(that was my Bridget Jones moment)
Well, I bid my mom a sad goodbye today. We had a blast over the past week though and I know I’ll see her and my dad soon around Christmastime. It’s crazy how FAR 3,000 miles really is!
We stopped in Sausalito on the way to the airport today because it’s one of the coolest towns ever! It seriously is just out of a picture book. I made a juice for the road—
This was beet, celery, carrot, kiwi and parsley. Does a body good! 😉
We stopped at the best little cafe for lunch—Cibo!
(earthquakes really freak me out, btw)
Goodness, I had the BEST turkey panini!!!!!!! It was the special of the day and had fresh roasted turkey, greens, fontina cheese and cranberry sauce on it. Phenomenal.
The pickled veggies were yummy as well!
After I dropped my mom off, I explored Fisherman’s Wharf because I’d never been there and always wanted to go!
It was an absolutely fantastic fall day in San Francisco. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see my sea lions. Next time.
Went to the gym on the way home and did upper body. A little warm up on the elliptical machine followed by walking push-ups (Jillian-style!), jumping jacks, chest press, tricep kickbacks, bicep curls, seated row and some shoulder press. I also ate half of this bar from the bottom of my bag:
And dinner was totally awesome!
I sort of modified this recipe for chicken and sweet potato curry out of the latest issue of Cooking Light. Basically, all I did was caramelize some onions, add garlic and fresh ginger, add leftover roasted chicken (yum), cubed sweet potato and some chickpeas and added a spice mixture (spicy curry powder, coriander, sea salt, pepper and cayenne). I let the whole thing simmer until the sweet potato chunks were tender and it turned out delicious. For the full “real” recipe, check out the latest issue of the magazine!
Dessert was a yogurt with homemade cranberry sauce (yep, I made that tonight too) and almond butter—
My cranberry sauce is pretty much the easiest thing in the whole world. I just simmer a cup of water + a cup of sugar together, then add a bag of fresh cranberries and the juice of half a lemon. Maybe a cinnamon stick if I’m feeling crazy. Simmer for 15 minute minutes then take off the stove and let cool. Voila!
***
I’m not gonna lie, I’m in a pretty bummed out mood tonight. Just over blahhhhhhhhh. I video chatted with AnneP though for a little while though and that helped. She’s coming out to visit me for New Years Eve and I’m sooo excited!!!!
Smiles in the morning!
Deb (Smoothie Girl Eats Too)
November 19, 2009 at 8:14 pmI get what I call “Empty Nest Syndrome” (not the usual kind) when I have a house full of visitors and then all of a sudden they are **poof** gone! I get so sad and lonely for a few hours. so I understand- plus it’s your mom! Looks like you guys had a blast!
deb
Leianna
November 19, 2009 at 8:15 pmFisherman’s Wharf looks like a fun place to hangout!
Don’t be bummed, you have a great life and a great mother and a week full of memories:)
Ameena
November 19, 2009 at 8:15 pmIts so hard when visitors leave…Sometimes I almost wish they never came so I don’t have that empty nest symdrome!! Throw yourself into work, thats the best way to stay busy.
Jen (Running With Cake)
November 19, 2009 at 8:22 pmI don’t blame you for being sad and bummed – I would feel the same way. But, the holidays will be here before you know it 🙂 Plus, I’m sure you have some great photos of you and your mom to remember your week together! You have so many great friends out there now, not to mention an awesome job, so I’m sure you’ll keep very busy in the meantime!
Alison
November 19, 2009 at 8:24 pmIt’s always hard to leave family but the holidays are coming up so soon when you’ll get to see them again! I travel a lot for work and rarely get to see my family but it’s always a very ‘bummer’ feeling when I leave them so I hear ya!
legalstyle
November 19, 2009 at 8:31 pmHi Jenna!
