#20: Instant Karma

The Challenge: Right an old wrong.

Kim:
kim_flexing.jpgMy “old wrong” has to do with a promise I make to Jason and myself years ago. When Jason and I were just married we promised each other that we would stay “in shape” for ourselves and for each other. We were both in high school sports and tried to stay active afterward, but it was much easier to slack off and not exercise once we went through college and beyond. Life just happens and unless regular exercise if scheduled in, it just doesn’t happen. Two years ago Jason and I found a program that really worked for us: “8 Minutes in the Morning” by Jorge Cruise. I have been faithfully doing my 8 minutes of exercises every morning, but I know I also need to push myself further. I tend to do the “easier” exercises and skip out on cardio. Today I spent a while on Jorge Cruise’s website reading articles about health and fitness. I read that if you don’t have time to do cardio 30-45 minutes 5 times a week then you should do 15 minutes of interval training.

So I have made a new morning schedule which gives me more time, allowing for my 8 minutes, plus 15 minutes of interval training. I feel great about this recommitment to my health. I know that I always feel better about myself and have more energy when I make exercise a priority.

 
Jason:
fisher_price_school_bus.jpgEarl makes it look so easy. But maybe that’s because I don’t have a well of convenient store heists and have never faked death to break up with a girl. When thinking of a past wrong to make right, I went back to childhood for some less than stellar life moments. When I went to The Field Museum (see Challenge #18), I stole an arrowhead from the gift shop. I’m not really sure how to fix that one, considering I’m not sure that I still have the arrowhead — perhaps Karma took it back. But then I thought about my brother Dan. We had some pretty heated rivalries back in the day. I am responsible for a scar on his forehead that occurred when I threw a Fisher Price school bus at him. I also had a big hand in breaking his arm on a flagrant foul while playing basketball.

Well, Dan and I have grown up and have a pretty good relationship these days, but it occurred to me that I never really did apologize for some of these terrible crimes. I called him up this afternoon to apologize for the school bus incident, the broken arm debacle, and for generally being a jerky older brother. He accepted my apology with an outbreak of laughter. Silly, I know, but I do feel a little better to get that off my chest.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#19: Future Forecast

The Challenge: Spend 10 minutes visioning yourself 10 years from now as having accomplished one of your biggest dreams. Be as detailed as possible; imagine in all five senses.

Kim:
lake_sunset.jpgOne of my biggest dreams involves having a family, owning my dream home in the woods by a lake, and having our company growing and affecting peoples’ lives in a positive way. I spent my time visioning “moments” of this life. One moment was a late summer evening and  my family and I were out on our deck watching the beautiful colors of the sun setting, As we all lounged in our chairs, we could hear the crickets chirping and the soft waves from the water. I was sitting in a chair holding one of our kids, both of us wrapped in a soft fleece blanket to stay warm from the soft breeze off of the lake. I was holding a warm mug of hot chocolate. I could smell the pine trees, my child’s hair, the fresh air. As I sat there and took in the evening I was thinking about how blessed I was. I thought about our business and all that God has allowed it to become. I thought about the fun and creative office space we had just down the road. I thought about how much I love having kids and how much fun Jason and I have with them. I thought about how grateful I was to have this moment with my family on such a beautiful night. I can’t wait for that night!
 
Jason:
fingerpaints.jpgI used the 10 minutes to imagine my dream home studio, located in the upper level of our dream home. One of the walls is almost entirely lined with windows, providing a breathtaking view of a shimmering lake. It’s a late spring day, warm but not hot; a fresh spring breeze slipping through the open windows. The floors are hardwood, which feel cool to my bare feet. I’m sipping on a lemonade, sitting at my large drafting table. A few Kim & Jason strips sit finished next to a half-eaten cinnamon raisin bagel. Music is playing softly; a mix of Tom Petty, Jars of Clay, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, which reminds me of my college days when I dreamed of making it as an artist. The latest Mac is nearby — my guilty pleasure. Most of the other walls are lined with bookshelves, dotted with framed pictures of me and some of the people I’ve met over the years. A Reuben award (for best cartoonist) sits proudly next to some handmade handiworks from my children. I’ve always loved the way the inside of Jamba Juice smells, and Kim and I make it a habit to keep fresh flowers in the house, which is why the studio emanates a citrusy floral aroma. There is a smooth oak table near the center of the room. It serves as a spot for impromptu meetings, but is currently overrun by crayons, fingerpaints, and artwork made by my five-year-olds (yep, we’ve got twins!)

