This morning I went for my morning walk and it was one of those perfect days. The temperature was in the 70’s, the sky was clear, and the birds were chirping. I think it might have been the smell of fresh lilac bushes on my route that put me over the edge. I had this overwhelming urge to play hooky and enjoy the beautiful weather with my favorite guy. WI gets a bad rap for being cold in the winter, but there is no place I’d rather be in the spring.

When we did the Escape Plan last year Jason and I especially enjoyed Challenge #40- Sick Of It Day. Being the last day of the 40-day journey, the challenge is to take a day just for yourself. No work. No chores. It’s a “sick day” of sorts, sick of having Adultitis.

We have not taken a “Sick Of It Day” in over a year. It was time.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the five stages of grief. Well, throughout the decision process I found myself going through my own five stages. It went like this…

1. Excitement
2. Anticipation
3. Doubt
4. Guilt
5. Confidence

Since I am the type of person who feels I need to earn rest and play, the third and fourth stages were strong, but luckily my childlike excitement and anticipation won over and gave me the confidence to go for it 100%. No regrets. In the fight against any disease, like Adultitis, sometimes more aggressive techniques and measures need to be taken. Life doesn’t have to be taken so darn seriously all of the time. Jason’s 8th Secret (From Childhood for the Stressed-Out Grown-Up) is to “maintain perspective.” Kids just naturally seem to know what’s important. Sure, there was plenty that needed to get done today, and it’ll all be waiting for me tomorrow…no worries. Too often us “grown-ups” rush around bumping into things, acting like the world will end if things don’t go a certain way. It’s important to maintain perspective in our day-to-day because the days quickly turn to weeks, months and years. Thank goodness the smell of the lilacs have a way of reminding me of this.

Here are some highlights from the day…

• Sitting by the lake.

• Eating brats for lunch at State Street Brats.

• Trying on fun hats.

• Seeing a fun toy exhibit at the local museum and being reunited with the memories of my Sesame Street playset.

• Being able to play with Lincoln Logs at the exhibit. (It had been too long!)

• Best of all…walking and talking with Jbird.

Technorati Tags: Escape Plan, spring, Adultitis, State Street Brats, playing hooky