I love to laugh
Loud and long and clear
I love to laugh
It’s getting worse ev’ry yearThe more I laugh
The more I fill with glee
And the more the glee
The more I’m a merrier me
It’s embarrassing!
The more I’m a merrier me! Mary Poppins:
Some people laugh through their noses
Sounding something like this “Mmm…”
Some people laugh through their teeth goodness sake
Hissing and fizzing like snakes Bert:
Some laugh too fast
Some only blast – ha!
Others, they twitter like birds
Then there’s the kind
What can’t make up their mind Uncle Albert:
When things strike me as funny
I can’t hide it inside
And squeak – as the squeakelers do
I’ve got to let go with a ho-ho-ho…
And a ha-ha-ha…too! All:
We love to laugh
Loud and long and clear
We love to laugh
So ev’rybody can hear
The more you laugh
The more you fill with glee
And the more the glee
The more we’re a merrier we! From Mary Poppins
My best friend and I laugh a lot
I love to laugh! Can you say that? Do you laugh every day? Do you try to spread laughter to your friends, family, and even complete strangers? I was looking up some Walt Disney quotes and I found one that made me pause:
“Laughter is America’s most important export.” Walt Disney
How often to we think of laughter as an export? Obviously Walt Disney made funny movies so he was able to export laughter easily. But what about the rest of us? How can we export happiness? More importantly, why would we want to even if we could.
Disneyland is often thought of as the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Is America thought of as the “Happiest Country on Earth?” No. Why not? No matter how bad things are our lives are still a lot better than lots of other people on this planet. What if we could make Earth the “Happiest Planet in the Galaxy?” Whoa, Jennifer. Don’t get carried away.
Nope. I’ve decided to get carried away. I have a plan. One of my plans is to make cookies for all the leaders in the world, good, bad, and ugly, but I’ll save that one for now. No, my plan is to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps and export laughter. It isn’t that hard. I’ll use six degrees of separation.
Six degrees of separation says that we are only six people removed from every person on the planet. (I just discovered I am only three people from George R. R. Martin. Cool!) So if I make six people laugh and they make six people laugh and those people make six people laugh than by using the six degrees rule I will have spread laughter to a huge number of people. And the cool part is that some of those people will know people in other countries so the laughter will spread around the world. I can export laughter.
So why not join me. Ideally it would be great if we all made six people laugh a day. We have a lot of negativity to overcome. But even if everyone only made six people laugh a week it would have amazing effects. So tell a joke, relate a funny story, share a funny picture, or do a funny thing. And laugh…a lot. When the aliens land I want them to think we live on a really happy planet. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke: (I was looking for my favorite Mary Poppins joke and I found two (or three). Lucky me!)
#1: Bert: It reminds me of me brother. He got a nice cushy job at a watch factory. Uncle Albert: At a watch factory? What does he do? Bert: He stands about all day… and makes faces! Uncle Albert: [laughing hysterically] He makes faces in a watch factory! #2: Bert: Uncle Albert, I got a jolly joke I saved for just such an occasion. Would you like to hear it? Uncle Albert: [sobbing] I’d be so grateful. Bert: Well it’s about me granddad, see, and one night he has a nightmare. He was so scared, he chewed his pillow to bits. Bits. In the morning, I says, “How you feel, Granddad?” He says, “Oh, not bad. A little down in the mouth.” [Bert laughs, Uncle Albert sobs harder] Bert: I always say there’s nothing like a good joke. Uncle Albert: [sobbing] No, and that was nothing like a good joke. #3:Mary Poppins: [watching Bert, Albert, Jane, and Michael laugh together on the ceiling] Why, it’s the most disgraceful sight I’ve ever seen, or my name isn’t Mary Poppins.
Bert: Speakin’ o’ names, I know a man with a wooden leg named Smith.
Uncle Albert: What’s the name of his other leg? ]]>
Image from www.spoonful.com
I don’t know what the weather is like where you are, but here in Washington it is raining. Not only that but it has been raining for over a week. I like the rain, but summer is supposed to be here. I want to go outside and have fun, not sit inside and wonder when it is going to stop raining.
There are four things I like to do to beat boredom and cabin fever. I like to read, watch movies, bake something, and do crafts. I am always looking for new recipes and new craft ideas on the Internet and I often turn to spoonful.com.
I must have been in a crazy mood today because I think these 25 Muppet crafts and recipes are just what I need to beat the rainy days blues. From amazing cake pops to fun jewelry, I found some great ideas to help turn a gray weekend into a wacky weekend. There are even invitations if you would like to throw a Muppet party. Make some treats, invite everyone to make a craft, and watch one of the various Muppet movies that have been made over the years. I am fond of The Great Muppet Caper
So have a great weekend and be sure to do something wacky. If I was really wacky I would be at Disneyland (where it isn’t raining), but I’ll settle for some fun times with the Muppets. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke: (Everyone loves Statler and Waldorf, the old guys in the box seats. They are really funny in the attraction Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure. It’s hard to find things funny out of context, but this made me laugh and I hope it makes you laugh, too.)
