Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason | Live life with less stress and more fun!

Grammys, Mushrooms, and the Practice of Patience

patience

You know what there isn’t enough of these days?

No, not Twinkies.

Patience.

Here in Wisconsin, it appears that Spring didn’t get the memo about showing up. The weather suggests that Old Man Winter is holding on for dear life. I can’t help but wonder if the slight sense of panic that is bubbling up among citizens of the North is partially caused by our lack of patience. With smartphones keeping us constantly connected, our DVRs editing out commercials, and information on Twitter speeding by at warp speed, patience is more scarce (and valuable) than ever.

Marketers promise and the media celebrates fast growth and overnight success. And yet I was intrigued to hear the lead singer of of the band Fun accept the Song of the Year Grammy award for We Are Young. “I don’t know what I was thinking writing the chorus for this song,” he said. “If this is in HD, everyone can see our faces and we are not very young.” He shared that he and his mates had been working at their craft for twelve years.

Later in the evening, they’d go on to win the Grammy for Best NEW Artist. Go figure.

It’s easy to search for the quick fix, the easy shortcut, the secret 7-step solution that will shave years off our learning curve. Dissatisfied with advice like “do the work,” “write every day,” or “put in your 10,000 hours,” it’s not uncommon to either give up altogether or keep looking for something less…time intensive. Only to find ourselves five years later in the same exact spot, while we could have been light years ahead, if only we’d heeded that old boring advice.

Sure, there are some flash-in-the-pans and one-hit-wonders, but those fade away. The stuff that lasts takes time to develop.

I once heard a brilliant comparison between a mushroom and an oak tree. A mushroom grows extremely fast. An oak tree, on the other hand, not so much. It takes years to fully develop into the tall, sturdy, impressive specimen that it will eventually become.

The practice of patience leads to great things.

For although the mushroom grows faster, in the end, it’s still just a fungus.

Easter Clothes

easter-clothes
A quick cartoon drawn in Photoshop. I like imagining the words being spoken by George Costanza’s mother.

Sendoff of Co-Worker Gets Ugly

ugly-cake-partners

Kathleen Molland, Jeanette Raab, and Susan Withey were at a speaking program I did in Williston, North Dakota. I told the Ugly Cookie story. Then these three took it to a whole new level. Here’s what happened, in the words of Kathleen: Continue Reading →

Daughter Teaches Dad Proper Way to Eat Banana

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A few years ago, a TV reporter referred to me as “The Champion of Childhood.” Although I never received a jewel-encrusted crown or an oversized gold-plated belt, it’s a title I wear proudly. Admittedly, I don’t actually consider myself “THE” Champion, but rather “A” Champion of Childhood. There are scores of people infinitely more qualified than me in this arena, but I quite fancy the idea of acting as “a militant supporter and defender” of the ideals of childhood.

Ultimately, I like being a verb more than a noun.

Kim and I love using the platform we have to highlight the brilliant people who inspire us. The everyday folks who should also be considered Champions of Childhood. Recently, we decided to make this designation official. (In the same way a secret handshake required to gain entry into a treehouse is official.)

So I created a logo, and we made buttons and stickers and magnets and certification cards to bestow upon people we deem Champions of Childhood. (Because there is nothing more fun than making up an award and giving out prizes.) Continue Reading →

Just Out of Curiosity

when-did-you-stop-living

On any given day, we make lots of decisions. Most, like the decision to stay a bit later at work, never seem all that consequential. But slowly and surely, they add up to tell a story.

Take some time to be mindful of every decision, or else you may one day find that those choices have created a story you never intended on telling.

What’s The Best Part of an Oreo Cookie?

According to physicist David Neevel, it’s the cookie, hands down. And this quirky machine will separate your Oreo and remove the offending substance for you.

Plus it uses a hatchet. Nice touch.

How to Make Big Decisions

how-to-choose

When I was a kid, I had a hard time making decisions of any sort. It’s the stuff of family lore, and I am regularly reminded of how often I’d come to tears over having to choose between chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Fourteen years as an entrepreneur has sharpened my decision-making abilities, but that doesn’t mean every choice is easy peasy lemon squeezy.

We all face the tough choices from time to time. The ones with no easy answer and no certain outcome.

How do I handle my suddenly rebellious teenager?

Which job offer should I accept?

Is it possible to make ends meet if I stay home with the kids? Continue Reading →

What Your Busyness Really Says About You

glorification-of-busy

“If you live in America in the 21st century you’ve probably had to listen to a lot of people tell you how busy they are. It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: ‘Busy!’ ‘So busy.’ ‘Crazy busy.’ It is, pretty obviously, a boast disguised as a complaint.”
–The ‘Busy’ Trap – NYTimes.com

Yes, yes, a million times yes.