A real life Sausalito resident, here! (Well, former. Just moved into the city.) While I lived there, I would take the ferry in to the city every day for school. Pretty awesome commute, right? Anyways, I’m glad you enjoyed my hamlet! I’m sorry your mom left today, but your life is pretty much crazy and I’m sure it will pick up again soon. Everyone has those “pause button” moments when we don’t know what to do with ourselves after being on overdrive for so long.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
November 19, 2009 at 8:33 pmOh man…I cry so hard when my parents leave after a visit…and I’m almost 27 and married! I think my husband actually gets kind of offended by it…especially when I say things like “Now it’s just you and me!!!!” and then keep crying. Eh, he knows I love him 🙂
Seriously though, it’s hard when guests leave (especially mama’s). It will be Christmas before you know it!
BethT
November 19, 2009 at 8:37 pmAw, hang in there. You’re still welcome at my Thanksgiving table 🙂
Whit
November 19, 2009 at 8:37 pmBridget Jones!!! I just found one more reason to love you!
Molly @thevegandorm
November 19, 2009 at 8:39 pmFirst/only time I experienced an earthquake was in the middle of the night. I was laying in bed, and my horse let out this weird shriek/whinny noise, so I immediately sat up. (I guess she was a little more sensitive to the vibrations.) And then everything started shaking, and I was like, “I have to be dreaming right now.” Not that scary, actually kind of cool, but then this was a very mild quake.
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
November 19, 2009 at 8:41 pmThat cranberry sauce recipe sounds great and super simple!
Lele
November 19, 2009 at 8:43 pmSorry you’re already missing your mama. I’m definitely counting down the days til I leave for Thanksgiving to see mine! But way to remind me of that AWESOME scene in Bridget Jones. Definitely want to watch that movie now!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
November 19, 2009 at 8:45 pmI love mixing greek yogurt and cranberry sauce! So good. And of course cranberry sauce + turkey is an amazing combo. I guess I like that red berry with anything – I even put a dollop of it on my salad yesterday 🙂
Kristie Lynn
November 19, 2009 at 8:49 pmHope that yummy cranberry sauce and the thought of Christmas being soon get you through! 🙂
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
November 19, 2009 at 8:49 pmEarthquake’s freak me out, too! There has been a lot of talk about “The Big One” coming to Seattle! EEK!
Sorry your mom left 🙁 but it looks like you both had a great time together!
Julia
November 19, 2009 at 8:52 pmSorry mom time is over. I can’t wait for Christmas, so I can have some myself.
Hope tomorrow is a happier day! Your eats looked amazing!
Molly
November 19, 2009 at 8:58 pmHi Jenna,
I am sorry your mom had to go.. It’s always tough when ANY visitor leaves let alone your family.
Just wanted to comment on how much you too look alike. You can definitely tell you are your mom’s daughter.
Dinner looked fabulous. I am so fascinated how you manage to make such good meals even when it is just for myself. If i lived alone it would be lean take out or grilled cheese.
One question: How do you determine how much is ‘right’ for your body? I feel like i gain weight when i am not even eating that much and exercising. I look at blogs to see people maintaining their weight with more food than what I eat. Let me know
Thanks
P.S. Congrats on the book I cannot wait to buy it.
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries
November 19, 2009 at 8:59 pmI earmarked that Cooking Light recipe to try! It looks so good!
Xmas is veerrrry soon 🙂
Nicole
November 19, 2009 at 9:09 pmLove homemade cranberry sauce! Unfortunately I can’t get my family to get past the texture, I made it last year for Thanksgiving, and they ended up going to open the canned stuff 🙁
hungryforbalance.wordpress.com
November 19, 2009 at 9:11 pmThat’s great you got some quality time with your mom! Family is so important and no amount of miles can change that. It looks like you took full advantage of a beautiful day by doing some sight seeing- how fun!
Tay
November 19, 2009 at 9:19 pmAwww chin up dearie!! And delicious looking sandwich. My fave combo!
TorontoGirloutWest
November 19, 2009 at 9:28 pmIt gets better – it really does!!!
When I first moved to the West Coast (from Toronto) I had a hard time adjusting being far away from my parents. This despite the fact that I’d lived alone in Paris before. This, somehow seemed different.
