Comments on: One-Day Vacations http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:24:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Patty http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-6 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-6 No way...first I connect with the Jenkins/Groces on the whole Homestar Runner thing...and now Weird Al, too. It really is destiny that I am here... Did you know that I saw the "Running With Scissors" tour? It was incredible. We must host a Weird Al fiesta sometime. :p No way…first I connect with the Jenkins/Groces on the whole Homestar Runner thing…and now Weird Al, too. It really is destiny that I am here…

Did you know that I saw the “Running With Scissors” tour? It was incredible. We must host a Weird Al fiesta sometime.

:p

]]> by: mark j http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-7 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-7 My most vivid recollections are as follows: Staying up to late the night before, regret the next morning (a recurring memory). Can't listen to the radio because kids were up later than me at drum corps show and need sleep. Alternate entertainment: Teresa reading almost entire book of Hebrews out loud. Passing an older Mecury Topaz (Ford Tempo) on I-74 that was smoking a bit (oil) and the front driver-side tire bouncing excessively while commenting about how bad that was and wondering if they had it balanced. At parking lot car entrance, being handed a flyer about helicopter rides being available next to the "Flight of Fear" ride. At parking lot car entrance, being handed a flyer for television shows produced by Paramount (that's Paramount's King's Island). Walking. At park entrance metal detectors/security station: Andrew asking why they are afraid of a pen knife at King's Island. Me saying that they heard the Effel Tower is a terrorist target and pen knife could be used to cut leg off tower (in about 100 years). Walking. Riding through Scooby Doo Haunted Mansion and thinking, "Disney World has nothing like this!" Walking. Experiencing an attack of "Skyline Chili-Vision" while waiting in line for the Sponge Bob 3-D ride. Jeff M., Andrew and I jumped out of line to satisfy ourselves while Teresa and her sister bravely continued on. Walking. Running into Sarah's friend Jamie (Noah and Hope's mother) and Jamie's friend from work. Jamie said they saw us go past them on the highway right before one of their car's (her friend's car) tire blow out, how they could not find an inexpensive replacement on a Sunday and were driving on a "donut" spare. Also finding out that their car was the one I mentioned above with the bouncing tire (that blew). Jeff M. mentioned that the bouncing was most likely a broken and/or slipped steel belt that finally sliced through the side wall of the tire. Walking. Dining on haute cuisine of pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and fries in the "Wings" restaurant (air conditioned, oh joy!) while thinking, "It doesn't get any better than this!" (It doesn't, really. It was not any better than the year before and year before that.) Sitting. While waiting for some of the others to finish the Tomb Raider ride, I (the professor) gave an impromtu lecture to my two nephews on the retrograde motion of the outer planets of our solar system. They declined the follow-up presentation of red shift/doppler shift. Sitting. Calling the others many times on our cells phones only to say, "Where are you now?" Sitting in the rain - a little cold - a little wet (stayed seated; dry buns). Found out Jamie and her friend had talked to Sarah about waiting for us at the gate so drive home together. Thinking about "donut" spare has recommended max speed of 45-50 mph and how long to get home. Rides stopped during rain. Teresa wondering if Jamie might leave park early to start home. Sitting waiting for W.A.Y. concert to start. Concert starts, good sound level, good sound mix. As evening progresses, sound man gets drunk and hearing goes south with him - volume keeps going up, mix quality comes and goes, occurences of feedback squeal increase in frequency with time - have to duck down behind people in front of me to get out of the jet wash. Al was great, though. Walking (with big crowd). Standing in line at security window to retrieve "my precious". Turn in my redemption ticket and find out "I a winner!" Finally getting on the road home with Teresa saying that she is feeling good and can help me stay awake and watch for Jamie and her friend's car. Within the hour all occupants other than myself are quiet and resting peacefully. We never see Jamie/friend's car and find out later (she called Sarah the next day or two) that they got home alright. Thank you, Lord, for all that you do. Get up next morning and feel fine (not sore, not stiff, not sun burned). Thank you again, Lord. My most vivid recollections are as follows:

Staying up to late the night before, regret the next morning (a recurring memory).

Can’t listen to the radio because kids were up later than me at drum corps show and need sleep. Alternate entertainment: Teresa reading almost entire book of Hebrews out loud.

