Dinner

Still in Shock

Hi guys!

First of all, thank you all SO much for all the sweet words of encouragement about my upcoming job interview! Its funny, really, because I just feel like my little video is NOTHING compared to some of those other applicants! Everything is done at home and without any special lighting or editing…..just a FlipCam! 🙂 I was a little nervous about that initially but I guess Murphy-Goode saw something special in it. And I know even if I don’t get the job, its just such a wonderful experience to go through the process and interview—something I have NEVER done before! I only wish I could tell my brother about it right now but I know he’s up there thinking this is probably the coolest thing that has ever happened to his sister and he’ll be right there with me in Sonoma the whole time!

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I haven’t gotten my official itinerary yet but I know I’ll be flying out early next Saturday morning and coming back (with hopefully GOODE news) that next Tuesday. That Saturday night we have a big kick-off dinner and (gulp) I have to give a two minute speech about myself! I have to admit, that’s the part I’m most nervous about! lol 🙂

I have been to California ONCE when I was about 7 months old but it doesn’t really count. Its somewhere that I’ve always, always, always wanted to go to (hence why I signed up for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon) and I am just beside myself right now at the thought that I will be there in a week and a half! If anyone in the Healdsburg area has packing suggestions, that would be awesome as well as cute lunch spots since I know I’ll have free time.

I knew I would get the news at 3 pm this afternoon so I tried to keep myself busy beforehand. I wrote an article on how to eat seasonally for True/Slant and folded massive amounts of laundry. I was eating a snack when I got the lucky email (of course I was eating!)!

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A yummy Oikos with a tbsp of MixMyGranola Recovery Mix. Perfect combo!
I went to the doctor and got MORE good news! Doc said that initial discomfort and tightness is totally 100% NORMAL when you make the switch to orthotics. My shins are still healing, apparently, and as long as they aren’t getting worse (they aren’t), I’m in good shape. Just no speed work, intervals or hill work just yet! He did say I could slowlyyyyy start to make the switch to doing my weekly long runs outside though. That was music to my ears! I’m so tired of the treadmill I could scream!
And then for dinner Ryan and I met his sis, parents and their friends out at Ciccio & Tony’s. Surprisingly it was really really good! I ordered a glass of pinot grigio (yum yum wine!) to start:

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I was really hoping the restaurant would have Murphy-Goode but they did not. Ryan and I are going to buy a bottle though this week to celebrate! 🙂
I also got a HUGE seaweed salad. It was so big I couldn’t finish it!

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And for my entree, I chose the Thai Roll made with brown rice. In the roll there was tuna, avocado, cucumber and thai basil. It was delicious and I loved the brown rice option!
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The dipping sauce was really good too. Not sure how to describe it—sort of like a creamy wasabi.

Ryan and I also split this amazing concoction:

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OMG! This was so aaaaamzing. We each had about three pieces. The roll had crab, tempura shrimp and avocado in it with a spicy sriracha cream sauce on top. Heaven!
Erin, Ryan’s sister, got the ultimate healthy meal—seared tuna lettuce wraps!
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I loved the presentation and the fact it was served with a trio of homemade sauces. I want to try this next time!
Just got home and I *might* have had two more Lindt Fleur de Sel squares. These things are heaven, I can’t help it! 😉
About to dive into “April and Oliver”. Saving The Time Traveler’s Wife for my looooooong flight next weekend! April and Oliver is okay……I don’t love it but its entertaining and a good bath read (my favorite spot to read is in a bubble bath…obvi).
See you in the morning!

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  • Alyssa
    July 7, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    You rock Jenna!!! I’m a broadcast journalism major, so if you need any advice ask away! The most helpful thing is to just be yourself and DON’T try and be what you think everyone wants to here or think you should be like. Be yourself and you’ll do great 🙂

  • Emily
    July 7, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    So exciting! Congrats! 🙂

    I’m also very happy to hear about your shins. Good news abounds!

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    July 7, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **happy dance happy dance happy dance** Congratulations! That is so exciting!
    BTW- your sushi looks awesome

  • Help Meghan Run
    July 7, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    Still so exciting. 🙂 And I’m sure you’ll get tons of advice about your little speech, haha. Enjoy the celebrating.

    HelpMeghanRun.com

  • Mara @ What's for Dinner?
    July 7, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    Its so very exciting!!!!! Great celebration sushi 🙂

  • FitFoodie
    July 7, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Congrats…I’m sure you’ll do awesome. That’s SO Exciting 🙂

    The sushi looks amazing too! I haven’t had any great sushi in a while. I still say my fav place in FL for sushi is Dragonfly in Gainesville…yum!

  • Sarah
    July 7, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    2 minute speech? You have so many interesting and relevant experiences in your life that I’m sure you’ll have no trouble filling the time! Congrats, again.

