Working Saturday

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Greetings from The Holistic Wellness Center! 🙂

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Spending another Saturday at the clinic.  I haven’t been writing much about the Husband’s acupuncture business, but I have to say that things are going really well! We decided recently to offer the first visit for free, and it’s been amazing.  The free appointment has really motivated a lot of patients who want to try alternative medicine to come in.

 

I’ve been working at the clinic about four days a week.  It’s hard to have the Husband boss me around!

 

I never, ever thought I’d be 26, own my own business, and be married to a man who also owned his own business.  It’s a little strange (um, when did I become an adult!).  Owning your own business is hard – I kind of miss the days when we both got bi-monthly paychecks from other people and our insurance was paid for.  The grass isn’t necessarily greener on this side.  Building a medical practice from the ground up has taken a lot of work on the Husband’s behalf… But it’s a lot of fun.  I walked into the clinic this morning and just thought, “I am SO proud of him!”  To have something tangible (the clinic) after so many years of schooling and so much money invested in his education and start-up costs… 

 

There are so many things to think about when opening a practice:  insurance, advertising, supplies and equipment, MONEY.  We actually haven’t taken out a business loan yet, which I consider a small miracle.  It hasn’t always been easy… but now that he’s regularly seeing patients – it’s awesome!  I really like to work at the clinic and talk to the patients that are seeing great results, too.  It makes me happy.  🙂

 

One thing that does not make me happy:  being trapped at the coffeemaker-less clinic.  I trudged my way to Caribou Coffee in between patients for some caffeine. 

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Sweet relief!  We need a coffeemaker and a refrigerator.  Maybe next fiscal year…

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And here’s another fun packed lunch.  I’m getting better at packing lunches by planning and making extras when I cook other meals.

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In the mix:

 

  • Roasted broccoli
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • Whole wheat cheese tortellini
  • Feta
  • Grilled tofu

 

All cold.  It was delish.

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The whole picture – food was on the chair. 🙂

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Back to work I go!

 

PS – I have been fantasizing about a vacation in St. Thomas a lot.  I blame House Hunters International.  Seriously.  I am going to find $4,000-odd that I don’t need for more practical things, like the business, taxes, home buying, or baby making, and go on a tropical vacation.

 St. Thomas: Trunk Bay, St. John USVI

(Source)

 

“It takes years of hard work to become an overnight success.”  What are you working towards?

{ 95 comments }

 

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) December 18, 2010, 12:14 pm

    Amen to that! We live that here too and it is hard! Everyday is a work day!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 18, 2010, 12:16 pm

    I have to applaud you both- what you’re doing definitely isn’t easy, but it seems like you’re both doing something you love, which will pay off so much more in the long run. You’ll stay enthusiastic about your careers and will be so much happier as a result!! Hope you have a good rest of your day!

  • Kelly December 18, 2010, 12:18 pm

    My husband and I both our own business and I hear you…it is tough! It is hard to not have a reliable monthly income and insurance paid for. But having our own business and seeing what we have built with our own sweat and tears is 100% worth it.

    • Caitlin December 18, 2010, 12:20 pm

      What do you guys do?

      • Kelly December 18, 2010, 2:09 pm

        I am a nutritionist and my husband is a fitness trainer and we recently opened our own healthy catering business. We make ready-made healthy meals for people to just heat in the oven after a busy day. We have vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options for people with senstivities. We also started making snacks in the way of granola bars, protein bars and nut bars for healthy gran and go snacks. It has been an awesome experience but it hasn’t been without a lot of hard work.

        • Kelly December 18, 2010, 2:09 pm

          Thanks for asking! 🙂

  • sarah @ See Sarah Graduate December 18, 2010, 12:19 pm

    You and your husband are definitely an inspiration! As someone getting ready to graduate college with a degree in business, its awesome to see you guys flourish at such a young age. 🙂

    • Caitlin December 18, 2010, 12:20 pm

      Thanks for saying flourish and not flounder about 🙂

  • Haleigh December 18, 2010, 12:34 pm

    Owning your own business is difficult. I think that you two are doing a great job! Especially at such a young age! My father has owned his own business for years, so I’ve seen truly how difficult it can be.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) December 18, 2010, 12:35 pm

    I am actually ON a tropical vacay right now in Aruba and posted some pics today that look like the one you posted of St Thomas..which is a great island, too!

