Hey y’all!
Thanks for all your sweet comments! I’m crazy excited to do some traveling this summer and excited to share my adventures with you! I’ve gotten a bunch of questions as to how this trip came to be….well, ever since we got home from Paris in 2007, Rea and I have been scheming up a plan to get back there. We’ve been talking for THREE YEARS about going back but there was always a roadblock and it never seemed like a good time. Well, a few months ago we were talking about how cool it would be to go this summer…I had just gotten my book deal and she was doing some ghost writing for another author. We both are very, very lucky in that our jobs are pretty mobile and we can work anywhere.
So, after some long calls and some crazy ideas being bounced back and forth, we decided to just go for it! This summer is the perfect time for both of us. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t have “a ton of money” and plan to start saving now for the trip. Somehow what seems extravagant to y’all really…..isn’t. I live in a house the size of a shoe box with no cable, no a/c, no dishwasher or laundry (heck, I don’t even have FURNITURE in my house), have quit the gym to save $$ and try to walk most places around town to save gas. I rarely ever go shopping and actually only have one credit card and here it is, frozen:
I got this idea from Caitlin a while back and thought it was hysterical. What a perfect way to kill a shopping addiction!
I know you all think I get such amazing opportunities but really, I make things happen because I’m incredibly passionate about what I love. If you want something bad enough, you can find a way to get it. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot to get where I am right now and am constantly faced with choices and different roads to travel. I LOVE change and there’s just so much I want to see and do. Most of all though, I just have an incredibly adventurous spirit and figure I should live it up while I can. Eventually I do want to settle down, get married and have some kiddies, but I have awhile to go before all that craziness takes place. 🙂
Or maybe I just want to pick up where I left off on my “no french onion soup left behind” tour of Paris three years ago. One never knows for sure.
So good.
Anyways, back to my day. I ate half a clif bar this morning and then met Anna and Lisa at the studio for a circuit style strength workout. We did three sets of 20 each of crunches, push-ups, squats with the medicine ball and bicep curl and lifts. Then, another three sets of 20 twisting lunges with the medicine ball, more crunches, squats and press with a resistance band and reverse fly with weights. I also threw in some jumping jacks at the end. Whew! I might be sore tomorrow.
I met Rocky Slaughter for lunch to talk about our mean lean gran fondo training plan (he’s doing the fondo with me!). I had some beet salad and two stuffed grape leaves—both were delicious! The beet salad had pistachios, feta and balsamic dressing. Mmmmm
I probably should have chosen something with a little more protein though after such an intense workout because not even an hour later I was hungry again. Enter greek yogurt, a jumbo sized grapefruit and honey:
Perfect.
Hit the library for a few hours (became the mayor on foursquare and thought it was aaaawesome!) to write and came home with a hefty appetite. I had Happy Herbivore’s chickpea tacos on my mind and nothing else would do.
Rocky Slaughter
March 2, 2010 at 7:20 pmI will consume approximately 76% of that bottle of Manzanillo if I get within a 5 foot radius of it…
jenna
March 2, 2010 at 7:22 pmRocky,
Jealous I have a spice you don’t have, eh?!??! I win.
Rocky Slaughter
March 2, 2010 at 7:25 pmUh oh. Looks like someone drank the Kool-Aid. 🙂
Kamaile
March 2, 2010 at 7:25 pmI am so excited to follow you on your adventure to Paris. I have to make those super charge me cookies, they must be good since you’ve made them a couple times now!
laura
March 2, 2010 at 7:33 pmI”m like super jealous of you! Lived in Florida (where I dream about) california (also dream about) and now going to paris??! too cool. Stuck in nebraska till I graduate (in 5 years..) 🙁
HAVE FUN!!
Jenn @ Livewellfit
March 2, 2010 at 7:37 pmI love how you honest you are about this…
It has only been allowing my true passions to come to the surface that I’ve realized that ANYTHING you put your heart and mind to can happen! It takes effort, BELIEF and creating opportunity but it can happen. I’m thrilled for you!
