Keeping Life Fresh

One of the things I've always been afraid of, is the risk of getting caught in a mundane, repetitive life. I see it happen to SO many people, and to me, having the same old routine is BORING. Now, I do think having a routine is extremely important (as pointed out in this article) as it affords you maximum amount of "fun time," but it seems like so many people waste their fun time doing the same boring things.

Sometimes, we'll do things exciting, but when you do the same exciting things over and over, they lose their mystique. Of course, you shouldn't count reading this blog as one of those things because it is just as exciting to read the first time as it is the last!

As I've gotten more comfortable with my relatively new surroundings, I've made a big effort to keep things interesting and fresh! I enjoy going to the coffee shop on week nights, reading and meeting new people, and I enjoy going out on weekends, and different as each one of those can be, I like to mix it up even more!

So how do I do this?

Well one of the things I do, is search for adventure. I get emails for certain events going on in my area, and try to keep on eye on anything exciting potentially happening.

I'm also a big "yes" man. When someone asks me to do something, I hardly ever say no. Now don't you all get any ideas and try to take advantage of poor ol' me!

For example, a few weeks ago my friend Mern asked me to participate on his "Relay for Life" team. Essentially, its a 24 hour event held to raise money for the fight against Cancer.
My first instinct was, "Well shucks...that's a big time commitment, AND its on the weekend." But, after thinking about it, I realized the potential for fun and adventure it had, plus it was for a great cause.

That entire weekend ended up being super fun as a result! I had never done anything like that before, but in addition to raising money, we played big games of football and ultimate frisbee, threw water balloons, I met a ton of great people some of whom are new friends, and had a really different and exciting weekend.

But that's not all! (Wow, this is starting to sound like an infomercial) I got involved in some kind of Kickball league, and played a refereed game. Again, a friend asked me if I could play, and me being me of course said 'yes'!

In elementary school I used to be awesome at kickball...apparently my kickball schools have dwindled a bit (and by a bit, I mean a lot). I was 1 for 3 kicking, and managed to flub two fielding efforts.

Now in my defense, I had consumed quite a few mimosas that morning (I went to a "victory" breakfast with my fellow "Relay for Lifers" to a place with all you can eat food and mimosas...dangerous...very dangerous). Also, I hadn't played kickball for about 10 years, so I had a good bit of rust.

This weekend, I had another little adventure. A my friend Jesse asked me if I could join his hand picked "Valet Team" for his sister's wedding. Again, at first I was resistant.

Me thinking: "Hmmm...me busting my ass parking cars, while everyone around me is having fun, eating, drinking, and dancing? All for free?"

Jesse sensing my hesitation: "Well you'll actually spend most of your time at the reception eating, drinking, and dancing...all for FREE. Plus you're getting paid and there WILL be bride's maids."

He just uttered the six magic words: eating, drinking, dancing, free, and bride's maids.

So we arrived at the wedding, and among all of us, I was the dressed the sharpest. As a result of that, as well as my outgoing nature, and devilish good looks. I was assigned the oh-so-taxing role of the "greeter." When cars would roll up, I would escort the passengers out, give them a claim tag, small talk with them, and give the keys to one of my drivers to park the car...hard work, I know.

In all honesty, we did bust our tails pretty good making sure everyone's cars were taken care of. When we got to the reception, I began getting a little paranoid wondering what people would think when they saw us.

"Hey wait! Aren't those the valet guys? What are they all doing with beers in their hands???"

Luckily, no one seemed to care, and we got lots of compliments from the guests. In fact, quite a few thought we were a professional valet service! Hilarious considering this was the first time any of us had done this!

Oh and the benefits were awesome! We got paid pretty well, filled our stomachs, and got to take home all of the left over beer, wine, and champagne! Suffice to say, I had a party the next day to relieve ourselves of the burden of being in possession of so many beverages.

I have no idea what I'm going to do yet to make this week interesting, but I'm sure it will be like no other. In fact, I'm already planning a Wednesday poker night at my house.

Don't let yourself have a boring life! Take charge and plan fun activities! Be a "Yes-man" (or Yes-Woman). When you get the opportunity to do something different, get out of your comfort zone and do it! Not only will you be happy in the long run, but if you're anything like me, you might get a good story out of it!