I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!! (you’ll have to read this post first and find out at the end as to why!)
First of all, thank you all so much for money raising ideas! The baking idea is very interesting and one I would love to do except for the fact that it seriously costs $30 to ship any food anywhere because you don’t want it to go out in regular mail. I came across that problem when I shipped out the bread for Meghann’s first Team in Training bake-sale. You would have to jack up the prices of the baked goods alarmingly high to actually make money and not lose money. Such is the problem 🙁 I’d totally be willing to go into mass blondie, cookie and cake making mode next week to sell to everyone but I can’t see how I would actually make money from it! Wah
Anyways, back to my eats; this afternoon I snacked on a crack homemade granola bar:
I can’t get enough of these! My stash is almost gone….I’ll have to make more next week!
I ran some errands and then went to my parent’s house for dinner, where we had sushi-takeout—my fave!
We split these four rolls between the three of us and they all were awesome. My favorite being the “tuna fresh roll”, which was the last picture. It consists of spicy tuna and cucumber wrapped up in rice paper with spicy sauce on top! I love it.
My plate:
With pellegrino to drink 🙂
When I got home, I was stuffed but still needed something sweet to end my night (of course)!
Enter my last raw snack of the Raw Challenge!
Could you even ask for more? I think not.
I only ate one of these cookies with a cup of tea because, like I said, I’m stuffed but it was amazing! Everything about it made me think of Christmas and I loved the spiciness. I don’t know if I’ve ever made it publicly known that gingerbread cookies are my favorite kind of cookie but they are. I just adore them. This was awesome!
Now on to my *fun* news!
So, since my brother died a month ago I really haven’t been very excited about anything and anyone. I know that’s pretty typical. Its like I can’t shake the sadness….its too much, too big. I’ve had the overwhelming feeling that I just need to “get out of town” and clear my head for a few days but the opportunity never really arose that I should go anywhere. Until…………
I talked to my best friend, Christie, today on the phone who just last week moved to Charleston after graduating law school. Christie is the type of best friend that every girl needs. She is there for me at the drop of a pin, no matter what. When I called her screaming my head off in the hospital last month and she was in the middle of her final exams for law school in New Orleans, she didn’t even go home. She left from her school’s library and drove all night long just to sit with my mom and I right when John died. We were talking about a time when I could come for the weekend and show her around (you know I went to college there!) and couldn’t really figure out a good time; we thought maybe after the 4th of July.
So we hung up and I got to thinking. Why don’t I just go, like, TOMORROW? So I am. 🙂
I’m leaving at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, driving up the coast (its a 6 hour drive) and will be spending the weekend with Christie in her new place right next to my alma mater. And then I’ll drive back home early Sunday morning. I’m SO excited because, honestly, I just feel like I’m suffocating here. Everything reminds me of my brother and I almost had a panic attack in the mall today when I saw his favorite surf shop. I know a weekend away won’t bring him back or fix my problems but at least it will be a FUN girls weekend with my best friend in my favorite city. I couldn’t ask for more. Well actually I could—on Friday morning I made a tentative plan to go to a power yoga class at my old yoga studio while Christie is in her bar exam study course. There, now perfect. 🙂
And no one should fret because she just got her new apartment suited for wireless internet so the blog shall go on!
We don’t have really anything planned for our weekend except for relaxing. Lots of long walks and the occasional glass of vino I’m sure. 😉 I’m listening to The Reader audiobook during my long drive tomorrow. Yay!
I’m off to fold laundry and PACK! It’ll be a very early post tomorrow so heads up 🙂
Lisa
May 27, 2009 at 5:47 pmI know this was mentioned by other readers, but if you have the time/inclination to put together another e-cookbook, I’m sure that many people would be interested in paying premium prices for one (I certainly would!) and that could help you out with the orthotics situation. Have fun on your trip!
BethT
May 27, 2009 at 5:48 pmGood for you!
katie s
May 27, 2009 at 5:48 pmThat sounds amazing, Jenna! Enjoy yourself to the fullest!!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
May 27, 2009 at 5:53 pmHAVE A BLAST!!!!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
May 27, 2009 at 5:54 pmTHAT’S SO AMAZINGGGGG! I’m so excited for you! That is so great that you are going to have a weekend away. You deserve it!! I can’t wait to read all about it. Safe travels to you my friend!