WALDORF: What’s all the commotion about?
STATLER: Waldorf, the bunny ran away!
WALDORF: Well, you know what that makes him -
BOTH: Smarter than us!
Image from Disney Parks Blog
One of my favorite memories from my last trip to Disneyland was meeting Mickey Mouse at his house in Mickey’s Toontown. We had entered the park early and were in Mickey’s Toontown just as the park opened for the general public. Mickey was standing on his porch waving at Guests. There was no line and we got a lot of great pictures. It was a magical way to start the day.
I had not had my picture taken with Mickey Mouse for many years because I didn’t want to stand in line. I mean there are other characters around, right? Well, yes and no. There are other characters who might have a shorter line, but here is only one Mickey Mouse. I look forward to visiting him again.
Mickey and Minnie have a fun new spot to greet Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the Adventurers Outpost you can get your picture with both of them against a postcard backdrop. This sounds like a great memory making opportunity. The line and the meet and greet are all inside so you can be cool while you wait. There are fun items to look at in line, plus there is a Fastpass option if you want to skip the line. And last it sounds like you get to spend time with the famous duo before your picture is taken. That is how great memories are made.
My favorite part of this new meet and greet is that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a slower park so I won’t mind taking the time to see Mickey and Minnie. I can’t wait to visit and add more great pictures to my scrapbook. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke:
Q: How did Mickey feel when he first saw Minnie?
A: It was glove at first sight.
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It’s April Fool’s Day! Lot’s of people will be playing practical jokes throughout the day. Since I am usually the foolee, not the fooler, I have made it a tradition to stay home.
Have you ever seen Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame? This animated movie is very different from most Disney kid’s movies. It is dark, moody, and the hero doesn’t get the girl at the end of the film. I saw it in the theater and have not seen it since. I admit that I like happy movies. However, it is a perfect April Fool’s movie. The Feast of Fools is an important part of the story because it gives Quasimodo the idea that even he can be king. I find it interesting that we still have a day for fools in the 21st Century.
Even though it is not my favorite movie it has one of my favorite soundtracks. The music is uplifting and I love to turn it up and let it soar through the house. I always cry when I hear Bette Middler sing “God Help the Outcasts”. It is a moving soundtrack.
So, whether you are the foolee or the fooler why not take a step back in time and celebrate the Feast of Fools with Quasimodo and his gypsy friends. Whether you watch the movie or listen to the music you won’t be a fool. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke: (In honor of April Fool’s Day I am going to tell you my favorite joke. It is not a Disney joke, but would work well in DinoLand at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or the Canada Pavilion.)
A real rough looking guy walks into a restaurant in Canada, followed by a Tyrannosaurus Rex. All the customers run out the door. “Do you serve Americans here?” he yells. “Sure,” says the waitress. “We serve anyone.” “Good,” the man growled. “I’ll have a hamburger, and my dinosaur here will have an American. (from 1001 Dinosaur Jokes For Kids by Alice Saurus) ]]>
Image from www.spoonful.com
Halloween is Wednesday and while the kids want to eat nothing but candy why not serve something fun, festive and filling before they go off pillaging for treats. These hot dog mummies are easy to make and they look great on a plate. If you are having a party they would make a great addition to the rest of your spooky fare.
This recipe was another great idea from spoonful.com. You can find the link here and I’ve included the recipe below. I’ll be making some hot dog mummies for my family on Halloween. I hope you do something as fun and special for yours. Happiness squared.
Hot Dog Mummies (from www.spoonful.com)
Ingredients:
11-ounce can of refrigerator breadsticks 1 12-pack of hot dogs Yellow mustardDirections:
For each mummy, separate one breadstick from the roll and use kitchen shears or a knife to slice it in half lengthwise to create two thinner strips.
Wrap one strip at a time snugly around the hot dog. Depending on the size of the hot dog, you may not need all of both strips. Leave about 1/2 inch of hot dog exposed for the face area and continue wrapping the top of the hot dog. (See the photo.)
Bake the mummies on a cookie sheet at 350º for 15 to 18 minutes or until the breadstick wrapping is golden brown.
Remove the mummies from the oven and cool them for 5 minutes. Add yellow mustard eyes just before serving. Makes 12 mummies.
Goofy Joke: (These jokes will have your own mummy groaning)
Q: What do you call a friendly dead Egyptian?
A: A chummy mummy
Q: Why do mummies make good employees?
A: They get all wrapped up in their work.
Q: Why did Donald Duck buy a cape and fangs?
A: He wanted to be Count Duckula for Halloween!
Thank you!!!
One year ago I typed my first post for A Goofy Idea. I feel like I should have a party, but instead I will just say thank you. I have learned a lot in the past year and I have great plans for the next year. I’ll make this post short and sweet for there are no words that can express my gratitude for your support. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my blog for years to come.
Thank you.
A Goofy Joke: (Starting a new year with a joke is just my style. Next year we’ll have a party and I’ll bring gifts. Happiness squared.)
