I wanted to pass along this opportunity to make a difference by doing little things. I am ant #31…

Ants are nature’s example of how little things, done by many members of the community, can create a very large impact. When each member does a little for the good of all, we can move mountains.

"Adam’s Ants" is a virtual community established on November 17, 2005. It was founded in response to a request for support from Adam Rose, the volunteer coordinator, at the AmeriCorps installation in Pass Christian, MS (say “Pass Christy Ann). This small town of 7,000 was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  Months after the destruction, the needs of the destroyed communities in the Gulf Coast seemed to be fading from the public eye. With the loss of widespread media attention, relief teams are experiencing diminished assistance from volunteers and donors. Unfortunately the need for help is still very great and will continue to be great for many months.

The name of the grassroots, email-based organization was inspired by the ant, a creature that can move many times its own body weight and works for the good of its community. Anyone can join Adam’s Ants. There is no age limit. You can do it from your home. There are only two requirements:

1–You are willing to receive and read the flow of information concerning Pass Christian and what is needed there.

2–You are willing to use your heart, your head, and your hands to assist the victims of this tragedy in the ways that you are able. This might be offering an idea, purchasing a gift, upholding all in prayer, supporting a volunteer, going to help in Pass Christian, driving supplies down…….the possibilities are endless.

There is much to be done in the Gulf Coast, but “Adam’s Ants” will focus on the needs of Pass Christian. We expect to be needed for at least the next 24 months. Join us by contacting the group at antmarch@insightbb.com  We’ll welcome you and do our best to keep you up-to-date on ways you can help. You do not have to commit for any length of time and may join or leave as you wish.

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Smart companies know the advantages of adding a little dash of childlike nostalgia into their business plan. In fact, some companies have constructed entire business models around it. Take Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge, for example. Described as a "new place to chocolate and chitchat," these lounges have combined the very childlike loves of great chocolate and fancy tea parties and added a grown-up spin. They’re based in Chicago area, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they started springing up elsewhere.

Madison has its own chocolate shop on State Street. Twee & Luliloo does not offer the lounge atmosphere of Ethel’s, but they have some really great candy — the old-fashioned kind you just won’t find in the candy aisle of your local grocery store — and top-notch, down-home customer service.

There is no doubt about the price appeal that big box retailers have to offer. But they’re becoming more homogenized every day, and there is a consumer shift in preference to a smaller, more personal, unique shopping experience stores such as Ethel’s and Twee & Luliloo offer. Kids are passionate about food. They savor blue ice cream and bristle at brussels sprouts with equal amounts of passion. Businesses that tap into that passionate and nostalgic spirit of childhood are finding for themselves quite a profitable niche.

Meanwhile, even though chocolate makes Kim — and every other female I know — get all mouth watery, I’m patiently waiting for a Cereality to open up shop in Madison…

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I officially hate grocery shopping.

I went this morning and I found myself moving rapidly from a calmly curable Stage 1 Adultitis (due to early morning grumpiness) to a severe case of Full-blown Adultitis. I think I would rather be sitting in a dentist chair. I know that’s a bold statement, but I have pretty ‘good’ teeth.

So, instead of dreading it every time our stomachs are growling, I am choosing to change my strategy a bit. How can I avoid the dark grumpy rain clouds that form over my head each time I am grabbing that cart? I looked online for some ideas only to be very disappointed. Either I am the only one who hates grocery shopping or I am the only one looking to do something about it.

Without further ado, here are my 8 ways to survive grocery shopping. I’d love to hear your ideas.

1. Dodge the crowds. If at all possible shop on a weekday either early in the morning or later in the evening. If you have to shop at peak times, try to hit the places that give free samples. For some reason getting that little piece of toaster oven baked frozen pizza helps the sting of the experience.
2. Reward yourself. Buy a ‘treat.’ How many times as a child did you beg your parents for that impulse buy at the check-out? Cut out the middle-man and appreciate one of the perks of being an adult. Get that Snickers bar for the ride home.
3. If possible, do online grocery shopping. There are lots of services out there now that will deliver your goodies to your front door. Most of the programs online even save your grocery lists from one month to the next.
4. Bring some tunes. I’m always envious of those teeny-boppers that are toting their iPods everywhere. Because they are going through puberty they are socially allowed to be anti-social by listening to music in public, but really who is being offended if wear a headset in aisle 5? Surely you know better than to keep your ear buds in during check-out. So, why not hum along with your favorite Christmas songs while you pick out your produce?
5. Avoid budget remorse. “They say” if you make a list and stick to it, you will have the best chance of staying within your budget. It’s bad enough that you have to carry the heavy grocery bags at the end. You don’t need the extra bonus of feeling bad about the amount you spent.
6. Schedule a date. Invite a friend to join you and make it an event. Maybe even pick up some warm overpriced coffee drinks on the way. Chat, laugh, and shop.
7. Adios kiddos. Let’s not fool ourselves, kids and grocery stores were never meant to mix. Swap kids with a friend during your shopping times or schedule shopping when your spouse or babysitter can help out. If you must bring them, keep them busy.
8. Find a fun hat, shirt, or shoes to wear only when you are shopping. You will find yourself looking forward to wearing that, no matter where you will be. I wore my fun winter hat with the tassels on top this morning. I always get a few smiles.

