The Golden State

California.
Such a beautiful place. 


+


I arrived in Santa Barbara [early] Monday morning. My friend Caitlin picked me up Sunday afternoon as I was locking up the house. It was strange trying to shut our home down for two months. I wanted to be sure I unplugged all the major appliances and set the water heater to "vacation." I made sure all the windows were closed and that the ice maker was shut off. So many little daily details that I never think about. 


As we walked out to the car, I couldn't help but wonder how many more days we would be spending in that house...


I was grateful to have Caitlin take me to the airport. Not only was it super sweet and convenient for me, but it also gave us time to talk. I mean, two months is a long time to go without seeing one of your best friends! 


+


The airport was a mess. I stood in the security line for what seemed like an hour. Ridiculous. Mostly due to the fact that they were doing full body scans. I started getting nervous the closer the line crept to the scanners, but I was waved through the regular line. What a relief.
Although, I'm sure I would be an exception. Baby on board and all. 


I didn't have time to grab a sandwich or anything before the flight [which left around 6:45 pm est] so I was kind of a grouch as we boarded the plane. I knew it was going to be at least a 5 1/2 hour flight and I was nervous that I would start getting nauseous without dinner. 


I was fine.


+


After landing in San Francisco nearly 6 hours later, I was just ready for bed. [It was past midnight back in Florida.] But, I still had a quick 1 1/2 hour flight ahead of me. The gate for said flight was located down a locked flight of stairs, through the dimly lit parking garage and a short bus ride away. Once our plane pulled up the gate, we walked out in the chilly night air to board, celebrity style. 


This plane was nowhere near celebrity status. There were only 20 passengers and the plane was almost at capacity once we all boarded. Our takeoff was loud and rocky, almost as if the propellors could pop off at any moment.

+


I landed safe and sound in Santa Barbara with my husband patiently waiting for me. Even though I was exhausted and in need of dinner, I couldn't help but smile in excitement at the new city in front of me.