“If it sounds too good to be true…
It probably is.”
It took me a while to figure out how I was going to write this post, but after much debating on how I’m gonna put it all out there, I decided that simplicity would be best.
G.R.O.O.V.E is a no-go.
Some things went down on Friday and the owners and I decided to stop the project.
Yes, construction had already began:
and I had the menu ready to go, as well as everything for the interior.
Kilee even designed a beautiful logo for us (she also made an amazing logo for the bakery, which I still plan on using):
(Her work is beyond amazing and if any of you bloggies are looking for a fancy new blog header or design work, hit her up: kilee at kileejohnson dot com)
What basically happened with the cafe was that the owners ran into some problems getting certified to build. Apparently food establishments need to go through 3 departments, and one of these departments has a reputation for waiting at least 2 months before putting anything on the agenda, let alone making a decision. This means that the cafe wouldn’t have opened according to schedule and since I’m most likely moving next spring/summer, they didn’t want to risk it. We also had some other unsolved negotiations (which I’m not going to go into on the bloggy) but it an almond-shell, we agreed to halt the project.
I was crushed.
Like totally, utterly bummed out.
Friday was a rough day for me, and I was happy that we spent the evening with friends. It gave me a reality check as to how temporary I am. We’re never in the same spot for more than 3-5 years and this aspect of military life makes it really difficult. I’m proud to say I’ve done a pretty good job of making the best of a tough living situation, but things like this are like a sucker punch in the stomach. The funny thing is, two months ago, before all of this, I was totally and perfectly content. When this happened, it was kind of like telling a kid they can have a puppy, letting them pick out and name the puppy, and then tell them they can’t have it anymore. Just sad, right?
I was also dreading writing this post because ya’ll were so supportive and wonderful (as you always are), but now that it isn’t happening, I feel like a giant goober.
“Ish happens, and you just gotta roll with it.”
I’m 100% confident that this happened for a reason, and something bigger, better and more exciting is on its way. They let me keep my job at the gym, so I’m just going to keep doing my thang by teaching Zumba, being lead aerobics instructor (I do the schedule and invoice/billing for the base gym), training my amazing clients and writing the bloggy. I have a few other projects that I’m working on and am on a mission to find a commercial kitchen I can use so I can FINALLY get this online bakery going. Until that happens, expect random macaroon giveaways because I really do enjoy making them 🙂
Thank you so much for being so supportive of my now non-existent cafe 🙂 I really love and appreciate all of you. Back tonight with a fun, normal post 🙂
xoxo,
Gina
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So sorry that things didn’t work out for G.R.O.O.V.E 🙁 I can’t imagaine how disappointed you must feel. Don’t let it get you too down tho! I truly believe everything happens for a reason and I’m sure there is just something way more awesome in your future 🙂 One day you’ll look back on this and go “oh, okay..so that’s why that all happened.” 🙂 I’m glad the online bakery is still a go! Can’t wait to get my hands on some of those famous macaroons!!
Cheer up Buttercup!! You are absolutely right, everything happens for a reason and it’s going to be that something bigger and better is waiting for you. I have a feeling it will be something that’s COMPLETELY yours!!
Gina!
So sorry to hear this! Stay positive and know that you are AMAZING!!
Sent you an e-mail with some fun yoga links – hope they help cheer you up! Enjoy!
I know how you feel!! As a navy wife I know it’s not easy picking up and moving every 3 years, but hey, on the bright side we get to see some cool places? Hopefully… We just moved from Hawaii to California, I had to leave a job that I loved to come to CA where the job market sucks! But oh well, change is a constant, we just have to make the best of every situation. Good things have already come out of our move, and I’m sure they’ll keep commin.
I’m with Kristin about the pupper hair. I want some macaroons too. I don’t even know how many of my own pups hair I’ve ingested. 😀
Lady lady lady! So sorry to hear. Glad to hear you’re feeling positive about it — keep building that positive energy and the skies will clear! In no time, the next project will appear on the horizon, and you’ll be ready to dash madly toward it with an open heart!!
Health, love, and happiness to you!
