probably time for this story i guess but when i was a kid there was a summer that my brother was really into making smoothies and milkshakes. part of this was that we didn't have AC and couldn't afford to run fans all day so it was kind of important to get good at making Cool Down Concoctions.
we also had a patch of mint, and he had two impressionable little sisters who had the attitude of "fuck it, might as well."
at one point, for fun, this 16 year old boy with a dream in his eye and scientific fervor in heart just wanted to see how far one could push the idea of "vanilla mint smoothie". how much vanilla extract and how much mint can go into a blender before it truly is inedible.
the answer is 3 cups of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup milk alternative, and about 50 sprigs (not leaves, whole spring) of mint. add ice and the courage of a child. idk, it was summer and we were bored.
the word i would use to describe the feeling of drinking it would maybe be "violent" or perhaps, like. "triangular." my nose felt pristine. inhaling following the first sip was like trying to sculpt a new face. i was ensconced in a mesh of horror. it was something beyond taste. for years after, i assumed those commercials that said "this is how it feels to chew five gum" were referencing the exact experience of this singular viscous smoothie.
what's worse is that we knew our mother would hate that we wasted so much vanilla extract. so we had to make it worth it. we had to actually finish the drink. it wasn't "wasting" it if we actually drank it, right? we huddled around outside in the blistering sun, gagging and passing around a single green potion, shivering with disgust. each sip was transcendent, but in a sort of non-euclidean way. i think this is where i lost my binary gender. it eroded certain parts of me in an acidic gut ecology collapse.
here's the thing about love and trust: the next day my brother made a different shake, and i drank it without complaint. it's been like 15 years. he's now a genuinely skilled cook. sometimes one of the three of us will fuck up in the kitchen or find something horrible or make a terrible smoothie mistake and then we pass it to each other, single potion bottle, and we say try it it's delicious. it always smells disgusting. and then, cerimonious, we drink it together. because that's what family does.
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Things to Do with Kids on Maui: Attractions and Activities
Maui is a tropical paradise that offers a plethora of activities for families with children. From breathtaking beaches to adventurous excursions, there's no shortage of fun and excitement. Whether you're planning a vacation or just looking for a day of adventure, here are some of the best things to do with kids on Maui.
Explore the Beautiful Beaches
Maui is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Kids will love building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and discovering marine life in the tide pools. Ka'anapali Beach is perfect for families, with its calm waters and soft sand. Kamaole Beach Park is another great spot, offering ample space for picnics and swimming.
Visit the Maui Ocean Center
For an educational and fun experience, head to the Maui Ocean Center. This aquarium showcases Hawaii’s unique marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The interactive exhibits and touch pools are sure to captivate kids of all ages. Don’t miss the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, where you can see a variety of ocean creatures up close.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a must-do activity that offers breathtaking views and numerous stops along the way. While the drive can be long, it’s filled with waterfalls, lush forests, and scenic overlooks. Be sure to stop at Twin Falls for a refreshing swim and some delicious fresh fruit. The journey itself is an adventure, with plenty of opportunities to explore and discover new things.
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Maui is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. From December to April, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui. Book a whale watching tour for a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Kids will be amazed by the size and grace of the whales as they breach and play in the ocean.
Experience the Maui Treasure Hunt
One of the most unique and exciting activities for kids and for whole family on Maui is the Maui Treasure Hunt. This family-friendly adventure takes you on a quest to find hidden treasures throughout the island. Equipped with a treasure map and clues, you’ll explore different locations, solve puzzles, and discover Maui’s rich history and culture. It’s a fun and engaging way to see the island and keep the kids entertained.
Visit the Lahaina Banyan Court Park
The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is home to one of the largest banyan trees in the United States. Planted in 1873, this massive tree provides plenty of shade and is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The park often hosts local events and craft fairs, where you can find unique souvenirs and enjoy some local treats.
