Pokemon Go!

Good morning all!!

So, apparently there's this app called Pokemon Go??  Just kidding.  I haven't been living under a rock the last few days.  I've actually been playing it for the past week!

While on FB this week, I noticed a *TON* of memes, news stories, and jokes (and insults) about people playing the game.  Lots of words like "losers", "nerds", and generalizations that people playing are jobless, live on the government, with nothing better to do.  I was really surprised by the amount of animosity directed towards this app!  I mean, what's the big deal?  Why do people ate this game so much?  I really don't get it....

Like I said, the girls and I started playing this game this week.  Emily has been obsessed with Pokemon for a little while.  She knows all the things names, their points, what kind of Pokemon they are, etc.  (When she starts talking about it, my eyes kinda start to glaze over and I lost time...)  Then, I read all about this Pokemon Go game, how fun it was for people to walk around the neighborhood, and families were enjoying the time doing something together.

There are several reasons why I think Pokemon Go is a great idea:
1) My daughter is thrilled that the rest of her family has taken an interest in something she loves.  No, I don't really care about the details of the Pokemon, or any of that crap, but we'll just keep that between us.

2) We have increased our exercise daily.  We will set out around the neighborhood to check in a Pokestops and find wild Pokemon.  Yesterday, while the girls and Brian fell asleep, I went out for a nice hour-long walk.  And I may have even captured a few new Pokemon while out!

3) We are spending some fun time as a family, and having some laughs.  This week, the girls and I drove to a couple new parks, checked out a few new sights we haven't been to, and had a fun time doing it!  Brian even got in on the fun last night.  On our way home from the fest, we pointed quite a few people walking with their phones playing Pokemon Go.  So, on the way home, he kept shouting out the window to random people "Pokemon Go!!"  and "Go team red!!!"  The girls and I were dying and he had a big smile on his face!  It was a fun end to our evening.

I'm sure there are other benefits out there, but these are my big ones.

In finishing up- to all the people out there that call the people playing the game "losers" and "lame".  That's your judgement, and I'll keep happily playing along through the neighborhood, and spending time with my kids.  While you sit on your couch, on Facebook, passing your judgements on something you've most likely not even tried.

Until later...  Have a great one!

**P.S.** Of course, there is some level of common sense that should be in use while playing.  If the Pokestop involves going to a solemn memorial or grave?  Don't go there.  Be respectful.  If you are hunting a Pokemon?  Stop walking, take a look around you, and be aware of your surroundings.