Wow. I honestly feel like I’ve been hit by a semi-truck right now.
I guess that’s to be expected given the past four days have been the most insane of my entire life but wow, I need rest.
Adam is being brave and letting me use his truck while he’s at work (muhahah), so this morning we grabbed some breakfast before I dropped him off at the office. This could possibly have been the largest breakfast I’ve ever been served:
It was a greek omelet with feta and spinach that came with hash browns and toast…..and some interesting little pink pom-pom sticking out of the eggs. Interesting. I ate about half the omelet and 1 piece of toast…..this could have fed a family of six.
I find it humorous that I am driving around northern california in a truck with texas plates, not knowing where I’m going at all….I feel so far from home right now!
I LOVED the apartment though that I looked at 9:30 and hopefully will be signing the lease in a few days. The location is absolutely perfect and it’s very “me”….it’s a very, very large studio apartment on the top floor of a really old victorian home in downtown healdsburg. It has a ton of character and potential, now I just need furniture!
I totally crashed at about 10:30 this morning. I pulled back on my sweatpants and sweatshirt and slept for almost three hours. I thought I would wake up feeling better but unfortunately, I feel worse! Moving is very emotionally and physically draining! I feel like I need to sleep for about a week straight to be caught up and the next couple weeks are just going to be totally crazy as well. I’ll be drinking a ton of this for sure—-
When I rejoined the land of the living around 2:00 this afternoon, I decided to make myself relatively useful and go grocery shopping for dinner ingredients since I told the guys I would make something fabulous tonight (oh the joy of temporarily living with boys). I plugged the address to Trader Joes into the truck gps and set on my way!
Yayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First though, I stopped at Starbucks for some nourishment and got a chocolate banana vivanno with a shot of espresso:
I LOVE TJS!!!! Seriously, this might be one of the best things about moving to California. How have I lived so long without this store??! Everything is healthy and so CHEAP! I couldn’t believe it. I got a huge bag of honeycrisp apples for only $3.50, when at home like two apples would be double that amount. Amazing. Also got some almond butter, yogurt and puffins. Necessities indeed. I’m going to make my chicken enchiladas for dinner….boys love these!
I think I’ve done enough exploring for one day. About to change into jeans and plug away at some emails and freelance projects for a few hours. Thank you all so much for bearing with me during this weird transition stage….hopefully by this time next week things will be relatively back to normal. I just need to get my car, get my apartment and get settled. I hate living out of suitcases and having to rely on others for rides!
Sarah
September 28, 2009 at 4:05 pmLove, love, love TJs! TJs frozen veggie burritos are great if you don’t have time to make a meal (good for lunches at the office) and their Dal is as good as the Dal we had in India (great with their whole wheat and corn tortillas if you can’t find naan). I
f you need to relax and are in the mood to splurge, La Pharmacista on the square in Healdsburg has an amazing selection of bubble baths, candles, bath salts and other indulgence items.
Rachel
September 28, 2009 at 4:06 pmI’m loving reading about your transition period! Probably because I am so hopelessly bad at smooth transitions (emotionally speaking) and I am living through you and imagining how I would be feeling – much less put together than you are, I promise. Hang in there, be good to yourself, and have fun! But it seems like you’re already on track.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
September 28, 2009 at 4:06 pmMoving is so exhausting. You deserve to sleep! Thank goodness for a TJ’s!
Courtney
September 28, 2009 at 4:09 pmNot having your own space or a place to put your own little things and personal touches can be very hard. Once you get your own space you will really have a chance to blossom. And just think..if you keep feeding those boys enchiladas they will help carry furniture up stairs to your new place!!!!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Cara (Cara Craves...)
September 28, 2009 at 4:12 pmMoving is a huge ordeal…you are allowed to feel exhausted!
Wishing you all the best with your transition 🙂
Yeah to finding an apartment…I am sure the rest will fall into place.
