Behind The Butter

Hidden Blessings

Thank you guys SO MUCH for all the support!!!!! Oh my gosh, I sound like the biggest cornball ever (which I am) but I seriously consider you all my very good friends and it just means the absolute world to me to know you are all there behind me on this. This blog has held me together countless times and I love sharing my adventures with you!

So needless to day, I feel like I’ve hit a total wall tonight and am just so tired…mentally and physically. I want to be on my A-game tomorrow so I sort of excused myself from everyone tonight and am taking it super easy by going to bed at a ridiculously early hour. Around 5:00 I had some crazy idea to go run on the treadmill but after a mile I started having major side-cramps from too much champagne and not enough water (haha) so I just called it quits. I did try though! I’m totally running on adrenaline right now, which isn’t a bad thing, but I want to take care of myself!

So….I walked next door and ate some delicious Vietnamese food on my own while everyone else was still in meetings. I had a grilled shrimp noodle bowl and it was rockin’

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‘specially when doused in sriracha πŸ˜‰

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Mmm mmm goooooode

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a yummy mint for dessert!

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I am planning on doing a whole recap of my trip (what I’ve learned and whatnot) with a video once I get home so I don’t want to get too much into this……but wow…..what an absolutely AMAZING experience. I feel like I’ve learned more in the past few days than I have in months and it is SO TRUE that when one door closes, another opens. If you would have asked me four months ago today what I would be doing in late July I would have said (obviously) working at Greenwise baking bread and living with my parents. Now here I am in CALIFORNIA….I mean wow—I had coffee with Jess Jackson! Life can take some unexpected turns but there is always a blessing on the other side, even through the rain. Thank you all for sticking by me through it all and I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you!!
I’m off to read The Time Traveler’s Wife and hit the sack. Tomorrow I’m waking up at 6:30, heading out at 8:00 to pick up Adam (think we might be doing some work together and I’m stoked at the possibility) from the Murphy-Goode House, and then we are flying out at 9:00. I’m going to spend the day on the breathtaking Cambria estate with some fabulous people and then am hopping on a red-eye out of LA tomorrow night at 9:30—I get into Tampa at 5:30 Thursday morning. Wooheeeeeee!
Unfortunately I won’t be able to be on my laptop at all tomorrow (or so I’m anticipating) but I’ll be tweeting my thoughts to you all on everything and will get back online when I’m in LA before my flight.
Eeeeekk!!!!!!! Think happy thoughts for me!

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  • Help Meghan Run
    July 21, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    I’m thinking SO many happy thoughts for you! πŸ™‚ I have followed you since the beginning (? or very close to it), and it’s awesome to see you through this opportunity. Get some good rest and good luck tomorrow!!

  • Meghan
    July 21, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    **Thinking happy thoughts** CONGRATS on everything, Jenna. You deserve any and every amazing experience that comes your way! Good luck tomorrow and enjoyy!

  • eatlivetravelwrite
    July 21, 2009 at 10:37 pm

    Good luck Jenna.
    When one door closes, another opens. I really hope it all works out for you!

  • Alyssa
    July 21, 2009 at 10:38 pm

    Good luck! Happy thoughts are coming your way πŸ™‚

  • Angelea (Cabin Fever Feast)
    July 21, 2009 at 10:38 pm

    You’re gaining some wonderful memories on this trip, Jenna! Glad you’re getting some down time to take care of yourself. Keep drinking the Amazing Grass! No low immune systems on long plane rides!!
    Have a great time!

  • Rebecca
    July 21, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    I’ll definitely be thinking ‘happy thoughts’ for you all day tomorrow!! Yours is one of my favorite blogs to read and I truly wish you the best of luck!!

  • Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness)
    July 21, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Beautiful noodle bowl!

    You deserve to take it easy tonight. πŸ™‚ Congrats again on everything, and thank you for showing us what can happen when you allow yourself to be open to new possibilities!

  • Maggie
    July 21, 2009 at 10:44 pm

    Good luck again! Get some rest πŸ™‚

    I liked Adam – I only met him briefly, but he was v. cool!

  • meagan
    July 21, 2009 at 10:45 pm

    way to go jenna! i hope the cambria position is a fit for you. πŸ™‚

  • Mandy A
    July 21, 2009 at 10:45 pm

    Good luck!!! Can’t wait to hear how things go!!!!

    I just saw the previews for The Time Traveler tonight… I really want to read the book now!

