Escape Adulthood

Live with Less Stress & More Fun

Archives for November 2016

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Kristin Hoehne, November 2016 Adultitis Fighter of the Month

An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. Kristin Hoenhe is a quintessential Adultitis Fighter. The best ones are skilled shenanigators, and Kristin is professional grade. What is a shenanigator, you might ask? Why, it's a person who instigates shenanigans, of course. One of our favorite things about Kristin is her willingness to do silly things and bring other people into the adventure. And believe us, Adultitis hates when that happens. One person not taking themselves seriously is one thing, but inspiring others to join in is what makes Kristin an Adultitis Fighter worth emulating. We can't say if all of this comes naturally to her, but we …

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The Problem with Doughnuts

I love painting doughnuts. They are sweet and nostalgic and whimsical, which is how one might describe my artwork. I’d probably be content to paint nothing more than doughnuts for the rest of my life. Only one problem. Every time I paint doughnuts, I want to eat them. Which is not sustainable. Unless I add "getting cut out of my home and removed via crane" to my bucket list, which I'd rather not. You know what is sustainable? Optimism. Deciding to look on the bright side and find the good in every person and every situation. It sustains us in the good times and the bad times, with no discernible downsides. Sadly, people who are regularly optimistic are often viewed in the same light as doughnuts: Nice and sweet, but completely lacking in any nutritional substance. To the cynics of the world, an optimistic person is an intellectual lightweight. A simpleton. Blind to the realities of the world. I submit that the way of the cynic is the easy way. Although smugly disguised …

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Time For Some High Fives

The United States presidential election is over. Hallelujah!! Half of the country thinks the world is about to end. The other half believes the end of the world was just prevented. Isn’t it funny how much power we give to one person doing one job? Granted, "Leader of the Free World" is kind of a big one, but as important a role as our political leaders play, the true greatness of any nation comes from its citizens. The best thing about the election being over is the opportunity to return our focus to the small things we can control. And for those who are disappointed about the outcome, the best way to recover is do something kind for someone else. That's really the spirit that inspired one of this month's Escape Adulthood Adventure Club challenges: High Five a Helper. The idea is simple: do something nice for someone who serves your community. If you get a picture of you giving them a hug five and post it online (be sure to use the hashtag #eaac016 and tag @escapeadulthood) …

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365 Ways to Make Work More Fun

People do better work when they like where they work. While the Silicon Valley start-ups get all the press, what with their foosball tables and fancy-schmancy food courts, the truth is that it doesn't take much to create an environment where people like coming to work. What it does require is intentionality. And leadership that understands one can take their work seriously without having to take themselves seriously. Outdoor volleyball courts are great, and indoor slides that connect conference rooms are fun, but sometimes it's the little things that can make the biggest difference. I never designed our Celebrate Everything Calendar to be the ideal office accessory for lifting spirits and boosting comradery, but according to emails I get, it certainly is. I mean, I always envisioned people being uplifted by the artwork and inspired by the unusual holidays, but it's been neat to hear from people how the calendar is making an impact at work. One person told me that they …

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Why We Went to Chicago to Party with 5 Million Friends

It was Kim’s fault. Thank God for Kim. The Cubs, after 108 years, had finally won the World Series, and they won it in spectacular fashion. (I can't believe I just wrote that!) THE CUBS HAVE WON THE WORLD SERIES. For reals. I am still filled with joy and brimming with happiness. But the thought of driving to Chicago for the victory parade never crossed my mind. Kim floated the idea after reminding me that I had a speaking engagement in Chicago a few days later. "Why not go down earlier and make it a long weekend?” she teased. Thoughts of snarling traffic and being trampled to death by a raucous mob sprung forth. "Are you serious? That's insane!” I replied. When she got online to look for hotel rooms, I knew she was both. She found an unbelievable deal on a hotel room steps away from Grant Park, where the rally was to be held. The confident sparkle in her eye and the call for adventure was too strong. We packed up the kids and drove to Chicago a few hours …

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