Ahhh…after a long, busy week, that’s not a bad way to spend 10 minutes.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#18: Prison Break

The Challenge: Get out of your element. Go somewhere you’ve never been before.

Kim:
lost.jpgJason and I were pretty adventurous (and poor) when we moved to Madison almost 6 years ago now, so going for rides was a pretty cheap and fun thing to do. We soon got to know where we were going and since gas prices have spiked, our rides have been less frequent. So, my goal today was to go for a drive and to get lost. Really lost. It took me a handful of random turns to actually accomplish this, but eventually I wasn’t sure where I was. It was pretty fun! I drove around for about 15 minutes looking closely at the unchartered territory, noticing the different stores, neighborhoods, scenery. It was pretty neat. I felt like Lewis and Clark, except I was in my Grand Am with my favorite cd playing…but it was pretty close to the same feeling, I’m sure.
 
Jason:
I suppose the best way to prove to yourself that you’re somewhere you’ve never been before is by getting yourself lost. That’s what happened to me today. We live near the University of Wisconsin campus and I decided that I wanted to check out the Geology Museum. The big draw: dinosaurs. I remember being giddy with excitement when I was in third grade and we went to the Field Museum in Chicago. The big draw then: dinosaurs. I guess not much has changed.

dinos.jpgAfter consulting a map, I thought I had a pretty good idea of where the place was. It took me forever to find a parking spot. I didn’t have a lot of time, which pretty much assured that I’d get lost. I did. It was like looking for the invisible man at night.

I was starting to give up hope — and my parking meter was starting to give up minutes — when a nice girl pointed me in the general direction of where she thought it was. I set off in the opposite direction, with one last chance  to find the museum before I had to head back to the car. I found it, and had a grand total of 12 minutes to explore. Luckily it wasn’t that big of a place, and like a sun baked –frostbit, actually — paleontologist, I discovered what I set out to find: huge skeletons of a woolly mammoth and a duck-billed dinosaur. Pretty sweet.

I got back to my car just as the parking nazi was about to notice my meter had finished digesting my change. Double sweet.

Then I was off to write. Considering I normally go to Starbucks, I decided to stick with today’s theme and try a new place — Ancora Coffee — where I am now typing this. And after a cold windy morning of walking, the hot chocolate I ordered was triple sweet.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#17: Old Dog, New Tricks

The Challenge: Learn how to do something new today. Your time limit: 30 minutes.

Kim:
tap-shoes.jpgIt’s been a long time since I really learned something new. My Adultitis has driven me to a place I call “Rutsville.” Maybe you’ve heard of it? The days go by so quick. The schedule is jam-packed. There is no slot on my “to do” list that invites or allows me to learn new things. So, today I decided to learn how to tap dance. I think every child has pretended to tap with his/her “clicky” shoes on the kitchen floor. I thought it would be fun to learn a real move. Now, as you’ll see from the video, 30 minutes wasn’t nearly enough. I don’t own real tap shoes so I stole a page out of my childhood and found some “clicky” shoes to use — my new red heels I’m wearing in my sister’s upcoming wedding. They looked really good with my jeans. I’m so glad I didn’t break a heel.  For any of you who may be looking to learn some sweet tap moves check out my teacher’s tapping feet here. I just love that sound!
 