And P.S. Your pictures are BLOWING MY MIND. Love it!
runeatrepeat
May 27, 2009 at 5:56 pmI am excited for your trip 🙂 You deserve it!
Angela
May 27, 2009 at 6:03 pmI’m so happy for you hun!!! Enjoy your weekend. You really do have a great friend there– hold onto her! She’s a gem!
foodiegettingfit
May 27, 2009 at 6:03 pmThat’s an awesome and wonderful decision for you and your sanity. I think you’re doing something great for yourself. I’m really glad.
Spend some time just being away from your life at home and spend some time just “being”. Have fun!!!
Nicole
May 27, 2009 at 6:06 pmThat is great!!!! I definitely think that a weekend away will at least help clear your head a bit.
Lindsay Lu
May 27, 2009 at 6:07 pmYay for Charleston!!
Lindsay
May 27, 2009 at 6:11 pmJenna, your skin is absolutely GLOWING in the photo of you with your sushi dinner! Are you still drinking a green juice every morning? It looks like your skin problems are solved!
I hope you enjoy your weekend in Charleston and come back feeling more content 🙂
jenna
May 27, 2009 at 6:27 pmLindsay,
Thanks! My skin really has cleared up a TON and I credit this to freshly squeezed veggie juice & green monster smoothies!!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
May 27, 2009 at 6:15 pmSounds like so much fun. You can’t beat weekends with best friends. 😀
Enjoy!!
Anne P
May 27, 2009 at 6:17 pmgreat idea – have so much fun this weekend! 🙂
Lisa
May 27, 2009 at 6:17 pmHave an amazing time! There is nothing like good girlfriend time to relax you and make you feel a bit better.
VeggieGirl
May 27, 2009 at 6:20 pmWishing you safe travels and a hell of a good time!! 🙂
Nicole
May 27, 2009 at 6:22 pmHave fun this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!
Victoria
May 27, 2009 at 6:25 pmI love a girls’ weekend. Have fun!
Recipes for Creativity
May 27, 2009 at 6:27 pmGood for you! Have a fantastic time!
Mandy
May 27, 2009 at 6:30 pmYippee! Good for you. I love roadtrips, especially with a good audiobook. Enjoy!
xo
*Andrea*
May 27, 2009 at 6:30 pmhave fun with your girl friend. i hope the weekend rejuvenates you in the way you need. she sounds like a wonderful friend to have. you’re lucky 🙂
Julie
May 27, 2009 at 6:31 pmGood for you! Have a safe ride up there!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
May 27, 2009 at 6:32 pmfun! I’m glad you have something you are excited about 🙂
Cassie
May 27, 2009 at 6:32 pmI just spent almost every waking minute this past weekend with my best friend(right before her wedding-ahh!) And it was the best time I’d had in forever. I hope that returning to your old stomping grounds with your old friend brings many smiles to your face – you deserve it! And take lots of pictures with your fun new toy – your pictures are truly spectacular! Have a safe trip 🙂
Rebecca
May 27, 2009 at 6:32 pmDrive safely and have a great time! Best of luck to Christie while she studies for the bar!
Liza
May 27, 2009 at 6:33 pmHave fun on your weekend, Jenna! 🙂 It will do you some good to get out of this place for awhile.
Melissa
May 27, 2009 at 6:40 pmEveryone needs to get away sometimes and I think this is definately one of those times for you. Drive safe and have a blast with your friend!
In regards to your bake sale, have you thought of talking to the owner of your local health food store or yoga studio? You could offer to sell healthy baked goods on a Saturday or Sunday. If you advertised, it would not only make you money, but bring in possible new business for the owners. Good luck with whatever you decide 🙂
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
May 27, 2009 at 6:40 pmOh how fun for you!!! Best friends make everything better 😀 Have a WONDERFUL time together!!!
Kristi (sweetcheeks)
May 27, 2009 at 6:41 pmHow fun!!!
