Houston's Premier Scuba and Dive Shop Oceanic Ventures Inc.

(713) 523-3483 (dive)
5808 Newcastle Drive
Houston, TX 77401

Archives for November 2011

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Christmas, Lights and Moisturizer

With the passing of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Christmas & holiday season swings into high gear.  Holidayparties start occupying weekends and many weeknights, there are office luncheons, and times to overdose on holiday treats all coming up over the next three weeks.  

 At the store, we bowed to pressure and Alex put up the Christmas decorations two weeks ago and even found Al’s Santa Hat.  Dive Mom has already been wrapping packages (remember we have free gift wrapping) and Alex has been shipping gifts out to divers not in town.  People have been shopping (but there is still a number of you who have not been by or called to complete your Holiday Wish list).  The gift card and specials drawing box is beginning to fill with names but the odds of winning the $500.00 gift certificate are still favorable.

 As the weather gets colder and you turn on your heaters, you may find your lips and skin drying out more.  Since we are used to the humidity here inHouston, we notice this drying action more.  So, it is important to sooth your skin and lips to put back moisture and protect your skin.  If you are at a loss about what to use, we have some wonderful products fromFijithat put back essential moisture as well as reminding you about those wonderful days in the sun.

 In between your shopping trips and wrapping (for those items you did not get from the dive store), this is the time to finish putting up your Christmas lights.  To give you a little inspiration, I found a video to help you plan your lighting.  Let me know what you think!

 

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Thanksgiving, Jazz and Antiques

Phoenix JAzz Club
Cat & Jessica, bartenders at the Phoenix Jazz Club in Kansas City

“It was a champion day today when I got up and I’m carrying it with me all day!”  I heard this comment from a gentleman while we were touring the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.  Yes, Ann and I took a non diving vacation, all be it a short one for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We spent the Holiday visiting my brother, Jason Keibler, inKansas City and exploring some of the sites around town.  The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is fascinating with photographs, films and stories from league players and promoters.  In the center is a baseball diamond with large bronze statues of some of the greats in the game at their positions on the field, much like an all-star team. 

Another stop was the American Jazz Museum (which happens to be next to theBaseballMuseum).  Here you find recordings, instruments and costumes from great players including one of my favorites, Louis “Satchmo”  Armstrong.  While many of the listening stations did not work, the museum was interesting and tracked the changes in American Jazz.

 Jason then continued on the Jazz theme by recommending drinks and live entertainment at the Phoenix Jazz Club on 8thstreet.  While we listened to Lonnie McFadden and later to Dave Stephens, the Makers Mark Manhattans, gin and vodka martinis were served expertly prepared by Jessica and Cat who constantly mixed libations for a bar full of Jazz enthusiasts.  Jessica also manages the club so she was often called by name to the stage for comments and banter with the musicians, especially Dave Stevens.

We had only intended to stay for a few drinks and then move on to another dinner location, however, we were having such a good time listening to the music and talking to others in the bar and among ourselves that we decided to stay.  Of course Cat told us we really had to stay to listen to Dave because he put on “a really fun show;” so bowing to pressure we had dinner there and finished the evening at the bar.  If you are ever inKansas City, you really have to drop in for some cold beverages and some cool Jazz.  Be sure to tell Jessica that Ann and Eric, the scuba people fromHouston, sent you.  You will not be disappointed. 

 A trip toKansas Citywould not be complete without a visit to Kincaid Antiques.  Cindy always has some unique items in her store and some sale squirreled away in her basement.  It is a treat to visit with her and look at some wonderful pieces of history.  Of course, no one left empty handed.

 Ann and I are back are inHoustonnow; and, I have to return to my diet.  Luckily, we left all of the extra stuffing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, etc. at Jason’s house.  So, even if I was tempted, the food is not here.  Instead or craving more food, it is time to help people complete their Christmas and Chanukah wish lists (hint, hint).  So, if you need help with your holiday shopping – Dive Mom is back!

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HO HO HO Merry Christmas – Scuba Santa Undwerwater

Santa & the Mittendorfs
Santa with John, Sean and Paige Mittendorf, along with a large Elf

You may not have known it, but Santa Claus is a scuba diver.  He spends his vacations in such tropical locations as Fiji, Palau, Grand Cayman and Honduras.  Since he spends so much time in the north, he sunburns easily so he took up scuba diving as a way to enjoy the islands but not get too burned.  He loves the water and really enjoys swimming with the fish.  In 2012, his goal is to begin rebreather diving.

 
On Saturday, he visited the West University Recreation Center pool and posed for pictures with swimmers, snorkelers and divers alike.  Santa really like receiving those wish lists underwater! 
 
