Let the Party Begin!

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Oh, I am so happy!  I am officially back on vacation for New Year’s Eve.  We worked for about 7 hours in the clinic today, and now we are done!  So excited for some more time off.  Let the party begin!

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But first – we had to get through the grind.  🙁

 

I had pumpkin oats topped with pumpkin seeds for breakfast:

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In the mix:

 

  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • Toppings: pumpkin seeds, brown sugar

 

Then, I parked my butt in the secretary chair for the rest of the day.  While working, I ate a salad I brought from home:

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In the mix:

 

  • Spinach
  • Tabbouleh
  • Tofu
  • Roasted brussel sprouts

 

Whole picture:  🙂

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Other office snacks included a banana and yogurt:

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Once office duties were finished, I bolted out of work, drove home to let out the dogs, discovered an epic poop explosion in James’ crate, cleaned it up (ew),  and met with Nicole for a long run.  I originally thought we were going to do 3.0, but she suggested we shoot for 5.0 miles.  I was a little nervous since my knee hasn’t been doing great, but it was fine!  I think I owe a big thank-you to yoga class!    We wrapped it up in 53:00 or so.  Yay! 🙂

 

Post-exercise snack of toast and sunflower seed butter:

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Which held me over until our very fun triple date at an Asian-Spanish fusion restaurant called Zen Fusion

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I had Sangria:

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And fried plantains to start (I split this plate with Isaac).  These were a little sweet, a little salty, and totally amazing.

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My entree was yellow curry tofu, which was also divine!  I liked that you could sub out the white rice for brown and how many veggies came with the dish.

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Sad news:  Despite the fact that all the other curries + Pad Thai was labeled “vegetarian,” they are made with fish sauce.  Thank goodness Isaac asked for the table because I was about to enjoy a fishy coconut curry.  Bah.  Fish sauce does not = vegetarian (the yellow curry was vegetarian).

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And we went to get “vegan” cupcakes at a new cupcake place.  I was really excited!

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Unfortunately, there was just one vegan cupcake, so I got a regular white on white mini cupcake that was totally subpar.  Don’t mean to sound whiny, but I won’t be back. 

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Side Note:  I’m getting so excited for 2011!  Have you started to think of resolutions?  I’ve been jotting some down; I actually love resolutions.  Do you?

{ 66 comments }

 

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 29, 2010, 10:42 pm

    It is my personal opinion that anything that inspires someone to make a change in their lives, whether it’s a resolution on january 1st or not, is a positive thing. so yes, i love resolutions!

    my big one is going to be about yoga and running a 5K. the 5K is for GOTR (i just need to get back into it before the season starts), and the yoga is alllll for me 🙂

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. December 29, 2010, 10:44 pm

    I was actually working on a draft of my 2011 goals post this evening! I can’t think of them as resolutions; framing them that way is a death sentence if I want to succeed. I definitely have a few ideas for the new year!

  • Lauren @ Clean Eats in the Dirty South December 29, 2010, 10:46 pm

    WHERE is that glorious looking cupcake shop!? 😀

    • Caitlin December 29, 2010, 10:46 pm

      Its on East. Called Divine? But its really not good, unless that one cupcake was a fluke. I almost spit it out!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 29, 2010, 10:47 pm

    I still have to get through tomorrow and Friday. This is the longest short week ever.

  • Carin December 29, 2010, 10:47 pm

    Your dinner looked YUMMO!

    I’m big on resolutions…. but somehow manage to let them drop after a bit. Not this year! BIG resolutions in store:
    1) Run at least one full marathon (I managed two halves this year, my first year of running)
    2) Write my book
    3) Be happier, healthier, humbler.. and thankful for everything I’ve got.

    If I can manage all that, it’ll be great.. just trying to get organised in the meantime to make it possible.

    Oh yeah, and I’ve got to start blogging – so that I’m not just a lame-ass who reads everyone else’s!

    • Caitlin December 29, 2010, 10:48 pm

      readers rule! i read for a year and a half before starting one!

      • Carin December 29, 2010, 11:01 pm

        At least I comment and don’t just lurk – somehow it seems very shifty and sinister to be described as a “lurker”, just for reading… rather like calling all runners behind you “stalkers” when they can’t help it!

        Laughed at your dog poo explosion, out of recognition rather than schadenfreude – I’ve had 2 x poo explosions in my toddler’s nappy to contend with today! Anybody else members of the “Sorority of S**t”?!