Passing an older Mecury Topaz (Ford Tempo) on I-74 that was smoking a bit (oil) and the front driver-side tire bouncing excessively while commenting about how bad that was and wondering if they had it balanced.

At parking lot car entrance, being handed a flyer about helicopter rides being available next to the “Flight of Fear” ride.

At parking lot car entrance, being handed a flyer for television shows produced by Paramount (that’s Paramount’s King’s Island).

Walking.

At park entrance metal detectors/security station: Andrew asking why they are afraid of a pen knife at King’s Island. Me saying that they heard the Effel Tower is a terrorist target and pen knife could be used to cut leg off tower (in about 100 years).

Walking.

Riding through Scooby Doo Haunted Mansion and thinking, “Disney World has nothing like this!”

Walking.

Experiencing an attack of “Skyline Chili-Vision” while waiting in line for the Sponge Bob 3-D ride. Jeff M., Andrew and I jumped out of line to satisfy ourselves while Teresa and her sister bravely continued on.

Walking.

Running into Sarah’s friend Jamie (Noah and Hope’s mother) and Jamie’s friend from work. Jamie said they saw us go past them on the highway right before one of their car’s (her friend’s car) tire blow out, how they could not find an inexpensive replacement on a Sunday and were driving on a “donut” spare. Also finding out that their car was the one I mentioned above with the bouncing tire (that blew). Jeff M. mentioned that the bouncing was most likely a broken and/or slipped steel belt that finally sliced through the side wall of the tire.

Walking.

Dining on haute cuisine of pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and fries in the “Wings” restaurant (air conditioned, oh joy!) while thinking, “It doesn’t get any better than this!” (It doesn’t, really. It was not any better than the year before and year before that.)

Sitting.

While waiting for some of the others to finish the Tomb Raider ride, I (the professor) gave an impromtu lecture to my two nephews on the retrograde motion of the outer planets of our solar system. They declined the follow-up presentation of red shift/doppler shift.

Sitting.

Calling the others many times on our cells phones only to say, “Where are you now?”

Sitting in the rain - a little cold - a little wet (stayed seated; dry buns).

Found out Jamie and her friend had talked to Sarah about waiting for us at the gate so drive home together. Thinking about “donut” spare has recommended max speed of 45-50 mph and how long to get home. Rides stopped during rain. Teresa wondering if Jamie might leave park early to start home.

Sitting waiting for W.A.Y. concert to start. Concert starts, good sound level, good sound mix. As evening progresses, sound man gets drunk and hearing goes south with him - volume keeps going up, mix quality comes and goes, occurences of feedback squeal increase in frequency with time - have to duck down behind people in front of me to get out of the jet wash. Al was great, though.

Walking (with big crowd).

Standing in line at security window to retrieve “my precious”. Turn in my redemption ticket and find out “I a winner!”

Finally getting on the road home with Teresa saying that she is feeling good and can help me stay awake and watch for Jamie and her friend’s car. Within the hour all occupants other than myself are quiet and resting peacefully.

We never see Jamie/friend’s car and find out later (she called Sarah the next day or two) that they got home alright. Thank you, Lord, for all that you do.

Get up next morning and feel fine (not sore, not stiff, not sun burned). Thank you again, Lord.

]]> by: elaine http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-8 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-8 First of all, Mark needs a blog. Second of all, Teresa and God have a thing about the weather...it is true. Come to think of it, God and I have a thing about the weather, too. Thing is, Teresa trusts God for good weather when needed and I believe I will be killed in a tornado. Third of all, that is a great story, and I am glad you all are back safe and sound. First of all, Mark needs a blog.

Second of all, Teresa and God have a thing about the weather…it is true. Come to think of it, God and I have a thing about the weather, too. Thing is, Teresa trusts God for good weather when needed and I believe I will be killed in a tornado.

Third of all, that is a great story, and I am glad you all are back safe and sound.

