Of all the rules that don’t exist, perhaps the most widespread is the notion that you are supposed to act your age. I’m guessing that this quip originated from a woman who caught her husband throwing things at the television while watching a football game. Or perhaps a high school teacher who was tired of her students firing spitballs across the classroom. As with any rule, there usually contains within it a kernel of common sense. In this case, it is, “Quit acting like an idiot, you moron.” …
Archives for August 2010
Are You Delightable?
How delightableare you? When it comes to delightability, kids are king. The next time you’re around children, pay close attention to them. Notice how delighted they are to find a penny on the ground (even more so when they get to throw it into a fountain). Observe how excited they become when they get to push the elevator button. It won’t take long, but after some serious study, you’ll start to smile at the little things kids get excited about. Kids are thrilled by lightning bugs, bubble baths, and the intricacy of a snowflake. They’re turned on my helium balloons, bedtime stories, and …
How Many Wows Will You Miss Today?
Lucy and I experienced quite an amazing site the other night and I bet you'll never guess where... After all of the travels this kid has done so far (34 flights in 20 months), one of the coolest sights was found right in our local grocery store parking lot! (Isn't that how life goes?!) We walked out with our cart full of yummies to find a FULL rainbow right before our eyes. It spanned the entire sky. (I felt five!) "WOOOWWW!" Lucy instantly proclaimed in her shaky toddler voice, pointing up at one of the coolest things I had ever seen in my 32 years. I found myself echoing her joy and …
An Important Life Lesson from Gordon Ramsay
Kim and I have been watching MasterChef on Fox, starring one of our favorite TV personalities, fiery chef Gordon Ramsay. MasterChef conducted a nationwide search for the best home cooks in America, and through a series of exciting elimination rounds, will turn one of them into a culinary master. In the initial audition episodes, the contestants had to prepare their signature dish for the panel of judges in an effort to win one of 30 aprons in order to advance to the next round. As she prepared her dish, a young Hispanic woman named Adeliz spoke passionately about her family's food history. …
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When a Mess Is The Last Thing On Your Mind…
I never was one of those boys who were magnetically drawn to mud puddles. That's not to say that I didn't make my share of messes. My Mom only brought out the Play-Doh on special occasions because she knew her post game activity would be picking dried Play-Doh crumbs out of the carpet. These days, I enjoy when things are neat and orderly. But I've been gaining a new appreciation for messes. (I am sure that this in no way has anything to do with me having a 20-month-old.) …
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All You Can Do
I saw someone get really bad news today. It was upsetting to witness. We were walking along the always interesting State Street, Madison's hot spot for fun and folly. This woman in her mid-20s was on her cell phone and it was obvious that she had just received news that would change her life. She stood there devastated, crying and hiding her face from the crowded street, shuddering into her boyfriend's arms. I couldn't help but wonder. What happened? …
How to Turn Fantasy Into Reality
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Wonderland? Or work at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory? Or have an apartment on Sesame Street? Would your life be better? More fun? More exciting? A while back I asked the following question on our Facebook page: Which imaginary place would you most like to visit? The responses were quite varied (my favorite might actually be "my clean house"), but here are a few classics that popped up: …
Drawing on Boxes: Custom Art for Customers
So we recently unveiled a new way to buy Kim & Jason greeting cards and get your hands on some original art. The WOW Greeting Card Box Set is packed with 48 cards spanning all of life's big moments, and the box top features a little drawing by moi. I have to say that I am loving the opportunity to get back into drawing and inking the characters I grew to know so well while doing the daily comic strip from 2000-2007. Since every box is different (customized based on the information specified by each customer), I thought it would be cool to give you a look at some recent creations. …
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Your Daring Adventure Is Waiting
Most people I run into seemed bored with their life. The status quo for a "happy life" these days is pretty watered down, pretty blah. Once you get your demanding (and often life-sucking) career, the 2.5 kids, the dog, the house with the white picket fence, two nice cars, yadda yadda... you should officially find happiness (as if it arrives in a FedEx box upon completion of such requirements.) But does this magic formula for happiness really work? If so, why are so many people so darn bored, seeking fleeting moments of happiness in trivial things? …
The Day the Wagon Queen Family Truckster Pulled Into My Driveway
I love my job. A few years ago, Kim and I got a behind-the-scenes tour of a 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels, aka the Wienermobile. This summer, we were able to take a spin in another classic vehicle -- an exact replica of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster that Chevy Chase drove in National Lampoon's Vacation. …
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