This is what spending hours at the Honda dealership does to a girl:
But……in the end I bought my first car and on Monday it’s being shipped straight to Santa Rosa, FULL of my worldly belongings! wooooahhhhhhhhh
Okay, I’m just going to say it: I feel like a real adult now! I can’t believe I just BOUGHT my first car and am moving across the country tomorrow morning. My life! This actually works out really well though because I’m packing the car FULL of books, kitchen stuff, CLOTHES, shoes…heck, even a bedside table and bookshelf. Saves a lot of money to ship stuff and I’m killing two birds with one stone. I’m hoping to get my car by next Friday so keep your fingers crossed! She’s a brand new white honda civic…..Abby! How very “california” of me.
I snacked on this bar while I was at Honda all afternoon:
Drank some coconut water to rehydrate!
And when I finally got home tonight my parents and I FINALLY uncorked my precious bottle of Cambria, which I have been coveting ever since I took the trip down to the Cambria Estate last July! When I was there, I was told I could pick any bottle I wanted to take home with me and I’ve been just staring at this gorgeous pinot noir for months now, waiting for the right time to finally open it…….well, tonight was the night!
Was it ever good. This might have been one of the BEST pinot noirs I’ve ever had. The three of us each had a *large* glass and toasted to my new adventure! I totally got the “go seize life” pep talk from the parents and can’t believe I’m about to embark out on my own for the first real time. I feel like in the past six months I’ve grown up soooo much and can’t even believe that, actually, five months today my brother passed away. I’m here to tell you that life can change in a very instant! Never in a million years could I have predicted this but I’m hanging on for dear life and taking it as it comes….life is meant to be experienced and I have to think my brother would think me moving to California would be pretty darn cool. I’ll admit, I’ve always had a pretty comfortable life with my parents living nearby to catch me if I fall….and I had the privilege of moving back in with them last month and living rent free for awhile. Well, friends, no more. If my food is less exciting, that’s because I might be dirt poor and picking vegetables from the garden. I also might be homesick laying on my floor drinking wine but it’s all good. And hopefully first I can actually FIND a home because as of right now I’m just staying with friends until the apartment thing pulls through, which it hopefully will next week. Sometimes I feel like my life is a country song, no?
Anyways, for dinner I requested my favorite meal—linguine with escarole and brie from Bon Appetit!
I’m still packing and packing up my car to be shipped but here’s how tomorrow will go down:
Flight leaves Tampa at 6:50 am
Get into Houston at 9 am
Get into San Francisco (!!!!) at 11 am
Meet Kath, Tina and the fabulous BethT at the airport and Beth is driving us straight to Healdsburg (new home!) where our destination will be my new place of employment, Michel Schlumberger! We are meeting Jim (new boss!) there and he is giving us a total tour the winery and vineyards….plus lots of tasting. 😉 There’s live music at the winery in the early evening and we have a 7:30 dinner reservation at Zin! We are staying the night in Healdsburg tomorrow night and then getting up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning and driving back to San Francisco for BlogHer food!
***
Wheeeeeeeeeewwwwww!!!!! Don’t worry, I’ll be twittering and blogging, of course…..plus there may be a little FlipCam action that has already started so stay tune for a VLOG as well! 🙂
Tons of loose ends to tie up…..I’ve gotta kiss Dexter about a million times because I think my parents are just going to bring him out to me when they come for Thanksgiving. ahh! I know he’s in good hands though and he soon will love California, too.
Bye,bye Florida…………Hello, California!
angieinatlanta
September 24, 2009 at 9:30 pmGood luck on your new adventure! I know you’ll be GREAT!
But I have to be truthful here; I will miss seeing your mom’s delicious cooking! 🙂
Molly
September 24, 2009 at 9:37 pmI wish you much luck in your new endeavor on the West Coast!
Kirsten
September 24, 2009 at 9:38 pmWhen I was 26 I picked up and moved to Ireland with work when the opportunity came – it was the best thing I’ve ever done and I was there for 3 years! I am excited to hear about your move and all of your changes – good luck!
