My Week in California: Sunrises, Missing Dumbbells, and a Cowboy Hat

This past week was a busy one for me. I started out in the office on Monday and Tuesday, then flew out to California on Wednesday for a business group meeting. The focus was strengthening and growing business relationships through better networking. Holly came with me since there was an event Friday night, so we got to spend some time together on Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday she was “stuck” in California by herself, suffering at the mall, the beach, and everywhere else people suffer while in paradise.

We stayed at our favorite spot in Dana Point, the Surf & Sand. It is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at, and because it was built before newer construction restrictions, it sits right on the water. You can literally fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves the beach and wants to sleep with the sound of waves rolling in.

While we were there, I found myself entertained once again by something I always see in hotel gyms: missing dumbbells. There is always one weight missing. Never the full set. Not both 25s, not both 30s… just one. I cannot figure out who is stealing one dumbbell from a hotel gym. How does someone even pack that into their suitcase without noticing?

Since Holly and I were still on East Coast time, we woke up super early every morning. One night I was up at 2 am because my body still thought it was 6. But we did get to see an incredible sunrise, plus what I guess you’d call a “moonset” as it disappeared over the water. It was a stunning view from the balcony.

At one point I saw a billboard in California that basically used our signature bright yellow from our Charlotte ads. I had to take a picture because apparently someone out west has the same branding idea.

Holly also spotted a strange fish from the balcony. It wasn’t a shark and it wasn’t a dolphin, but it scared the other fish away. Our best guess was maybe a barracuda. If anyone knows what it might be, I’d love to hear.

The Friday night event had a cowboy theme, so I broke out one of my old dusters and a cowboy hat. Holly joined in too. We went out to watch the sunset and then hung out at one of the hotel bar areas before the event.

On top of all that, I am excited about the first UFC event of the year. UFC 324 is coming up in late January and the card is stacked. Justin Gaethje is always electric. Paddy Pimblett is one of my favorites and I’ve been a fan since seeing him early in his UFC career in New York with my son. Kayla Harrison is incredible. Sean O’Malley is a family favorite since my son is a big fan. Derrick Lewis is always entertaining. And fighters like Grasso and Rose never disappoint. Top to bottom, this card is loaded and I’m looking forward to it.

Saturday was Christmas-tree-day back home, but our Roomba decided to eat one of the cords. When I tried to open the receiver box, I realized it used triangle screws, which of course I did not have. I ended up taking it to my brother who had the right tool. Then I ordered a small triangle-screw set on Amazon just in case this happens again. The Roomba had ripped the receiver out completely.

Here’s the surprising part: we told the company what happened and they said they’d just mail us a new one under warranty. I was shocked. I fully expected to have to buy a replacement since the Roomba eating the cord was definitely our fault. But no, they just sent a new one. That saved me from buying the $30 replacements on Amazon.

We also made our annual Hallmark ornament trip with my mom, which we do every year. And for the record, once our replacement part comes in, the Christmas tree will finally be lit.

One of the photos from this week was from Curious Cantina in Peachtree City, which has great drinks and a fun atmosphere. Another was taken from the plane, and another from roller derby in Atlanta. Roller derby is gearing up for a new season soon in both Atlanta and Charlotte. They took a huge hit during COVID but are rebuilding. If you’ve never been, I recommend going. It’s fast, wild, and honestly a blast to watch. I had to ask someone how scoring works because I had absolutely no idea. But we will definitely be going when the season starts.

As we move officially into the Christmas season, a quick reminder: shipping times are slow. Things that used to take a day or two are taking three or four. Items that normally take a week are taking longer. A couple of my gifts may not arrive until the 20th, so I’m sweating it a bit. If you’re shopping online, I’d suggest getting everything ordered now.

Hope everyone else is ready for the season and enjoying the start of December. 

Until next week,
Shane

If you're navigating life after an injury and need someone to fight for you while you focus on healing. In pain, call Shane.

Shane Smith Law | 980-999-9999