In my online search I found a very unique site done by a guy who is definitely Adultitis free. He collects grocery lists. You have to check it out. Maybe you’ll see a list of yours that you left in the cart a few years ago. He has over 1,000 lists posted since 1997, along with some other fun articles and thoughts about shopping, food, etc.

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I ran across this blog today entitled “Tomorrow is Another Day” by a woman in Japan who goes by “Middle-Angel.” She commented about her birthday,

‘Yesterday I turned 54. Just unbelievable. I’m not wise enough for my age. I’m not deep enough for my age. I’m not generous enough for my age. In conclusion therefore, I should go much further to make myself accomplished.’

I think Middle-Angel’s thoughts are pretty common. Especially when we move closer to landmark birthdays (the ones with the 0’s in the ones place), we start freaking out about our lives and what we’ve done with the time we’ve been given. What actually makes one ‘accomplished,’ anyway?

There is a book that I love called “Lists to Live By,” compiled by Alice Gray, Steve Stephens and John Van Diest. It is perfect for all of you who are like me and love ‘to do’ lists. Middle-Angel’s comments reminded me of one of the lists from the book: 15 Ways to Stay Young While Growing Old. The list was written by Tress Van Diest, 89 years young. You don’t need to be having a birthday to learn a thing or two from this list. Here they are (drum roll please)…

1. Applaud others’ successes.
2. Exercise daily.
3. Keep a positive attitude.
4. Read widely and often.
5. Play with children.
6. Enjoy nature.
7. Laugh heartily.
8. Take a class.
9. Plant a garden.
10. Count your blessings.
11. Take risks.
12. Sing from your heart.
13. Get a pet.
14. Eat healthy.
15. Give generously to others.

Join me in the challenge of picking one of these accomplishments from the list today. You have to start somewhere. It was neat to see that Middle-Angel got the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are‘ for her 54th birthday. (That happens to be Jason’s favorite book from childhood.) She’s off to a great start.

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I’ll be the first to admit that I am perfectly content sleeping in the Friday after Thanksgiving. I’m no Scrooge, but I will say that I don’t care for the lines or crowds while shopping. By the time you actually get in line you are ready to go. You probably should’ve left ten minutes ago.

My sister Karen and I went to a mall in Fort Worth last Saturday and already there were people everywhere. There was even a line for Santa.

Seeing as the Internet is at our fingertips, I find online shopping the way to go. There’s nothing better than doing my Christmas shopping on my couch, in my fleece pants, drinking a cup of hot chocolate. So, as a way to save you time, I want to share with you our Top Ten List of Holiday Gifts. The first four people to email me will get a $5.00 coupon to use while you shop.

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Last night Jason posted his list of 8 little things he is thankful for (besides his faith, good health, family and friends, etc.).

So, here’s mine:

1. My fleece pants.
2. My mom’s hot fudge sauce (if I shared the recipe I’d have to kill you).
3. The smells and sounds of firewood crackling in a fireplace.
4. My favorite show “Three Wishes”
5. Bubble baths.
6. Sleeping in (preferably when there’s a blistering snow storm or it’s raining).
7. Driving with the windows down and my favorite music playing on a beautiful day.
8. Lightning bugs.

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Even though the big retailers officially start the holiday shopping season sometime  between Independence Day and Halloween, I could not get myself to begin the Christmas push much earlier than right about now. Perhaps my restraint cost us some sales, but I’m hoping you’ll consider shopping the Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand for gifts that fall under the description of thoughtful, unique and fun. (Please note that fruitcake falls short on all three points.)

Check out our handy dandy Top 10 List of Holiday Christmas Gifts to save both time and money. Our humble "little company that could" appreciates your patronage this holiday season.

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Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I’m getting ready to check out for the long weekend. Kim and I are heading home to Illinois. We’ll spend Thanksgiving Day at her mom and dad’s place, and celebrate turkey day on Friday with my family. That’s right, one trip home, two Thanksgiving dinners. Be still, my frightened bathroom scale.

Anyway, if you listened to our recent podcast, you probably heard some of our ideas on how to put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving. I am grateful for my friends and family, my health, my faith, the opportunity to do what I love, and my beautiful wife. The big things like this are pretty obvious, but still easy to take for granted.