    We don’t take any vacay time during the year and do all our vacay time now. My hubs owns his own biz and I am an independent contractor and there are pros/cons as you know to owning your own biz and working for yourself. Hard? beyond! Challenging, frustrating? yes! Rewarding? Yes!

    Congrats to you two for making big things happen 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 18, 2010, 12:38 pm

    It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s awesome that you guys are both doing what you love!

  • RhodeyGirl December 18, 2010, 12:41 pm

    You can get a coffeemaker for $20…. it won’t be fantastic but it will do the job!

    Also, I did this program 3 years ago with Gevalia where you spend $20 for coffee and they send you a free coffeemaker and scoop. You then have to cancel your coffee club subscription but you get to keep the coffeemaker and such! Be careful though because I think there is also a scam Gevalia website so make you sure do the right one!

  • Kiran December 18, 2010, 12:42 pm

    Congrats on your accomplishments! It’s never easy that is why hard work always pay off 🙂 I want a vacay to St Thomas too! It’s so beautiful 🙂

  • Kristen December 18, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I love the coffee cup- I think I’d want that coffee every day just so I could look at how pretty that caribou coffee holiday cup is.

  • Marina December 18, 2010, 12:51 pm

    It’s amazing that you both are so successful. and you are a great wife, helping like that 🙂

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini December 18, 2010, 12:52 pm

    While you’re looking for those 4000 odd dollars, let me know if you come across another 4000.

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place December 18, 2010, 12:52 pm

    I knew things would get better!!!

    My husband and I started a production company a couple of years ago and the start up was rough to say the least. But two years in, we’re making some serious cash and we’re loving life!! Things are going so well that we just booked a trip to Hawaii on a whim. Your st. thomas dream vaca might not be far off! 🙂

  • Lee December 18, 2010, 12:53 pm

    I think it’s awesome that you guys are still young and already know your own businesses. I’m sure it’ll be hard for a while, but so worth it in the long run.

  • Maria (realfitmama) December 18, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Caitlin – I can totally feel you! My husband and I opened our own restaurant in May and things have NOT been easy. With start up costs, slow going at first and our personal bills (NOT to mention we already HAVE two children) it was scary there for a bit and still is at times.

    And you are so right! The grass isn’t always greener, but at least we know that the things we are working toward we are working toward together for our family and NOT to make someone else a lot of money!

    Good luck and keep on truckin. Sounds like things are going just how you want them too.

    And when you find that extra (unnecessary) $4000 let me know how you did it. I could use a tropical vacay as well! 🙂

  • Val @ Balancing Val December 18, 2010, 1:04 pm

    Yay for alternative medicine! I feel the same way being a Chiropractic assistant 🙂

    Right now I’m in a natural foods culinary school and I would love to have a job that let’s me travel and educate people how to cook delicious meals using natures ingredients so that they can be their healthiest selves. Maybe I can do it through my website 😉

  • Amber K December 18, 2010, 1:04 pm

    A tropical vacation sounds perfect right about now. Awesome.

    I’m really impressed with all that you guys do. I sometimes think I’d want to own my own business, but then I think I’d rather have someone else to worry about the bottom line and be able to just collect a paycheck. A high paycheck, lots of money, lots of power, just not the owner. Yeah… 😉

  • emily December 18, 2010, 1:14 pm

    I am FROM St. Thomas! I get so excited when people get excited about my home! Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions, or want any advice.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun December 18, 2010, 1:21 pm

    I love how proud you sound of your husband. He definitely seems like an A+ man!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal December 18, 2010, 1:24 pm

    Another con of owning your own business – working on Saturdays! I’m at work too, girl 🙂 You guys are doing so great though!!

  • Michelle December 18, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I’m currently working to become a CSCS (certified sports conditioning specialist). I love fitness and I love helping people. Someday I would love to work in a wellness or rehabilitation center, or own a business that helps people lead a healthy and happy life. I’ve got a lot of studying and experience to get under my belt…but it’ll happen!