Jason:
paper_clips.jpgI remember putting on magic shows as a kid. You know, for my parents. I’d dress up in a bathrobe (not sure why, exactly), set up a TV tray to be my table, and boom, I was a regular David Copperfield. (I’m sure he started out in bathrobes, too.) I do not recall one actual trick that I did, but the fact that they were spectacular should go without saying.

I decided that 30 minutes was more than enough time to learn a magic trick. (But not a very good one, I found out 20 minutes into it.) Not only could I perform it on today’s video, but I could amaze my nieces, who are coming up for a visit this weekend. Well, it didn’t take long to learn that the “super easy” coin tricks don’t work to well when you have the finger coordination of a giraffe and the grace of a three-legged elephant.

Happily, I was able to perfect a dancing paper clip trick that delighted me to no end. With the help of George Washington (in the form of a one-dollar bill), I can effortlessly join two paper clips with the greatest of ease. At the risk of engaging in a bit of hyperbole, it will leave you absolutely breathless. Eat your heart out, David.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#16: Family Tree Trivia

The Challenge: Call or meet with someone in your family and ask them a question you are curious about regarding your family’s history.

Kim:
ramen.jpgMy original plan was to call my oldest sister who lives in TX. I soon found out that she has been blessed by a visit from the flu bug and was in bed. Plan B worked just fine, as my original questions involved my brother-in-law also. So this gave me the chance to pick his brain a bit, which I don’t often have the opportunity to do. He and my sister have been married for over ten years and in their early days they lived on Ramen noodles in their small apartment, as they tried to build Gene’s business. Jason and I really look up to their accomplishments and appreciate the sacrifices they made early on to help to get them where they are today. (There is no such thing as an overnight success.) I asked him to tell me about the biggest challenges they had in those early days and what helped them get through it all. He told me some things that I hadn’t heard before. Knowing that Jason and I are still in our “early days” it was inspiring to hear what got them through it. I think sometimes pride gets in our way of asking others about their struggles and successes. We feel like we have to pretend we already have it all figured out. This challenge reminded me that there is so much I can learn from those around me. My brother-in-law’s golden nugget advice was to stay focused and enjoy the little things!
 
Jason:
My Dad’s letter from Challenge #12 inspired me on this one. (Yes, for those of you wondering, football free throw shooting Walt is indeed my father.) He wrote about his dad, my grandfather, and it occurred to me just how little I know about him. In fact, the first time I ever saw a picture of him was quite recently. His name was Walter, and he passed away when he was about 50; my dad was still pretty young.

hammer.jpgSo I got on the phone to my dad to see if I could dig up some more information about the one grandparent I never got a chance to know.

He grew up in LaSalle, Illinois on a farm, and spent some time as a factory worker and butcher before he settled in as a carpenter. According to my dad, family was the thing he cared about the most, and he loved spending time with friends and family. Apparently, he was a mighty fine euchre player and an excellent off-shore fisherman. My dad remembered him as a very social guy and recalled a funeral home employee saying, “Biggest wake I’ve ever seen for a lay person.” That really impressed my dad, and he estimated that he must have been a pretty good guy.

That point was driven home when I called my Great Aunt Rose in a quest to find out just how my grandma and grandpa met. My dad figured that she might be the only person alive who knew the answer to that one. Unfortunately, she didn’t either, but she couldn’t say enough good things about my Grandpa Kotecki. He thought the world of my grandma, Aunt Rose said. There was a lot of love between them. She did remark that Virginia wore the pants in the family 😉

“If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have such a nice kitchen. We didn’t have the means for it, but he remodeled the whole thing. He gave us free labor.” She said that my grandpa was a good hearted handy man, always doing favors for so many people. “He’d never charge them, either,” she said. “He was so generous, he was always helping out somebody.”

Looks like the mystery of how he and my grandma met will remain so, but as to why there was such a good turnout at his wake, that’s pretty obvious.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#15: Taste Bud Conspiracy

The Challenge: Eat something you’ve never had before.