I hope you have a fantastic time! You definitely deserve it girlie!!
Christina MINDFUL LIVING
May 27, 2009 at 6:45 pmyour sushi looks awesome! I need to start experimenting with sushi- the extent of my sushi is cucumber rolls- pretty pathetic! haha so great you are going away on a whim like this! Have a GREAT time, relax, and be safe!!! 🙂 love yah
Samantha
May 27, 2009 at 6:47 pmIt’s great that you’re getting to spend time with your best friend! And this is so corny and off-the-wall, but I started singing the Golden Girls theme song in my head while I read your post! Seriously though, we’d all be lucky to have a friend like you do with Christie.
Hopefully the rain will let up a little so you get some sunshine in while you’re here (I live in Summerville and it’s been raining!). Have a safe and wonderful trip!!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)
May 27, 2009 at 6:47 pmyay, jenna! it will be so great to get out of town for a bit and spend a weekend with your super supportive buddy. nothing like a good old-fashioned girls weekend to revive you!
Caitlin
May 27, 2009 at 6:48 pmJenna,
I just got back from Charleston on Monday night after spending a long weekend there visiting my brother! He moved there (to Folly Beach) from Maryland about a year and a half ago and LOVES IT. This was my second time to visit, and I love it too. I hope you have a wonderful time with your friend.
Kelly
May 27, 2009 at 6:50 pmYay!!!! Good for you! HAVE FUN!
Matt (No Meat Athlete)
May 27, 2009 at 6:51 pmYum, I love sushi. Did you know it’s a great workout recovery food? Chris Carmichael (Lance Armstrong’s coach) says a lot of his athletes swear by it.
sammy
May 27, 2009 at 6:52 pm.
A true blue friend like that is there though whether in laughs or tears to just be a friend.Sounds like that kind of deep friendship to me!May you both feel renewed by getting to spend some time just being around each other.Safe travels.
PS On a food note, I just read that cooked spinach has THREE times the amount of calcium as raw!Are youa s surprised as me?Wow,good thing I love steamed spinach!
Michelle
May 27, 2009 at 6:53 pmI am so glad that you’re getting to do something which brings you joy. I know that you’re been plowing through and dealing with some major upsets and changes in your life. It’s nice to go to a place and be with people whom ground you.
Second, I love sushi. I had some yesterday and I am having some today…again 🙂
OMG..I watched the movie, The Reader, and it was amazing. I can only imagine that the book will be even better. Have a safe and fabulous journey tomorrow.
Tamara
May 27, 2009 at 6:54 pmJenna, that sounds like a blast! Have a wonderful time. I’ve never been to Charleston, but went to school in Wilmington, NC and heard that the towns are similar. Wilmington is my happy place, so I can imagine how you must be feeling. By the way, my husband and I made stuffed peppers tonight, and they were AWESOME! While we were eating, he said, “Thanks Jenna.” It was so funny. It’s like you’re a long-lost friend. 🙂
Drive safely, and have a great time!
Sheri
May 27, 2009 at 6:54 pmJenna that is great! Have a wonderful time with your friend! 🙂
brandi
May 27, 2009 at 6:56 pma weekend with Christie sounds like just what you need 😉 I JUST had a girls night this past weekend and it had been 5 years since my last one! Way too long. You guys will have a great time.
Jennifer @ His N' Her Health
May 27, 2009 at 6:57 pmHope you have a fun and relaxing trip!
Bec
May 27, 2009 at 6:59 pmAww have a fun weekend, time away and time with your best friend (who sounds amazing) might be just what you need!
meg
May 27, 2009 at 7:01 pmExciting news! ENJOY!
Katherine
May 27, 2009 at 7:03 pmSounds like she really is the perfect friend – any chance she’s got a similarly cool sister in the NYC area? 🙂 Have a wonderful time this weekend and enjoy your girls’ weekend – you deserve it!
kailey
May 27, 2009 at 7:04 pmaww im so glad that your excited about spending time with your best friend 🙂 have fun!
Emily L.
May 27, 2009 at 7:06 pmJenna,
I love impulsive trips! Good on you, for just taking the opportunity!
