Santa Monica

Captains Log; Pandemic Trip # 22 Santa Monica Pier.

To understand what we’re trying to accomplish here, please refer back to this blog.

I recently lead a formal zoom meeting which required a jacket and tie. During the pre-dress prep, I noticed I was struggling to button the top of my shirt (the collar button, the one no one likes.) During the struggle, my wife looked at me and said “don’t feel bad, quarantine life has been hard for all of us”. Thanks babe, #1 I didn’t ask and #2 I don’t appreciate you sharing that with me in a “PBS Afternoon Special” voice. Anyways, this got me thinking about dusting off some old workout DVD’s and spending some time with everyone’s hero

During one of the yoga DVD’s (stop making fun of me-I’m ADHD, yoga calms me down) I was reminded that he was a regular at “Muscle Beach” in Santa Monica. For those of you who do not know, Santa Monica Pier is an iconic location in Southern California. Known for filming scenes in such A+ movies as Mr. Bean, Beverly Hills Cop 3, and the semi decent movie of Forest Gump. It’s got a roller coaster, carnival rides, games, and numerous restaurants. Even with the amusement park area closed, I figured it would be a great opportunity to get the kiddos out of the house and enjoy a vacant historical area…or they would be depressed because they couldn’t ride on any rides, either way, kid reactions were on the horizon. After you visit Santa Monica Pier, mosey on down the beach a few steps and you’ll hit the famous “Muscle Beach”-it’s closed as well, but you can still see all the equipment and body builders breaking the rules and pumping iron anyway…no pain, no gain.

We departed Wednesday at 10:00 and arrived in 45 minutes. The car ride was a complete struggle…the kids were great and there was zero traffic. The issue was, I wouldn’t allow any Christmas music. We have 6 days until Nov 1st, let’s not overkill it people. We packed lunches and prepared for a beach picnic, however plans changed when the younger one wanted to visit some other places (new blog coming soon). Side note, kiddo picnics are the best, it’s easy to make conservation and it gives you a minute to put your phone down. The trip ended with our exit plan…don’t forget your exit plan peeps. Our plan was ice cream…”okay kiddos, time to head out so we can pick up our special treat”. FYI, I tricked them, it was frozen yogurt (remember I’m back on the yoga DVD’s, less calories).

Did anyone ever see the movie Big?

Tired and ready for "ice cream"

Enjoy!