Hello!!
Wow….today is the BIG day! I can’t believe that its finally here. In two hours we will be heading outside for the big press conference and announcement and it WILL be live streamed on the internet and might even be live on tv at 10:30 am pacific time. Unfortunately I don’t know the address of the livestream but check out www.areallygoodetrip.com and twitter search: #areallygoodejob to find out more details on that.
I’m so anxiously excited! Its crazy because I honestly think each one of us could do a wonderful job here but it really just depends what Murphy-Goode is looking for. Obviously its just a pure blessing to be here anyways so if I don’t get the position there will be no hard feelings AT ALL. Each one of us brings something wonderful and unique to the table and the cool thing is that we all get along so well! I will be thrilled for whoever gets the position and I ask that you all support that decision as well. As much as I think I’m the best person for the job, this is a professional setting and I know if I don’t get it then something else even more awesome is waiting right around the corner for me.
But enough about that—let’s just dive into yesterday!!
ahhh the pool here is AMAZING! But so is everything else so I shouldn’t be surprised. 😉 Yesterday afternoon I had a great lunch at Oakville Grocery based on everyone’s recommendations!
I ordered the chicken gruyere hot sandwich, which came with balsamic onions and crispy pancetta. On the side I had a juicy pear and a delicious “wine country soda”! (livin’ it up!)
This sammie was so huge and so RICH that I only ate half and was completely satisfied! Totally in love with this soda though and lovin’ that it had no extra sugar in it…only natural sugar from the grapes!
Delicious!!
And then yesterday afternoon was spent lounging at the too goode to be true hotel pool. SO gorgeous!
Oh yes, and I went to a La Crema tasting with a few new friends!! What fun! I bought a super sweet t-shirt as well 🙂 I ADORE La Crema Pinot Noir!
Dinner was totally the highlight of the day though…..we had SO MUCH FUN!!!!
Normal.
I made mushroom risotto—-
And brie cheese with brown sugar and walnuts—
And we also had teryaki flank steak and a huge spinach salad with walnuts, dried cherries and gorganzola cheese. It was a HUGE hit!!!!
Everything was absolutely delicious and
Adam made the BEST dessert EVER!!!!!!!
So bad yet so good. You can’t just have one bite. This was some sort of cheesecake creation and don’t fret, I WILL be posting the recipe when I get it! Basically, it just crescent rolls topped with cream cheese and powdered sugar. Um yeah, it was awesome. Very rich but perfect for a big crowd because it only has about five ingredients and is so EASY to make!
It goes without saying there was tons of vino. Tried an interesting “tweener” as Gillian, the wine educator for
Kendall-Jackson wines, would say.
Box Cars Zin was very very interesting! It was sweet, rich and very high in alcohol. Almost like a dessert wine but not quite there. I think I would like it best with something like cheese. One of those wines where a small amount totally satisfies you!
Wine was the one thing we definitely we NOT lacking last night!!! Consuming it led to a sweet jam session where we all rocked out on guitar, keyboard, pots and egg shakers! This was livestreamed on the internet as well. Oh Lord.
Classic.
Oh yes, and there was certainly poker!!
Game faces ON.
Needless to say, I didn’t get in bed until around 12:30! This morning I (yet again) contemplated working out but I just have so much to do! I usually always exercise on vacation but there’s just no time and I’d rather not be stressed with getting everything done. So…I just stumbled downstairs to breakfast instead!
I am OBSESSED with this granola! Before I leave I have to ask where I can buy it. It seriously is heaven on earth!
Okay–must jump in the shower then pack up! I’ll be back in a bit after the “big announcement”—I’m not leaving until tonight (red eye!)……wish me GOODE luck!!!!!!!!!!
BethT
July 21, 2009 at 11:43 amdinner in sf?? 🙂 good luck.
Cyndi
July 21, 2009 at 11:45 amAll the best to you!!!
I have been following your journey – thanks for inviting all the blog readers along for the ride! It’s been fun and I love the pictures. What a fantastic experience for you.
Fingers crossed …
polly
July 21, 2009 at 11:48 amLove you, Jenna!!!!