Stef
March 2, 2010 at 7:38 pmeee i am so excited for your summer in europe, i am really jealous too 😉 such a funny idea to freeze your credit card! yumm french onion soup, i’d love a bowl please!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
March 2, 2010 at 7:40 pmYou will find a way to make ends meet when you get there…don’t stress about money. You can always get a part time job baking there too 🙂
Okay so maybe you would have to pay rent but still…money will come!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
March 2, 2010 at 7:46 pmI totally need to freeze my credit card too…my spending is out of control haha! Love the super charge me cookies 🙂
Ameena
March 2, 2010 at 7:46 pmI can’t wait to live vicariously through you as you head out to my favorite city! I am SO jealous! 🙂
Olga @ Healthing It
March 2, 2010 at 7:46 pmHAHAH the frozen credit card is just genius!
Caryn
March 2, 2010 at 7:48 pmféliciations! i’m so pumped for you! i hope you and your friend have the time of your life this summer! tu es si inspirante dans tout les aspects de la vie. bon courage et bonne chance!!! 🙂
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES
March 2, 2010 at 7:51 pmI love that you embrace change and keep your focus on making sure you’re doing what you love. It’s so admirable. And dinero ain’t no thang if you’re happy and doing what you love. So long as you keep that credit card frozen haha
Anna
March 2, 2010 at 7:55 pmI hope you don’t feel like you have to defend your right to this amazing opportunity! You deserve every second of eating fresh baguette and sipping on frothy cappuccinos. I’m certainly jealous, and I hope to one day have the freedom and opportunity that you’ve worked very hard to gain for myself!
Jen
March 2, 2010 at 8:03 pmCongrats on your awesome opportunity! And I like your message about going for what you want – more people should do that! You’re right, you have plenty of time! Enjoy your life now so that the rest of your life is wonderful too!
Jenny
March 2, 2010 at 8:05 pmJust wanted to say, congrats on your amazing opportunity to travel to Paris!! What an awesome experience, and I know you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest. You deserve all the wonderful adventures life has to offer 🙂
kate
March 2, 2010 at 8:07 pmthat sounds like such an awesome opportunity! im with you 100% live it up while you can. eventually well have responsibilities that may not allow us to be as adventurous as we wish!
Christa
March 2, 2010 at 8:07 pmYour credit card in ice just made me laugh! Congratulations on your plans!! It’s too bad that people have to let their jealousy and negative attitudes out to try to spoil the fun. C’est la vie! Can’t wait to read when you’re in Paris!!
kate
March 2, 2010 at 8:08 pmthat sounds like such an awesome opportunity! im with you 100% live it up while you can. eventually well have responsibilities that may not allow us to be as adventurous as we wish!
Tara
March 2, 2010 at 8:10 pmI just laughed so hard at your credit card. That is hilarious. Do you unfreeze it to do XMas shopping?
Elizabeth
March 2, 2010 at 8:11 pmParis sounds amazing! I admire how spontaneous you are! You go girl!
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
March 2, 2010 at 8:17 pmchickpea tacos? Looks like I’ll be giving those a shot very soon in the future!
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
March 2, 2010 at 8:18 pmchickpea tacos? Looks like I’ll be giving those a shot very soon in the future!
Runeatrepeat
March 2, 2010 at 8:18 pmSo excited about reading your travels! Love the eats today – tacos and cookies sound perfect.
Christy
March 2, 2010 at 8:26 pmI’m a fairly new reader and your blog quickly became one of my favorites, so I can’t wait to read all about France!! You’re so smart to follow wherever that adventurous spirit takes you now while you’re “free”.
I literally laughed out loud when I saw that frozen credit card! Too funny!
Megan
March 2, 2010 at 8:27 pmI am so envious of your carefree spirit. I love change and to travel as well but sometimes I think my “what if” thoughts and my doubts creep into my life a bit too much. I wish sometimes that I could let it all go and have that be that. Someday I may get there but until then I will be living vicariously through you.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
March 2, 2010 at 8:29 pmWow, what a productive day! Thanks for clarifying yourself up top; sometimes things can get mixed up in blog world ; ) I admire you for being so adventurous and going after your dreams. That sounds like a mighty flavorful lunch you had. I hope you have a really nice rest of your week, Jenna.
Always,
The Nutrition Nut : )
Amanda
March 2, 2010 at 9:05 pmGood for you! I love how you work hard and make great things happen for yourself!