Rebecca
September 24, 2009 at 9:42 pmOMG! This is so exciting!! I’m soooo happy for you! I think I’ve said that ten times already!
amber
September 24, 2009 at 9:45 pmCongratulations!! Welcome to NorCal. Know you have lots of friends here!! Blog and Murphy Goode friends! YAY!! You’re already looking like a NorCal girl with your civic! I just need to hook you up with SF Giants hat and some canvas bags and you’ll fit right in =)
Lizzie
September 24, 2009 at 9:48 pmHave a safe and fabulous trip Jenna – you deserve this amazing opportunity and you’ll be absolutely successful!! Have fun in SFO – one of my fave cities … so laid back and heaps of yummy food!! Can’t wait to follow along with your adventure!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
September 24, 2009 at 9:51 pmI remember my first apartment and car and job wheree I didn’t have the safety net of home. So scary and exciting all at the same time. It was crazy to be sick by myself for the first time and cook meals by myself on my own budget and decide how to spend my holidays traveling. But it was such a grown up feeling.
Congrats on how far you’ve come in such a short time. You are amazing!
Mellissa
September 24, 2009 at 9:52 pmHave a great time this weekend and in the coming weeks. A big transition but it will totally be worth it!
grace b
September 24, 2009 at 9:54 pmAhhhhh I’m so excited for you Jenna!! Hopefully I will be doing the same thing in about two years when I graduate college. You are so inspiring, I wish you the best of luck and can’t wait to follow your blog to Cali!!
Jenny
September 24, 2009 at 9:58 pmI am SO jealous!
I’m already planning where to move post-graduation!!!!
Can’t wait to hear all about it!
BethT
September 24, 2009 at 10:06 pmIf you wanted to be REALLY California, you’d get a Prius…haha
Sarah
September 24, 2009 at 10:06 pmBest of luck Jenna! 🙂
Kaolee Hoyle
September 24, 2009 at 10:24 pmCongrats on the car!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
September 24, 2009 at 10:32 pmGood luck on your new adventure! Packing up the honda with all your belongings is a brilliant idea.
Can’t wait to see all the West Coast goodies you get to eat, cook, and taste. Lots of avocados, please!
Kelly
September 24, 2009 at 10:33 pmEee! What an exciting whirlwind of activity. I’ve always felt like buying a car would mark my initiation into adulthood too. 🙂 Best of luck with the loose ends and that whole moving dealio! 🙂
Adi (oatonomy.com)
September 24, 2009 at 10:33 pmHappy adventuring! I hope the travelling goes well and you get settled in quickly. I have no doubt that you will! Enjoy it. 🙂
Niki
September 24, 2009 at 10:34 pmSo excited for you! Your family must be so proud of you for going out and seizing your dreams. You’ve always looked like a California girl to me! 🙂
Steph
September 24, 2009 at 10:53 pmGlad you were able to have such a nice dinner with your parents with some fabulous wine!
Welcome to CA…you’ll love it!
Michelle
September 24, 2009 at 10:54 pmJenna,
Enjoy every single ounce of this journey. It maybe amazing/tiring/hard/exhilirating. LOVE IT! You’re doing amazing things with your life. Everything that you’ve dealt with in the past 5 months is more than most people can deal with and you’ve done it with grace and determination. Adult world is fun.
So excited for you!
M
Jac
September 24, 2009 at 10:58 pmcongrats on your new car! I definitely know what it’s like to get your 1st car. Though mine was a second hand, it still feels great to get something of your own!
Good luck and God bless in Cali!
michelle
September 24, 2009 at 10:58 pmJ-
Dont know if my last comment posted. Enjoy it! Love it! Soak it up! Ride the waves.
M
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
September 24, 2009 at 11:00 pmI am so excited for you!!! I can’t believe all the bloggers who have HUGE changes and exciting news right about now! Awesome!
Stephanie
September 24, 2009 at 11:05 pmWhat a fantastic time in your life, you are so fortunate to have the flexibility to be able to make your dreams come true – well, guess the fact that you are uber-talented helps just a bit 😉 – can’t wait to begin the adventure reading along with you girl, you deserve it all!
Megan
September 24, 2009 at 11:16 pmI can’t imagine all the emotions you must be feeling right now!!! But, it’s going to be such an amazing thing!!! So excited for ya! Get some rest…big day tomorrow 🙂
Amber
September 24, 2009 at 11:22 pmI bet you will LOVE California! The west coast is great. If you ever get to Seattle, we will host you for sure!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)
September 24, 2009 at 11:22 pmGood luck, Jenna! I wish you the best, most exciting experience in California. I admire your courage and willingness to start something new so far from home. I’m so excited to be able to follow you via blog, as I have been for years now, and to continue to be inspired by your fearless attitude toward life.