Marge
September 28, 2009 at 4:13 pmAs a native Californian I had no idea there were places that lacked TJs until I started to look at colleges. I wouldn’t consider a school that wasn’t within a reasonable distance of trader joes. Weird but true.
Welcome to California.
simpledaisy
September 28, 2009 at 4:14 pmWell….no wonder you’re tired! Look at all that you have going on:)
Yeah for you on taking a risk and going after something you want!!!! Relax and get some rest…tomorrow is a new day~
Amber
September 28, 2009 at 4:15 pmI couldn’t imagine life with out trader joes. Can’t wait to see the things you find, as a newbie you may pick up things I pass by. The prices are quite fabulous. Glad that apartment looks like it will work out!! Good luck with everything. Thanks again for meeting us yesterday!
simpledaisy
September 28, 2009 at 4:17 pmNo wonder you are so tired!! Look at all that you have going on:)
Great job on taking a leap and going after something you want!!
Go get some rest and relaxation…tomorrow is another day~
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
September 28, 2009 at 4:17 pmEVERY breakfast place I used to go to with my grandma put those pompom things on their omelets! I used to collect them and put them in my ponytail. Glad you think you’ve found a place!
Meghan@traveleatlove
September 28, 2009 at 4:20 pmSo jealous that you are moving to Healdsburg! My husband is trying to get me to move to SFO but theres that whole job thing right now 🙂 I love Healdsburg though and will probably going up there for a couple of days after the Foodbuzz Festival. Good luck, and take care of yourself! Moving is one of the most stressful things ever.
Morgan (lifeafterbagels)
September 28, 2009 at 4:23 pmYou are right, moving is so emotionally exhausting. I have some work changes as well right now, and there might be a slight chance I’ll have to move, which make me anxious just thinking about it.
Food Makes Fun Fuel
September 28, 2009 at 4:24 pmHaha, only a blogger would make TJ’s one of their first stops. I’m so excited you found one, I just want to share trader joe products with the world. Be sure to get their pumpkin butter!
Kristin
September 28, 2009 at 4:27 pmI’m guessing that breakfast was at a place called Adele’s? The pink paper fruit thing is a dead giveaway. Welcome to Healdsburg! 🙂
Caitlin
September 28, 2009 at 4:27 pmI made your chicken enchiladas the other night and they were awesome!!
Also, I think I have that red tank of yours (except in black) from Urban Outfitters. If it is not the same one, UO has an identical one!! 🙂
Graze With Me
September 28, 2009 at 4:28 pmYou’re so brave for doing what you did, I would be petrified. But I honestly love change, even though it’s scary. But I’m also kinda jealous that you’re living the dream! Have a blast and don’t forget to breathe.
Fattie Fatterton
September 28, 2009 at 4:29 pmMy mouth is watering over that breakfast!!
TJ’s is the best. I don’t know why more folks don’t utilize it. Almost everything you can buy there is healthy! It takes the guesswork out of trying to eat well!
Rachel
September 28, 2009 at 4:30 pmThis is so fun! Very excited for you on your new adventure 🙂 Will definitely be following ya along the way & wish you all the best!! Cheers!
Rachel
September 28, 2009 at 4:31 pmThis is so fun! Very excited for you and your new adventure! Will definitely be following ya along the way. Wish you the best of luck! 🙂
Amanda (modernation)
September 28, 2009 at 4:33 pmIsn’t TJ’s the best? I love it. Just yesterday I spotted the TJs brand of greek yogurt – 16 oz resealable container = $1.99. What?! That’s how much 6 oz of Fage or Okios is! And, yes – the apples are so cheap there right now – and good! Welcome to Cali!
Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
September 28, 2009 at 4:37 pmI love TJs a lot, but their produce on the east coast is awful. I assume it’s because it’s shipped from California, so I suppose it should be great in Cali stores. Is my hypothesis correct?
