Live. Laugh. and Lightsabers

Over the past week or so I’ve been lucky enough to encounter some awesome kids that have made me take a step back and smile remembering how simple life can really be. The first kid was spotted while I was working out down at a public park. I was hating my life doing sprints, but my mood was drastically shifted when I saw a little boy riding his bike wearing a Darth Vader helmet and red lightsaber tucked in his arm pit, peddling as fast as he could. It put a smile on face that seemed to last the rest of the day. I could only imagine what he was thinking in his head. I'm was hoping he was making lightsaber sounds.Let the force be with you dude.
The second kid was spotted on a hike to a lake with a few friends of mine. We had just found a spot to go swimming at he comes running over chasing his dog. He had one front tooth and a lisp to go with it. As he turned around to go back to his family, he showed off about a half inch of butt crack! It was one of the most innocent example of simple humor I had ever seen. He didn't have a care in the world where any of us would’ve been embarrassed out of our minds.

After encountering these kids, I was reminded of an essay I wrote about two years ago in an English class about my little sister that I thought I would share.

Life Through The Eyes of a Five Year Old

On October 28th 2003 a little bundle of joy named of Samantha was born. On that same day, a 12-year-old version fn myself became a big sister for the first time. It’s been almost six years since then and that little bundle of joy has developed into an energetic, independent, and curious five year old. While my life consists of grades, schedules, and appointments, hers consists of blocks, Disney movies, and stuffed animals. My sister lives a very different lifestyle then I, and over the years I’ve learned a few things from her.

I’ve learned that desert is mandatory and if you feel like eating Mac and Cheese every night, then go for it. I’ve learned that cereal should only be bought based on what kind of toy is inside and that dancing in the middle of a grocery store isn’t something to be embarrassed about. I’ve learned that there is no such thing as a stupid question. There are just a million questions, and they can, and will, be asked numerous times through out the day. I’ve learned that naps around one o’clock are mandatory. If you don’t take one, you’ll be grumpy by dinner, and no body, including mom, will enjoy your company. I’ve learned that many household items can be worn while playing dress-up and that talking to yourself, or your imaginary friend, is completely normal.

In the life of a five year old, there are no rules because they haven’t been made yet. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to be persistent in order to get what you want, and a few tears never hurt your cause. I’ve learned to believe that I’m good at everything and that I’m always right no matter what other people tell me. To a five year old, the concept of love is so straightforward. It’s something that it just given not earned or worked for, just freely out there for whoever might walk by. Hugs are something that everybody receives no matter if you are the neighbor, the dog, or the friendly old man at the restaurant. And innocent kisses are given at random just as a reminder that they love you.

My sister has taught me to find the simple things in life and love every minute of it, because to her there is not much more than simple. She’s taught me that this world is a huge jungle gym, full of obstacles, heights, and challenges. Somewhere in between the ages of five and seventeen we tend to forget that. Life through the eyes of a five year old is fascinating, full of adventure, and overall…fun. Maybe as “adults” we should take time to kneel down, take off the business suit, and remember what’s it’s like to see the world for the first time, but at the same time remembering all that it has taught us. Somewhere in us all is the five year old we used to be, willing and waiting, for the moment when they get to come out and show themselves again. Look on the bright side; at least you’ll have an excuse for why you decide to wear your Spiderman underwear to work.

                Our everyday lives are everything but everyday

"We're going to need a bigger boat"

Shark Week 2011 has officially started! 

Here's a list of ten things I have learned from Shark Week in previous years that I feel is valuable knowledge.

1. Take a week off, especially when sharks are around.
2. Don't surf. You look like a seal.
3. Always chum the water after you're out of it. Not the other way around.
4. Fish are friends, not food. Seals are friends too, but they are food.
5. When in doubt get into the boat. Don't stick around to see what happens.
6. Shark cages produce great footage but are a dumb idea to get into.
7. In the battle of man vs Great White Shark, the shark will always win.
8. Don't surf. You look like a seal.
9. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. At the same time, if your hand is full of dead fish and is feeding sharks, don't be surprised if you get bit.
10. Humans are not a sharks favorite meal. I'm not a huge fan of meat loaf, but I still eat it if I'm hungry enough. Do you see where I'm going with this?


           Our everyday lives are everything but everyday