I’m sure it will be hard tomorrow to say goodbye to home and all of the people, animals, and things you love- but we will all be here to read along and support you. You wont be alone! 🙂
Safe travels tomorrow!
Joanie @ The Bright Side
September 24, 2009 at 11:23 pmJenna,
Best, best wishes for your awesome adventure! I don’t comment often, but I read your blog every day. But, geesh! I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to say how cool I think you are (and brave) for taking your life to this whole new level. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! Have a safe trip tomorrow and a blast in California.
Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com
September 24, 2009 at 11:28 pmSo exciting! Soon you’ll be a fellow Californian. 🙂 Have a safe trip! Can’t wait to hear about BlogHer.
BroccoliHut
September 24, 2009 at 11:29 pmYay! Congrats on the new wheels! Wishing you the best of luck in your travels:)
Kristen
September 24, 2009 at 11:30 pmSo exciting! Soon you’ll be a fellow Californian. 🙂 Have a safe trip. Can’t wait to hear about BlogHer!
caitlin
September 24, 2009 at 11:34 pmmy heart always goes out to your family when i think about your brother. that was such a sad day and the memory of your wonderful brother will live on in the hearts of you, his parents, and his great friends. <3
you are doing him proud by doing something so exciting!!!
Cyndi
September 24, 2009 at 11:36 pmI am much MUCH older than you, but I truly enjoy your blog.
I am so envious of your new beginning! It is SO smart to enjoy this now because I’m still waiting for my time to break out and be on my own.
kristina
September 24, 2009 at 11:41 pmcongrats on your new white civic! and yes, how very “cali” of you! EVERYONE drives hondas out here! including myself! i have a ’97 black honda civic ~ still runs like a top & i luv it!! have a safe trip out here tomorrow!!
tiffany
September 24, 2009 at 11:42 pmI’m so happy for you! I’m a cali girl (socal), but you will LOVE it here, I’m sure. Have the best trip! Road trips are always great for self discovery 😉
Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
September 24, 2009 at 11:45 pmYay for your new car! Well sounds like your all set. Hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy California. It certainly has been a whirlwind 6 months for you but this is why your blog is so fun to read – always a new adventure and a new meal! Your resilience is admirable and your willingness to do what is right for you and follow your dreams is inspiring. Have a great flight :).
maria
September 24, 2009 at 11:45 pmI am just so excited for you! I know you must be even more excited… I actually can imagine having just made a huge move myself. Just remember to be open to change and to keep connected to those who are you support system. It definitely will be a learning experience, and hopefully a rewarding one, too!
Brie (The Fit Bride)
September 24, 2009 at 11:50 pmIt’s really cruel to name a winery “Schlumberger.” Try saying that when you’re drunk. Yikes!
Have fun!
Bekah
September 24, 2009 at 11:50 pmYou’re living my life Jenna.
In 8 years, if I’m half way to where you are, I’ll be so happy.
Good luck! 😉
Sara
September 25, 2009 at 12:13 amWhat a big transition. How long have you known about this? Try not to be too nervous. The cold-feet feeling is normal — just go with the flow. 🙂
Sara
September 25, 2009 at 12:14 amWhat a big transition. How long have you known about this? Try not to be too nervous. That cold-feet feeling is normal — just go with the flow. 🙂
Teresa
September 25, 2009 at 12:20 amCongrats Again and best of luck at the new job. You are awesome for taking on the challenge and the adventure. Savor it!
Chloe (Naturally Frugal)
September 25, 2009 at 12:28 amWa-hoo! You are going to have a fantastic time, I’m so excited for you and the beginning of a new chapter in your life!!! Have a great flight!
Leianna
September 25, 2009 at 12:29 amHave a great day tomorrow, sounds amazing!
The Lord has given you this great oppertunity and I know you will do great. I just recently moved away from my family for the first time and it’s very hard, but making a great career move is something I will never regret:)
Tay
September 25, 2009 at 12:31 amAhhhhh how so very exciting!!!!!! I am so jealous of your car – a white honda civic was exactly what I wanted! And what a cute name 🙂
I tried the pasta recipe last week and man oh man was it good! I didn’t use any meat in it, which I’m sure would’ve added to it. But it was still amazing! Thanks for recommending 🙂
Jessica
September 25, 2009 at 12:32 amOMG THAT IS EXCITING!!!!
