Oh Happy Days!

in All Posts

I forget how amazing quesadillas can taste!

IMG_4193

My uncle and aunt had my mom over for dinner the other night, and they made quesadillas.  My uncle and aunt have been vegetarian for 20 + years, and my mom recently went veggie, too.  She could not stop RAVING about the amazing quesadillas they cooked, and I finally made my own:

IMG_4192

I used this brand of tortillas, which I really like because they are trans-fat free and only 100 calories.  I don’t normally pay too much attention to calories, but tortillas can easily have 300 calories in them, and I’d much rather eat my calories in cheese form.  🙂

IMG_4187

And they taste good!

 

My quesadillas contained:

 

  • Mexican blend of cheese
  • Mushrooms
  • Green Pepper
  • Onions
  • Black Beans

 

Plus, salsa on the side:

IMG_4194

And a 1/2 apple (I split it with the Husband):

IMG_4195

Walk This Way!

 

I was suppose to run 5.0 miles this morning, but I do not feel 100% recovered from my 22.0 mile long run on Wednesday.  I have nagging muscle soreness in my groin and quads… nothing too major, but enough to keep me from running.

 

You guys know how I roll – I will NEVER run if I feel an injury (or a potential injury) coming on.  It’s just reckless, and I learned my lesson when I ran my knees into the ground and was forced to take a 2 month running hiatus!

 

Instead, the Husband and I went for a long walk together.  We walked 2.25 miles in 40 minutes. ‘Twas a decent, low impact workout!  🙂

 

My Happy Moment

 

Although my morning was a little rough (with the death of my fishie), I found out something REALLY EXCITING mid-morning.  I landed a freelance writing job with The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition, who is partnering with a site called Unigo.  I wrote for the WSJ CE for about 5.5 years, and I’m really excited to be working with them again! 

 

This is kind of just one more stepping stone to my ultimate goal of being my own boss forever.  I’m not saying there is anything wrong with a 9 to 5 job (there are SO many benefits – like paycheck security, which I don’t have, and health insurance, which I pay through the nose for!), but I lived the lower to middle management job lifestyle for 3.5 years and would be happier not going back.  (I have no idea what I’m going to do about Physical Therapy grad school, just an FYI.)

 

So… wahoo!

 

…And A Happy Success Story!

 

I love to share reader success stories!  Recently, a girl named Alex e-mailed me a few times for advice about running her first 10K.  She was super concerned about icky weather conditions… but she DID it! :)  Here’s her recap:

10K! 007

Alex said, “I am excited to say I successfully completed my first 10k and longest run to date. I had 2 goals going into the race. The first goal was not to walk unless absolutely necessary and also to make it under 1 hour. Well I completed 1 of 2. I did not walk ONCE! It shocked me because I typically have to walk every run if only for a couple seconds. I was close to accomplishing the 2nd goal. I finished the race in 1:03:06. So close!!! I like to think that given better running conditions I could have made up those 3 minutes. 🙂 The weather was 34 degrees and raining! I was completely soaked and shivering at the end.  I am extremely proud of myself and cannot wait for my next race. I have signed up for a St. Patrick’s Day 8k. For a variety of reasons, I prefer the shorter length races, no more than a 10k. But now I can focus on speed knowing that I can do the distance.”

 

So… what’s YOUR Happy News of the day?  There must be something nice for you to share… something big or something small – go ahead and brag!

{ 77 comments }

 

  • Meghan@traveleatlove December 18, 2009, 1:50 pm

    Haha well my day has been pretty annoying, that 9-5 job and all 🙁 but my hubby is close to hopefully landing a GREAT job and I am pumped to be running 10 miles before our giant snowstorm!

  • amanda @ fake ginger December 18, 2009, 1:54 pm

    Congrats to Alex!

    I would love to be my own boss forever. I’ve been staying home with my kid for 3 years now so it would be extremely hard for me to go back to the workplace. I think I’ll just stay home and have babies forever. 😉

    I can’t really come up with any good news for today. I made some brittle and it turned out well. How ’bout that?

    • caitlin December 18, 2009, 1:54 pm

      brittle is hard to make! that’s impressive (and very happy).

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) December 18, 2009, 1:54 pm

    I LOVE quesadillas.

    Hmm, happy news, happy news…I don’t have anything to do at work today. ANYTHING.