  • Emily
    July 21, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    Congrats Jenna – you certainly deserve all of this good fortune. πŸ™‚ I’m so looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Enjoy Cambria!!

  • Maria
    July 21, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    The noodles look so fabulous πŸ˜€ Ahh, I love Vietnamese food!

    You’ve been so blessed during these past few weeks, and you definitely deserve it! Good luck, Jenna, and I hope you have a fabulous time tomorrow!!!

  • Paula
    July 21, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    I’m sorry the other position didn’t come through, but this new opportunity sounds amazing! Best of luck tomorrow, and have fun!

  • Rose
    July 21, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    This new opportunity sounds just up your alley! I have so been loving following your tweets through this journey, and I love your positive attitude! Good things come when you least expect it – congrats, girly!

  • Molly
    July 21, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    Congrats! The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my fave’s, such a great story and to be honest, heartbreaking…I seriously gasped this week when I saw the trailer for the movie coming out soon!!

  • Ali
    July 21, 2009 at 11:04 pm

    have a safe flight and congrats on the new job opportunity!! i’m sure you’ll do an amazing job!

  • Michelle Hisae
    July 21, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    What an intense couple of days you’re going to have! Enjoy Santa Barbara and just soak it all in. Everyone is rooting for you!

  • Gab*
    July 21, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    Sounds like you’re having an amazing time Jenna!! Hope something great comes out of this for you.

    I love Vietnamese food!

  • Andee (Runtolive)
    July 21, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    Can’t wait to hear how the rest of the trip goes! How exciting it must be for you, I’ve followed you through all your endeavors ever since you started this blog and I am truly amazed at all that you do!

  • Gina G
    July 21, 2009 at 11:24 pm

    jenna i am completely in awe in how wonderful and inspiring you are. you keep your head up through every up and down that you encounter and embrace it knowing that everything will turn out just fine. thankyou for everything, and enjoy santa barbara and your new adventures that lie ahead!

  • Logan
    July 21, 2009 at 11:29 pm

    What a wonderful few days for you! I have been watching with anticipation and now I can say “Congratulations”!!! I don’t know you, but I feel like I do and I just knew you would wow them! Good job, Jenna, and good luck tomorrow!!!

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    July 21, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    Congratulations! You deserve every good thing that comes your way!

  • Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write
    July 21, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    Congratulations – you deserve it! I’ll think of you tomorrow night, since you’ll be so close. Enjoy your day tomorrow!

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal)
    July 22, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Your new opportunity sounds FABULOUS! I love Santa Barbara, my Mom grew up there and I have spent most of my childhood there. You are truly and amazing person and deserve everything your life has to offer you.

    On another note, have you seen the previews for The Time Traveler’s Wife? Makes me want to cry already and it’s just a 30 second blip!

  • Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
    July 22, 2009 at 12:11 am

    Congrats on the new opportunity! I hope the visit goes well. πŸ™‚

  • Evansmomma
    July 22, 2009 at 12:14 am

    Cambria is *amazing* as is most of the Central Coast of Cali! πŸ™‚ I might be a bit biased since we live near Santa Barbara though. πŸ˜‰

    BEST of luck to you Jenna, though I can’t imagine you need it!

  • Jessica
    July 22, 2009 at 12:15 am

    YUM! That looks SOOOO “goode” lol.
    Good luck to you!
    -muffy

  • ttfn300
    July 22, 2009 at 12:21 am

    so happy for your opportunity jenna!!

  • Marianna
    July 22, 2009 at 12:27 am

    Since I live on the other side of the world I get to read your blog with about 12 hours difference! So this morning I was coming to work wondering if you got the job. I was sad to read that you didn’t make it but I am so so happy for the Cambria opportunity most of all since you feel that it better fits you! I am really happy for you and my heart is full of happy&positive thoughts for you!

  • Allie Katie
    July 22, 2009 at 12:31 am

    Have a great time Jenna!! Say hi to my former home of LA for me!
    Safe travels!

  • Jennie
    July 22, 2009 at 12:36 am

    I’m so happy for you Jenna!! What is meant to be, will be. Have a great time tomorrow! xoxo

  • Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)
    July 22, 2009 at 12:54 am

    Your dinner looks AMAZING!! I LOVE shrimp!
    But in other news, I really am happy for you and it’s so wonderful to see you get this exciting opportunity! Can’t wait to hear your recap!