    Those lettuce wraps DO look good

  • Becca
    July 7, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    So glad you made the top 10! They’d be crazy not to pick you. Looks like you celebrated the occasion appropriately, too – with delicious food! Congrats again.

  • Errign
    July 7, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    The Time Traveler’s Wife is my very FAVORITE book. I read almost the whole thing while in Ireland waiting for a (very) late flight to Scotland. I did have to read it again though because some of the parts confused me a little! Just as good the second time, especially since I wasn’t in such a rush to find out what happens! :]

    Congrats on your awesome news!

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn
    July 7, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS JENNA!!!
    so so great 🙂

    Just thought I’d add that I’m reading The Time Traveler’s Wife right now. It’s definitely an interestingly written story, and it’s starting to get juicier again; I find I get excited and then bored with it. But I’m just a little over halfway through so who knows!

  • leslie
    July 7, 2009 at 10:10 pm

    yum, sushi! so glad you got good news about the orthotics! so much good news today!

  • Megan (Runner's Kitchen)
    July 7, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    Mmm, your sushi and seaweed salad look so colorful and packed with nutrients. Congrats again on the Murphy Goodwin Top 10. Woo-hoo!

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    July 7, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    CONGRATS GIRL! This is beyond unbelievable! And what a GREAT meal to top the great day off with. Everything looks delicious!

    I can’t wait to watch this adventure unfold!!!

  • Rachel
    July 7, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    Good work, Jenna! I’m actually going to be in Sonoma County next weekend for a wedding – I think you with love love love the area. My only advice (from the one time I’ve been to the area a few years ago) is that it gets cool in the evenings even if it’s blazing hot during the day, so bring a sweater.

  • Megan (Runner's Kitchen)
    July 7, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    oops, I meant Murphy-Goode (not Goodwin)! sorry, it’s been a loooong day 🙂

  • Julia
    July 7, 2009 at 10:21 pm

    That sushi looks soooo good! What a great way to celebrate something so amazing!

  • Maria
    July 7, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    Oh my goodness all the food looks amazing! I love sushi!!!! The seaweed salad + brown rice sushi + indulgent sushi is a great combo of nutritious foods and treats 😀

    I got major shin splits for the first time, after running for 4 years, so I totally understand how they can take forever to heal. But it’s so great to hear that the orthotics are helping you, and I just know that you will get even better soon

    I’m so excited for you, Jenna, congrats again!

  • meagan
    July 7, 2009 at 10:23 pm

    if you get a chance to go to the actual town of sonoma there is a little restaurant called ‘taste of himalaya’—my parents and i discovered it completely by accident, hidden in a shopping area. it was, by far, some of the best food i’ve EVER had. hopefully my memory is accurate since my husband and i are planning a road trip to california to try it again! also—be prepared to spend if its not all expenses paid. i remember it being kind of pricey. good luck to you!

  • MarathonVal
    July 7, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    You must be sooo thrilled. I am so happy for you that you have gotten this far!!! You know you have all of your readers’ support – we would all nominate you if we could 🙂

  • Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
    July 7, 2009 at 10:37 pm

    Your sushi looks wonderful. Glad the restaurant worked out well for you.

    Have you figured out what you’re going to wear yet for your interview weekend? That would be my biggest question. lol

  • Hallie (Healthy Twists)
    July 7, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Wow…exciting times! Have a great time in California…I’ll try to send some of our nice weather in socal up your way 🙂

  • Rebecca
    July 7, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    I love California. I want to move there! You’re going to love it! Congrats on getting into the top 10! That’s so awesome! The Tuna Lettuce Wraps look amazing!!

  • Brynn
    July 7, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Congratulations, Jenna!!!! I’m so happy for you! You deserve this opportunity and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.

  • emily
    July 7, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    Congrats on all the good news, you deserve it!

  • Erin
    July 7, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    Congrats on such great news, I’m sure you will do awesome!

    That sushi looks amazing btw

  • Logan
    July 7, 2009 at 11:22 pm

    What terrific news! I was so in hopes that you would be selected! Good luck to you from SC!

  • Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
    July 7, 2009 at 11:25 pm

    For some reason Minnesota hasn’t caught on to the brown rice sushi and it is so frustrating!! (well, at least in restaurants – they have it in stores but it is never as good!)

  • Anon
    July 7, 2009 at 11:25 pm

    Just wanted to let you know that I baked your banana blueberry muffins tonight and they are wonderful ! Thanks for the recipe !

  • Jenna (reader)
    July 7, 2009 at 11:29 pm

    I am SO excited for you! You are certainly a fantastic candidate for the position. I can’t wait to see pics of your trip! Wine Country will be amazing…but, then again you have LIVED in France…how do you really top that?