You know what else I love? That white shirt with pink flowers.
Rock it!
Danielle
May 27, 2009 at 7:07 pmEnjoy your weekend away Jenna! I’m so glad that you have such a getaway to go to, best friends really are the best 🙂
Emily L.
May 27, 2009 at 7:07 pmOh p.s. you totally should have a bake sale at your church or something. It’s not pity money if your baked goods are drool worthy. And by your photos, I believe they are.
Matt
May 27, 2009 at 7:09 pmHave a fun and safe getaway! I’m sure you’ll have an awesome time!
lee
May 27, 2009 at 7:19 pmhey jenna! good for you to know that it’s time for a little change of scenery– and for the sake of spontaneity-you will definitely enjoy yourself: that I am sure of 🙂
kathleen
May 27, 2009 at 7:25 pmjenna-
a spur of the moment trip is just what you need! i lost a family member over the winter holidays. i had a sadness that crept (and still creeps) into every part of my life. i knew i had to get out for a bit. my best friend lives in new york, so i found the first flight i could out of denver. it was the best decision i could have made. we had a wonderful weekend and for just a couple of days i could breathe. have a lovely trip!
Kelsey
May 27, 2009 at 7:26 pmWOOOO! That’s so great for you…..you totally deserve this getaway!! have a fab time 😀
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy)
May 27, 2009 at 7:26 pmOooh, I hope Ryan made you a sweet mix tape to listen to on the road! Have an awesome time with your BFF–you deserve it!
Michelle Hisae
May 27, 2009 at 7:34 pmEnjoy your weekend, Jenna. Maybe you’ll be inspired during your trip and come up with a way to raise that money. The stars are aligned for you, now more than ever.
And btw, every picture in this post – I want that food in my kitchen NOW. I HAVE to bake up some of those bars!
Emily
May 27, 2009 at 7:49 pmHi Jenna!
This is such a random question, but I was wondering where your trench coat is from… it is really cute! Thanks so much for your blogs, I’m a daily reader 🙂
Rose
May 27, 2009 at 7:50 pmThis trip sounds like just what you need right now. Enjoy the time with your friend! She sounds wonderful.
Christina
May 27, 2009 at 7:54 pmYay for a long weekend getaway. Hope you have a great time!
Erin
May 27, 2009 at 7:57 pmThe best decisions are made on spontaneity. Enjoy your time with your best friend!
Rebeca
May 27, 2009 at 7:59 pmChristie sounds amazing, we should all be so lucky!
Have fun!
Kiersten
May 27, 2009 at 8:02 pmHope you have a great time!
runjen
May 27, 2009 at 8:06 pmYay!!! Hope you have an amazing time! I know you will. Enjoy every second!
claudia
May 27, 2009 at 8:31 pmoh wow I just saw the comment about an e-cookbook, and you should totally do it! I would definitely buy one–especially if you put ideas in for really good lunches to pack! or cookies? and with all of your great pictures it would be so cool! I read a couple of knitting blogs and lots of designers have started putting together pdf collections of their patterns and then selling them online. I don’t know how much they make, but it looks like they really maximize their profits that way.
I’m so happy to hear about your trip. You totally deserve a break, and I hope you really get to enjoy it and feel renewed afterward–good friends can do that for you sometimes. I just started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I’m so sorry for all that you have been through. I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers.
Help Meghan Run
May 27, 2009 at 9:02 pmSpontaneity is the very best. 🙂 Have lots of fun, you absolutely deserve it. Girlfriends are the best.
www. HelpMeghanRun .com
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!)
May 27, 2009 at 9:04 pmHave a GREAT time! I know you will!
Nicole
May 27, 2009 at 9:11 pmI have to say it makes me happy when I read your posts on things you are doing to take care of yourself while dealing with such a traumatic, horrible experience.
It often amazes me that I could care so much about someone I probably will never meet, but I still pray for strength for you every night before I go to bed (cheesy that I still say my nightly prayer, but I find its a great time to reflect and be thankful for the blessings in life).