Eric Keibler served as the photographer for the event and Joel Hershey, Travis Hershey and Christiaan Khurana all helped make Santa’s visit fun and eventful.  Hopefully, they will receive a special gift from Santa on Christmas.  We would also like to thank Brittany Bakes, Julie Bickham, Rob Cantu and the rest of the West University Aquatic Staff  for all of their help in making this event a success. 
 
If you missed this year’s photo shoot, Santa has promised to return next year for another photo session.  And remember, look for Santa while you are visiting your favorite scuba diving and tropical locations.  He will be the one in the red wetsuit.

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Weekend Winners!

This past weekend was a very busy one for the staff at Oceanic Ventures.  We had a lot going on with Santa’s visit and the first of our holiday auctions.
The holiday auction supports our school and community projects around the world.  We appreciate everyone who helped support the auction and our projects.  The high bidders were:

  • Gentleman’s Pleasure – Cigars & Vodka – Alex
  • Wine Lovers Special – Dutchman Family Winery – Eddie
  • Silly Fun – Vodka and Chocolate – Mark
  • Art for a Start – Watercolour Still Life – Mike
  • Girls Party – MaryKay Timewise Microderm kit and party – Lynn
  • Bubbles are for Wimps – Rebreather Experience – Joe
  • Beach Remembrances – Beach Bag and more – Dorothy

We are still working on the raffle, we need to sell 25 more tickets before we draw.
Other prizes for the weekend:

  • $50  Oceanic Ventures Adventure Gift Card – For anyone who came in during the sale and made a purchase – Mike H.
  • $500 Oceanic Ventures Adventure Gift Card – For anyone who makes a purchase from 1 November the 23 December you go into a drawing for the card – Ongoing
  • Door Prizes drawn please come in and pick up your t-shirts, hats, luggage tags, dive pins, etc. – Candy R, Marlena E, Eddie T., Mike C

You still have time to turn in your 2011 Holiday Wish Lists to be eligible for a special drawing.  even Rachel, Steve Jurbala’s daughter turned in her list!
Thank you to everyone who came by this weekend!
 

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New Scuba Divers

Photo of David and Morgan at hospital
Morgan Morris wtih her father David Morris

There is really something special about babies and our diving family has been expanding a lot over the past few months.  Oceanic Ventures is a family oriented dive store so we have a special appreciation for the new divers joining our diving family.  Remember it will only be a few years before they are ready for our Star Fish program and their first diving mask.  Ann is always quick to ask new parents when they will be bringing their new dive buddy to the dive store for a visit and a photo with her and maybe even “Al.”

Most recently, one our staff, David Morris and his wife Marissa brought Morgan Morris into the world. David even laughed that she was already becoming a nitrox diver because she was on elevated oxygen (i.e. nitrox) while in the incubator after her delivery.  She is still a few weeks away from her first visit here, but we are anxiously awaiting her arrival.

Another of our diving clients, Giles Adam brought his beautiful baby girl, Genevieve, who was born on 25 October, to the dive store to meet Dive Mom and to start learning where to buy her father some scuba Christmas gifts.  Giles is one of the members of  Team Ice Cold and went to Antarctica with us last March.

Genevieve Jane Adam
Genevieve Adam

Ann and Eric were also priviledged to serve as God Parents for Anna Coussirat, the daughter of long time customers and friends Dan and Angie Coussirat.

It is always special when children come to visit, especially the newest member of our family.  Congratlations on the birth of your children and we really look forward to their first Star Fish class!

anna coussirat
Anna Coussirat at her baptism

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Santa is Coming To Visit On Saturday, November 12, 2011

Many people may not realize that Santa Claus is a scuba diver and on 12 November 2011 from 9:00 to 12:00 he will be posing for photos underwater at the West University Place Recreation Center Pool located at 4210 Bellaire Blvd in West University Place (Houston).  There is a $10.00 fee for the photos if you call in advance or $35.00 on the day of the event.  If you are interested, call Ann at the store (713.523.3483) or email her and tell her you would like to participate.
This will be Santa’s fifth visit to the City of West University Place and Houston to pose with adults and children in the swimming pool.  The photos are fun and are a great way to start the holiday season.  Imagine sending Grandma a photo of the kids underwater with Santa Claus. 
We will also be doing an interview with Santa to learn more about his diving plans for 2012.  Keep looking at the blog for more diving stories from the man himself.
This will be Santa’s only underwater visit in the area because he need to return to the North Pole to finish getting ready for Christmas so don’t miss this Christmas Card moment!