  • Stacy R. December 18, 2010, 1:27 pm

    Caitlin you and your husband are an inspiration! Not taking out a business loan is such a HUGE accomplishment and you have both worked so hard and deserve every ounce of recognition!

    Home buying and baby making, I like the sound of that 🙂

  • Holly December 18, 2010, 1:28 pm

    Hey Caitlin- I have a quick question for you. Do you know of any Holistic centers/ offices in Orlando? I have a friend that was diagnosed with epilesy (spelling?) and REALLY would like to get a second opinion for someone working in alternative medicine, she just has a lot of doubts. I told her I knew of one in Charlotte :), but I was not sure of any local ones. She said she may even consider going to Charlotte- she’s just really wanting to get more advice. Any advice would be appreciated 🙂

    • Caitlin December 18, 2010, 1:33 pm

      Hey!

      Go to FCIM’s clinic: http://www.fcim.edu/clinic.aspx This was the Husband’s college. It’s a teaching clinic so it’s less expensive, but the medicine is just as good!

      • Holly December 18, 2010, 7:31 pm

        Thank you so much!!:)

  • Anon December 18, 2010, 1:30 pm

    You are truly so productive.

    Boy oh boy. I just sleep in, eat, watch tv on the floor, eat again, laze the day away by watching more tv…or browsing thru fliers. Crazy.
    I guess I’m trying to relax and be okay with doing nothing way more often. I think I stifle myself and get overwhelmed when I feel guilty for doing nothing.

    I am amazed at you guys. To start a business as a new grad…and in this economy (when people are losing their businesses) is tremendous.
    I know you said you initially were going to go back to do PT. Imagine how different life would be for you! You would probably be your husbands co-partner and co-worker at the clinic (multiple services). You probably would have been interested in that line of work judging from your interests on the blog at times.

    I hope someday just to have a comfortable and furnished apartment. And I’m 4 years older than you.
    You should be proud of both your hubs and yourself.

  • Anon December 18, 2010, 1:33 pm

    Oh, and you’re right about the ‘grass isn’t always greener’ thing. I am currently working very distantly from what aspects I could in my field…and receiving little for it.
    I don’t have a salary. I get paid for what I can finish. So, a lot of days, I spend literally hours (morning, day and night) sitting on my bum to finish things…and might only get 25 bucks by the end of the day. I basically live from week to week…no security, no insurance, nothing.

    I used to make 30 bucks an hour…now I’m lucky if I get that in a day.
    Life is very day to day, never know the things you have or things you can lose.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) December 18, 2010, 1:39 pm

    My dad owns his own business (he’s a structural engineer) and he has had good years and bad years. In the end, I know he wouldn’t take it back because he loves being his own boss. 🙂

  • Amalfi Girl December 18, 2010, 1:39 pm

    That is awesome that the business is taking off! Congrats 🙂
    At least now people know what to get you for the holidays–one of those great individual-serving coffee machines you can keep at the office!

  • Regina December 18, 2010, 1:46 pm

    St. Thomas is BEAUTIFUL! I hope you guys make it there. When are you thinking of starting baby making? =)

  • Sana December 18, 2010, 1:51 pm

    I love getting paychecks from someone else. Even if they are small. LOL

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats December 18, 2010, 2:26 pm

    Congrats on both of you taking such a big risk and having the hutzpah to push through! I am really looking forward to delving into holistic medicine after having been diagnosed with thyroid cancer last month. I’m working towards feeling good and graduate school next year. Woo!

  • Amy December 18, 2010, 2:29 pm

    Congrats on the business success!!! 🙂

    Right now I’m working toward becoming a Librarian by getting my masters degree. It’s hard because I’m living at home to save money (I’m 28! uhhh) and am working two part-time, no benefits jobs to gain library experience. It’s not quite where I expected to be at 28 but I’m doing what I need to do now to pave my way for success in a couple of years.

  • alla December 18, 2010, 2:32 pm

    I have been fantasying about a vacation in St. Thomas a lot.

    You mean, “fantasizing?”

