Is "Fun" on your "To Do" list?

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Ok, let's see...drop the kids off at school, go grocery shopping, take the car in for an oil change, pick up laundry, take kids to practice, make dinner, study for promotion, work out, do homework, and the list goes on... while still continuing to accomplish the demands of work, special projects, and additional duties in our high operations tempo.
This can be a long list, but we need to add one more thing...have fun!

It seems having fun would be one of those obvious things that would come automatically, but how often do we push fun to the bottom of the list? We often put having fun aside, thinking there will be more time tomorrow or on the weekend. But we can't forget to have fun--even if it's just for a few minutes or intermingled with the other important tasks of our busy day.

Life should be fun. Having fun is life's way of recharging your mental batteries so you have the energy and focus to accomplish other work. Plus it's a great stress reliever.

There are some out there who are probably saying--"What are you talking about? Fun is at the top of my list!" You head out on snow machines, go skiing, go to the base pool, bowl on a league, play sports, watch movies or find ways that you and your family can enjoy time together and take advantage of available entertainment. If that is you, great! Keep it up!

Kids and many of our young troops understand the importance of having fun so make time to have fun. Maybe we should take a lesson from them.

Fun is not going to knock on your door. You need to seek it out. It is out there. Check the base paper, the Services Mukluk Magazine, flyers, marquees, Base/Services websites, emails, and bulletin boards. Services, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Chapel, AAFES, base private organizations, your squadron booster club, and lots of places off base provide a continuous and wide variety of things you can do year round--even during the long days of winter!

Take the time to look for what is available in the community--don't delete those emails--as a matter of fact, forward those to friends and family. Make plans and take time to go and have fun.

It's like that old saying--"all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." Don't be Johnny!!

I hope to see you out there--Be safe and have fun.