It just got real.
Logically I knew it was real… but reality never ceases to shock me.
You make plans and get excited. You know it’s coming and it can’t get here fast enough. But when it ACTUALLY manifests… it’s still a reality check.
Road food is also a reality check. That red velvet Blizzard did not suck though.
Vegas and I have been trying to work out where to live.* We decided what it would look like a couple of weeks ago. I listed my place for sale in Atlanta, she took care of hers in Vegas, and we found a place we liked in San Diego.
*Yes, I realize most people do this before they get married. We aren’t most people.
The view from our new place
Of course we celebrated in style. I’ve been stalking The Cheese Store of San Diego for weeks on Instagram. It did not disappoint.
We are going to be living within walking distance of this and a lot of other amazing places. At least we’ll be walking everywhere… 🙂
This weekend it all became a reality. We went to San Diego to finalize our new place and LOVED it. The very next day I accepted an offer on my condo. We made lists of furniture to keep and figured out how to empty two houses. We set a moving date.
After all the excitement… our Valentine’s Day looked like this:
It couldn’t have been more perfect. I can’t believe this is real life.
So we’re heading out on a 2,000 mile journey across the country on March 1st to start a new life. It couldn’t be more marvelous. Let me know if you want to sponsor this shenanigans or bring over some boxes. Or wine. 😉
***
I’m sure 2 weeks is enough time to pack… if I could figure out where to start…
Have you ever driven across the country? Any advice?
Are you ever amazed when plans become real?
I am so excited for both of you! I have no driving cross country advice because I’ve lived in sunny So Cal since I was 3! Welcome to the best state and one of the best cities anywhere!
Thank you so very much!!! Please tell me we can hang out when I get there… I don’t know anyone! 🙂
I’m so happy for you and am glad everything has fallen into place! San Diego (and Atlanta) is one of my favorite cities.
Welcome to SoCal Laura. So excited for both of you. SD is favorite place in the entire USofA. I lived there for 4 years, in Rancho Bernando, until stress to find my perfect job took me away from it. I now live in Irvine, about 100 miles from you or an hour drive. I still come there for hiking or just to chill out on friday evenings n such. In my view, its a perfect place to raise a family and retire. LOL. Even more perfect if you can find work of your liking, which indeed you did.
Although SD is a mecca for real authentic Mexican cuisine. One place I highly recommend for breakfast which might be close to you (since you are close to Cheese store) is Mission Cafe in Mission bay. I was in SD during New Years and loved their breakfast menu. Do try out their gluten free Rosemary bread.
Thank you so much! I can see why it’s your favorite! 🙂
Thank you or the rec! I’ll definitely check out Mission Cafe. Rosemary is my favorite herb.
Ahh no way- CONGRATULATIONS to you too! Moves can be scary but in your case, I think it’s only going to be exciting! Can’t wait to hear how life on the west coast fares! Word on the street is that it’s foodie galore for us HLBs ;)!
Dude. You’re like a completely new person I just can’t keep up….but I LOVE San Diego so make sure the spare room is on par.
Spare room will be ready and the cheese store will be raided.
IM SO SO SO SAD I JUST LEFT THAT COAST!!!!!
and Im so so so so happy for you two.
xoxox
A toast to your new home together! I love this! I can remember the first time I packed all of our things to move to Cabo San Lucas Mexico and start over as a couple, it was scary, it was frightening but it made my husband and I grow so close that whenever little fights happen we laugh, we survived a new country together! Cheers to your new home, I cannot wait to see your posts of all the new places you guys find together! xo C
I don’t think I’d be sad about moving to Cabo… lol! You guys have had so many adventures! What a fun life. 🙂
When it’s meant to be, things fall into place beautifully. So, so happy for you two!!
San Diego is awesome! You are gonna love it and hopefully you have room for me to visit! I have driven cross country. It’s actually a lot of fun. I’m so excited for you!
You know I do!!!
So, so exciting and oh my GOD that food!!!! I have driven across the country a few times and really – just enjoy it. You’re living life to the fullest so just soak it up!!!
That’s so exciting! I hope you love it. I’m sure you will. What’s better than starting a journey with the one you love?! Much more fun that going it alone. You’ll have so many new experiences to share.
Congratulations! So exciting! it’s amazing how quickly things come together when it’s so right 🙂
I am SO incredibly excited for you! And let’s just talk about how freaking amazing San Diego is going to be! So many things to look forward to, but most of all, being together! Congratulations!!
Though I’m sad you’re actually leaving, I’m excited for you! Enjoy everything about San Diego! (And come back and visit often.)
Thanks Lee! I’m really excited and sad too. It’s going to be weird not to live in the south!
omg my brother used to live in san diego and it’s AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love that quote. So true. And maybe live the height and depth of life as well. I am just so happy for you. You so deserve this incredible life with the one that you love. And think of all the new restaurants you will get to explore!
Also–red.velvet.blizzard??? I die.
I know!!!! SD has some of the BEST food. I’m going to turn into a fish. LOL!
Never done it but I need to weigh in and say I am incredibly jealous–I think San Diego is just about nirvana!