Discover the Maui Tropical Plantation
The Maui Tropical Plantation is a wonderful place to learn about Hawaii’s agriculture and enjoy some outdoor fun. Take a tram tour through the plantation to see how various fruits and vegetables are grown. Kids will love the zip lines and the chance to feed the ducks and fish at the lagoon. The plantation also has a great restaurant and gift shop.
Explore the Haleakalā National Park
A visit to Haleakalā National Park is a must for families who love the outdoors. The park is home to the dormant Haleakalā volcano, which offers stunning views from its summit. Plan a trip to see the sunrise or sunset from the top—it’s an unforgettable experience. The park also has numerous hiking trails suitable for kids, where you can explore the unique landscapes and native plants.
Enjoy a Day at the Maui Family Fun Center
For some indoor fun, head to the Maui Family Fun Center. This entertainment center features arcade games, mini-golf, laser tag, and more. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities. The variety of games and attractions will keep kids entertained and active.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best beaches for kids on Maui?
Ka'anapali Beach and Kamaole Beach Park are excellent choices for families. They offer calm waters, soft sand, and plenty of space for kids to play.
Q2. Is the Road to Hana suitable for children?
Yes, the Road to Hana is suitable for children, but it’s important to plan for frequent stops. There are many attractions along the way that are perfect for kids, such as Twin Falls and various lookout points.
Q3. When is the best time to go whale watching in Maui?
The best time for whale watching in Maui is from December to April, when humpback whales migrate to the area.
Q4.What is the Maui Treasure Hunt?
The Maui Treasure Hunt is a family-friendly adventure that involves solving clues and finding hidden treasures around the island. It’s a fun and educational way to explore Maui with kids.
Q5.Can we visit Haleakalā National Park with young children?
Yes, Haleakalā National Park is suitable for families with young children. There are several easy hiking trails and the summit offers incredible views that kids will love.
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"Fun and Fitness: How Fun City Encourages Active Play for Kids"
In today's digital age, where screens often dominate children's attention, finding ways to encourage active play has become more important than ever. Fun City, a popular family entertainment center, stands out as a beacon for fostering both fun and fitness in children. By combining exciting attractions with a focus on physical activity, Fun City has created an environment where kids can have a blast while staying active. In this blog, we'll explore how Fun City is at the forefront of promoting active play for kids and why it's the ultimate destination for families seeking a dynamic and health-conscious experience.
A Multifaceted Playground:Fun City's indoor playground is a paradise for active play. It features multi-level play structures, including tunnels, slides, and climbing walls, designed to engage children's bodies and minds. As kids navigate this vibrant playground, they're developing their motor skills and improving physical coordination.
Trampoline Zones:Bouncing on trampolines is not only exhilarating but also an excellent cardiovascular workout. Fun City offers dedicated trampoline areas where children can jump, leap, and release their energy while improving their balance and stamina.
Interactive Games and Activities:Fun City houses a variety of interactive games and activities that encourage movement and agility. From challenging obstacle courses to dance-based video games, these attractions turn playtime into a physical adventure.
Sports Zones for Team Play:Team sports like soccer and basketball are fantastic ways for children to stay active while learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Fun City provides spacious sports zones where kids can engage in friendly matches and enjoy the thrill of competition.
Adventure and Rides:Beyond traditional play structures, Fun City offers adventure rides that stimulate physical activity. Whether it's climbing a rock wall or navigating a thrilling rope course, kids can experience an adrenaline rush while building strength and endurance.
Fitness Classes:Some Fun City locations offer fitness classes specifically designed for kids. These classes, which may include yoga or dance, introduce children to enjoyable forms of exercise that focus on balance, flexibility, and overall wellness.
Safety First:Fun City places a high emphasis on safety. Trained staff members supervise play areas to ensure children have a safe environment for active play, giving parents peace of mind.
