Hey hey!
I feel about 500 times better this morning…..thanks to a solid 8+ hours of sleep (with tylonel pm, ear plugs and eye mask), an early morning run, a jenna-breakfast and amazing grass, I think I’m almost back to my old self. I’m currently sitting at a little French bakery in downtown Healdsburg, drinking a cafe au lait and James Taylor “going to Carolina” is playing and I almost choked up….but besides that, things are going well.
This morning I set my alarm for 6:15 and for the first time, I actually felt like it WAS 6:15 and not 9:15. I ate a banana, laced up my running shoes and ran a COLD couple miles. I found a little park and track near the boy’s house and blasted my music…..it was wonderful to get back out there, break a sweat and clear my mind. Since I’m out here all on my own and don’t even have the comfort of my old car, my music is the one thing that makes me feel close to home. I couldn’t believe it was 44 degrees outside….I’m used to running when it’s 84 and humid. This is so weird!
When I got back, I made a comforting jenna breakfast of oatmeal with almond butter, banana and honeycrisp apple chunks:
Plus coffee! I have never in my life been in a boys kitchen that is SO well stocked. Both Adam and Rocky are major foodies and they have french press coffee makers, rice cookers, teavana tea infusers and, of course, a whole supply of hot sauces. What more could you need?! 
I’ve been instructed to throw it out there that if there are any single girls who read this that would like to go on a date with Rocky, he is ready and available.
Ain’t he cute?!
I dropped Adam off at work and again took the big red truck for an adventure. First, we went to the gas station and discovered real fast that California gas is SO EXPENSIVE!!!! good lord.
Then, I parallel parked!!!!
Dad, aren’t you proud?!
Got a delicious cafe au lait and sat outside and worked on my laptop—
I <3 Healdsburg
And this WEATHER!!!!!! Oh, my heart!
Sigh. I can’t believe I’ve been brainwashed by Florida humidity for 17 years. California is extremely expensive and far away, but I’d move here for the weather and Trader Joe’s ALONE! I mean, come on!
For lunch I had a yogurt bowl with cinnamon puffins, almond butter and apple. You will probably see a lot of these as I attempt to save every penny I have…..
Have a bunch of work to do this afternoon in regards to my freelance projects….and tomorrow is my first day of work at Michel-Schlumberger!
To be continued!
{ 91 comments… read them below or add one }
What a lovely weather forecast!!
Rocky it too cute. I’m sure he will find a great girl!!
Yay for your first day of work, can’t wait to see pictures and read all about it!
Sounds like you are having a blast out there!
Kudos for the parking job – I can’t parallel park to save my life!
Awe, if I was in Cali I’d totally go on a date with Rocky!
Everything sounds great and like you are really getting adjusted. And I am a HUGE James Taylor fan. Huge!
I”m glad you got a good night’s sleep and are feeling like yourself again!
It is beautiful there
It’s been 5 days already? Time seems like it flies
Glad to see you’re enjoying Cali, but 44 degrees? What’s up with that? warm skies are hopefully on the way
So many good things to comment on:
Morning runs!
Sunny days with low humidity!
Trader Joe’s!
Glad your days are getting a little bit easier – moving is definitely a major change! I moved apartments a month ago and I’m still not settled. Healdsburg looks very European and lovely
Single in Minneapolis ;o)
I am so excited for this next adventure of yours! Can’t wait to hear about everything as you settle into life as a California girl.
Sigh- to live in California is my ultimate dream. But to live it vicariously through you, Jenna, makes it almost as sweet!
too bad I live in Canada- Rocky IS cute!
-single in the great white north….
I recently moved from California to the East Coast, and I love to annoy my parents by telling them how much cheaper gas is here. Right now there’s an 82 cent difference, it’s crazy! I’m really happy that I moved somewhere with a Trader Joe’s though. I don’t know what I would do without it!
Jenna – I just want to let you know that I am completely loving hearing about CA and am going to be living vicariously through you as you start your new job in my favorite state… mmmkay?
GOOD LUCK tomorrow – you will be great!
Rocky’s cute
but I’m not single 
yeahhh… Looks like you are adopting well!!! I have never been to Cali but I have heard they have no humidity, that alone gives me a reason to go
When do you start your new job?