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged December 18, 2010, 2:36 pm

    Right now I’m working into breaking into editing, and I’m also working on getting a thousand dollar safety nest saved up. That’s a lot harder than it sounds on a preschool teacher’s salary! I’ve gotta get out :/

  • Shari December 18, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Love that quote – it’s so, so true. Everything worth having is worth fighting for, and in the end, all that hard work will make the outcome even more meaningful 🙂

  • Amanda December 18, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Thats really amazing that you haven’t taken out a loan! Yeah a tropical vacation in the next month or two would really hit the spot. It’s 20* here…. I miss not putting on a sweatshirt and a parka just to go out. The funny part is when it hits 40* (randomly in January) people roll down the car windows and wear shorts! We Buffalonians are a strange bunch….

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing December 18, 2010, 2:59 pm

    You SHOULD be proud. You’ve accomplished a lot! 🙂 We’re DEFINITELY going on a tropical vacation in the spring. I opened one of those accounts where $1 for every debit card purchase is deposited into it. We’ve put in over $300 in 2.5 months. I figure it’ll at least pay for the airfare for our vacation.

  • Laura December 18, 2010, 3:15 pm

    You’re a huge inspiration; seriously, I hope you and your husband are both so proud of how much you’ve achieved in just the last year or two.

    I’m having problems with a chronic illness at the moment, so having to study just part-time for a year, but am optimistic that I’ll get there eventually! I’m doing a PhD in Art History, and when I finally finish, I want to do a one year diploma in either Museum Curatorship or Library Studies. I’m 26 next year and am going into my ninth year of university, eep – I seem to have accidentally turned into a career student! My life goal since I was about seven, though, has been to be a published author of fiction, so next year I’m really hoping to get a novel completed and try to find a literary agent. I know it’s a difficult dream and incredibly competitive, but you’ll never get your dreams unless you try, right?

    • Baking 'n' Books December 18, 2010, 3:40 pm

      Ditto the inspiration! And I like that you said “unless you try” – whether it’s success or failure, you have to try 😉

    • Anon December 18, 2010, 4:06 pm

      “Unless you try” sounds nice.
      I think I stump myself by overwhelming myself with the mess of life right now. I know others seem to think I am too pessimistic…but I wonder how they would react if in my shoes…truly struggling week to week to literally live.
      But I’m determined to be more positive and appreciative. I know I can as long as I force myself to do it.
      Someone told me before that with any dreams or hopes…that sometimes it seems confusing and hopeless…no ideas, no inspiration, etc..but that one day it can just “click”. Even if it means 5 years from now…like it might not be today, next week, even this year…but someday (when the time is truly right in your head and heart) it will “click” (knowing how to get what you want, feeling more ambitious, etc).
      I fear I’m not ambitious or desiring enough because my actual living and financial situation is extremely severe…I know if I were more comfortable , I would feel a little breathing room. But if I can just relax and not pay attention to time and age…then maybe I can actually live life, not force things…and someday it might “come together”.
      No shame in 9 years in school. None at all.

  • Eliza December 18, 2010, 3:51 pm

    St Thomas is pretty ehh. I would definitely go to St. John!!

  • Amanda@RunningOnCoffee December 18, 2010, 3:53 pm

    I’ve been to St Thomas- twice! And have been to Trunk Bay, that you pictured. Definitely did it for under $4k too. Probably like just under $2k for 5 days. Nonstop flights from Newark to STT via Continental 🙂 Depends on how swanky of a place you want to stay in though. That was like 3 years ago. We did our first vacation since then (to warm and sunny St Martin…in August…ha) to finally celebrate me having a real job after finishing grad school (a year late). I’m looking forward to our next, wherever that will be!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit December 18, 2010, 4:02 pm

    Ok, I haven’t made any baby-related comments yet, but I have been noticing YOU mentioning babies lately! Sounds like you’ve got the idea on the brain 🙂
    Just teasing!

  • zoe (and the beatles) December 18, 2010, 4:03 pm

    st. thomas is beautiful! i spent a week on st. john about six years ago and it was hands down one of my most favorite family vacations yet! st. thomas is right next to it. and so, so, so lovely! definitely recommend it 🙂

    what am i working on? treating myself more kindly. have fun in the office…i just got off of work…4:30 am – 12:30 pm. ah, the life of a starbucks barista!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing December 18, 2010, 4:10 pm

    I’m working towards my clinical social work license. I just got my master’s but it will take almost two years of supervision hours to get the clinical. Lots of hard work!

