Homewarming

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I am SOOO excited to be back home – to my dogs, to my apartment, to my normal life.  Vacations are fun, but my real life is better.

 

I screamed my head off when I saw the puppies!   We hugged and kissed them, and it felt so good to sleep with one dog in my arms and the other at my feet.

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Yesterday was the travel day from hell.  We woke up at 8 AM to discover our 1 PM flight had been delayed until 4.  We tried to kill some time before traveling on a bus, then the Underground, and then a train to the airport.  Security at the airport was absolutely INSANE with multiple check points and total bag searches. 

 

By the time our plane landed in Orlando at 7:30 PM local time / 12:30 AM England time, I was pooped!  But we still wanted to drive the a hour and a half to pick up the dogs from my in-laws.  When my head hit the pillow, my body thought it was 4 AM!

 

To keep this post short, my eats yesterday were as decent as they could be with traveling.  I started to refuse “snacks” on the flight like ice cream and crappy white bread sandwiches – my body just wanted real food.  A darling stewardess brought me a few pieces of whole fruit, and I could’ve kissed her!

 

Real food breakfast:  OATMEAL!

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My banana oatmeal featured 1/2 a banana from an actual banana tree here in Florida.  My in-laws’ friend gave them a bunch, and I was curious to try the one yellow one.

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My banana oatmeal contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 a banana
  • Toppings: coconut, pecans, cinnamon

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With real English Breakfast tea on the side… I do miss England’s tea!

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Today is a “catch-up” day on the rest of my life. 

 

  • 63 e-mails to read.
  • Drive back to Orlando.
  • Conference call with editor about freelance project.
  • Conference call with Lululemon about a possible Operation Beautiful promotion!
  • Review mark-ups to my manuscript and start revising the book.
  • Groceries!
  • A light run.

 

What task are you looking forward to doing the most today, and which are you dreading?  It’s fun to see what other people have on their agendas!  I don’t really love to grocery shop, but I’m excited to tackle the rest of my projects!

{ 94 comments }

 

  • Babycakes January 5, 2010, 8:47 am

    Welcome home Caitlin! Sorry about your travel headaches but I bet it made reuniting with the pups even sweeter! I agree that vacations are a blast, but there is no better feeling than returning home. That Lululemon collaboration sounds exciting! Today I am looking forward to a trip to Whole Foods. What I am not looking forward to is studying for medical boards I have coming up at the end of the month. YIKES

  • Stacey January 5, 2010, 8:49 am

    Umm, hello, Lululemon! You rock, keep up the good work. 2010 is sure to be another great year for you.

  • Island Girl Eats January 5, 2010, 8:51 am

    Welcome back! I loved reading about your holiday. The pictures were great. Glad to hear that you are back safely.

  • zestycook January 5, 2010, 8:56 am

    Glad to hear you made it back to Orlando safe and sound!

  • Casey @Spicy&Sweet January 5, 2010, 9:05 am

    Welcome back Caitlin! I agree, real life is better than vacay…vacay is pretty awesome too though :). I loved reading about your trip!

  • Lesley January 5, 2010, 9:12 am

    Welcome back! I loved reading your posts on your Vacation..thanks for keeping up the blog 🙂
    And isn’t it kind of fun organizing your life after a long vacation?!

  • RhodeyGirl January 5, 2010, 9:13 am

    Dreading: moving the car (it is so COLD out, but we don’t have a permit and since PB parked in a permit spot last nt, I must move it!), picking up the few ingredients I still need for tomorrow. Cleaning the bathrooms (which I dread so much that PB offered to do them!)

    Excited for: my hair appointment! Bringing some good magazines I need to catch up on. Also, rolling grape leaves! It is relaxing and while it will take me forever, the end result will be worth it.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet January 5, 2010, 9:13 am

    So glad you made it home safe. 🙂

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans January 5, 2010, 9:14 am

    Welcome home! I’m drinking a cup of PG Tips right now! Can’t wait to hear about the Lululemon promotion!

  • Kristine January 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    I love the feeling of being home after vacation too! Sometimes it is nice to go back to “real life.” Have a safe drive back!

  • BethT January 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    welcome back! aren’t doggie reunions the best??

