Warning sign that you might be taking yourself too seriously (a.k.a. Adultitis Symptom)… there’s a cell phone in your ear, but you aren’t talking to anyone. Heck, you aren’t even expecting a call.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of hands-free cell phones. They are safe for driving and making typing much more convenient. It makes sense in a lot of situations, but when I see someone out to eat with her husband with a cell phone in her ear, I can’t help but wonder. I just hope she’s an emergency responder or waiting for a call from her best friend who is about to go into labor.

One thing I know for sure, if we take ourselves too seriously, life will be sure to humble us… publicly. Whether it’s Charmin on your shoe or a mysterious black thingy in your teeth, which you horrifically discover in the mirror hours after dinner, rest assured it will happen.

Take the cell phone out of your ear and truly “be” in the moment.

Technorati Tags: cell phones, addiction, hands-free cell phones, taking yourself too seriously, Adultitis

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In this episode, brought to you from studio 315 in Madison, Wisconsin, we interview Patti Gorsky, the president of The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Wisconsin, about how she got involved granting wishes to kids with life threatening medical conditions. We also talk about our 12 Days of Wishmas, the origins of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and how to let Adultitis ruin your holidays.
Just click “Play” to listen to the show, or you can subscribe to the show in iTunes…

Show Notes…

• Learn more about The Make-A-Wish Foundation and how you can help make wishes come true for kids with life threatening medical conditions at www.wish.org.

• News: 8 Ways to Let Adultitis Ruin Your Holidays (K&J Blog)

• If you’re anywhere near Madison, Wisconsin (or have lots of frequent flier miles burning a hole in your pocket) don’t miss out on our 12 Days of Wishmas!

• Check out our cool thing this month, the ABC Cookie Cutters.

Win Stuff: You can win a $20 gift certificate to the Lemonade Stand by letting us know, “If you could have any wish of yours granted, that would it be?�” E-mail us or leave us a message at 608-554-0803.

Show Music: Coyote Sleeps by Ethan Elkind

Show Length: 55 minutes, 6 seconds

Shout Outs: Thanks to Patti Gorsky!

Feedback: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Add a comment below, e-mail us, or give us a jingle at 608-554-0803.

Technorati Tags: podcast, stress, escape adulthood, Adultitis, Patti Gorksy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, ABC cookie cutters

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Every Thursday, we pick out one of the cool things from the Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand and give it away. Yep, for free.

This week’s prize is a Szechuan Scarf. All the ingredients for creating a spicy scarf are included in this appetizing Chinese takeout box. It includes 108 yards of super soft acrylic yarn, a pair of 14″ bamboo knitting needles and a complete instruction booklet for knitters of all skill levels (especially beginners.) The completed scarf is machine-washable and shrink-proof.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Just leave a comment on this post, answering this week’s question: “What’s your favorite cold weather childhood memory?”
2. Deadline for entries is 11:59 pm CST on the day of the post. We’ll pick a winner from the list of comments sometime on the following Friday.
3. We’ll contact the winner by e-mail to find out where to send the free prize.

Good luck! And don’t miss any of the other cool stuff for the young at heart at The Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand!

UPDATE: This week’s winner was Marissa:

My best memory of the cold weather was going on a school snow trip to Mt.Baldy. Playing in the snow.. running, sledding, falling! On the way home, I rode in the car with my teacher’s wife. I fell asleep and started drooling! It was so embarassing yet so great! I had the best time.

Stay tuned next week for the next chance to win!

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Yesterday I had the chance to get started on the painting aspect of the Club K&J limited edition print. I went to the art supply store to get a watercolor block, which is a block of 20 sheets of watercolor paper bound together. As you may remember from art class in school, adding water to paper makes it buckle like a dress shirt in a gym bag, leading to lots of unwanted pools of pigment. In order to avoid this, you have two options: stretch the paper (which involves expanding it by submersing it in water and taping or stapling it to a board so that when it dries you have surface that stays relatively flat), or buying a watercolor block which does an admirable job of accomplishing the same thing without any of the effort. I’ll take the latter for $500, Alex. I bought the block and began the sketch. The part I was least looking forward to was drawing the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been a big fan of drawing or painting landscapes. It definitely required the most focus, but I knew that if I nailed the drawing, the painting would come easy. (Click the images for a closer view.)

With the drawing done, the next step was to start adding color. I work with acrylics, starting with very watered down washes, similar to watercolor. Then I build up layers and layers of color, with each layer getting thicker and more opaque. The multitude of thin layers is what gives my paintings such depth of color (I stole that technique from guys like Rembrandt and Vermeer). This is the part of the painting that always looks the most crappy. This is also the most scary part, because right out of the gate, I’m already doubtful about whether the painting will turn out the way I picture it in my head. I remember standing in awe at the Grand Canyon just months ago, marveling at the full palette of colors, mentally painting it in my mind. Little did I know how quickly I’d have the chance to do it for real.

