The Small Things

on September 27, 2010
in All Posts

Catching up on weekend posts?

 

#1:  Check out my Singapore-inspired dish for Project Food Blog!  VOTE HERE by clicking the red heart.

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#2: A reader named Erica shared her Healthy Tipping Point Success Story!

 

#3: I survived a really crappy 16.0 mile long run.

 

#4:  As a result of a family emergency, I had to bail on my half marathon race and drive to Florida.

 

That’s right… I’m still in Florida.  🙁 As a matter of fact, I might be here for a while (at least until Thursday).   Today is going to be a crappy day, so I decided to get out and go for a lovely little bike ride around the neighborhood. I only biked for 20 minutes or so (while talking on the phone) but the scenery was gorgeous.

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Breakfast was mystery cereal (it was unlabeled) with raspberries and blueberries.

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What little things are making your Monday better?  My bike ride was a sure way to boost my mood.  I find exercise is absolutely essential during stressful times! Pretty silverware also helps my mood.  It’s the small things, right?    🙂

{ 84 comments }

 

  • zestycook September 27, 2010, 9:17 am

    The new “twice the fruit” jam I picked up on the weekend to go with my whole wheat toast is working wonders today!

  • Alice September 27, 2010, 9:20 am

    That spoon that you have in your cereal is the same as one I used to eat off at my Nanna’s house!!! Strange how cutlery can hold memories.

    Your breakfast looks really pretty by the way.

    Exercise really is a mood booster and a stress release for me – especially cardio. Sweating it out and getting my heart rate up never fails to release the endorfins and make tough times a little bit more bearable.

    I hope everything is ok and that you and your family pull through this hard time.
    xx

  • Freya September 27, 2010, 9:20 am

    You can cycle one handed!? For some reason, I find that amazing – I wobble off if I take a hand off 😛 I think I need stabilisers…
    I hope you have a good day, despite the crapness (whatever it is) – Monday is always the worst day, so it’s up from here!
    My good Monday thing – I was just successful at making seitan (4th batch lucky :p) and now I get to sit down to a yummy lunch 😀

  • Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini September 27, 2010, 9:24 am

    At least it’s sunny in FL…it is gray and rainy and blah in CLT.

  • tina September 27, 2010, 9:24 am

    i teach fitness classes at 5:30 AM every monday morning- my clients that are that motivated to work out that early on a monday definitely boost my day! 🙂

    sorry you’re still in florida- hope everything is ok!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow September 27, 2010, 9:25 am

    It is always the small things…this morning I went for a short, 20 min jog with my husband as soon as we got up. A time for us to chat, connect and think about the day. Now I’m drinking a homemade pumpkin spice coffee. 🙂 Inspired by Momma Pea: Coffee + warmed almond milk + 2 scoops of canned pumpkin. YUMMO!

    I try to not blast past the simple moments that keep your day going and your mind smiling!

    • Cindy September 27, 2010, 10:55 am

      Wow, Jenn, your blast past line just picked me up! Was having a hard time boosting my mind this Monday 🙂 Thanks!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 27, 2010, 9:25 am

    Small things today: my oatmeal turned out PERFECT this morning, I made it to work EARLY, and my hair looks great this morning 🙂

  • megan September 27, 2010, 9:25 am

    somtimes it’s the little things that make your day good! I started my Monday off with coffee and a Bible study with a good friend and it energized me and cheered me up 🙂

  • Julie (Etsy Stalkers) September 27, 2010, 9:29 am

    Sorry today is not going to be great. A Venti cup of Starbucks makes my Mondays way better. Of course not having to come to work would be a nice treat but that’s not going to happen…poor me. Time for another Starbucks.

  • Allie September 27, 2010, 9:30 am

    exercise always helps me through stressful times. when i was getting divorced, it was one of the few stabilizing things in my life, and gave me time to reflect and just zone out.