Good luck adjusting! I’m sure you’ll feel like yourself in a few days.
kay (eating machine)
September 28, 2009 at 4:39 pmtrader joe’s is addicting-watch out! i used to live across the street from one and i was there, no joke, daily.
Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
September 28, 2009 at 4:39 pmI can only imagine how stressful it feels. I’m sure once you settle in then you won’t feel “so far from home,” at least after a while:)
simpledaisy
September 28, 2009 at 4:48 pmHi there..
I keep trying to post a comment but something is awry and it won’t let me? Maybe this will post:)
Lizzy
September 28, 2009 at 4:53 pmI love trader joe’s so very much!
I know everthing is going to fall back into place asap! so far so good girl!
Marisa (Trim The Fat)
September 28, 2009 at 4:53 pmTJ’s is the best! You’re gonna love all the goodies in there!
Hope your transition goes smoothly and you get some rest!
Marisa (Trim The Fat)
September 28, 2009 at 4:55 pmTJ’s is the best! You’re gonna love all the goodies in there!
Hope your transition goes smoothly and you get some rest!
Whitney @ Lettuce Love
September 28, 2009 at 5:00 pmI give you credit for driving that big truck! I am such a wimp, I can barely drive an SVU. I am used to my little car for sure. Your breakfast totally looked good!
Glamorous Newlywed
September 28, 2009 at 5:06 pmJenna, I’m so LOVING reading about your move to Cali! It sounds like such an adventure, and it’s inspiring to read about someone who is following their dream!!!
P.S. The husband and I are planning a trip to CA in February, and we’ll definitely be dropping by to visit 🙂
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
September 28, 2009 at 5:06 pmHi Jenna! Welcome to CA! You are going to ADORE Trader Joe’s! Not sure if they have these out there — but here are some of our TJ faves: Trader Joe’s sausage-less Italian sausages, Trader Joe’s English Toffee with milk chocolate, and Trader Joe’s cranberry maple nut granola. We make special trips to TJ’s just for these 3 tasty treats! Hope they have them there for you to enjoy!
Kailey (SnackFace)
September 28, 2009 at 5:08 pmI have absolutely loved this insane schedule! I never know what’s coming next, so I’m constantly checking to see whether you’ve updated. That’s a bit creepy, isn’t it?
Trader Joe’s is incredible! They have super healthy and interesting foods at affordable prices. I really can’t get enough.
Have a fab night!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)
September 28, 2009 at 5:08 pmYay for TJ’s! I have one right by me in Brooklyn and love it! And the ones out in Cali are even bigger. So glad you are loving your new surroundings… like you said, it will get so much easier once you are settle in. Look forward to seeing dinner!
Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
September 28, 2009 at 5:13 pmYou will be settled before you know it! So excited to see what California brings for you!
Michelle-pure2raw
September 28, 2009 at 5:16 pmI understand how you feel, sometimes when I take naps, especially late in the day, I feel worse. I am not sure why that is?!? The apartment sounds lovely!!!
Rebekah
September 28, 2009 at 5:16 pmFor some reason Trader Joe’s has the best canned soup!
Split Pea
Lentil
Black Bean
A $2 supper (or lunch) in 2 minutes! Not too shabby!
Megan
September 28, 2009 at 5:18 pmOh I am so excited to see your new apartment…in a victorian home!? Sounds lovely! And I know you must be so excited about TJ’s 🙂 I’ve never been to one, but believe me I can’t wait until the day I do get to one!
And don’t worry…everything will be back to normal very soon. No need to apologize for lack of posts- you’ve got a lot going on at the moment, love!
Have a lovely night and enjoy your enchiladas!
Laura
September 28, 2009 at 5:22 pmI can’t even imagine how overwhelmed you must be feeling at the moment, Jenna, and you can’t even imagine how awed I am by you, having the courage to seize the moment and make such a big change! It really goes to show how you never know what changes and opportunities are just around the corner; it sounds like the whole Murphy-Goode experience has completely changed the direction of your life! I’m sure you’re going to be amazing and in a couple of months time, it’ll be like you’ve lived there for years.