Now things are starting to take shape (and getting frustrating). I start filling in the shadows with thin washes of blue, purple, and maroon. It finally starts to resemble something looking like the Grand Canyon and I’m beginning to get confident that I can pull this sucker off. Then I reach for the white and — doh! — it is completely dried out. Since I’ve done so much of my recent work digitally, it has been a LONG time since I’ve pulled out my paint box. I didn’t even think to check the status of the paint tubes. After further review, five of them are shot (including, you guessed it, Cerulean Blue — not CERULEAN BLUE!), and I’m at a stand still. Not only do I have my comfy clothes on and Christmas music pleasantly playing on the stereo, but I am taunted by the fact that I was just at the art supply store a few hours ago and walked right by the display of acrylic paints. Double doh!

Not one to let my momentum get completely stalled, I hauled my sweatpants-clad self back into the cold air and on my way to the art supply store. A half hour later and I was back in the saddle painting my little heart out. More to come later! (Oh, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments section.)

Each and every Club K&J Member will receive a signed and matted limited edition print (a $35 value — unavailable anywhere else!) as part of their annual subscription. We’ll send out the prints right around Christmastime, so to make sure you get your print this year, sign up for Club K&J now!

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The other day in the comments of my post about the Pajama Run (a fun idea about going on spontaneous ice cream runs in your pj’s after bedtime), a woman left a heartwarming comment that made me smile. She basically summarized the entire message of Kim & Jason in a few insightful words. TadMack shared,

Sometimes stuff like this makes me tearful, and I think, ‘Dang! I want a do-over! I didn’t get a childhood like that!’…and then a little light goes on. OH. See you at the ice cream parlor. I’ll be the one with the curlers and the cloud-printed flannels…

Some people have amazingly magical childhoods to reflect upon and others simply do not. Unfortunately, for many grown-ups the reality of their childhoods is such that it should never be relived. Our message is for all of the above, not just those with the fuzzy memories. As Jason shares in our speaking programs, the good news is that we were all born with these “secrets from childhood.” They are instinctual and often just need to be dusted off and put into practice, even if you never got the chance the first time around. I think TadMack summarized this best in her comment. I also read a quote the other day that says it well,

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

So, if the second one is up to you, what are you doing about it?

Are you carefree?
Are you playing on a regular basis?
Are you appreciating the little delights all around you?
Are you authentic?
Are you dreaming big dreams?
Are you laughing often?
Are you constantly learning and growing?
Are you honest?
Are you believing that people are good and things work out for the best?
Are you living with passion and perspective?

The choice it yours and no one else’s. Enjoy your do-over!

Technorati Tags: second childhood, TadMack, do-over, carefree, big dreams, laughing, playing, living with passion

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The S.W.E.L.L. (Supremely Wonderful & Exciting Loot Lottery) prize winner for November is Club K&J member Jim Weisbeck! Jim, who was randomly selected from the list of Club K&J members, wins four movie tickets. Whether it’s a break from a long day of shopping, a reprieve from the chilly weather, or just an escape from the hustle and bustle of it all, the holiday season is always a great time to enjoy a movie. Jim and three of his favorite people will get to choose from a lineup of blockbusters (we loved Bee Movie). Congrats, Jim!

Do YOU wanna have a chance to win next month’s S.W.E.L.L. prize? Become an official Club K&J subscriber today!

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I’m happy to officially announce the holiday event we’ve been busy planning: The 12 Days of Wishmas.

We are opening our office in Madison for 12 days in December in order to offer a unique shopping experience for stressed-out grown-ups. You’ll be able to shop different AND make a difference.

On each of the 12 days, we’ll be offering shoppers the chance to experience a unique holiday activity from Christmas past. We’re also donating 5% of every sale to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Wisconsin. And if you bring in a gift for a Wish child, you can take an ornament from our Christmas tree to win prizes like free greeting cards or a $100 shopping spree. We’re totally pumped and hope you’ll join us for at least one of the twelve days.

Click here for all of the details and the full schedule of activities!

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There aren’t many things that bring me back to childhood faster than listening to the theme songs of the favorite shows of my youth. I’m often disappointed by actually watching them (was the animation really that crappy?) but the song itself conjures up all the old feelings of excitement and adventure. This one might be my favorite:

I also have a special place in my heart for themes from A-Team, Mighty Mouse, Spiderman, and GI Joe. All of these songs (and many, many more) can be found at TelevisionTunes.com (hat tip to Shirley for pointing this site out.)

As I strolled down memory lane, I was struck by how much those songs influenced me as a kid. They’re all very heroic in nature, championing truth, justice, good over evil, and the plight of the underdog. My make-believe time was often spent with a cape tied around my neck as I sped off to save the day, or with a machine gun in hand on my way to infiltrate the bad guy’s hideout. Listening to the songs actually stirs up a desire that drives me to this day — a desire to make a big difference in the world. Somehow, even though I was a shy, skinny, middle class kid from Peru, Illinois, those songs made me believe that I could. They helped me believe that it WAS possible to make a difference.