    I have never been anywhere tropical, but St. Thomas looks amazing!

  • kristin December 18, 2010, 4:23 pm

    I’m so happy for you and your husband (so funny I don’t even “know” you! Haha)

    Being a hard worker is the one thing I admire most in a person, knowing the value of hard work and feeling the success of something you know you earned is priceless! Much better then having things handed to you.

    I’m working towards my masters in early childhood ed and special ed, a career I am so passionate about, saving as much $ as possible for a future house and student loans and currently working towards getting in better shape for my vacation to aruba in feb! I let a few pounds creep up so I’m trying to clean up my diet a tad and make 2 bodypump classes a week in addition to my usual running- I wanna feel fab on my fab vaycay!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa December 18, 2010, 4:38 pm

    Hard work pays off and takes time but its worth it. I just finished my first half of law school and I cant believe it. I can’t believe that I’m half way through grad school. Where did the time go? Suddenly something I’ve dreamed about is so so so close. Most of the major hurdles are out of the way. Its pretty cool.

    On another note, my parents honeymooned in St. John and brought the whole family on a trip there a few years ago and it was amazing! We only spent a day on St. Thomas but the vibe of the islands is amazing!

  • Katie @ peacebeme December 18, 2010, 4:42 pm

    St. Thomas looks awesome and Caribou Coffee is the best coffee around!

    My dream is to go to PA (Physician’s Assistant) or Pharmacy school. I plan to apply this Spring but I give up on applying some days because I am afraid of taking out loans and all the work before you get any return. Your husband’s hard work paying off inspired me today though. 🙂 I think I will always regret it if I don’t use my brain for something cool like that – sometimes I think my brain is my only real gift. 😉

  • Ashley December 18, 2010, 5:07 pm

    Right now I’m working towards a bachelors degree. I really want to double major in nutrition and psychology so I can work directly with patients who have eating disorders.

  • Samantha December 18, 2010, 5:20 pm

    I miss Caribou SO MUCH! I have never been a Starbucks fan but was spoiled to have CC in my college town (Raleigh, NC) and when we lived in Ann Arbor MI. I’ve yet to find good coffee on Guam. 🙁 (I drink mine black so no doctoring it up helps!)

    It’s wonderful to see things thriving for you and the husband, definitely a by product of all the hard work!

    We keep telling military friends to come vacation here on Guam. It’s absolutely stunning here, they can Space A over for free, stay at our house or the Navy Lodge free/cheap and spend all their dough enjoying good food, diving and shopping!

  • Amanda December 18, 2010, 5:45 pm

    I LOVE that you posted about the business! – I live in central Florida and have been heavily debating a between a career in Integrative Medicine (where I would go to FCIM) or the old fashion route in medicine, so I love seeing info about someone who’s gone through the Integrative route! Congrats to the both of you 🙂

  • Natalia@TheHealthScript December 18, 2010, 6:07 pm

    You guys are doing so well! I hope that when I am your age I can be half as successful!
    I know what you mean about the medical field and all the expenses. All of the loans and the amount of time I will have to pay off medical school almost (but not nearly enough) make me want to do something else with my life.

  • Mish@EatingJourney December 18, 2010, 6:32 pm

    “just f***ing doing it” I have spent the past two years gaining weight, complaining and never put myself first. I am working towards stuff that I want to do in my life for myself.

    Included: Signing up for two tris next year and 1/2 iron man swim. It’s so amazing when we focus on stuff that isn’t related to food obsession..”HOW WE FEEL” becomes more important than how we LOOK.

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind December 18, 2010, 6:33 pm

    Oh, man. I want to be/study/do SO MANY things. It’s unreal (and kind of annoying, to be honest. I’m quite possibly the most curious person in the world).

    It’s so awesome that the clinic is up-and-running, and successful! You guys are both such hardworkers; it’s admirable that you’re both able to run such cool businesses.