You know I’m praying and God already knows that press conference outcome. 😀 No matter what, you ARE the winner in my book. What a beautiful life ahead for you, my sweet friend!! Love you bunches and bunches, but you knew that!!! Massive hugs to Ryan too!! XOXO Pol
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
July 21, 2009 at 11:48 amWow, your chicken, gruyere, onion, and pancetta sammie looks AMAZING! Combos like that make me glad I’m a flexitarian and not a vegetarian. Good luck! Enjoy your last day in Cali 🙂
Kristen
July 21, 2009 at 11:50 amEverything looks amazing. Best of luck to you.
Cait (Cait's Plate)
July 21, 2009 at 11:51 amOh my gosh – it looks like you’ve had SUCH a blast! I so wish to be you sitting by the pool and eating that yummy food!
GOOD(E) LUCK!! 😀
HeatherBakes
July 21, 2009 at 11:52 amAH- I totally have butterflies for you right now! Good luck!!!
Balsamic onions + pancetta sounds right up my alley. Yum.
Melissa
July 21, 2009 at 11:52 amIt looks like you’ve made a ton of connections that could lead to even more opportunities! Good luck Jenna!
katie s
July 21, 2009 at 11:56 amGood luck, Jenna!! I am so excited for you and will be thinking of you all day today! I hope you get it, but as you said, it sounds like all these people are awesome and totally deserving. You’ve definitely had an amazing experience!! GOOOODE LUCK!
Whitney
July 21, 2009 at 11:57 amAhhhhhh *fingers crossed* Goode, better, best luck to you!
Barista
July 21, 2009 at 11:57 amGood luck today! Loved reading about the adventure!
Erica
July 21, 2009 at 11:57 amah! Looks like you’re having so much fun!!! You know we are ALL pulling for you 🙂
Mandy A
July 21, 2009 at 11:57 amOH wow… amazing trip! And that sandwich!!! YUMMY!!!!
Best of luck, Jenna!!
Karla
July 21, 2009 at 11:58 amGood luck Jenna!!! I have my fingers crossed for you!
lena
July 21, 2009 at 11:58 amAll the Best Jenna! oh btw, if you find out what that granola is, could you kindly let us know too? thanks. so glad you are doing what you like and having a great time! 😛 take care!
Kati
July 21, 2009 at 11:59 amWow- good luck! I’m sure you must be nervous/anxious all in one. It looks like you’ve had a fabulous time!! My mom makes that dessert…called Sopapilla Cheesecake. It. is. gooooood. :>
Jess
July 21, 2009 at 12:00 pmGood luck today – I have my everything crossed for you!
Don’t you love that wine country soda? We can get it here and it’s just so delicious!
Shannon
July 21, 2009 at 12:01 pmomg good luck. 🙂
Dawn
July 21, 2009 at 12:02 pmGood Luck! 🙂
sue
July 21, 2009 at 12:03 pmgoode luck jenna!
Emily
July 21, 2009 at 12:04 pmGoode luck, Jenna! I’m glad you’re having such an amazing time! 🙂
Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
July 21, 2009 at 12:06 pmAhh so excited for you! Good luck! (And p.s. your gracious attitude is fabulous)
Shelly
July 21, 2009 at 12:07 pmOh my gosh, GOOD LUCK!!! And it looks like no matter what you had a wonderful experience. 🙂 I can’t wait to see the recipe for the cream cheese dessert, but also, would you tell us how to make that baked brie? It looks awesome!
Rebecca
July 21, 2009 at 12:09 pmGood Luck!! I really hope you get it! It will be fun to read posts from California on a daily basis!
That sandwich looks so good!
Mary
July 21, 2009 at 12:09 pmGOOD LUCK, JENNA!!!! woo. I know you will be happy if you get it or not! If you ask where they get their granola…be sure to share with us! 🙂
Anais
July 21, 2009 at 12:09 pmGoode luck Jenna! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear the big news!
Christie @ Quit Your Diet
July 21, 2009 at 12:10 pmThat brie looks so awesome!
Good luck!
