Hey guys!
Today has been a really good day, which started in a very special way! Courtney, of The Hungry Yogini, came over to give me a personal 60 minute yoga practice! Courtney babe, you were BORN to be a yoga teacher! She even brought her own sweet tunes and for a whole hour, we just flowed.
We talked about how I’m just now starting to get comfortable again in my practice and how yoga and the mental self are very much intertwined. When my brother died in April I physically could NOT practice for the first time in my life. Instead, I threw myself into high intensity exercises like spinning, where I could go and just drown out all my grief. If I didn’t have to think about it it wasn’t really real, and in spinning I could just drown everything out. Yoga is a bit different. In yoga we constantly open our hearts, which makes us incredibly vulnerable in more ways than one. After losing someone that I was so close to I was downright SCARED to open my heart to anything again! My body took a “fight or flight” mentality and I closed myself off, physically and mentally. It took me a solid three months to get back on my feet and open again to my mat, which has always been of constant comfort in the past.
This week I have learned that its OKAY to be scared, to be anxious, to be afraid…..you just have to let it all out on your mat. Bad things happen to good people but no matter what, we can’t close off our hearts because then, my friends, we aren’t truly living. And life is not a dress rehearsal. Did you know that the left side of a woman’s body is often much more tight than the right? This is because the left side is where we receive life. If we are closed off, we are tight in that area. I was so tight I could hardly rest in pigeon pose—it was a huge wake-up call. So thank you, Courtney, for sharing your “yoga wisdom” with me today and bringing back to my mat where I belong.
After our power yoga/life session I was starving! I made a killer sammie for lunch—
WOWZA was this good!!!! I had defrosted an organic freerange chicken breast that I had gotten from Whole Foods a few weeks ago and I heated it up with Wisconsin cheddar and sandwiched it on soft whole wheat Arnold bread with pickles, red onion, spinach and organic honey mustard. Freakin’ phenomenal.
Then I started to pack!!! I was admiring Kath’s neat, organizational way that she packs and clearly mine follows the same suit……
lindsey
July 16, 2009 at 7:41 pmit’s amazing that you say that about the left side of teh body being tighter than the right for women– I have been trying to work out the biggest set of knots in my back for a good week! what a nice reminder to take it easy from time to time 🙂
FitFoodie
July 16, 2009 at 7:46 pmYou are gonna have such an amazing trip!
The sandwich looks amazing!! I want some cheddar now 🙂
katie s
July 16, 2009 at 7:51 pmThat is really fascinating what you say about the left side of your body because for the longest time, I have noticed this about myself!! Something I must work on!! I really enjoyed this post, and it is just so true. Thanks for sharing, Jenna!
And poor Mikey!! I hope he gets better!!!!
Tracy
July 16, 2009 at 7:53 pmYour mom looks like such a good cook!
Jenni
July 16, 2009 at 7:55 pmOh my gosh! Mikey has gotten so big! Sending happy kitty thoughts his way so he’ll get better soon! ^..^
Michelle
July 16, 2009 at 7:57 pmIt’s so interesting that you wrote this post. I was in the shower…and thinking to myself ‘Michelle why are you struggling to get going on the exercise front?’ I have placed this goal (I think partically due to everyone in the blog world running) to run this race and that race. I HATE RUNNING. I know…I know. ‘If you go out and run then you’ll start to love it. I may. However, one thing that I love is Yoga. I am glad that you wrote this, because it’s something that brings me joy everytime that I do it..honestly. So, I am going to start doing more yoga and if I feel like going for a run..then I will. I am a type ‘A’ like you and sometimes it’s nice to do something physically that is demanding, but it’s full throttle intense like cardio. It’s intense in a different way. Thanks for writing this…honestly.
Jess
July 16, 2009 at 7:58 pmThat salmon looks SO good! 🙂
Brie
July 16, 2009 at 7:59 pmI love your blog, but please, please don’t support declawing of cats. Not only is it inhumane, but it can lead to behavioral problems like biting and going outside the litter box that brings many kitties into shelters. Declawing is illegal pretty much everywhere in the world except the US, and is even illegal in some US cities. 🙁
jenna
July 16, 2009 at 8:10 pmBrie,
Mikey’s my parent’s cat so I didn’t have any say in the matter. My mom and dad made the decision. Just for their sake though, I REALLY don’t want to get into the animal cruelty discussion. Sorry!
Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
July 16, 2009 at 8:04 pmLovely post Jenna – I’m glad you’re able to be back to yoga now.
And goode luck with your trip!
Lindsay Y.
July 16, 2009 at 8:06 pmI have to chime in and agree with Brie, I’m afraid. Of course, I’m not sure if it was your decision, or even if you had any say in choosing to declaw Mikey, but I don’t think enough people know how cruel it really is.
That said, I’m still a huge fan of your blog! 🙂
Maria
July 16, 2009 at 8:06 pmI’m so glad that you were able to open your heart and allowed yourself to be afraid. I believe in always being true to yourself, and it is amazing that you did this, Jenna, with the tragedy that occurred in your life.
That sandwich looks and sounds amazing. I love red onions and pickles in my sammies 🙂 Great combo!
The salmon sounds divine too! I <3 salmon too and love the addition of olives and tomatoes 😀
Poor Mikey!!! I hope he feels better!
Elizabeth
July 16, 2009 at 8:18 pmI have a question about the banana soft serve you made the other night. I have tried to replicate it to no avail. It seems like perhaps my banana is frozen too solid? My food processor just spins and spins, and finally it smells like the motor is going to die so I end up turning it off and giving up. ANy thoughts?
jenna
July 16, 2009 at 8:20 pmElizabeth,
Well, I don’t have a food processor but I know with my VitaMix I have to keep pushing it down with the paddle thing so it doesn’t just spin. You might want to pulse repeatedly rather than just blending at full speed.
Lauren
July 16, 2009 at 8:20 pmOh my gosh, you are so right, Yoga is so spiritual and totaly personal. It’s goes far beyond just a type of “exercise.” It’s a total mind/body/soul experience. Glad to see your revisiting this again.
WOw, your mom’s salmon looks incredible! What was all in the sauce? It looks so thick, creamy and delicious.
Take care sweet girl. 🙂
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now
July 16, 2009 at 8:24 pmThat just breaks my heart that Mikey got declawed. It’s painful enough without an infection, but then with an infection on top of it, it just is so sad. Hopefully people who see that pitiful picture will be encouraged NOT to declaw their cats.
gina (fitnessista)
July 16, 2009 at 8:29 pmanother beautiful mama weber creation! i love salmon 😀
and hooray for some awesome green juice– my fave
i pack the SAME way.. make a pile and throw it in 😉
have a great night <3
Sarah
July 16, 2009 at 8:41 pmAww, poor kitty! Glad you enjoyed your yoga practice today. I have had the priveledge of going to 2 classes this week and I can already tell a difference in my mood, energy and the way I feel about myself (self image). I really need to keep it up this time!
leslie
July 16, 2009 at 8:48 pmjenna, your thoughts on yoga nearly brought tears to my eyes. thank you for writing that. i can relate in so so so many ways – using high intensity cardio to just drown out emotions, being afraid to focus and let things be on the mat. you are right – fear is a good thing. facing our fears makes us stronger. you’re such an inspiration, and i really appreciate how you allow yourself to be vulnerable to us.
and i do wish that chocolate was coming through my computer monitor. 🙂
Janine
July 16, 2009 at 9:12 pmRecently bookmarked your blog and have enjoyed it so far. Very sad to see your parent’s cat got an infection from the declawing. I completely agree with Brie, and being an animal lover it pains me to see that picture. I also agree it should be used in a positive way to show others the cruelty of declawing.
caitlin
July 16, 2009 at 9:13 pmyou are an amazing writer!
i love you. 🙂 good luck!
Michelle Hisae
July 16, 2009 at 9:16 pmI love hearing your yoga journey stories. 🙂 Have a great night!
Angharad
July 16, 2009 at 9:22 pmAmazing thoughts on yoga. I have the tightest body of all time and avoid yoga because I can’t do it! I don’t enjoy it! This has got me re-thinking things…thanks!