As I’ve written before, taking the drug called busyness is an effective way to feel engaged in life. But although it’s easier to stay busy than to slow down and make hard decisions about what kind of story you really want to live, the end result is not very satisfying.

I love this post by Andrea Scher about her refreshing new mantra: I’m actually not that busy.

Warning: if you measure your level of importance and value by how busy you are, there’s a pretty good chance the story you’re living sucks.

And yes, this is a reminder to myself as much as anyone.

How to Guarantee an Adultitis-Free Dinner Party

boguslaw-plates
Adultitis would have us believe that it’s unbecoming for an adult to play with his or her food. Apparently, Polish designer Boguslaw Sliwinski (say that three times fast) didn’t get the memo.

He has designed a series of plates that invite you turn your meal into an action scene.

Now you tell me: what are the odds that Adultitis makes an appearance at a dinner party featuring plates of this nature?

Dad Breaks Rule on First Day of Spring

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The first day of spring is Wednesday. How are you planning to celebrating it?

Wait…you weren’t?

A woman at a recent speaking gig shared with me a neat family tradition that I had to pass along. She grew up in Connecticut, and every year, on the first day of spring, her father would “kidnap” his kids and play hooky. They’d all load into the car as usual, but he’d eventually take a “wrong turn,” and they’d never quite make it to school. One time, he took them sledding to take advantage of a new blanket of snow on the ground. Another time they ended up at the Statue of Liberty. Since it was a weekday (and a rainy one at that), the crowds were light and they were able to ascend to the top without any waiting.

It reminds me of the dad who took his kids to the circus instead of taking them to school.

Don’t get me wrong. I think that a parent’s first job is to model consistency and instill responsibility in their children. That there is a need for people like the Supernanny is a crying shame.

But I also think it’s important to create scenes with your kids. And one of the best ways to do that is by breaking a rule, starting a small rebellion, and just playing hooky once in a while.

Of course, one needn’t have kids, or even grandkids for that matter, in order to break a rule and create a scene. We ALL need a day to play hooky once in a while.

You can call it a mental health day or a “sick of it” day, if that helps.

This Wednesday is the first day of spring. How will you celebrate it?

P.S. Like the Statue of Liberty art above? You can get it as a print, available in vanilla or chocolate. :)

A is for Adultitis

alphabet-blocks

Sarah lives in Minnesota. She wrote this poem last year for an 8th grade school project after I spoke at her church. Apparently the talk was a hit, coincided with an assignment to compile a book of poems, and served as inspiration for this cool bit of prose. Enjoy!

Adultitis by Sarah Weber

A child’s imagination
Blooms in their rooms
Castles and
Dragons and
Even more. They
Figure out what to do.
Give them blocks
Hurry back
In minutes there’ll be
Junctions and bridges.
Kids can make anything
Lots of fun
Many adults
Not knowingly look past
Obvious creative
Past times
Quickly a child would
Run to the
Situation.
The reason is simple, adults are
Unwilling to find the
Very creativity that
Would save them from Adultitis
X-rays can’t cure
Your mind. You decide if you become a
Zombie! Be more childish!!! Save yourself from this epidemic! Call the toll free 1-800 number on the bottom of your screen. No, I’m just kidding don’t call that number. Have a great day.

1-800-249-5555 =)

Happy Birthday, Kim!

kim-beach

I have many speaker friends who wish they had a Kim to do for their business what she does for ours. Believe me, I know how lucky I am.

There is a reason that Kim gets top billing in the trademark “Kim & Jason.” I may be the artist and speaker, but she’s the inspiration. She’s the lifeblood of our business. She’s the one I aspire to be like. Not only is she the world’s best business partner, but she’s also my wife, best friend, and partner in crime on this crusade to annihilate Adultitis.

She’s also celebrating a birthday today. (Twenty-nine-ish. Again.)

I thought it would be cool to all go in on a super awesome gift for her. Yes, all of us! So here’s what I was thinking: There is nothing that drives Kim more than encouraging and inspiring people to fight Adultitis. If you would be willing to do something to tick off Adultitis today, and then report back here what you did, I know for a fact that Kim will be overjoyed.

It’s a unique gift sure to be enjoyed as much by the giver as the receiver. And it seems like a fitting tribute to the most passionate Adultitis-fighter I know.