  • Courtney September 27, 2010, 9:30 am

    I’m baking fresh pita bread right now. Last night was horrible and only got worse until I woke up. I decided to start riding a bike again after seeing you do it and I fell off soon after I started 🙁 Hopefully I get to see my boyfriend and watch some football.

  • Shrinking mommy of 2 September 27, 2010, 9:33 am

    I am getting back into my routine. I got up at 5 to run on the treadmill and did 3 miles…haven’t done that in awhile. (I have been exercising but have NOT been getting up early to do it)

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 27, 2010, 9:36 am

    Wow, you are one talented lady if you can talk on the phone and cycle at the same time! I hope everything is going ok with your family – or gets better soon. Little things that are making my Monday better are the great (albeit very hard and sweaty) tempo run this morning, and knowing that I get to see a bunch of my friends that are coming to visit this coming weekend. I think having something to look forward to makes the week more bearable. Oh, and the coffee I’m drinking right now… french vanilla flavoured and it’s definitely helping to keep me awake! 🙂

  • Sara September 27, 2010, 9:39 am

    I’ve been feeling very down lately. Despite how much I hate exercising(!), I always feel better after I do it…so I keep doing it! Doing even a little bit on a crappy day can help.

    I hope things improve for you and your family. Take care.

  • Gracie (complicated day) September 27, 2010, 9:43 am

    A cold front came through with our first autumn weather here in New Orleans. To enjoy it, I walked my hubby to work. We strolled through beautiful uptown New Orleans sipping coffee and felt like we lived on The Avenue!

  • Heather September 27, 2010, 9:46 am

    the fact that today teh weather is FINALLY cool makes me happy today!!

  • Katie @ peacebeme September 27, 2010, 9:50 am

    Thinking of you and your family with whatever is going on. Stay strong!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 27, 2010, 9:51 am

    I’m drinking tea to lift my mood. I find tea, like a warm blanket, makes everything better.

  • Tina September 27, 2010, 9:53 am

    It’s so important to find joy in each day however we can. Even in those really dark and hard times. I’m sorry to hear you have to stay longer since that isn’t a good sign. I’m still praying for you and your family.

  • Charlie September 27, 2010, 9:53 am

    After a cold weekend it is sunny and warm outside. This makes my day ;).

  • Michele September 27, 2010, 9:55 am

    I’m finding simple joy in reinstituting smoothies for breakfast. I never cease to giggle just a little when I pour this truly ugly concoction from the blender to the glass. It looks so awful but tastes so good.

  • Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats September 27, 2010, 9:55 am

    Finally having canned pumpkin in my pantry!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 27, 2010, 9:56 am

    Sorry you’re still dealing with the family emergency. You and your family are in my prayers.

  • skinnyrunner September 27, 2010, 10:04 am

    coffee and exercising always help. i woke up in a bad mood this morning. mainly bc my coffee grinder is broken. how dumb is that?!?

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 27, 2010, 10:08 am

    I still have your gingerbread men to make me smile 😀

    and it’s my birthday, so it’s ALL good.

    I really hope your day goes as smooth as possible, and that everything is better as soon as it can be. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 27, 2010, 10:09 am

    Wow– beautiful bike ride scenery!! Starting a Monday with such a fun activity is a great way to get the week off to a good start, right? 🙂

  • Emmanuelle September 27, 2010, 10:11 am

    Sorry to read you’re still dealing with the family emergency, hope it will get better soon.

    My crappy Monday: things that don’t go as planned, and my own reactions don’t make things better (excuse: I’m PMS-ing, I know). But what’s made my day is winning a giveaway, yay!

    And happy birthday to Kristina!

  • Camille September 27, 2010, 10:12 am

    I finally start school today! Though this may not seem like something to make my day better, when you have been on summer break for 4 1/2 months, so activity is much needed!

  • Rachel September 27, 2010, 10:15 am

    It is in the 50s this morning in Texas. It is super rejuvenating! I had plans to do a weights class at the gym but my boyfriend wants to go for a bike ride later to enjoy the weather. The notion that I’ll get to enjoy this weather later today is really mood boosting.