Kim:
kim_eating_veal.jpgWhen you’re a kid, it’s inevitable that you’re trying new things all the time. Sometimes after having to sit at the kitchen table for two stubbornly long hours. Well, as I walked around the entire grocery store, then walked some more, I realized that the things I haven’t tried in my 27 years have been for a very good reason. I just couldn’t get myself to pick up the little can of sardines. I almost puked just thinking about it. I am not that picky of an eater, so this was a challenge. Eventually I stood there in the baby food isle, deciding between beef and veal. I wanted to pick one of the meats, because, quite frankly, that is just nasty to think about meat in ‘baby food’ texture. I have never had veal before, so I thought this would be a good way to go. The video of me eating this is pretty graphic — total gag effect. It was far nastier than I even dreamed. It was so bland, yet smelled so strong. Meat should never be mushed. I almost spit it out. I know I would have if it weren’t for that video camera in my face.
 
Jason:
squid.jpgPerhaps you’ll remember the roasted soft squid from my visit to the oriental grocery store back in Challenge #1 (I know I’ll never forget it!) I was very curious about that stuff, and originally wanted to buy a package but alas, I had no cash on me. Well today was the day for my curiosity to be satisfied.

Kim picked up some squid for me while she was out running errands. I have to say, psychology got to me. Even though the food — and I’m using that term lightly — didn’t look anything like squid, I couldn’t get the slimy guy out of my head. I definitely know it’s all psychological, too, because I NEVER think of cows when I’m downing a juicy hamburger.

It tasted sort of like shrimp or crab, which I like, but in jerky format. Pretty chewy. I can’t say that it was terrible, but I certainly wouldn’t go putting this in bowls for my party guests, which is what the display recommended. I once heard that in most cases, if you try something three times, you’ll start to like it. Maybe I’ll take another stab at it this evening and I’ll end up becoming a squid jerky junkie. 

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#14: Random Act

The Challenge: Do something to help someone you don’t know.

Kim:
Well, it seemed as though my opportunity found me today. I was walking into church as I saw a woman carrying a bunch of grocery bags from the church to her car. She was filling her car with the bags of food donated for the local food pantry. I asked her if she needed a hand. She welcomed my help. As I followed her inside to the church lobby, my eyes widened to see the “multiplication of the grocery bags.” Holy donations, Batman! It was so nice to see how generous everyone had been. WOW- there were A LOT of bags. I grabbed a bunch and headed to her car. Seeing us going back and worth another woman joined in. We had to stop eventually because church was starting, but the three of us picked up right where we left off after the service and as a team we packed two cars fuller than full. It was such a great feeling to see a need and to help fill it. I sensed that the lady who had volunteered to help was less than enthused about this job. Sometimes volunteers who get assigned a project end of doing it completely solo, which I’ve noticed can lead to volunteer burnout. It’s a nice feeling to help a loyal volunteer!
 
Jason:
I didn’t even realize I had completed this challenge until after it was over. (In fact, Kim had to encourage me that it did in fact satisfy the conditions of today’s challenge.) It all started in the dentist’s office, my favorite place to be. Fortunately, I have the best dentist in the world (for those of you in Madison, it’s Dr. Brett Veerman of Dental Health Associates; tell him I sent ya) so it could definitely be worse.

One of my newest crowns — I have a growing collection — cracked last week, so I was in to have them take a look at it. As I was waiting in the chair, an unfamiliar hygienist came in with a fairly excited look on her face. “Are you Jason, the guy who does the artwork?” she asked.  “Um, yes,” I replied.

She went on to tell me that she had received one of my prints last Christmas, and that her daughter had seen me give a cartooning workshop a while back. She said that her daughter was a big fan of my comic strip, and had the print proudly displayed in her bedroom. “She’s pretty modest about it,” continued the hygienist, “But she’s a pretty good little artist. And she really thought your presentation was cool.”