Graze With Me
July 16, 2009 at 9:31 pmThat picture of poor Mikey made me cry. I can’t stand to see any animal in that kind of unnecessary pain. The neutering I undersand – both my kitties are spayed – but I’m sorry, de-clawing is just about the worst thing to do to a cat. I can’t even look at it….I hope he gets better quickly.
Island Girl Eats
July 16, 2009 at 9:38 pmGlad to hear that you are back to your yoga mat. It sounds like you had a really good work out.
Your Mother looks like such an amazing cook! Why did you ever leave home?!!!!!!!!!!!!
mh
July 16, 2009 at 9:40 pmseriously guys, give Jenna and her fam a break! this is a food blog, not a question of animal treatment! I have a very good feeling the kitty is spoiled rotten and so loved!
CJ
July 16, 2009 at 9:49 pmRe: declawing of cats….yep, it’s inhumane, completely unnecessary, and just downright awful. But to the family’s defense, they did just suffer a tragedy and were trying to do a good thing by taking in the cat. I was SO disappointed when I read that Mikey was declawed, but I still support the family during this difficult time….it might upset them to know that we’re all making these comments about animal cruelty, BUT it’s still a good thing no matter what to know what you’re doing to the animals you agree to care for and make decisions for the animal’s welfare and not your own. For anyone who is wondering about scratching, there are tons of scratching pads and posts which totally work. There is no need whatsoever to remove claws. I hope now that more people realize that.
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
July 16, 2009 at 9:51 pmSounds like a wonderful Yoga Session!!! So lucky to have Courtney as a teacher. 🙂
LOVING the looks of that delicious sandwich. Even the bread look so good!
Tina
July 16, 2009 at 10:04 pmI did some yoga awhile back…. but then I fell back into running!! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to start!!! You’ve inspired me!!! I love salmon!! Had it for dinner tonight to… but yours was much prettier!! 🙂
Katie F
July 16, 2009 at 10:08 pmI have GOT to try one of these Lindt Fleur de Sel bars ASAP… your “through the computer screen” pic is killing me! =)
Meg C.
July 16, 2009 at 10:16 pmgood luck on your run tomorrow! no pain!
love the pic of your messy packing.. i’m the same way! who cares.. you’re leaving, so leave the mess behind!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
July 16, 2009 at 10:25 pmJenna, it was such a wonderful experience to teach you today. I’m so glad we got to share that hour, and that you got so much out of it. You have ignited my passion, and I now know more than ever that teaching yoga is such a special gift and something I truly want to do. Thank you so much for all of the inspiration you have given to me, whether you realized it or not!
WIll be thinking about you ALLLLLLLL weekend! =)
Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
July 16, 2009 at 10:29 pmYour salmon looks sooo good. I don’t experiment enough with fish. I tend to stick to my same old recipes. The kitty is so cute!!! I love his little turned up nose.
Jessica
July 16, 2009 at 10:30 pmYUM@sandwich!!!!
Get well soon Mikey! Aw, poor kitty!
I hope you are having a nice relaxing night 🙂
-muffy
Rebecca
July 16, 2009 at 10:37 pmMy room is ALWAYS a mess whenever I pack! Your eats today look yummy.
Loree
July 16, 2009 at 10:42 pmJenna, you’re very inspiring and have a great FOOD BLOG! I have never been a wine drinker, why? Coz I know nothing about it and I’m intimidated! Thanks so much for the primers this week and without even knowing the other applicants I think it’s a no-brainer they should choose you. I’m going to pick up some wine this weekend, and what other brand would I be looking for but the (Murphy) Goode stuff?!? Best of luck and just take the good vibes with you!
runjen
July 16, 2009 at 11:00 pmGirl your abs are looking amazing!!!
Julie
July 16, 2009 at 11:10 pmI understand this is a food blog, but you posted the photo of a cat with a mutilated paw from an unnecessary and inhumane surgery. You cannot expect people to not comment on blatant cruelty when it is posted for everyone to see. Attacking your family is certainly unnecessary but reprimanding your readers for calling attention to an antiquated and barbarous surgery is equally unnecessary.
