Today is Father's Day, and I have been blessed once again with a "swingset moment." (a moment as an "adult" when I am whisked back into a moment of yesteryear) My dad loves music! For Father's Day Jason and I gave him the cd, Dino: The Essential Dean Martin, including my all time favorite, "That's Amore." Of course we put the cd in right away and before we knew it Dad and I were dancing, like the good 'ol days. As he twirled and even "dipped me" life instantly rewound about 20 years...only this time, I didn't have my feet on top of his. Dad has shared so many things with me in my 27 years- …
Archives for June 2005
Don’t Settle
Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple Computer and Pixar Animation Studios, recently delivered a commencement address at Standford University. I am a die-hard Mac fan, and I think he's one of the most innovative entrprenuers of my generation, so I listen to pretty much anything this guy says. But you don't have to own an iPod to appreciate his words of wisdom: Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. …
A Letter from Patch
I got a cool letter from Patch Adams the other day. Yes, that Patch Adams. I had sent him an early review copy of my book, looking for some feedback. I was hard-pressed to think of anyone who was a better example of how to escape adulthood. I also sent him one of our greeting cards inspired by the part in the movie when the old lady got to live her dream of swimming in a big pool of noodles. I later found out that that was actually one of Patch's dreams. Anyway, here's what he wrote (If you click on the picture, you can see the actual letter): …
Today’s Heroes
I believe that full time parents have the hardest jobs out there. (Ok, maybe brain surgeons and soldiers on the front line tie for second place.) I just feel so proud that I know people who have chosen to be full time parents. What a gift to not only their children, but also society as a whole. Notice how I am not using the term “stay-at-home” mom or dad. This is intentional. Because I've heard it so often, my natural inclination is to use that term: “stay-at-home,” however I read this great article today in USA Today that has changed my mind. The article is about a man named Michael …
And That’s One to Grow On
Whether you’re waiting for those sweet strawberries in your garden or those equally sweet abs after months of sit-ups, waiting for something to grow can be hard and sometimes frustrating. When I was little I longed to grow up. I am the youngest of 4 daughters and much of my life has consisted of wishing I was as old as one of my sisters so I could do the things they could do- taking piano lessons, writing in cursive, making a 3 pointer, driving a car, etc. Wanting to be bigger is just part of being little. Unlike my childhood, I pray that today I can “enjoy the journey.” Instead of always …
That’s Why She Gets Top Billing
Well, I checked out the latest results of the featured Kim & Jason poll today, and it's official: Kim is beating the pants off me in terms of popularity. As of this writing, 33% of those polled picked Kim as their favorite Kim & Jason character. In the past, I have made the argument that it's not fair that Jason and Super J are listed separately, even though they are technically the same character. But even if you added the two totals together, Kim still comes out 8% better. And even though Stinky is running in second place, it's clear that Kim is the star of the strip. …
My Wife, The Blogger
Now that Kim has finished her career as a kindergarten teacher, she will be a lot more involved in the day-to-day aspects of the business. One of the things I'm most excited about is her new blog, entitled Swingset Reflections. She's already got a few posts up, and I think everyone will be in for a real treat. She's a pretty darn good writer, and she's got some interesting perspectives and opinions on childhood, as well as on this whole Escape Adulthood thing. Finally, the REAL Kim of Kim & Jason speaks out... Read Swingset Reflections. …
Don’t Flunk Adulthood
I wonder how many giddy students have tossed their flat hats to the clouds these last few weeks? Finally free! Bring on the “real world!” Free from what? Homework, grueling group projects, evening classes, early classes, iffy dorm food, obnoxious neighbors. Ok, granted, those are all very valid reasons to toss that hat as high as you can, but I am saddened by the false notion that the “real world” is freeing. After all of the hard work of late nights writing papers and cramming, it is very freeing to look at adulthood with hope. No more late nights. I go to work and come home, right? In the …
My Swing Set
I remember it well. It was nestled perfectly under the shade of a big, old oak tree in my backyard. That rusty, squeaky swing set holds a sacred place in my memories. So sacred that it is the first image I think of when I think of the happy childhood I was blessed to have. I remember asking my mom one night before bed, probably no more than 5 years old, “Mom, what is it like in heaven?” Oh, the questions of a 5 year old. I followed up by asking her if there would be a swing set in heaven. “There has to be!” I believed. It was, in fact, my little piece of heaven on earth. …
Asking Why
In my book, I have a whole chapter devoted to the importance of curiosity (somewhere, some three-year old invented the word "why"). I like these quotes about asking questions: "The smart ones ask when they don't know. And sometimes, when they do." - Malcolm Forbes "I had six honest serving men - they taught me all I knew: Their names were Where and What and When and Why and How and Who." - Rudyard Kipling …