It Was An Early Morning
It’s been a busy morning so far! 
I had a very early morning dentist appointment that I took a lot longer than expected, so I didn’t have time to hit the gym before work. Instead, I did a quickie at-home workout, which was inspired by an interview with Lauren Conrad in Shape magazine (September 2009).
For each exercise, I did 20 reps and moved from one to the next without rest. Completing the circuit 3 times took about 20 minutes. Better than nothing, right? 
- Prisoner squats
- Double crunch
- Push-ups
- Chair dips
- Plank with knee tuck
Breakfast
Before my dentist appointment, I ate a big bowl of baked apple oatmeal. I sliced-up one of the Cherry Coconut Baked Apples from last night and cooked it with my usual bowl of oats.
Mmmmm! I love baked apples and oats together! 
After my dentist appointment, I grabbed a quick snack to hold me over until lunch: raisin toast with peanut butter.
I’m brewing a much-needed pot of coffee right now (smells delicious!), so a travel mug full will also be part of breakfast this morning.
Need Some Inspiration?
To inspire me on my first day at NuVal, a reader sent this video to me:
Just wanted to share. I thought some of you considering career changes would appreciate it.
Question of the Day
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Cait (Cait's Plate) — October 27, 2009 @ 9:19 am
HAHA! Murphy in the background is just too adorable
And oh boy, I don’t know that I ever stuck to one thing I wanted to be when I grew up. I think it changed daily!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — October 27, 2009 @ 9:29 am
When I was little I wanted to be a writer…things really haven’t changed.
Leianna — October 27, 2009 @ 9:31 am
I wanted to be a vet, until I watched a live surgery and almost passed out:)
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full — October 27, 2009 @ 9:31 am
I had baked apple oats last week and fell in love. Yesterday you inspired me to put pomegranate seeds & coconut in my oats and boy were they delicious this morning! Thanks!
Oh, and when I was kid I wanted to be a travel agent or stewardess so I could get lots of free flights and travel
Sarah — October 27, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Oh gosh, when I was a kid I wanted to be a defense attorney! When I graduated high school, I wanted to be a psychologist. I’ve changed it so many times, but now I know I want to be somewhere in the health and fitness field. So we’ll see!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — October 27, 2009 @ 9:36 am
DELICIOUS looking oats! Love thos apples
You should check out a cookbook I’m giving away right now – it is right up your alley!
http://www.thedailybalance.com/2009/10/27/try-it-for-yourself-cookbook-giveaway/
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers — October 27, 2009 @ 9:39 am
a visit to the dentist isn’t the most fun way to start the day, but at least you had a tasty breakfast!
i always wanted to be a dolphin trainer with i grew up.
Diana — October 27, 2009 @ 9:40 am
Baked apple and oats.. Must try that!
I wanted to be a lot of things ahah A dancer, a singer… I’ve always loved the arts, what can I say?
Have a great day!
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries — October 27, 2009 @ 9:55 am
LOVE baked apple oats! Mmmmm
When I was a kid, I used to ask EVERYONE I met whether I should be an actress or a singer… as if those were the only career options ha
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — October 27, 2009 @ 9:56 am
I love baked apples! I stuff mine with raisins, pecans, and brown sugar. When I was little, I wanted to be a fashion designer. It’s funny to think about that because now all I want to wear is comfy running clothes and yoga pants
Food Makes Fun Fuel — October 27, 2009 @ 9:56 am
I still need to figure out what I want to be! A superhero is seeming less and less likely…
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats — October 27, 2009 @ 9:57 am
I had the same thing for breakfast – yummy!
When I was a kid, I wanted to be and do everything! Astronaut, work at the white house, an orthodontist…you name it, I probably wanted to be it at some point
jenna — October 27, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Erin — October 27, 2009 @ 10:02 am
I changed my mind all the time — teacher, veterinarian, dolphin trainer, director… Now I’m 23 and STILL changing my mind but the adventure is all part of the fun!
Melissa — October 27, 2009 @ 10:03 am
I love your bowl that says Christine on it!
When I was younger, I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast. But I also wanted a pet unicorn. Eventually I realized neither dream was a reality!
Leah — October 27, 2009 @ 10:03 am
I wanted to be a vet because I love animals! Now I’m a board member of a non-profit targeted at helping the disabled and sick care for their companion animals, so I got my wish – just in a different way!
nic — October 27, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Your breakfast looks like mine on Sunday!! Holy yum!!
Hope the appointment went well even though it was longer than you thought!