Have a safe and fun trip!
courtney
May 27, 2009 at 9:18 pmGO JENNA! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend! And yay for Christie for being such an awesome friend–she sounds amazing 🙂
marisa
May 27, 2009 at 9:29 pmum… are you going to a Blue Turtle class on Fri morning??? Me too! Maybe I’ll see ya there!
Stacey M
May 27, 2009 at 9:30 pmGreat news! Question, though: I have also tried making homemade granola bars (oats, peanut butter, craisins, liquid sweetener), and while the taste came out great, they always want to fall apart! I have resorted to freezing them in foil right after making. Do you have any special tips to avoid this crumbling?
Katy
May 27, 2009 at 9:45 pmI hope you have a great trip. I wish I was going down there this weekend, but I’m not until next weekend. 🙁
emily
May 27, 2009 at 9:55 pmI am so excited for you, Christie sounds like a great friend!
Hallie
May 27, 2009 at 10:06 pmHave a great time! I think girl time is SO SO important to…well, life. I love my alone time and I love hanging out with my guy, but there is just nothing like one or two good girlfriends, some wine, and all the talking about shoes and life that you can stand. 🙂 I’m really happy for you!
Caroline
May 27, 2009 at 10:56 pmWhat a fun surprise for yourself! Have fun:)
Annie-Rose
May 27, 2009 at 11:19 pmSound like a fantastic idea! Spontaneous weekend getaways can be just the thing for a recharge 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about Charleston. I’m going there for the first time in September!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now, and just love it! You are such a strong girl with such an optimistic spirit.
Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
May 28, 2009 at 1:15 amHave a GREAT time!
I love that line…”I thought to myself, why don’t I just go – like, tomorrow?” haha love being spontaneous!!
Can’t wait to see what you girls get up to all weekend!
megan
May 28, 2009 at 4:12 amHope you have a great trip!! I bet some quality girl time will do wonders! I love Charleston and can’t wait to hear about it! Take care!
Stacey
May 28, 2009 at 6:19 amSounds like a girl’s weekend is just what you need, so glad you get to go!
I’ve been looking for “The Reader” on paperback, but Books-A-Million mysteriously doesn’t carry it right now—weird!
You’ll have to do a review and tell us how you liked it! Seems like my kind of book 🙂
Have fun this weekend!
Jenna
May 28, 2009 at 6:20 amhow fun! 🙂 i’m so happy you are able to get away for awhile!!! It will be great for you!! I hope you have a safe trip!
amethyst
May 28, 2009 at 6:51 amHappy Chilling, Jenna! Have a wonderful time…
So pleased the juicing suggestion worked for your skin. Your eyes and complexion are glowing 🙂
Sushi looks divine btw…
Relax and enjoy!x
Sarah
May 28, 2009 at 8:03 amGood for you! Sometimes we’ve just gotta be spontaneous about things. Hope you have a safe drive there and back and a great time visiting with your friend. She sounds amazing!
Katie
May 28, 2009 at 9:03 amGreat choice! I love that book.
Jordan
May 28, 2009 at 10:17 amHave so much fun Jenna! Girls weekend are the best and Charleston is such a cool city. Also I’m LOVING your pictures. Your new camera is awesome!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
May 28, 2009 at 11:47 amSpontaneous trips are the best – good for you!!!
RunToFinish
May 28, 2009 at 11:49 amoh wonderful news on the friend time!! ok seriously that food looks over the moon, I’m like dying for some sushi now
Whitney
May 28, 2009 at 1:47 pmHave fun on the trip. It’s great that you are getting to have a little reprieve from the everyday reminders of your brother. Also thanks for the sushi porn. I am a sushi freak. Those tuna fresh rolls look fab!
Erin
May 28, 2009 at 3:13 pmJenna, hope you are having a great trip. Just the right thing to do.
Meagan
May 28, 2009 at 8:22 pmOoh!! I’m going to Charleston next weekend (from NewYork!) Eat at lots of good places and post them up so I have some dining ideas!! Have Funn Jenna!
Kristin Worthington
August 7, 2009 at 8:21 pmJenna I have been looking for the recipe you made with lavender i believe it was bread ? if you know what month that would be great
sorry to hear about you and the R
K