  • Jennifer December 18, 2010, 6:56 pm

    Caitlin, how in the world do you establish not one, but TWO businesses without a business loan? I am genuinely curious! You’ve mentioned before that you try to stick to a strict budget…..any tips would be appreciated!

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:51 am

      Well the blog requires very little money in. I’ve probably only put in $2000 in the last two years.

      We really do not have any significant savings. We spent nearly all of our liquid assets on starting the clinic. It’s been hard and it sucks to not have any money leftover from the book and both of our hard work. There’s definitely no ‘secret’ we just don’t want to take out a loan!

  • Ilana December 18, 2010, 6:57 pm

    I’m going to St Thomas and St John in 2 weeks. Come 🙂

    Right now I’m in the middle of training to be certified as a Pilates instructor. I don’t know if I’ve ever worked so hard at something in my life. It’s really amazing. Before I started Pilates I never worked out a day in my life, could not do one push up. To see how far I’ve come is amazing to me – and I know I have so much farther I can go. I can’t wait.

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:51 am

      Can I come with you?

  • Ashley December 18, 2010, 7:11 pm

    I’m in graduate school – so I definitely know all about putting in long hours, extensive training, etc. It’s rough! But when it’s for something you’re passionate about – there’s really no alternative!

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence December 18, 2010, 7:35 pm

    Working towards graduation:)
    and St Thomas looks like an awesome escape from the snow right now!

  • Saima December 18, 2010, 7:51 pm

    Excellent timing of this post!! I graduated with my masters in Speech-Language Pathology today!! My undergrad was in Biology and decided to change my career by doing SLP….it was definitely very scary moving from Toronto to rural PA but the past 2.5 yrs have been a whirlwind and well worth it!! 😀

  • D December 18, 2010, 8:04 pm

    I’m working towards a masters degree! I graduated from undergrad, did a paid internship/job for a couple months, then took a couple months “off” to spend time with my mom, celebrate my 21st bday and train for a marathon, and now I’m moving to a new city in January to start grad school and my new job as a grad assistant!

  • Lauren December 18, 2010, 8:12 pm

    I’m working towards my dietetics degree…it helps that I’ll have an internship next semester and actually have some “real world” work to do. Plus, the internship involves running + nutrition, yay!

  • carlee December 18, 2010, 8:31 pm

    I saw it on your other post! But YES! I have been drinking so much water lately! and I was just wondering out of pure curisity does your husband ever perform acupuncture on you?? I have been to an acupuncture three or four times.

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:52 am

      yup all the time!

  • Camille December 18, 2010, 8:46 pm

    I am working toward a double degree in Dietetics and Nutrition for Fitness. And sleep. I could use some of that too 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 18, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I think it is amazing you and the husband both have your own businesses up and running at such a young age. My husband owns a small business as well – a landscape company – and I cannot even believe how great he is doing. I really give hima lot of credit. All I have to do is show up and I get paid! 🙂

  • sammy December 18, 2010, 9:20 pm

    cheese tortellini with feta and tofu on top? that actually sounds pretty gross.

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:53 am

      It’s OK Claire 😉 You don’t have to eat it.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef December 18, 2010, 9:41 pm

    my parents went to st. thomas on their honeymoon 27 yrs ago and loved it. i wanna go one day too!

    right now i’m 1/2 way through my 3-year grad program, a dual degree in african studies & library science. and marathon training for marathon #2 begins next month! woohoo 🙂

  • Casey @ Insatiably Healthy December 18, 2010, 10:14 pm

    That packed lunch looks pretty gourmet to me! Gladly will take it off your hand for you 😉
    Glad to hear about the husbands practice is doing well! With the way holistic medicine is catching on it should only keep growing.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life December 18, 2010, 11:19 pm

    Such a sweet post for your hubby! I’m sure he appreciates all you do to help with his clinic. I definitely think you should get a coffee maker, fridge AND microwave!

    My biggest goal is to get certified in 2011. I’m a medical coder and right now we code from an ICD-9-CM system that will be switching COMPLETELY in the next 2-3 years. I learned the current coding system in college 4 years ago and definitely want to be certified before the change.

  • Jenny at Rice n' Jeans December 19, 2010, 12:36 am

    COLLEGE !