  • Britt - Runnerbelle January 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    Glad you are back and enjoying being home!

    I have a report that I have been slowly working on that I REALLY need to get done today. It is just really not fun. Oh well!

    Enjoy the day!

  • Leah @ L4L January 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    I have literally nothing on my agenda except go to job #1, then job #2, then collapse in bed.

  • rungirlrunn January 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    Welcome home!! How cool would a lululemon promotion be for your book?! I’m most looking forward to my run! And dreading getting all my bill payments organized ughhh.

  • Shelly January 5, 2010, 9:20 am

    Haha I know what you mean about wanting “real food!” I got back from my trip to Switzerland on Sun. and I’ve been so happy to return to my normal eating habits. Near the end of the trip I was doing yoga on the floor of my hotel room (b/c yoga is excellent for stretching out prior to skiing) and fantasizing about kale and cabbage and spinach!

  • Rachel January 5, 2010, 9:21 am

    Grocery shopping is on my list, too, but I really enjoy it. Also on my list, though, is figuring out what I’m going to cook for the week & that’s not as fun. I’ve got to find a way to use what we have & what I get… so much mental work, haha.

    PS: What can I do with a pomegranate? I know you went to the POM Conference, and I was hoping you had some ideas. I bought it just because I saw it and went “Oooh. I should try this,” but now I don’t know what to do with it!

    • cautkub January 5, 2010, 10:29 am

      the POM wonderful website has TONS of recipes, but i like to put the seeds in pancakes or oatmeal!

      • Rachel January 5, 2010, 2:47 pm

        Thanks! I’m eye-ing several recipes on the pom wonderful site now 🙂

    • Foy @ Foy Update January 5, 2010, 11:56 am

      The first step to a pomegranate is to get the seeds out. It’s a little tricky and that juice stains. Here’s a nice tutorial on eating and preparing pomegranate: http://www.ehow.com/how_5785052_select_-prepare-eat-pomegranate.html

      • Rachel January 5, 2010, 2:48 pm

        Hmm… thanks for the link & the heads up on it being tricky. I’ll keep this in mind when preparing it.

  • Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run January 5, 2010, 9:21 am

    Welcome back!! Long day yesterday.

    I am looking forward to my run at the gym tonight – last night’s run was a disappointment, so tonight I’m in redeem mode. And it’s sick, but I’m looking forward to transfering all my “important dates” from my 2009 datebook to my new 2010 datebook. I love getting organized!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg January 5, 2010, 9:25 am

    SO cool that you might be doing something with lululemon!!!

    Welcome home! I love reuniting with my dogs after a long trip!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner? January 5, 2010, 9:28 am

    I’d take your travel headaches over our honeymoon nightmare!!! Glad you made it back safely though, and that puppy welcome is always the best!

  • Matt January 5, 2010, 9:28 am

    I am looking forward to my run today; it is the only thing I really have planned. The rest of the day will be spent watching all of the Harry Potter movies!

  • The Hot and Fit January 5, 2010, 9:28 am

    Welcome back home!!!

    Your puppies look SOOO cute!

  • Evan Thomas January 5, 2010, 9:34 am

    I think mine are one in the same: I’m making a vegan meatloaf for dinner tonight. i’m not a cook and this looks complicated, so I’m really nervous about doing all the steps. On the other hand, it should be delicious if it comes out right and I can’t wait to give it a taste and see what others think!
    And that’s so cool you’re eating local with your banana 🙂

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels January 5, 2010, 9:38 am

    I woke up, blogged, whittled my middle, then showered . . . now I have to re do my school schedule (fell behind in December), go to the bank, work from home for an hour, then GO to work until 8.

    PS – welcome home!

  • Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) January 5, 2010, 9:39 am

    Lululemon?! SO exciting! 😀

    I’m most looking forward to my run tonight (but not the crowds at the gym!), and least looking forward to making a giant trip to the post office with packages. Even with the automatic postal machines, I hate the post office!

  • Lizzy January 5, 2010, 9:44 am

    Welcome Home! 🙂

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place January 5, 2010, 9:45 am

    I’m looking forward to some HIIT on the treadmill today! dreading studying my ACE personal trainer manual… I’ve read 600 pages and I feel like it should be done by now!

