Random Whirlwind

on June 15, 2011
in All Posts

Sometimes, I sit down to write a post and all I can think is – that was a completely random day.  Today was one of those days!

 

The afternoon started off with a very long and involved home inspection.  With the exception of a few small things, everything checked out. 

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Next up: the MOLD inspection.  I am very paranoid about mold and am totally willing to shell out a ridiculous amount for a specialist to come take air samples and swabs.  Mold blows.

 

After our inspection, we ended up at this completely random Greek restaurant for a ‘snack.’

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I’m trying to switch to a lower-gluten diet, but I’m really finding it difficult!  I know I just need to adjust and figure out new ways to eat.  I don’t want you guys to think I’m not taking my test results seriously or am just blowing this off… It’s just so hard to make such a huge dietary shift.   I was halfway through this plate of pita and hummus when I realized pita obviously has gluten in it.  Sigh!  When I went vegetarian, I went cold turkey, but I think reducing my gluten intake (my goal is to do one gluten meal every other day) is going to be harder and require more time. 

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Then, we ended up at Home Depot, where we stared at shutters for an hour…

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And then the Husband got a phone call from Fox Charlotte news!   A new bill, General Assembly Bill 467, is being considered for approval.  Naturopathic doctors aren’t currently licensed in the state, but if Bill 467 passed, they would be!  Even though the Husband isn’t a N.D., Fox wanted his opinion on how the bill would impact the holistic market in Charlotte.

 

The Husband is actually terrified of public speaking (this nearly gave him a second-hand heart attack), but he did a really good job!   He spoke clearly and concisely.  It was a great opportunity for him to plug the clinic. 

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He’ll be on the local Fox channel TONIGHT at 10 PM!  If they post the clip online, I’ll be sure to link to it.  So fun.

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After all that excitement, you know that dinner was quick and easy!

 

Frozen veggie pizza with a spinach, strawberry, cashew, and goat cheese salad.

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Oh, and at some point – Nicole and I squeezed in a 3.5 mile walk.

 

Whew – what a day, right?!

{ 73 comments }

 

  • Marci June 15, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Hope all the inspections go well! Just one more part to check off until the fun parts begin. I like how you look at going g-free as a process and not cold turkey.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 15, 2011, 9:27 pm

    WOW congrats to your Hubby!!!!
    I can imagine going gluten free has to be hard, gluten is in SO MUCH!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles June 15, 2011, 9:29 pm

    That’s so exciting that your husband will be on TV! Great exposure! 🙂

  • Laura @ MyReasontoRun June 15, 2011, 9:35 pm

    how exciting for your hubs! i feel his pain, im terrified of public speaking and cameras too! hope they post a clip, thats way past my bedtime!

  • Katie - Life Discombobulated June 15, 2011, 9:36 pm

    I can imagine that it would be REALLY tough to make the gluten switch!!! Have you noticed a difference in the way you feel yet?

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:14 am

      Not really. Except I’m hungry all the time because I’m not used to eating less carbs!

  • Marissa June 15, 2011, 9:39 pm

    i too am trying to limit gluten, and i’m finding it difficult. but, the good news is that only after a week or so of this, i’m feeling great results! some food ideas i’ve been eating: rice cakes with nut butter on top, pecan crackers, nuts, quinoa, sweet potato & beet chips, brown rice tortillas with olive oil & salt & pepper, corn tortillas, millet bread(delish!) experimenting with new pastas! it hasn’t been too bad and i’m also trying to figure out GF baking! good luck and please post your GF ideas!

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:15 am

      Oh rice cakes sound good…. I will definitely post more ideas!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews June 15, 2011, 9:41 pm

    I love greek food and that looks delicious!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances June 15, 2011, 9:42 pm

    I cannot imagine giving up gluten! I think making gradual changes is a good idea, especially since you have so much else going on right now. Congrats to your husband for this news debut! I hope this brings even more customers to your clinic. If I am ever in Charlotte… I am going to make an appointment. And show up, since I think patients skipping out is one of your pet peeves. 🙂

  • Ali June 15, 2011, 9:43 pm

    Is that the cheese-less pizza? I love it. Yum!!!!!