JB
July 16, 2009 at 11:32 pmi’m really feelin’ for mikey right now! all of your eats look wonderful, and i hope you have a safe flight tomorrow! 🙂
by the way, your body is incredible. and i had no idea that the left side of a woman’s body is known to be tighter. i’ve always known that MY left side is tighter, but i didn’t know that this is a common thing! i notice it the most when i do my hip stretch. anyway, thanks for that little tidbit! good to know.
Cora
July 16, 2009 at 11:39 pmSorry if some of the comments may stress your family-that is very unfortunate and they are obviously lovely people like you.
I think people get very fierce about animals and sometimes they could say it in a more polite and respectful way if they feel they must say it.
I hope your parents know we think highly of you anf of them and the whole family.We don’t know any of you but we wish you peace and harmony and joy.
I find the declawing terribly sad but I don’t judge people.It is just a sad picture of a very sweet kitty .
But it is not my business and I would not want to berate any one for my opinions.
I have great respect and admiratioon for your parents who raised two terrific kids!
Danielle J.
July 16, 2009 at 11:54 pmThat is so neat to know about the left side of the body! I often get tense and sore on my left side so it’s really something that I’m going to be more aware of. Thank you for sharing that!
I love how you drank your juice out of a wine glass!
amanda
July 16, 2009 at 11:56 pmPoor little kitty! Hope he feels better soon
MarathonVal
July 17, 2009 at 12:15 amI think it sounds so fun when all of the FL bloggers get together – especially for yoga, what a good time 🙂
Chelsea
July 17, 2009 at 12:27 amHmm….do you think that the left side of your (and most women’s) bodies are tighter because the majority of people are right handed (and, following, favor their right side)? I love yoga, but as a Christian I get uncomfortable with the “new agey,” life energies, look within aspect of yoga…you know? Anyways, I think your insights about yoga and your practice are super interesting….also I have a really good feeling about this wine job 🙂 It will be so fun to read all about it! Good luck!
Jenna (reader)
July 17, 2009 at 12:49 amI need to start up some yoga. I think it would really help me to stay centered while dealing with a hectic schedule. You look great! I’m sure Dexter loved the fashion show! My problem is that I have a little girl who helps me get packed. So, she wants to try everything on TOO!
Jen
July 17, 2009 at 12:49 amDeclawing a cat is no more inhumane than circumsizing a baby boy. Nobody wants to cause anyone else pain, but if it means Mikey can live in peace in your parent’s home, then so be it. We adopted two sweet furboys last September and opted to declaw them because…well, because we are the humans and that’s our decision. They were knocked out (which, btw, they don’t even do when they cut baby boys), were stoned for a few days, and were chasing each other around the apartment before we knew it. Since they still snuggle with us and wake us with kitty kisses every morning, I’m pretty sure they got over it. The world isn’t perfect but it sure is a whole lot better when kitties and their owners can live in harmony. Mikey is going to bring so much happiness and comfort to your parent’s (and your) lives…enjoy every minute of his furry loveyness (because there’s nothing a few cat treats can’t cure).
Colette
July 17, 2009 at 1:07 amI thought I was the only one that liked the skin on the kiwi! Glad I’m not alone. 🙂 And your mom’s salmon looked amzing. Can’t wait to hear about your interview this weekend. Are you able to blog while you’re there? Or do we have to wait until you get back? Goode Luck!!!
jenna
July 17, 2009 at 7:48 amColette,
I’m going to blog as much as I can! Probably one post a day to recap everything! eek!
Susan
July 17, 2009 at 2:08 ami really enjoy your blog and visit it daily for the inspiration and fun journey. thanks! i rarely comment, if ever, but i have to agree about how traumatic declawing is and the infection should be portrayed in a negative light. i read that declawing a cat is the equivalent of a human having his/her fingers amputated at the knuckle. and that obviously, cats cannot speak up and often after declawing, they are in so much pain. i hope at least mikey is getting some painkillers and that he recovers from that infection quickly!
Christie @ Quit Your Diet
July 17, 2009 at 6:05 amI am glad you had such a wonderful practice with Courtney today. I have been practicing for about two years now and never heard about the left side of the body! Thanks for sharing that because now, the pain in my left hip makes so much more sense. I knew that we store pent up emotions in our hips and I have even had crazy emotional meltdowns after holding pigeon for extended periods of time but I never understood why the right side does not give me the problems that the left does.