  • Angharad
    July 22, 2009 at 12:57 am

    You must be absolutely exhausted woman! I can’t even imagine the tiredness emotionally and physically! Massive congrats on an offer that suits your personality better -they obviously recognized what traits you had to bring to the table and that’s great. How exciting that your ‘no’ has led to a more exciting ‘yes’!

    Can’t wait for the video!

  • Rachel
    July 22, 2009 at 1:33 am

    Jenna, you are truly an inspiration! I’ve been feeling so down lately about my lack of passion for my work (that tends to spread to other things in life) and you’re showing me that I really can shoot for something bigger and better. I don’t know what it is yet, but your experiences are awesome inspiration and I thank you so much for sharing.

    I have been following you, though not commenting frequently and I wanted to say that I got really excited when I saw the cafe/grocery you ate at yesterday and remembered eating there a few years ago when I was in northern CA! Ha! Small world – though of course that’s only a minor example of it. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

  • Jenna (reader)
    July 22, 2009 at 1:50 am

    How awesome it is that you have been presented with yet another fantastic oppurtunity! I love watching your wine country adventure as the story unfolds.

  • Bexx
    July 22, 2009 at 3:12 am

    I’m soo excited for you Jenna. It gives me chills to read your postings these last few days. I know you’ll do great tomorrow. You are definitely blessed. Congratulations and I can’t wait to here more.

  • Kiki
    July 22, 2009 at 4:11 am

    This is why you are so cool. Cause you see the positive in a less-than-ideal situation, cause you work with your strengths to get things done, and cause u are a ‘real’ person!
    well done on the cambria post – i hope it will be all you want it to be!
    x kiki

  • Sarah
    July 22, 2009 at 4:18 am

    It is pretty amazing to see all the twists and turns life takes. Glad you’ve had a great ride this weekend, and enjoy tomorrow!

  • prinny
    July 22, 2009 at 4:25 am

    Good luck at Cambria! It’s funny, they actually make some of my favorite wines… πŸ™‚

  • Christie @ Quit Your Diet
    July 22, 2009 at 5:44 am

    Congrats on the opportunity at Cambria. And hoooray for you for taking life and living it to it’s fullest potential. You will do great today!

  • Eve
    July 22, 2009 at 6:47 am

    Congratulations again. It sounds like you are going to need some major down time after all this! It is quite amazing how much adrenaline can you get through!! Enjoy your day today.

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    July 22, 2009 at 7:13 am

    Girl, I am BEYOND proud of you! I have seen so much growth in you these past few months and you handled this amazing opportunity with such GRACE and COURAGE! You did it girl! I’m so excited for this new opportunity on the horizon, too. You are going to be wonderful. It’s amazing how things work out isn’t it?

    You are blessed, and I’m so darn happy for you =)

  • kailey
    July 22, 2009 at 7:38 am

    congrats on how far you came! Thats amazing πŸ™‚
    the shrimp noodle bowl sounds amazing!

  • Kath
    July 22, 2009 at 7:42 am

    What a trip and it’s all soooooo exciting!!!

  • Shelby
    July 22, 2009 at 7:55 am

    And don’t you feel your brother is watching over you with such pride and joy, and checking out the waves out there? John has to be grinning away.

  • kirsten
    July 22, 2009 at 8:14 am

    congratulations jenna!! that’s so exciting!! have a great time today!

  • HeatherBakes
    July 22, 2009 at 8:15 am

    Jenna- I am SO excited for you!!! It just goes to show you that everything happens for a reason, and you totally desrve all of the great things coming your way. Good luck with your busy day tomorrow (er, today!).

  • Tess
    July 22, 2009 at 8:18 am

    I hope you have an enjoyable day! Making the most of every moment means you will get the most out of life!

  • Lisa
    July 22, 2009 at 8:18 am

    I’m so happy for you, and wish you the best of luck!! I can’t wait to hear all about your experiences. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

  • Ingrid
    July 22, 2009 at 8:18 am

    that vietnamese look AMAZING! yummy! good luck with everything Jenna, you deserve nothing but the best.

  • Jess
    July 22, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Good luck Jenna! I hope it all comes together and everything works out for you!

  • Lauren
    July 22, 2009 at 8:30 am

    It sounds like you have had a wonderful experience in Cali. We are all proud of you!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    July 22, 2009 at 8:31 am

    Such a wonderful experience…best of luck with everything, Jenna! πŸ˜€

  • April
    July 22, 2009 at 8:34 am

    You might not think of it in this way but you have an amazing guardian angel watching over you. This opportunity may have not been YOURS but you will find an even better one!

