Why I'm in the Top 1% of America

I’m sorry, but it’s true.  I am in a much better place than at least 99% of you right now.

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Yes, I live in Nashville, where it’s currently under 30 degrees.  My kids even sent a photo this morning of snow on our back deck. I am fortunate enough to be in Huntington Beach, California, where it was in the low 70s today.

hyatt regency huntington beach

 

The photo above is the view out my balcony at the Hyatt Regency.  And I got to spend a few sunny hours right about here:

hyatt regency huntington beach

 

I always take a photo of the room before I put my luggage in it and we mess it all up.  The white bedding with a folded blanket at the end of the bed is the perfect hotel suite look, isn’t it?

hotel room

 

I have a really hard time for the first two days when I travel.  I get very motion sick on airplane flights and feel all hung over for at least a day after.  I especially hate lay-overs, which we had in Dallas.  After circling the airport for thirty minutes before landing, the pilot apologized for the delay, telling us there had been a “systems failure” and didn’t want to alarm us by explaining earlier. Nice. Then my anxiety kicks into high gear that I won’t make it back alive to raise my children . . . I know some of you moms know what I’m talking about.

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Here’s Mr. Man looking into the Pacific Ocean, which is as cold as ice.  It’s usually warm in the Gulf of Mexico where we vacation at the beach.  He’s working at a conference here, so I’m along for the ride.  I worked for several hours this morning, then spent some time at the pool, then came back to the room and have been lonely ever since.  I’m a really bad traveller, it seems.

 

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I’m not very good at being still.  At NOT being busy.  So I’m writing this post tonight, which is pretty lame since I’m not sharing any specific decorating advice.  There are a lot of cool fountains at this place, so here’s one more photo:

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And I think it’s kinda cool how these hanging lights have all the extra chain so they don’t swing when it’s windy (which it is today).

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But that’s all I’ve got.  Like I said, I have a rough time the first couple of days of vacation.  So just one more day, and I will hopefully start enjoying my time here.  I really am glad to get away from the cold weather for a bit. You know that feeling when you really ARE grateful, but are having a hard time enjoying it?  I may need a little help here: how do YOU let yourself enjoy the moment?

23 Comments

  1. Heidi Herchelroath

    Hey Kristie,
    Welcome to California! Sorry it’s been a rough few days- and windy ones at that. I live nearby and want to recommend a few things for you to do. Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach is a creatively inspiring place to visit- and be sure to swing by Balboa Island on your way. You can’t come to California and not see the Disneyland fireworks- you can watch them from Downtown Disney, which is decked out for the holidays. About 10 minutes away is the Packing House, an upscale good court, and 10 minutes in a different direction is Old Town Orange with fantastic antiques shops and a lot of charm. For food, The Olde Ship is an authentic British Pub (go for a pint and some sticky toffee pudding or rhubarb crumble!) and The Lazy Dog Cafe has quality food (try the sweet potato tater tots and ahi poke!) in a craftsman setting. If you need some local hospitality/tips feel free to email me. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a great time!
    -Heidi, A Southern Californian Native (who hopes to visit Nashville someday soon)

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Thanks for all the wonderful recommendations, Heidi! Make sure you touch base when you make it to Nashville – I’ll give you all the info you need!!!

      Reply
  2. Jeannie Casey

    Oh I hope you get to enjoy all the Mexican food in California. That one thing I miss after moving from there to nashville. And get a in and out burger and fries.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Jeannie,
      I didn’t know you lived here before!!! Where?

      Reply
  3. beth lester

    I’ve never stayed in that hotel, but I have been to a big party there (I live about 30 minutes up the coast). I’m out in Palm Springs working this week, or I’d come down & take you out for coffee.

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      I’d love to see you again, Beth! So sorry you are outta town!!!

      Reply
  4. Linda Tuggle

    Welcome to So Cal! I hope you love visiting here as much as I love Nashville. I grew up in HB, & now live in Yorba Linda approx 30 min away. The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim will show you how CA does country….great music & delicious food & drink! Enjoy!

