Monday was Columbus Day, and hubby and I had the day off. We still had Jayne come over (altho giving her a late start in the morning) since she’s loathe to lose an Allie day when she was going to be gone for 2 weeks visiting her parents in New York. It was a great opportunity to re-meet the guy I married.

Soon after we left the house, I realized I’d left my wallet in the diaper bag from the day before. I felt bad all day as Mr. W would have to pay for everything. This becomes important later in a different way.

The weather was warm very early in the day, so hubby and I went to the Lake to try out a first for us — stand-up paddle-boarding! I didn’t think it’d be very hard since I’d done stand-up kayaking already, to the demise of my first smart phone. However, a lot of things change with pregnancy, they say, especially things like balance. Thankfully, neither Mr. W nor I fell off the board. It took a few minutes to get used to how to hold the paddle and switch it from side-to-side, and I tested the limitations of the board’s rocky-ness early on so I know it could lean left and right pretty far without actually flipping over, so I was comfortable. Mr. W confessed he was less comfortable, and that almost the entire time we were boarding, he’d felt he had to make constant weight distribution adjustments to maintain stability. I guess it helps to have a lower center of gravity. As for ease of movement, I’d put it somewhere between pedalboating and kayaking. The paddling wasn’t as futile as the stupid foot pedals in the paddleboat, where you think you’re gonna die of exposure stranded out there in the middle of the lake pedaling like mad and getting nowhere (except when a lifeguard boat or a kayak goes by and the wave pushes you a little), but it wasn’t as swift as kayaking, either. It was, however, more easily maneuverable than the kayak, possibly because it has less momentum and pretty much when you turn your hips, the big board turns with you. When we were done with that, it was 10:30a and time for me to pump, so I did that for the first time in the car with the double-electric pump running on a battery pack. Worked out pretty well.

I would’ve loved to post a picture of me on the paddleboard, but altho we pulled in 15 minutes before our time was up, Mr. W refused to run to the lockerroom for the camera while I waited in the water. =P

After the Lake, Mr. W and I headed out to a couples massage. It was nice and relaxing, and a little painful, as my muscles are pretty messed up with all the new leaning-forward positions I’ve had to hold after having a baby.

Then, we grabbed some super-juice blends (carrot, beet, spinach, parsley and garlic for me; carrot, apple, beat & ginger for him) and some kale chips for a pre-lunch on our way to Laguna Beach for a late lunch. At a friend’s recommendation for a great view, we ate at The Deck right on the sand.
my drink
We got there just before happy hour so we were able to indulge in the relatively inexpensive seafood happy hour menu, but Mr. W was the only one that had alcoholic drinks, since the timing was such that I was missing out on the 2nd pumping, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it later in the car. The photo above is my Arnold Palmer. This is important for later, as well. (Do you see what’s coming?) The martinis the place served were HUGE; the only thing missing from Mr. W’s martini glass was a fish swimming around in there. At one point, MR. W asked me, “Can you drive?” As I didn’t think he was mocking my Asian roots, I assumed he wanted another alcoholic indulgence and I told him that was fine, and he ordered another giant martini.

On the drive home, I wanted to turn right after the beach street and go on local streets home. Altho this way was more direct, it was potentially more time-consuming because of all the traffic signals we’d have to go through for 8 miles or so. Mr. W strongly suggested (insisted) that I take the toll road. It made me uncomfortable, but I finally did as I was told. And you know that little voice that is usually right when it makes you feel uneasy about doing something? I got pulled over for speeding. AND I didn’t have my wallet and hence no driver’s license. The motorcycle cop walked over to Mr. W’s side, and I’m sure when he leaned down, greeting me politely from the passenger side window, he could smell the alcohol. “Hello, license and registration, please.” Mr. W was already pulling out his ID and was explaining sheepishly that I’d left my wallet at home because I hadn’t intended to drive, but we had just been at Laguna Beach and he’d had a few drinks, so he asked me to drive instead. The CHP officer leaned in and asked me, “Have you had anything to drink, ma’am?” We both simultaneously said no as I explained that that was why I was driving. (Thank gawd, I didn’t decide to just “try” one cocktail, so that I could completely honestly say I had not had a drink.) He asked me whether I knew how fast I was driving. I hesitated, and then admitted I wasn’t totally sure. He said, “Eighty-one. Sixty-five zone.” Okay, and I knew that if I’d let Mr. W drive instead, he would’ve been pulled over for going 100 in a 65 zone while under the influence. I apologized to the CHP, said I didn’t realize I was going that speed as I wasn’t familiar with the feel of a car that isn’t mine. He said he understood, but one indicator that I was going to fast is that I’m passing everyone else on the freeway. I knew I was very suddenly passing cars shortly before I was pulled over, but I’m pretty sure it’s because the people who travel that stretch daily KNOW the motorcyle cop always hides right there around the curve of the road, out of sight until it’s too late. I told the cop he’s right, and that I’d pay better attention. He tapped Mr. W’s ID and said, “You’re good. Drive carefully.” And walked back to his motorcyle. Whew. (I’m glad I didn’t have to flash my engorged boobs.) (I kid, I kid…about the flashing, that is.)

And that nicely wrapped up my Monday with a big red bow.