I’m so happy for you!
Cali is somewhere i really wanna go and live. it would be so fun!
-muffy
J@ Whole Body Love
September 25, 2009 at 12:36 amI can’t wait to see the new wheels!! What an exciting leap in your life! It’s going to be such a great experience to move literally accross the country.
Kailey (SnackFace)
September 25, 2009 at 1:10 amOh my goodness! I’ve thought about this all day! I wish you the safest and happiest of travels tomorrow! Can’t wait for the next update!!!
Julia
September 25, 2009 at 2:04 amI am just so excited for you! You really have come so far from 6 months ago, it is unbelievable!
Congrats on the new car!
Nicole
September 25, 2009 at 2:19 amYou are going to do great on this new adventure! It was so hard for me to pick up and leave the U.S. for Germany over a year and a half ago especially since the only time I had been out of the country before that was when I went to Jamaica and Mexico. As you know, VERY different! You’ve already done the Paris thing, so this is will be a breeze! You will miss your parents, but sometimes (at least it was for me) better to get out and see if you can spread your wings on your own WITHOUT your family there to catch you if you fall. 🙂
nic
September 25, 2009 at 2:35 amWow, what an excitement filled post!!
YAY for your new car!! I have a Civic too!! And am totally happy with him!! 😉
I’m eager to read about your new beginnings…!! Have fun and take every moment the best you can!! 😉 Hug
Michelle in Alaska
September 25, 2009 at 3:31 amWelcome to the West side Jenna!! I love, love, love your blog! The fact that you are able to get up and move is so much fun to “experience” with you on your blog!!
christie, honoring health
September 25, 2009 at 5:57 amAs silly as it sounds, I have tears in my eyes reading this post. You are going to do great in California!! It is so awesome that you are going our and taking advantage of life’s opportunities!!! I can’t wait to see what unfolds for you!
Susan
September 25, 2009 at 6:32 amSounds like a whirlwind Jenna! Good luck getting everything together and safe travels!
Valerie (College Girl Eats)
September 25, 2009 at 6:50 amBest of luck!!
Abby
September 25, 2009 at 6:51 amHey! My name is Abby and I have Civic, too! Only I named it Dino… anyway, you and your car are destined for great things in Cali! Safe travels!
Kristin runningsongs.wordpress.com
September 25, 2009 at 7:03 amBe brave, be bold and be happy. Good luck!
Ann
September 25, 2009 at 7:06 amI am sooooo jealous, Jenna. What I wouldnt give to go back 15yrs and do it all over. You are so lucky. Follow your heart. Congrats and good luck!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
September 25, 2009 at 7:06 amSounds like such a great time! 🙂
Jen Trinque
September 25, 2009 at 7:20 amJenna, your live really has changed so much in the last year, or as you said, the last five months. I started reading about a year ago, just as you were moving to Vero to do your externship….now look what you’re doing! It’s so exciting! I remember when I was 22 after I finished college I moved to Vermont to embark on my own adventure – it was hard to say goodbye to my parents but it led to some amazing adventures! Good luck 🙂
Anne P
September 25, 2009 at 7:24 amRock it out, girl!!!
Lia
September 25, 2009 at 7:36 amHow exciting!!!! Enjoy the journey
Debbie
September 25, 2009 at 7:49 amAll the best! I love California – even if it is expensive to live there and this is your chance to shine. You will survive and flourish because that is what God wants us to do. Florida shall miss you but I am looking forward to your posts even more.
Melanie
September 25, 2009 at 7:53 amI just breathed a huge sigh of relief; I was wondering if Dexter was going to go with you, and I swear, I think I was going to cry if he didn’t!! Best of luck to you! I did it too and can say that it’s thoroughly worth it! God ended up bringing us home again, but the time we spent away (from NC to TX) was so fundamental in growing up.
Kristen
September 25, 2009 at 8:01 amGood luck Jenna!
jenna
September 25, 2009 at 8:03 amI may have shed a tear or two reading this post!!
carolyn (sandyfeeteats.wordpress.com)
September 25, 2009 at 8:05 amhi jenna, congrats on this new chapter! so exciting. i am moving across my country too- from nova scotia to vancouver. best of luck with your move and enjoy!
