Happy Friday!
Woke up early to write this morning…it looks like its about to storm and I’m hoping I can get a rental car today or else I’m going to go completely stir crazy in this tiny house! Breakfast was more TJ’s cereal (I’m out of oats…the horror!)
I was going to go for a bike ride but not sure about this weather….think I might play it by ear, get as much work done as I can and then hopefully be able to get a rental so I can go to yoga tonight. The good thing about not having a car is that it literally FORCES me to stay put and write, write, write. The bad thing is that it makes me want to poke my eyeballs out.
I’ve probably gotten fifty emails/comments regarding my future plans so I’m just going to lay it all down for y’all the best way I know how. Keep in mind that nothing is totally set in stone…except for the fact that I have a plane ticket to Europe.
I will be leaving California.
I love it out here and have had the absolute time of my LIFE but I’ve come to find that I just belong in the South. I do. I miss home like crazy, miss my parents, miss my friends and the overall Southern way of life. I still think California is amazing and I wouldn’t take back one single second of my time here but when it comes down to it, I’m a Southern girl and need me some fried chicken and biscuits. Plus, its just too darn expensive here.
So, that being said, I’ll be pointing the steering wheel East and making my first cross country road trip around June 1st (after the Gran Fondo, obviously). Where do I plan on coming home to after Europe?
Some things just go full circle….although I wouldn’t have missed the journey for anything. 😉
Jessica @ How Sweet
March 5, 2010 at 8:26 amJust another exciting adventure! 🙂
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
March 5, 2010 at 8:28 amSo many exciting things about to happen to you! California, Europe, and Charleston are great places to explore and live 🙂 How is your foot/ankle feeling now-a-days? 100% healed?
Caitlin in MD
March 5, 2010 at 8:31 amMy brother lives in Charleston. On Folly Beach, actually, like 2 blocks from the beach. I go down to visit as often as I can (a couple times a year). Maybe I’ll run into you 🙂
Jil
March 5, 2010 at 8:31 amLife’s all about the journey!! 🙂
greenbean
March 5, 2010 at 8:32 amyou.are.brave.
Emma Ruth
March 5, 2010 at 8:33 amcharleston!! great place to live:)
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place
March 5, 2010 at 8:34 amgood luck!!! Everywhere I move, I always find I belong back home right where I started.
swimsutra
March 5, 2010 at 8:34 amCharleston! Ah, I’m dying to go back there…also to California and to Paris, but that’s a different story! 🙂 Good luck with the coming travels…sounds exciting. I guess you’re never too far from home with a good head, heart, and faith no matter where you wander. Cheers
Suzanne
March 5, 2010 at 8:35 amYou sound just like me talking about DC! Once a Southern girl, always a Southern girl 😉
Nicole
March 5, 2010 at 8:35 amJenna,
Life is nothing but a great adventure, and you’re a wonderful example of that! It’s good to see how dedicated you are to your blog, your writing, your health, and your social life. God Bless.
Catie
March 5, 2010 at 8:35 amI’m a fellow grad of CofC (2007) and just seeing a picture of campus makes me all misty eyed. Oh how I miss the Spanish Moss and that weather! Good luck on the next leg of your journey Jenna!
Danielle (Coffee Run)
March 5, 2010 at 8:36 amWow, where are you going to move to?? Seriously, your life is like a novel lol
Jaya
March 5, 2010 at 8:36 amJenna, I love that you know where your home/heart are at. I don’t know where we get the idea that we need to journey far and wide to be true adventurers (although it’s always a wonderful thing to do) when we can live incredible lives no matter where we are. I made a move back home to the (sort of) East of Canada after living on the west coast for 4 years and it was a move that made my heart feel full again. I hope that you find everything you need and want, in the meantime, no matter the coordinates of where you hang your hat. I’m sure that many people will be sad to see you leave, but even more will be elated to see you back 🙂 I wish you the very best in everything, everywhere.