The first visits with my parents were rough. And then it got better. The partings were a little less sad. Until they no longer left me feeling incredibly alone.
You’ve made a wonderful life for yourself in California!! Sometimes it’s only when you get a chance to spread your wings that you really get to grow.
God bless! 🙂
BroccoliHut
November 19, 2009 at 9:31 pmLOL I know that EXACT moment from Bridget Jones!
Suzanne de Cornelia
November 19, 2009 at 10:07 pmHave been through many earthquakes–When my grandmother/aunt moved to California they also dreaded them. I drilled them one what to do, the safest place in any location, etc. so they weren’t afraid when a quake hit. They were prepared, calm and cool and thought it was interesting.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm
Actually wood framed houses are pretty safe as they have ‘give’ and sway with the quake–their vulnerability is fire if the gasline breaks so it’s good to know beforehand where the shut-off is and which neighbor has the needed wrench [requires special wrench that some people chain to the main shut-off]
I love cranberry sauce too, so easy to make/healthy but I don’t add sugar as try to avoid all white sugar and never use sweetners. The cranberry bogs on Cape Cod at harvest time are a fascinating sight.
Love Sausalito and the Ferry ride from there to the Ferry building. No seal lions on the SF Wharf….how’d that happen? They are almost always behind Aliottos… and along Pier 9.
So terrific that your Mom had such a fantastic and memorable time.
Ilana
November 19, 2009 at 10:20 pmah sausolito is one of my most favorite cities ever! it’s just sooooo adorable. i miss california!
amber
November 19, 2009 at 10:47 pmaww if you ever need a (girl)friend to visit, call me! Enjoy your time though! I know you are loving it!
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
November 19, 2009 at 11:43 pmYour a.m. juice/smoothie looks scrumptious. Do you use a regular blender?
Diana
November 20, 2009 at 12:09 amAt least you had a great time with your mom and that’s what matters. It’ll go by fast, you’ll see! 🙂
eatmovelove
November 20, 2009 at 4:46 amChristmas will be here soon! Looks like a beautiful day there again…gah – I want to move. Anyone in California looking for a roomate??!!!!!! I’ll cook and clean for rent ;)….
amanda
November 20, 2009 at 4:51 amI really need to move to California. I have been amazed the past week of the yummy and healthy food section that has been offered at all the resteraunts and cafes. It is like California chefs care about their customers. Then again, i watched Man Vs Food recently and there is a place in San Fran where they have this huge ice cream concontion that is called the “the kitchen sink” and is like 2 gallons of ice cream.
Paige (Running Around Normal)
November 20, 2009 at 4:56 amWhat a fun last day with ELR mom! Sausalito looks adorable.
That cranberry sauce sounds way good and way easy! Love it!
I always, always get bummed out when anyone visits and then leaves. It’s just sad… Hope you’re feeling better this morning 🙂
Karla
November 20, 2009 at 4:59 amYou shouldn’t be scared of earthquakes! They’re not that bad. Just remember little earthquakes every so often are good… they prevent really big earthquakes from happening 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
November 20, 2009 at 4:59 amIt sucks that your mom is gone, but they will be back soon! It sounds like you have some great plans for the holidays!!
Susan
November 20, 2009 at 5:04 amAww, I don’t blame you for feeling a little bummed, your mommy is gone! Don’t worry, lots of wonderful things in your future 🙂 Eats look great for today, I must try making my own cranberry sauce.
Lizzie
November 20, 2009 at 5:05 amUgh. I hate saying good-bye to my parents. If it’s me visiting them, I am sad b/c I am leaving them, and I’m leaving home, so I just get on the plane and eat whatever junk food happens to come my way!! 🙂 If it’s the other way round, I just cry and cry, then cry some more, give myself 2 days to dig myself out of that hole and then look forward to the next time (how cool that yours will be next month!