  • Leigh December 19, 2010, 12:42 am

    Go to St. Thomas! That’s where my family lives and it is amazing to visit! Your picture it actually of Trunk Bay on St. John which is a MUST VISIT if you go there!!

  • linda@adventuresinexpatland.com December 19, 2010, 6:04 am

    Been following your site for half a year now, and love the work/life balance. That quote about overnight success taking years of hard work is spot on. I’m in the early stages of a career shift so know it well. What really helped me finally get going? Moving overseas (it upsets previous routines and challenges any preconceived notions you might have) and finally realizing that time was going to pass anyway, so what was I waiting for? I’m sure you’ve read how next month or next season or next year is going to come anyway (at least if you’re fortunate), why not make the changes you’d like to make now to build toward a better future when that point arrives?

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:54 am

      Thanks Linda – good luck with everything!

  • jassy December 19, 2010, 7:34 am

    you’re blessed–young and successful…i’m still trying to get what I want 🙂

  • Kristina December 19, 2010, 8:57 am

    I come from a family of business owners so it was only a matter of time for me to start one up…enter in NOW! haha…If you’re interested in going to St,John we have a timeshare at the Westin that we (usually) sell every year for a week. My parents got married there-beautiful, take a catamaran to soggy dollar bar!!!!

  • Anna @ ciaotochow December 19, 2010, 10:15 am

    That’s amazing that you two have already accomplished so much – and followed your dreams, too! You inspire ME: I’m working towards a journalism degree…I hope to be a health/wellness writer someday!

  • Kristy December 19, 2010, 10:31 am

    I love that you and your husband followed your dreams and are living them now! I’m working toward a goal to write a novel and become a full-time writer. Novel in progress now.

  • Amy at TheSceneFromMe December 19, 2010, 10:49 am

    I am working towards my dream vacation to Bora Bora and Tahiti….in an overwater bungalow with a glass hole in the floor for fish viewing!

    • Caitlin December 19, 2010, 11:55 am

      I want that too!!!

  • Shelley December 19, 2010, 9:24 pm

    You two are definitely inspiring, talking about living the dream 🙂

    I have a few pipe dreams that I really need to do something about, because really, what good are pipe dreams if you aren’t going to try to make them happen! I lack the confidence really but I won’t get anywhere if I don’t try 🙂

  • Gigi December 20, 2010, 12:04 am

    The husband of one of my friends just started his own business. Every now and then, my friend complained there were so many things to think about, so many works to get done, and she had to help him up during her spare time. She even planed to be an account as her second career. She said she never expected it could be this hard to build a small business from the ground up.

    I always fantasize about a tropical vacation. St. Thomas sounds like an amazing place to go.

  • AllieNic @ Frisky Lemon December 20, 2010, 10:21 am

    I love House Hunters International! ESPECIALLY when they go to places like St. Thomas…I went on a cruise last Christmas to St. Thomas and St. Martin…it was unbelievable…I missed the snow at home, but there’s something about a white sand beach in December that’s amazing!

  • Emilie December 20, 2010, 7:28 pm

    I know I’m way late to the party on this one, but I dream of one day being certified to teach yoga and to coach running. The biggest obstacle is money…but hopefully someday I’ll be overcome it!

  • Shayla December 20, 2010, 8:15 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I’ve noticed here and there you’ve been dropping “pregnancy” and “baby making” tidbits…and not to get too personal…but are you and the hubby planning soon?! Reason I’m asking is b/c my husband and I are definitely planning to start baby making next year after my sisters wedding (so after May), and I’m currently on the pill and I was wondering if you knew when women should stop taking the pill. I remember from a previous post that you’re off the pill and doing a different method, has that been working for you? I’d appreciate any advice you can offer! 🙂

    • Caitlin December 20, 2010, 9:21 pm

      Naw I’m just baby crazy. But we’re not having babies anytime soon. I’m committed to write two books in the next 9 months and the Husband is building the business. But soon!

      I highly recommend Taking Charge of Your Fertility! You can get it on Amazon.

      • Shayla December 21, 2010, 2:38 pm

        Awesome – thanks Caitlin!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 21, 2010, 12:21 am

    I am working towards a masters degree at the moment.

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