        • Baking 'n' Books December 30, 2010, 8:03 am

          Just wanted to say that I love your goals. Especially that book writing one…

  • Gabby (Quest for Delicious) December 29, 2010, 10:50 pm

    One goal I have is to read more classic novels. I didn’t get my fill in high school. (: Also, I’m not much of a runner, but I think it’d be fun to try a 5k.

  • Kaitlin December 29, 2010, 10:50 pm

    I’m so glad your knee is feeling better! Yayy healthy recovery!

    Also, looks like a lovely end to a hard-worked day. Enjoy vacation 🙂

  • Madeleine @ Stepping to the Bright Side December 29, 2010, 10:51 pm

    I do, I do love resolutions and it’s high time I kick my butt into gear to nail ’em down! For now, I’m trying to relax and enjoy the last little bit of 2010. Then it’s biznass time. Looks like you guys have a lot of great restaurant options in Charlotte… except for that one cupcake place 😉

  • Lee December 29, 2010, 10:55 pm

    I like resolutions too. I’ve been thinking about mine and I want to really start to do yoga to see if it helps with my running.

    I also like sangria.

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) December 29, 2010, 10:55 pm

    I am actually just starting to write them down, although I’ve been thinking about them for awhile! I love the idea of starting the new year with a fresh start 🙂

  • Sana December 29, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Oh no! Bad cupcakes make me sad! The best cupcake I have had came from a truck!

  • Lauren December 29, 2010, 10:56 pm

    I feel like a lot of thai restaurants make their curries with fish sauce – some of them put it on their menus, others don’t. Good thing you asked!
    I just wrote up a draft for my resolutions, and I’m so excited to start the new year! Can’t wait to hear yours.

  • Jessie Bea December 29, 2010, 11:02 pm

    Ugh, I hate that, and it happens at a lot of Thai restaurants. It’s like the want to cater to vegetarians (yay!) but instead of really making sure something is vegetarian, they just freely use the label on a dish that doesn’t have a hunk of meat but is otherwise vegetarian (boo!).

    I’d much rather have a menu without vegetarian labels and have to ask whether it has any meat products in it than be misled by improperly labeled food.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 29, 2010, 11:02 pm

    I’ve started to think about my 2011 goals! Hopefully I will have them on my site tomorrow! I have a LOT of fitness related goals (completing my first half marathon on jan 8th and eventually training for a marathon by the end of the year are just a few!), but I also have school related ones, and community involvement too!

  • Heidi - apples under my bed December 29, 2010, 11:04 pm

    I so wish to try plantains! Your breakfast looks delicious, love the addition of pumpkin seeds. Yay for holidays! Enjoy your break 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Amanda (Eating Up) December 29, 2010, 11:05 pm

    I love resolutions! I’m still figuring out mine. Two more days eep!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa December 29, 2010, 11:12 pm

    I’ve been thinking about my resolutions too! I want to run a marathon, continue whole and happy living, and floss more.

  • Maryann December 29, 2010, 11:14 pm

    I have never had a resolution that I have actually stuck with. But I really need to stop picking at my nails, and I think this is the year!

    • Stephanie C December 30, 2010, 2:30 am

      I don’t know if this works for everyone, but I used to do the same and I started getting CalGel and they grew long for the first time ever!

  • Ashley December 29, 2010, 11:17 pm

    I’ve never been a big fan of resolutions, but I think I’m going to try this year.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} December 29, 2010, 11:18 pm

    I love New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve been making them since I was a kid!

  • Katherine December 29, 2010, 11:21 pm

    So sad the cupcake was bad! I get so upset when I’m all excited about eating something new and it ends up being not good. Bummer.

    I’m still mulling over my resolutions. Better decide quick!

  • Samantha December 29, 2010, 11:24 pm

    I don’t do resolutions but I make a treasure map every year…working on my own and some for clients as we speak!

    • Caitlin December 30, 2010, 9:12 am

      A treasure map!??! What do you mean?

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) December 29, 2010, 11:28 pm

    I just did a post on New Years Intentions, not resolutions 🙂 I listed my top 10.

    Love sunflower seed butter. That pic of yours has me hungry!

    I hate it when desserts are sub-par too but everything else looks delish!

  • Carmen (Bye, Gorda) December 30, 2010, 12:00 am

    Was the cupcake place the new one on East Blvd? I was so looking forward to it!