So please, do something fun today in honor of Kim, and share your adventure in the comments below.

Happy birthday, Kim!

Meet Shelly Gray

shelly-gray The Small Rebellion is a playful group of escape artists who share a joyful, indomitable childlike spirit and are not afraid to let that spirit come out to play! They’re united by a common goal of fighting Adultitis and the doo-doo heads who embrace its ideals. Quite frankly, they’re pretty much the coolest people on the planet. Here’s one right now…

• My name is… Shelly Gray.

• My hometown is… Shelbyville, TN (Yes, my favorite SEC team is Alabama!)

• My biggest dream…to help others to improve their personal and professional lives. Continue Reading →

You Are Viral

ben-viral

My son Benjamin is only 15 months old, and he is a natural born flirt.

On a recent family vacation to Santa Barbara, Ben made friends with approximately 7,235 people. He doesn’t say much, but then again, he doesn’t need to. His bright eyes and broad smile do all the work for him. Whether it’s sitting on airplanes, waiting in lines, or dining at a restaurant, Ben is constantly scanning for someone to smile at. And if you catch his gaze, watch out. Women are stopped dead in their tracks, and grown men are immediately drawn into silly games of peekaboo. When Ben smiles at you, no matter what kind of mood you’re in, you can’t help but smile back.

He’s viral.

According to Wikipedia, something is viral if it is able to induce some agents to replicate it, resulting in many copies being produced and spread around.

I can guarantee this: there were more smiles in Santa Barbara last week then there would have been if Ben had stayed home.

But here’s the thing: you’re like Ben. You’re viral, too.

Your attitude is contagious. It spreads to people around you. If you want, you can spread smiles, enthusiasm, and optimism wherever you go. Of course, you can also be a harbinger of Adultitis. None of us live in a bubble, we are each impacted by the people around us.

It’s often said that we should be the change we wish to see in the world. Sometimes a big change can begin with a simple smile.

Like it or not, you are viral.

What are you spreading?

It’s a Good Morning

its-a-good-morning

It’s a good morning, isn’t it?

If you’re having a hard time agreeing with that statement, let me ask you some questions…

Are you alive?
Can you see? Smell? Hear? Talk? Walk?
Do you have a job?
Do you have a roof over your head?
Do you have something to eat today?
Does someone love you?
Do you have a dream in your heart?
Is today a chance to let go of yesterday and start fresh?

No, you may not have said yes to every single one of those questions. But you only need to say yes to one of them for it to be a good morning.

Lucy Was Here

lucy-was-here

Let it be known that my daughter Lucy was in an antique store called Whimsy in Carpenteria, California. As you can see here, it’s official.

Just like Oprah, Cher, and Madonna, one name is sufficient.

I love how she writes her name, with the backwards “c.” I’m really considering telling her to keep it that way, forever. It would make a killer logo.

And serve as a perpetual reminder to break the rules that need breaking.

Mango with Mullet

mango-with-mullet

food-sketch1 My art almost always contains an element of whimsy. It also often involves inspiration, encouragement, or entertainment. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to make something that combines all three.

Other times, I end up with something that’s just plain silly.

It all started with a mango with a mullet.

And I just could not stop. I felt compelled to paint pictures of food sporting hairstyles of varying levels of ridiculousness. When the dust settled, the series totaled nine in all, including cauliflower with a combover, cabbage with cornrows, and a pear with a perm.

cauliflower-with-comb-over Continue Reading →

Work Is Not The Villain

key-lime-state-of-mind

Many people dream about winning the lottery so they can quit their soul-sucking job and go spend their days lying on a beach, sipping margaritas and soaking up rays.

Only one problem. Continue Reading →

The Great Cereal Debate: Soggy or Crunchy?

eatmecrunchy

It is a battle that has been waging since the early days of our marriage. I am a cereal junkie, and naturally, require a perfect cereal-to-milk ratio. If I wanted to eat my cereal dry, I’d leave the milk for some stray neighborhood cats. But I don’t. Milk is a crucial part of the enjoyment.

However. Continue Reading →

Play is Napalm for Great Ideas

scotch-tape-portraits

Wes Naman is a professional photographer. Like many professionals, he was a little burned out with the “professional” side of his work and needed a break.

So he grabbed some Scotch tape and got silly.

With the help of some open-minded friends, he used lots and lots of tape to wrench their faces into ridiculous positions. Then he asked them to try and remove the tape using only their facial muscles. It resulted in 33 photographs like the ones pictured above.

Which led to the project becoming a viral sensation, the attention of the Scotch brand itself, and an unlimited supply of rolls of tape for future projects. Perhaps a sweet advertising campaign is next.