WHOA!!! How exciting! I have always wanted to visit San Diego!!
Welllllll… you better make it a priority now! We have a guest room with your name on it. 😉
This is just so exciting! I am so so so happy for you! San Diego is awesome too, cannot wait to see all the adventures you have 🙂
Thank you!!! And thank you SO much for the suggestions. 🙂
Super excited for you! I’ve only been to San Diego once and really enjoyed it. Guess I have another reason to go back huh 😉
Yeah you do!!! I think we’ll be driving past you, actually…
Wow! So exciting!! Congrats and good luck to you two! I am jealous… San Diego is incredible!
I’m so excited for you and Vegas! Yes, when things are right, they have this amazing way of falling into place, huh? I’m kind of jealous of your move to San Diego and the view from your place? Amazing. I’ve driven across country once. I just wish we had more time to explore along the way but still a really fun time.
Doesn’t it sound especially amazing right now in this cold?! OMG. Not to rub it in… LOL!
Take pictures of your new place! I can’t wait to see it.
For sure!!! Thank you. 🙂
So exciting! Can’t wait to hear about your next adventurers!
Congratulations! How exciting! It seems like a big adventure to both pick up and move to a new place Instead of the usual stay in one of your towns. Can’t say I ever have, we are looking to move but only 45 minutes or so away so nothing like that. I can’t wait to follow your journey and your IG posts about all the new places you will see!
I LOVE So Cal…the weather seems to be perfect all the time! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how the cross country travel goes. It’s on my bucket list to do a month-long road trip all across the US.
OMG! So exciting! I love that you got married before you lived together. That’s so cute. I totally feel you on the “shit just got real” front. I’ve been talking to someone every day for 3 months and just last night finally booked my tickets to go see them in six weeks’ time! But, I can promise you, I’m not getting married! haha
Whaaaaaat?! I must hear all about this.
Hehe they are famous so I have to keep it hush hush, but be on the lookout for a sneaky Instagram post or two in six weeks 😛
I have driven cross country for road trips – sounds like you already adopt some of my favorite aspects of road tripping (gas station snacks!). and Jason did the road trip move when he came out west from Missouri…
I am so excited for you two – such a fun time!
Did you know there’s a soda pop museum?! They have chicken wing soda. I’m going to make Vegas try it. 😉
EWW and WOW!! I’d try it…
Honestly, my upcoming nuptials don’t feel real, and I don’t think that they will until the day it hits. So, that will be weird.
Congrats on everything – this is all very exciting to live vicariously through!
P.S. is that salad from Subway? Because honestly, you would never, ever get a Subway salad that good in Iowa. Jealouuuuuus.
It is SO weird… in a really good way. 🙂
It was from Subway. They don’t look like that in GA either… must be a California thing. 🙂
Must be meant to be with all the pieces falling together so easily! Congrats!
i’m so excited for you! when can we come visit? i mean, once you get there? haha I’ll bring balls.. err bites
You BETTER come visit!!!
So happy for you friend! As someone who also did the cross-country thing, I can tell you that you’re in for an adventure :-p my advice would be to pick a few places to stop along the way for sight-seeing/adventuring. It breaks up the drive a little, even though it ends up taking a little longer. Also – gas station snacks. Take advantage.
I am SO EXCITED for you, Laura! San Diego is brilliant! I have been there dozens of times visiting my sister when she moved out there and it is truly one of my favorite cities! So much to do and see….and TONS of amazing food. You’re going to be so happy!
I moved from Florida to California (a long time ago). The journey (and drive) are thrilling. I admire the adventure you are on. I made the move and drive alone, but making this transition with someone you love is all the more exciting. Travel safe. GREG
One sunny state to another! 🙂
I am really excited. Thank you for the well wishes… hope to see you in CA!
Yay! Congrats on the new digs 🙂 as a teenager my hippie parents packed us kids and the dog into a trailer and we drove around the states for 6 months, not really a big deal except we are from Alaska- and everything is days away. The thing I learned is to always carry a Spork (GSR has a snifty titainium KungFoon with chopsticks that rocks!) as you never know what you will find to eat, always have music you like, radio stations and satellite radio is a fickle beast, and always give yourself extra time, to stop and browse and enjoy and explore.
How did you do to school?! That sounds so fun!
And a spork is a must. Duh. 😉
How awesome is that?! Congratulations, everything is coming up roses 🙂
I’ve always heard that San Diego is a great place to live – congrats on making it your new home together. So happy that everything is working out and that y’all are going to be able to live together!
Thank you so much! I couldn’t be more excited. 🙂
Congrats, Laura! So excited for you and Vegas. I loved San Diego when I last visited. It’s so pretty out there!
I’m sad we never got to connect while you were in ATL, but hopefully it’ll still happen at some point…maybe in Cali!!
Thank Parita! I’m sure we’ll cross paths again. 🙂
It’s amazing when things are right they just fall into place, almost seamlessly. Safe travels my friend.
As far as packing goes, lots of lists and do a little something, something every day. The packing I mean. Also, label all your boxes; it’s so worth it.