Rachel
March 5, 2010 at 8:36 amI envy how much you are doing. I think it is amazing that you are doing so many things you want to do and you just make it happen. It will make for one heck of a good book one day 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
March 5, 2010 at 8:38 amWe’ll miss you here in Cali. I’m really inspired by you for taking the plunge and giving CA a try. Your adventurous spirit is so inspiring to me, a homebody. I can’t wait to read about your adventures in Europe and what life in South again will bring you. Best best wishes.
Erin
March 5, 2010 at 8:38 amJust seeing a picture Charleston makes this southern girl happy. Having grown up in NC and been away for several years I know what you mean about longing to get back. Charleston by way of Paris by way of CA – an amazing year you’ve had 🙂
Kelly
March 5, 2010 at 8:38 amGee I love Charleston! From one Southern girl to another…
Amelia
March 5, 2010 at 8:38 amYay for Charleston!! The good news is that you will be getting here right when the farmers markets are in full swing….as well as tourist season. Do you think Charleston will be permanent for you once you “settle down”?
Sarah
March 5, 2010 at 8:39 amSo much to look forward to for you!
Since I graduated from college 6 years ago, I’ve lived & worked in 6 different cities across 3 different countries. It has been an adventure. I am now a couple years shy of 30 and doing what I consider the scariest thing of all- moving home. 🙂
Best of luck to you.
Carolyn
March 5, 2010 at 8:44 amI actually really surprised that you’re leaving California! It seems like you were having the time of your life. Still, Charleston is amazing! Maybe once you’re back there we can do a blogger meetup sometime when I’m visiting the in-laws.
laura dishes
March 5, 2010 at 8:44 amVery exciting! I think it would be really difficult to live on the “other” coast, away from your family… but it seems like it has been a great & enlightening experience!
I love Charleston… my family has a place on Kiawah, so we have been going there for years. 🙂
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
March 5, 2010 at 8:45 amCan I live on that street? Please? That tree is awesome. What a fun journey to follow!
eatmovelove
March 5, 2010 at 8:46 amHome is where the heart is…and that’s where you should be – where YOU want.
I love that picture of you – seem so happy and without worry…
Hope you get your car…mine has made me inanely lazy…like driving to short distances where I used to walk ;)…oye…hope you get a bike ride in.I came home after work yesterday and literally just didn’t move :0…however, I don’t have a book as a excuse…although I need to get on that one ;)…soon right? better be…hate my job…
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
March 5, 2010 at 8:46 amI feel the same way you do about moving back home. I have cherished my time in New York City, but am aching to get back home to California. Too bad you’re leaving as I’m arriving! I applaud your bold moves and adventurous spirit. Charleston looks like a lovely place!
Kelly
March 5, 2010 at 8:46 amAwesome plan! I think it’s fun to give a new place a try for awhile, but like you said- in the end you want to be near your family and friends and what feels like “home” 🙂
Lauren @ Eater not a runner
March 5, 2010 at 8:48 amCalifornia sounds like an amazing experience! I don’t blame you for being excited about heading home 🙂
Mary
March 5, 2010 at 8:49 amCharleston is my favorite!!
Shannon (The Daily Balance)
March 5, 2010 at 8:49 amcan’t wait to be part of the ride!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
March 5, 2010 at 8:49 amWhat a great journey your life is!! It’s making you the person you are… which is fantastic!
Ann @ Appalachian Appetites
March 5, 2010 at 8:49 amI’m back in the South after a long time in Boston. You’re right, nothing beats it! And we’ll be glad to take you back 😉
Emmanuelle
March 5, 2010 at 8:50 amWow Jenna I wish I could decide where I want to go and be as brave and adventurous as you!
Hey when you’re in Paris this summer maybe you can spend a day in Brussels and have a few waffles 😉
whitney @ whitinspired
March 5, 2010 at 8:51 amThe South is awesome…I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Charleston is beautiful and I’m sure you’re happy to be moving home!
