INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (8777,1,'2011-12-31 19:28:12','2012-01-01 02:28:12','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.  And because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in C\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-17','','','2011-12-31 19:28:12','2012-01-01 02:28:12','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(8778,1,'2011-12-31 19:28:12','2012-01-01 02:28:12','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.  And because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in C\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-18','','','2011-12-31 19:28:12','2012-01-01 02:28:12','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(8779,1,'2011-12-31 19:36:06','2012-01-01 02:36:06','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.  And because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-19','','','2011-12-31 19:36:06','2012-01-01 02:36:06','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(8780,1,'2011-12-31 19:36:06','2012-01-01 02:36:06','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.  And because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-20','','','2011-12-31 19:36:06','2012-01-01 02:36:06','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(8781,1,'2011-12-31 19:38:20','2012-01-01 02:38:20','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-21','','','2011-12-31 19:38:20','2012-01-01 02:38:20','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(8782,1,'2011-12-31 19:38:20','2012-01-01 02:38:20','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-22','','','2011-12-31 19:38:20','2012-01-01 02:38:20','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(8783,1,'2011-12-31 19:40:30','2012-01-01 02:40:30','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-23','','','2011-12-31 19:40:30','2012-01-01 02:40:30','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(8784,1,'2011-12-31 19:40:31','2012-01-01 02:40:31','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-24','','','2011-12-31 19:40:31','2012-01-01 02:40:31','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(8785,1,'2011-12-31 19:42:39','2012-01-01 02:42:39','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-25','','','2011-12-31 19:42:39','2012-01-01 02:42:39','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(8786,1,'2011-12-31 19:42:39','2012-01-01 02:42:39','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong>Mondo Beyondo</strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNew chapters.  42 in numerology.','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-26','','','2011-12-31 19:42:39','2012-01-01 02:42:39','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(8787,1,'2011-12-31 19:46:47','2012-01-01 02:46:47','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-27','','','2011-12-31 19:46:47','2012-01-01 02:46:47','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(8788,1,'2011-12-31 19:46:47','2012-01-01 02:46:47','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-28','','','2011-12-31 19:46:47','2012-01-01 02:46:47','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(8789,1,'2011-12-31 19:48:26','2012-01-01 02:48:26','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-29','','','2011-12-31 19:48:26','2012-01-01 02:48:26','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(8790,1,'2011-12-31 19:48:26','2012-01-01 02:48:26','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-30','','','2011-12-31 19:48:26','2012-01-01 02:48:26','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(8791,1,'2011-12-31 20:11:33','2012-01-01 03:11:33','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-31','','','2011-12-31 20:11:33','2012-01-01 03:11:33','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(8792,1,'2011-12-31 20:11:33','2012-01-01 03:11:33','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-32','','','2011-12-31 20:11:33','2012-01-01 03:11:33','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(8793,1,'2011-12-31 20:11:46','2012-01-01 03:11:46','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-33','','','2011-12-31 20:11:46','2012-01-01 03:11:46','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(8794,1,'2011-12-31 20:11:46','2012-01-01 03:11:46','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-34','','','2011-12-31 20:11:46','2012-01-01 03:11:46','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(8795,1,'2011-12-31 20:16:22','2012-01-01 03:16:22','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-35','','','2011-12-31 20:16:22','2012-01-01 03:16:22','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(8796,1,'2011-12-31 20:16:22','2012-01-01 03:16:22','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-36','','','2011-12-31 20:16:22','2012-01-01 03:16:22','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(8797,1,'2011-12-31 20:17:01','2012-01-01 03:17:01','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-37','','','2011-12-31 20:17:01','2012-01-01 03:17:01','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(8798,1,'2011-12-31 20:17:01','2012-01-01 03:17:01','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play verb 1 Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys: amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.2 I used to play hockey: take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do. 3 St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against. 4 he was to play Macbeth: act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate. 5 get your guitar and let\'s play: perform, make music, jam. 6 Bryanna played a note on the flute: make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound. 7 the sunlight played on the water: dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be fun!