Erm. I did have one, really bizarre and very personal question, so feel free to disregard it if you’d rather not answer! I love all of your maxi dresses and strappy tops – it’s coming into summer here and I’m starting to stock up on new dresses and lighter clothes. In the last year or so, I’ve lost weight and had a breast reduction (sorry, probably TMI), so I feel more comfortable wearing dresses and tops with small or no straps, but I’m never sure whether people are wearing strapless bras also or going without. You always look so lovely and put-together (and um, not with visible bra straps in the earlier photo of your awesome pink top/dress), so I was wondering if you’ve managed to find a good brand of strapless bra or bandeau. I’m not convinced that a comfortable one exists!
Brie (The Fit Bride)
September 28, 2009 at 5:25 pmI totally understand how you’re feeling–we moved pretty far from everything familiar to me in May, and it’s been a HUGE adjustment. I’m super jealous that you have a TJ’s! We don’t even have Whole Foods nearby and it kills me.
Just remember–moving itself is a pain, but there’s just something awesome about the first night you lie down in bed in your newly unpacked house and go “ahhh…new home.”
Kamaile
September 28, 2009 at 5:25 pmCongratulations on finding an apartment so quick! I wish we had TJs in Texas. Make sure you check out the edamame hummus, what! Yes they have it there, at least the one I went to in Seattle did. Also the wine is cheap too but I don’t think you have a problem getting wine 😉 Take care and get some sleep!
Ellen @ peace in motion
September 28, 2009 at 5:31 pmMoving is soooooo draining. I made the opposite move you did (SF back to Boston, then on to Australia) and it’s just as draining every time. It’s so nice to be settled in. You’ll be there soon girl, just hang on! I’m also seriously jealous of that TJ’s right now, because they definitely don’t have those in Australia 🙁
Meg @ Megzz Wins At Life
September 28, 2009 at 5:32 pmI am so happy you found an apartment.. Seems like you are adjusting well!! The boys will love the chicken!
mel
September 28, 2009 at 5:36 pmTJ’s is my LOVE!! I moved near one last year and it’s been heaven! Everything is so cheap and healthy, but somehow I end up spending too much money! haha! Good luck with din
Cynthia (It All Changes)
September 28, 2009 at 5:45 pmTrader Joe’s is AMAZING! I actually drive 1 hour 15 minutes to get to my nearest one at least 2x a month. I love that place and enjoy all the little treats I can get for super cheap.
Sounds like you will be settled soon. 🙂
Karla
September 28, 2009 at 5:47 pmGood luck with the apartment Jenna!
Krista
September 28, 2009 at 5:52 pmLooks like you had a very productive day even with a 3 hour nap! I hope that you are able to get settled in soon!
andrenna
September 28, 2009 at 5:54 pmwelcome to california! healdsburg is such a charming place. i really love it. tj’s was one of the best things about my move to california, too! i love it. it’s so healthy and inexpensive, and the holiday treats make great christmas gifts for those back in the south who are tj-less!
next time i venture over to healdsburg for some wine tasting, can i look you up? 😉
Barbara
September 28, 2009 at 5:55 pmHang in there Jenna~
Moving IS draining and you have had so much going on in the last few months. I bet this move and direction in life will rock your socks! Enjoy the ride girl!
B
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
September 28, 2009 at 5:55 pmOh to have a TJ’s nearby – what Heaven that would be!! I hope you get some rest and start to feel more at home! 🙂
Mellissa
September 28, 2009 at 6:01 pmI don’t know how I survived without Trader Joe’s either. One has been open here for 2 years and I always find something new.
Stephanie
September 28, 2009 at 6:02 pmTrader Joe’s is the best!!! We just got ours last year and I thought the same thing—how did I ever live without this place?! Can’t wait to see the enchiladas 🙂
Lindsay
September 28, 2009 at 6:03 pmThat apartment sounds very cool! I hope it all works out! I love TJ’s! I wish we had one closer to where I live. I always make my Mom take me there when I visit her.