I thanked her for the compliment, and offered to draw a little something for her daughter (I had nothing but time on my hands at that point.) She found a piece of paper, I sketched little Jason and personalized it with some words of encouragement for her daughter. Kind of a fun little moment. I remember looking up to quite a few artists when I was in 8th grade, and a little note like this would have had me sailing. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but maybe the note will encourage her to keep pursuing her passion.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#13: Backyard Adventurer

The Challenge: Spend ten minutes doing something outside that you have never done before.

Kim:
skateboard.jpgToday I rode a skateboard. This is something I always wanted to do as a kid but never owned one or really knew anyone who owned one that I could borrow. I was a little freaked out. It didn’t help that because of the timing of the day I ended up trying it in the dark and on a slight hill. Yikes! At the beginning I was a little overzealous and I decided to ride it down the slanted driveway. After almost loosing my balance and wiping out, I decided that uphill was a good way to start – not downhill! It was fun, but I had a hard time enjoying it because I felt like at any given moment I would fall and break my head. Oh well, at least I can say I’ve done it now.
 
Jason:
Today’s solution to this challenge put me into the “ridiculous weirdo” category. While laying in bed this morning, I tried to come up with something that I could do for today’s challenge. The big sticking point was the word “never.” I’m no Boy Scout, but there isn’t a whole lot of things I haven’t done outside at one time or another. Okay, I’ve never jumped out of a plane, braved the rapids, or went skiing. But these were not options today, for a variety of reasons.

One thing I love doing outside is walking. I do that a lot. And then I thought to myself, “Yes, but have you ever done it backwards?” Clearly this was a preposterous thought not worth pursuing, so I tried to come up with something a bit more “safe.” And sane.

But it wouldn’t go away. So at 8:45 this morning, I got out of bed, threw on my shoes and a coat, and headed outside for a 10-minute backward walk. Part of the reason I felt compelled to do it was because I spend way too much time worrying about what other people think of me. Maybe not as much as some people, but more than I’d like to. Kids couldn’t give a rat’s rear end about what people think of them. I need to be more like that.

My backwards walk was a pretty liberating experience. Just a couple observations…It is very difficult to walk in a straight line while walking backwards. I’m pretty sure that people who saw me — yes, there were plenty of those — thought I was insane and drunk. Walking backwards takes a lot longer than walking forward, and I ended up using leg muscles that I didn’t know I had. I got quite the workout, especially walking up hills.

Perhaps I have a new workout sensation on my hands. 

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#12: Dear Hero

The Challenge: Write a letter to a childhood hero (real or fictional).

Kim:
mr_rogers.jpgMy childhood hero was Mr. Fred Rogers. The half hour I spent with him each morning was one of the favorite parts of my day. His gentle friendly nature taught me a lot about what it means to be a good friend. His adventures to factories and behind the scenes gave me permission to be curious about things I knew nothing about. After going to school for Early Childhood Education I really appreciate Mr. Roger’s skills even more. His sincere devotion to helping kids and the methods he used to do that were genius! Since Mr. Rogers passed away almost three years ago, I decided to send my letter to his wife, Joanne. I am blessed that he was my neighbor.

Dear Mrs. Rogers,

    I was recently asked to write a letter to my childhood hero. I immediately thought of your husband, Fred. As a child Fred taught me so many things about life and learning. He encouraged curiosity and playfulness. His gentle and thoughtful nature modeled sincerity in friendships and integrity. Of course as a child I didn’t realize that the 1/2 hour a day that I spent with Mr. Rogers was teaching me so much. I just knew that he was my neighbor and I liked spending that 1/2 hour with him.

    After receiving a degree in Early Childhood Education and teaching Kindergarten for 5 years, I had the chance to watch an episode of his show as an adult. I was blown away by the amount of learning that his jammed packed into that 1/2 hour in such creative ways. I saw his show through a whole new lens. Hearing his gentle voice speaking to me through the television reminded me how much he really affected me as a small child.

    My husband and I work together now to help improve the lives of children and to encourage grown-ups to “Escape Adulthood” and return to childhood. It is not always an easy road, as I’m sure the road you and Fred journeyed together was also not that easy at times. I just want to thank you for supporting him and being his partner on the journey. My life has been forever changed by his ministry!

