Ugh! So full! Sleepy! Why did my hand keep shoveling food into my mouth? Why is it that every year I tell myself that I'm not going to overeat at Thanksgiving, yet every year I do just that? I swear my plate wasn't that full, but I feel like I consumed the entire bird and all the fixins by myself.
Perhaps the problem is the dual Thanksgiving meals that I am often confronted with. As much as everyone complains about having to prepare the feast-of-feasts, they sure do relish in getting their hands dirty. And for some unknown reason, I am all too happy to indulge in the fruits of their labor. On the positive side, I will only have to eat the leftovers for the next day or so while our hosts have to continue until the last bit of "mile-high broccoli casserole" is gone.
To those loving families that prepared such Thanksgiving delights, thank you. We'll do it again next year.
Gobble, Gobble,
Marty
Friday, November 24, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Turkey Week
Good day Gerst Family fans. Just wanted to give you a heads-up that I won't be around for a posting tomorrow. I'm assuming you're expecting to see a third Saturday-related posting in a row, but I really don't want to bore you with the details of our road trip to Oklahoma.
For those of you "lucky" enough to live in Oklahoma, you will hopefully get to see us while we're there for a week. And for those of you lucky enough to be invited, you get to enjoy some yummy Thanksgiving delights prepared by the skillful hands of our Mothers.
If anything exciting happens (food fights, winning the lotto, me getting a hole-in-one while golfing with my father-in-law, etc.), I'll be sure to give you the updates when we get back.
If I don't write before, Happy Turkey Day!
Marty
For those of you "lucky" enough to live in Oklahoma, you will hopefully get to see us while we're there for a week. And for those of you lucky enough to be invited, you get to enjoy some yummy Thanksgiving delights prepared by the skillful hands of our Mothers.
If anything exciting happens (food fights, winning the lotto, me getting a hole-in-one while golfing with my father-in-law, etc.), I'll be sure to give you the updates when we get back.
If I don't write before, Happy Turkey Day!
Marty
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sea World Saturday
After a grueling week of all work and little play I look forward to doing something a bit more exciting on the weekend. Sure we could do fun things during the week, and we do sometimes, but for the most part it's bed for Aiden by 8pm with us following closely behind.
This weekend's entertainment was a trip to Sea World. Aiden and Vanessa went this summer during my "vacation" so I had to play catch-up. I've never been (I'm serious) so I thought I would go see what all this Shamu-fuss is about.
Thanks to our friends to the military who make those great horse commercials during the Super Bowl, Anheuser-Busch, we had free admission. If you're not in the military, I would still recommend going to Sea World. It's reasonably priced for an amusement park but if you plan to go more than a couple of days it would be well worth it to just purchase a season pass (Note: this is not to be taken as a shameless plug, just a frugal recommendation). And if you need a place to stay while you're here, there's a hotel or two in San Antonio that I'm sure would be happy to take your money. Er, I mean, you're more than welcome to stay with us (Note: this offer applies to those who I know personally... sorry if I got your hopes up).
(The end of our adventure)
As soon as we arrived we plotted our course for the day in order to maximize viewing the variety of shows. We intentionally avoided rides as Aiden tends to be apprehensive of... well everything. He usually warms up to new things, but it's always a struggle to get him past his fears.
Our first show was "Believe" with killer whales to include Shamu. I'm not sure which killer whale was Shamu because they all looked alike to me. That's not to say that because they were black or white, cause they were all black and white, but I really didn't get to know them (Enough with the failed attempt at humor already). The show was quite fascinating! The trainers interacting with these killers of the sea made them look more like big puppy dogs. Hey Mom, can I have a killer whale for Christmas?
(I'm fairly certain this one was Shamu--the whale, not the man)
Next was "The Cannery Row Caper," a detective story with the characters played by sea lions, an otter, and a great big walrus. I haven't laughed so hard in quite some time.
(The detective voice over said, "she had lips like...well, she had lips!")
From there we raced over to get a seat for "Pirates 4D." Not a great scripted nor acted film, but of course the effects were there...in four dimensions. This didn't go over so well with Aiden, especially when the bees started flying out of the screen and his seat began buzzing. His last straw was the spider crawling towards him that hissed as a fine mist of water sprayed his face. He began to bawl with the rest of the little kids in the theater. I gathered him onto my lap and calmed him down for the last few minutes of the show. I think he'll do better next time though.
