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Happy Monday!
The work week can feel like a treacherous labyrinth with a myriad of turns and trick doors that lead to only one rewarding exit. And once Monday morning hits, it can hit hard. Loosely planning our schedule for the week Sunday evening is instantly translated from an outlook to reality when our alarms abruptly ring Monday morning. It’s here and it’s real.
How are we supposed to approach the work week with this unwelcome jolt of musical tunes/tones?
Some days require laughter, some days require inspiration and some days require the mental equivalent to coffee with shots of acute cognitive awareness…with a timer.
This may even come from somewhere you never expected. But when you arrive and realize how to play the game, you never want to leave that place.
Happy Monday!
November is Growing on Me
Throughout the month of November, men from all over the world voluntarily dedicate their facial appearances for a genuinely worthy cause that is bigger than a simple 5 o’clock shadow. The 30-day month (which includes the American holiday and audience-conducive Thanksgiving) will test the courage and sheer facial will of the men who dare to believe in helping their fellow XY-chromosome bros in a completely strange, yet entertaining fashion.
The event is called “Movember,” which takes place during November. In fact, there is an official “Movember” website that details the precise reasoning for encouraging men to join this growing movement that began down under in Melbourne ten years ago with each November day represented in the form of a mustache.
Globally, the funds raised by our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas support world-class men’s health programs that combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. These programs, directed by the Movember Foundation, are focused on awareness and education, living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy, living with and beyond mental illness and research to achieve our vision of an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.
According to the Movember Foundation, there are nearly 4 million growers worldwide that sport their individual style in more than 20 countries. For those who have been willing their facial hair to grow for the past three weeks, there are a few icons whose trimming methods they can follow.
There is:
- The Mr. Feeny (“Boy Meets World”)
- The Albert Einstein (Genius)
- The Ron Burgundy and Brian Fantana (“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”)
- The Captain Jack Sparrow (“Pirates of the Caribbean”)
- The Alex Trebek (“What is Jeopardy?”)
- The Gene Shalit (Former Movie and Book Critic for the Today Show)
- The Hulk Hogan (Wrestler)
- The Civil War General (Self-Explanatory)
This Guy:
(Zimbio, “Famous Mustaches,” 2012)
- The Captain Edward James Smith and Bruce Ismay (“Titanic”)
- The Lt. Murtaugh (“Lethal Weapon”)
- The Manliest Dr. Pepper Guy (Television Commercial)
- The Bob Ross (America’s Art Teacher)
- The Neville Sinclair (“The Rocketeer”)
and last, but absolutely not least…
- THE Tom Selleck/Magnum P.I. (Again, Self-Explanatory)
(mannythemovieguy.com, 2009)
For the men who have refrained from using a razor and shaving cream, the finished product will take varying amounts of time and will look different from others as well.
Sometimes, the disparity can be humorously staggering:
“Movember” isn’t for everyone…
First Snow = An Avalanche of Fun
For the first time this year, after waking up to “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay (ironically), my tired eyes witnessed the first snow covered morning outside my bedroom window. The very sight of snow was refreshing, despite the inevitable chill that would come from scraping snow and ice off my car. There is little to celebrate when cold weather is just that…cold. However, when Mother Nature gives us snow, she gives us all the chance to pursue amazing experiences that cannot even be contemplated in reality without a white winter wonderland.
Here are a few entertaining ideas for some surefire fun:
As long as you don’t stick your tongue to a pole, you’ll be fine!
A Big Afternoon
Several months ago, I was in New York City with my Dad and nephew for an impromptu “boys weekend,” which included dinner in a very cool SoHo restaurant and front row tickets to “The Lion King” on Broadway. The dinner and show were both fantastic and unforgettable.
In addition to what was mentioned above, one of the moments that will forever be burned into my memory was when we ventured to FAO Schwarz one late afternoon. Bound and determined, I wanted to show my nephew something special. Despite the fact it had been moved from its regular spot, we weaved through the maze of toys, giant stuffed animals, video games and LEGO’s to reach the end of what should be considered the toy store’s treasure map. Believe me, with a young boy, this was not easy.
Still, we made it to the giant piano on the floor!
Correction: We made it to the “Big” piano on the floor!
Hesitant at first, my nephew eventually started to do what all kids do on a giant piano…he slid across the keys on his knees like a boss. He was tapping, sliding and jumping around amongst the other kids, just letting loose.
It was his “Big” moment, whether he realized it or not. Aside from the fact I recorded this experience (with the slide!) and that he’s seen it a few times, years down the road when he’s experiencing a stressful moment, he can think of that afternoon and/or watch that video and remember how great it feels to act like a kid and to just have fun.
The video below has been making its way around the popular media outlets recently. Tom Hanks, host Jonathan Ross and Sandra Bullock goofing off on a big piano on The Jonathan Ross Show. What’s not to like?
Regardless of our age, it’s vital that we occasionally let that kid within ourselves come out and play once in a while.
You might be amazed at how many other people feel the exact same way.
After all, smiling and having fun is kind of a big deal.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 