]]> by: Amanda http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-9 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-9 I would like to add my 2 cents about our trip. First of all, I bet most of you don't know that King's Island has been the Jenkins family's private vacation spot for years. Don't knock it... short drive, thrill rides, water park, and food. No sense in driving all the way to Florida. (tried that once, haven't been since) Anyway, I wanted to give you a different look at this day. Scooby Doo/Eifel Tower... the most time we all spent together prior to the concert. Oh, we met up a few times. Mostly to beg for money and/or food. The "young(er)" people (minus the Bubs) set out for adventure. The Parentals (and the Bubs) went walking, sitting, and Sponge Bob-ing. For a little while we thought Brian would need a transfer to the walk/sit unit due to intolerance of heat and sun. (he made a recovery after the Wild Thornberrys Log Ride) Amber and I "ran out of time" to do the Bungee Ball. (awww, too bad) Finally, we took our last grab at food and facilities and met back up for the concert. It was a lot of fun! (minus aggin' security dude on power trip) So, I don't care what you've heard... there are no better people to hang out with than your family. No one else on the planet truly understands and appreciates your weirdness. We should do this every year!! (with or without Weird Al) The Jenkins/Groces/Modesitts are available to rent for parties. "When you are in need a slightly "cooler" family than the one you currently own." Low prices! Free financing until 2005! I would like to add my 2 cents about our trip.

First of all, I bet most of you don’t know that King’s Island has been the Jenkins family’s private vacation spot for years. Don’t knock it… short drive, thrill rides, water park, and food. No sense in driving all the way to Florida. (tried that once, haven’t been since)

Anyway, I wanted to give you a different look at this day. Scooby Doo/Eifel Tower… the most time we all spent together prior to the concert. Oh, we met up a few times. Mostly to beg for money and/or food. The “young(er)” people (minus the Bubs) set out for adventure. The Parentals (and the Bubs) went walking, sitting, and Sponge Bob-ing. For a little while we thought Brian would need a transfer to the walk/sit unit due to intolerance of heat and sun. (he made a recovery after the Wild Thornberrys Log Ride) Amber and I “ran out of time” to do the Bungee Ball. (awww, too bad)

Finally, we took our last grab at food and facilities and met back up for the concert. It was a lot of fun! (minus aggin’ security dude on power trip)

So, I don’t care what you’ve heard… there are no better people to hang out with than your family. No one else on the planet truly understands and appreciates your weirdness. We should do this every year!! (with or without Weird Al)

The Jenkins/Groces/Modesitts are available to rent for parties. “When you are in need a slightly “cooler” family than the one you currently own.” Low prices! Free financing until 2005!