Molly
September 25, 2009 at 8:07 amI am SO jealous! You are really living the dream 🙂 I hope you have a fabulous time, and that it is everything you need in your life and more.
Good luck on your new crazy adventure! Cant wait to read about it! 🙂
Sarah
September 25, 2009 at 8:07 amWow, congrats Jenna! This is super exciting and you will do great.
I can somewhat relate to what you are feeling right now. When I was 23 I left home and moved to a different country. Four years and many adventures later, I’m still here and am now contemplating my next move. I will never forgot the feeling I had when I landed. The best combination of excitment and anxiety. I will never forget that day! Seize the day. 🙂
Andee (Runtolive)
September 25, 2009 at 8:11 amBest of luck to you! California is such a great place to live, you will love everything about living here. Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures 🙂
Lisa
September 25, 2009 at 8:46 amWishing you a safe trip!
Lauren
September 25, 2009 at 8:51 amLots of luck, Jenna! It’s so funny–I have been following your blog for about a year and a half now, and while I don’t know you in ‘real life,’ I feel like I know so much about you, thanks to your candid and insightful posts. Thus, I am so happy for you! This truly sounds like a dream job, and I think you will be very, very content in California. A little homesickness is inevitable (I know I experienced my fair share of that when I moved to NYC four years ago), but I’m sure that this amazing opportunity will eclipse those moments. All the best to you!
Kareen
September 25, 2009 at 9:00 amGood luck Jenna!
New projects are always so exciting. I hope you enjoy your new job, new environment and eventually your new appartment. I am looking forward to seeing how it all turns out!
K.
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
September 25, 2009 at 9:08 amJenna, I am so proud of you! I have enjoyed reading your journey over the past year or so and it is amazing to see how far you have come and what all changes you have dealt with. I hope you have a great trip today and are able to get settled in California easily. I’m so jealous!! Hehe.
Seriously though, good luck and best wishes 🙂
Anne Marie@ Her New Weigh
September 25, 2009 at 9:10 amGood luck on the move!!
Katie
September 25, 2009 at 9:13 amcongratulations Jenna! I have family and friends out in San Francisco and its the best part of california if you ask me!! Have fun!!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama)
September 25, 2009 at 9:19 amGood luck on your new adventure! Having moved across the country away from my family before, I know you’ll be homesick for a while, but eventually the excitement of your “new life” will overwhelm the homesickness! 🙂
Jenna
September 25, 2009 at 9:20 amjenna it is so true your life can change in a short amount of time!
i hope you have a safe trip to Cali and i can’t wait to hear ALL about it 🙂 ahh i am so excited for you!
jenna
Errign
September 25, 2009 at 9:23 amJenna,
You are AMAZING. Best of luck on your newest adventure!
Karla
September 25, 2009 at 9:23 amCongrats Jenna! I am so excited for you… What an amazing opportuinity!
Melissa
September 25, 2009 at 9:24 amJenna–
I’ve been following your site for quite some time. I am so excited for you as you start this new journey! You have been through a whole lot but are an inspiration to all of us, because you’ve never given up and you’re now making your dreams come true! Thank you for taking us along and always sharing your life with us. I must say its rather exciting!!! Best of luck to you! My husband and I want to plan a trip to CA to tour some winerys, so any info you can give, would be great!!!!
Nicole
September 25, 2009 at 9:36 amThat is so exciting, Jenna! It took me six months from the day I decided to move to the day I go to CA, you are intense, good for you!
Gab*
September 25, 2009 at 9:37 amIt’s such an exciting time for you Jenna! Hope it’s everything you hope it will be and more!
I moved across Australia for a job after I finished uni, I grew up so much and it was such an amazing time.
Tammy (Defining Wellness)
September 25, 2009 at 9:37 amBest wishes and have fun!! You’re going to love your Honda Civic — I just bought one in blue back in September, and it’s been so awesome, reliable, an absolute joy to drive. My only complaint is that the tire indicator light comes on a lot — and the guys at the dealership said that’s common. It happens in my mom’s Honda Civic, too. So, don’t worry that your tire has gone flat, Miss Jenna! When you take it in for checks, they’ll turn off the indicator for you.
