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

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

staff holiday

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OVI Staff Party

It was a very busy holiday season this year.  Several years ago, we decided to quit competing with all of the other holiday parties and scheduled our Staff Holiday Party in January.  Well, the tradition has remained and like in those previous years, we had our Annual holiday staff party in January.  Since it is a modified pot-luck too, we get to find out how our staff cook (or don’t) and we get to have fun as a family (yes, family members are invited).  Part of the evening included a gift exchange that becomes a little competitive because you can steal gifts already opened.
It is also a time to reconnect with staff members who you may not get to see very often.  Alex Witishey and Scuba Steve Soulen came over to join in the festivities.  In fact we st around later with Zaide Scheib and Ann and talked, smoked cigars remembering the fun we had and the things that are coming up this year.
I want to thank all of our staff for their help and commitment this past year.  We are hear because of them (as well as our clients).  Here are some photographs from the staff party…

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Happy New Year!

Eric and Ann with Ann's Mother and Aunt at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona
Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit or Happy New Year to you! 2010 came to a quiet close and 2011 opens with optimism and a promise of good things to come.
The staff at Oceanic Ventures spent the end of the year relaxing with family and getting ready for a fun 2011. Vernon spent part of his December vacation visiting “the Mouse” in Florida while Barney finished recovering from shoulder surgery and Barbara waited on him hand and foot (ok, maybe not so much). Ashton spent New Years in San Diego, and Jean-Luc went west to Los Vegas for a family outing. Joel spent some quiet time at home and Dave was forced to spend time at home due to the winter snow in New York.
Snow was also in the plans for Bob in Park City, Melanie in Steamboat and Santa Fe for Mike while warmer temperatures attracted Jeremy to Mexico City. Steve J spent time with his family, something his job allows little of and Wade spent time visiting family. Steve and Ann had company in while Stephanie and Stan spent time planning on how to pay for Marina’s college plans.
Snow on 72nd Street in New York City
Ed and his wife spent time in LaGrange while Ed W spent time at church (no rest for church staff during Christmas). Jordan visited relatives and spent some quality time with Inja after spending too much time with a bunch of guys in a saturation system.
Nigel had time to work on his photos and Holly was finally home to check on her cat and to put her feet up for a while. Relatives found Zaide visiting and David visited Marisa’s family and lamented the upcoming loss of his “man cave.” Brit spent time with family and friends.
Ann and I spent time in Houston and then left Christmas day to spend time in Scottsdale with her Mother and Aunt. The time change sure helps make the Christmas activities last longer!  We stayed a few extra days touring and enjoying the sites and sounds of Scottsdale.  We watched some traditional native dancing, met some incredible Navajo singers and toured an incredible museum, the Musical Instruments Museum.
Ann and Eric Keibler with their friend Jan Phares in Scottsdale Arizona. Jan is a long time friend and a sales professional at Gilbert Ortega's.
Of course no visit to Arizona is complete without a visit with our friend Jan Phares, at Gilbert Ortega’s.  Jan and I have had a long relationship due to Ann’s love of turquoise jewelry.  Jan has helped me on numerous occasions to pick out just the right gift for Ann.  And, like I expected, Ann fell in love with a new necklace.
One thing we all have in common is that we are looking forward to diving in the New Year! I have a trip leaving in a few weeks and Ann and Steve have one scheduled for March. There is a lot happening so we all hope you will stop by and start diving soon! We are here to help you realize your diving dreams.
Now that everyone is back from their holiday visits, it is time to start thinking about diving.  We have some great blog posts coming over the next year with some really cool posts from some guest writers.  Keep in touch and let me know what you would like to know about diving, photography, rebreathers or technical diving.  Here is to a stellar 2011!

Let’s go Diving!