Q: What kind of party would Sleeping Beauty host?
A: A Slumber party.
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Pluto never stresses as long as he has his bone
This year I have flown more than I have for several years combined. Since I love to fly it has been a lot of fun. But before I can fly anywhere I have to pack. I always like to carry on my bags so I have to be careful not to bring too much. This is when stress tries to slip into my suitcase.
Packing can be stressful because you are trying to remember everything you need and you are afraid you are going to forget something important. Kick the stress out of your suitcase by using these five goofy tips the next time you pack.
5 goofy tips to make packing less stressful:
1) Keep your traveling toiletries with your suitcase. I have a clear bag that holds the basics I need for any trip. Instead of storing this in the bathroom, where I never use it, I leave it in the suitcase so it is always ready to go. Since I am famous for forgetting my hairbrush I keep a travel brush with my suitcase, also.
2) Use your suitcase to store travel items. I have a puzzle book that I only work on when I am flying. I often buy one at the airport,use it on the plane, take it home, and leave it on my bookshelf, Then I buy another one the next time I am at the airport. Now I leave it in my suitcase and it is ready for my next trip. Plane headphones, travel pillows, and other things that you only use when flying are all great items to store in your suitcase.
3) Create a permanent packing list. Mine is MS Excel file. It has a separate tab for different types of trips. I just print out the list I need and I know I won’t forget anything. It’s better than reinventing the list every time you go on a trip.
4) Have a staging area. To avoid running around crazy at the last minute set out your suitcase in an out-of-the-way area, like the bed in a guest bedroom. Then, as you think of items, or run across them, you can just place them with the suitcase and you’ll be stress-free when you pack.
5) Place your boarding pass in a bright envelope. I always seem to bring a lot of items printed on white paper, such as itineraries, articles I want to read, and lists, so I place my boarding passes in a colored envelope. This makes it easy to find when I need it. Throughout your trip place any paper that you need to find quickly in the envelope so you can grab it without any delay.
I wish you a stress-free trip with a well-packed suitcase. Happiness squared.
A Goofy Joke: Because we all know that laughter relieves stress
Q: Why are there no planes where peter pan lives?
A: Because they can “Never land”
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It always amazes me how perfect the parks look every time I visit. The flowers are always blooming, the walkways are always trash-free, and the paint is always looking fresh. How does Disney make this happen? It takes Cast Members. Lots and lots of dedicated cast members.
The Disney Parks Blog has created some neat videos called “Every Role a Starring Role at the Disneyland Resort.” I have linked to a few of these and invite you to go behind the scenes and see how the magic of making magic happens. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke: (In honor of the closing of Snow White’s Scary Adventures at the Magic Kingdom here is a Dopey joke)
Q: Why did Dopey take a box of crayons with him into the bedroom?
A: Snow White asked him to draw the curtains
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Photo taken by Gene Duncan for The Disney Parks Blog
I never really thought rhinos were the cutest or cuddliest animals around, but this newborn rhino is just adorable. I am glad to see they are not born with horns, for the mother’s sake.
According to the article, breeding programs for white rhinos have been very successful and Animal Kingdom has helped increase the wild rhino populations in Africa. The rhinos that have been released into the savanna can tell everyone, “I went to Disney World!”
If you would like to read about any of the animals in my Safari Stars series click here.
Goofy Joke: (I only know one rhino joke and I’m sure you’ve heard it before. If you know of any others feel free to go to my website and let me know under the tab that says “Contact Me.”)
Q: How do you stop a charging rhino?
A: Take away his credit card.
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I just have to say it. I think these are the coolest Band-Aids I have ever seen. Now you may think that I am crazy for writing about Band-Aids, but I would argue that Mickey Mouse Band-Aids are a goofy idea, and therefore are the perfect topic for this blog.
It may be hard to see on the box but these Band-Aids are part of a Collector’s Series. I didn’t know anyone collected Band-Aids. I think that would be a cool collection. It’s original, it doesn’t cost a lot of money, and like stamp collecting all you need is an album to keep it in. Hmmm. I like to collect things. I wonder…
Inside the box there are three different designs. One is just Mickey’s head on a grey background and the other two are scenes from vintage Mickey Mouse cartoons. Maybe that is why they are collectible.
I think I will pack some in my traveling kit so I’ll be ready if I need a Band-Aid while on a Disney vacation. I am hoping I get a scrape just so I can wear one right now, although I guess there is nothing stopping me from putting one on without suffering pain first. Or is that cheating?
Okay, I bet you didn’t think I could talk this much about a Band-Aid, but I could go on forever. I won’t though. I’ll just say that if you know someone who is a Disney fan, surprising them with a box of Mickey Mouse Band-Aids would make their day. I know it made mine. Happiness squared.
Goofy Joke: (In case you haven’t laughed enough)
Q: Why did Woody give Bullseye some cough syrup?
A: Because he was horse.
Do you use character themed Band-Aids? What is your favorite?
I am trying a new comment box. Please feel free to test it out. If you are unable to use it let me know a [email protected] Thanks.
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