Jen
March 5, 2010 at 8:53 amYou’re awesome! ‘Nuff said!
Seth @ Boy Meets Food
March 5, 2010 at 8:54 amCharleston and Savannah are two of my favorite cities! Glad to hear you are coming back to the good ole South. So, when is the blonde hair coming back? 🙂
Ameena
March 5, 2010 at 8:57 amI had a feeling that the Bay Area weather would be too much of a change for a girl from the South. So glad you are going home…what matters is you are happy! And congrats for traveling across the country and giving it a try. Most people can’t say they’ve ever done something so daring!
Maris
March 5, 2010 at 8:57 amWith the Navy, we moved to San Diego. I loved it, but I missed home so much. I totally understand what you are saying! The East Coast/South is hard to leave.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
March 5, 2010 at 8:58 amthe journey is what makes life fun! i know what you mean when you say you feel like you belong in the South…there are days where all I want is to hear a good Southern twang and eat some amazing Southern food! i’m just so impressed with how open you are to the ride 🙂
Johanna B
March 5, 2010 at 9:03 amI haven’t commented lately but I read you every day. I’m so glad to read today that you are taking care of yourself by going back to the deep south. I grew up in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. I now live in Topeka, KS – culture shock. I understand. Keep up the good work.
suz
March 5, 2010 at 9:03 amCHARLESTON! My favorite! I lived downtown for 7 years but am now just up the road in Columbia because my husband’s law practice is here. I am very happy for you! Charleston is just the most amazing place to live and I think it’s highly underrated!
Lizzie
March 5, 2010 at 9:08 amHey Jenna:
I am grappling with some of the same issues. My heart is always still at home . .. even more so lately . . . and I would be returning with a foreign husband and (maybe) a baby to a place that in some ways feels familiar, but in other ways feels like a new place altogether. My friends have all moved on – some I keep in close touch with, others occasionally, and some either no longer live there or we’ve fallen out of touch. I guess at least I know I wouldn’t be going in with rose coloured glasses! 🙂 There are decisions ahead (eeeek!), but I am grateful to have an understanding husband (willing to pick up his life anew), supportive fam and friends, and opportunities for enw and exciting things.
Which is everything you have too – and you’re an inspiration for living it!! As an aside though, never say never about Paris (or Europe for that matter). My husband came to my country for 6 months and I ended up living in his for the last 9 years. A friend of ours got a job in Switzerland on a 2 year contract – he met an Italian girl and it’s pretty safe to say he’ll be over there indefinitely. You never know . … 🙂
Kristin (ChasRunner)
March 5, 2010 at 9:08 amYou’re one of the few food blogs I can still continue to read + enjoy. I love your spirit of adventure & easy going attitude. Hopefully once you finally get back here to Charleston we can meet for a coffee! Safe travels & best wishes.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs
March 5, 2010 at 9:11 amI can’t wait to read about your new life when it begins- I’m starting to learn that change is good!!
Carrie @ I See Monsters
March 5, 2010 at 9:11 amGood luck on all of your adventures! I completely understand wanting to “come home” to the South. I grew up in Florida but moved to California after college. After 8 long years, my soul was practically begging for the south, so I moved to Nashville and have been ridiculously happy ever since! There’s just nothing like the food, the hospitality and the personality of the South.
Christie @ Honoring Health
March 5, 2010 at 9:14 amGood for you for following your heart! You are amazing and I am glad to “know” you. Good luck with everything!
Katy ( The Balanced Foodie)
March 5, 2010 at 9:18 amCharleston! Love it. 🙂 I’m really excited for you, especially that you’re heading back south! My hubs and I are talking about settling in the Carolinas, probably Charlotte. I’m a southern girl as well! I just read some of your old posts when you were in Charleston last year, and I could tell you absolutely felt at home there. Good luck, praying for you and your last few months in Cali!
