Good morning from California!
After a full day of traveling, we finally made it home!
I think I’ve been livin’ in the country for too long because I was on sensory overload yesterday.
We did the 5-hour drive from Harrogate to Atlanta in the pouring-down rain. With multiple stops because I’ve got quite the small bladder.
Once we got to the airport, it was like I completely forgot how to function. I pride myself on being a really good traveler. A terrified traveler, yes. But, nonetheless, I think I’m good at it.
I always check in to my flights 24 hours beforehand. I’ve got my shoelaces untied and loosened minutes before I stroll up to the security belt. And my laptop, license, and boarding pass is always in my hand – because nobody likes an inefficient person in front of them as they’re trying to get to their gate on time.
Well, yesterday was a whole different story.
I was fumbling around trying to get my bags checked in using the self-service kiosk. I didn’t know how to place a bag tag on my suitcases. And, once we got to security, they had a fancy new contraption built in where the trays moved all on their own. I felt like a country girl who was experiencing modern, technologically advanced things for the very first time.
I’ve been living in Harrogate for far too long.
Which is why I’m grateful for this 2-week reprieve in California.
I’m going to do my best to keep up with blogging. I have a few posts in draft form that I may find pockets of time to work on and publish.
But, that being said, I only have 2 weeks here. One week in NorCal. One week in SoCal. So, unfortunately, blogging may have to take a backseat. Because I’ve gotta love and squeeze on my family and friends – and go to Starbucks – every chance I get.
Hope your Monday is off to a good start!
Questions of the Day:
- Are you traveling for the holidays or staying close to home?
- Are you an efficient traveler or are you the one holding up the line?
- Are you blogging during the holiday season?
Once upon a time I move to Guatemala to live with our then infant. We lived semi rural and I swear when our time there was up I felt like the country mouse. I had totally adjusted to rural living – – and laughed out loud at how out of place I felt in Guatemala City.
Have an amazing holiday. I am off to the frozen tundra of the north. Here’s hoping I have enough jackets 🙂
Carla recently posted…4 ways to make transitions less terrifying.
Oh I hope you have a good time there with your friends and family. Merry Christmas!
Lucky you got to visit Cali. I want to visit so badly my mom and sister went there one year and said it was AMAZING! Love your cute dog btw.
Tara L recently posted…Lugz Review & Giveaway!
haha, I am the same way and every time I stress over little stupid things like making sure all of my toiletries stuff is 2oz and what if they decide to keep my laptop because it has to be plugged into power up lol. Then I see people giving me looks because I am taking too long. I go to the airport way before I have to be there because..what if what if.
heidi recently posted…Beauty On A Budget: How To Look Beautiful For less
Only airports can make me feel guilty about things I haven’t done! Hope you have a lovely holiday.
I believe I am a good traveler too, but we all have our moments. Enjoy your family, girl! Don’t worry about blogging unless you find time. There are way more important things in life.
Jessica (@loveyoumoretoo) recently posted…Urban Rio Cocktail Dinner + Holiday Cocktail Recipe
Have a great vacation and holiday!
Kim Lee recently posted…Skinny White Chicken Chili {gluten-free & dairy-free}
Traveling this time of year can be very trying. The big city is fast moving and ever changing. It will definitely be a new experience. Good luck.
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We lived in a small town (under 6,000 people) for a couple of years and even when I went to my parents’ in Abilene (about 100,000) I was like I’M SO CLAUSTROPHOBIC RIGHT NOW GET ME OUT OF HERE! And now I live in Dallas…. soooo…. we just stay indoors.
Also, solidarity on the small bladder. My husband has recommended I wear Depends on road trips on multiple occasions.
Jordan Harrell recently posted…That Time Jesus Got Buried Under Christmas: Just In Case You Need an Excuse Not to Decorate
Airport security is never fun but you made it through! I hope you have a blast in California.
Heather recently posted…How to host the perfect cookie exchange
I hate traveling in the winter. We live south of a major metro area and I avoid it at all costs. I would love to be in Cali right now, though!
It’s good to take time away from blogging ans spend time with those around you. Enjoy!!
I grew up in the country too. I couldn’t stand to live in a place like New York City or LA. But it’s nice to have a mix of both if I can. 🙂
Have an amazing time with your family and friends! I don’t like those self-service kiosks at all. They usually have problems with my passport and it’s impossible to get seats together with the person I’m traveling with.
