Fun II - Don't Go Cannibal on Me!

So, two cannibals were eating a clown. One said to the other, does this taste a little funny to you? Batta boom!

Okay, one cannibal said to the other, I don't like my mother-in-law. The other replied, so, eat your vegetables. Batta boom!

Jokes are a bit old school, but hey, I attend that school. I have for years. I love joke genres. But since the topic this week is fun maybe there is something deeper.

Eating people is no fun. Been there, done that, will do it again. If you are trying to make this week more fun than last, and someone offers you human flesh, just say no. Tell them you would prefer mashed potatoes. Sounds much more civilized to me.

Is Funner A Word? Random Thoughts on Fun

I read the following statement in Fast Company several years ago: If you are not having fun, you are probably not doing a good job.

Steve Jobs created a stir recently by describing the new iPod Touch as the funnest iPod ever. Apple has sold 160 million iPods since 2001. Now that is what I call fun.

Is funnest a word? Steve Jobs has made it one. According to Grammar Girl, fun can be used as an adjective, so for you grammar Pharisees, funnest is okay. It may not sound okay, but it is okay, so you ain't got no argument.

What is fun for you? When is the last time you had some? Now, don't break any rules. That is college stuff. That backfires. Have a giggle today on me. Give me one too, I could use it. Look for laughter. Enjoy a belly laugh. Come on. It's okay. Really Really.

Tony Soprano and Ellie Mae Clampett's Love Child?

Many blogs ago I told you about my pastor in New Orleans who told me I did not make a great first impression. I am not sure if a comment following my visit to a South Carolina church confirmed or refuted what my pastor said.

A church member reported to his pastor after my visit, now we know what we would have if Ellie Mae married into the Soprano family. Compliment? Criticism? I guess one can only wonder.

Five Fun Things

1. Watching Phineas and Ferb http://www.disney.go.com/tv and blogging with Abby -The S'winter episode is my all time favorite. Two young inventors on summer break decide to change a snow cone machine into a snow machine. The results are a winter wonder land that is LOL funny. Undercover secret agent, Perry the Platypus, is a rock star in my book. Abby is easy to be with and has a great sense of adventure.

2. Running with David, My Son-in-Law (We have a 5K Saturday at Riverbanks Zoo) - suffered my first significant injury in almost two years of working out. Seems like it is working itself out. Tomorrow we plan to run in a cold, March for Meals 5K Run. David is beyond me running by a good margin, but he keeps me motivated and I like him, too.

3. Drinking/talking coffee with Yvette - those of you who really know me, know how weird it is to see me drinking coffee. I had the first serious cup in my life in December 2007. I am sipping as I blog. I have become a coffee freak ever since, which gives me new common ground with my sweetie. Yvette has been an avid coffee drinker for years. BTW, I have $2.82 left on my Starbucks card. Another great new discovery.

4. Talking Weight Watchers/Life with my daughter Krista - since staying up late at five years old, watching David Yetterman (Letterman) with me, Krista has always been a great conversation.

5. Hearing Anna laugh during a movie or watching her ride a horse. Since putting a piece of ice on her arm one day after she was born, our eleven-year-old, Anna has proven to have great passion. There is nothing half-way about Anna and her passions.

Begin a teaching stint at my home church, Willow Ridge, on Sunday. Going on to a pastor's retreat, Cypress Session, and Vision Tour. Looking forward to connecting with Cincinnati and Calgary. They are coming to South Carolina this time.

The Sun and The Gamecocks

American Essayist and Critic, Logan Pearsall Smith said, Thank heavens the sun has gone in and I don't have to go out and enjoy it. Funny quote. Don't know what he meant for sure. Would ask him but he died in 1946.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself this weekend? That works. How about don't let people put too much pressure on you this weekend? That works. How about don't let opportunities put too much pressure on your this weekend? That works. Sounds like a Baptist sermon now. I need to find a scripture and a dead dog or momma story, then I am ready for Sunday!! Woo Hoo!!

I went out and enjoyed my first Gamecock game in person last night. Great fun! Wet and wild! Went with Hub and thanks to Hub. Gamecocks whipped a pretty good Kentucky team. Kentucky, South Carolina, and Alabama have moved from the bottom to the top. Georgia, Florida, and LSU are already there. Somebody from the top has to move down, like my former team, the Tennessee Vols. Go big hairy dawgs!

Near death experience yesterday sitting in Baptist meetings in Columbia. Wait, not near death, just dozed off a few times. Meetings are necessary, no kidding. Doesn't mean they are fun. Coaching today in Columbia. Preaching at Willow Sunday. Think I will work on the "Sun's Gone Down" sermon and use it later. Won't fit into the new Lost series we are starting.

Laugh Riot

If you enjoy reading funny stuff, go to the grocery store, buy this month's (Sept.) Readers Digest. Then go to Starbucks or equivalent, buy your favorite cup and read . . . and laugh. Speakers will get material. Send me the receipt for RD and SB. I will pay you back out of my pocket (offer good for the first 10 who reply only - 190 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, 29210 - no cash value, don't ask for the money instead of the RD & SB smart guy, void were prohibited, I don't know what that means but it sounds like I need the protection). You have my permission to have fun!

Fun Friday

If you are not having fun, you are not doing a good job. I read this quote in Fast Company magazine almost 5 years ago. I remember it often. I speak to leaders multiple times, every day. Some are having fun. Most are not. When you eyeball them, they are all effective in some way. The ones who are miserable are no where near their potential.

Don't want to sound like a spoiled brat here. Ed Stetzer told me (I think it was 5 years ago, too) that no matter your assignment, there is rent to pay. I responded, yeah, but I did not realize I was moving to the high rent district. Point is, daily, there will be down sides to your assignment. No matter if you are in your dream job, there will be rent to pay. Accept it, don't get angry at it, that only makes it smell worse.

Point #2, IT'S FRIDAY! Give yourself permission to have fun. Watch college football without guilt. Go to your favorite kid friendly restaurant. You pick it, not the kids. Go to the zoo, pull weeds, read a book. Have your grandson pull your finger. Tell a joke, you enjoy telling, and that you have told 1000 times, to your family. Watch a movie you have seen 100 times that still makes you laugh. Don't make me create your fun! You do it. When you treat the whole man with something meaningless, you will be more effective.

This weekend I am going to watch football, watch a movie, paint my front door, help Neal preach a sermon at Willow Ridge, go to a Sons of Italy meeting, and probably end the Sunday night at Midtown if Sons of Italy finishes in time. I am going to see my daughter, grandson, and hero son-in-law (see pic) fresh home from basic training and tech school. I am going to hang with the family and watch for God. What a country!