P.S. I’ve been car-less for a few weeks and I am going crazy too! At least I am up to 8-mile runs getting me outside for long periods of time. Can’t wait to have a car again!
Quisha
March 5, 2010 at 9:22 amyou can take a girl out of the south… but you can’t take the south out of a girl! i’m from the south and i love the food, the accents, the slowness of it all! good luck on your trip to europe. i’m glad we’re all along for the adventure 😉
Shannon
March 5, 2010 at 9:29 amI know exactly how you feel. I moved to San Francisco from Oregon last June and even though I have loved my time here (the city is amazing!) I am planning on moving back home this summer. Some people probably think I am crazy because San Francisco is much more exciting than Eugene, Oregon, but I feel like a Pacific Northwesterner at heart and I guess I always will be.
Astrid
March 5, 2010 at 9:33 amI feel the same way about New England. I feel that my heart belongs there, but it is fun to make your life other places and see what happens. You truly live a charmed life and are so honest and happy with it. Enjoy every second of it!
Out of oats? That is horrific!!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
March 5, 2010 at 9:34 amJenna, I love that you follow your heart regardless of where it takes you! When I added you on my blogroll a few months ago, one of the things I wrote about you is “She really follows her heart and her dreams – so inspiring.” I’m so glad to see you continuing to do so; that’s what happiness is all about! Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Mindy
March 5, 2010 at 9:41 amOh Jenna, while I’m sad to hear you’re leaving California (I live in socal) I can’t help but feel proud and jealous of you. You were able to up your roots and move to a completely new city (on the other side of the country!), find your own place, and make new friends. I would definitely say you were successful in starting your new life. It’s something I hope to do someday because it takes a lot of courage. I’m sure you will miss CA, but sometimes you just can’t ignore what your heart wants. Family is very important to me too, so I totally understand your desire to be closer to yours. Cali will miss ya!! 😉
Marla
March 5, 2010 at 9:42 amWhat a journey you have made and will make.
So much change sounds exciting,and we are lucky readers to follow your adventures if you’ll let us.Bon Voyage(s!) and may you enjoy all your future return visits to California,which are no doubt to occur! California will now hold a special place in your life story forever and thanks for the journey .Looking forward to the rest-onwards she marches !! 😉
Lindsay Lu
March 5, 2010 at 9:44 amHooray for Charleston!!!!!! 🙂
Shannon
March 5, 2010 at 9:45 amYay for Charleston 🙂 Does this mean we’ll see you at Blue Turtle Yoga?
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
March 5, 2010 at 9:50 amCharleston!!! So exciting Jenna! Nothing is set in stone…that’s the beauty of being young! Now, if I only I could remember that for myself…
🙂
Many great adventures ahead for you, my dear. Enjoy!
Rachel (suburban yogini)
March 5, 2010 at 9:53 amHey nothing is set in stone even when you’re old(er)!!!!!
Everything always comes full circle – after 18 years of travelling around the world and living in exciting cities I ended up right back where I grew up. And I love it.
(although I am getting itchy feet again……) 😉
Meghan@traveleatlove
March 5, 2010 at 9:55 amOh I looove Charleston! Only went for business for a few days but totally fell in love. I want to be someplace green right now!
Maureen
March 5, 2010 at 9:55 amI can’t wait to continue to hear about all of your continued adventures…….in whatever city they may take you.
jenna
March 5, 2010 at 9:56 amyour posts always make me so teary eyed!!! I just feel so stinkin’ proud of you!! I’m living vicariously through you ya know!! keep the adventures coming! 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
March 5, 2010 at 10:03 amExciting!!! Welcome back to the south girl! You can take the girl out the south but you can never take the south out of the girl 😉 I love to travel and visit other places but the south… it has my heart 😀
jen trinque
March 5, 2010 at 10:05 amYay!! I’m so glad you’re going back to Charleston and are landing back in the South! Your journeys are so fun to go along on 🙂
Katie (runthislife)
March 5, 2010 at 10:08 amGood for you! My brother works in the athletic dept of C of C and we love our visits!! Can’t wait to hear all about your European adventures…
Kalli@fitandfortysomething
March 5, 2010 at 10:14 amGlad you figured out what is right for you……You should test it all out to figure out what you love. Good for you!
