Jason

- - - | written by Jason on 6/4/2023 | - - -

Everyone Needs an Angel in Their Corner

We offered my daughter a chance to make a million dollars and she turned it down. OK, "millions" might be stretching it, but adjusted for the economy of childhood, one could make a strong case. Here's the story: Virginia Rose drew a picture of an angel for her grandfather during his last days. He displayed it prominently in the hospital and at the hospice center, and it seemed to deeply move everyone who saw it. It became a source of great joy and comfort for him, and he requested that it be placed in his casket at the time of his burial. A copy made its way to a wall in our kitchen, …

- - - | written by Jason on 5/28/2023 | - - -

A Lie Detector for Identifying Rules That Don’t Exist

Everyone had a plain sugar cookie on a plate in front of them. Each table was stocked with white frosting, food coloring, and an array of cool sprinkles in various shapes and colors. I gave them one instruction: Decorate your cookie as ugly as possible. And just to make it clear, I added, "Your goal is to make Martha Stewart weep!" This was during a presentation for a group in Ohio after I had shared my almost famous Ugly Cookie story. We had the luxury of time, and the meeting planners were up for doing one of my favorite group activities. It's funny how one simple objective – …

- - - | written by Jason on 5/23/2023 | - - -

Scott Lundgren, May 2023 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. This month's worthy recipient of this prestigious honor is Scott Lundgren! In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special limited edition print created by Jason, along with a …

- - - | written by Jason on 5/14/2023 | - - -

The Artful Balance of Dreaming and Doing

When I was a teenager, my mom called me a dreamer. She didn’t mean it as a compliment, but she wasn’t wrong. I've always been idealistic, my head regularly inhabiting the clouds. I’d sing along with John Lennon’s Imagine and revel in the fact that we were soul mates. You’re NOT the only one, John. We’re in this together! I took pride in that side of myself. But when my mom labeled me a dreamer, and I knew it wasn’t a compliment, it got my attention. Of course, my idiot teenage response was, "What does she know?" Eventually, I would relate to Mark Twain, who said, …

- - - | written by Jason on 5/12/2023 | - - -

Gummy Bears & Big Dreams | Escape Adulthood LIVE #108

On this month's show, we’re sharing one awesome thing to do with sidewalk chalk, two ingredients you need for your dreams to come true, and three stunning news stories about gummy bears. Hang out with Kim & Jason Kotecki as they inspire, entertain, and encourage you in your fight against Adultitis. If you attend live, you’ll be able to chat with fellow Adultitis Fighters, have the chance to ask questions, and win prizes! So grab your favorite beverage, take a little break, and join us for an hour each month that’s sure to keep Adultitis at bay! ☕️ 🍺 🍷 🎥 New episodes every month: …

- - - | written by Jason on 5/7/2023 | - - -

Because You Said So

We recently renovated the rec room in our basement. The transformation mostly consisted of several gallons of paint and some key new decor purchases. In the past, I would have been tasked with the paint job, but this time, we decided to make it a family affair. It was a great idea, mostly because I'd still be working on it — the bead board required four coats alone — but also because it gave us a shared sense of accomplishment and excitement for the finished product. The kids weren't token helpers, either. I managed the trim, but they were involved in everything else. Lucy is fourteen …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/26/2023 | - - -

Hildy Feen, April 2023 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. This month's worthy recipient of this prestigious honor is Hildy Feen! In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special limited edition print created by Jason, along with a …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/23/2023 | - - -

Your Life as a Goonie

My family watched The Goonies recently. I've probably seen it a dozen times, as it was a favorite from my childhood. If you haven't seen it, Wikipedia offers this summary: "The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy film co-produced and directed by Richard Donner from a screenplay by Chris Columbus, and based on a story by Steven Spielberg. In the film, a group of kids who live in the 'Goon Docks' neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, attempt to save their homes from foreclosure and, in doing so, they discover an old treasure map that takes them on an adventure to unearth the long-lost …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/16/2023 | - - -

A Ridiculously Easy Way to Rekindle a Friendship

"I Just Called to Say I Love You" is a famous Stevie Wonder song. It's also the title of this painting. One word in that title might be more important than all the others. We'll get to that in a sec. When my wife Kim and I were dating, we'd spend hours and hours on the phone, talking late into the night, racking up phone bills that if bound together, would make the longest Harry Potter book look like a pamphlet. This was in the days when phones were attached to walls and the "call waiting" feature was a source of civil war for any siblings also angling for phone rights. My personal …

- - - | written by Jason on 4/12/2023 | - - -

Adultitis-Proof Your Friendships | Escape Adulthood LIVE #107

On this month's show, we’re debating the best way to eat cereal, talking about using food coloring to fight Adultitis, and sharing a surprising way to deepen any friendship! Hang out with Kim & Jason Kotecki as they inspire, entertain, and encourage you in your fight against Adultitis. If you attend live, you’ll be able to chat with fellow Adultitis Fighters, have the chance to ask questions, and win prizes! So grab your favorite beverage, take a little break, and join us for an hour each month that’s sure to keep Adultitis at bay! ☕️ 🍺 🍷 🎥 New episodes every month: …