– Kat
I’m so sorry that it isn’t going to work out. But you are right that there has to be a reason, so keep your eyes open for the ‘next big thing’ and in the meantime just keep being your awesome self. (hugs)
I am sorry, but good for you for being positive. You are right, something else is right around the corner for you! I always think that life doesn’t always happen the way we want it to, it just happens. It sounds like you know how to deal well, so you will be just fine!
What a bummer 🙁 Sorry to hear that, but I agree, that things happen for a reason…
Prov 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” With great endeavors (from love to business ventures) there is always that risk of heartbreak if things don’t work out. But where would be be if we weren’t a little audacious? Keep risking and keep dreaming Gina! 😉 Thanks for being inspiring – you aren’t a goober, you’re courageous and positive!
Hugs Gina!
The right thing WILL come along!! My thoughts and hugs are with you!!
How sad! You’re so strong and positive! I’m still counting down to the day I can order some macaroons!
aw man, i gotta admit, i’m a little bummed too. but hey, better things may very well be on the horizon.
Aww, Gina I’m so sorry! I’m sad for you! Just keep in mind, when one door closes another one opens.
Keep your head up. You’re going to do great things!
I’m so sorry for you. It’s like grieving a loved one when you put so much of yourself into a project. Being so close to opening makes the disappointment bigger.
Personally, I can’t wait to order macaroons from your online bakery. I’d order a Fitnessista cookbook, too!!
So sorry to hear this Gina, but i hope you make your cafe happen elsewhere. It sounds like too good an idea to give up on and the logo is gorgeous!
I hope you can find the joy in all the other fun and fabulous things you have in your life until then. xoxo
Gina, you are so successful! Don’t let this setback get you down.
Aww I am so sorry for you, but honestly something more fantastic will come your way! You are such a positive person even when bad things happen!! Sending good thoughts your way : )
Girl, you couldn’t have said it better. These things happen for a reason. I know that it’s so hard to see now, but there is a complete reason for this all! Still, my heart is so sad to know how hurt you were by all of this. I just found this quote yesterday and it made me feel so much better about how miserable things have been going in my life as of late.
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” How true! 🙂 There are bigger and better things in store. I know it and you will too! 🙂
Things are totally going to shake loose for you. When one door closes, a window opens!
I’m sorry Gina. I hope you are okay!! Everything happens for a reason, something bigger and better will come along.
im so sorry Gina! i know God has big plans for you though, just you wait! =)
So sorry to hear this news Gina! I thought Groove was an awesome idea, but I’m a firm believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason. Something big is going to come your way… I just feel it!! 🙂
Aww, sorry Gina 🙁 I’m sure you’ll end up doing something amazing some day though!
Things will workout for you and the cafe Gina! You have so much going for you and I know this is just a small bump in the road! Just think – you are alraedy off to a great start with a name and a menu and a lot of motivation!
🙂 Ali
Aw, wicked bummer! (Sorry, that’s the northeaster speak comin’ out..)
So, would you be willing to sell me a batch of macaroons, perhaps? I know you’re not commercial & all, but think about it if ya want!
You are totally right – everything happens for a reason, even the yucky stuff. (That stuff just totally sucks, obv!)
Awwww ((hugs)). I know you are crushed. I’m a huge believer in the ‘everything happens for a reason’ train of thought. Hang in there =)
I can understand your disappointment FOR SURE – but like you said, something bigger & better is on its way! 🙂
Your macaroons make my stomach grumble every time you write about them! They sound SO good!