Glad you’re adjusting well! I’m so impressed that you parallel parked that truck! I can’t parallel park to save my life! Hope the rest of your day goes well
Glad to hear that you are getting back in the swing of things — it always seems to take a couple of days when moving. Healdsburg looks cute! And so does Rocky!
Oh my gosh…the weather, the french bakery, the run
I am smiling so big for you right now!!!!
boys with well stocked kitchens are rare! when i started dating my fiance the only things he ever had on hand were hummus, pitas, string cheese, and peanuts!
I’m so happy to hear that you’re feeling much better! As always, thank you for sharing your adventures with us.
So excited for your new job! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Isn’t California grand? I could never live in the South because of the humidity, but do miss the hot weather that we only get 3 months out of the year in Seattle. You’ll also get more of a fall feeling out West than you would back home, which is always fun!
Have a wonderful day and get some good sleep tonight before your big day!
Haha, he IS cute! I am really jealous of your Cali weather! And thaaaat breakfast! TDF!
I can’t believe I’ve lived in California nearly my whole life and have never been to Healdsburg. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I’m going to put it on my must-visit list. It seems perfect for a long weekend getaway.
Good luck with your first day of work! Rocky is a cutie, but all the way across the country. Too far for me!
I’m sure someone’s gonna jump at the offer though!
You are cracking me up….TJs and the weather are my main loves in SF! Love that you’re proud of your parking job too!
Gig Em’ Aggies! I love Adam’s sticker. I know he’s an Aggie. Class of 05′ here.
)
Glad to see you are getting aclimated to the California weather! It looks beautiful there! And as always, your breakfast looks delicious!
glad to hear your are feeling better after a night of good sleep! Your ‘hood looks delightful! Can’t wait to see what you get into over there!
Good Luck Jenna!
I am not sure if you are eating eggs these days but a couple of eggs with some veggies and a bit of good cheese and bread is a really expensive meal. I have eaten a fully organic diet on $20 a week- I know!
Jenna, I’m so jealous of the weather alone!! I’m in St. Pete and this is what I saw when I got in the car yesterday: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s4Y_IdQv9aM/SsJfZOYzDtI/AAAAAAAAApY/yxbEPqV06Y4/s400/Picture+023.jpg
nicole,
that made me laugh out loud!!!! LOL!
Jenna, you’re making me miss Healdsburg! May have to visit the family soon. Have you been to Powell’s yet? Scaryily (yes, I think I may have made that word up) amazing candy selection and gelato! Good luck on your new job!
Glad you’re starting to settle in more! I’d feel immediately at home in a new place as long as I was close to a Trader Joe’s-so I totally feel ya on that haha.
Rocky is a cutie:) Too bad I live in Chicago…
Good luck on your first day! Sounds like it is going to be an amazing adventure. And if it doesn’t work out, you can always start an internet matchmaking service with cute boys like Rocky!!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
What a cute town! Even the coffee cup is cute and pleated.
Aww, Rocky! If he’s willing to do long distance to Chicago, I’ve got a sister…
How’s the job market in Healdsburg? I’d LOVE to move to northern CAlifornia from my current DC and snag a date!
Hey Jenna,
Looks like you are having fun in California. The weather looks amazing. Good luck at work tomorrow
Love reading about this having just been there with you!!
Tell Rocky I’d go on a date with him if I weren’t married
Jenna,
I am seriously inspired by your go-getter attitude and your ability to turn any situation into a great one. Your blog is an absolute joy to read!
Have a good first day of work!
Hey Jenna!! Welcome to California! I live in LA…and would totally go on a date with Rocky, he’s cute!
I emailed you a while back and we were talking about jobs and such…and it turns out, last thursday…I quit my job!! You were such an inspiration and am so glad to see how life is coming together for you. If you ever want to make the trip down, let me know!!
Haha, oh Rocky! You can tell him I’d be interested, except for the fact that I live in Canada, and I’m 19. lol Glad you’re enjoying your time in California!
Aw, Rocky is cute! (But I’m not single, don’t leave nearby, and he’s probably too young for me!) Perhaps you should have a cottage industry as a matchmaker via the blog world?
That town looks SO CUTE! When do you start your new gig?
By living in California, you’ll become a parallel parking expert! 10 years ago, I moved here a parallel parking novice and now I’m an expert.
What I wouldn’t give for that kind of weather! I’m glad you were able to get a good nights sleep… its amazing what that can do.
what about adam!? HE is very adorable too!!!