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:16 am

      Yup, Amy’s brand – very good.

  • eliza June 15, 2011, 9:43 pm

    gluten free pizza?! haha! so hard.. I remember when I was trying to quit drinking cold turkey and then I realized I was drinking a whiskey and coke…oops.

  • CheezyK June 15, 2011, 9:47 pm

    Totally with you on the gluten situation. A few months ago I noticed that I was feeling gassy and bloated after every meal at my in-laws (TMI I know, sorry). Although we eat quite different meals to them I couldn’t work out what was going on. Finally realised that the main difference was that they have dinner rolls with every meal and we don’t. A bit more ‘try and see’ experimenting and I came to the conclusion that I am gluten intolerant. I’ve been trying to cut back ever since (wraps instead of sandwiches, cereal instead of toast – that type of thing) and it’s made a huge difference to the way I feel. I’m sure I’d feel even better if I cut gluten out altogether but it’s just too difficult (although I am seriously considering a gluten free pizza base next time we get a pizza).

    Good luck with the house too, so exciting.

  • Monika @ Powered by Paprika June 15, 2011, 9:49 pm

    How did your husband get into oriental medicine? Was he originally pre-med as an undergraduate or was it something that developed?

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:21 am

      He did a pre-med track in undergrad (but actually just graduated with a history degree and almost all of the pre-med reqs, long story), and then he went to Florida College of Integrative Medicine for graduate school. It’s a three-year program (4 years smashed into 3, actually) and now he’s a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Pretty neat!

  • Baking 'n' Books June 15, 2011, 10:02 pm

    Is that Amy’s pizza?! Looks good – and dark?!

    Honestly – don’t stress yourself out re: the dietary changes! Your doing great just by making small changes.

    As well, often cutting back can help you “heal” as well versus going fully cold-turkey. Many people who actually cut it out for awhile are able to go back to eating it in moderation later. I think a lot of people with intolerances, etc. don’t realize that – that it really is about moderation. I.e – I eat ALOT of yogurt – alot – but it doesn’t mean I have to “detox” from dairy all together! I should just try to cut it back gradually to like a couple times of day…instead of like 6?

    😉

  • Mary June 15, 2011, 10:12 pm

    Ha! I just saw your husband on the news (hadn’t read this yet) and it took me forever to place him. He did really well! I was impressed. I will admit his accent/voice is TOTALLY different from what I expected. He’s much more soft-spoken than I would have guessed!

    Hope the mold inspection goes well!

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:22 am

      haha he loved this comment 🙂

  • Chelsea June 15, 2011, 10:16 pm

    Awh congrads to the hubs! 🙂 That’s a great opportunity for his business! I had some pita & hummus today…Way to yummy for me to give up lol. I went cold turkey on going vege as well and found it very easy!

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out June 15, 2011, 10:24 pm

    Wowza! What a day is right! But I always love recapping days like that on my blog. I’m weird.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 15, 2011, 10:24 pm

    I went cold turkey when I became a vegetarian but I think I would have a much harder time giving up gluten! I definitely thinking slowly phasing it out is the way to go.

  • Abby June 15, 2011, 10:26 pm

    How cool for the huz! 🙂 I definitely think going veg cold turkey is much easier than going gluten free would be!

  • Dani Eats Veggies June 15, 2011, 10:26 pm

    Congrats to your husband – that is awesome and quite the accomplishment!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife June 15, 2011, 10:27 pm

    oh how fun. Holy smokes that WAS a random day!

  • Kim @ Spoonful of Sass June 15, 2011, 10:33 pm

    That salad looks divine! Spinach and strawberries = best salad combo ever.