Adam
March 2, 2010 at 9:24 pmBy lucky i meant that you are lucky you have graduated already; not that you get opps thrown at you… It’s inspiring seeing someone chase what they want in life and not take no for an answer! The frozen credit card idea is all good until it thaws 😉
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
March 2, 2010 at 10:02 pmI totally know where you’re coming from — I’ve traveled a lot since graduation (in Australia right now) and some friends assume my parents must be paying or I’m rich somehow. It’s all about prioritizing. Travel is important to me, and you, so we make it happen. 😀
Linda
March 2, 2010 at 10:15 pmi love the great glass bottle, can ask if is it water drink or a clean juice drink bottle?
Amy
March 2, 2010 at 10:48 pmHi! If you want more place to travel while you’re in Europe, one of our favorite places while we were there was Croatia. It’s gorgeous and a little cheaper than the rest of Europe because it’s not on the Euro (at least it wasn’t a couple years ago). Also, the Cinque Terre region of Italy might be the most picturesque place I’ve been. Have a blast. 🙂
shelly
March 2, 2010 at 11:12 pmdude you are wicked! have a blast overseas!
much love!
Still Life in Southeast Asia
March 2, 2010 at 11:15 pmWhat a foodie day! My stomach is grumbling now.
Boy does that manzanillo look good. Must have some serious dried cilantro in there.
Becky
March 2, 2010 at 11:57 pmI second Croatia. Absolutely fabulous, and so much more “real” than Paris (just my opinion). I also highly recommend Budapest.
Olivia
March 3, 2010 at 12:04 amHey Jenna,
So excited you’re coming to Europe! I’m a long-time reader of your blog, no-time commenter, based in Berlin (although I’m British). Perhaps a European blog meet-up/mini Healthy Living Summit could be arranged for this summer? I’m sure you must have a lot of other European readers who are disappointed not to be able to make it to Chicago.
Anyway – excited to follow your adventure via the blog!
Olivia
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
March 3, 2010 at 12:26 amI love that you froze your credit card! I thought that stuff only happened in the movies 😛 Thank goodness I don’t have on or I’d be doing that too 😛
mariella
March 3, 2010 at 12:52 amhi, i’ve been reading your blog for a while every now and then. I lived in Paris for a year and my only quetion is, why on earth would you want to go to Paris in the summer? During this time almoust all Parisians leave the city and it’s full of turists. And Paris is hot and sticky, it is not a very pleasant place to be during summer in all honesty. Seriously there is a reason why all the french people leave Paris in the summer.
But I mean, it is up to you obviously and if you already booked the flight..
just my opinion though..
I’m sure you can have a good time anyways if you don’t care about the heat and stuff. The city is so beautiful, maybe that will make up for the for everything else.
The Paris Food Blague
March 3, 2010 at 1:18 amyou are going to have such a great time back in paris. but eat all that mexican food now while you still can! you won’t be getting any of that in france!
can’t wait to see another french food blogger added to the mix.
a bientot
the Paris Food Blague
Becky
March 3, 2010 at 1:42 amPS- Do you know how long your trip will be?
Rachel (Suburban Yogini)
March 3, 2010 at 2:15 amHa, when I was single I used to freeze my credit card too. These days Himself has it – he is awesome with money. I am not!
I spent most of my early 20s travelling and experiencing life. Now, at 35, although I don’t have kids I do have responsibilities and can’t just go at the drop of a hat so I’m soooo glad I did it when I could.
In my very humble opinion it’s no-one’s business but your own how you can afford it. Just enjoy it! 😀
FrenchLover
March 3, 2010 at 2:18 amI just discovered your blog & I must say I already love it !
So you’re coming to good old Paris ?! That’s great.
It’s already spring here, it makes me want to be a tourist in my own city ! I was born and raised in Paris – feel free to email me if you have any questions about the city (or the country for that matter) 🙂
Love the frozen credit card btw 😉
Sarah
March 3, 2010 at 2:49 ama lot of people think they just fall into situations, but I like how you have “taken the reins” and shaped what you do. I backpacked Europe for a month last spring after college and can’t wait to see where you visit! I think about going back every day…It was awesome!