Watch out for the Bushman next time you’re on the waterfront in SFO – that’s all I’ll say about that. And if you happen to meet him, THEN I’ll tell you my embarrassing story 🙂
That panini looks SO good!!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
November 20, 2009 at 5:14 amSorry you feel lonely with your mom gone. But all you pics from her trip look lovely and like you had a blast. Christmas is only about a month away. Hang in there!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
November 20, 2009 at 5:15 amI always feel a little bummed out when good company leaves…
It’ll all get better 🙂
Abby (Abbys Vegan Eats)
November 20, 2009 at 5:16 amBefore I was married, I used to cry EVERY time my parents would leave from visiting me. Its totally norma…. hang in there AND just think how quickly these weeks will pass before Christmas!! 🙂
MMiller
November 20, 2009 at 5:24 amThey well be back before you know it! And you won’t have time to be lonley…your life is so busy out there…just need to get back into the swing of things! And you have DEXTER!
Andee (LAEasyMeals)
November 20, 2009 at 5:30 amHope you feel better! It is tough being so far away from home, but at least you have good friends to keep you company 🙂
Sabrina (RhodeyGirl Tests)
November 20, 2009 at 5:42 amYou’re welcome to come here for Thanksgiving! Although it’s just as far as Florida!
megan
November 20, 2009 at 5:43 amI definitely know how you feel! I feel the same way when my parents come to visit and then leave. 🙁 At least you can already look forward to the next time you see them!
skinnyrunner
November 20, 2009 at 5:46 amat least christmas is coming soon and with all the holiday events, will be here before you know it. its hard once you grow up and realize how great your parents are, to live away from them, i know. in high school i couldnt get far enough away from them and now i miss them!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
November 20, 2009 at 5:55 amhahaha, love the title of this post!! bridget jones is the best chick flick ever :O)
Kristen
November 20, 2009 at 5:59 amI live really far away from my family too and I definitely get bummed when they leave. Hopefully the sad doesn’t last too long 🙂
Light Delight with TouTou
November 20, 2009 at 6:06 amlol…they put that sign up like there is earthquake every now and then !!
the panini does look fabulous!!!
Tiffany
November 20, 2009 at 6:08 amL.O.V.E. Sausalito!!!
laura dishes
November 20, 2009 at 6:08 amI bet your mom was pretty bummed, too. On the plus side, at least you have something really great to look forward to! Your mom will be showing your dad around over Christmas. 🙂
brandi
November 20, 2009 at 6:17 amlooks like you had a beautiful day! that butternut dish sounds amazing.
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
November 20, 2009 at 6:23 amChristmas will be here before you know it 🙂 HUGS!
Jenna
November 20, 2009 at 6:27 amaww i am sad to hear you aren’t in the best of moods! but you have lots of fun upcoming events to look forward to!
that panini, dinner, and dessert look delish!
jenna
Sara
November 20, 2009 at 6:37 amI visted San Francisco for the first time this past summer and the sea lions were my favorite part of Fisherman’s Wharf…they were so funny and just kept barking…I couldn’t stop laughing. They smelled really bad when downwind, though. 🙂
Morgan @ Life After Bagels
November 20, 2009 at 6:38 amawww . . . sorry you’re sad! But it looks like you guys had the most awesome time!
Evan Thomas
November 20, 2009 at 6:39 amI’m going to have that song in my head ALL MORNING now. Lol.
J
November 20, 2009 at 6:43 amI am so glad you are such an honest, down to earth blogger.Our moods and days can be up or down and sometimes it’s unnatural to read bloggers that are happy go lucky ALL THE TIME.Life is meant to have all kinds of moods-it just makes the joyous moments even more special.
And how we all can relate to saying farewell to a parent-it’s a universal thing that is tough.But lucky us that have wonderful parents-I can’t imagine how tough it must be for those with abusive,cruel or absent parents.To any of those in that boat we wish you strength!
And to our treasured writer Jenna we wish her continued peace and good health and a special Christmas with your parents.It may help you all being somewhere “new” for the holidays.Holidays can be quite difficult times for loved ones missing.May you all find some joy and look back on the happiest of memories from Christmases past….