Traveling alone with the girls is a real pain in the tush with those self check ins. Please answer these fifty million questions that we refuse to offer to our guests with special needs while your 18 mos. old runs wild through a large airport. No worries. Glad you’re getting a much needed break!
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Enjoy all the family time you can soak in! We’ll be here when you come back 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…5 Must Watch Christmas Movies
We have two things in common: one, we both have a tiny bladder, and two, we both have to break out of our small-town mindset from time to time! Actually, mine is all the time now. I lived in Kingsport, TN, for most of my life before moving to a big city in South Africa!
Airports really stress me out! I seriously can’t handle them sometimes. so I totally get that feeling LOL
Enjoy beautiful California but remember there is no place like home.
candy recently posted…Christmas Jar Gift
I know the feeling. I live in a small little town and recently had to travel to NY city for a blog thing and I felt like I couldn’t keep up with anything going on around me.
I think you experienced the worst scenario when you traveled , but I’m sure you will enjoy your time with your family.
We’ve got some chilly weather in CA for you this week! 🙂 Welcome!
Nicole recently posted…DIY Ornament Garland: easy holiday table
Definitely sounds like a stressful travel day; I bet you’re glad to be finished with it and able to settle in for some family time! Enjoy your holidays, and be safe traveling back afterward.
Author Brandi Kennedy recently posted…Saturday Sentiment: I Can’t Vlog, So …
country girl, lol. i feel you, I know the struggle, seeing modern technologies that makes you wonder how it just happen? enjoy your travel!
We always stay close to home during the holidays.
I hope you’re able to get plenty of relaxation time in! I made a trip up north to visit family a few days ago!
I will be home for the holidays like always. I consider myself fairly efficient. If you fly a couple of times a year get precheck, it helps.
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I bet you are excited to be back home.
Enjoy every bit of your family time.
Looks like your dog is happy to have you home.
Have fun,,,,,,,,, xoxo
I hope you enjoy your visit! We also live in a small town, not completely country, but definitely not city and I always feel out of my element when in a larger city.
Emily recently posted…How to cozy up a home with decor for winter
Traveling during the holidays can be really stressful but it is priceless when you se the family and enjoy time together.
Oh your blog will wait!! Just have a great time with your family and friends and enjoy the holiday season!
Michele recently posted…Mesothelioma–One Man’s Story
Starbucks is definitely one the perks when you travel to a more populated area. My daughter lives in a remote location and that’s one of her first stops when she arrives back home.
Lori Vachon recently posted…Maple Bacon Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
I always unplug when I’m on vacation. It’s so refreshing to step away once in a while. Have a lovely holiday!
Oh, I’m the same way! I love the quiet and get overstimulated if I’m in a crowded place for too long!!
Enjoy your vacation…sounds so fun and relaxing! xoxo
Melissa Blake recently posted…How a Christmas Cookie Recipe Brought My Family Closer
I hope you have a wonderful break in California! Merry Christmas dear!
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Hope you have a wonderful time with your family! I’m also travelling at the moment, but I try to allot at least 2 hours for blogging. Too much backlog to catch up on!
Hope you have a wonderful time with your family! I’m also travelling at the moment, but I try to allot at least 2 hours for blogging. Too much backlog to catch up on! 🙂
Czjai recently posted…Seoul Searching | Namdaemun Market.
lol we’ve all been there with the traveling thing. My daughter lost her phone once, it was a bit of a challenge as far as holding up the line. 😉 Have fun on your vacay. 🙂
I think you have finally got some time for the family to have all the fun and enjoy the holidays as much as you can. Travel experiences can be worse at times, but at the end smiles are back when you reach the destination you are looking for!
I hope you have a great time! Sounds like you will be back in your element at least for a little while.
It looks so nice to be able to relax so nicely
I know exactly how you feel, lol!
It’s really different when you travel again after a long time. I think it’s nice that you’re finally in California! Enjoy and have fun, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to blog. Just savor your time there.
This happens often, we are surprised at what changes have been made since we last traveled although I’m sure you’re just excited. Have a great time there and Happy Holidays!
Carol Cassara recently posted…Dreaming of a white Christmas
OMG I a wee bit the organized traveller. Scratch that, I am like a Military commander when it comes to travelling. Yet every so often I am caught unprepared with new stuff going on at airports! I remember the first time I had to use ziploc bags for my pieces of makeup and 100ml liquids….
I think you are okay and DO TAKE TIME OUT for you too. 2 weeks is not much when you take each day at a time and savour every moment. DOnt spend your time stuck on a blog. That can and WILL wait! Enjoy Carli and Merry Christmas!