Active Parties and Celebrations:Fun City's party packages incorporate active play options, ensuring that birthdays and special occasions become opportunities for kids to engage in fun, fitness-focused activities with their friends.
Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle:Fun City encourages children to embrace a healthier lifestyle by making physical activity an integral part of their daily routines. Through their experiences at Fun City, kids can develop a lifelong appreciation for staying active.
Conclusion:
Fun City has redefined the concept of fun by making it synonymous with fitness. With its innovative attractions, dedicated staff, and commitment to safety, Fun City is leading the way in promoting active play for kids. In a world where screen time often dominates, Fun City provides a refreshing and health-conscious alternative, allowing children to enjoy the thrill of movement and the joy of play. If you're seeking an environment where your kids can have a blast while staying active and healthy, Fun City is the ultimate destination. Join the fun, and let your children experience the magic of active play at Fun City!
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at some point it's just like. do they even fucking like the thing they're asking AI to make? "oh we'll just use AI for all the scripts" "we'll just use AI for art" "no worries AI can write this book" "oh, AI could easily design this"
like... it's so clear they've never stood in the middle of an art museum and felt like crying, looking at a piece that somehow cuts into your marrow even though the artist and you are separated by space and time. they've never looked at a poem - once, twice, three times - just because the words feel like a fired gun, something too-close, clanging behind your eyes. they've never gotten to the end of the movie and had to arrive, blinking, back into their body, laughing a little because they were holding their breath without realizing.
"oh AI can mimic style" "AI can mimic emotion" "AI can mimic you and your job is almost gone, kid."
... how do i explain to you - you can make AI that does a perfect job of imitating me. you could disseminate it through the entire world and make so much money, using my works and my ideas and my everything.
and i'd still keep writing.
i don't know there's a word for it. in high school, we become aware that the way we feel about our artform is a cliche - it's like breathing. over and over, artists all feel the same thing. "i write because i need to" and "my music is how i speak" and "i make art because it's either that or i stop existing." it is such a common experience, the violence and immediacy we mean behind it is like breathing to me - comes out like a useless understatement. it's a cliche because we all feel it, not because the experience isn't actually persistent. so many of us have this ... fluttering urgency behind our ribs.
i'm not doing it for the money. for a star on the ground in some city i've never visited. i am doing it because when i was seven i started taking notebooks with me on walks. i am doing it because in second grade i wrote a poem and stood up in front of my whole class to read it out while i shook with nerves. i am doing it because i spent high school scribbling all my feelings down. i am doing it for the 16 year old me and the 18 year old me and the today-me, how we can never put the pen down. you can take me down to a subatomic layer, eviscerate me - and never find the source of it; it is of me. when i was 19 i named this blog inkskinned because i was dramatic and lonely and it felt like the only thing that was actually permanently-true about me was that this is what is inside of me, that the words come up over everything, coat everything, bloom their little twilight arias into every nook and corner and alley
"we're gonna replace you". that is okay. you think that i am writing to fill a space. that someone said JOB OPENING: Writer Needed, and i wrote to answer. you think one raindrop replaces another, and i think they're both just falling. you think art has a place, that is simply arrives on walls when it is needed, that is only ever on demand, perfect, easily requested. you see "audience spending" and "marketability" and "multi-line merch opportunity"
and i see a kid drowning. i am writing to make her a boat. i am writing because what used to be a river raft has long become a fully-rigged ship. i am writing because you can fucking rip this out of my cold dead clammy hands and i will still come back as a ghost and i will still be penning poems about it.
it isn't even love. the word we use the most i think is "passion". devotion, obsession, necessity. my favorite little fact about the magic of artists - "abracadabra" means i create as i speak. we make because it sluices out of us. because we look down and our hands are somehow already busy. because it was the first thing we knew and it is our backbone and heartbreak and everything. because we have given up well-paying jobs and a "real life" and the approval of our parents. we create because - the cliche again. it's like breathing. we create because we must.
you create because you're greedy.
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