    Thinking of you during your house adventures. One year ago that was me and my husband. Now we sit on our back patio, have a cold beer, grill, and reminisce and laugh about the torture you go through to buy a house! All worth it in the end! And of course now we can tell all our friends to be prepared and know you’re not alone! 🙂

  • Caroline June 15, 2011, 10:40 pm

    The mold inspection is so important! My parents built a home a few years ago with a custom builder and after living there for about 3 years, the smell of mold was really overpowering and couldn’t be ignored. The nightmare lasted for 2 years, with the builder being court ordered to buy the home back from my parents. Ick, just thinking about it makes my skin crawl!

    Congrats to your husband for the tv spot!

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:22 am

      omg what a nightmare. that is why i’m shelling out the dough to get it checked out.

  • Jen June 15, 2011, 10:41 pm

    For some reason I feel like limiting gluten/going g-free would be easier if you ate meat..not sure why I think that (perhaps because I’m not a vegetarian & feel like it’s already a much more limited diet than what I eat?) Anyway, you’ll figure it out, and there are so many resources available online for you learn from…it’ll just take time. Hope you didn’t have any ill effects from that pita bread! Good luck with the rest of your home inspections! Is a mold inspection a standard thing where you live? Here (in Ontario, Canada) you basically just do one home inspection, though I guess if mold was found you could get a more specific one done (though I work I real estate and have never come across that in 10 years!) Hope it all goes well!

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:23 am

      i definitely think it would be easier be to limit gluten if i ate meat bah!

      mold is not a standard inspection, just a regular home inspection is required. but we’re also testing for randon just to be sure.

  • K June 15, 2011, 10:47 pm

    Caitlin, congrats on making it through the inspection! I am on an anti-inflammatory diet right now (dealing with some hormone/digestion issues with the help of an ND) and the easiest way (I find) is just to rely on cooked grains as much as possible for my carbs. I just replace bread with brown rice or quinoa. I also make socca (chickpea flour bread) and use quinoa/nut flours. The best are the almond flour crackers from Elana’s Pantry site! I think it’s the best use for leftovers from making nut milks! I actually ate very little bread/gluten/wheat to begin with, and I still feel a huge difference in my digestion and skin! You are doing great! Just do your best!!

  • Mary June 15, 2011, 10:50 pm

    How exciting the hubs was on the news!

    Congrats on making it through the home inspection!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg June 15, 2011, 10:57 pm

    I love random days — and good luck with the mold inspection! I agree that it is worth money to get it checked out!

    How cool that your husband was on tv! I hope they show his clip.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 15, 2011, 10:58 pm

    Your home inspector looks intense!
    Glad you guys got good news on that front.

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) June 15, 2011, 11:08 pm

    Oh wow! That does sound like a whirlwind of a day.

    I would be petrified to talk on TV too!

  • kristen June 15, 2011, 11:18 pm

    how exciting for the hubby!!! I hope they put it up online!

    And home depot and I have a love hate relationship haha

  • Jayme @ Runner-n-Spice June 15, 2011, 11:36 pm

    Ah – that is so ridiculously cool about Fox news and the plug! Sweet!

  • Heather June 15, 2011, 11:39 pm

    I want to see more! I like the deck so far.

    Also, when I did a gluten free month I ate a lot of corn chips and rice cakes to fill my bread void. I’d you’re looking for gluten free baked goods, the udi’s muffins are really good.

  • khushboo June 16, 2011, 12:21 am

    Wow that’s so exciting for the husband! Although I think I too would have had a heart attack, public speaking terrifies me!