    I’m glad I don’t have to read books anymore. I like reading about your life because it is my book. The happy time, the sad times, the only bad part is it’s real but you write so well and it keeps me intersted πŸ™‚

  • Kim
    July 22, 2009 at 8:35 am

    It’s so wonderful to watch (well, read) your career blossoming before our eyes! I think you’re destined for big things =)

  • katie s
    July 22, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Good luck, Jenna!! I too consider you and very good friend and I am just so unbelievably happy and excited for you. I can’t wait to hear more about it!! Good luck and have an AWESOME time at the Cambria estate!!!!

  • Dawn
    July 22, 2009 at 8:36 am

    What a great trip and fantastic opportunity, Jenna!! Like all your readers, I can’t wait to hear more about future work with Cambria. Your willingness to take charge of your life and drive it in exciting directions developing your passions is inspiring.

  • Cate
    July 22, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Way to go, Jenna! What a journey you’re having! I wish you only the best in your endeavours. Best of luck!

  • Ada
    July 22, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Congrats on everything! You deserve all the best:)

  • Shelbney
    July 22, 2009 at 9:01 am

    I’ve been thinking of you so much Jenna and it’s awesome to watch all of this unfold. Good luck to you, you deserve the best!

  • Karla
    July 22, 2009 at 9:09 am

    Congrats on the offer w/ Cambria! I hope that turns out to be a good fit, but if not I know many more amazing opportunities await you. I am SO excited to read your whole trip write up and see your video. It sounds like you have had such an amazing experience!

  • leslie
    July 22, 2009 at 9:11 am

    jenna, i haven’t had a chance to comment as this all unfolded, but i just wanted you to know how unbelievably happy i am for you! you are an inspiration, putting yourself out there, taking incredible risks, and seeing it all pay off in such unexpected and amazing ways. i’ve loved reading your journey from way back in culinary school, and i am so thrilled that things are taking off for you. you are proof that living our dreams is possible! i really can’t wait to meet you in boston and congratulate you in person! πŸ™‚

  • Newlywed Wife
    July 22, 2009 at 9:14 am

    So exciting! A door closes and a window opens πŸ™‚ I’m so happy for you, and can’t wait to hear what comes next!

  • Pam
    July 22, 2009 at 9:23 am

    What an amazing experience, is right! Such amazing opportunities, and the possibilities are endless. Congrats on your continued success!

  • Lisa
    July 22, 2009 at 9:26 am

    Enjoy so much hearing about your adventures! Have a fun day and safe trip home! And congratulations…your faith and willingness to see where the next path takes you is an inspiration.

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    July 22, 2009 at 9:32 am

    tons of happy thoughts!!! πŸ˜‰

  • Jessica
    July 22, 2009 at 9:35 am

    Good Luck Jenna! This is all so exciting. It sounds like an amazing place to be!

  • Amanda
    July 22, 2009 at 9:42 am

    You had coffee with Jess Jackson?! You should have asked how his filly Rachel Alexandra is doing. πŸ˜‰ I’ve never met him, but I’ve met his racehorse trainer.

    And again, congratulations!

  • Mary
    July 22, 2009 at 9:48 am

    Sending Happy thoughts your way! What a fabulous opportunity for you! So exciting…can’t wait to hear how it goes!

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
    July 22, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Congrats! And I love sriracha sauce! I found it on a outdoor food stand condiment bar the other day and was pleasantly surprised πŸ™‚

  • Ally
    July 22, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Congratulations on the fabulous opportunity!! Enjoy Santa Barbara–I grew up 2 hours north of SB and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. I’m so happy and excited for the wonderful things that have happened to you. You’re so right about when one door closes, another opens–I’ve been feeling rather “trapped” lately, and I just need to remember that there is a door open(ing?) and I need to just find it. THANK YOU for reminding me of that.

  • Stephanie
    July 22, 2009 at 10:08 am

    GOOD LUCK!!! I hope to be visiting this winery in Cambria to have a tasting with Jenna!

  • Kathleen
    July 22, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Cannot wait to read about the next adventure. You’re such a good writer that it feels like we’re part of it. Love the enthusiasm.

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    July 22, 2009 at 10:20 am

    Sounds like an exciting day ahead of you! Good luck and enjoy it!!! It’s the little surprises in life that can make things so special. πŸ™‚

  • K
    July 22, 2009 at 10:43 am

    Everything happens for a reason!! Enjoy yourself today πŸ™‚

  • Cait (Cait's Plate)
    July 22, 2009 at 11:01 am

    HOOOOOOOOLY YUM! That dinner looks amazingly delicious! I love Vietnamese food.