]]> by: Katie http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-10 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-10 Okay, so Mom said I needed to post my review of the day on Sunday, so here goes: So much for the tradition of stretching our arms forward in the car to be the "first one" to arrive in Ohio - Sarah and I slept all the way there. (I don't remember anything after admiring the hyperfix area downtown.) I woke up about 15 minutes out from the park and got "caffinated" with a can of Dr. Pepper to prepare for the day (which was filled with homstarrunner lines, particularly of the Teen Girl Squad variety). I probably had the best time with my cousin Alex (who is going into eighth grade and is also about to pass me in height). All day long Amanda and the "young" bunch were yelling to us to slow down (us an our long legs). :) Alex and I rode the Beast together and were quite pleased that despite the teasings of Brian that they weren't going to wait for us, we got on and off before they did. :-P :) I rode in the front of the Son of Beast (by myself), so I can mark that one off my list. The only one left on my list (at King's Island) is Face/Off (unless you want to try and count Reptar). And is it just me getting old, or did somebody grease the wheels of the roller coasters? They've never been that fast before! As for ride critiques: Wild Thornberry's Log Ride - SO GOOD!!! A Paramount first! It's actually an improvement on the old ride. (You're guaranteed to get wet!) Scooby Doo - SO GOOD!!! A marked improvement over Phantom Theater, at least I think it was... I didn't really look at anything inside; I was too busy concentrating on hitting the targets and whoopin' up on Sarah and Amanda. (But I only got 330.) Tomb Raider (running this year!) - SO GOOD!!! Not bad, but short (compared to the long line). Delirium (running!) -SO GOOD!!! Fun, but short (again, compared to the line)! I will say this though, if it had been any longer, it might have ceased to be fun (and would have become "The Return of the Egg McMoofin"). And now, a critique of Paramount's take-over: Drop Zone has been around for 4 years now and STILL breaks down on a regular basis? (This is the first year Amanda has gotten to ride it!) And what happened to the Sweet Tooth?! (First you take my Smurf Voyage, my Keel Boats, my Old Fashioned Cars, and my King Cobra; now you take my ice cream!) And replacing those beloved rides with "pay as you play" attractions (X-treme Flyer, Lazer Tag, bungee trampolines, virtual reality, and a bungee ball) does not make up for it (especially while the cost of admission continues to rise). But Weird Al - he was the real reason for going on Sunday, and it was worth it. (Though I agree with Dad: I think the sound guy fell asleep and leaned forward right onto the bass levels.) The medley gave everybody a little bit of what they wanted to hear (including classics like "Lasagna" and new ones like "Ebay"), but I about fell off my bleacher when he started singing "Melanie". That's one of my favorites! (I have fond memories of listening to it on my walkman and singing along in the backyard.) No amount of rain could put a damper on the concert (but a power trippin' Skippy... I give him, the "Double Deuce"!) Okay, so Mom said I needed to post my review of the day on Sunday, so here goes:
So much for the tradition of stretching our arms forward in the car to be the “first one” to arrive in Ohio - Sarah and I slept all the way there. (I don’t remember anything after admiring the hyperfix area downtown.) I woke up about 15 minutes out from the park and got “caffinated” with a can of Dr. Pepper to prepare for the day (which was filled with homstarrunner lines, particularly of the Teen Girl Squad variety).
I probably had the best time with my cousin Alex (who is going into eighth grade and is also about to pass me in height). All day long Amanda and the “young” bunch were yelling to us to slow down (us an our long legs). :) Alex and I rode the Beast together and were quite pleased that despite the teasings of Brian that they weren’t going to wait for us, we got on and off before they did. :-P :)
I rode in the front of the Son of Beast (by myself), so I can mark that one off my list. The only one left on my list (at King’s Island) is Face/Off (unless you want to try and count Reptar). And is it just me getting old, or did somebody grease the wheels of the roller coasters? They’ve never been that fast before!
As for ride critiques: Wild Thornberry’s Log Ride - SO GOOD!!! A Paramount first! It’s actually an improvement on the old ride. (You’re guaranteed to get wet!) Scooby Doo - SO GOOD!!! A marked improvement over Phantom Theater, at least I think it was… I didn’t really look at anything inside; I was too busy concentrating on hitting the targets and whoopin’ up on Sarah and Amanda. (But I only got 330.) Tomb Raider (running this year!) - SO GOOD!!! Not bad, but short (compared to the long line). Delirium (running!) -SO GOOD!!! Fun, but short (again, compared to the line)! I will say this though, if it had been any longer, it might have ceased to be fun (and would have become “The Return of the Egg McMoofin”).
And now, a critique of Paramount’s take-over: Drop Zone has been around for 4 years now and STILL breaks down on a regular basis? (This is the first year Amanda has gotten to ride it!) And what happened to the Sweet Tooth?! (First you take my Smurf Voyage, my Keel Boats, my Old Fashioned Cars, and my King Cobra; now you take my ice cream!) And replacing those beloved rides with “pay as you play” attractions (X-treme Flyer, Lazer Tag, bungee trampolines, virtual reality, and a bungee ball) does not make up for it (especially while the cost of admission continues to rise).
But Weird Al - he was the real reason for going on Sunday, and it was worth it. (Though I agree with Dad: I think the sound guy fell asleep and leaned forward right onto the bass levels.) The medley gave everybody a little bit of what they wanted to hear (including classics like “Lasagna” and new ones like “Ebay”), but I about fell off my bleacher when he started singing “Melanie”. That’s one of my favorites! (I have fond memories of listening to it on my walkman and singing along in the backyard.) No amount of rain could put a damper on the concert (but a power trippin’ Skippy… I give him, the “Double Deuce”!)

]]> by: Cris http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-11 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-11 All I can say is LOL!!! What a great depiction of the one day vacation. I stand impressed. ;-D Teresa you've got a talent for expressing your thoughts in writing and your blog is a very enjoyable read. ;) in Him, Cris All I can say is LOL!!! What a great depiction of the one day vacation. I stand impressed. ;-D Teresa you’ve got a talent for expressing your thoughts in writing and your blog is a very enjoyable read. ;)

in Him,
Cris

]]> by: Curt http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-12 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-12 Man....this all makes me jealous ("We got jealous") Hmmm, do you think I could have skipped out on the Koehler Family Dinner even though it was partially for my birthday? Man….this all makes me jealous (”We got jealous”)

Hmmm, do you think I could have skipped out on the Koehler Family Dinner even though it was partially for my birthday?