  • Emily June 16, 2011, 1:57 am

    Going gluten free is tough isn’t it? I did mine over lent which made it feel easier but then when I realised it was for life it came as a big big shock! Well done so far – keep going 😀

  • Hayley @ Oat Couture June 16, 2011, 3:03 am

    Thats cool about your hubby! And glad your home inspection went well! 🙂 The mould thing is so important so I hope it goes well for you! We had to live in an apartment last year that had a hidden leak under the kitchen floor meaning lots of mould! 🙁 Was awful! And switching to GF must be bloody tough but I agree in thinking small changes are better than trying to go cold turkey. You’ll get to a point that your happy with it may just take a little time and a LOT of perseverance! Keep at it! 🙂

  • Shellie June 16, 2011, 3:45 am

    What a day indeed! Hope the inspection goes well. I am sure you will get the gluten free diet down in no time. Oh, I really hope there is a link for your Hubby’s video – I wanna hear his accent!!

  • Kate June 16, 2011, 6:45 am

    Just watched your husband on Fox News – it’s on the front page! Had to check out his British accent as I’m British myself 🙂

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:24 am

      Yay! 🙂 Brits rule.

  • Lauren June 16, 2011, 7:01 am

    I remember all of those inspections. Definitely stressful but it will all be worth it! 🙂 So happy for you guys!

  • The Teenage Taste June 16, 2011, 7:10 am

    What a day is right. You are a busy, busy, bee! Hope all goes well with the mold situation. I am totally paranoid about mold too. So gross! 😕
    Have a great day! Maybe today you will relax a bit? 😉

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey June 16, 2011, 7:30 am

    home inspections are so scary! I think I held my breath the entire time.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 16, 2011, 7:34 am

    Congrats on the news spot! That’s great! As for gluten, going out to eat is so hard when your a vegetarian and cutting out gluten. Most places consider gluten free to be meat options. My husband is the one with celiac, so no gluten at all for him. He’s not vegetarian though and while that makes it a little easier to go out to eat, he still finds it hard to eat anywhere. There is always hidden contamination in everything. I know this sounds crazy, but I cary stuff with me in the car for snacks for both of us. Tony used to call them my hobo snacks, but now he’s not making fun of them any more. Have you ever tried socca? It truly is amazing! I hate leaving links here lately, but I know gluten free and low gluten are tricky and finding good alternatives is sometimes hard. Here’s my socca recipe. It’s really quick and easy, oh and loaded with protein and fiber!

    http://www.thenondairyqueen.com/2011/05/socca-pizza-for-mothers-day.html

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:25 am

      no i love links, thanks for much!

      i will look into socca – your recipe sounds great.

  • Beth @ 990 Square June 16, 2011, 7:56 am

    I’m totally jealous of your new house! Even though my husband and I have owned for a long time (it will be 6 years in September) I feel like I’m ready to move to a grown up house–i.e. one not attached to other houses!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope June 16, 2011, 7:56 am

    So happy for you and your new house. Hope everything works out easy and you get to move in soon!

  • Wendy June 16, 2011, 8:23 am

    I really, really hope your home tests mold-free! We had an issue with a leaking foundation and high mold tests, which delayed our closing my a month. At least in our case the sellers had to pay for the foundation fix and mold cleanup.

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 9:26 am

      yea – i would rather find out NOW and make them pay for it then wait a year, be sick, and pay for it myself 🙂

  • Molly @ RDexposed June 16, 2011, 8:24 am

    I got over being nervous with public speaking after having to give impromtu Spanish speeches. As long as I can speak in English, I’m ok with speaking in front of people!

  • katie @ KatieDid June 16, 2011, 8:33 am

    all the house stuff is so exciting, congrats again!! and congrats to the husband, I would have been shaking myself. Free advertisement is the best.
    I had trouble in the beginning cutting out gluten also, everyone does. It seems like you’ve been doing a great job though and soon enough it truly will be second nature. good luck!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 16, 2011, 8:40 am

    I would find it really hard to cut out gluten as well! I’m sure eating it every once in a while won’t do you too much harm though. 🙂

    Congrats to your hubby! That’s so exciting for him!

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East June 16, 2011, 8:44 am

    How exciting for the husband to be on Fox News! Glad everything is going well with the inspection!