Eve
July 17, 2009 at 6:56 amI’m glad to hear how well yoga is working for you now. Your eats look fabulous, the salmon in particular! I am also a little messy when packing for trips, it’s hard to figure out what you need exactly!
Susan
July 17, 2009 at 7:18 amI saw the fleur de sel Lindt bar at the grocery store yesterday and thought of you. I was “thisclose” to picking it up… but I’ve already got two Lindt bars on the go I’ve got to get through first! 😛
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
July 17, 2009 at 7:50 amThe sandwich looks delicious…yum! 🙂
Poor little kitty… 🙁 Hope you can get his paw all fixed and better soon!
Cait (Cait's Plate)
July 17, 2009 at 7:51 amOh my gosh I’m having TOTAL sandwich envy right now! That. Looked. SO GOOD!
David Yingling
July 17, 2009 at 8:18 amI love the motivation, that is great. Hopefully people will learn from you!
ashley @ mom of 3 gets healthy
July 17, 2009 at 8:28 amwhen are they going to invent smell-a-vision? that chocolate looked so yummy. i totally wanted to sniff my screen. have fun on your trip!
MOM
July 17, 2009 at 8:32 amFor all who are concerned about Mikey, please be assurred he has had the BEST of care, and is doing fine. I too am an animal LOVER and would protect my animals till I die. It was something that was necessary for us to do if we were going to be able to keep Mikey, and I would NEVER let Mikey live without us. It caused me great pain to realize that I had to make this decision, as we have had other cats (one living till he was 17) and never de-clawed. Tp put a smile on your faces, I was greeted by Mikey jumping on the bed and licking me on the mouth this morning(!) and he is presently chasing Mikan around the house trying to get his cat toy that is hanging off Mikan’s tooth! Quite the picture!
Lauren
July 17, 2009 at 8:43 amHi Jenna, what an interesting post about yoga. I had never heard that the left side of a woman’s body is often tighter than the right…but this is SUCH an interesting concept to me, being that, for the past three years, I’ve been plagued by running-related issues and tightness in my left leg/hip, but never in my right. While I know there are discrete physical reasons for these issues, I can’t help but wonder if there is a mental component, too. I do love yoga because it makes me feel so much more open; I’m a very outgoing and friendly person, but I tend to keep my deepest feelings to myself, only sharing them with a small handful of my closest friends and loved ones. This is why writing has always been good catharsis for me too.
Thanks for your very thought-provoking post. All the best with your trip/interview preparations today–you will be wonderful!
Julia
July 17, 2009 at 8:44 amJenna & Mom,
You are two wonderful people! I’m so glad you were able to take Mikey in and give him a wonderful home, nothing is better than gettinig woken up by a happy kitty in the morning!
Jenna,
I can’t wait to hear about your trip! You are such an insightful person and so knowledgeable about food and wine, I can’t imagine there being a better choice for the position!
Caitlin
July 17, 2009 at 8:45 amThank you, Jenna’s mom, for your response to all the soap-boxers! All the comments about declawing just made me groan.
And thank YOU, Jenna, for posting the picture of Mikey…yes, even with his hurt paw. What a beautiful cat! Seriously, he has one of the prettiest little kitty faces I have ever seen.
My mom and I just had to put down our family cat (that we’ve had for 13 years) this past weekend. It was brutal, but seeing Mikey’s face on your blog this morning was nice 🙂
Lauren
July 17, 2009 at 8:53 amAlso, I know this topic has already been discussed, but I have had three cats during my life, and all have been de-clawed. My mom’s best friend, who gave us our cats, is a well-respected vet and one of the kindest, gentlest, most humane people I’ve ever known. While she readily acknowledges that de-clawing is not the most comfortable procedure, she supports it, and is upset about the rampant misinformation about the procedure. People are often made to feel very bad and cruel if they are in a position where they need to have their cats de-clawed. That’s just not fair.
