This morning I awoke with a jolt.   Something had to have happened to me over the last month because today felt totally different!  What could it be? Oh, that's just my new blogging habit manifesting itself in an accelerated heart rate and overwhelming feeling of anxiety that I am forgetting to do something...or more accurately something else.

I kid, I kid.  I did however awaken to a touch of free quiet time, so I thought I'd venture out into the abyss of the day after challenge.  It's scary out here, but with this cozy habit cocoon I'm living in, it should be smooth sailing.

Yesterday I asked y'all to comment on the blog, and on what you liked and disliked.  I got a few, but one hit the mark.  A friend Kurt hit on the head what makes writing this so rewarding.  He said, " A lot of your stuff is inspiring to a middle age man that is driven by a career and parenting with a laundry list of excuses of why I can't exercise, eat well, volunteer, be a kid, and push the limits of what's comfortable."

Now first, in Kurt's defense, he's my age.  I don't know if this counts as middle just yet, as I want to live to 100.  This puts the halfway point 7.5 years away.  Second, I have been really overwhelmed and surprised, in a good way, by the people who are getting something out of this.  I have known Kurt since 1989 when he and Blye Hunsinger of Meantree fame were roommates.  They continued as roommates for a couple years if memory serves me.  I didn't expect him to reach out, to say the least.  Very cool!

When I read this quote though, I thought to myself, "This is the trap of being a grown up."

I know I touched on this a few blogs back, but we as adults have to try and break out of this.  I'm not telling you to quit your job as an accountant to become an artist (well unless that's what you want), but there is a way to be a provider, have a career, AND HAVE FUN.  Oh and guess what else, I 100% guarantee it will improve your parenting and careering.

So today, pick something to do this weekend with your family, or just by yourself.  You like golf?  Take your kid golfing, or go with your friends.  Don't know where to start?  Take the family roller skating, or bowling, or go cart riding, or to the park, or walk the damn dog around the block and just bullshit with your kids.  It doesn't have to all be exercise, it just has to be lighthearted and fun.

And while you are at it.  Do something at the office today that brightens someones day.  Throw a piece of paper across the room, tell someone to lighten up.  Wear a t-shirt on a non-casual Friday. What's the worse that can happen, someone tells you "Hey don't do that."?  No one gets fired for that.

So, as I sit in this hotel in Houston in my casual dress Thursday outfit of jeans, and answer emails and do expense reports, I challenge you to have some damn fun today, and then tomorrow, and so on.

Hugs + high fives

PF