    2011 Goals:
    1) Reach goal weight with the help of Weight Watchers Points Plan – real food!
    2) Finish the Charleston Bridge Run 10K
    3) Finish a late-summer/fall half-marathon
    4) Dance more often, since dancing is happiness

  • carlee December 30, 2010, 12:07 am

    I LOVEE resolutions as well! they are awesome! Lol
    and how come you bowl of oats always look so freaking heavenly!!??

  • SChancy December 30, 2010, 12:12 am

    Mmmmmmmm … sangria … oh, sorry, got distracted.

    I like to think of goals/a vision of what I’d like to accomplish throughout the year – kind of envision where I’d like to be at the end of the next year – but I don’t like resolutions, per se, because in my experience they are too easy to break. Maybe it’s a psychological thing, but resolutions are easy for me to forget, whereas goals are concrete destinations with a plan of action. I do, however, like to make a gratitude list of what I am grateful for over the previous year. 2010 was CRAZY for me – extreme highs and extreme lows – so it is nice to focus on what I am thankful for and turn my energy towards the positive. It both helps the way I perceive my past, and the way I look at my future goals. It may be cheesy, but it works! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 30, 2010, 9:13 am

      I like your outlook 🙂

  • Christine December 30, 2010, 12:38 am

    I love the idea of starting fresh, but I think things that are health related shouldn’t wait until 1/1 (losing weight, quitting smoking, etc…). Most of my resolutions are related to reading/books (check out my blog!), but my goal is to shave 13 minutes off my half marathon time by December.

  • Gracie (complicated day) December 30, 2010, 12:42 am

    I really should resolve SOMETHING. Last year I resolved to drink more cocktails just to ensure I wouldn’t fail.

  • Stephanie C December 30, 2010, 2:28 am

    I normally don’t do resolutions, but this year my goal is to be back at my wedding weight. I am thinking of joining the gym across the street from my school.. I know that sounds cliche.
    My husband and I both want to re-learn Spanish.
    We’re also trying to cut back on sweets in our house.
    Re: Vegan Cupcakes. I’ve only had one or two good vegan cupcakes. Even the famous BabyCakes didn’t WOW me. Flore cafe in Los Angeles serves a vegan lemon poppyseed cupcake and that was probably the best one I’ve had.. but it still didn’t compare to a real one.

    • Caitlin December 30, 2010, 9:13 am

      We want to learn Chinese!

    • Cyclist Kate December 30, 2010, 11:21 am

      I’ve only ever had one purchased vegan cupcake, but have made dozens of batches at home from the Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World book, and they all blow any other cupcake I’ve ever had, “real” (I don’t mean this to be snarky at all, but what isn’t “real” about a vegan cupcake? haha) or “fake” out of the water, and everybody I’ve fed them to agrees! So yum. I think some people just suck at baking–it’s too bad they give vegan baking a bad name.

      Incidentally–you just inspired me to re-learn Spanish, too!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 30, 2010, 5:55 am

    Enjoy your vacation! I don’t do NY resolutions, but was considering putting together a list of 31 things to do before I turn 31 (in late August).

  • Julia @ Brides Up North December 30, 2010, 6:16 am

    Caitlin – I do look forward to reading your blog everyday. Im working today during the Chrimbo Limbo and it has brightened my day! That sangria looks amazign and I am now craving fusion cuisine, so much that I have emailed my friend who works in a nearby office to suggest lunch!! ha ha. That sangria also looks good. Never stop blogging, I can’t wait to see what 2011 holds!

    Julia x

  • Lauren December 30, 2010, 6:52 am

    What a wonderful day! And total score on the tofu dish. I hate when you order a “Vegetarian” dish and it comes with 2 veggies. I always have to ask them to add extra and then I get charged double.
    Glad you had a great day!

    • Caitlin December 30, 2010, 9:14 am

      Grrr I agree. Those vegetables costs then like, 20 cents.

  • Jen December 30, 2010, 8:00 am

    I always make New Years Resolutions and they never stick!! Also, I just moved from Charlotte to Jacksonville and reading your blog makes me want to move back…RIGHT..NOW!!

  • Baking 'n' Books December 30, 2010, 8:05 am

    I hate the word “Resolutions” – I have negative connotations with it from stereotypes I guess – but I prefer the work GOALS.

