Sean Alexander

While still on vacation, the ‘Net blackout period of my vacation is over – 1.5 weeks with almost no access to the internet, though little Ocean Grove, NJ had many unsecured freely accessible wifi access points available to siphon a little ‘nettage off. The family reunion’s soundtrack during happy hour/dinners was powered by Urge’s radio stations, and ironically we settled on “Reunion” (Classic rock) as our fave.

Here’s my “Top 10 Things I Learned on Vacation” list:

Top 10 Things I Learned on my Beach Vacation

10. When getting a 3 year old up at 3:30am for a 6:30am flight, do not tell him the night before he will be going on an airplane in the morning. He won’t sleep.

9. Learn to Surf. Yes, at the Jersey Shore. Go in the AM before the lifeguards arrive and at 5:30pm when they leave.

8. When in a body surfing competition, tucking your head in so you can’t see where you’re going may result in injury to you and/or other people who can’t see you torpedoing at their legs (but at least you’ll win- sorry Jack).

7. The guy who does all the grilling and BBQing doesn’t have to do too much cleaning.

6. Always wear sunscreen. At least on your nose, ears, and tops of your feet.

5. Do not wait in line going around the block for ice cream. I don’t care if it’s a $1.50 single scoop that looks like the leaning tower of Piza, just go get some Friendly’s at the store.

4. When two adults volunteer to take two 8 year olds, a 12-year old, and a 3-year old to the Aquarium, Arcades, Boardwalk, Lunch, Games, and Ice Cream on said boardwalk, ask for a third parent to go; you’ll still always have two kids in rotation.

3. Meet the locals. Even if said local is 12 yo boy called “The Mayor” by the locals for the fact he knows everyone (and can get a 3 year old a tour of the fire station on his birthday making Dad a hero).

2. When going out to a nightclub at the Jersey Shore with old friends on “Pirate Night”, a fake mustache and eye patch can start all sorts of interesting games and conversations.

1. When it’s 99 degrees at 89% humidity, close up the house and crank the window air conditioners up upstairs to the max. You’re not paying more for the power and cool air falls quickly.

I brought a few gadgets along (a Toshiba Gigabeat-S and an iRiver Clix) and both received responses I’ve never seen. I had 7 and 12 year olds, 40+ year olds and 50+ year olds all asking me how they can get them saying things like “Cooler than iPod” and “Why don’t people know about this?”. I can’t speak for marketing budgets. Rumor has it Apple spends 9 digits on advertising per year. But what I can say is that the iPod has opened doors because all of that marketing spend is coming back to users now understanding the value, and wanting more features at a lower price.

Overall this was one of the most enjoyable vacations we’ve had in years, we’ll definitely be doing this again. Thanks to our local hosts D and J, and to Grandpa for pulling this Reunion together. Grandma was there in spirit and smiling the whole time.