Where do the best ideas come from?

Oftentimes, they come from play. I don’t care if you’re in a so-called “creative” field or not, the willingness to let go, be silly, and experiment with no expectation of outcome is like napalm for good ideas.

If you’re on the hunt for the next big thing, the idea that changes everything, or a solution to your most vexing problem, maybe you need to stop pressing so hard. Maybe you need a break.

Maybe you need to be a little less serious. And. Just. Play.

Grown Men Go To Great Lengths to Avoid Being “It”

tag-participants

“We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”

Benjamin Franklin said that. Or maybe it was George Bernard Shaw or somebody else entirely; it seems the Internet can’t make up it’s mind. The sentiment is true, though. And as I like to remind people, grown-ups have the money, the skills, and the autonomy to take play to a level of awesome kids could only dream of.

Exhibit A: Nine guys, friends since high school, who have been engaged in an epic game of “Tag” for over 20 years.

It started as a way to have fun while they were in high school and it grew to be quite competitive. On the last day of school, Joe Tombari was stuck as the last player tagged as “It” and figured he was destined to spend the rest of his life with the label.

That is, until a reunion several years later rekindled talk of resurrecting the game. Even though the guys had grown-up, began careers, started families, and spread out across the country (one even became a priest), they concocted a brilliant way to keep the thrill alive. A Wall Street Journal article by Brian Dennehy describes the adaptation:

The game they play is fundamentally the same as the schoolyard version: One player is “It” until he tags someone else. But men in their 40s can’t easily chase each other around the playground, at least not without making people nervous, so this tag has a twist. There are no geographic restrictions and the game is live for the entire month of February. The last guy tagged stays “It” for the year.

That means players get tagged at work and in bed. They form alliances and fly around the country. Wives are enlisted as spies and assistants are ordered to bar players from the office.

The group even has an official “Tag Participation Agreement,” drafted by the lawyer in the group and signed by all. Of course, it includes a no “tag-back” clause, which prevents you from tagging the player who just tagged you.

The article goes on to explain some of the hijinks, including the time one guy was invited to check out a friend’s new Honda Accord. What he didn’t know was that his buddy Sean — the current “It” man — flew in from Seattle and was hiding out in the trunk of car and jumped out to tag him.

I love it. But what matters most is that Adultitis doesn’t.

Why not start a similar game of tag with some people in your life? High school friends, college roommates, family cousins, whoever. Is it silly? Sure. But it’s also an exhilarating way to fight Adultitis, and a terrific way to preserve friendships and stay connected.

Tag, you’re “It!”

Color Me Adultitis Free

girl-coloring

Fact: it is impossible to have Adultitis while drawing with a marker that is almost six feet long.

The picture above is from an art exhibit called “Color Me _______” at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. It is the brainchild of Andrew Neyer and Andy J. Miller. The artists invited attendees to become collaborators by adding the color to their work. Oh how fun that looks!

I think Crayola needs to make super-sized crayons and markers, stat. I wonder if I could fit a box of 64 in my garage…

What You Can Learn from a Lincoln Log

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Are you Hall of Fame material?

Go ahead, think about it. Are you?

While you’re mulling that over, let me ask you another question: Did you know that there is a National Toy Hall of Fame? It’s true. As you might imagine, it features things like Lincoln Logs, the Hula Hoop, the Slinky, and even the multi-talented cardboard box.

What makes a toy Hall of Fame worthy? Well, it turns out there are four criteria: Continue Reading →

Once Chance Only Sale: Penguin Possible T-Shirt

ocos-penguin-tshirt
Since we like making stuff way more than we like managing inventory, every once in a while, we create something we think is cool, take orders for a week, and then buy the exact number of goodies we need to fill those orders. So whether it’s two or two thousand, I get to make cool things, you get a chance to own them, and we don’t waste any money on stuff that takes up space in our basement.

Now, does this mean we will never, ever, EVER offer this product again? Not necessarily. But if you see something you like, your best bet is to snag it while you can. Chances are it won’t be available anytime soon because we’ll be busy creating the next thing :)

Our latest offering is a t-shirt featuring an inventive penguin. May he serve as a whimsical reminder of the power of possibility. Printed on a Gildan Soft-Style 4.5 oz, 100% cotton pre-shrunk jersey knit with tapered neck and shoulders for a better fit. It’s SUPER soft and destined to become your favorite t-shirt :)

Your chance to order this item goes “poof!” on Friday, February 22, 2013. Get it now!