Allison K
March 5, 2010 at 10:19 amGood for you! Follow your heart. and, I just wanted to say that you are so impressive, most of the world would be terrified to have even moved to California (well…not CA specifically..I mean being so far from their comfort zone).
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
March 5, 2010 at 10:21 amWe love following your journey. Charleston seems like where you really want to be, and has everything that fits your lifestyle too!
Julie
March 5, 2010 at 10:24 amTaking a cross country road trip is my absolute dream.
Danielle
March 5, 2010 at 10:28 amBut what about Dexter? That is the important question. JK, but I hope he has somewhere fun to stay while you are in Europe!
Also, I can’t wait to read about your Charleston adventures…such a beautiful place!
M
March 5, 2010 at 10:33 amAll of your travels sound exciting! I’m a teacher so I always try to travel every summer. 🙂
What about your boyfriend…do you plan to have a long distance relationship or will he be moving too?
~M
jenna
March 5, 2010 at 10:44 amhahahaha my boyfriend Dexter will be hanging out with his grandparents in Savannah while I’m abroad. He’s anxious to reunite with his cousins, Mikan and Mikey! 😉
Annie@stronghealthyfit
March 5, 2010 at 10:40 amGood for you, for going on adventures and knowing what you want 🙂
Evan Thomas
March 5, 2010 at 10:40 amI’m sure if this move was meant to be, it will be “right” for you 🙂
Marla
March 5, 2010 at 10:41 amHow cute to ask about Jenna’s boyfriend Dexter…..he is
cute, dark and handsome….and I hear he has a cush on
Fannetastic food Anne! 😉
Marla
March 5, 2010 at 10:42 amCrush , that is not cush of course!
Whit
March 5, 2010 at 10:55 amahhhhh Charleston! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I hope to move there someday…it’s close enough that I like to think I wouldn’t miss my family TOO terribly!
Winnie Lubega
March 5, 2010 at 11:04 amJenna – I completely understand where you are coming from. I just moved to NY August 2009 and I love it but I am a Cali girl at heart and cannot wait to move back this summer. I feel like we have been living parallel lives. Just remember to always be true to yourself.
christina
March 5, 2010 at 11:16 amyesss charleston!! (i live in mt p and graduated from cofc in 07!) that’s so exciting…come join Eco!!
christina
March 5, 2010 at 11:16 amyesss charleston!! (i live in mt p and graduated from cofc in 07!) that’s so exciting…come join Eco!!
Paige (Running Around Normal)
March 5, 2010 at 11:20 amWhat an awesome time you had! Gotta go it while you’re young and have no strings attached!
It’s gonna be a great year for you 🙂
Angie
March 5, 2010 at 11:21 amJust another adventure 🙂 This could be the only time in your life you have the luxury of being so spontaneous, live it up! You’ll have the rest of your life to settle 🙂
Louise
March 5, 2010 at 11:22 amMy husband and I went to Charleston on our honeymoon. I could happily eat at Fig every night for the rest of my life.
