Staying Busy: staying sane

I have been especially busy the past few weeks and I have pretty much enjoyed every minute of it until the last few days. Since Tuesday evening everything seemed to go wrong. It was mostly an overwhelming amount of minor stuff like software and Internet issues that caused me to redo things 3 or 4 times, or phone conversations where I was misunderstood. The point is that by Friday I needed a break.

That's where Julio and the guys at CGR Creative came in. I showed up just after 4 and they were all grinding out work. Jason was finishing up a brochure for a Veteran's charity, Purple Heart Homes, Tay was tweaking some new content for Security Guard Exchange's website, and Julio was calling back a client that was having issues with another creative agency.

They saw me walk in and Julio said, "Hey let's wrap up and grab a bite." Evidently he had had a bad day as well. Long story short Julio took us all out to Vinnie's for wings, oysters, and frosty beverages! I can't tell you how great it was to sit down with those guys and share the weeks ups and downs. I'm very lucky to have the life I do and especially the friends I have! Thanks guys!

Rules We Follow: but never agreed to

Evidently there was a meeting at some point where some great minds came up with a set of behavior rules that most of us follow in our daily lives. While I agree with many of them there are a few that we might want to break if for no other reason than to entertain ourselves.

It is understood that when you ride in an elevator you are supposed to face the doors. I think that is ridiculous. Next time you're sharing an elevator with other people turn around and face them. Then you can start asking questions like you are a quiz show host.

You are also not supposed to have people ride in the trunk of your car. I can't explain the excitement created when you pull up to a gas station and pop your trunk to let out a passenger. You are guaranteed to get stares.

There are a lot of these rules set aside for public bathrooms. For example it is perfectly fine for women to go to the restroom in pairs or small groups, they can even hold hands on the way. Men however must go one at a time. From personal experience it is also against these rules to shake hands with anyone in the men's room. Eye contact is frowned upon and really is only acceptable if you are both washing your hands and making eye contact through the mirror. Also there is no looking down in the men's room. This is especially tough on those guys with low self esteem. Talking in the men's room is discouraged, but it seems to be acceptable if the conversation is held between two close friends or if the topic is sports related.

Next time you are looking for a few laughs try breaking some of the rules. You may be rewarded with applause or you may just get a bunch of strange looks but it will undoubtedly be interesting.