Eira
March 3, 2010 at 2:52 amSo happy for you 🙂 If you go to Italy, I highly recommend the Puglia region. Croatia is meant to be lovely too- very similar to Italy, but cheaper with taller men ;p
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
March 3, 2010 at 3:20 amThat beet salad looks divine. As do the chickpea tacos!
I don’t think you live extravagantly at all. I think you live life fully, as a gal in her mid-twenties in California should. Sure, you’re given incredible opportunities, but you’ve earned them.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
March 3, 2010 at 3:35 amYou are so true about MAKING things happen! So inspiring.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
March 3, 2010 at 4:30 amLove that frozen credit card!
You’re so right– so many people complain about how good things never happen to them, but sometimes you have to MAKE them happen– you can’t just sit around waiting for stuff to fall into your lap!
kara
March 3, 2010 at 4:32 amThat is too funny! I have never thought of actually putting my credit card in ice, I might have to give it a try….
Ella
March 3, 2010 at 4:39 amSomeone mentioned Croatia – I agree as well. I was there 6 years ago and there were hardly any Americans in sight (just Germans, Italians, etc), which is my idea of an ideal destination. I imagine it’s still as un-touristed. Go there!!!
Jil
March 3, 2010 at 4:39 amPeople are quick to judge about “money” — I say forget ’em. Even if you DID have a “ton of money” why shouldn’t you be able to do with it what you please? Large or small bank account…you can’t take it with you, and experiences like travel and wonderful meals/adventures with friends are so worth the expense…it’s like the VISA commercials – some experiences are just PRICELESS. Love the credit card on ice. haha Now THAT is “frozen assets” at it’s best. haha 🙂 I do not have a credit card (paid by me or my parental units) and I have vowed not to even apply for a credit card until I have a salary that I can depend on.
jen trinque
March 3, 2010 at 4:39 amI am so glad you are doing these amazing things and blogging about it. Not to mention letting everyone know that they can all do it, it’s just up to them to make it happen! You’re an inspiration, keep it up.
Katy ( The Balanced Foodie)
March 3, 2010 at 4:41 amLife’s too short to worry about money, right? You’ll make it work, and it’s going to be amazing. In 50 years are you going to look back and think about those cute boots you bought, or the time you spent in Europe? That’s what matters most!
julie
March 3, 2010 at 4:48 amYou have such an amazing life and you really inspire me. You are proof positive that with positive thinking, you can get exactly what you desire.
I know you closed the ask me anything questions, but I have to ask – if and when your life is made into a movie (because lets face it – it will!) who will you want to play you???
theemptynutjar
March 3, 2010 at 4:51 amwow – will u be my life coach?
i am about as confused and jaded as it gets…i need direction 🙂
again, wish i could just pick up and do that stuff…
but the government literally would hunt me down for failing to pay my millions in debt …yipes :0
oh well, i might get to a happier place some day…i might be 45 years old…but hey, better later than never at all i suppose.
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
March 3, 2010 at 5:12 amYou know what, you ARE lucky- to have no qualms about doing whatever it takes for what you love. When I first told my I first told my family I was moving to Canada for my two loves- my long-distance boyfriend and cooking, to go to culinary school in Toronto, they were pretty shocked. No, I didn’t exactly have the money to do it, and I still don’t have much money now. But I am HAPPY. Doing what I love is making me so darn happy, and nothing beats that.
On that note, I’m so excited for your trip! I’ve always wanted to go to Paris!!
xo
K
eatmovelove
March 3, 2010 at 5:18 amSo proud of you Jenna.
Honestly, too , I have to agree with what you wrote. The first thing that comes to mind is jealously and “where’s the money coming from” , etc etc…
BUT HELLO!!! It’s not like your living in a big ole’ house now with a huge flat-screen TV and an expensive car and walking around with Louis Vuitton bags and stuff (actually, i have no idea if he even does bags)….like you said you don’t even have laundry.
So people put it in perspective!!
I would like to know where you plan to stay when your over there though ? Do you travel around or live in a “house” with others, etc. Are you planning to tour more of Europe? or just Paris?