Since it is Thanksgiving eve and I preach a lot about the importance of little things, I’ve decided to put together a list of 8 little things I’m thankful for.

1. Free chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants.
2. Being the first one in my fantasy football league to beat the undefeated team.
3. The irresistible cuteness of my niece (and goddaughter) trying to say “cheese.”
4. Big “movie snow” snowflakes.
5. The hilarity that is The Office.
6. That my Chicago Bears are 7-3.
7. iTunes.
8. Cruise control.

That’s it. 8 little things I’m thankful for right now. What are yours?

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Some people assume that "escaping adulthood" requires a complete departure from grown-up tastes and sophistication. Hardly.

Let’s be honest; we may have enjoyed the delicacies produced by our Easy-Bake oven or our Snoopy Sno-Cone machine, but it wasn’t like we had free range of Mom’s oven or blender. I’m not advocating a return to a barbaric and unrefined lifestyle. I’m just not a big fan of boorish adult pretension. I think it’s really cool when people find ways to add a dash of childlike spirit into the ostentatious havens of Adultville.

Like gourmet cooking.

In high-class restaurants around the country, the dessert menu is getting a childlike face lift. A recent article found on TheLedger.com rounds up some interesting creations:

In Los Angeles, order S’mores at trendy Luna Park restaurant and the waiter presents a plate of freshly baked graham crackers and two fondue pots, one filled with melted premium chocolate and the other with handcrafted marshmallows.

The Peninsula in New York serves Campari Gelee, a distant cousin of Jell-O. Nebraska Cattle Company in Omaha makes s’more tortes and milk shakes that demand a designated driver.

"I think it’s the desire for sophistication and for old-fashioned comfort food," said Brian Stapleton, executive chef at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant there makes graham cracker crusts from homemade graham crackers.

"Desserts are the ultimate comfort food," Stapleton said. "They are what we remember from childhood."

Comforting memories of chocolate milk and cookies turn into elegant German Chocolate-Meringue pie with Oreo crumb crust. A shot or two of espresso or liquor makes a childhood-favorite milkshake or sundae very adult.

Every refashioned kids’ dessert Stapleton puts on the menu is an instant hit, he said. His kitchen has re-created a couple of his childhood favorites — Ding Dongs and Ho-Hos.

Instant hits. So not only can you maintain some sophistication when you escape adulthood, you can even be profitable, too.

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In three days there will be hundreds of thousands of Christmas trees being put up and decorated. When I was little we always put our Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. While searching shoppingblog.com I found that this year you can actually put up the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Shoppingblog.com shares,

‘Well, Urban Outfitters has recreated that same little Christmas Tree. For $24 it can be yours: to display in all its pathetic misery, or to turn into something wonderful yourself.’

Charlie was so sympathetic to that little tree. I’ll never forget how Linus used his blue blanket for the tree skirt and the disappointing sound of that heavy red ball ornament drooping to the ground. To me that tree is a symbol of childlike hope and innocence. What a cool thing to have around at Christmas.

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Every month, one Club K&J subscriber is drawn as the winner in the Supremely Wonderful & Exciting Loot Lottery. This month’s lucky recipient is Jocelyn Erickson! She wins a set of 24 Christmas cards! Congrats, Jocelyn!

Join Club K&J for your chance to win this month’s prize Loot Lottery!

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In this podcast, brought to you from Madison, Wisconsin, we share some thoughts on Thanksgiving. Also, Jason talks about our iTunes issues, we reveal the promotion winner from our last show, and Kim has a few things to share about a recent book she read to help you overcome Adultitis. Plus, we offer you a chance to win yourself a complimentary subscription to Club K&J.

[What's a podcast?] 

Listen now by clicking on the podcast icon below.

To subscribe to the RSS feed of our podcast and automatically receive all new shows, paste this url [http://feeds.feedburner.com/EscapeAdulthood] into a podcast aggregator like iPodder. Or, if you have iTunes, you can click on this little icon to be subscribed automatically:

 
Show Notes:

• Check out some pictures from our recent East coast trip, and read about our trip to Seattle for some speaking engagements.
• Be sure to send us your ideas for creative Adultitis-curing Christmas gifts. The most creative will win a complimentary subscription to Club K&J.
• Get some more information on creating a gratitude journal.
• Learn more about bringing Jason to speak to your group.
• Don’t miss the specials at the Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand, especially the new Christmas cards and the Escape Adulthood 10-pack.
• Reading corner: Fish: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results. (Check out Kim and her big fish!)
• Congrats to Todd McClamroch, winner of last show’s promo and owner of some brand spankin’ new Escape Adulthood books.

Show Music: The Same by Terrace

Show Length: 28 minutes

Feedback: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Add a comment below or e-mail us.

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