A Different Guy

August 24, 2011 by Tim Samson in Amusements

4 Comments

This is a guest post from John Stein. If you would like to be a guest blogger for the Beachfront Blog, please email us at social.media@moreyspiers.com.

After 16 years of marriage, I like to think that my wife and I know each other very well. There are times that it is kinda creepy how she can seem to know what I am about to say before I say it. She is usually right on the mark with what I am thinking. (Please don’t tell her I said that!)

Which is why I am perplexed at her recent statement that I seem to be a ‘different guy’ as soon as we arrive in Wildwood. I like to think I am the same guy every single day. I have good and bad days like every other working stiff, but I don’t think it effects my mood or interaction with my friends or family. Somehow though, I am transparent enough that once we cross into “Wildwood By the Sea” I become a much nicer guy. Go figure.

But then again…I do love Wildwood. We love it so much that my family decided that it would be the perfect place for us to have a 2nd home. We purchased a ‘fixer-upper’ last spring just a few blocks from the boardwalk and the beach and proceeded to make it our much needed getaway home. There is something magical about spending much of your Summer in a place designated for relaxation. Our time in Wildwood is spent enjoying the cool surf and walking the boards. Curley’s Fries, rollercoasters and swinging rides have become our routine. And what a nice routine it is! Anyone who has spent their Summer in Wildwood can tell you that there is something for everyone.

I find myself making excuses during the week for us to leave earlier and earlier for our weekends in the Wildwoods. “Soon,” my wife laments, “our weekends will begin on Mondays if you have your way.” Not a bad idea. Work is over-rated anyway.

John first came to the Wildwoods as a 12 year old who fell in love with the sights, sounds and smells of the place. After joining the Coast Guard in 1989 and completing Boot Camp in Cape May, he returned to be stationed at the USCG Airstation Cape May and spent many, MANY summer days and nights walking the boards with his soon-to-be wife. The military and life moved them away from the East Coast but they have since returned to enjoy their new Summer home in Wildwood.

Comments

Wildwood, NJ says:

August 24, 2011 at 7:51 pm

John, great story!  There is nothing wrong with a weekend starting on Monday.  Life is short, spend it in a great place with the people you love.

Jessica Wiley says:

August 24, 2011 at 12:46 pm

ya know staffers, u might wanna spray eeverything down and the rides too, make sure miss Irene doesnt try to knock anyone or anything over.  and i definitely enjoy that we’re now able to bring on our own stories of moreys and being on vay-kay in the wildwoods to the site. its very thoughtful of you to let some guests create their own article entries.  Hopefully after this season comes and goes, more ideas, and stories come about onto this blog so we can all keep up with everyone and everything.

Christian Garing says:

August 24, 2011 at 10:52 am

Yeah. Great story.  I know what you are talking about when you cross into “Wildwood By the Sea”  I usually get that feeling by “The Off Shore Motel” right when you get off the Parkway.  That is an isntant “WE ARE HERE !” feeling as we cruise down Rio Grande.

In regards to being a “Different Guy”  YES !.  I too am a differnet guy around Wildwood time.  My dad has taken me down every year since I was born.  And now I am taking my kids down every year.  So we have a long history of going down.  The “Different Guy” i become is a crazed mad man leading up to the vacation.  Whereas I am typically a laid back person, going into that week’s vacation, I get crazy.

“Honey - I know we said we would leave at 7 am but we need to kick that back to 6am”

“I loading the car up, I know, its only Thursday, but i dont want anything to go wrong”

“Yes, I called the crib rental place back in Febrary, its reserved”

The minute I leave Wildwood, I start planning for the next trip down.

I enjoyed your story.

Beth Haney says:

August 24, 2011 at 10:27 am

great story.  I feel the same way about Wildwood.  The memories of my summers down there with both family and friends will never be forgotten.  I live in Delaware and most of the folks here venture down to Dewey, Rehobeth, Bethany, etc.  I have visited Dewey twice in my life and dont care to go back.  The Wildwood’s surpass the Delaware beaches by a long shot.  Those who voted Dewey as the #1 family beach resort must have never been to Wildwood or the shores in Jersey for that matter.  Anyway, my Wildwood roots go back a bit further than John’s.  I was first introduced to Wildwood in July of 1968 (two weeks old).  We stayed on 23rd avenue at a house that is still there and looks the same today.  We have since purchased a home in wildwood crest (well in 1976) but I will never forget where my memories started.  I can still remember walking to the beach on 23rd avenue and passing the Thunderbird Motel and The Lollipop.  I have a vague memory of some of the rides that were there when i was a lot younger such as King Kong; Keystone Kops; the Hell Hole; Jungleland and i could go on but dont recall the exact name of all of them especially the rocket ride i used to go on that i have yet to come across a photo of to help describe to my kids.  I have many stories,  memories I could share but would be here all day.  I can understand why Wildwood may change John’s attitude when he visits there as it is a time to put the daily stresses or of work and/or school on hold.  I only wish the summers were longer like they seemed when i was younger.  Im lucky to get down there about five or six times over the summer as well as the winter but that is just to check on the house.  The winters are quite similar to a ghost town sometimes for those who have never ventured down in january or february.  Oh, how can i forget the many festivals in North Wildwood such as the Irish Festival and the Blues Festival.  Two awesome events that vacationers must check out.  Admission is free.  The music and atmosphere as well as the overly friendly people will have you hooked.  okay, i could go on but i better stop.

Speak Your Mind