Acceptance. Acceptance is a good thing. To be included in a group that has been getting together for years and enjoying each other’s company is a very good feeling. I experienced that today.

There I was. With a group of guys at an Ale House in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge enjoying beer, cigars, dirty jokes and laughter under the warmth of a sunny day not worrying about what time it was – that is the true definition of a power lunch.

When I was invited to join my co-worker on a lunch excursion with his “buddies”, I was quite appreciative – but yet a bit nervous. I have never ventured out on any lunches with any of the people in my office and hoped that this would be fun – it was.

As we made our way to J&R Cigars to grab a few good smokes before lunch, I was anticipating enjoying a good smoke with a cold beer. I hoped that this lunch would be relaxing, enjoyable – and an escape from the constant daily grind that I endure seven days a week – because with DOB, Ring Fever and South Park – I’m lucky if I have time to go to the bathroom – but for two hours, it was myself, three guys, two beers, two cigars – and one really good time.

With the life I lead, it is very rare that I have the opportunity to actually forget what time it is and enjoy the moment. Even when I filming an episode of Ring Fever – something that I love – I am constantly in work mode – planning, organizing and scheduling. Today, I was laughing, enjoying – and most importantly – forgetting the usual time and scheduling constraints that run my existence day in and day out.

I arrived at Jeremy’s Ale House, a building that appears to be a garage from the outside and is actually the ultimate bar on the inside. With a history of ties and bras gracing the walls from the last twenty years, over twenty beers gracing the taps and a variety of food gracing the menu – the place spells F-U-N. For two unforgiving, completely forgetting hours, I was in good company enjoying dirty jokes, reviews of the latest “big games” – and two of the most relaxing hours I have ever had. Finally, I wasn’t Paul Wein, Press Secretary for the Department of Buildings, Host of Ring Fever and Moderator of the South Park Booster Club – I was simply a guy out with the boys for an afternoon of fun – and I loved it.

If I can offer you any advice, it’s this – whenever you get the chance, abandon all that you are obligated to – even for an hour or two – and remember what it feels like to have unbridled fun.

Thanks Carlos.