This past weekend, my girlfriend Hallie and I decided to take a small day trip to break away from the norm that we are used to in Solano County, California; and headed down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

We met up with a friend of Hallie who was visiting from Oklahoma, and decided to have lunch and drinks at nearby Coasters Bar and Grill (located inside Boardwalk Bowl) first before hitting the beach.

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon with temperatures in the low-70s, people can be see throughout the beach enjoying the great weather and good vibes.

Once the three of us found a spot to sit, I immediately discarded my shoes and socks; then proceeded to go dip my feet into the ocean with the two ladies following my lead.

I don’t go to the beaches too often, but I love getting knee-deep into the water and running my toes through the sand when I do.

The knee area is usually as far as I go when stepping into the ocean, but then it hit me that I don’t get to do this often; so for the first time I went waist deep.

I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again as I’m standing there in the ocean trying to resist the oncoming waves and having a good laugh with Hallie and her friend.

I had my cellphone in my hand while in the ocean, but even if a wave knocked me off my feet I did an excellent job keeping my phone upright so not to get wet.

I don’t recommend bringing your phone with you going into the ocean, but I took this rare moment for a selfie as I’m living in the moment.

Right after I took the photo, Hallie warned me that a wave was approaching; and once I turned around to face the ocean, it happened…

A big wave smacks me right in the face and sends me on my way with saltwater in my mouth; struggling to get back on my feet as I headed back to shore.

They say it is a never a good idea to turn your back on the sea; and this was a classic example of a situation that could’ve turned ugly had I been deeper into the ocean or in the wrong place.

But thankfully it’s an experience I can look back on and have a good laugh; and it’s also a reminder to enjoy the little things in life every chance we get.

After our fun with the ocean, we strolled around the Boardwalk before saying goodbye to Hallie’s friend and making the two hour drive back home.