The only thing I remember wanting to be (because a lot of my kid-friends wanted it) was a Vet! But soon I discovered that to become a vet I need to go to school a lot longer, so I knew this wasn’t something for me!!!
Wish you a wonderful day!! Hug n.
kel — October 27, 2009 @ 10:04 am
I wanted to be a teacher, then a nurse, then settled on becoming a pharmacist. I no longer practice as a pharmacist, but still love helping people. That is what led me to choose that profession in the first place.
I really admire you chasing your dreams!
Melissa — October 27, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Your breakfast looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing a quick workout idea and the inspirational you tube video. Seeing Murphy on your blog makes my day everyday!
When I was a kid I loved the human body and wanted to be a doctor, but now I can’t handle blood and found out my talent was in math. I still have a passion for health and hopefully can put math and health together one day to make a super awesome job!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels — October 27, 2009 @ 10:07 am
Hey thanks a lot for sharing that video! When I was a kid I wanted to be an artist, but I’m not so good at art. Now I’m married to an artist and it doesn’t seem so glamorous! hahaha but I love my job so much so I’m all good.
Estela @ Weekly Bite — October 27, 2009 @ 10:09 am
The baked apple w/ oats looks like the perfect combo!
Kirsten — October 27, 2009 @ 10:20 am
I really wanted to be a hairdresser! All of my barbies were nearly scalped within a day of purchase! Now I work in finance and want to work in travel, go figure
Kati — October 27, 2009 @ 10:20 am
Gosh that oatmeal looks insanely yum! So fluffy
I wanted to play in the WNBA when I was younger. Or be a detective ;>
Laurie — October 27, 2009 @ 10:22 am
I love your blog. And I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE that you have a little puggy, and that you include him in your posts! I have a little 6 year old pug named Mister Teddy, he is my little buddy, pugs are the best. Murphy is too freaking cute!!!
FYI – he looks kinda young, so I’m guessing he is still puppy-ish… I don’t know if this is your first pug, but soon little Murph will be shedding like crazy!!! I HIGHLY recommend the “Fur-minator” de-shedding tool. It works better than anything I’ve every tried, and if you start while he’s young, he’ll probably love it. It kind of feels like a little back scratch for the little guy, not like those other harsh brushes. You can find them for way cheaper on amazon.com by the way. Just a tip from a fellow pug owner.
brandi — October 27, 2009 @ 10:23 am
i love apples in oatmeal – so good!
Sounds like a good day so far – enjoy that coffee!
Anne P — October 27, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Oh gosh that video had me tearing up! How inspiring
I’m so excited to be doing something I finally think will be worthwhile 
You know, I don’t remember what I wanted to be as a kid! I think probably like a fairy princess
Jessie (Vegan-minded) — October 27, 2009 @ 10:28 am
A 20 minute workout is definitely better than nothing! At least you were able to fit something in before going to work. Those oats look so good with the addition of the baked apple.
From what I remember, I wanted to be a vet until I was about 14 or 15, then I changed my mind to wanting to be a doctor. Of course, I have changed it like 50 times since then!
Carolyn — October 27, 2009 @ 10:29 am
I wanted to be an archaeologist. The female Indiana Jones!! P.S. I’m giving away a breast cancer awareness Ipod nano armband case on my blog: http://lovinlosing.com/
Tammy — October 27, 2009 @ 10:32 am
I wanted to be a ballet dancer, teacher, archaeologist, and fashion designer…then I went through the firefighter/cop stage…
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) — October 27, 2009 @ 10:33 am
Holy moly, I love that video!!! If it’s okay, I may post that on my own blog… how inspiring!!
When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher… or president. Hmmm ..
Alison — October 27, 2009 @ 10:40 am
haha, I wanted to be a veterinarian! That was an amazing video, I am starting my part time job as a flute teacher today which I am very nervous about and that totally made me feel like I could do anything
Thanks Tina!
amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) — October 27, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Murph looks so cute in the picture with the raisin peanut butter toast!
I am being forced to make a career change and I have to say, you definitely inspire me!
Anne @ the doctor takes a wife — October 27, 2009 @ 10:42 am
I love all the different toppings you put in your oatmeal… I keep seeing coconut and it sounds so delicious!! I’m usually an instant oatmeal person, but you’ve inspired me to do it more from scratch.
When I was little I wanted to be a doctor or a musician… so I pursued music and married a dentist!
Jen — October 27, 2009 @ 10:43 am
When I was little I wanted to be a German translator at the United Nations. I was kind of a weird child…
I may have to make those baked apple oats. They look fantastic!