    Reply
  5. Deborah Jones

    Hi Kristie, sometime we might talk about the motion sickness thing, I have worked with it for years… sorry to hear you are suffering with it…..When ever I go on retreat or stay in a hotel first thing I do is move the furniture around It seems that the function need to be tweaked for perfect harmony to exist. Wondering if you follow through or live with it? The corner where the standing lamp is might need your touch !
    Because home is where the heart is !
    Enjoy the day,

    Reply
  6. Joanne G

    I can relate Kristie! I love the Idea of travelling but often find myself at loose ends during “down time” and have to keep myself super busy. What to do? What to do? Maybe I’m just such a homebody – I love my home so much and then of course I miss my kids like crazy when I’m not with them. Of course then there is the constant anxiety that something will happen to me or them, arghhhh! I find the only thing that helps is lots of “self talk” – how lucky I am etc etc., trying to be in the moment, etc. etc. Hope you have wonderful time on your much deserved break!!

    Reply
  7. Karen

    Girlfriend, it always takes me a day or two to adjust to “vacationing!” And it seems as soon as I get used to it, it’s time to pack up and leave! ha! I hope you can adjust quickly. At least you are surrounded by beauty and warmth – two of your favorite things!

    Reply
  8. Meghan

    No worries on the non-decorative advice post. I’m in Nashville/Franklin too and it’s 15 degrees here this morning so I’m enjoying your sunny beach pictures!

    Reply
  9. barbara

    Thank you for sharing and being human, Enjoying the moment is just what it says, We just have to remind ourselves. No magic. The ideas on day trips shared above would be a good idea to follow up while your husband is busy during the day. Enjoy!

    Reply
  10. Merri Ann

    The above suggestions (of what to see in Cali) are great ones! As a native CA resident, I would suggest skipping Disney … it is tons more fun with the kiddos!

    Again as a CA native, I would love to be somewhere that has an actual winter … sunny and 70 is mostly appealing to those who have not lived in it their entire life 🙂

    I love the decorating tips but this was a nice post also. Hope you both have a great trip!

    Reply
  11. Rachel

    Hi Kristie! So, you’re in my neck of the woods, eh? Welcome! Sorry that the start of your trip has been a little bleh, but the winds are going to die down today, and that usually makes everyone feel better. I second all the suggestions made above, and would add: taking a whale watching trip w/ Cap’n Dave’s Dolphin Safari (provided boats don’t make you feel ill too), visiting SoCo for a lot of great interior design shops (Cisco, Farrow & Ball, etc, plus coffee at Portola), Sidecar Doughnuts in Costa Mesa, Downtown Laguna Beach because that part of the coast is beautiful, and South Coast Plaza if you want to window shop all the upscale labels for fun (Hermes, Chanel, Prada, etc). You are also more than welcome to stop by Interior Designers Institute where I teach. My students always love to talk to successful designers, especially from other parts of the country. You can reach me through my website if you are interested. Plus, it would be fun to meet you finally!

    Reply
  12. Carol

    I know exactly what you are talking about and have that same feeling with my vertigo when it decides to act up, even on some car rides. It is like you can’t really explain it, your there but not there. About the other, I am fixing to be thrown in that situation with thanksgiving, I am grateful everyone is coming to my house, but… I need to be present and enjoy it! I have such a routine and hate it when things get mixed up and we just set around a lot and I am used to being active. We just need to choose Joy! And we will just turn around and it will be Christmas! Whew!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      Carol,
      It helps to hear someone else who gets it! I’m hoping a little dose of vitamin D (California sunshine) will help me today. And a good book 🙂

      Reply
  13. Kathleen Barry

    Buy a wet suit- surf the pacific ? Just a thought

    Reply
  14. Hope

    Just Breathe…

    Reply
  15. Renie

    You could look up Christina & Tarek from HGTV’s “Flip or Flop”….they are in the OC 😉

    I’m envious of you….I get the itch to travel BAD this time of year and I love, love visiting California. Go shopping!!!

    Reply
  16. Brenda

    Kristie you are so close to one of my favourite places on the earth! Check out Peinturestudios.com, Debra is so talented, a designer and chalk paint teacher extraordinaire. She sells Annie Sloan and I took a quick peek on her website and if you have the time she is offering classes on the 16th and 19th…you will be blown away with her talent!
    Located in Costa Mesa, quick cab ride!

    Reply
    • Brenda

      Ok OOPS, just realized today is the 19th…lol…go anyways, the shop is located in the design district and there is lots of eye candy

      Reply
      • Kristie Barnett

        Brenda,
        Thanks for the tip – I will check it out!!!

        Reply

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