did I just confuse you more? Sorry.

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 3:06 pm

      thats the one i got! sweet!!!

  • Sammi November 10, 2009, 3:11 pm

    It makes me so so so so nervous! I HATE trying new things. It’s like pulling teeth for me. New things always make me so hesitant. I’m all for things that are common to me.

    Your hair looks great!

    So random about those guys! hahahaha

  • bobbi November 10, 2009, 3:11 pm

    I so need to take a camera class, I have had my rebel for two years and don’t know have the things it does!

  • Julie November 10, 2009, 3:17 pm

    Pretty hair cut!! I think you should get bangs…it will be something NEW!! Just start out with longer bangs to get used to them. And if you hate them, grow them out. It’s just hair!!

    I’m the biggest creature of habit and love having a routine, but I really like trying new things! It gives me such a thrill and a rush.

  • Michelle November 10, 2009, 3:27 pm

    Dear Caithlin,
    I’m new to running and you have inspired me so much.
    Well actually I started running because of your site.
    Today was my 4th run and it was the first time I could run for the whole 25 minutes without walking. It feels so good and I want to thank you for inspiring me!

    ps. your haircut is gorgeous!

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 3:27 pm

      amazing!!! what an accomplishment 🙂

  • Katie November 10, 2009, 3:37 pm

    I hate not knowing what I’m doing! I feel so dumb trying to learn. Why I am sitting here avoiding speed work on the track. WIsh I had a buddy to do it with! Lovely models and good for saving money. I’m terrible at just eating or buying what I want.

  • Jessica November 10, 2009, 3:40 pm

    I’m terrified of trying new things!! I’m always afraid I’m going to look dumb in front of people- especially strangers/ people I don’t know well. I end up talking myself out of doing things for that reason, and it drives me nuts when I do that. I’m so self conscious it makes it hard to meet new people. maybe I’ll try what you did- just embrace new situations and who cares!

  • Diana November 10, 2009, 3:41 pm

    Mot knowing what I’m doing definitely makes me nervous but I admire your attitude so much. Maybe I should relax a bit and enjoy learning new things. 🙂

  • ashleigh November 10, 2009, 3:44 pm

    those flat bread pizzas look really good..probably better than the pizza place would have been. that’s awesome about the camera class, what are the chances?!

  • SweetiePotato November 10, 2009, 4:24 pm

    i LOVE trying new things… it makes me nervous sometimes but in a good way haha. i agree with you that it’s fun to learn 😀 & the lunch looks yummy! good for you on deciding not eat out!

  • Lauren November 10, 2009, 4:25 pm

    Your hair looks great! So do your pictures.

  • Caroline November 10, 2009, 4:25 pm

    Trying new things makes me nervous! I like to be in my comfort zone. I wish I were more like you though! How’d you make the switch?

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 4:53 pm

      i just really UNDERSTOOD that life is for LIVING. there is no reason to be scared of failure. also, fake it until you make it – even if you are shaking on the inside, no one can tell!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 10, 2009, 4:53 pm

    I love, love, love trying new things.. I just love to learn, basically (even though I still can’t wait to get the heck out of grad school). Once I start learning a new thing, though, I’m a perfectionist and have to learn EVERYTHING about it, and do it best (or best as I can that is).

    Ps. Look at you and your veggies! I love vegetables and I don’t even think I could just eat brussel sprouts plain and steamed!

  • Jacqueline November 10, 2009, 5:46 pm

    Love your new ‘do!

    I’m such a creature of habit but lately I’ve been making a conscience effort to break that cycle and it feels so freeing!

  • Wendy November 10, 2009, 6:09 pm

    I love to try new things, but I do get nervous! I’m like you in the respect that I love the process of learning something new.

    Love your hair! I just chopped off 11 inches, and it feels fantastic!! I actually have a style now instead of just a thick mane of hair.

  • hemp jogger November 10, 2009, 6:24 pm

    you have seriously gorgeous hair! looks even better now, all primped up. love it!

    • Caitlin November 10, 2009, 6:32 pm

      thank you 🙂

  • hemp jogger November 10, 2009, 6:27 pm

    oh, and yes, i enjoy new things once i’m doing them. that built-up anxiety when the ‘event’ is coming though…do not always handle that the best. but good or bad, i’m ALWAYS glad when i get going, and so glad i chose to grow a pair and just DO IT.

  • Amanda November 10, 2009, 6:32 pm

    I get bored pretty easily, so I LOVE trying new things. I went ice skating for the first time the other day and it was awesome.

  • angieinatlanta November 10, 2009, 7:25 pm

    New experiences definitely scare me! I’ve been running for a few months now and can run up to 6 miles on a treadmill at a time…but I have yet to sign up for my first race!

    I definitely want to cultivate a taste for trying new things, though, because I think it’s such a valuable asset to have.

  • whitney November 10, 2009, 7:59 pm

    I love love trying new things. When I’m in a restaurant especially I always like to order new interesting items althought it takes me forever to decide. At home I make up new things all the time. I take flavors I think I will like and make something interesting. Those flat out pizzas look amazing

  • maria November 10, 2009, 9:34 pm

    New hair is looking good. I need a cut soon, too. My ends are getting yucko!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 11, 2009, 2:04 am

    I see you gave the Brussels sprouts another shot 🙂

  • Lizzy November 11, 2009, 2:39 pm

    i love your new hair! so pretty!

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet November 12, 2009, 8:01 pm

    The unknown normally freaks me out. But I am about to dive into a whole new set of adventures and while I am nervous, I am SO excited! It’s fun to see where I will end up.

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