Alison
September 25, 2009 at 9:41 amJenna,
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and find it very inspiring. I just want to say that I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure!
Alison
Caitlin
September 25, 2009 at 9:43 amCONGRATS on all of your new and exciting happenings!
I bought my 1st car on my own last year and it was such an exciting experience!!
Enjoy California!!
Nancy in Naples
September 25, 2009 at 9:52 amWe are so excited for you as you embark on this journey and new chapter in your life. Sounds amazing, Jenna, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more!
Brooke
September 25, 2009 at 9:56 amCONGRATS AND BEST OF LUCK!!! I would love to move out to Cali sometime too, but the timing just isn’t right for us right now. But i think if i said “Ok” my husband woudl have our flights booked. haha!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
September 25, 2009 at 9:57 amI SOOOO excited for you Jenna!!! This is such a wonderful experience for you, and I know you’re going to love every minute of it. Hooray for a new car too!!! 😀
Nekeisha
September 25, 2009 at 10:02 amI bought my first car almost a year ago (October 6) and I still remembder the traumas and the joys. The trips to the bank, begging my sister to go pick up a check. Arranging my insurance. Spending way more time than I expected at the dealership than I had planned for. Driving away with my car. The memories.
You seem to have held up well. Good luck with the move.
Lauren
September 25, 2009 at 10:02 amYou are going to do AMAZING!!! You have such great inner strength- you astound me!!! Your life is just beginning…go for it!!! 🙂
Erin
September 25, 2009 at 10:40 amCongrats Jenna on becoming a “big girl”!! 🙂 It is totally scary moving away and starting your own life but it is SO worth it! I’m looking forward to following along!
skinnyrunner
September 25, 2009 at 10:41 amsafe travels, congrats on the new car and this new stage of your life. HOW EXCITING!!!
Heather
September 25, 2009 at 10:42 amSafe & blessed travels into your new life!
natalie
September 25, 2009 at 10:50 amyay how exciting!! I love getting new things! It is such an exciting feeling to buy your first car! I hope you love it!
natalie
September 25, 2009 at 10:51 amI just tired to leave a comment but i’m not sure what happend.
Yay about buying the car! that is so exciting! It is so fun to get new things and especially your first New car! I know how it goes waiting at the dealership, it can be a night mare!! 🙂 hope you enjoy your new car
Ali
September 25, 2009 at 11:23 amGood luck Jenna! What an exciting new adventure! I am so happy for you!
Oh and have a great time with Kath and Tina, I am sure you guys will have tons of fun!!!
kirsten
September 25, 2009 at 11:29 amJenna, seriously congrats! This is so amazing. I really think you will love it out there. I’m excited to be able to follow you on the blog during your new journey. have a great and safe trip out!! 🙂
Morgan (lifeafterbagels)
September 25, 2009 at 11:30 amOH MY . . . I am so out of the loop from being out of town . . . YAY for moving and your new job!
Jamie
September 25, 2009 at 11:35 amI’m SO jealous! I live in Nor Cal and LOVE the Bay Area! You must be so excited!!! What an awesome opportunity! CONGRATS and GOOD LUCK =)
Sarah
September 25, 2009 at 11:43 amgood luck on your new adventure jenna! that is so exciting!
Mindy
September 25, 2009 at 11:52 amGood luck on your new adventures! I’m sure you will have a great time 🙂 And kudos to you, as I’ve never been brave enough to pick up and move to a new state, let alone a different coast!!! You are one brave girl!
Sara
September 25, 2009 at 12:17 pmyou are my idol!!! 🙂 good luck!
Lee
September 25, 2009 at 12:23 pmI don’t comment very often on your blog, but had to tell you good luck and that I feel that this will be a very positive change for you. It might be scary in the beginning, but all new things are.
Katie
September 25, 2009 at 12:56 pmHey Jenna! Your story sounds similar to my own. Four years ago, when I was 24, I took a huge leap of faith and moved from my hometown in Indiana, where I had lived my entire life, and moved to North Carolina. That first year, when I lived on my own for the first time, was full of new experiences and many adventures. Now that I’m married and no longer live in NC, it’s a time that I look back on fondly and cherish. It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I hope that you have the same experience in California. May God bless you on your journey!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
September 25, 2009 at 1:03 pmBest of luck to you Jenna!! I moved out to DC all on my own 7 months ago, so I know what you’re feeling now! It can be tough to be out of your comfort zone but soooo rewarding. You really do learn so so much about yourself and do things you never imagined. You will do great, I’m sure!!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
September 25, 2009 at 1:33 pmCongrats, and good luck!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
September 25, 2009 at 1:34 pmCongrats and good luck!