  • Natalia - a side of simple September 27, 2010, 10:18 am

    I went for a run this morning and it turned out to be great. Now I just opened a jar of Dark Chocolate Dreams to start the week off right. Mmmm! Hope you have a good day, Caitlin, and things get better in terms of the family emergency!

  • Julie @SavvyEats September 27, 2010, 10:22 am

    Trying to get everything ready for our Italy trip is keeping me a bit stressed, but reading all my reader submissions for my new Little Things page is definitely making me smile!

    I’m not usually one to leave links in comments, but the Little Things page seems too fitting to leave out. http://www.savvyeat.com/category/reader-submissions-the-little-things-2/

    xoxo, J

  • Johanna B September 27, 2010, 10:24 am

    This has made my Monday better.

    I thought I had two weeks left to wear my “boot” on my broken ankle but I only have til Friday of this week. Yay! After that it’s athletic shoes all the way….

  • Ariffa September 27, 2010, 10:24 am

    I made pancakes for breakfast this morning which totally made my Monday, but even better was my brother and dad’s excitement that there was a plate of pancakes waiting for them when they woke up =)

    ps. here’s some happy thoughts **HAPPY THOUGHTS** hope you have a good day

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. September 27, 2010, 10:26 am

    Working my hardest during a TOUGH boot camp class this morning started my day off great!

  • Amanda-The Nutritionist Reviews September 27, 2010, 10:29 am

    Making my monday a little better is that I just ate a homegrown peach! Also, I hope everything gets better which your emergency trip. I just found out about a sickness in my family too..

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 27, 2010, 10:30 am

    Sorry things aren’t going well, Caitlin. Sending good thoughts still. =\

    The fact that I found a gigantic tub of Chobani yogurt and I FINALLY found a can of Libby’s 100% Pumpkin on my way home last night is making me feel a little better about today!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) September 27, 2010, 10:31 am

    I hope everything is getting better with whatever situation is happening 🙁

    Your pictures sure are pretty though 🙂

  • Teacherwoman September 27, 2010, 10:35 am

    Oh hun, it’s definitely all about the small things! The leaves are turning colors here and it’s absolutely gorgeous!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 27, 2010, 10:35 am

    Working out and a good breakfast always help! Walking and talking with my husband helps too. I hope today is better than you think it will be!

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) September 27, 2010, 10:35 am

    It’s always the small things! For me, it was the fact that it was raining, but I didn’t let it bring down my planned outdoor run. I just hit the treadmill at the gym and got to watch some morning shows that I haven’t seen in years! (Hello Regis and Kelly!)

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) September 27, 2010, 10:37 am

    the sunshine looked so incredible driving into work today…that little bit just made my heart swell 🙂

  • RhodeyGirl September 27, 2010, 10:42 am

    xoxo. Sending some sunshine and happy thoughts your way.

  • Julia @ Brit Bride September 27, 2010, 10:44 am

    I hope all is worked out, if it is workoutable.

    Thinking of you.

    PS, that scenery is divine. Glad it cheered you up.

    We are getting to autumn winter here in the UK, I need to dust off my tradmill as it is getting too dark for early morning runs to be safe!

  • Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit September 27, 2010, 10:53 am

    There was the most gorgeous sunrise this morning… the sky was bright pink! It was such a nice way to start my day that I stared out the window for at least 5 minutes! It’s rare that something stops me in my tracks that quickly, but it was truly breathtaking!

    What a way to start my week 🙂

  • Candice @ChiaSeedMe September 27, 2010, 10:54 am

    So sorry your family is going through a hard time. I’m thinking of you!

    Finally finding pumpkin at my grocery store today boosted my mood! It definitely is the little things:)

  • Sarah K @ the Pajama Chef September 27, 2010, 10:57 am

    i’m wearing a scarf today because fall is here 🙂 hope you’re doing ok… and i’m impressed that you can bike & talk on the phone! what coordination. i have none, haha!