  • Kristine December 18, 2009, 1:56 pm

    My happy news of the day is that I think I get to go out to dinner with my parents this evening! And i’m officially on winter break! Wooo hooo!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) December 18, 2009, 1:57 pm

    One of my college roommates is back in town (she moved to Mexico 2 years ago) and we’re meeting up for wine and tapas tonight. Hooray!

  • Carolyn December 18, 2009, 1:58 pm

    LOVE quesadillas!! We even have a quesadilla maker that presses them into triangles. 🙂 Happy news…two parties tomorrow, a holiday breakfast on Tuesday and out of town until the following Monday!!

  • Anne Marie@ New Weigh of Life December 18, 2009, 1:58 pm

    My happy news for the day is that I get to spend some time with the hubby this weekend. We need some quality time together.

  • Krista December 18, 2009, 1:58 pm

    My happy news is that it’s FRIDAY, I get off work early and will have a nice long gym session, then get to go home to relax with my wonderful husband and toddler for the weekend!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 18, 2009, 1:59 pm

    I love La Tortilla Factory tortillas! Have you ever tried the green onion ones? They are good and I am not a huge onion fan. I eat quesadillas almost every other day. Love ’em!

  • BethT December 18, 2009, 2:00 pm

    Today I’m celebrating my 31st birthday and my 10 year wedding anniversary. The celebration continues tomorrow in wine country! I have a lot to be happy about & thankful for.

  • Meg C. December 18, 2009, 2:00 pm

    CONGRATS!

    I got an interview for a job that I think would be really fun – sporting goods store, specializing in running shoes/gear!

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 18, 2009, 2:01 pm

    How exciting! My happy news isn’t too exciting, but I did finish all of my holiday baking this morning!

  • Rose December 18, 2009, 2:02 pm

    Thanks for reminding me that there is always happy news hiding somewhere. I’m happy that I will see my family in one week.

  • Allison December 18, 2009, 2:03 pm

    My happy news of the day is that my students and their parents have given me some wonderful, heartfelt Christmas cards thanking me for working with them this semester. And I’ve gotten some beautiful gifts, too! 😉

  • MelissaNibbles December 18, 2009, 2:08 pm

    My happy news is that I stayed home sick today. Even though I’m sick, I’m happy not to be at work!!

    Congrats on the writing gig!

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) December 18, 2009, 2:11 pm

    Congrats on your freelance job, that’s great news. And a great recap by Alex.

    My happy news… I’m actually going to Florida next week! So excited!

  • Erica December 18, 2009, 2:11 pm

    oh my gosh! Congrats! That is so awesome Caitlin!!!

    And I <3 dillas too 🙂

  • Susan December 18, 2009, 2:16 pm

    Ooh I want a quesadillah now!
    And my happy news is that I’m home from school for winter break. Yahoooooooo!!!

  • Carrie H December 18, 2009, 2:16 pm

    My husband I leave for Hawaii tomorrow! We’re spending Christmas on vacation alone together since we have had a crazy busy year and even spent four months living apart. Once we get back, it’ll be the same scene, but woooohoooo, eight days in Hawaiiiiiiiiii!

  • Biochemísta December 18, 2009, 2:18 pm

    Hey! Just came across, your blog and love it! Love meeting fellow runners!!

  • Stacey December 18, 2009, 2:18 pm

    Yay! Good luck with your new writing job! My happy news is that I am officially done with school for this semester AND I managed to make a B in Micro (I thought I would make MUCH worse since it was an all-online class!) Woot woot 😀 Is 2:15 too early to have a celebratory beer?? Haha

    • susan December 18, 2009, 2:22 pm

      it’s 5:00 somewhere… i say have the beer!!! =)

      • caitlin December 18, 2009, 2:23 pm

        yea… drink the beer!

  • susan December 18, 2009, 2:18 pm

    my proud moment of the day is that i’ve been doing “the shred” in the morning with jillian this week… although being tired and sore, i didn’t skip a day, not even this morning when i was lying in bed thinking, “it’s friday, it’s the holidays, it’s casual day at work (which we never get), i’m tired”… i got out of bed and had my date with jillian!!

    • Mama Pea December 18, 2009, 7:55 pm

      I’m proud of you, sister!

  • Jacquie December 18, 2009, 2:22 pm

    I found out I got a 3.82 this semester this week!!! yayyy!!!

    However, I wanted to comment more because of the fact I think you’re truly an inspiration for everyone to follow their dreams :o)

    • caitlin December 18, 2009, 2:23 pm

      thank you 🙂 and congrats on your A average!