Jess
July 21, 2009 at 12:11 pmBest of luck Jenna! I just started following your blog recently and it’s wonderful! Your food photos are great too. I’m rooting for ya!
Jean Mitchell
July 21, 2009 at 12:12 pmGood Luck today!
Megan
July 21, 2009 at 12:12 pmGOOD LUCK YOU DESERVE IT!!! 😀
Maria
July 21, 2009 at 12:14 pmThat mushroom risotto and brie cheese are fabulous creations–I can see why everyone adored it 😀 It’s so great to know that you are having an amazing trip and getting along with everyone!
GOODE LUCK, JENNA!!!
Recipes for Creativity
July 21, 2009 at 12:14 pmGOOD LUCK!! Can’t wait to hear that you won, but I’ll respect your wishes and support whoever wins, even if it’s not you 🙂
But it should be!
Nicole
July 21, 2009 at 12:14 pmI’m really excited for you, Jenna! Good luck!
Katie
July 21, 2009 at 12:16 pmBest of luck, Jenna!
aron
July 21, 2009 at 12:16 pmThey had a story on our news this morning about this and how they are announcing the winner today!! good luck girl!
Gina
July 21, 2009 at 12:16 pmGood Luck!!!
Sarah
July 21, 2009 at 12:17 pmHave a great last day in wine country! I can’t wait to hear the news! Goode luck!
Menden (SkinnyMenny)
July 21, 2009 at 12:20 pmGoode luck Goode luck Goode luck Jenna!! 🙂
Rachel
July 21, 2009 at 12:22 pmWishing you all the best!
I know you’re enjoying your time in heaven on earth anyways!
claudia
July 21, 2009 at 12:23 pmOh good luck good luck!!! I’ll be praying for you!
spicygranola
July 21, 2009 at 12:24 pmAhh! so exciting!!! Congrats on getting to this prestigious step and goodE luck today!
Jen
July 21, 2009 at 12:25 pmGOODE LUCK JENNA!!! I wish you the best, no matter what!! 🙂
That Box Cars wine reminds me of Canadian ice wine – it’s super sweet and I can only drink it if I have a very mature cheese alongside for the contrast.
Danielle J.
July 21, 2009 at 12:27 pmIt looks like you are having a wonderful time and have had such an amazing experience while you’ve been there! You have such a positive attitude and I’m so proud of you!
Enjoy your last day and GOODE LUCK!
Laura
July 21, 2009 at 12:28 pmI would love to have some of that mushroom risotto for lunch!
Best of luck and I’m so glad that you’ve stayed grounded throughout all of this… having a game plan seems like a great way to manage the emotions that come along with this opportunity. I’m crossing my fingers that it’s you! 🙂
Stephanie
July 21, 2009 at 12:29 pmI have butterflies in my stomach on your behalf. Goode luck!!!! I will be watching Twitter for good news… 🙂
Lauren @ Team Giles
July 21, 2009 at 12:30 pmGoode Luck! Goode Luck! Goode Luck! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear the news
Still Life in South America
July 21, 2009 at 12:30 pmWhat an awesome time. Seriously! I couldn’t be happier for you.
Your mushroom risotto and brie with walnuts–Amazing!!! I like the wine name Box Cars. I plan on trying Murphy-Goode when I visit my family in the U.S. in the Fall.
Sending Goode thoughts your way, chica. 😀
Little Black Dress
July 21, 2009 at 12:31 pmI am praying for you non-stop, girl. You know my incredible confidence in you and I KNOW you are the girl for the job! xoxo!
Ashley
July 21, 2009 at 12:33 pmLooks like you are having a great time out there!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!! Recipes please…especially for the risotto. =)
Good Luck!!!
Meagan
July 21, 2009 at 12:37 pmJenna Good Luck!!!! You’re going to rock this thing!!! Congrats on how far you’ve come, I know you can do it. 🙂
Andee (Runtolive)
July 21, 2009 at 12:38 pmGood luck today! All the dishes you guys made looks amazing!
Chloe
July 21, 2009 at 12:39 pmGOOODE LUCK JENNA!