And in my own little way, I believe that I am.

Thanks, Underdog.

What about you? How did music from your childhood influence you as a person?

Technorati Tags: music, cartoon songs, tv show themes, Underdog, A-Team, Mighty Mouse, G.I. Joe

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We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. - George Bernard Shaw

What puts you in a playful mood?

Here’s a common scenario for us, Jason and I are in the car heading someplace at dinnertime.

All I have to say is, “Where do you want to stop and get some food?”

Pop. The red hat appears!

We laugh that it’s there, and I’m convinced I do see it somedays. (He just can’t seem to get enough of those roast beef sandwiches!)

Have fun playing on this long weekend!

Technorati Tags: Arby’s, play, George Bernard Shaw

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Every Thursday, we pick out one of the cool things from the Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand and give it away. Yep, for free.

This week’s prize is a Kim & Jason Gratitude matted print. It seemed appropriate, what with it being Thanksgiving day and all. The print reminds us that sometimes the simplest gestures of gratitude make the biggest impact. This print says, “Thank you for making a difference,” in more ways than one. (Click to zoom in on art.) High quality full color 5×7 print in an 8×10 yellow mat.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Just leave a comment on this post, answering this week’s question: “What are you most thankful for this year?”
2. Deadline for entries is 11:59 pm CST on the day of the post. We’ll pick a winner from the list of comments sometime on the following Friday.
3. We’ll contact the winner by e-mail to find out where to send the free prize.

Good luck! And don’t miss any of the other cool stuff for the young at heart at The Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand!

UPDATE: This week’s winner was Angela:

I’m thankful for :
My son
My Father’s continued health
My scholorship!
Winning this contest?

Stay tuned next week for the next chance to win!

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Imagine with me for a few minutes…

You’re seven years old and lying in bed after a full day of spelling words, four square and practicing your cursive. Life is good. After getting your goodnight kiss from your mom you imagine what the next day will bring. Then out of nowhere, as if a bolt of lightening, your door flies open with the sound of pots and pans being beat like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. You pop up, knocking over the water by your bedside. “Pajama Run!” your parents claim, as they stand in your room telling you and your sister to get up and get moving! Woo hoo, a Pajama Run!

You put on your slippers and coat, but are not allowed to change into regular clothes… that’s the whole point. No wonder mom asked you to wear your new pajamas tonight, you laugh to yourself! Dad will not divulge the final destination, even though you beg him to tell you.

You hop into the station wagon and zoom off to a local ice cream joint, where you are invited to order a sweet treat… in your pajamas! Sitting in the Twisty Station, you and your family laugh as you recall the looks on your faces, how your sister had no idea what was going on, and how funny it was that you spilled your water. You also recall that you did notice mom setting the pans on the counter before bed, but thought maybe she was just getting ready for the morning. Lots of giggles all around! As you eat your sweet treat you announce to your family that when you get big and have a family, you are for sure going to take your kids on Pajama Runs!

This is what I imagined as a woman at a recent speaking gig explained her family’s tradition of the Pajama Run! She shared that this is a fun way they Escape Adulthood. She also mentioned they sometimes they do it as a school (smaller school) and all meet at the same place in a similar time frame. The kids are thrilled to see their friends there, also in their pajamas.

It keeps things interesting, playful and spontaneous.

There’s nothing better than to sit in your pj’s out in public, enjoying a banana split way past your bedtime!

Technorati Tags: family fun, pajama run, spontaneity, ice cream

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I’ve been thinking about this year’s Club K&J Christmas premium — a limited edition print — for quite some time now. I wanted to come up with a meaningful theme for the artwork, so I spent some time reflecting on the past year.

One of the highlights of this year for Kim and I was our first ever trip to the Grand Canyon. I remember standing in awe before it, marveling at the magnificent play of light and shadow. I even mentally tried painting it in my mind, as I began to notice the full range of colors lit on fire by the sunset.

Another highlight has been the move into our new office space. We are so happy with it, and it has been a symbol of a tremendous year of growth for our little company. I guess you could say that we’re soaring to new heights.

That being said, I think I’ve come up with an appropriate idea for this year’s print: Kim and Jason soaring above the Grand Canyon in Kim’s cardboard airplane. My aim is to keep you posted on the progress, so here’s the rough sketch. I’ll be adding more snapshots as the project develops. Enjoy.

Each and every Club K&J Member will receive a signed and matted limited edition print (a $35 value — unavailable anywhere else!) as part of their annual subscription. We’ll send out the prints right around Christmastime, so to make sure you get your print this year, sign up for Club K&J now!

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