    However, I don’t want to force myself to come up with stuff now just because it’s that time of year. Definitely need to make some major changes though – hah! – but will think of them first and keep them mostly private to an extent…

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing December 30, 2010, 8:37 am

    I also love resolutions! I have 5 this year and I just made a nice little list in my Google Docs so I can reference it all year. I’m not so great at sticking to them but it’s the thought that counts, right!? 🙂

  • Jennifer December 30, 2010, 8:39 am

    Love your breakfast. I am going to jot it down and try it.
    I am really working on getting out of the “diet” mindset and being healthy. It is a lot of work but I really love to cook and just need to expand my horizons when it comes to food.

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) December 30, 2010, 8:43 am

    I love resolutions! Especially when they’re solid and I’ve made the time to think it through with little mini goals along the way. 😀

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 30, 2010, 8:48 am

    That restaurant looks so fun! I have had “goals” (I don’t like the word resolution) running through my mind for weeks but need to narrow it down a bit before making an actual list. There will probably be around 5 or so.

  • Jennifer December 30, 2010, 9:00 am

    Leo Babauta at Zen Habits has a really great post about NOT setting goals or making resolutions. A bit counterintuitive, but I think I may give it a try. I never seem to keep resolutions, so I’d like to let myself off the hook for 2011 and see what happens.

    • Jessica M December 30, 2010, 11:00 am

      I have read some of this work and it is good stuff. I want to look into this…

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 30, 2010, 9:15 am

    Woohoo for long weekends! Sorry about the poop explosion. Our little guy has yet to have an accident in his crate ::crosses fingers:: and I hope it stays that way!!

  • Whitney December 30, 2010, 9:46 am

    I personally don’t like resolutions because the gym that I go to will be packed from January-February, haha After that it will be back to normal with the regulars. I don’t see the point in waiting to do something until the new year. If you want to lose weight, etc, start NOW! 🙂

  • Gwen December 30, 2010, 9:55 am

    I used to poo poo the concept of resolutions, but I need a kick in the pants now – so I am actually embracing resolutions this year. And I’ve got a long list started! Ready for action!

  • Leanne December 30, 2010, 10:23 am

    I’m trying to focus on making goals opposed to resolutions. I feel that goals are something I can work towards whereas resolutions, if I fail… it’s over! I hope that makes sense!

    Could you do a post on how you came to love vegetables? I remember reading old posts of yours where you talked about not liking them… and now you are excited when a dish at a restaurant has tons of them on the plate! I’d really like to start eating healthier (aka. more veggies) but I don’t know how to get over my fussy eating!

  • Jessica M December 30, 2010, 10:58 am

    I love resolutions too! I like to reflect the previous year as well. 2010 was a great year for me.

    Some of my resolutions…
    I would like to run a second 5K and maybe a 10K this year. Also, my husband and I never took an official honeymoon, so that’s definitely on the list. Posting Operation Beautiful notes, saving money and volunteering are also on there, plus several more resolutions/goals.

    • Caitlin December 30, 2010, 11:00 am

      i love that posting ob notes is one of your resolutions 🙂

  • kate December 30, 2010, 11:27 am

    Ive been working on my goals as well. Cant wait for 2011!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 30, 2010, 12:10 pm

    I love making new years resolutions!!! I made 10 for 2010, and accomplished about 7 of them 🙂 I am happy with that.

  • Liz December 30, 2010, 12:42 pm

    Isn’t it funny how many people consider seafood vegetarian? I get that the term “vegetarian” means a different thing to different people, but I feel like there should be some kind of standard at restaurants where vegetarian means no flesh. Eggs and dairy would be fair game, though.

    Also, I still get people who say “but you eat chichen, right”. I could see people asking about fish because a lot of vegetarians do eat it, but chicken, really?

    • Amber K December 30, 2010, 1:36 pm

      lol I get the chicken question a lot too, it’s like seriously? And no, no fish either for me.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 30, 2010, 1:34 pm

    I’ve never really made a list of resolutions before, but I want to for 2011 because writing things down will definitely make me more motivated to accomplish them!

    Enjoy your time off! 😀

  • Amber K December 30, 2010, 1:38 pm

    I hate new year’s resolutions. I like goals, but I hate that just because the year changes I suddenly HAVE to make some sort of change. It’s the stubborn part of me that bucks the tradition, lol.

  • Amanda (tomboy that wears makeup) December 30, 2010, 3:44 pm

    Ya, that cupcake looks wimpy, lol.

    I am sooo excited for resolutions. Met with my new triathlon coach. Have my first run on Tuesday!!

  • Laurab @ foodsnobstl December 30, 2010, 4:51 pm

    I LOVE fried plantains. So incredibly good.

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