It’s like Vicky Cristina Barcelona…without the man…and those actresses….maybe you’ll meet a Javier Bardem there though ;)….without a crazy Penelope Cruz wife though…and without having a twisted relationship…okay I’ll stop now…forget him 🙂
amanda
March 3, 2010 at 5:19 amI am so jealous of your European trip this year. I stayed in Europe last year for 3 months and it was nice to eat and drink my way around. I meet so many nice people and had a great time.
Marla
March 3, 2010 at 5:27 amNot only did you decide to “go for” things in life ’cause there’s no sense waiting around,but I feel like you really are making sure to live every moment of life to the fullest as many of us who have lost a loved one far too young can relate to.
I felt I wanted to appreciate the many wonders of life that he never got to fully experience hoping that he is watching over me and cheering me on.
I hope you don’t mind me being so personal,but I feel your brother is soooo happy for you and really proud.Not only have you tried living in a surfer’s paradise but now you are gonna kick some butt overseas for a summer.His spirit must be soaring for his beloved sister.
Go Jenna Go!
(your readers are proud too )
Ann @ Appalachian Appetites
March 3, 2010 at 5:31 amYour passion is an inspiration to me! You do not have to defend or explain your choices or circumstances. I think you have an amazing opportunity ahead of you. Congratulations! And I look forward to following your blog in France 😉
Christie @ Honoring Health
March 3, 2010 at 5:37 amI think it is awesome that you are going after exactly what you want. The naysayers are just jealous. Making sacrifices to get what you want is the way life is and you are a shining example of that.
diana(mymarblerye)
March 3, 2010 at 5:38 amfrench onion soup on a more than once a week basis? Can’t wait to live through your travels this summer!
Meg
March 3, 2010 at 5:39 amI agree with everything else–it’s not OUR place to know whether you have the money our not. I don’t read this blog to guess about other’s financial situation–I read it because it’s REFRESHING and INSPIRING and every day you amaze me! This is just so exciting! Are you going to come back to the winery when/if you return to Healdsburg?
Kath
March 3, 2010 at 5:53 amGreat outlook Jenna!! I totally agree with the “make it happen” mentality!
Tina
March 3, 2010 at 6:01 amI’m so excited for you to start your new adventure! You’re right to do it all now before you have kids-they change everything! I started early so I plan on dragging my husband around when the kids are grown! All of my time & money now are spent on ‘having a life’ for my family. But when they are gone, we’ll still be young enough to enjoy it, and hopefully have some money left-haha. Life is all about the choices you make and what you choose to make priorities, I totally agree with you! Good luck!
Andrea
March 3, 2010 at 6:09 amAaahhhh what an exciting adventure!! Paris is amazing and I know you’ll just soak up the experience and live every moment to the fullest! So happy for you! I’ve been reading your blog since day one and seeing you go back to the place that inspires you is truly a joy! Have a great day, Jenna!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
March 3, 2010 at 6:15 amI think that it is SO great that you follow your heart and go where it leads! If you don’t go for it now, when will you? So jealous of your trip to Paris!
tracy
March 3, 2010 at 6:32 amis the wine job done?
Maggie
March 3, 2010 at 6:41 amJenna, good for you, spending the summer in Paris! It is so exciting to hear about your adventures. I wish I were as adventurous as you are! Don’t feel like you have to justify yourself to negative people — no one should care how much money you spend, where you live, etc. Have a fantastic trip, can’t wait to read all about it!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers
March 3, 2010 at 6:45 amI think you “get” awesome opportunities because YOU make them happen!! 🙂
skinnyrunner
March 3, 2010 at 6:46 ami love how you are so passionate about what you and a go getter to! congrats again.
Errign
March 3, 2010 at 6:47 amI think it so, so, so awesome that you have done so many new & different things in the last six months! Your blog is inspiring me to head off on another European adventure 🙂
You have best attitude about enjoying life and doing what you want – don’t ever feel like you owe your readers explanations, because, seriously, just because you’ve got a blog, doesn’t mean it’s anyone’s business about how much money you have or how you finance anything. 🙂 Enjoy Paris – I’m sure you are extremely excited! Going to have room on your couch, by chance? ha!
(Love the frozen credit card!)
Lauren @ louisianagrown
March 3, 2010 at 6:56 amNow does a woman with your willpower and determination really need to freeze her credit card to keep from using it? That’s just too funny!