  • Michele December 18, 2009, 2:28 pm

    Happy News of the Day: I received a dream job offer this past Tuesday in a law school 600 miles from home. I enthusiastically accepted and am now happily apartment hunting, etc. The move is a little scary, but I’ll live and meet new people rather quickly I’m sure.

  • Rosey Rebecca December 18, 2009, 2:28 pm

    Oh yum! I want quesadillas now! My happy news is that I had my wisdom teeth taken out on Wednesday and I almost feel better!! I get to lay in bed and eat applesauce all day!!! YAYYY

  • Kate December 18, 2009, 2:32 pm

    I also ran the race Alex ran and did not stop to walk either! The weather was miserable 🙁
    Congrats to her!

    Happy News is that my company holiday party is canceled. This means I don’t have to worry battling the snow tomorrow!

  • Kayla December 18, 2009, 2:33 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I have two questions for you?

    1. I’m on my 3rd day of the 30 day shred and can barely walk!! I was looking for your results when you did it but couldn’t find them..did they get deleted when you transferred blogs?

    2. Do you ever eat peanut butter? I know that’s a random question but I just never see you eat it and was just curious.

  • Kayla December 18, 2009, 2:34 pm

    o and p.s. my happy news is I got a 4.0 this semester-my first semester in college!

  • Meredith December 18, 2009, 2:35 pm

    Congrats to Alex! It is always so wonderful to accomplish those pre-race goals.

    My happy news is that I am graduating from college today!! I have mixed feelings about leaving the life I love, but I’m excited to see what the future holds. 🙂

  • Courtney December 18, 2009, 2:40 pm

    Congrats to Caitlin on the freelance gig and to Alex on the 10k!
    I made a decision to sign up for my first half marathon this week. WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!! I think I’m crazy as 6 is the longest run I’ve done, but I’m going for it!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Kara M. December 18, 2009, 2:48 pm

    My happy news for today is that this is my last day of work for two weeks and I have a crock pot full of yummy soup for dinner waiting for me at home!

  • Allie December 18, 2009, 2:52 pm

    congrats alex!

    those tortillas look great- fantastic amount of fiber. i will keep an eye out for them, thanks for the tip!

    great news on the freelance job. grad school is a huge committment, especially a phd program- i speak from experience- i really would be a different person, i think, had i not gone to grad school. you are smart to carefully weight this decision. if they will give you time to decide, take it.

  • Jenna December 18, 2009, 3:03 pm

    love la tortilla factory, they are soo yummy!

  • Alyssa December 18, 2009, 3:14 pm

    Congrats Alex!!!

    My happy news is that I have my last final of the semester tomorrow, and I’m almost positive I got straight A’s this semester 🙂 Only one more semester of college left!!! 😛

  • Britt - Runnerbelle December 18, 2009, 3:20 pm

    Totally with you on the lighter calorie tortillas. Why waste calories on those when you can use them on cheese. 😉

    My happy news….. well its Friday that is pretty rockin’, plus we are going out to dinner tonight with friends and I am so happy I found a motivational speaker/life coach that I totally “get”, cannot wait to put into action her teachings.

  • Little Aspects December 18, 2009, 3:22 pm

    Congratulations, that’s wonderful news.

    I’m happy because I survived my first year of High School teaching and I’m now on holidays for 5 weeks 🙂

  • Amanda December 18, 2009, 3:28 pm

    Thats awesome about your electricity bill. I’ve cut mine quite a bit as well by doing the same thing. Now that its heater weather though its a little harder because I hate to be cold.

    I love quesadillas! There is a really great recipe that I found on Allrecipes.com for Black Bean Quesadillas. You should give it a try next time you have a craving for one.

    Here’s the link …
    http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bean-Quesadillas/Detail.aspx

  • MommyRD December 18, 2009, 3:29 pm

    Congrats on the new assignment. I went on a walk today as well, with husband and baby. We had a great 45 minute walk and I call it a workout, because I was pushing a jog stroller. Have a great weekend!

  • Mama Pea December 18, 2009, 3:29 pm

    I’m so happy about your writing gig!

    I just got word that one of the sites I write for (twirlit.com) is giving me a FREE DESIGNER DRESS rental from Rent the Runway(http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/technology/09runway.html).

