Five weekends in the Wisconsin Renaissance Faire, and I have a new perspective on some aspects of life.  Some wisdom from this past summer:

1.  Spending 90-degree days wearing a long-sleeve black top, pants & boots is an excellent weight-loss program.

2.  Try talking for 18 hours for 2 days in an accent other than your natural one, and you'll discover that you have a new natural accent.

3.  Eat spicy food on hot days:  it does, in fact, cool you off.

4.  The incoming 10th grade class in Chippewa Falls may contain the greatest crop of future engineers since the generation that produced the men who got us to the moon.  The trebuchet they built in 8th grade has lasted about 8 times as long as it should have -- and it hasn't broken yet.

5.  On a related note, if you're boating down the Chippewa River past the Highway 53 bridge and you hear a crowd of people counting down from 5 to 1, get your boat to the north side of the river.  Otherwise, you may be hit by a flying cantaloupe.

6.  There is no greater equalizer in society, no matter if you're the Queen or a lowly peasant, than the following:  when someone sneaks up behind you, puts their arms loosly around your head and whipsers in your ear, "Steven Seagal."  Your only choice is to exact revenge when they least suspect it.  

7.  Everybody's free to wear sunscreen, but those with fairer skin should get more than their fair share.  Suncreen should be applied anywhere you even think the sun may shine.

8.  A whole new generation is now becoming fans of Duran Duran.  At least I think so.

9.  If rain starts to fall, go outside and run in it.  Play in it.  Jump in the puddles.  It's a little cold to start, but you'll get used to it pretty quickly.  When the rain's done, you'll be on an incredible natural high.

10.  Finally, also on a related note, being part of a Ren Faire or anything similar, or even attending such an event, easily makes you feel 10 years younger.  It's a great way to rejeuvenate the spirit.  The laughter is a big part.