Spotted Intern

in All Posts

I slammed through a TON of work at FABO Cafe this morning.  I am so much more productive in coffee shops.

IMG_1382

Guess who came with me?  My Spotted Intern.

IMG_1385

Maggie was such a big girl at FABO!  Normally, I never take Maggie out to public places because she has really, really bad anxiety and freaks out about EVERYTHING.  Once, I took her to an outdoor cafe and a motorcycle drove by… she jumped out of my lap onto the table and knocked over four wine glasses and my dinner. 

 

But I thought she might like FABO because it’s quiet and well-lit.  Once she stopped wheezing out of stress (I need to make a video of her one day; basically, she goes “eee! eee! eee!” over and over again), she settled down and decided she liked the place.  🙂

 

She also enjoyed the spotted dachshund chair.

IMG_1380

While writing (Operation Beautiful II edits are halfway done!), I enjoyed a biscotti:

IMG_1388

Which was delicious but didn’t hold back the hunger that started to rage at noon.  So I took a peak inside FABO’s fridge and discovered this awesome dish:

IMG_1394

Beverly’s Gourmet Foods is a food preparation business that does pre-made meals and is sold at local farmers’ markets and in some small health food stores in the Charlotte area.  I’ve never tried them before but MAN – this lentil salad was awesome.  Super fruity and refreshing.

IMG_1392

And if you’ll believe it, guess who I stumbled into at FABO?  Beverly herself!  We talked for a little bit and she told me how her family owns one of the largest farms within the city limits.  She started her business when she was in her 20’s because she loved to cook and needed a way to use up the veggies they didn’t sell at the farmers’ market.  Now she’s a single mom to three children and supports the family with her pre-made foods biz. 

IMG_1398

Pretty cool, huh?  I love small businesses.

 

Another friend that I found at FABO:

IMG_1399

IMG_1400

Cue: awww!

 

Run for Japan

 

Like most people, I have been glued to the news ever since Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.  My heart aches for everyone in Japan and everyone impacted by the disaster. 

 

A reader named Maya wrote me to say, “I’ve lived and worked in Tokyo for the past 5.5 years. Life in here has been very surreal for the past week… However, our lives are normal and comfortable when compared to those to the north in Tohoku, where the real damage from the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis is concentrated.  Due to the extent of the damage, supplies have been slow to arrive and many shelters are not receiving enough food, water, medicine, etc. The overnight temperatures in Japan have dropped to below freezing for the past few nights, and many of these tsunami victims are braving the cold with no access to heat, blankets, or hot meals. Hygiene is also an issue. It has now been one week since the quake struck and access to shower/bath facilities is minimal. Most victims escaped with only their lives the clothes they were wearing at the time, and do not have access to something as simple as a change of underwear. If they are not helped soon, then many more could lose their lives before this is all over.”

 

Maya wanted me to tell everyone about Run for Japan, a website that allows you to ‘dedicate’ your run to Japan and make a dollar donation (or more) for every mile you ran.  I think the concept is wonderful and a perfect way for the healthy living blog community to support our friends in Japan.  Spread the word!

{ 86 comments }

 

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write March 21, 2011, 1:50 pm

    I’m so excited to be able to load your page again!

    Okay, that said…

    I love that you found a cafe to work with Maggie in! I’m working in a coffee shop right NOW and I completely agree. I’m uber productive outside the home. Way too many distractions at home!

  • megan @ blackberries for jam March 21, 2011, 1:57 pm

    I am so heartbroken by the tragedy in Japan. I’ve visited there twice and I think it is the most beautiful place on earth, and I can’t even fathom the devastation the earthquake has caused. I read about Run for Japan in the New York Times and it’s such a great concept. Every little bit helps!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine March 21, 2011, 2:02 pm

    It would be my dream to start a small company like that. I feel like Charlotte would be a great place to do it, too- big enough to gain a following, but not so big that you fall through the cracks. Looks delicious!!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:29 pm

      I think Charlotte is the PERFECT place, too!

  • Jen @ keepitsimplefoods March 21, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Love the Run For Japan concept! Such a heartbreaking situation.

    Sounds like you had a very productive morning! Our pup, Mya, is also nervous in new/public places. It can be annoying but it’s also pretty darn cute. 🙂

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete March 21, 2011, 2:03 pm

    I’m glad Maggie was comfy there — and how cool to meet Beverly. What a fun business to have!

    I’m checking out Run for Japan now — thanks for the link!

  • Stacy @ Every LIttle Thing March 21, 2011, 2:03 pm

    Run for Japan looks like a great cause!

    I love small businesses, esp foodie ones 🙂 There is a great “Black Bean Lady” in St. Louis that literally makes the best black beans, soup, etc. that I have ever tasted. I love her!

