If you’ve ever driven from Los Angeles to San Diego, you’d know there is a stretch on the map that occupies the space in between called Orange County. I have made this drive countless times (I have lived in both SD and LA).
Orange County…it’s where the band No Doubt is from. Apparently a bunch of oranges used to be grown there. There is a huge mall with a ferris wheel you can see from the freeway called Irvine Spectrum.
Chris and I started dating about 2 and half years ago. He was living in Orange County (where he had lived his entire life) and was just weeks away from relocating to Seattle for work. I lived about an hour south of him in San Diego.
In his final weeks living in Orange County, Chris showed me great sushi restaurants, an easy-breezy sailing club, the best Mai Tais on the water and cafes to rival Seattle (where my family lives). Then he moved away to Seattle and a year later I joined him.
We knew instantly that we had to get back to California. We found our way back to Los Angeles and now we’ve decided to move back to Orange County this fall.
I haven’t been this excited to move ANYWHERE in a very long time. I’m looking forward to living a couple of miles from the beach, lots of parking, healthy grocery stores and new moms to make friends with.
There is something so hopeful-the feeling of finally having a real home. The kind where you set up some roots and stay a while-because you want to.
Who knew that Chris was there every time I sped by on the 405 freeway? How cool!?
Is there a place (or person) you never noticed before that turned into something so meaningful in your life?
Macy Gutermuth says
I loved reading this! I have been to California about a dozen times, and half of them we have made the drive from LA to San Diego. When I was there 2 summers ago I decided to stay a few nights in Orange County, and I fell in love. I can not wait to get back. A few of my friends have lived there, and I really hope I am able to move there one day!
Christina Warren says
Oh, Macy, you totally get the OC! 😉 It is really a wonderful place. I opened my heart to it and it is happening! It couldn’t come soon enough! I’m so eager. I know there is a lot more that I have to learn about too!! Yay! Maybe we’ll be neighbors!
Thien Do says
I love this post! It was great to read and to know your story! I’ve finally gotten a job! I’ll fill you in on that. I’ve been reading my blogs still but have been slacking with leaving comments. I love being active and leaving comments so I feel like I’ve missed out on a small part of my world! That first picture of you guys is a great great picture. You have the cutest baby belly/baby body!!! Best wishes to you guys during your move!
Christina Warren says
Thank you so much for that, Thien! The move couldn’t come soon enough! I’m ready to settle down. In the mean time…I’ll be looking at paint colors etc to keep me occupied. 🙂 You are so nice to say that about my bod! 😉 It is quite a change but I’m adjusting as best I can. 🙂 Congrats on your job!!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Jessica (Coco/Mingo) says
Wow! Congrats and best of luck on the move!! I actually visited Orange County once, I have family who live there! Something does feel so amazing about setting some roots, and I’m excited for you to do so there! (and right next to the beach?!?) Oh and yes! I love those moments when you realize that just an ordinary day or place becomes so much more extraordinary and you never realized before!
Christina Warren says
Jessica, it is just crazy. I thought the OC was something very different than what I think it is now. Yes, it has some Real Housewives and The Hills but there is a lot more. I look forward to sharing more about it! So cool that you have family out there! I love being able to stay with my family in Seattle. It is one of my most favorite cities to VISIT (not live). 😉
Dee says
Loved this post! Funny how life puts you right where you should be at the exact moments you should – something similar happened when I met my husband about 10 years ago. Looking forward to reading about your moving adventures and setting up a new home!
Christina Warren says
Thank you so much, Dee. I have been hoping and praying for “this” (wherever the right place was) to happen ASAP. We have had some temporary setups the past couple of years and we are ready to nest! 😉
BlushandBarbells says
Congratulations on the move! Orange County does have beautiful beaches. And a lot of good Vietnamese food.
Christina Warren says
You know, Wendy, I was totally impressed by the food diversity there! Chris took me to so many different kinds of places. Yes, the beaches are so different than LA or SD. I’m digging it!
Niina, It seems pretty obvious says
I’m so excited for you that you are moving to place that you both really love! I was supposed to travel to California this summer (I think I told you that). But the plans have changed. That’s a shame! I would have loved to visit Orange County but that has to happen some other time 🙂 Have a great week!
Christina Warren says
Thank you very much, Niina! It is a thrill. Well, hopefully you have other adventures in your future plans. Hope you’re kicking off the week with a great start!
Rowena @ rolala loves says
That’s such exciting news Christina and these pics of you two are totally adorable! I’ve always lived in Manhattan but I never saw myself living downtown. We moved there right after we were married and now I can’t imagine living elsewhere in the city. So much has changed for the better. Happy Monday!
Rowena @ rolala loves
Christina Warren says
Thank you, Rowena!! It’s amazing how opening up to a new opportunity that may have once seemed a poor fit turns out to be perfect. It’s really about timing too, isn’t it! New York is SO diverse in neighborhoods. I would surely have to try them out to figure out which worked for me!
jackie jade says
aw this sounds so awesome for you guys! i’m sure you’re so excited for a more permanent home and a place to nest 🙂
Christina Warren says
You said it: NEST! I am SO ready! It’s been a few years and I can’t wait to paint the walls again like you!
Abby says
Love the beach pictures of you an the hubby- too sweet! I’m excited for you- it seems like so many good things are happening all at once… and it’s fun that we get to come along for the journey here on your blog. 🙂
Christina Warren says
Thank you, sweet Abby! When I read this I am so touched that you put it that way. I really appreciate your’s and everyone’s support along the way!
Bethany C says
Ahhhh so exciting!!!! I love Orange County! I keep pestering my husband to look at jobs in Cali, but he’s more drawn to TX and FL. Oh well. Love these happy pics and happy for your moving news! I’m very jealous!!
Christina Warren says
You are seriously a Californian at heart! 😉 I can tell by your clothes! 🙂 TX and FL are awesome too. You will always have to take Allie to Disneyland though! 😉
The Grits says
Just gonna say that your post title reminded me of Beauty and the Beast LOL – but yes I know exactly what you are talking about. It’s always fun to realize how stuff works out!
Christina Warren says
LOL love that! I love a surprise…beginning. 😉
Kariana says
I grew up an hour away from the city I live in now. My entire life, I complained about how far away it was and how busy it seemed to be. I never wanted to live here…and now that I do, I never plan to leave!
http://www.workouteatcake.com
Christina Warren says
I am so surprised like you. Orange County sounded so droll to me and now there’s nothing I want more! Who knows how long we’ll be there!? I just really marvel at the change of heart.
Rebecca says
http://www.sweetandsimplelifeblog.com/2014/04/liebster-awardwow.html
Christina Warren says
That happens to me all the time. The feeling is mutual! Thank you!
Rebecca says
I love San Diego. Last October my husband and I stayed a couple nights in SD then drove along the coast as far as we could before heading to Palm Springs for a work conference. It was a beautiful drive, and so much fun!
I’m spreading the blogger-love and have nominated you for the Liebster Award. To see more about it, read this:
Christina Warren says
Oh yes, Rebecca! I lived in SD for 10 years! LOVED it! That coast is so peaceful. Glad you have had the time to enjoy it with your husband! Thank you so much for the nomination! I will be checking it out!