A comment left on my recent cuddling a koala post by Jason at Escape Adulthood sparked this week’s question. Jason mentioned how Steve Irwin from Australia Zoo is “one of the only famous people I’ve ever encountered who didn’t appear to have a shred of Adultitis in him”.
For the record, according to Jason (& Kim, Jason’s wife), “Adultitis is a common condition occurring in people between the ages of 21–121, marked by chronic dullness, mild depression, moderate to extremely high stress levels, a general fear of change, and, in some extreme cases, the inability to smile.”
“It has wrought an epidemic of stress, anxiousness and depression. It has plundered laughter. It has transformed people into zombie-like doo-doo heads.”
Jason’s right. Love him or not so love him, Steve Irwin was renowned for his sense of fun and ability to mix work and play. On tribute boards displayed at Australia Zoo, there were more than a few comments from staff saying they’d miss dodging him on his 4 wheeler (it seems he had a penchant for playing cat and mouse).
It got me thinking (a dangerous pursuit for me) and I’m interested to know…
What child-like, crazy, Adultitis curing antics are you known for?
It’s no surprise to regular readers here that I’m prone to impromptu Flashdance routines. I’m also not adverse to handstands, generally in the pool (gravity can be a bitch) or against a wall. Then there’s the jumping out from behind doors scaring the bejesus out of whichever poor soul is my victim. I could also mention the snorting of milk but that was more of an accident than anything.
What about you? How do you “be like Steve”? What constitutes play for you? Ever attempted a Flashdance?
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Hi Sami,
I love the vibe on this site.
What constitutes play for me right now is Hula Hooping, I wanted to find a way to have pure childlike fun and keep fit at the same time so I decided to buy a hula hoop for a few pounds and have fun trying to keep it spinning around my waist. I’ve been giggling like a little girl for the first time in a long time.
I also love doing the Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ dance. I know the choreography backwards.
i love this post…and it’s scary that just YESTERDAY i visited the adultitis site, and was planning to use it for my “discovery post” this week. for me, it definitely involves any type of playground…i am particularly fond of the swings, but my husband and i are known to hit a the slides as well. the list also includes: cartwheels, eating ice cream before (or FOR) dinner, spinning around in the grass till i’m fall-down-dizzy, hanging out at toys-r-us. you get the picture…
To be like Steve I run Round in Khakis saying “By Krikey, you’re a right nimble one!” to every snake or croc I wrestle to the ground.
And when I’m not doing that I do the highland fling on the countertop at Starbucks. Do you guys have Starbucks there?? I know there is a lovely Cocolat in Adelaide.
Gotta fly!
xo
Well, Sami — due to my elevated standing in the community in which I live, and due to the fact that, as a highly respected Elder, I have been told by umpteen persons who will not be named here, that I am no longer allowed to top my ice cream with potato chips and ketchup, and putting my head under the hose when I’m gardening on a hot day is ‘way too offensive, and I’m forbidden to climb onto the roof of my travel trailer to wash it or recaulk the seams, and I must never be seen shoveling compost or swinging a pickaxe to build a new garden. HOWEVER: due to my hearing loss, I can no longer hear people saying “stop, STOP!!” so I’m still in 7th heaven doing all of the above. I mean, give me a break!
@Michelline
Hi Michelline, thanks very much.
I have to say, I’m a terrible hula hooper but I’ll still give it a go whenever the opportunity arises (not that that is often). I love the idea of combining child-like fun with exercise too. And you know the Thriller choreography?? That’s too cool! You must have some serious co-ordination!
@Jodie
Oh yeah, swings! I’d forgotten about them. I love them too, and the higher the better. Dessert for dinner is also a favourite of mine and I don’t mind cake for breakfast either. It seems you (and your husband) don’t have any problem with “being like Steve”! Thanks for stopping by Jodie.
@Jannie
Hey Jannie. I would pay good money to watch you wrestle snakes and crocs whilst wearing khaki. That would be a sight! Actually, I’d pay good money to see you do the highland fling on a Starbuck’s countertop too! And yes, we do have Starbucks here (I’m pretty sure Pluto has a Starbucks!).
@Jeanne
This is one occasion where deafness is a good thing. Where would we be without an ice cream, potato chip and ketchup eating, self hosing, trailer scaling, pickaxe wielding Jeanne! To all those wanting to stop you I say, “BUGGER OFF!” In my opinion, anyone who eats ice cream, potato chips and ketchup knows how to live!
Hi Sami,
I personally do not believe in growing up so I love to jump in puddles and love to sing out loud. For example, we were out for breakfast this morning and this cool song came on. So as I sang along and danced in order to make my husband laugh. He did and the other people in the cafe thought I was some freak. It made my heart happy!
@Nadia
Haha, yep, I’ve been known to dance and sing in public. I particularly like to groove along in the car. And I’ve had a few funny looks myself!
I think it’s great when people show a zest for life. Some people really are good at playing at their work, playing at life, and keeping a perpetual curiosity.
@J.D.
Totally agree J.D. People who inject play into all the different parts of their life are generally a lot of fun to be around too!
I have been known to dance in stores and I have on occasion jumped on top of peoples desks at work and did impromptu table dances just to get people motivated. I have also worn some crazy costumes just to get people to smile. It is not unusual to hear me singing random songs. I try to let my child out as often as I can. Great post.
You go, NADIA!!! I saw your comment here and a huge smile sprouted onto my face!
Hi Sami – you’ve got it – the dance-outloud fever! And, I think you’ve infected me. I’m glad there’s no cure!
I think my most famous (or infamous) antic is my prior use of the ‘human horn’. I formerly had an old, old, old pick up truck, all rusted out and banged up (loved that truck!), but the horn had been broken for that last 5 years of its life. So, in harrowing situations, I had to employ the human horn (my voice).
My step-daughter still laughs out loud when it comes up in conversation.
In fact, I’m laughing out loud right now just thinking about it.
Yes, I’m also an auto-comedian. I make my self laugh far too often.
Thanks for your personality of awesomeness, Sami!!!!
@Mark
Nice work Mark. I like it! You sound like you have energy to burn. Dancing on desks is taking it to a whole new level!
@Lori
The human horn! You totally crack me up girl! That story is too funny. I think I might just have to try that just for laughs, although, we need a car first (we just sold ours). And yep, I’m familiar with the auto-comedian thing. If no one else laughs, I’m happy to laugh at myself!
Sami, I think you are on to a potential niche. I’m not sure what to call it, but making lots of laughs would certainly be involved. You kind of remind me of the Big X (that’s a good thing), who has the Gift of Hilarity.
I wonder what the Starbucks on Pluto would serve?
@Dave
Hey Dave! I’m not sure what to call my niche either! Maybe, “the straight-jacket” niche or perhaps “this girl needs medication” niche or maybe just the “rum” niche. Who knows? At any rate, we do have a lot of fun here (well I do anyway!).
As for what Starbucks on Pluto serves, I would imagine it’d involve high grade methane and frozen carbon dioxide.
Shhh…don’t tell anybody but I sometimes do elaborate show tunes type dances (complete with jazz hands) for my daughter Lucy. She’s one. It makes her laugh. And with kids that little, you gotta go big or go home. Thankfully, none of this has ever been caught on film, so I can still vehemently deny it if need be.
@Jason
Hey Jason! Love it. I’m a fan of jazz hands, although we call it spirit fingers. I embarass my partner Chris no end doing my spirit fingers in public!
Spirit fingers, huh? Nice.