    Also – I don’t blame you for being tired. It seemed like such a whirlwind! GO REST! πŸ™‚

  • Ashley
    July 22, 2009 at 11:06 am

    Good luck and stay strong Jenna! I feel like I can vicariously live through you with all these amazing experiences that you have! So much more exciting then dreary Illinois. Chicago ain’t got nothing on Cali!

  • Jess
    July 22, 2009 at 11:16 am

    Well hey, even if you don’t end up with a job after all this, at least you had a great vacation! (Ok, maybe too much stress for a vacation…)

  • Deva
    July 22, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Thinking many happy thoughts, and hoping that your trip today is fabulous and that you get rest!

  • Metta
    July 22, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    I’ve been following your blog for months, but never left a message. This post and the previous post have inspired me to let you know how wonderful it is to see everything unfold so beautifully for you. It is amazing to watch and inspiring for my own life. Congratulations on everything. I wish you the best of luck and more blessings than you can count.

  • Allison K.
    July 22, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    Jenna, This is just fantastic. I am so happy for you! Santa Barbara is AMAZING, as i’m sure you’ve discovered by now. Good luck and know that we are all behind you no matter what!

    i also wanted to mention that regardless of any outcome, I think your gumption in taking the plunge and applying for the Murhphy-Goode job, is fantastic. I think you show all of us that anything worth dreaming is worth going for.

  • Andrea
    July 22, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    Yay! How exciting Jenna! I’m more than thrilled for you. I can’t wait to hear all about it! What a fabulous opportunity and you totally deserve it!

  • Jess
    July 22, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    I really love your blog. You have been inspiring me a lot. You have such an awesome attitude towards life. It is great! Good luck with everything!

  • Laura S
    July 22, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    Congrats!! Happy thoughts coming your way!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!

  • Beth @ CrossBorderCravings
    July 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Yay!! Hope you’re enjoying your day – I can only imagine what kind of exciting things you are up to right now!!

  • Jess
    July 22, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    Good Luck Jenna! This is yet another reason why I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t know what it is at first. Can’t wait to hear more, hope you are feeling rested and calm for the remainder of your journey!

  • Angi
    July 22, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Good luck! You deserve all the happiness you can find!

  • Abbey
    July 22, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I’m so excited for you Jenna…you really deserve all the great things that are coming your way! Good luck with your meetings this afternoon, hope everything goes splendidly! πŸ™‚

  • Angelina
    July 22, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    I follow your blog and just wanted to say Congrats on the amazing opportunity. You truly deserve it!

  • Taylor
    July 22, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Jenna,
    It seems like you’ve had a wonderful and life-changing trip! I’m so sorry about the murphy-goode job, but CONGRATS on cambria! I’m sure it’ll turn out better than you’d ever expect. You’ve worked so hard, you deserve everything that comes your way. CONGRATS AGAIN GIRLY!

  • emily
    July 22, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    CONGRATS on the second (better fit of a) job offer! No matter what you decide it’s an honor and I am super excited for you. It’s great that you think of the blog community as a community of friends, I think that is part of what makes your writing so *friendly!

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn
    July 22, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Not only does another window open, but you have so much drive to fly through it! Good luck πŸ™‚

  • Kate
    July 22, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Good luck tomorrow – my prayers are with you girl! I know you can do this.

  • britt
    July 22, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    good for you for taking time out for yourself when you knew that you needed it. i hope you have a safe trip home and can’t wait to see the video of the trip!

  • Krissy - Single Serving
    July 22, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Everything does seem to happen for a reason. What an amazing opportunity. Safe travels home. Can’t wait to read the full recap!

  • brigid
    July 22, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Love your optimism! Best of luck on tomorrow’s adventure and enjoy!

  • Tammy (Defining Wellness)
    July 22, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    You don’t sound like a cornball at all. I think we all feel the same way about you! It’s so wonderful how we all feel so connected through our blogs. I love it. Congrats on a wonderful trip, and can’t wait to hear about the rest of it!

  • Kelly
    July 22, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    I think everything you wrote is so true. What’s always been interesting to me is that my greatest opportunities have been the things I least expected. It’ll be so interesting to hear about what your second interview was like. Does this mean a move to Cali or will you be blogging from the East Coast?