Short and Sweet...

I just finished reading my buddy's latest and final entry for 2010, and it was the impetus I needed to go ahead and get a few words down on this last Friday of the decade.

Today's words? Short and Sweet. Down and Dirty. Hard and Fast. Okay, that may be a bit much, but you get the gist.

1. Santa Run 2010 - I must be getting old, as the trip was as good as usual, but I got hit with some road-lag or something, because after 400 miles, I was simply tuckered out and not myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but was sad that my son, looking to make a sort of initiation, couldn't make the trip due to illness. Aside from that, visiting with my siblings and their respective spouses was a great joy. The lunch and conversation with my grandmother and a dear friend of mine really goes to show. Not a bust, but way too many problems this year.
2. Fantasy Football - As I have in years past, I partake in a college pick 'em league. Really simple: pick the winners each week, drop your lowest week, and largest total wins. Came in second last year (Shawn's picks just outdid me in the final three weeks), but this year I came out on top. It was a frisky few final weeks, but two points is two points. Shawn? He came in second. It was a fun league and I look forward to next year's competition.
3. Kindle - I don't want to spoil the full entry that'll probably come in a few days, but basically, this singular device has enabled me to read more than I have in the last few years. Don't get me wrong, I've read my share, but this device is, quite frankly, so easy and handy to have around, reading is simply that much easier. But more later...
4. Playstation Move - Santa was pretty nice this year, and I splurged on the Move. So easily put, it's the Wii that's been jacked up on Steroids and enabled with sniper vision. It works so easily and eliminates all the annoyances that the Wii had (I still have and enjoy the Wii, just differently). The 1:1 ratio of movement tracking really can create some tired arms, but it's a lot of fun. Watching my son take care of his little animal on EyePet is quite hilarious. More after further testing...

That's it for now. Yeah, I know...nothing really substantial. That's okay. In fact, this holiday, I've spent more time really trying to focus on the little things. Paying attention to my kids and what makes them smile and laugh. I guess it's those little things.

As this year closes, wherever you are and whom ever you share the entering year, make it a step forward in the right direction.

Cheers!

Shazam!

Lost in Corn: GPS Optional

I so could have done the whole "It's a-maize-ing!" route, but damn I'm tired of that cliche.

In November, I made my third sojourn to Hondo, Texas. A small blip of a town, with the local high school mascot of Owls, and the notoriety of having a corn maze and some mighty fine kettle corn.

The South Texas Maize is easily one of the best family attractions one can find in the greater San Antonio area. Due to it's growing nature, they are only open September 25 to November 28 (at least that was the case this year).

The short of it? It's a big ass maze made in a corn field (though there isn't any actual corn growing in said field...). There are other attractions as well, including hay-rides, tractor trains for little ones, foods of the fried and barbecued type, play areas, and damn good freshly made kettle corn.

When you park, it is in the middle of a roped-off pasture. You walk over to a red building, pay admission, and get your wristband. As it is entirely open air, you are immediately hit with the smells of a clean pasture and comfort foods galore. Hamburgers, brisket, and turkey legs whet your appetite, deep fried steak fries tempt your greasy inhibitions, and chili to be laden upon your choice of foods all beckon your hunger. Beverages are your typical sodas and such (no beer, as this is strictly a family oriented joint), but the pièce de résistance is the kettle corn. Freshly made in a large iron kettle with propane tanks spewing hot flames, your typical wait is about fifteen minutes. They write your name on bags that are longer than your arms (for a large...only $7) and proclaim your name when your order is ready. The process of making the corn itself is one worth sitting back and taking in. The art behind it rewards your palate when the kernels hit your tongue.

But the main attraction: the maze. I've only done the maze at night, so I can't speak about how it is during the day. Pitch black, you provide the light. My first year, I had only a small cell phone with a 1.5" square screen. Needless to say, I found the nearest couple to follow and stayed with them. This year, six flashlights, two lanterns,a bag of popcorn in hand, and a posse in tow, I bring a copy of the current image/design/maze and map out my turns (past maps are posted here). Call it cheating; I hate being lost. The rest of the crew enjoy going through the maze without any problems. There are checkpoint throughout the entire maze. At those checkpoints, you can use the clues provided at the entrance (they have clues for various categories including movies, Biblical stories, and music, among others) to decided which way to go. It's about as exact as saying "three handfuls of sugar", but you can make it through. Another parent suggest on a whim to keep your hand on the left side at all times. Strangely enough, a la the fabled labyrinth, it would work. Of course, it would take you over ninety minutes to do so. I got out in less than fifteen. In the end, the maze isn't necessarily my cup of tea, but being with family and friends who enjoy it is easily a worthwhile expedition.

Anyone in the near area, take a moment one year and visit the place. You'll find yourself pleasantly surprised with the whole bit. And did I say they have some really good kettle corn?

Shazam!