  • Clarissa March 21, 2011, 2:04 pm

    That is so fun you can bring your pets to FABO! I don’t think we have anything like that in NYC unless it’s outside. I love coffee shops…In my dream world I would own my own small business and it would be a coffee shop!

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black March 21, 2011, 2:05 pm

    What a great website to help Japan! 🙂

  • Sana March 21, 2011, 2:09 pm

    I adore Maggie 🙂 She needs her Mama to protect her!

  • Kristina @ spabettie March 21, 2011, 2:09 pm

    aww… sweetest spotted pup… and she looks perfect in that chair!!

    Jason and I are doing a run soon to Run for Japan… 😀

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) March 21, 2011, 2:09 pm

    Wish I had known about that Run for Japan site earlier! I raised over $400 (and counting) for my marathon yesterday.

    Funny about the dog anxiety. I used to be close to a dog who got that pretty often… it was funny (and sad).

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy March 21, 2011, 2:10 pm

    Adorable cat and what a great way to help the victims in Japan!

  • Sara March 21, 2011, 2:10 pm

    1) Also a dream of mine to own a coffee shop/cafe/bar…though working a “normal” job is more in the cards for me right now!
    2) That kitty is ADORABLE, thanks for sharing a photo 🙂
    3) What is the brand/color of your nail polish? It’s perfect for a spring pedicure!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:28 pm

      I blogged about the nail polish tonight!

  • Ashley March 21, 2011, 2:10 pm

    hooray for small businesses! My husband just took the plunge himself this January, so we’re newbies at owning a biz. It can be rough, but its so rewarding too!

  • Freya March 21, 2011, 2:12 pm

    Oh bless Maggie! That’s adorable! Maybe it’s cos her legs are so short :p
    Run for Japan- awesome idea!!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:23 pm

      It’s probably due to her height 🙂

  • Lauren @ChiGalLauren March 21, 2011, 2:12 pm

    I’ll definitely be checking out the run for Japan website. Alsp, I love your nail polish color!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat March 21, 2011, 2:14 pm

    Maggie is so adorable (and very well behaved!!) The run for Japan idea sounds great. I’m going to check it out now! 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 21, 2011, 2:15 pm

    FABO sounds like such a cool place. I would love to have a coffee shop like that in my city.

  • Jen March 21, 2011, 2:18 pm

    The fruited lentil salad sounds so good! How cool that you got to meet the owner as well!

  • ashleigh March 21, 2011, 2:21 pm

    awww that cat is so cute!! I would love to hang out in a coffee shop with animals all around!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) March 21, 2011, 2:22 pm

    Love that coffee/wine/food shop you found. I wish mooresville would catch up and open some cool, local spots like that!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 21, 2011, 2:29 pm

    That’s SO fantastic that the cafe is pet friendly! I love that 🙂
    I know Maggie was adopted so I wonder if something happened to her in her past history makes her stress out easily.

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:22 pm

      Yes!

      Maggie’s back story is a boyfriend and girlfriend bought her for $1500 and then they broke up. They ended up bouncing her between them and sticking her in a crate for a long time. They got her pregnant and when she had the babies, they gave her away to the rescue group. She was 2 when we got her and she had been living in a kennel for 3 months. She had never really experienced stability or obedience.

      She was completely unstable and crazy. Barked at everything. Constant anxiety. She got a little better when we got James six months later because they LOVE each other. It was truly love at first sight and helped her calm down (a little).

      • Evan Thomas March 21, 2011, 8:24 pm

        You never mentioned Maggie is a mother! She looks good, really bounced back from that baby weight.

        • Su March 21, 2011, 8:27 pm

          LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Kara March 21, 2011, 8:25 pm

        Aww, she’s a product of a broken home. It makes me glad that I got my crazy dog right from the pound (she was 8 weeks old). I can’t imagine how much MORE crazy she’d be otherwise!

  • alison March 21, 2011, 2:38 pm

    Maggie may be a little high maintenance, but she sure is adorable! I’m glad she had a nice outing with you, once her nerves were under control.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 21, 2011, 2:50 pm

    Poor Maggie!!!
    And lentil salad sounds amazing. i wish we had more cafes like that around here!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales March 21, 2011, 2:52 pm

    Oh my goodness. Thank you for bringing this to light. I’m totally about to check out the link (if my worksite doesn’t block it, grr) and try to figure out a way to incorporate it for my marathon next month!

  • Cara March 21, 2011, 2:53 pm

    Hey… random question… What is the brand and color of your fingernail polish?… Sooo Springy! Thanks!

  • jen @ taste life March 21, 2011, 2:54 pm

    Caitlin, everything about this blog post made me smile, thank you. The stories of Maggie, picturing her wheezing, her in front of the daschund chair, the yummy food, the cat, and on and on. Thanks!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:18 pm

      Hahah 🙂 You’re welcome.