  • Sarah September 27, 2010, 11:06 am

    I’m glad you were able to go on a(n albeit short) bike ride. I’m getting back into Green Monster smoothies today, reading The Message, and going to a yoga class…those two things are definitely making my day better.

  • Peggy September 27, 2010, 11:10 am

    I smiled when you mentioned exercise and pretty silverware as things that make you happy–I’m a PhD student, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t survive it without exercise. And, even though I eat two meals a day in the library (ahh!), I always bring silverware that I love rather than use plastic or whatever; it just makes me feel like the meal is a little more special. (Even if it’s out of a tupperware…)

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence September 27, 2010, 11:10 am

    taking some moments for myself always help on mondays (watching a favorite TV show or reading). hope everything is okay!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! September 27, 2010, 11:12 am

    I always wake up about an hour earlier for work than my boyfriend, but this morning he got up with me and hung out with me as I got dressed. This was a GREAT way to start my Monday! Good luck this week and remember to take care of you!

  • Andrea September 27, 2010, 11:13 am

    Your berries look so yummy on your cereal. Peanut butter…that’s what makes my monday’s better!

  • Lauren September 27, 2010, 11:15 am

    Biking AND talking on the phone? Girl that is skill!

  • Kelly September 27, 2010, 11:16 am

    Sorry the family emergency is still keeping you down in Florida. I hope it gets better soon.

  • Abbie September 27, 2010, 11:24 am

    I woke up this morning to my boyfriend ringing me telling me to have a good day at college!Totally made my day!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 27, 2010, 11:27 am

    aww sorry this is going to be a hard week. Today I bounded out of bed because of the positive feedback from Project Food Blog. Also I’m eating oatmeal with a piece of baklava in it… pretty fantastic.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In September 27, 2010, 11:30 am

    Even before I finished the post I was going to comment on your awesome scallop spoon! Definitely the little things:)

    I like to do Bikram Yoga on Monday mornings…stress relief and a good way to detox from sometimes very toxic weekends:)

    Hope things get better

  • Joanne September 27, 2010, 11:36 am

    What talent! Ted and I wonder how people can ride their bikes and talk on their phone. I’m still working on trying to drink water without stopping while on the bike. Ms. Coordinated, I’m NOT.

    If I’m stressed out, I find my runs are faster. I think it might be a need to punish myself or something? It’s weird and not a great way to run but it does allow me to get in some faster miles. 🙂

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope September 27, 2010, 11:36 am

    I just cleaned out all of the clothes in my closet and now have 1 1/2 garbage bags to donate. I’ve had some clothing for literally 5 years. I really wear my clothing, apparently. I feel nice and cleansed now on my Monday!
    Hope things get better for your Monday:)

  • Emily (A Nutritionist Eats) September 27, 2010, 11:40 am

    You and your family are in my thoughts Caitlin!

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life September 27, 2010, 11:41 am

    Glad you were able to get out for a bike ride even though things aren’t going so well. Thoughts are with you.

    Today I was able to go for a run after 7 days off due to a toe injury. It made me unbelievably happy!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine September 27, 2010, 11:46 am

    Aww I hope today is better than you expect! Sending positive vibes your way 🙂 I actually remembered an umbrella before I left my apartment this morning…it sounds dumb, but I ALWAYS forget one and I was so happy to stay dry!

  • Sara September 27, 2010, 11:57 am

    It IS the small, simple things in life that are the best! Like walking barefoot on a deck covered in fresh rain … that made my morning. (we need rain!)

  • jeanna September 27, 2010, 11:58 am

    Deep Breaths. Prayer. Sunshine. I’m praying that you have peace and joy today Caitlin. You have brought so much joy to my life and the world with your work with GOTR and Operation Beautiful!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) September 27, 2010, 12:05 pm

    It’s ALL about the small things for me. It being cool enough this morning to open up some windows for some fresh air kinda made me happy 😉 …being able to sit right next to my best friend (husband) this morning while he works and I read blogs gives me peace…

    I am feeling kinda ‘off’ this morning… (dealing with some personal/ family stuff) I DEF need a work out. Get those endorphins flowing!!