God bless!
Kim

Jason:
ryno.jpgI wrote a letter to my boyhood hero, baseball player Ryne Sandberg. I am planning on sending the letter to him via the Cubs, with an old baseball card I’m hoping he’ll sign. My brothers and I used to write to athletes for autographs when we were kids, so this was definitely a blast from the past. Here’s the letter:

Dear Mr. Sandberg,
I wanted to take a few moments to thank you for all that you gave to me and the game of baseball. I grew up a Cubs fan, and from day one, you were my favorite. I admired your blend of speed, power, and fielding prowess. Probably more than that, although it took me a while to realize it, I admired your integrity and professionalism. Because of you, I always wanted to play second base, and I got pretty good at it in high school.

As I’ve grown up, it appears that you’re about the only sports hero I looked up to that still has his integrity in tact. That point was driven home pretty clearly when I heard your Hall of Fame induction speech. You stood up against the me-first attitude that has dominated pro sports and upheld the ideals of teamwork, commitment, and professionalism. It’s too bad there aren’t more role models like you.

I “retired” from baseball after high school to pursue my other love, art. But the standards you modeled while playing for the Cubs have stuck with me my whole life. I try to approach my career with the same quiet professionalism and dedication that you displayed on the field and in the media. I’d just like to offer you a belated congratulations on making it into the Hall of Fame, and thank you for being one of the good guys.

Good luck with all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Jason W. Kotecki

P.S. I never was able to meet you or get anything autographed by you, but if you have the time to scribble on the baseball card I’ve included, I sure would appreciate it.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek

#11: You’re Not The Boss of Me

The Challenge: Do something your parents would never let you do as a child.

Kim:
kim_dessert.jpgThe word “never” in this challenge really stumped me. My parents were strict but not militant. As I thought about it most of the things they “never” allowed us to do were really for our own safety. After some soul searching I realized there was one thing: eating dessert first. My parents would never have allowed this. So, now that I am in charge, why don’t I do it more? Jason and I decided to head out to dinner, so I picked Olive Garden because I remembered seeing a yummy dessert that I’d like to try- chocolate lasagna. When it came time to order I told the waitress I would be ordering dessert first. She admitted that she would like to do that more but feels too embarrassed. It did “feel wrong.” I ended up getting an appetizer for my entrée. I was so stuffed. I felt like quite the dinner rebel. I highly recommend it!

Jason:
playdoh_monkey.jpg When I was a wee lad, I was enamored by Play-Doh®. Especially the smell and the way it felt in my hands. I even had a Play-Doh playset: The Fuzzy Bumper Barber Shop. It was awesome. There was a little plastic guy with holes in his head. You’d jam Play-Doh into his noggin and put him on the barber chair. As you’d push down, the compound would squeeze out of his head, creating a beautiful head of pink or blue or brown hair. There may have even been a beard/shaving element to it as well.

playdoh_buddies.jpgThe trouble was that my mom never let me play with it. Ok, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but I swear I can count on my hand (with a few fingers chopped off) how many times I did. On the blue moon when I was allowed to play with it, it was at the kitchen table. I remember being surrounded by some sort of plastic tarp, and a hermetically sealed white NASA space suit might have been involved. Anytime I asked for one of those Play-Doh food kits — I LOVED those tiny hamburgers — I was always denied.

Today I went out and bought myself the Fuzzy Pet Parlor for $7.49. It was the closest thing to a barber shop I could find. I got home and created some very trendy hairstyles on various pets. I even — get this mom — played with it on the carpet!

How liberating.

Dark Room Confessionals:
Bonus Video: Kim | Jason

 

 

vote.gifSo, who was most creative with today’s challenge? Who went beyond the comfort zone and put the biggest hammer on Adultitis? Who did a better job of capturing the spirit of childhood, Kim or Jason? Cast Your Vote!

Tomorrow’s Challenge: Audio Sneak Peek