  • Tessa March 21, 2011, 3:06 pm

    What a great concept concerning the crisis in Japan. Like you, I have also been watching the footage and news coverage on this event, and it’s simply awful! I have been raising some money at school with some of my friends through different methods, and we have accumulated a good amount so far 🙂
    P.s. that lentil salad sounds tasty! Lentils=love

  • Brittney March 21, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Clyde wants to have a coffee date with you and the dogs at FABO!

  • Jamie B. March 21, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Definitely going to do the run for Japan…what an awesome way to give back and raise awareness! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • rebecca lustig March 21, 2011, 3:18 pm

    Yesterday I saw a woman get all distressed after weighing herself at the gym, so I obviously had to leave an Operation Beautiful note on the scale 🙂

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:17 pm

      #winning

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews March 21, 2011, 3:22 pm

    I love the intern! I have two doxies myself : )

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey March 21, 2011, 3:29 pm

    Oh my gosh – I love Maggie. I am just imagining her wheezing like crazy!

  • Kacy March 21, 2011, 3:30 pm

    Awesome, I’m going to register yesterday’s half right now!
    Love the spotted intern, and the kitty!

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable March 21, 2011, 3:31 pm

    Awwww I like your friends 🙂 I have a running question too that I hope you can answer. I bought new shoes and they gave me a stability shoe which caused me immense pain after my first run. (Turns out, I have a neutral stride and should be in a neutral shoe…definitely exchanged those bad boys immediately). Anyways, I have been in pain ever since that initial run, and I was wondering when I can get back on my training plan. Do I have to be down to ZERO pain or is some mild discomfort okay to start training again? Help please!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:17 pm

      If you’re in pain and it won’t go away after a few very short and easy runs, it’s time to rest. 🙁 I am in the same boat so we can rest together.

      • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable March 22, 2011, 9:09 am

        Boo 🙁 This is my very first half and I’m so excited and want to run! I’m afraid I won’t be able to get back on track. Sadface.

  • Lily's Health Pad March 21, 2011, 3:32 pm

    wow, someone brought their cat to the coffee shop? I wish I could bring Link somewhere like that! What a well behaved kiity!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me March 21, 2011, 3:35 pm

    Do you ever bring both of them out with you or is it waaaay too much commotion?

    That cat is so adorable. I would so love a cuddly little critter.

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:16 pm

      That is WAYYYYYYYYY too much. James + another James would be ok. James + Maggie = Hell.

  • Kara March 21, 2011, 3:38 pm

    I’m surprised Maggie left that cat alone! My brother’s dachshund would have been trying to eat that cat. 🙂

    I love idea of dedicating a run for Japan, I will check that website out!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:15 pm

      I don’t even think Maggie realized a cat was on the couch. She is dense.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) March 21, 2011, 3:42 pm

    That’s pretty cool there is a coffee shop you can take a fury friend to. Nothing better than spending time with our four legged friends. The salad company sounds really interesting. I love stories like that…someone working with/for their family. Have a great afternoon!

  • Baking 'n' Books March 21, 2011, 3:42 pm

    I want to be Beverley.

    I watched “Shark Tank” last night and now apparently I’m trying to find the next great invention to save my life 🙂

    Fabo! What a name. I always see those “cute” salads and want to pick them up but my wallet doesn’t agree. We pick fights…and he usually wins.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul March 21, 2011, 3:47 pm

    aw yayyy! Thanks for the link Caitlin! I’ve been looking for different possibilities regarding japan~thank you thank you! I get so encouraged when people promote and actively support these things. They need every bit of PRAYER and support they can get. We don’t realize HOW awesome it is when someone thinks of us, let alone a million people worldwide when times are difficult.

  • Flo March 21, 2011, 3:55 pm

    Can’t believe they let you sit on those chairs!! You have to get the one with the dog on it…:D

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:14 pm

      I know! They sell for $1000.

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) March 21, 2011, 3:55 pm

    Love the nail polish color.

    The lentil salad sounds wonderful; I might try to recreate it!

  • Laurie March 21, 2011, 4:04 pm

    It’s great that Maggie did so well! Good for her! Caitlin, you need to get that chair, Maggie seems to like it and of course goes with her style! 🙂 Thanks for the link on Japan, it is horrible what happen over there, they need all the help they can get!

  • aubrey @ italktofood March 21, 2011, 4:17 pm

    that salad looks very tasty.

    I am craving a big coffee and biscotti now..

  • Amanda March 21, 2011, 4:26 pm

    Absolutely LOVE that nail polish. Please share the color and brand with us!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:14 pm

      Sally Hanson Insta-Dri Lilac!

  • Elizabeth@The Sweet Life March 21, 2011, 4:30 pm

    I love biscotti–could eat it by the dozen!