There is no way I could have parallel parked that big truck! Good luck on your first day!
Glad you got to do some routine things today and feel back to normal!
James Taylor ALWAYS chokes me up when I’m feeling homesick!
omg if rocky ever makes it out to nyc tell him to give me a call
he *is* a cutie! and a foodie!! a futie?
Hahaha, sorry Rocky, another cute blonde boy has already stolen my heart
Cafe au lait + James Taylor + no humidity = heaven!! Glad you’re finally getting some time to yourself
Oooh, first day of work is exciting!!!
Jenna- I’m loving reading through all your new adventures. I’ve always dreamed of Moving to Cali (Lived in NYC and Philly thus far). I’m wondering, are SanFran and Healdsburg cities that require a car to get around? I haven’t driven since college, and never really want to again!
holly,
yeah…pretty much! healdsburg is really really tiny and you def. need a car to get around. SF you might be able to get by on public transportation…..
jenn,
Hahahahaha yes, i am staying with two cute blonde boys. i’m a lucky girl, huh?! lol
jen,
tomorrow morning!
Amy,
I think the job market ANYWHERE stinks right now…..
Jenna, you are making me homesick for Nor Cal like no other. Seriously it’s a completely different world than So Cal (santa monica is the only cool place), and I wanna go back! So glad to see that you are happy- but of course how could you not be with good weather, TJ’s, and beautiful runs? Oh and putting Rocky on the blog has only made this single wish she were 5 hours North, that much more.
Good luck tomorrow at work!
ps- obviously you’ll be in Nor Cal for awhile, but I just wanted to make sure to tell you that you must drive hwy 1 at least once before leaving. Prettiest drive of your life- I can’t believe you’ve never seen the pacific ocean before! And I definitely recommend staying at the Pidgeon Point Lighthouse hostel for one night. I woke up to a flock of at least 50 pelicans when staying there. Awesome.
Your mention of honey crisp apples and almond butter has me running for the store to pick up some fresh apples and a bag of almonds to make some nut butter. Yum!
I am newly single and ready to mingle with foodies..
Haha, too bad I am in Connecticut!
Jenna, what a beautiful place to be. You are on the road for one hell of an experience, I am stoked for you!!!
Too bad I live in CO, Rocky is nice to look at!!!!
GOOD LUCK JENNA!!!
-and as far as a date for rocky, i am all the way in Boston. we’ll let the cali girls have him. this time.
it is that cold in california???? wow!
ca really is the perfect place for me. the weather is like that now in nebraska … chilly in the morning/night and 60s/70s during the day and im loving it.
are you in a new relationship lady? I’m confused. lol.
-muffy
I agree, I don’t know if I can ever move back to the east coast and deal with the humidity again!
I so glad to hear that you’re getting the hang of things and feeling like yourself again. It always takes some time to adjust to such a new atmosphere!
Good Lord, I haven’t even attempted parallel parking since I took my driver’s test a few years back. Honestly, just the thought of it freaks me out. Haha, I’m so paranoid that I’m going to bump into another car. I’m totally impressed by your skills, especially in that huge truck!
Glad to see you are feeling better. I think it just takes time.
Your apples in the oatmeal look really good. Bet they tasted even better!
I hear you on saving money so you eat lots of the same things. That’s why I quickly abandoned the idea of taking pics of all my food. I tend to take pics of only the new important stuff.
Sounds like you are settling into a routine. And yeah for the parallel parking. I remember the first time I parallel parked my huge van. I was stoked! congrats!
Your parallel park is quite impressive! Especially in that Huge truck!
I have a hard time doing them in a car.
You must be super pumped about work tomorrow…you will do great
Jenna!
I am so happy for you for being brave and going out of your comfort zone and moving to california! I hope to some day go out of my comfort zone, too!! I think this is going to be amazing for you! Does Rocky live in CA permanently? If he wants to come to Boston, i’m available!
I am glad you are enjoying cali
jenna
**Ahem** I say Jenna and Rocky go on a date!!!!!!!!!! Whose with me here? They would be cute hehehe
Hey!!! Rocky’s cute, he’s a foodie and single. You’re cute, you’re a foodie and single. Match made
stop with the weather talk you are making me SOOOO jealous! Im here in Bradenton FL where it is still really hot and humid! ugh.
And Rocky is very cute, wish i was in Cali!
That cafe looks unbelievably cute! I’m jealous of your new life!