Tay
September 28, 2009 at 6:07 pmYes – TJ’s is a HUGE perk to Cali 🙂 Also running in the crisp CA weather – no Florida humidity!!
Anais
September 28, 2009 at 6:11 pmMoving is hard, I know! I’ve spend most of my life moving around. But reading about your move to California is actually really making me want to move!
Caroline
September 28, 2009 at 6:20 pmSo glad that you have a TJ’s nearby. I seriously couldn’t live with out one! I also love those vivanno smoothies but have never tried it with the espresso shot. sounds good though 🙂 Good luck with your dinner plans!
Maria
September 28, 2009 at 6:22 pmHi Jenna,
Love your blog. You eat such great food and have a healthy attitude. I love the pics of what you ate out the last few days. Question – how do you feel about eating out the food that’s served if you don’t know how it’s prepared? Like with rich sauces or heavy dishes? Do you worry about the nutrition and if it’s good for you or not? Curious because everyone seems to be on a ‘clean’ eating strict regimen these days limiting the sauces, cheeses, oils, carbs or something! Thanks,
Maria
Matt
September 28, 2009 at 6:23 pmI wish we had a TJ’s down here!
Jenna
September 28, 2009 at 6:34 pmTrader Joe’s is totally worth the move. I bet you find yourself going there to walk around the store when you are bored! I do it all the time 🙂
Ashley
September 28, 2009 at 6:42 pmJenna,
You HAVE to go to The House in North Beach San Fran and get the sea bass. It’s killllller. The restaurant is small, yet inviting and so wonderful. http://www.thehse.com/
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
September 28, 2009 at 6:51 pmWelcome to the land of Trader Joes! Moving is terrible, I definitely feel your pain! Just think how good it will feel once you are settled!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
September 28, 2009 at 6:52 pmBig changes! I wish you all the best.. hopefully that apt works out! Sounds pretty.
Cyndi
September 28, 2009 at 6:53 pmI love Trader Joe’s!
Great prices on flowers – an important splurge.
Frozen wild salmon – good to have on hand.
Great prices on wine – stock up!
Lavendar scrub is a favorite.
Love the vegetable radiatore – makes a great past salad !!!
I would caution everyone to check the sodium content on frozen prepared foods – tends to be high if that is of concern. I’m really watching my sodium intake for the first time – wow it’s in everything!
Jenny @JennyLikesToRun, healthy living blog :)
September 28, 2009 at 7:01 pmDefinitely NO surprise to hear you’re do tired. You’ve been run off your feet these last few days! It’s to be expected 🙂
That starbucks drink looked so good. We don’t have Starbucks where I live 🙁 My town is too small. It sucks. I love Caramel Macciato’s 🙂
That apartment sounds great! Can’t wait to see some photos!
Whit
September 28, 2009 at 7:13 pmI’m so used to reading your posts from the same time zone as me! The time change is hard to get used to, and I’m not even in Cali! 😉
I love the truck, the giant enchilada, and of course Trader Joes! You shall love living close to a TJ’s.
Kasey
September 28, 2009 at 7:22 pmI’m so jealous! I wish we had a TJ’s in New Orleans!!! I have visited Cali 3 times and fell more in love with every visit… that apt sounds amazing. Good Luck!
Morgan
September 28, 2009 at 7:34 pmTJ’s is an addiction! They have some of the most fantastic stuff, for the best prices. Their wine selection is fantastic as are their cereals, frozen stuff…well, everything!
Hallie
September 28, 2009 at 7:37 pmI know what you mean about not knowing how you lived without TJs before! We never went there when I was younger and I guess for the longest time I thought since they had “fancy” stuff that it was expensive? But when I learned how CHEAP it is for so many things, I feel in love too. I find they have the cheapest flax, almond milk, and greek yogurt (TJ brand) around.
emily
September 28, 2009 at 7:43 pmI agree, moving is super intense. When we moved this summer I basically didn’t have an appetite for 2weeks (very very strange for me!). I hope dinner went well and you are feeling a little better.