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-38','','','2011-12-31 20:17:01','2012-01-01 03:17:01','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(8799,1,'2011-12-31 20:22:44','2012-01-01 03:22:44','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-39','','','2011-12-31 20:22:44','2012-01-01 03:22:44','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(8800,1,'2011-12-31 20:22:44','2012-01-01 03:22:44','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-40','','','2011-12-31 20:22:44','2012-01-01 03:22:44','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(8801,1,'2011-12-31 20:22:52','2012-01-01 03:22:52','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-41','','','2011-12-31 20:22:52','2012-01-01 03:22:52','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(8802,1,'2011-12-31 20:22:52','2012-01-01 03:22:52','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on,challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as,portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-42','','','2011-12-31 20:22:52','2012-01-01 03:22:52','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(8803,1,'2011-12-31 20:23:51','2012-01-01 03:23:51','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-43','','','2011-12-31 20:23:51','2012-01-01 03:23:51','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(8804,1,'2011-12-31 20:23:51','2012-01-01 03:23:51','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOhhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-44','','','2011-12-31 20:23:51','2012-01-01 03:23:51','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(8805,1,'2011-12-31 20:25:28','2012-01-01 03:25:28','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-45','','','2011-12-31 20:25:28','2012-01-01 03:25:28','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(8806,1,'2012-01-01 11:11:56','2012-01-01 18:11:56','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','publish','open','open','','chapter-two-the-year-of-play','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/','2012-01-01 10:03:29','2012-01-01 17:03:29','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=8806',0,'post','',13),(8807,1,'2011-12-31 20:28:16','2012-01-01 03:28:16','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe point is . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n********************\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\n\n&nbsp;\n\n* play\n\nverb\n\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\n\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\n\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\n\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\n\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\n\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\n\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision','','','2011-12-31 20:28:16','2012-01-01 03:28:16','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(8808,1,'2011-12-31 20:28:51','2012-01-01 03:28:51','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-2','','','2011-12-31 20:28:51','2012-01-01 03:28:51','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(8809,1,'2011-12-31 20:28:51','2012-01-01 03:28:51','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-3','','','2011-12-31 20:28:51','2012-01-01 03:28:51','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(8810,1,'2011-12-31 20:29:57','2012-01-01 03:29:57','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-4','','','2011-12-31 20:29:57','2012-01-01 03:29:57','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(8811,1,'2011-12-31 20:29:57','2012-01-01 03:29:57','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-5','','','2011-12-31 20:29:57','2012-01-01 03:29:57','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(8812,1,'2011-12-31 20:30:57','2012-01-01 03:30:57','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-6','','','2011-12-31 20:30:57','2012-01-01 03:30:57','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(8813,1,'2011-12-31 20:30:57','2012-01-01 03:30:57','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-7','','','2011-12-31 20:30:57','2012-01-01 03:30:57','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(8814,1,'2011-12-31 20:31:55','2012-01-01 03:31:55','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-8','','','2011-12-31 20:31:55','2012-01-01 03:31:55','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(8815,1,'2011-12-31 20:31:55','2012-01-01 03:31:55','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-9','','','2011-12-31 20:31:55','2012-01-01 03:31:55','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8816,1,'2011-12-31 20:32:38','2012-01-01 03:32:38','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-10','','','2011-12-31 20:32:38','2012-01-01 03:32:38','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8817,1,'2011-12-31 20:58:29','2012-01-01 03:58:29','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-autosave','','','2011-12-31 20:58:29','2012-01-01 03:58:29','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8818,1,'2011-12-31 20:36:06','2012-01-01 03:36:06','','79106711_013cfbee7b','','inherit','open','open','','79106711_013cfbee7b','','','2011-12-31 20:36:06','2012-01-01 03:36:06','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(8819,1,'2011-12-31 20:32:38','2012-01-01 03:32:38','All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-11','','','2011-12-31 20:32:38','2012-01-01 03:32:38','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(8822,1,'2011-12-31 20:37:47','2012-01-01 03:37:47','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-14','','','2011-12-31 20:37:47','2012-01-01 03:37:47','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(8820,1,'2011-12-31 20:37:05','2012-01-01 03:37:05','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/01/chapter-two-the-year-of-play/79106711_013cfbee7b/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8818\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-12','','','2011-12-31 20:37:05','2012-01-01 03:37:05','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(8821,1,'2011-12-31 20:37:05','2012-01-01 03:37:05','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/01/chapter-two-the-year-of-play/79106711_013cfbee7b/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8818\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-13','','','2011-12-31 20:37:05','2012-01-01 03:37:05','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(8823,1,'2011-12-31 20:37:47','2012-01-01 03:37:47','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-15','','','2011-12-31 20:37:47','2012-01-01 03:37:47','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(8824,1,'2011-12-31 20:38:40','2012-01-01 03:38:40','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-16','','','2011-12-31 20:38:40','2012-01-01 03:38:40','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(8825,1,'2011-12-31 