  • Katie June 16, 2011, 9:04 am

    What great timing! Buy a house and get free marketing 🙂 Congrats on everything! I have tried to cut out or reduce my gluten intake (I believe everyone is sensitive), but its is HARD I love my Ezekial bread and tortillas. I generally try not to eat a ton of it though. I eat GF pasta as often as possible.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) June 16, 2011, 9:16 am

    Congrats to the husband!

  • Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food June 16, 2011, 9:27 am

    Congrats to your hubby for such an awesome news spotlight and to both of you for things moving forward so well with the house! 🙂

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me June 16, 2011, 9:38 am

    Yay! Great to know everything checked out with the inspection. Cool on the hubs getting interviewed. Also it’s tough to make a big dietary change ESP with gluten. Yikes! My comment is as random as your day! 😉

  • Leanne (Bride to Mrs,) June 16, 2011, 10:24 am

    I hope the mold inspection goes well! If everything turns out when are you guys going to move in?

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 10:44 am

      july 22! yay!

  • Erin @ Naturally Addicted June 16, 2011, 10:52 am

    That pizza looks delicious! Good luck with the inspection and I hope moving in is a breeze. Somtimes moving can be so stressful. I just moved, so I know how tough it can be! That’s so exciting that your husband’s clinic was featured on Fox. I just moved to Charlotte so I’ll have to check it out!

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet June 16, 2011, 11:41 am

    Phew that is a busy, random day!

    I wanted to give up gluten a while back too, since I had a suspicion that it was causing some stomach discomfort, but it really was impossible. I think the best way is to just eat at home and pack meals, but that was not in the cards for me back then. Hopefully it gets easier for you as you keep trying 🙂

    And how cool that your husband was on TV!

  • Amber K June 16, 2011, 11:43 am

    That is so awesome for your hubby! Exciting.

    I was the same way when I went gluten-free. I had to do it in steps. Especially because I kept discovering it in more things that I never even thought about! Some things I don’t worry about, like body lotion. (My body is pretty good at breaking out in rashes when it doesn’t like something). But I’m especially careful of lipsticks and lip balms, things I know could affect me.

  • weeee June 16, 2011, 2:06 pm

    why do you insist on trying to cut back on different types of food groups? like meat, dairy and now gluten????? just eat normally dude

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 2:15 pm

      1) I just tested intolerant for gluten. i.e. that’s a medical reason to cut back on gluten. Thanks for your freakin’ concern, though!

      2) I don’t eat meat because I’m a vegetarian and eating dead animal flesh isn’t very appealing.

      3) Gluten and meat aren’t “food groups,” just so you know. I eat food from all the food groups every single day.

      Don’t read it if you don’t like it, dude.

      • Eliza June 16, 2011, 5:25 pm

        You tell ’em Caitlin.. dude.

  • Courtney Leigh June 16, 2011, 2:20 pm

    Yay for the first inspection being done! You’re getting the fireplace inspection done right? I’ve spent way to many Sunday nights watching Mike Holmes. I’m afraid the next time I go over to someones house where they’ve got a fire going that I’ll ask when the last time it was inspected.

    • Caitlin June 16, 2011, 2:22 pm

      Oh man, I did not think of that. They looked at the fireplace but it wasn’t a specialized inspection. Hmm.

      • Courtney Leigh June 16, 2011, 10:58 pm

        Mike is the the man. He would tell you, “You GOT to get the fireplace checked out. By a LICENSED professional.” And the out would be said in a funny Canadian way. 🙂

  • Sheryl June 17, 2011, 4:45 pm

    If you’re looking for plantation shutters, I’d recommend pricing out local companies. I was able to save about 60% off of Home Depot prices on shutters by using a local company.
    (Hope you don’t mind the random completely unsolicited advice from a stranger!)
    Congrats on the home buying! It’s a fun time!

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