Ashley
July 17, 2009 at 9:00 amhaha jenna i am the same way with packing… sometimes i can’t even see my floor! I hope you have an amazing trip and I can’t wait to hear all about it! this was destiny for you 🙂
Laura
July 17, 2009 at 9:10 amSo great that Courtney came over and taught you! I have always done group yoga and wondered what a personal lesson would like. Best of luck tomorrow & the rest of this weekend… all you can do is enjoy it + be yourself! 🙂
Sarah (now in FL)
July 17, 2009 at 9:27 amUnusual that Mikey is the one getting the hate mail. Isn’t it usually Dexter?
Anyway, these people really need to get a life. You didn’t share the photo to get rude comments and don’t need them. You were trying to be sweet and share details of your life. Next thing you know, people will be commenting that you shouldn’t be applying for the Murphy-Goode job because planting vineyards modifies the natural habitats of mosquitoes or something. And you know what I think of yoga–the devil’s work, really, and your chicken sandwich should be faux chicken because killing a chicken to make your sandwich means you hate all animals.
The level of online hatin’ is ridic. I love you and your mom. Can’t wait for our Grassroots date when you are back in Tampa!
Alina
July 17, 2009 at 9:37 amThat picture of Mikey made me so sad … I have kitties and have never declawed. I couldn’t bear to cause them that kind of pain when they could simply be trained not to scratch anything they weren’t supposed to. However, it is clear that this cat is loved. I hope he is going to be purely an indoor cat though. Please post a picture when his paw is better – I hope soon!
Good luck with your interview!
Lara
July 17, 2009 at 10:02 amYou have some seriously nice abs!! love the thoughts on yoga. I have never practiced but want to, yet feel so initimidated to start. Not sure why…
Love your eats, such a great balanced diet. Something I see lacking on many of the food blogs.
Still can not find the Lindt salt bars in my area and dying to try them!
Mary
July 17, 2009 at 10:21 amI love yoga !
Cora
July 17, 2009 at 10:54 amThanks “Mom” for your well written comment.
I think you sound like an amazing woman…..and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree 🙂
Your daughter is a mature and sensitive woman for her young age. You two make quite a duo!!!
Tami
July 17, 2009 at 11:05 amSomeone else found that chocolate bar??? I can’t find it anywhere! Jenna where do you get them. I’m sad to say that it doesn’t come through my computer and I need to find it elsewhere.
Priscilla
July 17, 2009 at 11:05 amI’ve never commented before, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. Wishing you all the best this weekend. Sorry about all the negative responses on this thread. Ridiculous and unnecessary.
Have a fabulous time. Sending good thoughts and positive energy your way. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Heather
July 17, 2009 at 12:27 pmI can’t find that chocolate bar either! I’m curious where others have found it. I guess I’ll “have” to take a trip to the Lindt store soooon! 🙂 Wishing you the BEST for this weekend!
Nadine
July 17, 2009 at 1:14 pmI am obsessed with finding the chocolate bar!! I had a dark chocolate fleur du sel bar at a wine tasting in Napa, and I loved it. I sort of forgot about it since that vacation. Now I am hot on the trail. I can’t find the Lindt version, but……just now I found something similar at the Fresh Market. It’s a Vosges Haut Chocolat Goji Bar with Tibetan Goji berries, Pink Himalayan Salt and Deep Milk Chocolate. 45% cacao. It is FANTASTIC. (It should be for $6.99 for one bar!)
Donna
July 17, 2009 at 2:06 pmJENNA! you have such amazing abs! anyways dindin looked yuumm. good luck on everyhing this weekend. dont forget to just be yourself– believe in yourself. you have come so far, and frankly i dont see anything in your way. amen!
steph
July 17, 2009 at 2:09 pmHi jenna, besides yoga, do you do anything specific to focus on your abs? I run a lot, and do some crunches and things, but never seem to be able to tone them up!
jenna
July 17, 2009 at 2:20 pmSteph,
Thanks! No, I really just do yoga…Maybe crunches once a week if I remember. I think a lot of good abs come from good diet and when you combine that with core strengthening workouts, you are golden!
Amber
July 17, 2009 at 3:20 pmWhat a great perspective on your yoga practice!
Red Wine
July 18, 2009 at 1:16 amOh my gosh! Mikey has gotten so big! Sending happy kitty thoughts his way so he’ll get better soon!