20:38:40','2012-01-01 03:38:40','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-17','','','2011-12-31 20:38:40','2012-01-01 03:38:40','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(8826,1,'2011-12-31 20:39:07','2012-01-01 03:39:07','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-18','','','2011-12-31 20:39:07','2012-01-01 03:39:07','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(8827,1,'2011-12-31 20:25:28','2012-01-01 03:25:28','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-46','','','2011-12-31 20:25:28','2012-01-01 03:25:28','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(8844,1,'2011-12-31 21:04:12','2012-01-01 04:04:12','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-57','','','2011-12-31 21:04:12','2012-01-01 04:04:12','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(8830,1,'2011-12-31 20:42:24','2012-01-01 03:42:24','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-49','','','2011-12-31 20:42:24','2012-01-01 03:42:24','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(8828,1,'2011-12-31 20:40:52','2012-01-01 03:40:52','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/01/chapter-two-the-year-of-play/79106711_013cfbee7b/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8818\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-47','','','2011-12-31 20:40:52','2012-01-01 03:40:52','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(8829,1,'2011-12-31 20:40:52','2012-01-01 03:40:52','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/01/01/chapter-two-the-year-of-play/79106711_013cfbee7b/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-8818\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-48','','','2011-12-31 20:40:52','2012-01-01 03:40:52','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(8831,1,'2011-12-31 20:39:07','2012-01-01 03:39:07','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-19','','','2011-12-31 20:39:07','2012-01-01 03:39:07','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(8832,1,'2011-12-31 20:43:52','2012-01-01 03:43:52','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><dl id=\"attachment_5936\"><dt><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></dt><dd>Tattoo of Great Significance</dd></dl></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Chapter Two:   The Year of Play','','inherit','open','open','','8806-revision-20','','','2011-12-31 20:43:52','2012-01-01 03:43:52','',8806,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8806-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(8833,1,'2011-06-28 12:48:51','2011-06-28 19:48:51','&nbsp;\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust):</strong> </a> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<!--  DELETE INSIDE IF DO NOt LIKE -->\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>submit an idea for my 365 project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 365 slots to fill, and I only have 175 ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">&nbsp;</p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-94','','','2011-06-28 12:48:51','2011-06-28 19:48:51','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/28/2-revision-94/',0,'revision','',0),(8834,1,'2011-12-31 20:57:56','2012-01-01 03:57:56','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking,</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>submit an idea for my 365 project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 365 slots to fill, and I only have 175 ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-95','','','2011-12-31 20:57:56','2012-01-01 03:57:56','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/2-revision-95/',0,'revision','',0),(8835,1,'2011-12-31 20:59:42','2012-01-01 03:59:42','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>submit an idea for my 365 project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 365 slots to fill, and I only have 175 ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-96','','','2011-12-31 20:59:42','2012-01-01 03:59:42','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/2-revision-96/',0,'revision','',0),(8836,1,'2012-11-19 20:57:52','2012-11-20 03:57:52','Thanks to all of you who <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/07/06/day-279-need-your-help-for-70s-fashion-emergency/\" target=\"_blank\">cast your vote and chose my outfit</a></strong> for the 70s Party hosted by Noble Publishing Superpower.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd the winner is...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOption C!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img title=\"P7120034.JPG\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/P7120034.jpg\" alt=\"P7120034\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" border=\"0\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Bonus Soul-Scintillation for Day 289:</strong>  </span>After being cooped up in the hotel for a full conference day, Britt and I escaped at 5 p.m. for a 2 hour walkathon of downtown Chicago.\n\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/hrNFRVERM4A\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\"></iframe>','Day 289:  70s Party and My Kind of Town','','inherit','open','open','','6619-autosave','','','2012-11-19 20:57:52','2012-11-20 03:57:52','',6619,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/6619-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(8837,1,'2011-12-31 20:42:25','2012-01-01 03:42:25','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8818\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-50','','','2011-12-31 20:42:25','2012-01-01 03:42:25','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(8838,1,'2011-12-31 21:02:21','2012-01-01 04:02:21','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-51','','','2011-12-31 21:02:21','2012-01-01 04:02:21','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(8839,1,'2011-12-31 21:02:21','2012-01-01 04:02:21','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-52','','','2011-12-31 21:02:21','2012-01-01 04:02:21','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(8842,1,'2011-12-31 21:03:18','2012-01-01 04:03:18','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-55','','','2011-12-31 21:03:18','2012-01-01 04:03:18','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(8840,1,'2011-12-31 