  • Rebeca
    July 7, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    Congrats! That’s so amazing… I’m sure you’ll do well, just be YOU because that’s what Murphy Goode saw in your video- how genuine you are, and that’s what they (and WE) love about you!

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    July 7, 2009 at 11:37 pm

    I’m certain your brother is looking down and sending all his luck your way! You definitely have a lucky angel on your side! 🙂

    What a yummy dinner! Glad to hear that this time the food was much better.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
    July 7, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    That’s so exciting!! California is AMAZING, you will have a blast, for sure!

  • Kayona
    July 7, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    Congrats!! So happy for you. I knew you could you are such a wonderful person and an inspiration. The bath is my favorite place to read as well.

  • jodie
    July 7, 2009 at 11:48 pm

    Congrats. That is awesome.

  • Organic Ashley
    July 7, 2009 at 11:52 pm

    I cant wait to hear about your adventures! and I can guarentee that your brother knows all about it. He may have even had a hand in it. He’s totally looking out for you. 🙂

    I got a job today too! I was so excited so I know just how you feel.

  • Deb
    July 7, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    Fabo news about Sonoma! My suggestions: if you can save your pennies go to French Laundry. It’s legendary. Every foodie needs to go there- it’s like mecca for food and wine. Really really good food and wine. Also in Yountville (near Sonoma/Napa) is a great family style place that’s relatively new in town called Ad Hoc. In fact I think they were changing the format- but still totally worth going to. And for picnics of course there’s Dean & Deluca (did I spell that right?). In nearby St. Helena there are also a few great little places. But French Laundry is the kind of place that you must visit in your life-time. And call yesterday for rezzies- they book up months in advance, but I’m not sure about lunch. Have a blast- you’ll fall in love with the area- there is no way NOT to do so!

  • Jessica
    July 7, 2009 at 11:58 pm

    Oh my goodness that dinner looks good… I love asian food…. YUM YUM!
    -Muffy

  • Janet
    July 8, 2009 at 12:33 am

    Congrats, Jenna! That’s awesome news! I’m trying to think – I’ve been to Healdsburg wineries a bunch but never really gone out for lunch! We always bring a picnic to Hop Kiln which is a fun spot with lots of yummy dipping sauces and olive oils and stuff to try. You can bring your own food to picnic but we usually buy a bottle of their wine as a courtesy. It’s not my favorite, but it does the trick! 😉 I’ll see if I can remember anything else…!

  • Erica
    July 8, 2009 at 1:08 am

    You are going to love California!!! (I like it here.) Healdsburg has a great small town feel and the food is great. There is this little bakery that I can’t remember the name of right now but I will think of it and let you know. As far as what to pack…layers. It tends to be cool in the evenings and mornings and then get HOT during the day. Over all have fun and soak up all the beauty.

  • The Actors Diet
    July 8, 2009 at 1:15 am

    Congratulations! You’ll rock it!

  • Michelle
    July 8, 2009 at 3:06 am

    Congratulations, Jenna!! Such exciting news! You have to try Cafe Gratitude when in Healdsburg. It’s an amazing, raw, vegan cafe with a great philosophy and the yummiest desserts in the world!!! Here’a a link:
    http://www.cafegratitude.com/cafe

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you next weekend!

  • Christie @ Quit Your Diet
    July 8, 2009 at 6:03 am

    California here you come!!! Hoooray!

    That sushi looks so good!

  • Justy2003
    July 8, 2009 at 6:15 am

    Congrats on getting to the next step of the Murphy Goode interview! That’s soooo exciting!!!

  • Cinthia
    July 8, 2009 at 6:24 am

    Congrats, Jenna!

    I’m an editor and mountain runner from Alaska, and even though I’m old enough to be your mother, I love your blog, which is so natural and down-to-earth. I especially love your food philosphy–too many other sites spend too much time trashing this type of food or that type of eating. It’s refreshing to read the views of a young, healthy woman who isn’t afraid to eat what she wants (!).

    Good luck in California. Be yourself and you’ll knock ’em out of their wine bottles.

    Cheers and happy running (and eating),

    Cinthia

  • Matt
    July 8, 2009 at 6:33 am

    I love when places have brown rice sushi. Looks good!

  • kristen
    July 8, 2009 at 7:02 am

    I don’t really comment, I’m more of a lurker, but thought I’d break my silence to say Congratulations! I definitely agree that regardless of whether or not you get the job, the whole interview process will be a really great experience.
    ~Kristen

  • runjen
    July 8, 2009 at 7:13 am

    I am just so excited for you! Can’t wait to read about your trip next week. I just know you are going to get it. You rock!

  • jenna
    July 8, 2009 at 7:30 am

    yum everyones dinner looks so good!! congrats again! I can’t believe you are going there next week!!

