Weekly Image Of Life: Weekend

What Weekends Have To Offer

Nothing more relaxing and fun than having a long weekend off. So many things to do. From getting that long overdue sleep to a trip to the beach, weekends give us that opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate and simply recharge for the busy days ahead.

It’s been raining around Houston for 2 weeks. The skies had been depressingly grey and I just want to put a bit of color and excitement to my weekend. I asked my wife last Friday, “Our son had been asking to go to Pleasure Pier. Do you think we can go this Saturday?” She replied, “We could but there’s 50% chance of rain.” With bright optimism I answered back, “But there’s 50% chance that it won’t.”

We arrived in Galveston Island around 10 A.M. It wasn’t raining but the fog was so thick that it was hard to see anything beyond a few hundred feet. It was eerie and reminded me of the horror movie The Fog. We had an hour to spare before the pier opens so we decided to play by the beach.

My son had a great time feeding the seagulls. I wanted to get a better picture of him running around as the seagulls were flying above him but he kept standing beside me. I asked him, “Are you scared of the seagulls?” He answered back, “No, I’m not. I don’t want their poop to fall on my head.” I laughed and said, “I don’t want those poop to fall on me either.”

After feeding the seagulls my son asked me to chase him. I did until I was short of breath. While we were resting, he decided to build a sand castle. He barely started when it started to drizzle. We ran towards Murdoch’s Gift Shop for cover.

Everytime we visit Murdoch’s, my son checks out the hermit crab area. We lined up some of the most active crabs to race each other. My son’s bet won. Mine decided to chill and hardly left the starting line.

It was finally time to hit Pleasure Pier.  We were among the first visitors. Some of the rides were still close. The fog was still too dense and we could hardly see the end of the pier.

First ride was the safest and all time favorite, the Carousel. My wife was so excited. She told us, “I can do this without getting dizzy”

Second stop was the Gulf Glider. My wife was in a courageous mood. She said, “I’ll ride with you guys.” My son smiled happily as he sat next to me.

After about 3 spins, I was already a bit dizzy and so was my wife. When it was over, my wife said, “Let’s take a break. I need to take my anti-dizziness medication.”

Third ride was the Ferris Wheel. Me and my wife pretended to look tough by laughing as the wheel reached the top. My son tried to tease his mom by moving on his chair. My wife gave him this, “Don’t you dare look” and he stopped.

Next stop, the Pirate Plunge. We were the first crazy people brave enough to get wet while it was still cold and chilly. All for the sake of fun!

I asked the person watching the ride, “Are we going to get wet?” She said smiling, “Yes, you are going to get wet.” I turned around and told my son, “We are going to get wet.” He assured me by saying, “Dad, that’s okay.”

I expected to get wet only around my feet area but when we had our final plunged, large amounts of icy cold water splashed on my face down to my shoes. It felt like someone threw buckets of freezing water on me all at once.

My wife was laughing so hard when she saw me wet and drenched in water.  She can’t believe it when I said, “We are going for a second round.”

We had to change our clothes after the Pirate’s Plunge. Soaked and dripping, I was shivering on the way to our car. My wife suggested that we might as well eat lunch. I was also getting hungry so I replied, “That sounds like a great idea.” I asked my son, “Where do you want to eat?” He answered, “At Rainforest, dad.”

We ordered the usual Awesome Appetizer Adventure with ribs on the side and Clam Chowder soup. We just love the coconut curry sauce that goes with the appetizer. This time we skipped the delicious sparkling volcano dessert. A full stomach doesn’t go well with the vertigo inducing rides.

When we returned to Pleasure Pier, it seemed more alive and vibrant. There were more people this time with more kids playing and running all over the place.

My son kept telling me that he wants to ride the Texas Flyer. From below, it seemed like a safe, fun and exhilarating ride.

At 200 feet above the ground with only a thin chain to hold on to, it wasn’t fun or funny at all. Near its peak, the winds were stronger and colder. Everytime the chair sways at its farthest end, it tilts down and gave me this feeling that I am about to fall. My son on the other hand, looked so happy and thrilled. His face was full of wonder and awe. His laughter was somehow comforting.

Up in the air, I panicked and felt like shouting, “Stop! Bring me down please.” I looked down and saw sea water below me. My son who was sitting beside me looked so thrilled. Part of my fear was that he might slipped. So, I held his other arm as tightly close to me as I could. I managed to smile so as not to alert him. It was a big relief when the ride ended. I whispered to my wife, “I’m glad you did not join. It was a scary ride.”

I stayed at a corner till I calmed down. My son who didn’t know what was going on in my head asked me, “Can we ride the flyer again?” I declined this time but I told him, “If you want, we can ride the glider before we go home.”

We rode the glider one last time before deciding it was time to head back to Houston.

As the glider was spinning, I whispered to my son, “Did you have fun?” He smiled and said, “Yes, dad, I had fun.”

On the way home, my wife asked me and my son, “Are my boys happy?” We both answered, “Yes!”

It was an illuminating weekend. It helped me clear my mind and soothe my heart. It gave me that much-needed time to bond with my family and just enjoy life in a fun and exciting way. For a moment, it helped me forget my worries and gave me that much needed escape.

What did you do this weekend that celebrated you and the people close to you? What was that weekend you can’t forget and hope to relive one day?

Thank you for sharing your day with me. I hope you enjoyed this I week’s theme as well as my version of the Weekly Photo Challenge called Illumination. Wishing you many beautiful weekends ahead.

Today, discover the inspiring world of these blogger friends. Their zest for life, their families, their environment and most of all their faith are priceless treasures that will bring a smile to your day.

Jenn of  http://the-serenity-space.com/2012/12/31/weekly-image-of-life-wishes-for-2013/

April of  http://alwaysbobswife.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/weekly-image-of-life-wish-list-for-2013/

The Guat of  http://thewishfactor.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/weekly-image-of-life-wish-list-for-2013/

Patricia of  http://lifeofaministermom.com/2013/01/08/weekly-image-of-life-wish-list-for-2013/

For those who wish to join in this week’s challenge, here’s a link and the widget. Have a great time making wonderful memories.

http://thismansjourney.net/2012/06/13/weekly-image-of-life-happiness/ 

My friends, let us find time to discover and capture the images around us. Take a moment, breath and just enjoy what the season has to offer. You’ll be surprised of the many things we missed in this lifetime. Happy or sad, they are a part of the unforgettable journey called “life.”

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