P.S. I meant to also say, I’m sorry things didn’t work out with GROOVE. That’s always a bummer to be so excited about something & then have it not happen. But onto bigger & better things! Your online bakery idea sounds wonderful.
its ok girl! i know its super disappointing, but there is nothing more true that ‘everything happens for a reason.’ after graduation in may, i was headed toward this super job…went for training 3-4X’s, took mock tests to pass the state boards, signed the papers, etc…told everyone about it (!)…all i had to do was pass the frickin test, and guess what? i choked. but w/in a week, i got another job in another city, fibbed to extended family (very embarassed about what went down), and now i’m happier than ever w/ a great job in an awesome place. it all worked out, and so will things in valdeezy 😉 plus, i’m sure youre an awesome trainer and teacher, and those folks love and need you 🙂
When one door close, another prettier pink on opens 🙂 Focus on the positive!! You’re healthy, in love, employed, and have a huge blog-following 😉
haha a pink door. i love it 🙂
thank you, i am a lucky girl <3
Well, that just sucks. I was so in hopes that this wasn’t the news you were going to share. I don’t know you, but I have been following your blog for a while and was so excited for this opportunity. I just know you will get the right opportunity when the timing is better. Best wishes to you and your husband.
Ugh, I’m so sorry. I don’t really know what to say that others haven’t, but I think that you’re right: something bigger and better is definitely in store for you. You are certainly the kind of person who will do wonderful things. <3
Gina, I am so sorry to hear this. You’ve got such a drive and talent… you’ll end up in the right place eventually. You’ll wonder why you ever questioned these little bumps in the road along the way. 🙂 Hang in there. ((hugs))
just sending lots and lots of hugs your way!!!
Sooo sorry! But I’m a true believer that things happen for a reason, and who knows, if you had gone forward with it, maybe something much worse would have happened. You’ll get another chance to open a restaurant, at least you have a lot of experience with starting one, so you know what needs to be done the next time 🙂
I am so sorry about the bakery not working out 🙁 If it is meant to be it will be, someday 🙂 As cliche as that sounds I am a firm believer in that saying. Good luck! If you ever open an online bakery I will definately be ordering! My mother in law is gluten free and I was looking forward to ordering your goodies for gifts for her!
Oh no, I feel horrible about the whole thing, Gina! But I couldn’t have said it better myself; everything really does happen for a reason. Perhaps the next place you’ll move will have a better location and things will just fall into place! You never know…
I hope this week goes spectacularly for you. We’re all here for you!
Oh lady, so sorry to hear the sad news. Grieve it and let go. You have so much to be grateful for, but I know you already know that. Now you can focus all of your energy on YOUR bakery… find that kitchen space and get cookin’!!
you are amazing. i think i am more inspired by this post of yours than any others. so excited to see the resason why this happened and how things unfold for you from here on out. and….i am definitely looking forward to your bakery!
Hi Gena, I’m so sorry that this happened! I think you’re right, and bigger and better things will come along. Best of luck to you…you will pull through this…you are amazing and strong!
OH NO!!!!!!! We have had hit so many bumps in our path for our bakery, so we feel your pain. But you have a great attitude and something better will come along!!
xoxo
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. This just means there is something better that is going to come along. Don’t you worry, little missy, you are goin’ places!! 😉 Big HUGS!!
Oh, Gina! What a huge heartbreaking bummer. Remember that when the time is right for you to open your cafe — or whatever it is that you dream up next — you have a giant crowd cheering for you and rooting you on. You will continue to do great things!
so sorry to hear about this 🙁
So so sorry to hear the news. 🙁 I know your heart was set on it but I agree with so many others…where one door closes, another one opens. The military nomadic lifestyle does make things challenging. (when we moved to Guam it was # 7 in 8 years) But no doubt you will forge forward with your online bakery, and who knows what else is to come?!
Ohhhh I’m totally bummed out for you! But what a great attitude that you have……this door did shut for a reason and it’s because there is something else (GREAT) in store for YOU!!!! Keep you head up girl!
-emily http://www.emilyeatsclean.wordpress.com
I’m disappointed because you’re disappointed. You seem to be a very genuine person and I like to see good things happen to good people. However, there is a part of me that is happy for your sake that it didn’t work out. I don’t know the details about how things would work out once you leave Valdosta, but this way every recipe and concept about the cafe is still yours to use at a later date.
Plus now you can take that trip overseas that you’ve been talking about lately 🙂
That disappointment must sting … so sorry … you put so much of your heart into it!
When the dust settles, get your chin up and LOOK FORWARD !!
I am so
Sorry that this happened! I know God will bring something bigger & better! You are so gifted! Can’t wait until your online bakery gets going.