Kristin P.
November 20, 2009 at 7:05 amHey Jenna,
What kind of juicer do you have? I’m looking into getting one and there are so many different kinds! eek. I need some recommendations.
thanks
Kristin
jenna
November 20, 2009 at 7:20 amKristin,
I have a Breville Fountain Elite and love it!
Jil
November 20, 2009 at 7:08 amoh man, that panini looks amazing. i am such a huge fan of putting cranberry on sandwiches! love the sweet potato and chicken recipe, as well. yumm!
Anne P
November 20, 2009 at 7:15 amI heart you and I can’t WAITTTTTTTTTTTTTT to see you (and Dexter, my true love) for NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going to tear up SF 😉
And thanks the for the chat last night. You totally cheered me up, too 🙂 Wish we could have been hanging out on your floor with wine, instead, hehe.
xoxoo!
Runningwriter
November 20, 2009 at 7:16 amI hate that feeling too, when everyone leaves after a wonderful visit. I’m 10,000 miles away from my family and I never thought I’d say it but it does get easier. Probably even more so with all that access to wine 😉
Tania @ Moment Anew
November 20, 2009 at 7:19 amAwww….so sad 🙁 But remember, you have LOTS of new friends where you are and obviously we all just adore you 🙂 *hugs* to you!
new orleans bankruptcy attorney
November 20, 2009 at 7:21 amI was so excited to find someone who had as much fun as I did in San Francisco! Loved reading this blog.
I definitely spoiled myself recently at Fisherman’s Wharf this past summer. The most delicious crab I’d ever eaten, the old man decided to give me and my girlfriends extra fried shrimp–just because.
Clam chowder in sourdough, asian food, it’s all there! Oh and that turkey panini looks delicious also.
Thanks for allowing me to reminisce.
Kirsten
November 20, 2009 at 7:32 amliving along is tough for sure, but i love how you still cook wonderful meals for yourself! your chicken curry looks amazing, your food is always so clean and simple but looks (and i’m sure it is) delicious. have a wonderful weekend!
Lisa
November 20, 2009 at 7:35 amHang in there…I’ve been away from my parents for over a decade post-college (500 miles=3000 miles really; anytime you can’t get in a car and drive 10 minutes to see your folks is about the same). I did it for job reasons, too, and even though I am married and love DC, it’s always a little bittersweet not being closer by. That being said, it makes the visits all the more treasured.
Kelly
November 20, 2009 at 8:38 amI did the Jillian-style pushups this morning for the first time eva! Totally kicked my butt..don’t you just love it?
Tiffany S.
November 20, 2009 at 9:59 amIs your juice in an IKEA glass? Those are fab and fit my whole breakfast smoothie – love it! Body + Soul actually used one in a photo shoot not too long ago.
Anyhoo – enough glassware chatter. Sorry you’re sad. I know the feeling. Unlike you guys, my mom and I fight like cats and dogs and yet both of us crumple and cry at the airport when it’s time to say goodbye. Glad to know you’ll be seeing them before you know it!
Hugs!
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best
November 20, 2009 at 10:36 amOh, you’re making me terribly homesick. I used to live in Sausalito, and loved the weather and gorgeous views from the shore. Beautiful pictures!
Liz
November 20, 2009 at 2:26 pmI loved Fisherman’s Wharf when I visited San Francisco. You should visit Hearst Castle, if you haven’t already. It is beautiful.
diana(mymarble rye)
November 20, 2009 at 3:11 pmCheer up pretty girl. You’ll see your ‘rents soon! Look around and see how blesssed you are. You were placed in Cali for a reason. 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
November 22, 2009 at 12:19 pmJenna – that turkey panini looks amazing!
I also live interstate from my parents and can understand how hard it is to say goodbye when their visit comes to an end 🙁 I am constantly thinking of ways to squeeze in extra visits “home” – and thank goodness for phone, email etc!