21:02:57','2012-01-01 04:02:57','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-53','','','2011-12-31 21:02:57','2012-01-01 04:02:57','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(8841,1,'2011-12-31 21:02:57','2012-01-01 04:02:57','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-54','','','2011-12-31 21:02:57','2012-01-01 04:02:57','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(8843,1,'2011-12-31 21:03:18','2012-01-01 04:03:18','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-56','','','2011-12-31 21:03:18','2012-01-01 04:03:18','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(8845,1,'2011-12-31 21:04:12','2012-01-01 04:04:12','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-58','','','2011-12-31 21:04:12','2012-01-01 04:04:12','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(8846,1,'2011-12-31 21:04:37','2012-01-01 04:04:37','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-59','','','2011-12-31 21:04:37','2012-01-01 04:04:37','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(8847,1,'2011-12-31 21:04:37','2012-01-01 04:04:37','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n\r\n********************\r\n\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-60','','','2011-12-31 21:04:37','2012-01-01 04:04:37','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(8848,1,'2011-12-31 21:05:22','2012-01-01 04:05:22','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-61','','','2011-12-31 21:05:22','2012-01-01 04:05:22','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(8849,1,'2011-12-31 21:05:22','2012-01-01 04:05:22','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-62','','','2011-12-31 21:05:22','2012-01-01 04:05:22','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(8850,1,'2011-12-31 21:06:03','2012-01-01 04:06:03','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-63','','','2011-12-31 21:06:03','2012-01-01 04:06:03','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(8851,1,'2011-12-31 21:06:03','2012-01-01 04:06:03','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nSource:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-64','','','2011-12-31 21:06:03','2012-01-01 04:06:03','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(8852,1,'2011-12-31 21:07:17','2012-01-01 04:07:17','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n*Source:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-65','','','2011-12-31 21:07:17','2012-01-01 04:07:17','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(8853,1,'2011-12-31 21:07:17','2012-01-01 04:07:17','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n*Source:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-66','','','2011-12-31 21:07:17','2012-01-01 04:07:17','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-66/',0,'revision','',0),(8854,1,'2011-12-31 21:08:09','2012-01-01 04:08:09','&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncan/79106711/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\" wp-image-8818 alignnone\" title=\"79106711_013cfbee7b\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/79106711_013cfbee7b-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: large; color: #008000;\"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe good thing going forward is that I can now blog like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year\'s 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Here\'s \"The Plan\" for The Year of Play:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n1 playdate a week.  That\'s 52 playdates a year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat comprises a \"playdate\"?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">Now that I\'m drinking the Magic Kool-Aid,</a></strong> I\'m just going to do what Apple tells me.  *  (See bottom of page.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI should probably set some sort of publishing \"schedule\" for blog posts.  I like the idea of Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd because I\'m one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Why \"Play\"?  Isn\'t that for kids?  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHeck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I wasn\'t one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang and danced and acted my heart out right along with those kiddos.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy students\' parents used to marvel at my energy level.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"How do you do it?\" they would ask.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"Daily double shots of espresso,\" I would joke.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI \"retired\" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child stopped getting as much exercise as she used to.  I realized this when Mondo Beyondo forced my soul to explode at The World Domination Summit.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as gruesome or weird as it sounds.  You really should read more about it<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\"> here. </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd if you don\'t feel like clicking over <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>, </strong>allow me to summarize:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe dynamic duo of Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen, founders of <strong><a href=\"https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=121586&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=175709\" target=\"_blank\">Mondo Beyondo</a></strong>, led an audience of bloggers, entrepreneurs, and other creative peeps through an inspirational activity.  After pairing up with a fellow audience member, we were asked to share a pivotal moment in our lives with our partner.  Our partner then recited the 3 values that they felt were most significant in our story.  We were then asked to tattoo the value that resonated most somewhere on our body with a Sharpie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_5936\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tattoo of Great Significance\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/img00446-20110605-2309/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-5936\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-5936\" title=\"IMG00446-20110605-2309\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG00446-20110605-2309-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe tattoo makes perfect sense to me.  