BroccoliHut
September 28, 2009 at 7:52 pmWhoa, Holy Delicious breakfast! I want some hashbrowns now.
Glad you’re liking Cali so far!
Liz
September 28, 2009 at 7:54 pmIt seems like you’re doing well for having quite the adventure in Healdsburg. Totally cool of you to cook the the guys you’re crashing with. And, yes, trader joes is the most amazing place on earth! Good luck with everything!
Brandy
September 28, 2009 at 8:02 pmI’m in Sarasota, FL and my husband is from Santa Rosa, CA and we’ve been drooling over your pictures from the last two days! We’ve started saving for a trip back to CA ASAP now!! Seeing our Trader Joes- yep we have to go (and remembering the Costco and Target close by!)!! Thanks for fueling our travel bug! Sonoma Country is wonderful- you are in for the time of your life!!!
Brittany
September 28, 2009 at 8:29 pmTrader Joe’s is by far one the best stores ever! Some of my favorite items are the frozen Indian meals, the stir-fries, pistachio cookies, cinnamon swirl cereal, high-fiber cereal, all their nuts and fruits plus trail mixes, and their nut butter selection.
Plus their fresh flowers are really inexpensive as well!
Can’t wait to see your new apt. 🙂
Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
September 28, 2009 at 9:22 pmOh gosh I am getting jealous just reading all these comments about Trader Joe’s! We have nothing like that in Australia unfortunately :(. Looks like your having a great time, hope you get the apartment!!
Julia
September 28, 2009 at 9:34 pmTJ’s is definitely one of my favorite parts of living in California! They really do have amazing prices and a very good selection!
I hope you get the apartment you found, it sounds super cute!
Have a great Tuesday!
maria
September 29, 2009 at 12:49 amTake the time you need for yourself! 🙂
Also, I feel you on the TJ! I so wish we had one here in Japan, but sadly there’s not!!!
Leslie
September 29, 2009 at 5:39 amJenna, take a deep breath, and another nap. You’ve been through a LOT in a very short period of time. Yes, it’s good stuff, and the Lord is doing amazing things in your life. But it’s still a lot of change, and a lot of activity. It’s overwhelming. It’s okay to feel that way, and to need some extra down time.
Trader Joe’s is an awesome place, we got one here about a year ago and I’m in love with it. Enjoy your cooking tonight, it’s fun to cook for a group to express your thanks!
Chin up, sweetie! It will all be better soon!
WendyF
September 29, 2009 at 6:50 amWelcome to California! I found your blog by way of KERF. Healdsburg is one of my favorite towns, we go there from the Napa area to dine as some of the resturants. The enchiladas looked great. In that area check out some of the Mexician stores you can get some great ingrediants like Mexican orageno(sp) and chilesand some really good hot sauces. And as I mentioned to Kath, if you see a taco truck , don’t pass it up. You will find some of the best authentic tacos come from these places.
stephanie
September 29, 2009 at 9:08 amOH, Trader Joes how I love thee. How will I ever survive when we have to move next summer to some unknown location that likely won’t provide your goodness to me. The dilemma of military living. I’ve seriously told my husband that I’m going to choose my top picks of where we transfer based on if there is a TJ’s near by. Seriously serious.
Jenna
September 29, 2009 at 11:20 amglad you found an appartment jenna!
jenna
Erin
September 29, 2009 at 11:46 amI looked really quickly at the tea photo and thought it was mozzarella balls in some weird broth and thought you had gone off the deep end of healthy eating. I was like oh HECK no. One food trend I will not be trying 😉
Glad you got more sleep and you found the TJs – and you don’t have to result to eating weird mozzarella ball broth 🙂