  • Carly September 27, 2010, 12:22 pm

    The small things were harder for me to find this morning. I eventually found a few like the sun is out so I get to open the blinds for light. I’m wearing a new shirt that is super cute. And I get to start a new exercise class tonight! Thank you for this post, I needed it!

  • Lisa September 27, 2010, 12:24 pm

    The weather is actually going to be pretty nice here in Portland. I hope I can get out and enjoy it!

  • Heather September 27, 2010, 12:40 pm

    I’m not at work today, so my Monday is already fantastic!

  • Evan Thomas September 27, 2010, 12:42 pm

    My afternoon class was cancelled, so I get to watch Days Of Our Lives. After a lazy Summer, that makes me sooo happy 🙂

  • Lauren September 27, 2010, 12:43 pm

    I noticed someone comment on your spoon in your cereal. I think it’s actually meant to eat grapefruit. I use to have one of these but I never knew what it was until someone told me! LoL. I love odd utensils.

    Have fun in FL!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 27, 2010, 1:01 pm

    The little thing that is making my Monday better is knowing my workout was done before 6 AM! Yay for being able to go home and relax after work! Woohooo!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 27, 2010, 1:10 pm

    Cycling AND talking? You really ARE good at multi-tasking! I hope that your day gets better, but I’m glad you’re trying to stay positive. Sending good vibes your way!

  • Kaci September 27, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Sending happy thoughts your way! I hope whatever stresses are happening in your life that they soon ease. XOXO

  • Tay September 27, 2010, 1:15 pm

    I’m still praying that things are okay with your family!! Chin up!

    Today I don’t have to work until 1 which gives me plenty of time to sleep in and run. So thankful for sleep!

  • brianna September 27, 2010, 1:18 pm

    thanks so much for the positivity this morning. i’m having a rough time because i just dropped my boyfriend off at the airport this morning (after 5 yrs together, we’re having to do long distance this year) after a three day visit, and not only am i emotional and upset about it, but i have a TON of work to do to catch up this week. normally, i pretty much work all weekend just to keep up (graduate school!), but this weekend i was determined to enjoy my time with him.

    but, as you said, it’s the little things that make life wonderful, so i am so thankful for the three days with the boy and being able to wake up next to him this morning. i also started my day with a delicious bowl of oatmeal and some coffee–if that’s not a good start, i don’t know what is!

    • Caitlin September 27, 2010, 10:28 pm

      sry about your boyfriend 🙁

  • Jaclyn September 27, 2010, 1:44 pm

    Totally agree and looking forward to hot yoga tonight. I’m sick and excercise definitely helps my mood too– plus it’ll drain my sinuses! *ew, tmi-much haha!*

    Hope things are going better, thinking of you!

  • Amber K September 27, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Spending a lot of time in prayer today. I have been having some major anxiety problems lately. I did get to see my best friend this morning and 3 of her 4 kids, so that really helped.

  • Maren September 27, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I hope everything will work out, things always seem to get darker before they get lighter. I know it’s probably a drag to be in Orlando dealing with this stuff but if I had to chose a place to be in the USA in late summer/early fall Florida would be one of my choices.

  • Susan@MomSwimBikeRun September 27, 2010, 4:14 pm

    Today I woke up in my new city, Austin TX, and it wasn’t 80! That was the best Monday gift ever.

  • Michelle September 27, 2010, 4:24 pm

    At first (very quick) glance, I thought the Whitman tome was a giant chunk of chocolate! 😀

    • Michelle September 27, 2010, 4:27 pm

      Whoops, sorry~ wrong post. ::blushes::

  • Sana September 27, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I really hope everything is alright with your family. It’s hard to see a blogger go through something tough 🙁

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 27, 2010, 7:18 pm

    Bike rides are one of my favourite ways to clear my head and deal with a stressful day. I hope everything is okay!

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