In my past life career, I <em>play</em>ed for my supper.  When I wasn\'t consumed by a 365 day blog project, I used to sing and<em> play</em> guitar.  As a college theatre major, I performed in many <em>play</em>s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow that I spend my days in the Cubicle Jungle, I don\'t play as much.  (Although I do telecommute two days a week.  I have it good with Noble Publishing Superpower.  Trust me.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe point is . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don\'t play as much as I used to, and my inner child is about to throw a tantrum.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat\'s all about to change, starting NOW!\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n********************\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n* play\r\n\r\nverb\r\n\r\n1 <em>Aidan and Robert were playing with their toys:</em> amuse oneself, entertain oneself, enjoy oneself, have fun; relax, occupy oneself, divert oneself; frolic, frisk, romp, caper; informal mess around.\r\n\r\n2<em> I used to play hockey: </em>take part in, participate in, be involved in, compete in, do.\r\n\r\n3 <em>St. Joseph\'s plays Boston on Sunday: </em>compete against, take on, challenge, vie with, face, go up against.\r\n\r\n4 <em>he was to play Macbeth: </em>act (the part of), take the role of, appear as, portray, depict, impersonate, represent, render, perform, enact; formal personate.\r\n\r\n5 <em>get your guitar and let\'s play:</em> perform, make music, jam.\r\n\r\n6 <em>Bryanna played a note on the flute:</em> make, produce, reproduce; blow, toot; plunk, bang out; sound.\r\n\r\n7 <em>the sunlight played on the water:</em> dance, flit, ripple, touch; sparkle, glint.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n*Source:  The thesaurus on my MacBook Pro\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Ohhhhhh, my, my, my.  I relish the thought of frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.  This is going to be a fun year!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','52 Playdates','','inherit','open','open','','8681-revision-67','','','2011-12-31 21:08:09','2012-01-01 04:08:09','',8681,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/8681-revision-67/',0,'revision','',0),(8855,1,'2011-12-31 20:59:58','2012-01-01 03:59:58','&nbsp;\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Who is this Late Bloomer chick, anyway?</span></h4>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://www.yourdictionary.com/late-bloomer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer</strong>:</a> a person who matures, achieves proficiency in some field or skill, etc. later than such a person is normally expected to</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Late Bloomer Blogger:</strong></a> 1:  a woman in the throes of an existential crisis (more commonly referred to as mid-life crisis) who aspires to fulfill lifelong dreams while growing, thriving, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.  2:  She is no longer waiting around for Happily Ever After to show up.  She\'s creating her own damn fairy tale.  3:  Fellow late bloomers and late bloomer wannabees are encouraged to join her crusade.</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter One:  The Year of Living Curiously (aka 365 or Bust): </a></strong> 1: an insane 365 day project where our fearless and frazzled heroine breaks free of a gargantuan rut by trying one new/inspiring/interesting/\r\nuplifting/provocative/ or soul-stirring thing each day  2: replaces Xanax in the event of an existential/mid-life crisis</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Chapter Two:  The Year of Play:  </a></strong>1.  an infinitely saner 52 playdate project in which our heroine appeases her inner child by frolicking, romping, sparkling, and flitting.</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: -35px;\"><img src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/themes/serenity/images/divider-image.png\" alt=\"\" /></div>\r\n<!--          -->\r\n<a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-191\" style=\"margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 20px;\" title=\"Final B&amp;W1977test2\" src=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Final-BW1977test2-130x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"130\" height=\"300\" /></a>Hi.  I\'m Michelle.  Welcome to my blog.  It\'s a pleasure to meet you.  I hope that you sit and stay awhile.\r\n\r\nIf we were meeting in real life, I would serve you one of my famous almond milk lattes made with 2 shots of Illy espresso and a hint of agave syrup.  (I promise you that it\'s delicious.  I\'ve converted many of my Starbucksaholic friends.)\r\n\r\nYet you are at your computer, and I\'m probably at mine, so that leaves us to a virtual getting-to-know-you.  Please reach out to me through comments on my posts or <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Talk to Me.</strong></a> If you are feeling super feisty and creative, then <a href=\"http://diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>submit an idea for my 365 project</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I have 365 slots to fill, and I only have 175 ideas at the moment.  Bring it!\r\n<h2 style=\"clear: left;\">Quirky Facts...</h2>\r\n<div style=\"margin: 20px 0 0 30px;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am not a home improvement guru, but I played one on TV.  A few years ago, I scored a spot on the show <em><a href=\"http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/trading-spaces/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trading Spaces</strong></a>. </em>Yes, I love my room (designed by Genevieve), and yes, Carter is a hottie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I lived in a haunted house in New York.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back as a prima ballerina.  Or a dolphin.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I need a lullaby and/or a bedtime story before bed.