    Lordy, that seems like I’m trying to plug something. I’m not, I promise, I’m just super stoked that my husband is going to have to take me somewhere REALLLLLLY nice and I can wear a HOT dress!

  • Wendy December 18, 2009, 3:30 pm

    I’m curious to see what direction your life goes, career-wise. You seem to be really passionate about writing, helping others improve their self-image AND biomechanics, so I’m interested to see where your unique combination of passions takes you. 🙂 Congrats on the freelance job – I, too, prefer to be my own boss, but it can difficult. My family & husband’s family are nearly all self-employed, and they all work extremely hard. I’m hoping my career move to teaching will give me a some of both worlds – autonomy + security.

    Congrats also to Alex!

    My happy news? Today, it’s simply that I don’t have anything I HAVE to do for the rest of the day. But I’m also still reveling in yesterday’s sub-25:00 3 mile-run. 🙂

  • Tracey@tropicalhappiness December 18, 2009, 3:44 pm

    Congrats on the freelance gig! Awesome! And congrats to Alex too, on completing the race. Huge accomplishment.

    My happy news… after today, I am on vacation for TWO WEEKS. Normally, this doesn’t happen unless you are in school, but I took Monday-Thursday OFF, and we get Christmas through New Years off at my company. So I basically don’t have to work (except one light day) until Jan 4.

    I have been working my ASS off at my job (no joke, working here until 9 pm, then going home and working until 11 or 12, plus working from home on weekends). My work will be 99% complete today, and my back-up will do the rest on Monday, so I am COUNTING THE SECCONDS!!!!! I like my job and am not normally this insane about vacation, but December has been the most stressful month at work ever!

  • Claire December 18, 2009, 3:48 pm

    Congrats on your freelance job!! cc

  • Julie December 18, 2009, 3:54 pm

    Sorry about your fishie 🙁
    But congrats on the job!!

  • Katie December 18, 2009, 3:54 pm

    I love quesedillas because they are so tasty and SO EASY and FAST to make!

    Happy Weekend!

    Katie
    http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-giveaway-ss-bars-sahale-winner-plyo.html

  • SarahF December 18, 2009, 3:59 pm

    My happy news for the day is I got the last of my grades in (and ended up with a 3.4/4 GPA for the semester) which means I am finished my undergrad degree!! Plus I have a job in the profession I’m graduating in that I’ll start next year 🙂

  • Jen December 18, 2009, 4:03 pm

    I love all the happy, positive energy radiating from this blog! Positive energy is so powerful! For me, I’m a high school teacher and it’s the last day before Winter Break! It’s been a fun day with a Pep Assembly and returning students. 15 minutes til vacation!

  • Cassie December 18, 2009, 4:27 pm

    Congrats, Caitlin! Yay for writing jobs! My happy news is that I got A TON of work done on my blog today – it’s almost ready to debut!

  • Jul December 18, 2009, 4:49 pm

    Oh my gosh! I just ran my first 10k, too! And from the looks of Alex’s race bib, we ran the same one! And I am signing up for the same 8k… hey Alex, if you’re reading this, are you looking for a running buddy by any chance? 🙂

    -Jul

  • Courtney December 18, 2009, 5:03 pm

    my AF boyfriend just moved into his new house in Germany! That’s good news for him and I!

  • Erin December 18, 2009, 5:06 pm

    What a cool new position! My goal is the same as yours: to be my own boss and make my living as a writer. For now, I travel and blog (postcards-from-the-world.blogspot.com) and just started as a travel writer for Examiner.com

    http://www.examiner.com/x-32787-DC-Travel-Examiner

  • Allison December 18, 2009, 5:17 pm

    My happy news of the day is that I’ve been accepted into medical school for next year! I actually found out awhile ago, but it’s been a happy day ever since! 🙂

  • kilax December 18, 2009, 6:44 pm

    Congrats on the job! I think being your own boss is a wonderful goal. My husband is working towards that as well.

    My happy news of the day is pretty funny. My husband and I both had dentist appointments this morning. I told him I look forward to seeing the dentist because they always tell me how nice my teeth are. Well, while he was getting x-rays, the dental hygienist was going on and on about how pretty my teeth are and how she hasn’t seen teeth as nice as mine in awhile. Then, my husband came back and sat there while she cleaned my teeth. When the dentist came in, he said the same thing! And how he thought I should be a teeth model, and that I was inspiring him to go home and floss. Ha ha. I thought it was funny they sad all of that in front of my husband. And I was flattered.