My Valentine’s Day dinner involved popcorn too, although replace the M&M’s with lots of butter.
I am labeling like a Type A junkie. Also, you’d be proud of my list of places to stop as we drive across the US. Super anal.
The thought makes me giddy. 🙂
That’s amazing! Congrats! My husband and I have moved across the country three times. It will never go perfectly, so just enjoy it even with the craziness that life throws at you during the adventure. 🙂
SO happy for you!! I’m so happy everything is working out for you and so quickly too!!
I finally am SO close for things to work out for me to move closer to Atlanta! I’ll miss you here! Are you going to Blend retreat?!
Awwww… I know! But now you have cool place to visit… 🙂
I can’t go to Blend either… SO SAD. But I have a good excuse. Honeymoon in Greece!
Ooohh so exciting!! I’d LOVE to live in san Diego! Best of luck to you &Vegas- yay for finding a good place quickly&around awesome stuff! So happy for y’all:)
Thank you so much! We’re really excited. 🙂
Congratulations on your big moving news! I can only hope to celebrate this Summer with similar excitement when my fiance and I finally find our own first place to live together. After being a couple for over 4 years, it’s FINALLY time. Can I get a cheers to that? Happy moving to us both!
BIG cheers to that!!! Good luck to you guys. That’s so exciting!!!
That’s awesome, Laura. We have moved a lot, as you know. I am thrilled your search for a new place went so well… it is much harder for us here in Toronto. In any case, we highly recommend upack/relocube. We also did pods coming back but didn’t like it as much, although it depends on your available space. I can’t wait to hear about your new adventures 🙂
You guys have been on the move! I’d love to do a cube, but I think a U-Haul is cheaper… still working on it though! Either way, I’m excited to see the whole country!
Not sure about the price comparison but as you know, we travelled as we drove down to Texas and it is so much better to travel without a u-haul. 🙂
In the 4 years that I have lived in LA… I have NOT gone to SD once… Because I had no excuse to. NOW – I DO!!
Ummm… YES. I demand it.
New Yorkers are sort of nomadic, and tend to move every few years. Just throw most stuff out. The only things that are really necessary are pictures and people. (and like, underwear.)
Underwear is totally optional.
Hey, you don’t have to be like every other couple… that’s boring :). You guys be you and and do what’s best for YOU. Marriage shouldn’t be the same experience in my opinion, because no one person is ever the same. You guys should make your own rules and stand behind them. Great post 🙂
holy goodness of cheese and stars, that is amazing news. i got all goose bumpy when i was reading this, so excited for you both! i don’t know you but love your spirit and *energy* so i’ll just put out some happy vibes your way. one of my younger bro’s lives in cali, so one of these days i’m going to have to hop over to SD and see what’s up.
cross country travels rock, at least the ones i’ve done. my best gal pal and i did a thelma & louise of sorts when i was 18… never to be forgotten. we drove from texas all across country. only she knows where the body is buried 😀
when things come together like that you just KNOW that you are exactly where you need to be, it’s awesome. that’s how it’s been with me and my hubby – we are also newlywed, and i was a single gal for 35 years before i met him, with no desire to get hitched. amazing things happen when the stars line up.
cheers to you and Vegas!
Danielle, thank you so much. I smiled so hard reading thing. Please let me know if/when you make it down to SD!!! I’m going to make you tell me Thelma & Louise tales though.
Wov, congrats and all that. Once you get moved in, I’ll send you a great recipe for beef bourguignon. (I hate to move so I won’t offer to help.). :(. But lots of best wishes as you head across country to start life anew. Keep us posted on that cheese shop!!!!!!!
I’m looking forward to that recipe! Thank you!
Amazing. I am so happy that you two will be able to live together soon.
SO SO EXCITING! No advice – moved countries but never cross-country 😉 – but I do love SD…You’re going to have such a blast living there! Wish we could just pick up and move too – sometimes you can do that in life, sometimes you gotta stay where you’re at and make the most of it. I love living where we do, I just miss my family and the coast. Love that you are starting fresh in a new place together!
Welllll… if you love SD, you ALWAYS have a place to stay now. Come take a break from the cold! I offer workouts and wine. 🙂
You’re moving to San Diego?!!! That’s where I live!!! 🙂 What area will you be living in? I used to live in the Mission Valley area (think Chargers stadium) but now I’m up in northern SD County. You almost can’t go wrong — Southern California is amazing!! I love it here so much.
I am!!! I don’t know much about what’s where. I’m know I’m in Banker’s Hill close to Little Italy (we can walk there). I’d love to hang out sometime!
Oh okay, Little Italy is great! The BEST farmers’ market is there. I would love to meet up there once you get settled in! Best of luck with the move!
Ohhhhh… good to know! I love farmer’s markets. And thank you – I’d love to meet up when we get there!
My husband and I moved from Orlando, Florida to San Francisco two-and-a-half years ago knowing no one. We found an apartment, made a life and have never looked back! California is beautiful! Welcome!!!
Thanks Ashley! I love SFO. Glad it worked out so well for you guys! 🙂