We've all had a point in our careers where we've wondered "Is it really worth it? Am I actually making a difference? Does anyone care?" It's a sad truth that our society is more likely to criticize than offer positive feedback. Make a little mistake and people complain. Do your job right and no one says anything.

I used to feel that way all the time. You see, up until the fall of 2002, I was a corporate lawyer. I'm sure you can all imagine the kind of work environment that was. High pressure, high stakes and constant deadlines made for a very stressful, often negative work place. At the end of the day, no one ever said thank you for your hard work. They just piled on more and expected it to be done yesterday. I questioned my career choice practically every day back then.

I am very fortunate that for the past 12 years, I haven't had to ask myself these questions a single time. Seeing smiles on the faces of children and parents is a daily reminder that I'm having a positive impact on their lives. I made a choice to become a full time entertainer and have never regretted it. Whether I'm doing magic, balloons, stilt walking or any other fun thing, I'm always surrounded by smiles and laughter. That's thanks enough for me.

In my line of work, people often take the time to say "thank you" out loud. It always makes me feel great inside. Every now and then, some people go that extra mile and offer unsolicited messages such as this one: "Hi, Ian! Our son enjoyed your balloon show so much, he could not stop talking about it until he went to bed tonight. It was our first time hiring an entertainer for a party, and, you made it such a rewarding experience. Thank you so much for the professionalism, care, and all the laughter and fun you brought with you. Please accept our deepest gratitude, and a great Big Thank you."

A message like that is the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me feel like I'm on top of the world and I'm already feeling great to begin with. So next time someone does something for you, whether it's a co-worker doing his job well, or even the barrista at your local coffee house making you your half-sweet, low-fat, vanilla latte, take the time to truly express your gratitude. Not only will it make their day a little brighter, it might do the same for you!

When I was a kid, it was always exciting to attend a friend's birthday party. It was a chance for a whole bunch of us to get together and party! Of course, for a 7 year old, party meant games, entertainment, cake, lots of running around and PRESENTS!!! Whenever gifts were opened, we'd all gather 'round and wait with breathless anticipation, wanting to see what the next cool toy to be unwrapped would be. While the toys belonged to the birthday boy or girl, for a brief moment, at that party, we'd get to play with them too. That sense of wonder and discovery at unwrapping gifts always filled me with giddiness and bubbling excitement.

Imagine then, the feeling I had when not only did the birthday child get gifts, but we, as guests, got something too! Oh, that precious loot bag; it was like I got a little mini birthday for myself as well. Nothing could be greater. I'd reach inside the bag and slowly pulled out each item, one by one, savoring the discovery of each bauble. There would be an assortment of wonderful treasures, from noisemakers to temporary tattoos, from little pocket games to candy treats. The best part...they were all mine! Yes, these were my little toys to take home.

To this day, I still treasure that feeling. Let's face it, most of us do. Even as grown-ups, we still enjoy getting a little something at parties. If you've been to a wedding, you probably received a small party favour from the bride and groom. Sometimes it's candy, sometimes it's a keepsake to commemorate the event. Whatever it is, it's always wonderful to receive.

At BirthdayPartyMagic.ca, we're keeping that feeling alive. Loot Bags are now available with all the terrific treasures that will make your guests jump with glee! Check out the available selections right here.

For your next party, a little Loot Bag goes a long way to making memories that last.

This past weekend was just perfect weather wise. The sun was out. It was warm, but not oppressive or muggy. There was a light cool breeze. It was perfect. It also happened to be an insanely busy time for my Bouncy Castle rental. I don't know why, but it's like everyone wanted it for that weekend. Sure, I drove all over town setting up and tearing down the bouncy over and over again, but isn't that the point? Business was as good as the weather.

During the numerous bouncy gigs, I noticed a phenomenon that kept happening. I'd show up and set up the bouncy. The kids would immediately jump in. I'd come back a few hours later, and the same kids would still be bouncing around like crazy. The parents would look at me and simply say: They haven't stopped! Big smiles were on everyone's faces.

At one party in particular, I witnessed the cutest thing. I had returned to pick up the bouncy after a 2 hour rental. The older kids were still jumping. Next to the bouncy, all splayed out in a lawn chair, was a 3 year old boy. He was completely passed out. His father explained that the child had bounced non-stop for over 90 minutes. He then got out of the bouncy, pulled up a chair right next to it so he could be close, and decided he needed a little rest. Within seconds of sitting down, the child was sleeping soundly, having burned up all his energy. The parents were thrilled that the kids all had so much fun, and that the rest of the brood would be going to bed early after having bounced so hard. Mom and Dad would get a nice quiet evening to themselves!

So parents, take note! Not only will the bouncy castle make the kids happy, not only will they burn up all of their excess energy, but you just might get a nice little night to yourselves afterwards. Rent your bouncy castle today!!!