Jenn @ Livewellfit
March 5, 2010 at 11:23 amWay to embrace that the fabulous adventure of life hun! Decide from the heart and you can’t go wrong. 🙂
stephanie
March 5, 2010 at 11:27 amHow exciting… there is just something rooted in the knitting of our souls that longs to be close to our roots, to be understood. Adventures are important life-shapers, but resting with those we love and know is like a needed long drink of restoration after we challenge and stretch ourselves. I too am leaving Cali to get back east of the Mississippi. After 4 years of adventure with my hubs and babe, I can’t WAIT to feast my eyes on what is truly home and haven…my soul is singing! Have fun on that road trip…I’m about to log #5 cross country (this time with a 1year old!!!) and it’s a humbling sight to behold.
katherine
March 5, 2010 at 11:29 amawesome! i went to cofc and love charleston oh-so much! i now live on asheville. i’ve always had delusions of wanting to be a west coast gal cause i loved it so much out there, but i’ve come to conclusion that i am just a southern girl at heart, too. nothing beats the south and when warm weather hits i’ll be in charleston as often as possible. my brother owns a skateboarding store on spring street. if you ever get a chance when you return – check it out!
Casey
March 5, 2010 at 11:41 amTeehee, I had to look at the comments to figure out exactly where that picture was showing. Charleston was my guess, but I’m a northerner so I couldn’t feel sure 😉 You live such an inspiring, adventurous life! That’s for sharing it with the world. 🙂
Julie
March 5, 2010 at 11:41 amI feel the same way about the Bay Area. I lived in San Diego for a while to finish my degree but after two years, I just wanted to go home! I’m a San Franciscan at heart. : )
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 5, 2010 at 11:50 amWhen you’re young and single is the time to experiment. And some places just have a stronger pull on us. Brush up on your southern ‘mew’ Dexter!
Suzanne de Cornelia
March 5, 2010 at 11:50 amWhen you’re young and single is the time to experiment. And some places just have a stronger pull on us. Brush up on your southern ‘mew’ Dexter!
Sarah @ THE FOODIE DIARIES
March 5, 2010 at 11:56 amnot knowing where you’re coming home to sounds fabulously exciting!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
March 5, 2010 at 11:57 amYou know what, I think your plans are incredible. There is nothing wrong with moving around, finding yourself and your best fit place. Being in a place that makes you happy is SO fulfilling, I know it myself! Do what makes YOU happy!!!
xo
K
Rebecca
March 5, 2010 at 11:58 amUgh, I am not a big California fan, and can understand why you are leaving after less than a year. I’ve been to Healdsburg, and despite how cool you make it seem on this blog, I found it very small and, honestly, boring. I would take living in Charleston or Florida any day over living in northern California — it’s expensive there and ridiculously overrated! Good for you for going back to where you truly belong!
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete
March 5, 2010 at 12:06 pmWell, you made a good run of it. You met wonderful people, and now you have those experiences to grow on just like you did with your previous adventures in Europe. I would love to go back home someday after all of my traveling!
Shayla
March 5, 2010 at 12:10 pmCongratulations on your decision Jenna! However I did really want to meet you at your winery – I live in San Mateo and love love wine tasting! Will you still be working there until you leave?
Karen
March 5, 2010 at 12:13 pmGood for you and all that you’ve accomplished, and Europe is going to be so wonderful this summer, but there’s nothing quite like home. My daughter is living in DC, going to school, and while it’s fantastic and she’s having the time of her life, I’m secretly hoping that she’s finds her way home too.
Kristilyn (My 29th Year)
March 5, 2010 at 12:26 pmGood luck with the move! Just remember – home is wherever you are. 🙂
K
PS – Hope you get oats soon!
Lauren
March 5, 2010 at 12:32 pmOooh so exciting — I love Charleston to a ridiculous degree! What a wonderful place to move to! (You obviously know this!)
My dream is to live in Charleston one day. My family has always vacationed in Kiawah Island, so we know Charleston pretty well. It is such a beautiful, historic, eclectic city.
I’m slowly but surely making my way down to the South 😉 I’m not a southerner by nature, but my boyfriend is, and we’re planning to move to Tampa this summer. He’s originally from Sarasota, and is very excited about coming home to warmer weather and blue waters.
Joelle (The Pancake Girl)
March 5, 2010 at 12:45 pmAh, Charleston looks so gorgeous! I want to go!! My only experiences in the south have been New Orleans this last wkend, and Florida.