I wish I had the drive and courage to go after a writing job like you. You’re going to have such a great time in France this summer. 🙂
julia
March 3, 2010 at 6:57 amI think you are a great example that hard work pays off, and that to get what you want, you can’t wait to let it happen to you; you have to make it happen. I can’t wait to follow your adventures this summer!
Casey
March 3, 2010 at 7:05 amMy mom always told me-Life is not a dress rehearsal!!! Congratulations!!! People made fun of me 9 years ago when I decided to leave college to be a Flight Attendant, now I look at my life full of travel and adventure as the best learning experience possible. All of those nay-sayers are now stuck in jobs they despise and married to people that they don’t like. Travel while you can, there will be plenty of time later for settling down. And when you do settle down, you will look back and have no regrets. If I would have met my husband any earlier, it would have never worked out. God’s timing is Perfect. Enjoy the journey!!!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
March 3, 2010 at 7:18 amthis was actually a great thing for me to read this morning…i gotta admit, i’m pretty jealous, but i love where you said you make things happen because you’re passionate about what you do. that was perfect for me to read…thank you!
Integrity Daily
March 3, 2010 at 7:21 amChickpea tacos! YES
Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
March 3, 2010 at 7:25 amThat’s great that you live somewhere where you CAN walk everywhere. I wish I could do that – my car is a gas guzzler!
Those chickpea tacos look delicious!
K
Kel
March 3, 2010 at 7:36 amDo you really have no furniture? I’d love a photo tour of your home!
Bonnie
March 3, 2010 at 7:38 amYou are SO right about making things happen. So many of my friends are getting engaged and married…but there is so much left for me to do before being so responsible for others.
Can’t wait to hear of your Parisian adventures. Loved Paris.
Ashley
March 3, 2010 at 7:38 amYOU ARE AMAZING!! I’m making a big move/change in September and the first thing people say to me when I tell them is that they are jealous. I don’t completely understand that b/c I’m also the type of person to make my dreams happen. I also love change. Your passion and determination are things to admire and you get major kudos in my book!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
March 3, 2010 at 7:41 amGood for you for chasing after what you want!
Taysa
March 3, 2010 at 7:52 amCongratulations on your adventure! I can’t wait to read about your time in Paris and live vicariously through you!
Katie@ Two Lives, One Lifestyle
March 3, 2010 at 8:06 amYou only live once right!? You are doing what tons of people want to do, and what I wish I had the guts to do and GO- good on ya!
Jayme
March 3, 2010 at 8:10 amJenna, I started reading your blog a couple of months ago and reading it has become the highlight of my days! Good for you for going after what you want and making your dreams come true! You are truly an inspiration to so many people. I am traveling to Europe for the month of August and hope to make it to Paris for the first time! Cannot wait to read about your adventures abroad!!
MelissaNibbles
March 3, 2010 at 8:13 amCongrats Jenna! I admire you for not settling down, getting married, kids, blah blah blah. Too many people get married so young nowadays before they get out there an experience life, then end up divorced. I think people bring so much more to a relationship when they’ve lived and don’t have any wild oats to sew.
I don’t think you had to defend yourself at all, but I like to think maybe people were just curious about your finances because they were looking for tips on how they could make their own dreams happen. I didn’t see the comments though so I don’t know. It would make for a great post though if you have tips!
Good luck in Paris!
Lauren
March 3, 2010 at 8:24 amCongrats on your Paris opportunity and I see your point with writing and inspiration. Traveling helps and certainly to this foodie heaven. I too make choices for the sake of travel but I don’t think of it as sacrifice. Go for it Jenna!
Lauren
Marcia
March 3, 2010 at 8:32 amJenna,
Congrats on your Paris opportunity!! I don’t think you have a ton of money, and I don’t think that you are just lucky/fall into things. That happens sometimes, but other times, people MAKE things happen.
My spouse and I are pretty frugal, which means we have money for other things (in our case, a house in Santa Barbara). This is a choice we have made. “What is the most important thing to us?” And we figure out a way to get it. (for example: college education – how to get there? Hello US Navy.)
Oh boy, would I just LOVE to spend a summer in Paris. Am I jealous? Sure, a bit. Truth be told, I could spend a summer in Paris if I wanted to, but I’d rather keep my job, and hang out with my hubby and kid in Cali. Maybe I’ll learn how to make croissants instead, and dig out some old French textbooks.