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>While we\'re on the topic of sleep issues, I am addicted to a homeopathic sleep remedy called Moon Drops.  Look for it at your local Whole Foods.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I reside in the Dating Desert.  A few years ago, we were dubbed \"The Worst Place to Find Love\" by the media.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Deserts also contain Oases, and I therefore believe in True Love.   Which makes me...</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>...Charlotte with a sprinkling of Carrie.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I am 50% Portuguese.  In my family, this is also referred to as a PPW (Powerful Portuguese Woman).  My family rivals the family in <em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>At one point or another, I have dreamed of being a figure skater, a ballerina, an actress, a singer, a writer, a Shakespearean scholar, a teacher, a <a href=\"http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Masterpiece Theatre</em></strong> </a>director, and an entrepreneur.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>I have worked as an actress, singer, teacher, entrepreneur, and unfortunately during one horrid summer in college, a clown.</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>Fairly recently, I left the field of education and sold my soul to Corporate America.  Before you feel too sorry for me, our corporate culture is pretty stellar, I\'m still making a difference in the lives of children (but this time with appropriate compensation), and my work peeps are second to none.  Sometimes I wonder if I\'m having too much fun at work.  Take THAT, Google!</div></li>\r\n	<li>\r\n<div>My latest fantasy involves chucking my day job and enlisting in <a href=\"http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/whale-wars/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><em>Whale Wars</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> This would be a big step for me, <del>as I am very attached to my hair and make-up products</del> because after an <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/03/day-215-you-know-what-happens-on-whale-watching-tours-right/\" target=\"_blank\">\"experience\" in Santa Barbara</a></strong>, I would more than likely need an IV drip of Dramamine.</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2>What Floats My Boat...</h2>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;\">guitar...singing...dogs...the arts...yoga...writing...friends &amp; fam...education...fitness...the ocean...sunny skies...good food...lifelong learning...espresso...mountain views...hope</p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"></p>','What Makes Me Tick...','','inherit','open','open','','2-revision-97','','','2011-12-31 20:59:58','2012-01-01 03:59:58','',2,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/2-revision-97/',0,'revision','',0),(8856,1,'2011-12-15 16:22:57','2011-12-15 23:22:57','[contact-form 1 \"Contact form 1\"]','Submit a 365 Idea','','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-9','','','2011-12-15 16:22:57','2011-12-15 23:22:57','',108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/15/108-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(8857,1,'2011-12-31 21:19:41','2012-01-01 04:19:41','[contact-form 1 \"Contact form 1\"]','Share Your Playdate Idea','','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-10','','','2011-12-31 21:19:41','2012-01-01 04:19:41','',108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/108-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8858,1,'2011-12-31 21:21:27','2012-01-01 04:21:27','[contact-form 1 \"Contact form 1\"]','Share your playdate idea.','','inherit','open','open','','108-revision-11','','','2011-12-31 21:21:27','2012-01-01 04:21:27','',108,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/31/108-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(8859,1,'2011-12-28 17:17:15','2011-12-29 00:17:15','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">var host = ((\"https:\" == document.location.protocol) ? \"https://secure.\" : \"http://\");document.write(unescape(\"%3Cscript src=\'\" + host + \"wufoo.com/scripts/embed/form.js\' type=\'text/javascript\'%3E%3C/script%3E\"));</script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\r\nvar z7x3k1 = new WufooForm();\r\nz7x3k1.initialize({\r\n\'userName\':\'diaryofalatebloomer\', \r\n\'formHash\':\'z7x3k1\', \r\n\'autoResize\':true,\r\n\'height\':\'557\',\r\n\'header\':\'show\'});\r\nz7x3k1.display();\r\n</script>','talk to me','','inherit','open','open','','105-revision-10','','','2011-12-28 17:17:15','2011-12-29 00:17:15','',105,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/28/105-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(8860,1,'2011-12-30 11:54:47','2011-12-30 18:54:47','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/darcymoore/5955324903/sizes/m/in/photostream/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-8735\" title=\"5955324903_c4f3f8d85d\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/5955324903_c4f3f8d85d-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>Previously, I revealed my <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/27/extra-credit-day-366-top-10-most-curious/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Top 10 Most Curious Moments</strong></a> from my 365 Days of Living Curiously.  At that time (back in October!), I promised to wax philosophically about my year at another time.  \"Another time\" promptly morphed into The Mother of All Procrastinations.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'m not sure why I postponed writing this post, considering that the year ranked as My Best Year Yet.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPerhaps I was burned out from writing 365 posts in just a bit more than 365 days?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr did the magnitude of this endeavor seem too daunting?  (<em>How on earth</em> do you sum up a life-changing year in a single blog post?)