Emily
March 5, 2010 at 12:46 pmAs a life-long South Carolinian, I could not agree with you more that Charleston rocks! Congratulations on all the big stuff going on in your life. You are quite an inspiration to many people to take that big, sometimes scary step out of your comfort zone. Always follow your heart!
LC @ Let Them Eat Lentils
March 5, 2010 at 12:51 pmSince I moved to Cali (same time as you!) I’ve developed a theory about living here. I think there are two kinds of people – the adventurous ones who step out of their comfort zone, leave their families for a little while, and see how the other coast lives, but then eventually need to go back “home.” And there’s the ones who come here because something is literally pulling them to California. And when we get here, it feels strangely like home. I’ll let you guess which one I am 🙂 It’s a very different place to be sure – kudos to you for uprooting your life and giving new things a try! This experience will shape you forever.
Lauren @ louisianagrown
March 5, 2010 at 12:55 pmSad to see you leaving California, but this has been the opportunity of your life and it’s so awesome that you took it and experienced it while you could. I can’t imagine leaving the south, that’s for sure!
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
March 5, 2010 at 12:58 pmI don’t blame you, it would be hard for me to be that far away from friends and family. Charleston is definitely the place for you 😉
Staceyhttp://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/
March 5, 2010 at 1:00 pmI can’t wait for you to head to Europe, it’s going to be so interesting.
Lauren
March 5, 2010 at 1:15 pmSounds wonderful!
Nikki
March 5, 2010 at 1:21 pmI hear ya, girl! I’m a Texas girl who has been stuck in the north far too long! Aching to go back south too! There’s really no place like home 🙂
Callina
March 5, 2010 at 1:31 pmI’m with you–I had my California adventure, it was fabulous, one of the best things I ever did in my life, but I belong at home, which for me is the Midwest. The culture here is just so different–I really missed the “Southern hospitality” that you get here. And CA is SO expensive. These were all the reasons we moved back, but bewarned: now that I’m home, I miss California every single day. It is just SO. DARN. BEAUTIFUL.
Lisa (bakebikeblog)
March 5, 2010 at 1:35 pmWhat an adventure Jenna 🙂 It all sounds so wonderful 🙂
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
March 5, 2010 at 1:47 pmYou. Are. Adorable.
And you know what they say…home is where the heart is!
Allie
March 5, 2010 at 1:50 pmsome people are afraid to make choices- you make them and live it up. good for you. i think i lived in four cities in as many years, and so glad i did; it made me who i am today.
Kaitlin
March 5, 2010 at 2:26 pmIts great that you’re able to just roll with what happens and take every chance you can. It is truly inspiring, good luck in all you do!
Lizz @ leadingthegoodlife
March 5, 2010 at 2:26 pmBest of luck! I love to travel, but when I lived far away from my family, I found that all of my traveling was done to visit them. Now that I’ve decided to re-root in my hometown, I get to see my family all the time which means I feel “free” to explore new places with my vacation time!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
March 5, 2010 at 2:31 pmI think that is awesome that you are bringing things full circle. Life is nothing BUT an adventure, and you are making the most of yours!
Erin
March 5, 2010 at 2:34 pmI feel ya!! although in the opposite direction. 🙂 I am currently living in NC…but am frome seattle, WA. I miss home VERY much…am staying here for a guy currently. 🙂 But after living here for 2 years…I am ready to go home. I am very much a west coast girl. Is all about what we love and grew up with…and where family is. So important! So I wish you happy adventures! I am headed to Italy this sept, but just for a month..then back to WA I go. I hope you have an AMAZING adventure in France and enjoy your life on the east coast after that. I love your blog…been reading it since just before I moved 2 years ago. 🙂 Best wishes
Christie
March 5, 2010 at 2:41 pmyayyy i cant wait for you to move back to the lowcountry!! roommates for life. paging room 3………
bee
March 5, 2010 at 3:04 pmLIKE, LIKE, LIKE 😀
i’ve missed having you in the south.