(We stopped for lunch and of course dessert. Aiden reeaaallly enjoyed the chocolate cake!)
Before the next show we went to feed the dolphins. Vanessa waited in line for fish as Aiden and I nudged our way to the edge of the pool. The dolphins swam around eagerly whetting their appetites for their little treats. They would swim up close enough to touch but would knowingly dodge the eager hands reaching out to grab them. Their sense of smell or timing or whatever told them there was no fish available yet so they continued their teasing, whetting the audience's appetite as well. When the fish did arrive the dolphins would allow you to briefly pet them as long as you kept the fish out of their sight. One dolphin didn't want to be petted, so he flipped his nose up, knocking my hand away and beckoned me for the fish. Upon seeing this aggressive behavior, Aiden gave up wanting to touch the dolphins. That was only until we no longer had fish to give. Then he got into his I-haven't-had-my-nap mood and had a meltdown about wanting to pet the dolphins.
(Dolphins teasing Aiden)
After Aiden's mood change, I was ready to go, but Vanessa wanted to see one last show. After a brief and uneventful stopover at a sand box, we went to watch "Viva," a show with acrobats, beluga whales, and dolphins. I think the acrobats took center stage over the animals in this show. Most of their movements were a bit hokey, but the flips and dives were pretty exhilarating. Overall, not bad, but my mood may have been a little put off by the setting sun shining right through the back of the stage into my eyes.
Hopefully, we'll be able to go back and take advantage of some of the other entertainment Sea World has to offer. For now, it made for a rather full day.
Save the Whales,
Marty
This weekend's entertainment was a trip to Sea World. Aiden and Vanessa went this summer during my "vacation" so I had to play catch-up. I've never been (I'm serious) so I thought I would go see what all this Shamu-fuss is about.
Thanks to our friends to the military who make those great horse commercials during the Super Bowl, Anheuser-Busch, we had free admission. If you're not in the military, I would still recommend going to Sea World. It's reasonably priced for an amusement park but if you plan to go more than a couple of days it would be well worth it to just purchase a season pass (Note: this is not to be taken as a shameless plug, just a frugal recommendation). And if you need a place to stay while you're here, there's a hotel or two in San Antonio that I'm sure would be happy to take your money. Er, I mean, you're more than welcome to stay with us (Note: this offer applies to those who I know personally... sorry if I got your hopes up).
(The end of our adventure)
As soon as we arrived we plotted our course for the day in order to maximize viewing the variety of shows. We intentionally avoided rides as Aiden tends to be apprehensive of... well everything. He usually warms up to new things, but it's always a struggle to get him past his fears.
Our first show was "Believe" with killer whales to include Shamu. I'm not sure which killer whale was Shamu because they all looked alike to me. That's not to say that because they were black or white, cause they were all black and white, but I really didn't get to know them (Enough with the failed attempt at humor already). The show was quite fascinating! The trainers interacting with these killers of the sea made them look more like big puppy dogs. Hey Mom, can I have a killer whale for Christmas?
(I'm fairly certain this one was Shamu--the whale, not the man)
Next was "The Cannery Row Caper," a detective story with the characters played by sea lions, an otter, and a great big walrus. I haven't laughed so hard in quite some time.
(The detective voice over said, "she had lips like...well, she had lips!")
From there we raced over to get a seat for "Pirates 4D." Not a great scripted nor acted film, but of course the effects were there...in four dimensions. This didn't go over so well with Aiden, especially when the bees started flying out of the screen and his seat began buzzing. His last straw was the spider crawling towards him that hissed as a fine mist of water sprayed his face. He began to bawl with the rest of the little kids in the theater. I gathered him onto my lap and calmed him down for the last few minutes of the show. I think he'll do better next time though.
(We stopped for lunch and of course dessert. Aiden reeaaallly enjoyed the chocolate cake!)