Love the public dating ad!
Oooh, good looking and a foodie?
That’s when I say.. what more could you ask for?
Too bad he lives in San Fran.
Good luck at your new job! Getting used to the 3 hour time difference always takes me awhile when I travel coast to coast -glad you are getting us to it!
Yep, CA is pretty darn expensive! But, I agree that the weather is so nice. I mean we have the ocean, awesome forests, beautiful scenery and weather…and more! Ahh, I love it here. I’m tellling ya, you gotta check out the central coast. It’s lovely!
we’ve been out in california for 2 years now from texas and still cant believe how pricey everything is. even in a recession and with the real estate bubble bursting, the housing market is STILL RIDICULOUS! but you pay for the sunshine. and i love that.
Good luck tomorrow! I need to visit northern California again…
Welcome to the West COast love!!
I have grown up here and it is truly my favorite place in the world! San Fran is aweeeesome!!!! My second favorite US city, with Seattle being number one! You will for sure be able to find some funky vegan/raw cafes/restaurants down there! if you need any suggestions let me know! Good luck with everything and have FUN!!! congrats on embarking on such an awesome cool adventure!!!!!!
umm can you plan an event so I can bring my best friend and my sister so they can fight over Rocky?? I have been looking for someone for both of them for awhile! lol. Good luck tomorrow on the first day!! Glad you are feeling more “at home” on day 5!!
yeah, cali’s the best!!!! i moved here from the east coast and will never go back….unless they drag me kicking and screaming.
Jenna, that’s so exciting that you have your first day of work tomorrow. It sounds like it’s going to be a really great experience for you. Good Luck!
Wow. This is kind of ridiculous. I didn’t think Jenna would actually do this… but alas, I also did not think she would do the whole hot sauce thing. She’s got guts.
Anyway… I just MOVED from Boston. I’ll be back though.
For now, California time.
Thanks for all the nice comments everyone. I’m so red in the face.
You are one lucky girl! I can’t wait to hear what comes next!
Sounds like you’re having a fabulous time! It sounds beautiful where you live
And awww your friend is a cutie haha. There should be girls lining up out the door for him after that little mention
I’d opt for a little date, but somehow I doubt it would work out. I’m a 16 year old and I live in New Zealand LOLOLOL.
Epic fail.
All your food looks so good!!! Yum yum, I’m keen to try some of your recipes
Jenna! Glad you are feeling better..remember to take it easy on yourself …you have made some HUGE changes in your life sista! Good luck tomorrow and have fun! By the way, Rocky is adorable…too bad I am single in Northern AZ..AND you are killin’ me with all suspense…Jessica
Ugh I hate the humidity! What I wouldn’t give to be in California right now
Oh, and I would totally go on a date with Rocky if I lived in California lol!!
I could never imagine running in anything other than CA weather ever! Year-round wonderfulness! And yes, gas is ridiculous. Blah. Especially in the city!
lol! But I think YOU’RE a bit closer than me – I agree with an above comment. You should go on a date with him!! hehe
I’m currently 3 hours from SF in school but my home-home is only 30 minutes from the city if Rocky’s interested
Running in CA is the best! I couldn’t imagine anywhere else. But yes, expensive
I’m currently 3 hours from SF at school, but my home-home is only 30 minutes away if Rocky’s interested! 
Or I agree with the above comment that YOU should go on a date with him! hehe
Jenna,
I have never been to CA or Wine Country and you are making me want to plan a trip right now to come out and visit! It looks lovely! You are going to do great today at work, I am sure of it.
And Rocky looks adorable. I would so totally go on a date with him. Too bad, I am all the way in NY. Could you convince him to come to NYC with you?
Looks like you are settling in nicely. Enjoy!!
Maybe YOU should go on a date with Rocky!!!
I’m thinking what about Adam?
It still tickles me that you’re in Healdsburg! I used to be a waitress at Costeaux French Bakery. For your future adventures, their country french bread makes excellent garlic bread and their cinnamon raisin nut bread makes to-die-for french toast! I’m jealous!
Hey Jenna! I live in the Bay Area and think we should set up Rocky with my friend Liz. She is amazing and loves wine and cooking! I’d love to get some more info on him, maybe we can come take a tour from you at you new job and they can meet! I am glad you are loving Cali living, it makes it hard to ever leave!
omg I love that rocky responded!! Is he going to start a blog????