I do, however, have several friends on the other end of the age spectrum (60’s) who travel regularly to Italy, Greece, France, South America etc…and I do very much live vicariously through them. LOVE the pics and the stories.
Those tacos look divine.
Hangry Pants
March 3, 2010 at 8:37 amHey – you can still read the numbers for online purchases. 🙂
grace b
March 3, 2010 at 8:58 amSpoken like a true gemini! 😉 (I am too and um yea pretty much obsessed with astrology!)
Caroline
March 3, 2010 at 9:04 amGood luck in Paris Jenna! That is so awesome for you! I am actually studying abroad right now (in Luxembourg) and just went to Paris for the first time this past weekend! It is wonderful, I am in love and cant wait to return in a few weeks! Enjoy!
Jody
March 3, 2010 at 9:06 amCongratulations, Jenna! I was never one of those people that thought you were loaded and spending a ton of money. I just wanted to say that everyone chooses to spend their money on different things and I love the way you live your life spending money on eating amazing food, traveling, and living life to the fullest! I know you have to make sacrifices on other things, but I think it’s worth it and I totally admire you for that!
Morgan
March 3, 2010 at 9:13 amI cannot wait to live vicariously through you and your meals and adventures, but mostly the food! OH THE FOOD! AND THE WINE!!!
jenna
March 3, 2010 at 10:04 amwhat a yummy dinner!!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
March 3, 2010 at 10:35 amYou’re so right. If you want something in life, you just have to reach out and grab it. Pursue your dreams, don’t wait for them to come true by pure chance or luck. Make your own destiny, I always say!
rori
March 3, 2010 at 11:48 amEeek! So excited for you! I love visiting Paris! I totally bet you will be so inspired! This post made me laugh, I loved it. I know it’s easier said then done, but you just have to not let the debbie downers bring your down. I know you don’t, but even if you did have “a lot” of money, so what?!? More power to you I would say! Rock on sister stranger friend
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
March 3, 2010 at 1:13 pmCookie’s look delicious. 🙂
Ginna
March 3, 2010 at 3:57 pmThats so great you are spending the summer there! My husband and I just spent 2 weeks there in December and absolutely loved it. Do you know I actually had people ask me why I would want to go to Paris? Hello! I just chalk those people off to being nutzo. Looking forward to hearing about your travels. I can’t think of a more inspirational place than Paris! 🙂
Andrea
March 3, 2010 at 5:51 pmHi
Loving your blog and your attitude to life! Good on you for making the things that you are passionate about happen. Have fun in Paris – its such a beautiful city.
Laura
March 3, 2010 at 7:45 pmI really enjoy reading your blog and this post was especially motivating/inspiring for me! I completely agree with your comment on “making things happen”. It is so easy to make excuses to NOT do things… I know, I am guilty of it sometimes.
Anyways, just wanted to say that your post gave me a good push today to stop making excuses and reminded me of the fearlessness and courage I had just a few years ago in college when I studied abroad 🙂 Congrats on your new adventure!!
Debbie
March 3, 2010 at 8:16 pmWhat can I say, I LOVE your zest for life! You remind me so much of me but I’m living out my adventure later in life (early 40’s here). I grew up in FL. Met and married the man of my dreams 10 years ago and we’ve never looked back. We moved away from FL just months after we were married. To South Korea to be exact. We lived there 2 1/2 years, then moved to Texas, then to NY and and now here we are in Southern CA. I don’t have children (hubby does, the baby is almost out of college). As much as I wanted 4 – 6 babies in my 20’s I’m so happy with just us and have truly enjoyed travel and all the amazing experiences that go with it. I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am for you! I wish you so many wonderful experiences along life’s way.
Blessings – Debbie
Kelly
March 4, 2010 at 7:49 amGood for you Jenna! I think its great that you are pursuing your dreams! Looking forward to hearing all about your new adventures.
Happy Herbivore
March 12, 2010 at 6:49 amthrilled you enjoyed the tacos sweetie!
Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine
August 3, 2010 at 8:20 amI also stick things in the freezer quite a bit. There’s a loooot of variety in there, hehe 🙂