We’re all hoping you get the job, it would be a great experience for you and for all of us readers. Love your positive attitude too, keep it up!
Loree
July 21, 2009 at 12:40 pmis it just a little pathetic that I’m sitting here in my cube, almost constantly checking for updates on your blog? best of luck to you, but I sense that you will make the best of anything! you’re super kewl!
Julie
July 21, 2009 at 12:41 pmGood luck Jenna, I can’t wait to hear the news!
Erin
July 21, 2009 at 12:42 pmLooks like a fabulous coupla days hon. Best of luck to you.
Amber
July 21, 2009 at 12:43 pmGood Luck Jenna!
Simone
July 21, 2009 at 12:46 pmGOODE LUCK!!
kristin
July 21, 2009 at 12:54 pmGOODE LUCK JENNA!!!!! 🙂
JB
July 21, 2009 at 12:59 pmgood luck!! i hope you get the position! i’m jealous of you’re lounging time at the pool. it’s so beautiful!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
July 21, 2009 at 1:06 pmAh good luck!! Positive thoughts!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama)
July 21, 2009 at 1:10 pmI wish you the best!!
That Wine Country Soda sounds so good!
Quisha
July 21, 2009 at 1:13 pmthe whole trip looks like it’s full of awesomeness. still rooting for ya! bring home the GOLD!! 🙂
Ashley
July 21, 2009 at 1:16 pmooh ijust can’t awit to hear the news! it looks like youve had such an amazing experience. and I LOVEEE that brie, omg i want ot make some NOW.
Ilene
July 21, 2009 at 1:22 pmGoode look, Jenna! I hope you get the job!!
Jessica
July 21, 2009 at 1:23 pm10 minutes to go! Good luck!!! 🙂 And your pool time looks divine!
kailey
July 21, 2009 at 1:24 pmoh wow that hot sandwich sounds so good 🙂
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your vacation!!
Jenna
July 21, 2009 at 1:26 pmi LOVE your outlook on this!!! 🙂 I’m so happy for you! Good luck x 100000000000000000000000000000000000000!!!!
Emily (A Nutritionist Eats)
July 21, 2009 at 1:30 pmLooks like a blast! Good luck!
Meg
July 21, 2009 at 1:32 pmBest of luck, Jenna! You’ve got a whole hell of a lot of people rootin’ for ya 🙂
Kris C
July 21, 2009 at 1:36 pmGOOD LUCK JENNA! We are all rooting for you and keeping our fingers crossed! Here’s hoping you get the job so that we can all come out and visit you in Sunny CA!
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings
July 21, 2009 at 1:37 pmGOODE Luck Jenna!!! Hoping for the best!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
July 21, 2009 at 1:41 pmWow, everything looks so delicious! And what a gorgeous city. You definitely fit in well there! Good luck today! 🙂
Linda
July 21, 2009 at 1:42 pmOh wow, I’ve been following your story and am on Pins and needles for you! Can’t wait to hear the big announcement. Keeping my fingers..and toes..crossed 😀
brandi
July 21, 2009 at 1:42 pmwhat a fantastic trip! Everything is beautiful there.
Goode luck!!!
lauren
July 21, 2009 at 1:44 pmI saw the news on Twitter… I don’t understand how they did it! I’m still soo proud of you, Jenna! You did an awesome job even if you didn’t get the number 1 position… what an AWESOME experience! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you! 🙂
KZ
July 21, 2009 at 1:45 pmGood Luck!!!
Jen
July 21, 2009 at 1:54 pmCan’t wait to see where you go next, Jenna. You deserved the job, regardless 🙂 It just means there’s something even *better* out there!
heatherfeather
July 21, 2009 at 1:55 pmgood luck!!!
Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
July 21, 2009 at 1:56 pmGood luck! Enjoy your last day here in Cali!
Meg C.
July 21, 2009 at 1:56 pmOHHH i hope you get it!!! good luck!
but even if you don’t, at least you got to have a really fun weekend and what a great opportunity to meet new people.
Amy
July 21, 2009 at 1:56 pmSorry you didn’t win.