Leah @ L4L — October 27, 2009 @ 10:48 am
I wanted to be ridiculous things like a Farmer’s Wife, A James Bond girl, etc. My mom was like, “Why do you want to be someone’s wife or girl? Why don’t YOU be something?!” So then I aspired to be an astronaut, or a vet, or a pilot. I always thought I’d end up in the Air Force like my mom but that didn’t happen and I am grateful now. And since I still consider myself a kid, my current dream is to be a wonderful wife and business owner.
Cynthia (It All Changes) — October 27, 2009 @ 10:53 am
When I was a kid I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was one and I thought it was the coolest. I was a teacher for a bit before becoming a pastor too
Suzanne — October 27, 2009 @ 10:56 am
As a child, I always wanted to be a teacher! Today, I’m happy to say, I get to live my dream… I’m a wellness instructor!!
Jen — October 27, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Congrats Tina! I’ve been following your blog and reading about all of your new life changes, but I finally wanted to say Congratulations! I’m so impressed with your initiative! I always wanted to be a doctor…until I took Organic Chemistry in college…YUCK! Now, I really want to be a nutritionist, but I’m trying to find other ways to pursue that career without having to go back to school for so long!
Melissa (Melissa Likes To Eat) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:10 am
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a teacher. When I was a little bit older kid I wanted to be an actress.
mary ann — October 27, 2009 @ 11:12 am
OMG I WAS 264… NEVER HAVE I BEEN SO CLOSE TO WINNING SOMETHING. I know i didn’t win, but i feel like i did just for being so close, haha.
Im such a loser
Stephanie — October 27, 2009 @ 11:12 am
I wanted to be a lawyer or an engineer — yea not sure how that led to becoming a CPA haha?
chandra h — October 27, 2009 @ 11:13 am
hi tina! i didn’t get a chance to comment on your last post, but it brought a huge smile to my face when i read it. congratulations of everything unfolding so well with your new job. it’s so inspiring to see bloggers doing what they love & living well.
ahhh baked cherry apples in oatmeal?! that sounds incred. enjoy your day
oh yes your question… I wanted to be a writer and/or photographer
♥
Pam (Pamcakes and Eggs) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:14 am
I always wanted to be a judge growing up…. weird? I work at a bank now. ha.
I’m going to try my hand at some baked apples this evening!
Tasha — October 27, 2009 @ 11:14 am
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer. So I grew up and became one.
Now that I’m an employed writer, I want to grow up and get a more stable job.
Jessica (Sidewalk Theologian) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:15 am
great inspirational video! I actually got a little choked up- must be a crazy hormone time for me
I enjoyed some lovely coconut on my oats this morning- great suggestion! I am pursuing my dream of being a writer- so scary and exciting!
Jessica (Sidewalk Theologian) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Wow- that makes me laugh that Tasha’s comment was right above mine! Maybe we should switch jobs Tasha??
Nicole (dishin') — October 27, 2009 @ 11:16 am
I told my parents I wanted to be a brain surgeon or a bus driver. Talk about polar opposites!
MelissaNibbles — October 27, 2009 @ 11:19 am
When I was a kid, I wanted to be on Kids Incorporated. It didn’t happen
Gabriela — October 27, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Oats and apples are the best…it always reminds me of apple crumble
I think I wanted to be a vet because I loved animals. I still do love them, but I’m horribly squeamish so that’s probably a no-go! Have a great day!
Janna (Just Flourishing) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:32 am
Never tried baked apples in oats… I feel like I’m a banana oats girl through and through though and other fruits just disappoint
When I was younger I wanted to be an actress, singer and dancer. On stage, in the movies. I pretty much wanted to be in the limelight! I think my parents have about 300 videos of little me singing/dancing/performing/forcing them to watch me
Amanda (modernation) — October 27, 2009 @ 11:33 am
So fun to read what everyone wanted to be when they were kids. I always changed what I wanted to be when I grew up – an architect, a vet, a chef. Now I would love something that combined my love for teaching, coaching, cooking, nutrition and fitness. Keep working hard, Tina!
marie — October 27, 2009 @ 11:48 am
I can’t believe a whole bunch of people wanted to be a vet. I thought that made me unique but I guess not hehe. I actually went right up to first year university in Biology thinking I would be a vet. However, the universe had other plans for me as I just wasn’t good enough at the sciences and had to switch. I then thought of going for a vet technician instead, but I applied to late and the program was already full so I did one year of accounting and liked it, so that’s what I’m studying now.