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr maybe I subconsciously didn\'t want to let go of my precious year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhatever the case, it\'s time to stop making excuses and CELEBRATE the year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI originally embarked on The Year of Living Curiously when I found myself in The Mother of All Ruts. I won\'t dig up that sob story again, but if you would like a refresher, you can visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore descending into a full-blown <del>mid-life</del> existential crisis, I summoned my inner Cher and smacked myself upside the head with a <strong><a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x-fkSYDtUY\" target=\"_blank\">\"Snap out of it!\"  </a> </strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd my way of snapping out of it was taking on an insane blog project in which I would not only tackle one \"curious\" mini-adventure each day, but also write about it.  (There are uber-uber-talented Professional Super Bloggers out there who take on <strong><a href=\"http://www.corbettbarr.com/what-i-learned-publishing-every-day-for-30-days\" target=\"_blank\">30 DAYS of consecutive blogging as a challenge</a></strong>.  So when I throw out the word \"insane\", I am not over-exaggerating.  I really was <em>that crazy</em>.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>Here is what I learned from my Crazy, Precious, Curious Year:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Discipline.</strong>  I have always been a fairly disciplined person.  But I am also human, and therefore, I am seduced by the Big Bad Procrastination Wolf just like 95% of the population.  In the past, I blamed my procrastination on my perfectionism, or life getting in the way, or a host of other various excuses, but this year, I had to \"SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP!\"  Cranking out a post a day (while maintaining a full-time day job) is ultramarathon blogging.  If I slacked off on my schedule, I was doomed.  No Big Bad Procrastination Wolf temptation was worth more than my dream or my pride.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>The true essence of Carpe Diem.</strong>  People have been throwing out the phrase \"Carpe Diem\" for millennia.  It\'s the loveliest of concepts:  Seize the day! <strong><a href=\"http://www.changinghands.com/book/9781563522956\" target=\"_blank\"> Each day is a gift: That\'s why it\'s called The Present!  </a></strong>Live each day as if it\'s your last!  (The latter always creeps me out a bit, but after losing two family members much too soon, it also resonates.  Loudly.)  Yet who <em>honestly</em> Carpe Diem-s each and every day?  We all know a few of those special people who live Carpe Diem naturally and effortlessly.  I want to be like them.  I strive to be like them.  And this year, I made a <em>conscious choice</em> to live like them each and every day.  I chose one daily thing that piqued my curiosity and embraced it.  Conscious living really works!  Carpe Diem and all that jazz!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Love.  (The canine variety.)  </strong>Taking on a 365 day blog project filled almost every second of my day outside of my day job.  I had no room in my life to assume any other responsibilities.  And then Bella (formerly knows as \"Missy\") picked me while I was minding my own beeswax and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=mingus+manor\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Carpe Diem-ing as a volunteer at an animal sanctuary for senior pets</strong>. </a> My mother advised me to feel the fear and adopt that puppy anyway.  I can\'t imagine this year (and future years) without Little Miss B, the sweetest, smartest, most easygoing <del>muppet</del> pooch on the planet!  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">(Who is still shamelessly soliciting friends on facebook, by the way!)</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong>Love.  (The unconditional family and friends variety.)  </strong>Every blogger\'s fear is that their only reader will be their mother.  I am proud to report that my mother AND my father read my blog every day AND provided proofreading services at no charge!  Thank you, Parental Unit!  In addition, my sister followed the blog religiously and often added her witty and offbeat commentary in the comments section.  My dear cousins agreed to embark on a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/09/10/day-349-arrivederci/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Trip of a Lifetime Adventure</strong> </a>with me so that this Late Bloomer could <em>finally</em> see Europe for the first time.  My friends humored me not only with their readership, but with their willingness to Carpe Diem along with me in adventures great, small, weird, backfired, goofy, and downright ridiculous.  And then new friends aka \"blog readers\" entered my world.  Some of you are a few degrees separated from me through family and friends, and others are not connected to me at all.  I\'ve had visits from 52 countries, including Cameroon and Latvia!  I am humbled and honored that you took interest in my curious capers.  I hope that you received a few laughs and glimmers of inspiration along the way.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Taking Risks/Conquering Fears.  </strong>I\'m not thrilled with heights.  I\'m not <em>deathly</em> afraid of them. Just your standard, run-of-the-mill unease that makes brings on nausea and a cold sweat.  And I distinctly remembering telling Sarah at the <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?s=rock+gym\" target=\"_blank\">Rock Gym,</a></strong> \"If I didn\'t have to write about scaling this bloody wall, I would ask if we could call it a day and grab a coffee instead.\"  Or something to that effect.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\">I\'m not a fan of falling and nearly splitting my head open either.</a></strong>  And I clearly recall announcing to my cousins, \"If I didn\'t have an audience awaiting news about this Cycling Tour of Tuscany, I would stay the hell away from that bike and sip cappuccinos in the piazza for the rest of the week!\"  You (Readers) + Me = Accountability.  Thank you, my friends!</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Perseverance.  </strong>365 Days x 1 Carpe Diem moment per day = Fun and Inspiration.  365 Days x 1 Carpe Diem moment per day + Writing one blog post per day = Fun, Inspiration, and Utter Lunacy.  Utter Lunacy x 365 Days = Mini Meltdowns.  Fortunately, these were not full-blown <em>Julie &amp; Julia</em> meltdowns.  