EatingRD
July 21, 2009 at 1:57 pmOh man, that looks like soo much fun! I bet you met a lot of awesome people, goode luck with everything 🙂
Krissy - Single Serving
July 21, 2009 at 1:58 pmSounds like an amazing time no matter how it turns out. Best of luck to you!!
Sarah
July 21, 2009 at 2:09 pmOh my gosh, the anticipation is killing me! Good luck, I really hope you get it but I love your positive attitude 🙂
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
July 21, 2009 at 2:31 pmFingers crossed, girl!!! Thinking about you all day 😉
Melissa
July 21, 2009 at 3:07 pmGoode Luck Jenna! I am so excited for you!!!
Nekeisha
July 21, 2009 at 3:14 pmSomeone named Hardy won. Congrats to him but that sucks!!!!!
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn
July 21, 2009 at 3:16 pmI just read that and got the chills!!!
Can’t wait to read more! It looks like a big sleepover party 🙂
Susan Eitelman
July 21, 2009 at 3:18 pmAww Jenna – just checked the twitter feed. So sorry you didn’t get it but, yes, something even greater must be just around the corner! Congrats to Murphy-Goode for a great group (clearly, a Jenna-approved group) and yay for you for such an awesome trip!!! 🙂 Keep Smiling!! 🙂
Melissa
July 21, 2009 at 3:22 pmGood luck, Jenna!!! Definitely sending positive vibes your way!!!! 🙂
Laura
July 21, 2009 at 3:27 pmI am so sorry you didn’t get the job, but I am so glad you had an awesome experience! Hopefully this will open the doors to many new things! Thanks for introducing me to a new wine that I will be sure to try when I’m not pregnant!
Leila
July 21, 2009 at 3:30 pmJenna! I just visited the MG website and saw the press release. I want to say that I’m happy that it was an awesome experience and that it’s amazing you made it to the top 10! Congratulations is definitely in order for that! what a great life experience.
sana
July 21, 2009 at 3:31 pmI am sorry you did not get the job, I have enjoyed reading about the fab time you had!!! Good luck with your future :)!
Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)
July 21, 2009 at 3:31 pmLots and lots of luck, I’m crossing my fingers for you!! And that mushroom risotto looks DIVINE- I think risotto is one of my favorite foods in the world! I can only eat so much of it since it’s heavy, but I love rich, dense foods!
I also think you have a great attitude towards the job selection. Whatever happens, I’m sure things will work out for the best in the long term! I’m doing a summer internship right now and the offers come out on my 21st birthday..(!).. so they can really break or make my day. On the other hand, I’ve been telling myself that if I don’t get the job, then it’s just a blessing in disguises and it was not meant for me in the first place.
Tess
July 21, 2009 at 3:39 pmGOODE LUCK!!!!
Kathleen
July 21, 2009 at 4:00 pmI’m guessing you’re one of the others who was offered a different position at Murphy Goode — let us know! You should be so honored and proud to have been in the Top 10.
Amanda
July 21, 2009 at 4:04 pmJenna,
I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get the job – but I am absolutely impressed with your ability to make it to the Top 10 and totally envious of your time there these past few days!! I am sure that you will still make the most of the next 6 months, even if you are back in Florida writing and training for your race! You are such an inspiration to all of your readers!!
Safe travels home 🙂
Amanda
Holly
July 21, 2009 at 4:16 pmHi Jenna, sorry to hear you didn’t get the job 🙁 But I would bet that you are one of the people that received an alternate offer and that is why you haven’t posted about it yet 🙂 Let’s hope so, but if not, you did fantastic, so exciting that you even got this far! Congrats!!
Michelle Hisae
July 21, 2009 at 4:22 pmGood luck! That town looks like it would be such a dream to live in!
Amy L
July 21, 2009 at 4:31 pmI want that Crescent roll dessert recipe. It looks yummy & I love recipes with only a few ingredients.
Cora
July 21, 2009 at 4:54 pmCongratulations on the whole experience and sharing it all with us! All of your devoted readers are so proud of you !