  • Rosey Rebecca January 5, 2010, 9:46 am

    Yay for being home!! Sorry your flight was delayed. Hope you have a great day!

  • MelissaNibbles January 5, 2010, 9:52 am

    Welcome home lady!

    I always think your dog doesn’t have legs until I look real close at the pic. hahaha!

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love January 5, 2010, 9:55 am

    Welcome back! I always look forward to having real food after a day of traveling. Airport food is the worst.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 5, 2010, 9:59 am

    You LIKE english tea!? I think it tastes like dirty water! Hot chocolate all the way 🙂
    Airport security is mad now..I hate the fluids rule, it drives me insane!
    I had planned to bake a chocolate fudge cake today, but right now I feel SO full from lunch I don’t want to move!!
    I hope you have a lovely day, playing with your dogs etc; it’s great to see pets when you’ve been away for ages, they are so welcoming 🙂

  • Jamie (Inspired Mess) January 5, 2010, 10:04 am

    Welcome back, Caitlin!!!! So glad you had a wonderful time! It’s been so fun reading about your adventures!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) January 5, 2010, 10:08 am

    Being a college student on break, I have nothing going on today…or everyday lol. I should enjoy it while I can!
    That’s so cool you have banana trees in FL! Nothing grows in MD except corn 😕

  • Lindsay January 5, 2010, 10:08 am

    Conference call with lululemon?!?! ahhh!!! I looove lulu 🙂
    Sorry that your day of travel was so hellish, at least you’re home safe now with the puppers!

  • Jen January 5, 2010, 10:14 am

    Glad you made it home safely! I would have driven in the middle of the night to see my puppy too 🙂 Bet they were delighted to be reunited with mom and dad!

    I am dreading my 5 miler today. I normally love running but these cold temps are forcing me to run on the dreadmill, ugh. Is it summer yet?

  • brandi January 5, 2010, 10:17 am

    I’m glad you got home safely!!! Long travel days really do take it out of you. I bet Maggie and James were happy to see you 🙂

    How exciting about Lululemon!

    I’m not excited about the 6 more hours of work today, but I hope to run some fun errands at lunch and am ready to get home and play with my puppy!

  • megan January 5, 2010, 10:22 am

    welcome home! I was wondering how your trip would be with all the increased security, etc.

    I’m looking forward to cooking dinner tonight! I love it when I have a good dinner to look forward to. I’m dreading the rest of my workday 🙁

  • Mel January 5, 2010, 10:25 am

    Welcome back! Air travel is such a nightmare. Glad you made it home safely.

    I got my dreaded task out of the way first thing this morning – my swim workout! Turned out not to be too bad, either. Otherwise I am planning to spend a fun day playing with my son and getting housework done. Yeah, I know. I lead an exciting life, lol.

  • Teacherwoman January 5, 2010, 10:28 am

    Glad to hear you made it home safe and sound. I am exhausted reading about it! not too much on my schedule today besides a workout and work, and I got the workout done this morning but my sqeeze in an hour of yoga after work if I have the time!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite January 5, 2010, 10:36 am

    Welcome home! Sounds like such a long trip home!

  • Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen January 5, 2010, 10:37 am

    One of my favorite things to do is cook dinner with my husband and then blog about it 🙂 I freak out when we see our puppies after being away for a long time too!

    hope you have a great day!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 5, 2010, 10:38 am

    I have a meeting tonight about a training program for a half marathon I’m doing, so I guess that is one “task” I’m looking forward to. But I absolutely DO NOT want to put the laundry away when I get home, ha ha.

  • Kelly January 5, 2010, 10:44 am

    I have to go to the bank today and I HATE going to the bank. For some reason it always seems to take FOREVER!!

  • Eliza January 5, 2010, 10:45 am

    I’m on vacation from school, but at home so my to-do list is still full. I’m excited for dinner out with my brother and partner tonight, and dreading cleaning + putting away xmas decorations. Ugh.

  • Erin January 5, 2010, 10:45 am

    I need to go by the post office (dread – lines) and Trader Joe’s (love!!).

  • Heather (The Single Dish) January 5, 2010, 10:47 am

    I love the real china tea cup- how fancy and British! Cute. Lululemon- big time!