Luckily, I had a sounding board aka Mom.  It didn\'t matter if I was too busy, too overwhelmed, PMS-ing, stressing, tired, sad, exhausted, or loopy from a concussion.  I listened to Nike, and I observed the law of physics that states an object of motion stays in motion.  I kept up momentum, and I <em>just did it</em>.  (On a serious note, I lost my beloved grandfather this past year.  I was devastated by the loss, and if I didn\'t have the blog project to return to, I probably could have plummeted into the darkest of ruts.)</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Sacrifice.  </strong>Rome wasn\'t built in a day, and blog posts (at least most of mine) aren\'t written in an hour.  Writing requires many hours of solitude.  I turned down many a social invitation this year because I needed to hunker down and write.  Writing is a passion of mine that I enjoy, and in order to make room for dreams, we often have to let go of other diversions.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Letting Go.  </strong>I always go to bed with a clean kitchen.  Not this year!  I routinely exercise 6 days a week.  Not this year!  I blow out my hair a couple times a week so that I\'m not sporting a ponytail <em>again</em>.  Not this year!  As long as there wasn\'t food left out in the kitchen, it could wait.  Working out 3-4 days a week was enough.  Ponytails rock!  (See <strong>Sacrifice.</strong>)</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspiration.  </strong>The beauty of a 365 project is that it doles out daily doses of inspiration.  Even when something goes completely and maddeningly wrong -- like crash-boom-splatting in a foreign country and taking home a mangled shoulder and a head injury as a souvenir -- <em>it\'s all writing material</em>.  Head injuries also require a \"time out\" which frees you up to find ....</li>\r\n	<li><strong><strong>Love.  (The Sexy Italian variety.) </strong></strong>I wrote the \"Engage in Life\" quote on the right sidebar of this blog about a year and a half ago.  It originated as a series of scribbled \"Michelle-isms\" that I sent off to the web designer so that she could get a better feel of  \"this Late Bloomer chick\" when designing the blog.  She loved the quote so much that she asked if she could incorporate it into the design.  I was a bit hesitant at first.  Am I really quote-worthy???  I agreed while second-guessing myself all the while.  Now I NEEDED to hold myself accountable.  <em>If you\'re going to spout wisdom, you better walk your talk, sister!</em>  I walked 365 days of that talk, and then...irony of ironies...while luxuriating in injury-induced free time on a vacation in Italy, the man and the fairy tale found me.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: x-large;\"><strong>What happened after 365 Days?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI burned out, of course.  I was still nursing that blasted concussion, and I was <em>exhausted</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd here\'s the horrific truth that I must honestly admit to you now:  I stopped Carpe Diem-ing every day.  (<em>Especially</em> after Romeo Mio\'s post-Thanksgiving departure.  Sniff, sniff.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI started watching more and more TV.  My Mom and friends laugh at me when I\'ve mentioned this, but 1-2 shows <em>a night</em> compared to my former 1-2 shows <em>a week</em>, is a lot for me.  Especially when I sank to the TV Pit of Despair:  <em>Toddler\'s &amp; Tiaras</em> and <em>Hoarders</em>.  I told you it was horrific.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn addition, I started eating too much sugar, stopped working out entirely, and welcomed The Mother of All Procrastinations into my home with open arms.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArgh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I suppose I was in a postpartum depression of sorts.  I birthed this blog.  Now what?</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter a few weeks of this nonsense, I reminded myself that, for me, conscious Carpe Diem-ing is a choice -- a habit that requires honing.  I can live the principles outside of a 365 day project.  Imagine that!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI peeled myself up off my sofa, turned off the damn TV, and kicked The Mother of All Procrastinations to the curb.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI jumped on the green smoothies bandwagon and practiced yoga for 8 days straight.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/20/let-me-entertain-you-although-id-rather-you-entertain-me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>I soaked up the magic of the holiday season with an Off-Martha-Stewart decorating explosion and a tea party.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI booked a flight for <a href=\"http://www.les3vallees.com/en/accueil.1.l2/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Les Trois Vallées</strong></a> where, after two months apart, Romeo Mio and I will reunite.  How do you say \"Carpe Diem\" in French?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wishcasted for 2012 along with my <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/25/day-364-would-you-like-to-join-my-wishing-club/\" target=\"_blank\">Wish Club</a></strong> inductees, and as soon as I finish tweaking this blog for January 1st\'s launch of Chapter Two, I am beginning my first ever <a href=\"http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Annual Review à la Chris Guillebeau</strong>.</a>  (Kindly add Chris and June 2011\'s <strong><a href=\"http://worlddominationsummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">World Domination Summit</a></strong> to the \"Inspiration\" bullet above.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat happens after January 1st?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHint:  It all started <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/06/12/day-252-soul-explosion/\" target=\"_blank\">here.</a></strong>\r\n<div></div>','Lessons Learned from My Year of Living Curiously','','inherit','open','open','','8636-revision-89','','','2011-12-30 11:54:47','2011-12-30 18:54:47','',8636,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/8636-revision-89/',0,'revision','',0),