]]> by: josh http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-13 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-13 Wow, sounds like a pretty fun day. I was actually at Kings Island the day before [yes, I left my pregnant wife who is bored from bed rest at home] :( But she was in good company with her Mom, Matt, Carissa, & the kids stopping by. I must say "Face Off" and "Flight of Fear" were my favorites, but enjoyed everything I rode, except maybe Tomb Raider because we had to wait forever and the ride was very short. Not to mention the crazy drunk people who were screaming strange obscenities throughout the wait after repeatedly being asked and told to be quiet. All in all it was a great day though. I enjoyed reading all of the commentary, I laughed out loud several times. Wow, sounds like a pretty fun day. I was actually at Kings Island the day before [yes, I left my pregnant wife who is bored from bed rest at home] :( But she was in good company with her Mom, Matt, Carissa, & the kids stopping by. I must say “Face Off” and “Flight of Fear” were my favorites, but enjoyed everything I rode, except maybe Tomb Raider because we had to wait forever and the ride was very short. Not to mention the crazy drunk people who were screaming strange obscenities throughout the wait after repeatedly being asked and told to be quiet. All in all it was a great day though.

I enjoyed reading all of the commentary, I laughed out loud several times.

]]> by: Angie http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-14 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-14 I thought the comments wouldn’t be complete without hearing from the third part of the trilogy: The Modesitts OBERVATIONS: Everyone is always happy on the way there. Hotels with the pool chemical bromine suck. (Isn’t swimming a synonym for vacation?) Security guards don’t like remote control devises. The most intelligent, hard-headed, opinionated, strong-willed people stick together. (Katie and Alex)….hehehe! People who have the combined weight of around 750 pounds should probably not all ride in one log. Winning soda caps are a very good thing @ $3.75 a pop. Jesus really is the only thirst quencher in an amusement park. (Or anywhere) Very few things are better than experiencing Sponge Bob in 3D with your sister. Pixie Sticks do strange things to partial wet, tired, hormonal diminishing women and should only be ingested under the close supervision of a doctor. (i.e., dancing gangsta hands) After spending the day with the twelve of us, Weird Al didn’t seem that weird. NEW CATCH PHASES: Is that my burger? You must be Jamaican, because Jamaican me crazy. Completeeeeeeeeee! I thought the comments wouldn’t be complete without hearing from the third part of the trilogy:

The Modesitts

OBERVATIONS:
Everyone is always happy on the way there.

Hotels with the pool chemical bromine suck. (Isn’t swimming a synonym for vacation?)

Security guards don’t like remote control devises.

The most intelligent, hard-headed, opinionated, strong-willed people stick together. (Katie and Alex)….hehehe!

People who have the combined weight of around 750 pounds should probably not all ride in one log.

Winning soda caps are a very good thing @ $3.75 a pop.

Jesus really is the only thirst quencher in an amusement park. (Or anywhere)

Very few things are better than experiencing Sponge Bob in 3D with your sister.

Pixie Sticks do strange things to partial wet, tired, hormonal diminishing women and should only be ingested under the close supervision of a doctor. (i.e., dancing gangsta hands)

After spending the day with the twelve of us, Weird Al didn’t seem that weird.

NEW CATCH PHASES:

Is that my burger?

You must be Jamaican, because Jamaican me crazy.

Completeeeeeeeeee!

]]> by: mark j http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-15 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://teresa.eczine.com/2003/07/one-day-vacations/#comment-15 I would like to add to one comment from Angie. She mentioned "Winning soda caps are a very good thing @ $3.75 a pop." Her son Stephen won five or six free bottles of pop from the caps on 20 oz. bottles (I think he only purchased one bottle). I would like to add to one comment from Angie. She mentioned “Winning soda caps are a very good thing @ $3.75 a pop.” Her son Stephen won five or six free bottles of pop from the caps on 20 oz. bottles (I think he only purchased one bottle).

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