I really believe that there is a reason fatewise why you did not get this certain job….you are obviously meant for other exciting and inspiring adventures over the next year.There is another fabulous life path you are meant to follow…and we will all be cheering you on !!!!
I know Ryan would support you no matter where you go,which is beautiful in itself.
Cheers everyone!Let’s all toast our dear Jenna with a tast glass of wine..she has sparked my interest in wine again !
TO JENNA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle
July 21, 2009 at 5:10 pmI just SO HOPE you get the position Jenna! Your energy is amazing and contagious and you have such a zest for life! My fingers (and toes and legs!) are crossed!
jessinnyc
July 21, 2009 at 5:38 pmGoode LUCK!! What an amazing weekend you’ve had!
Gina G
July 21, 2009 at 5:40 pmgoode luck Jenna! im praying for you!
Kelly
July 21, 2009 at 5:47 pmI don’t know if you got the job?! Maybe you already know! But I hope you did! You totally deserve it girl!
K
July 21, 2009 at 5:59 pmI hope it went well!!!!!
Christina MINDFUL LIVING
July 21, 2009 at 6:05 pmjenna– you are killing me here— update your blog!! i want to hear the results– my sister and I have been checking the whole day! haha we are proud of you no matter what 😉
AmyJoGo
July 21, 2009 at 6:13 pmGot the update on the MG website. I KNOW there are great things in store for you – you have the personality and intelligence to go far in every field of interest.
I look forward to reading all about your adventures!
eatlivetravelwrite
July 21, 2009 at 6:18 pmHey Jenna,
I have followed your journey with great interest and anticipation and was up early here in Sydney Australia to check the MG website. Could it be you might be one of the finalists that might have received a job offer?? In any case, well done – you have done yourself, your family and your readers proud.
emily
July 21, 2009 at 6:26 pmI’m sure you did great, I can’t wait to hear what happened!
Becky
July 21, 2009 at 6:30 pmCongrats on the journey, Jenna! I was hoping and praying for you to win! I know you had a great time with the whole process, and you have a great attitude. Congrats to Harvey for landing it!
Laura
July 21, 2009 at 6:34 pmAww…I’m so bummed you didn’t win! Reading your blog is one of my favorite things to do each day. Congrats to Hardy Wallace (he’s a fellow Atlantan and was my 2nd choice), but I was soooo voting for you! Oh well, you’ve done so well being in the top ten, and your photos from wine country are absolutely gorgeous. Glad you’re having such a great time!
Adi (oatonomy.com)
July 21, 2009 at 6:35 pmToo bad you didn’t get it Jenna… but you’re right, there is something even BIGGER waiting for you… I can’t wait to see what it is!
Allison
July 21, 2009 at 6:36 pmGood luck! I’m thinking and praying for you!
Jen
July 21, 2009 at 7:02 pmJenna, I really feel for you — I feel happy & sad all at once. Happy because I just… feel that your brother is happy for you and is guiding you through your experiences. I have a brother too, and they are soooo meddlesome, but they always mean well 😉 Sad because I know how you feel — I was up for this AMAZING job, and I felt like I totally aced the interview, and then BAM they chose someone else. I thought, ‘Oh, so I’m not worth anything to these people…” and then my partner and I ended up starting up a successful business because of that loss. Things actually do happen for a reason.
We have all watched you grow and change through your absolutely heartbreaking and life-changing loss, and you’ve just… inspired everyone. Not because we all see you as ‘Amazon woman’ or anything, but because you’ve shown that you can be human and you can grieve and you can change. It’s inspiring because you’ve been *real*.
Murphy Goode lost out on the best person for the job. But I just think you’re going to go on to something better. From reading about your brother, I don’t think he’d have it any other way. *hugs* to you, Jenna! xo
Jessica
July 21, 2009 at 9:44 pmYour lunch looks scrumptious! Keep livin it up in paradise-hopefully it will be permanent!
-muffy
jperonto
July 21, 2009 at 11:13 pmCan’t wait to get the recipe for the dessert!
valerie
July 22, 2009 at 12:02 ambeautiful photos!