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) January 5, 2010, 10:47 am

    My sink full of dishes! So dreadful. And the post office. That place is always a shit show. Welcome home!!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing January 5, 2010, 10:50 am

    welcome back to the US! soooo cool about lululemon – hope it works out for you!! i am ADDICTED to their yoga pants!!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats January 5, 2010, 10:50 am

    I’m dreading an Audit we have next week in my office. Being the Admin I have to file A/P invoices b/c our accountant never comes to work. That’s my work goal for the week.

  • tracey January 5, 2010, 10:53 am

    Your dogs are so cute, what kind are they?

    • caitlin January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm

      maggie is a dachshund and james is a mix – you can learn more about them on my Puppies page (at the top of the blog) if you wish!

  • Laura January 5, 2010, 10:54 am

    Glad you arrived home safely- you’ve just missed the snow- we’ve had a good few inches in the last few hours so lucky you flew out before the airports are affected… I hope you enjoyed your trip despite the weather. My Mum loves French tea, so I buy it on ebay for her, I don’t know if you have online stores selling English things too?
    I can’t believe you have banana trees in Florida! The most exotic thing I have growing near me in the U.K. is flax- v pretty.
    I’m not looking forward to the huge pile of uni work I have to do, but am very pleased by being reimbursed for returning lots of clothes. Hope you have a jet lag free run! 😉

    • caitlin January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm

      hmm i don’t know of any place that sells english stuff online, but i know places like marshalls and tjmaxx often has a lot of english food products!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie January 5, 2010, 10:57 am

    I look forward to fun projects but not so much laundry…that’s for sure!

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) January 5, 2010, 11:04 am

    Yikes that sounds like a hellish day. But I bet it’s glooorious to be back with the doggies:)
    Glad you made it back safely:)

  • Guen January 5, 2010, 11:05 am

    I loved following your trip through London!
    Today is about being more productive than the zombie I was yesterday. Yay for more sleep! I have a list of little work projects to do, barely billable. Then tonight I have to do some maintenance on the ambulances at the emergency squad. Not glamorous, but important.

  • emily January 5, 2010, 11:13 am

    We have banana trees in our backyard, and they produce beautiful fruit every year. The flower is so gorgeous!
    I bet your doggies missed you.

  • Loretta @ RunRettaRun January 5, 2010, 11:17 am

    Welcome back!!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! January 5, 2010, 11:18 am

    I love to go grocery shopping, why I do not know but I always have……think it is just shopping in general that I enjoy and I also love food so the two are a great combination! =)

  • Erin January 5, 2010, 11:19 am

    I’m always so glad to be home from vacation, too! Except I usually feel like I need a vacation in order to get caught up on my “real” life.

  • skinnyrunner January 5, 2010, 11:23 am

    i dont like to grocery shop either, i always feel like i buy too much or too little. no happy medium. oh well. have to go to the bank too, boring.

  • Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life January 5, 2010, 11:30 am

    I need a banana tree in my yard. I literally go through at least 3 bananas a day between myself and my husband.

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion January 5, 2010, 11:41 am

    I am excited to eat lunch and run after work. I am not excited to go to my 1:30 meeting and work on some tedious work stuff!

    Glad you make it back safely! I think real life is better than vacation too! Real life makes you appreciate vacation!

  • Mama Pea January 5, 2010, 11:46 am

    Welcome home, honey!

    I love grocery shopping but the husband detests it. I just don’t love it when I have two toddlers in tow who refuse to sit in the cart and just want to go to the bakery for free cookies.

    I’m excited about your Lululemon possibilities. You are so big time, and if you can get free stuff…even better (and better than free crap bakery cookies!).

  • Jenny @ nutmegger January 5, 2010, 11:47 am

    most looking forward to making dinner tonight and watching the biggest loser! least looking forward to braving the cold for a drs appointment 🙁

  • Wendy January 5, 2010, 11:52 am

    Glad you’re home safe & sound!

    I was dreading working (outdoors) this morning, but that’s done now! I’m looking forward to an afternoon 3-miler. The sun is shining and it’s supposed to get up to 18 degrees this afternoon. Hey, it’s better than my run in 2 degrees yesterday morning OR doing it on the treadmill!