  • Heather
    July 8, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Hi Jenna!
    I feel a bit like a proud Mama! Even though we are only “web friends,” I can just feel your excitement. I’d love to read your speech when you’re done with it. Will you post it up here?

    Love,
    Heather

  • prinny
    July 8, 2009 at 7:59 am

    Congrats! If you make it over the Napa, you should try Uva’s for lunch: http://www.uvatrattoria.com/ – best.food.ever :-))

  • Lizz Slabaugh
    July 8, 2009 at 8:09 am

    I wish you the best of luck on the interview, theres just somethin about you that makes people want to listen to you… I believe that you’re going to do great!

    That sushi roll looks sooo yummy!!!
    you have to best restaurants to go to!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    July 8, 2009 at 8:20 am

    What a great night out! In my book, you can’t go wrong with sushi 😉

  • HeatherBakes
    July 8, 2009 at 8:20 am

    That is so awesome, Jenna!!! The Murphy-Goode contest was on our local news a few weeks ago (I guess someone from the area made the top 50) and I thought of you. What a perfect job!

    You’re going to LOVE the Time Traveler’s Wife. I finished it last week and bawled my eyes out- but in a good way 🙂

  • Jori
    July 8, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Congrats! Here is hoping all go smoothly next weekend and you can report back with GOODE news!! So glad to hear dinner was good!!

  • Barbara
    July 8, 2009 at 8:24 am

    Jenna~

    Your brother will be with you the entire time, don’t ever forget that! I’m sure he is VERY proud of his amazing sister too. I KNEW you would hit top 10….now you get to WOW them with your sparkling personality, funny wit and media skills.

    Awesome job!

    Barbara

  • Danielle J.
    July 8, 2009 at 8:34 am

    I also love brown rice suchi, although we usually get it from Publix, lol! Your dinner looks AMAZING!

  • Lauren
    July 8, 2009 at 8:41 am

    Your news is so exciting–congratulations! I have a feeling that you are a top contender for this job 🙂 (You obviously already are, if you made it to the top ten–what a wonderful accomplishment!)

  • Recipes for Creativity
    July 8, 2009 at 8:58 am

    Jenna, you got picked for way more than your video! I’m sure your interview with them way back when let them see the real you, and didn’t you have to submit an essay, too? They obviously see something special in you, and I bet your brother’s up there not only rooting for you but helping you get where you need to be! I know he is so proud of you! I’m so excited that you are getting this opportunity!

  • Whitney
    July 8, 2009 at 9:02 am

    Is there any better place to read than a bubble bath?

  • Jess
    July 8, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Congrats!!!!!!! I want to try sushi (like from a restaurant or something) so badly!
    <3 jess

  • Danielle
    July 8, 2009 at 9:27 am

    Congrats!!! And lots of luck next weekend in Califorina!

  • Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
    July 8, 2009 at 9:38 am

    Congrats!

  • brandi
    July 8, 2009 at 9:43 am

    congrats again and I’m glad the appointment went well and that a little discomfort is totally normal to have at first. That is always nice to hear that what you’re experiencing is normal and that everything is going fine!

    dinner looks great! i wish we had a sushi place here that offered brown rice.

  • Laura
    July 8, 2009 at 9:51 am

    I think I’m as excited for you about this as I would be for myself! It’s probably hard for you to see, but as an outsider looking in, I really think that you’re going to get this!
    My boyf and I go to wine country every February, so I’m not sure about the weather, but I do know that it was always chillier in the evenings than I had planned for. You are going to love Oakville Grocery (it’s like a small version of Dean & Deluca) and Snowbunny Frozen Yogurt! There’s a yoga studio off the square that I meant to try, but never got around to… I forget what it’s called. Anyway, I’ll email you our last trip itinerary with some more ideas!

  • Ally
    July 8, 2009 at 10:25 am

    You will love, love, love California!! I used to live about 4.5 hours south of Napa, so, I’ll have to do some thinking and send you some good recommendations as far as food–but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything there!

    YAY!!!

  • Jess
    July 8, 2009 at 11:52 am

    Congrats. I bet they read your blog.

  • KatieTX
    July 8, 2009 at 11:53 am

    I am so glad such positive things are happening in your life! PS any reason for the lack of yoga recently? I taught a power class yesterday and thought..Jenna would like this.

  • Niki
    July 8, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Congrats and good luck! I live in Sonoma and work in the wine indusrty, let me know if you have any questions.

  • Morgan
    July 8, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Jenna: I think there is a super cool restaurant near or around Sonoma-it’s a Vegeterian restaurant that only uses local produce. Let me see if I can find the name…

    Congrats on the interview! You’ll do well!

  • Morgan
    July 8, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    It’s in Napa-

    http://www.ubuntunapa.com/