Before the next show we went to feed the dolphins. Vanessa waited in line for fish as Aiden and I nudged our way to the edge of the pool. The dolphins swam around eagerly whetting their appetites for their little treats. They would swim up close enough to touch but would knowingly dodge the eager hands reaching out to grab them. Their sense of smell or timing or whatever told them there was no fish available yet so they continued their teasing, whetting the audience's appetite as well. When the fish did arrive the dolphins would allow you to briefly pet them as long as you kept the fish out of their sight. One dolphin didn't want to be petted, so he flipped his nose up, knocking my hand away and beckoned me for the fish. Upon seeing this aggressive behavior, Aiden gave up wanting to touch the dolphins. That was only until we no longer had fish to give. Then he got into his I-haven't-had-my-nap mood and had a meltdown about wanting to pet the dolphins.
(Dolphins teasing Aiden)
After Aiden's mood change, I was ready to go, but Vanessa wanted to see one last show. After a brief and uneventful stopover at a sand box, we went to watch "Viva," a show with acrobats, beluga whales, and dolphins. I think the acrobats took center stage over the animals in this show. Most of their movements were a bit hokey, but the flips and dives were pretty exhilarating. Overall, not bad, but my mood may have been a little put off by the setting sun shining right through the back of the stage into my eyes.
Hopefully, we'll be able to go back and take advantage of some of the other entertainment Sea World has to offer. For now, it made for a rather full day.
Save the Whales,
Marty
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday Family Fun
This morning we decided on a family fun day as opposed to cleaning house or some other menial tasks. We thought we would try Sea World, but because of the ominous looking sky we opted for a shorter outdoor option. We went to play putt-putt golf. Vanessa scoured the internet for about two minutes and found a golf and games center down the road a few miles from our house. I hardly knew there was any civilization southeast of I-10, but turns out there are a few people who live out there. As we followed the directions that took us further out into the boonies it looked as if we might not find said entertainment location, but lo and behold it sprang up right where the map said it would be. (Thank you Yahoo). I was fully expecting to find a run down building with eighties-era games, but surprisingly it was all relatively new. The center has two 18-hole courses, bumper boats, paintball, a small (but decent) arcade, and food. In other words, a hoard of hyperactive children could possibly wear themselves out with all the activities available.
We started off with a game of putt-putt golf. Aiden hasn't actually played golf yet, but he gets practice with his plastic clubs supplied by his Papa (the same Papa who gave me my first set of clubs--not plastic, but I would probably fair better with plastic. If I didn't know better I would think Papa's trying to train and trade up to a better golfing companion).
I was pleasantly surprised that Aiden followed instruction so well. He would get a little excited and hurried, but for the most part he patiently waited his turn and then concentrated well on how to hold the club and hit the ball.
Not surprisingly, he actually beat his Mommy and me on two different holes. (In case you're new to this blog, he's three) I'm not saying he's a prodigy--he had a little help, but he did do well for his first time out (and he's three).
(This was after our first stroke. Aiden-Blue, Daddy-Orange, Mommy-Purple)
(He did this by himself. I think it went all the way down near the hole.)
(Vanessa wasn't the only one who had to fish her ball out of water hazards; she just did it more often than us.)
We finished our 18 holes and headed inside for a few games. Aiden is fond of shooting games because he plays Nintendo Duck Hunt at Nana and Papa's house, so of course he made a B-line for Jurassic Park to shoot up some dinosaurs. We also played a couple of driving games where he would do the steering and I got to work the pedals (three, remember?).
(The aim was way off on the guns, but Aiden didn't notice, or care, he just kept shooting.)
We played some ski ball and he shot some hoops and we had a "friendly" game of air hockey.
(He did make a couple. He's better than me at basketball.)
(He beat me 5-2. Yes, I let him win. What kind of Dad do you think I am?)
After our entertainment, we headed home for lunch and a nap. When we (I needed a nap too!) woke up we went to the theater to watch "Flushed Away." The movie is from the same folks who did "Wallace and Grommit" and "Chicken Run." The difference is that instead of using clay animation, it was all computer animation and software to mimic clay-mation complete with imperfections such as the occasional fingerprint on the "clay." Overall, it was a pretty funny movie. I especially enjoyed the French frogs.