Bethany
September 25, 2009 at 2:20 pmIf you are ever in Portland Oregon and want a running buddy, send me an email and I can give you a tour! Oh, and now you are in the land of Dave’s Killer Breads!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
September 25, 2009 at 2:28 pmI have lived “far away” from home since I left for college and yes, it is hard because I am very very close to my parents and brother, but that whole “spread your wings and fly” thing is so true and I feel like I have been so lucky to have my families support while I’ve done crazy things like live in 4 states in 4 years while I try to figure out what I want to do with my life!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
September 25, 2009 at 2:29 pmI have lived “far away” from home since I left for college and yes, it is hard because I am very very close to my parents and brother, but that whole “spread your wings and fly” thing is so true and I feel like I have been so lucky to have my families support while I’ve done crazy things like live in 4 states in 4 years while I try to figure out what I want to do with my life! You are going to ROCK California!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
September 25, 2009 at 2:34 pmAren’t Hondas the best? I’m sure Abby will serve you well for years to come!
Sounds like an awesome schedule you have planned for the weekend… Can’t wait to follow you on this new adventure!
Christina MINDFUL LIVING
September 25, 2009 at 3:06 pmcongrats on the car! white is such a beautiful color!!!
Kristin
September 25, 2009 at 4:15 pmGOOD LUCK!!!
xo
K
Pam (Highway to Health)
September 25, 2009 at 4:59 pmHow exciting! Congrats on the car and good luck with the move!
Sarah
September 25, 2009 at 5:21 pmCongrats on the new car!! White will be great for staying cool in the California sun 🙂 Good luck with the move, I can’t wait to follow your adventures on the West Coast!
vanessa
September 25, 2009 at 6:06 pmif you are moving to healdsburg, you are moving to heaven.
i recommend a five-star resturant for you that’s right in town, called CYRUS! it’s the best and most awesome restuarant north of san francisco. i recommend the caviar cart with champagne and the best martinis EVER! the martinis are made from fresh ingredients. OMG, the place is awesome!
i have a 09′ silver civic lx and i love love it, you will love your car also, i promise. i love the way they drive!
kaet
September 25, 2009 at 6:17 pmoh wow! good luck sweetie! and trust me, you are never alone with this blog! whenever you are tempted to lie on the floor in a puddle drinking wine…log on and we are happy to cheer you up from afar!
maggie
September 25, 2009 at 6:36 pmWOW JENNA!!! This is sooo awesome…when I read about your move I thought you were kidding. You go girl!! Thats how to take control of your life! Hope all goes well.
Maggie
Samantha
September 25, 2009 at 8:16 pmWow, they’re shipping your car with things in it? Every time the Navy ships our cars, they’re required to be completely empty. What an economical way to get your goods there though!
Congrats on the job offer and embarking on such new and exciting adventures! Best of luck!
RunToTheFinish
September 25, 2009 at 9:28 pmmoving cross country is such a rush and scary all at the same time. I am working on my move from Kansas City to Miami and it’s amazing! Enjoy!!
Kasondra
September 25, 2009 at 10:23 pmthe west coast is grabbing everyone! my brother (best friend) moved there a year ago. he loves it there in san fran! I miss him terribly though!! I hope your dreams come true!!
Heather
September 26, 2009 at 12:12 amCongrats Jenna! I’ve been reading your blog for a month now & I love following your adventures. I live in Emeryville (next to Berkeley) and love the Bay Area. Napa Valley is GORGEOUS. Welcome to Norcal!!
Sarah
September 26, 2009 at 1:44 pmGood luck on your adventure! As I have family in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa, I think you will love the wine country lifestyle and being so close to “The City” (SF of course)!
Marcia
September 26, 2009 at 3:39 pmOh boy, I remember the hours it takes to buy a freaking car. We bought our Honda in March. It’s PAINFUL. And we paid CASH!!