#4: Eat Red Meat

What do you think of when you hear the name "Nick Offerman?"

• Ron Swanson?



• Husband of Megan Mullaly?



• University of Illinoi alum?



• Hairy-backed love machine?



• Humble farmboy?



• Comedic genius?



• Motivational speaker?

Well, if you think of all of the above, you'd be correct.

My birthday twin, Meg, and I had the chance to experience this awesome entertainer last week, when he spoke at the Illini Union. (Yes, this is another example of great things that can happen RIGHT in my backyard! How grateful am I to be living in a university town that draws such wonderful entertainment icons!?!) Mr. Offerman laced his evening with extremely inappropriate sexual induendos, drug references, and his disarmingly charming breathy giggles. However, in between all of this inapproriateness were some really important life lessons, that although directed to the UIUC undergraduate youth, had an impact on two 32-year-olds in the crowd--in the FRONT row of the crowd.

Yes, he talked about the importance of eating red meat. He also praised hobbies and how they can shape your life and make you a better person. He spoke of the importance of having one, true romantic love...one you can share your hopes, dreams, and silences with. He mentioned the importance of loving life to the fullest and enjoying naughty intoxicants, but always within reason and with responsibility to yourself and others. I thought he was absolutely aces and a total charmer.

Meg and I both wanted to just hang out with him and eat lots of BBQ and drink beer with him afterwards, but this was not in our stars. I did however, get the awesome picture of him above. And, yes, he's giggling mischievously.