Golfing wherever I can get it,
Marty
We started off with a game of putt-putt golf. Aiden hasn't actually played golf yet, but he gets practice with his plastic clubs supplied by his Papa (the same Papa who gave me my first set of clubs--not plastic, but I would probably fair better with plastic. If I didn't know better I would think Papa's trying to train and trade up to a better golfing companion).
I was pleasantly surprised that Aiden followed instruction so well. He would get a little excited and hurried, but for the most part he patiently waited his turn and then concentrated well on how to hold the club and hit the ball.
Not surprisingly, he actually beat his Mommy and me on two different holes. (In case you're new to this blog, he's three) I'm not saying he's a prodigy--he had a little help, but he did do well for his first time out (and he's three).
(This was after our first stroke. Aiden-Blue, Daddy-Orange, Mommy-Purple)
(He did this by himself. I think it went all the way down near the hole.)
(Vanessa wasn't the only one who had to fish her ball out of water hazards; she just did it more often than us.)
We finished our 18 holes and headed inside for a few games. Aiden is fond of shooting games because he plays Nintendo Duck Hunt at Nana and Papa's house, so of course he made a B-line for Jurassic Park to shoot up some dinosaurs. We also played a couple of driving games where he would do the steering and I got to work the pedals (three, remember?).
(The aim was way off on the guns, but Aiden didn't notice, or care, he just kept shooting.)
We played some ski ball and he shot some hoops and we had a "friendly" game of air hockey.
(He did make a couple. He's better than me at basketball.)
(He beat me 5-2. Yes, I let him win. What kind of Dad do you think I am?)
After our entertainment, we headed home for lunch and a nap. When we (I needed a nap too!) woke up we went to the theater to watch "Flushed Away." The movie is from the same folks who did "Wallace and Grommit" and "Chicken Run." The difference is that instead of using clay animation, it was all computer animation and software to mimic clay-mation complete with imperfections such as the occasional fingerprint on the "clay." Overall, it was a pretty funny movie. I especially enjoyed the French frogs.
Golfing wherever I can get it,
Marty
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Trick-or-Treat
I hope everyone had a safe holiday. Is Halloween a real holiday? If not, I like to think so anyway. It's always been one of my favorites. Probably because it follows my birthday and I've always felt like it was an extension of my special day.
We took Aiden to our church carnival and got stuffed on hotdogs, nachos and cotton candy. Then we ventured off into a neighborhood for some good ol' fashioned door-to-door beggin'.
(Aiden had two different costumes this year. Last week he went to his school as a fireman. Then a couple of days ago I was meandering through the Base Exchange and found a Spiderman costume complete with muscles for a buck-twenty-seven. I thought it was a pretty sweet deal especially before the actual holiday. And Aiden LOVES Spiderman so I figured he'd wear it a few more times just for play.)
He was a little apprehensive at first about going up to strange doors, but soon overcame his fears after he realized the payoff. I guess it's a good thing he's a little fearful about strangers, but probably not so good that a little candy can sway him. NOTE: If there are any potential kidnappers out there reading this, don't get any bright ideas.
We walked around a few blocks and he collected quite a stash. I'm sure some would think there's no such thing as too much candy, but Vanessa always has candy around the house so I think that and a few additional handfuls from strangers will last him well into his teens.
Scare ya later,
Marty
We took Aiden to our church carnival and got stuffed on hotdogs, nachos and cotton candy. Then we ventured off into a neighborhood for some good ol' fashioned door-to-door beggin'.
(Aiden had two different costumes this year. Last week he went to his school as a fireman. Then a couple of days ago I was meandering through the Base Exchange and found a Spiderman costume complete with muscles for a buck-twenty-seven. I thought it was a pretty sweet deal especially before the actual holiday. And Aiden LOVES Spiderman so I figured he'd wear it a few more times just for play.)
He was a little apprehensive at first about going up to strange doors, but soon overcame his fears after he realized the payoff. I guess it's a good thing he's a little fearful about strangers, but probably not so good that a little candy can sway him. NOTE: If there are any potential kidnappers out there reading this, don't get any bright ideas.
We walked around a few blocks and he collected quite a stash. I'm sure some would think there's no such thing as too much candy, but Vanessa always has candy around the house so I think that and a few additional handfuls from strangers will last him well into his teens.
Scare ya later,
Marty
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