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) January 5, 2010, 11:53 am

    Welcome back!

    That would be awesome about the Lululemon promotion! How fun!

  • Julie January 5, 2010, 12:03 pm

    Welcome back!!

    I’m looking forward to getting my hair done! I’m in desperate need of color. I’m not really dreading anything!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) January 5, 2010, 12:09 pm

    YAY LULULEMON!!!!!!!

  • Sammi January 5, 2010, 12:11 pm

    Welcome back 🙂
    After seeing everything you have to do today, I almost decided not to comment so that you wouldn’t have one more thing to read! Comments = happiness though so I figured another comment would make you happier rather than annoyed!

    For today, I’m going to the mall with an old friend. I really should go grocery shopping but it’s something I dread as well so I doubt I’ll be doing that! Today is pretty much going to be a lazy day though 🙂

    • caitlin January 5, 2010, 1:57 pm

      haha comments are one of the best parts of my day!

    • caitlin January 5, 2010, 2:02 pm

      aw no! comments are one of the best parts of my day!

  • Samantha January 5, 2010, 12:19 pm

    I am dreading the rest of the work day. I know in these hard times, I should be really grateful for my job, but it gets hard when I don’t enjoy it one bit. I am looking forward to my run tonight. Gonna channel my inner “Caitlyn” and break down some walls!

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama January 5, 2010, 1:03 pm

    Welcome home! I am sure your pups missed you just as much! =)

  • Devon January 5, 2010, 1:10 pm

    Glad to see you got home safely! Good luck on your conference calls!

  • caronae January 5, 2010, 1:11 pm

    I love your teacup and saucer. I’m glad you had such an awesome trip, and I’m a little bit jealous too! I am looking forward to working on my own blog today! I just started it yesterday, and I’m having loads of fun so far. I’m also looking forward to sledding! Have a good Tuesday!

  • Kalli @ Fitandfortysomething January 5, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Welcome Back! That is so awesome about Lulumon! You are gonna have a great year. What am I dreading…….trying to return some bras to victorias secret and getting through 3rp and 4th period today!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) January 5, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Welcome back! I have to go clothes shopping and buy some bedding.. I hate shopping! (Unless it’s for food.. 😉 )

  • Karla January 5, 2010, 1:30 pm

    Glad you made it home safely!

  • Janessa (epicuriousvegan.blogspot.com) January 5, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Welcome home! I enjoyed reading your posts while abroad–your dedication is inspiring!

  • Ashley January 5, 2010, 2:13 pm

    welcome backkk! glad you had such an amazing vacation, i’ve loved keeping up with all your fun times!

  • Lara (Thinspired) January 5, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Aww, sounds like a rough journey back, so glad you made it home safe and sound! I know the feeling you’re describing…sometimes you just need a vacation from the vacation, right? 😉

  • Jenny January 5, 2010, 2:39 pm

    Welcome home! I agree, vacations are great, but it’s really nice to get back to my life too 🙂

    I’ve got to grocery shop (yay) and answer emails (yay)…finish a grad school application (boo).

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) January 5, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I’m looking forward to going to the gym but I’m not looking forward to doing data entry. I hate that part of my job.

  • Jenna January 5, 2010, 3:36 pm

    I’m looking forward to the biggest loser tonight 😉

  • Megan January 5, 2010, 4:15 pm

    O. M. G. LULULEMON + Operation beautuiful?! I’m keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that it somehow involves a discount for blog readers. 😉

    What the heck are you wearing for the (freezing) marathon!?!!?

  • Ashley January 5, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I actually really enjoy the grocery store if it is a natural foods store, like Whole Foods or a few others that we have here in Colorado. I find something new every time I go and the staff are always so nice + helpful!

  • Julia January 5, 2010, 6:09 pm

    omg I love lululemon!

  • Lauren January 5, 2010, 8:17 pm

    Happy you made it back safely! Traveling home is ALwaYS so much more painful. Ugh, but at least you are home now and I am sure the pups are elated to see you! 🙂

  • Danielle January 5, 2010, 8:31 pm

    Oh my! I’m totally drooling at the prospect of you working with lululemon! How exciting 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 6, 2010, 10:07 pm

    Welcome home!!!!

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