  • Karla December 18, 2009, 6:53 pm

    Congratulations! What a great job!

    My good news of the days is really for tomorrow! It’s a super secret event I’m having that will be on my blog tomorrow 🙂 I can’t wait!

  • Whitney December 18, 2009, 7:11 pm

    I am extraordinarily happy about spending Christmas with my family. The 2008-2009 year has been a really rough one and I would not have made it without their support. I’m just excited that we will all be sitting around in our jamies opening presents and eating lots of chocolate 🙂 🙂

  • MaryB December 18, 2009, 7:11 pm

    My happy news is that some of my photos made it on OperationBeautiful.com!

  • pen December 18, 2009, 7:13 pm

    I love this question!!! I’ve been all Bah Humbug this week because it’s been a crisis week a work…but, I had to stop just now. Think about a happy thing from today. And it totally made things better.

    My happy thing is really simple, a happy client. A happy appreciative client (which I so rarely get). Usually I get yelled at by my clients, so when someone is genuine and nice it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside about all the work I put into my job.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 18, 2009, 7:26 pm

    Ooh, I love those smart wraps! They are a constant feature on my blog 🙂

    Happy news: I turned in my grades for the fall semester, so I am DONE DONE DONE until January!

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 18, 2009, 7:30 pm

    Your positive attitude and outlook is so infectious and people cannot help but want more. Congrats on your new gig.. I imagine many more will come your way.

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) December 18, 2009, 7:30 pm

    Love reading happy news! Congrats!

    I got a job today after being unemployed for a few months. I’m so relieved!

  • Lee December 18, 2009, 7:34 pm

    Woo hoo. Congrats! My happy thing happened yesterday. This is going to sound ridiculous, but I was extremely excited because…a vendor that I work with sent me a Snuggie!

  • Niki (Running in Pink) December 18, 2009, 7:56 pm

    Congrats on the freelance job!

    I received some really great news, but I’m not allowed to share just yet! Such a tease, I know.

  • a December 18, 2009, 8:02 pm

    MMMM those quasadillas look really yummy.I love quasadillas but sometimes don’t have the time to make them properly. I make what I have dubbed lazy girl quasadillas in the toaster oven 😀

  • Penny December 18, 2009, 8:42 pm

    Those quesadillas look really good. I love black beans.
    Congrats on the job!!!

  • chandra h December 18, 2009, 9:19 pm

    congratulations!!! 😀

    mmm,,, cheese. hehe. my happy news… i got a package in the mail today from my mom for christmas 😀 we’re on opposite sides of the country and not together for the first time ever the holiday and i miss her soo much! she sent me all these little presents wrapped in the prettiest gold paper with ribbons. i can’t wait to open them!

  • Amanda@thegrainsofparadise December 18, 2009, 9:19 pm

    Great news on the writing job and best of luck to you 🙂 So sorry about Bella…I’m sure she had a very happy fish life just being free from Walmart lol 🙂

  • Amanda @ the Hungry Wanderers December 18, 2009, 10:33 pm

    My happy news is that I finished grad school last night and graduate tomorrow! Yay 🙂 Congrats on the new writing job!

  • Maria (realfitmama) December 18, 2009, 10:42 pm

    My happy news is that it’s Friday, the work week is over and the weekend has just begun. we are finished with Christmas shopping and next week is a THREE day work week. WOOT WOOT! Congrats on the Freelance job. SO jealous, but very happy for you. The blog is great!

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 19, 2009, 12:16 am

    Congrats to Alex, that’s great!

    Sorry about fishie, but congrats on the great news! I’d love to write and by my own boss, too!

    I got in a great workout after work today. I walked in the door after 12 hours and it felt great to do that for me.

  • Amy December 19, 2009, 6:08 am

    Mmm, quesdillas for dinner tomorrow night 🙂
    My happy moments come one after the other lately! 🙂 I’m happy that I’m surrounded by happy, supportive and funny people and I’m happy that my husband’s great job means I have the flexibility to study next year full time so I can live my dream.
    Hooray for being your own boss! There’s never a better feeling than knowing that every penny you make working, goes to you and not a big company. My fingers are crossed that you reach that goal 🙂

  • Jami December 19, 2009, 9:54 am

    I love those Tortilla wraps! They are pretty much the only ones I use and are delicious!

  • Alison December 19, 2009, 3:39 pm

    congrats caitlin–you are a very impressive lady!

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point