However, I don’t want to completely give up on working in animals so hopefully I can find a way to do both.
Julie — October 27, 2009 @ 11:50 am
A firefighter or an actress. I am neither.
Brenna — October 27, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
I love your oatmeal bowl! My parents had those with their names on them when I was little
Wendy — October 27, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Love the video! Thanks so much for sharing. When I was a kid I wanted to own a store.
Alita — October 27, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
Thanks for the inspirational piece – loved it! I am inspired!
Karissa — October 27, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
I have wanted to be a lawyer since 5th grade. I am currently in my second year of law school.
dianacheung — October 27, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
I love that your dog is always watching your every move!! BTW how long does it take for you to get ready for work?! Your hair/outfit always looks so put together!
When I was young I wanted to be a pediatrician. I’m currently a pharmacist. LOVE babies still but I also love my work hours.
Tina — October 27, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
@dianacheung: Thanks for the compliment! If I am in a rush, I can be showered, dressed, and ready in 20 minutes. If I want to look “nice,” it takes me 45 minutes or so.
Felicia (Bites of the Apple) — October 27, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
I’m all for any workout inspired by LC!
When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor like my mom. Luckily, I decided to go my own way and like Jen (above) said, organic chemistry might have helped that decision a little bit.
Ashley J — October 27, 2009 @ 1:43 pm
MP in the background! Too cute!
Jenna — October 27, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
never tried apples and oats but sounds soo great
jenna
Devon — October 27, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
I love when dessert becomes breakfast (and without any guilt!).
When I was little I wanted to be a neurosurgeon.
Heather — October 27, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
Not sure if you saw this article, but I thought you might enjoy it because it is semi-related to your new job! Not that you use the same criteria, just another ranking system.
http://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/2009/10/common-sense-prevails-froot-loops-not-a-smart-choice.html
Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com — October 27, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Your oatmeal looks so dessert-like, you could call it apple oatmeal cobbler. Divine!
When I was a kid, I wanted to be an author/teacher/Broadway performer. I didn’t see why I couldn’t be all three. The ambition of youth…
Beth @ DiningAndDishing — October 27, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
When I was younger I wanted to be a teacher. NO desire to be one now I’m older, although the summers would be nice!! Best of luck to you in your new job!!
Emily — October 27, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
I wanted to be “an author, illustrator and teacher”. I’m now a music teacher.
Lizzy — October 27, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
i always dreamed to be a writer. i always thought that i was pretty good at it, and still to this day i dream to write for a magazine, preferable a fashion magazine! There’s still hope right?
Scott — October 27, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
Great video, thanks for sharing it!
Kelly — October 27, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
I have always wanted to be a writer – I am just now taking steps to in the right direction.
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — October 27, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
that was a great video – thanks for sharing!
i’ve known since i was 5-years-old that i wanted to be an actress. i’ve taken some time on and off since then, but i’ve always stuck with it. i’m glad i have!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) — October 27, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
Those baked apples are just the dessert that keeps on giving. My goodness, in oatmel? How perfect.
When I was little I wanted to be a Psychiatrist (I was peculiar). After some dabbling here and there with other stuff, it’s still what I want to do and am going to Med School for next year.
Julie @savvyeats — October 27, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Love the video. When I was little, I wanted to be a writer.
Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope — October 27, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
if you asked me when I was 4 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would wholeheartedly say, “I want to be an ice cream truck driver!!” yeaaah, so serious, too. I thought I could have all the ice cream I wanted:)
Liz — October 27, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
Loved that video Tina – got me really jazzed for my upcoming career/life change! When I was in middle school, I wrote in the middle school yearbook that I wanted to be a race car driver, FBI agent, or in the Air Force – I didn’t want to be behind a desk!
BroccoliHut — October 27, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
I bet your oatmeal is what they eat in heaven:)
I actually wanted to be a cook when I was little–at a place in Pittsburgh called Eat N Park. It’s kinda like a Denny’s. I had lofty aspirations.
It Was an Early Morning – Carrots ‘n’ Cake | Download Free Abode Acrobat Reader — November 20, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
[...] When I was younger I wanted to be an actress, singer and dancer. On stage, in the movies. I pretty much wanted to be in the limelight! I think my parents have about 300 videos of little me singing/dancing/performing/forcing them to watch me … Keep working hard, Tina ! #52 marie Reply to this comment on Oct 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am. I can’t believe a whole bunch of people wanted to be a vet. I thought that made me unique but I guess not hehe. I actually went right up to …Next Page [...]