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy March 21, 2011, 4:39 pm

    You have to tell us what nail polish brand/color it is. And the Japan tragedy has just been so overwhelming. Anything we can do to help out makes some little difference.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 21, 2011, 4:56 pm

    Thanks for the run for Japan link.

  • Kiran March 21, 2011, 5:23 pm

    That cat is a cutie 🙂

    So sad for Japan & Libya. What is the world coming too?

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) March 21, 2011, 5:28 pm

    Awww that chair is too cute!

    Run for Japan definitely looks like a great thing! Going to check it out!

  • Mary March 21, 2011, 5:29 pm

    There is no way that I’d be able to bring either of my dogs to a coffee shop that allows pets. Corbin would be all over the place (typical lab style) and Tika would follow in true husky fashion.. Maggie looks so regal on that chair, I love it 🙂

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:13 pm

      Aww your pups sound funny.

  • Kelly March 21, 2011, 5:50 pm

    I can’t believe they let animals in there! COOL!

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes March 21, 2011, 6:06 pm

    That place looks so cool! I wish I had one here!
    Your dog is soooo cute. I can’t bring my doggie anywhere or she will either pee in excitement or think she had to protect me and growl at everything that moves (she’s so scary…all six pounds of her!)

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) March 21, 2011, 6:19 pm

    there was a similar virtual run for Christchurch that I participated in. it’s such a great idea, and now Japan needs our miles, too!

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo March 21, 2011, 6:34 pm

    Caitlin,

    Thank you so much again for taking the time to discuss this and pointing your readers towards Run for Japan. The destruction here is unimaginable and I think we are all still in shock at the magnitude of what has happened. The last week and a half in Tokyo has been the most surreal experience of my life, but it pales in comparison to what so many are going through just a few hundred kilometers away.

    I want to thank everyone here who has already or is considering doing something to help. I also want to encourage all those who can to think of the good they can do by just sacrificing one or two trips to Starbucks to help ensure that the survivors (many of whom have lost their friends, families, and entire communities in addition to their homes) have the food, medicine, and heat necessary to get them through this.

    I have written a little about my experience in Tokyo on my blog for those who are curious, but there real attention needs to remain on the true victims of this disaster.

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:12 pm

      THANK YOU! Good luck. <3

  • jamie March 21, 2011, 6:41 pm

    Your dogs are so cute!
    I’m home on spring break and have lots of studying to do unfortunately… what are some of your other favorite coffee shops in Charlotte to go to get work done? I’m trying to support local places other than the usual s-bux 🙂

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 6:53 pm

      Have you tried Petite Phillipe (if you’re 21)? It’s a wine bar but its super cute and would be fun for working!

  • Katherine: Unemployed March 21, 2011, 7:13 pm

    I want to be an intern

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss March 21, 2011, 8:03 pm

    Thank you for mentioning the Run of Japan. What a great cause! 🙂

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged March 21, 2011, 8:04 pm

    I’m always so much more productive at coffee shops – must be something in the atmosphere that makes me feel like a real writer!

    • Caitlin March 21, 2011, 8:10 pm

      Heheh me too!

  • Ashley @ Feeding Ashley March 21, 2011, 8:08 pm

    I feel so bad for Maggie and her anxiety. I’m glad she’s found a public place she can enjoy. I love your nail polish btw!

  • Heather March 21, 2011, 8:27 pm

    My dogs do the same thing, maybe its a small dog thing?
    I wish I could take them more place with me but they get so anxious heh. Love your blog by the way!

  • Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini March 21, 2011, 8:47 pm

    A kitty!!! I didn’t see that when we were at Fabo!!

  • BeckyH March 22, 2011, 12:14 am

    While I love my own “intern”, my wiener dog Squirt … he isn’t allowed to do work with me 😛 He likes to bark right when I hit my stride … so tomorrow for instance, he is going to daycare so I can get some work done.

    I am also in love with the photo of Maggie on the spotted Dachshund chair. We really wanted to get a Warhol inspired giant photo of our doggie for above the fireplace =)

  • Bridget March 22, 2011, 7:46 am

    Thank you for your run for Japan. ;_; Tohoku is so heartbreaking. It was the scariest day of my life, but my area is unscathed.

    • Bridget March 22, 2011, 7:51 am

      I didn’t meant to submit yet! Even though my area is fine, many of my friends and co-workers have family who were impacted, or whom they can’t contact. Anyway, your thoughts mean a lot. Maggie’s pictures always bring a smile to my face, too.

  • Calee March 22, 2011, 8:35 pm

    OMG I have an adopted doxie too. I grew up with one and he was the biggest neurotic freak ever. And now Barney, my adopted doxie, is even MORE neurotic! I love him though. And I love doxies!

Healthy Tipping Point