Jennie {in Wonderland}
March 5, 2010 at 3:05 pmIt’s all about the journey! I live in England at the moment but I’ve lived all over the world due to being a total military brat, and at this point, I just want to go back to the East Coast of Canada and be near my family again. I can feel my roots rising up to claim me.
Good luck, Jenna… you’re so brave and I can’t wait to read all about your adventures! I am sad you’re leaving all the great California food though, ha ha. I got to live vicariously through you!
Alexa Meany
March 5, 2010 at 4:09 pmAHHH COUGAR MALL!! LOVE IT!!! please tell me you will come through charleston!
Lee
March 5, 2010 at 4:32 pmMy future brother-in-law lives in Charleston. Maybe I’ll see you some day.
gina (fitnessista)
March 5, 2010 at 4:39 pmthat’s awesome.
you know you have somewhere to stay in v-town on the way 🙂
xoxo
Ashley
March 5, 2010 at 5:26 pmDang lady.
Best of luck to you. You’ve lived quite the full life so far. Very very jealous. If only my man and I weren’t tied down by a house! Oh well.
Marisa
March 5, 2010 at 5:35 pmYea!! I live in charleston and teach at blue turtle, tho I’m about to have a baby so am on hiatus. Can’t wait to see you around. Check out charleston power yoga, too. You will love it!
Pam (@ TotalHealthCounseling)
March 5, 2010 at 5:37 pmCongrats on your decision to move back to the South! Glad you got to experience Cali though, looked like some good times.
TorontoGirloutWest
March 5, 2010 at 6:40 pmSometimes it takes going to a far away place to rediscover one’s self. You have found your joy and you continue to amaze me with your courage.
Kareen
March 5, 2010 at 6:41 pmJenna, you are just awesome.
Looking forward to hearing all about Paris. Will you be learning a bit of French over there? Si oui, ca serait drolement bien!!
Glad to hear you will be back on the East coast.
All the best!
Kelly
March 5, 2010 at 6:50 pmCharleston! Yay! Welcome Back! Hope to see you around town!
Debbie
March 5, 2010 at 9:16 pmI’m so happy for you Jenna. Sometimes it takes going away to miss what you had. Our home in TX of 5 short years is like that for us. It took us leaving to miss what we had. Although we love our home in CA, Texas will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Wishing you the very best. Blessings – Debbie
Dianette
March 5, 2010 at 9:28 pmThat picture at the bottom is amazing! The scenery is so beautiful, no wonder you’re heading back there! I wish you luck with all of your future endeavors 🙂
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama
March 5, 2010 at 11:47 pmI love that you are always following your heart and dreams. You never settle for anything less and it’s such an inspiration!
sarah (the SHU box)
March 6, 2010 at 4:18 amcongrats for following your dreams! i think that’s what makes your blog so much fun to read. all of these experiences are going to make great writing material someday!
i could already imagine a book bringing together the best (and worst) parts about living in CA, europe, and the south — all you need is a month or so in NYC to round things out 🙂
diana(mymarblerye)
March 6, 2010 at 5:45 ami knew although you were grateful to be in san francisco, you missed home. I’m happy to hear you aren’t going to “stick it out” cause the world is expecting you to, but you are going to make a decision based on your heart. NO matter where you are, your adventures are always amazing.
Kylie
March 6, 2010 at 9:35 pmOut of oats! Ahhh I know exactly what you mean. I love oats and eat them 6 days a week. I rarely use them all up before buying my next batch. Having no oats in the kitchen is a terrible, even if I have tons of other breakfast food to make or eat. Oats are a staple in my house. What kind of oats do you buy?
Paige
March 7, 2010 at 5:02 pmThe South is excited about having you back!!!
Happy Herbivore
March 12, 2010 at 6:47 amoh! cofc! I loved being a student there — c/o2004