I met Tony the Tiger. And, yes, before you ask, it was gr-r-r…I’m sorry, I can’t do it. I’m not going to reiterate his well-known slogan, because it’s just too obvious. I’ve told numerous people about the unique experience I had with an icon of my youth, and they’ve all balled up a fist, swung their arm in front of their chest and repeated some version of that famous Frosted Flakes slogan. This is my time to shine, to sing like no one’s watching and dance like no one’s listening—and use my own catch phrases!
The reason for my encounter with a cartoon-come-to-life was a photo and video shoot to launch a new Tony the Tiger; more on that later. It was awesome to play a small part. I had a blast and the people on the shoot were amazing. They were gr-r-roovy!
(I told you I wasn’t going to say it.)
I probably hadn’t thought about Tony the Tiger in years and it was like seeing an old friend. I used to watch cartoons with that dude! Well, I’d watch cartoons such as the Best Simpsons seasons, then he’d remind me to eat Frosted Flakes because their gr-r-rains and fibers are part of a nutritious breakfast. I don’t quite remember Tony’s physique twenty years ago, but he looks gr-r-rand. I think he’s been working out and he should. Fellas who have been around as long as us need to hit the gym and stay healthy to keep up with the kids.
Tony the Tiger is better than ever and celebrating with a new campaign, encouraging children, all of us, really, to Let Your Great Out. As a parent, that’s the exact lesson I try to teach my children. Though, I have to admit, sometimes I forget it myself.
Before heading to the shoot, I was asked what I wanted to do with Tony to highlight this positive campaign. I immediately answered, “uhhhhhhh…” and then “hmmmmm.” I couldn’t think of anything. I couldn’t think of one activity I excelled at. How sad is that? But if you asked my kids, they would tell you they’re ninja masters, unbeatable goalies, expert somersaulters, artists, comedians, scientists, you name it. And I would agree with them, because, to me, they are those things. The fact that they go out there and give it their all makes them…gr-r-reasonably fantastic. (This is getting tough. I really do think my kids are that other adjective, but I’ve come this far…I can’t say it now!)
When I was shown some of the props the Kellogg’s team brought for filming, I realized, “oh, yeah, I can do that.” All I needed was a sweet spark of confidence. Give me a pogostick and I can’t be beat. Jump rope? All day long, son. And juggling? Yeah…just make sure there’s nothing breakable nearby. On second thought, maybe not juggling. But if you want me to give it a go, I will. Another lesson I’m trying to teach my kids is that failing is not only a step in achieving success, it is a success itself. Failing means you did something scary and new, and that is awesome. Of course, the prospect of falling down flat on your face, literally or figuratively, can be scary. Sometimes a pep talk or more is needed. I try to be that sweet spark, the frosted on top of the flake, to get my kids to let their fun flags fly.
For the shoot, the director decided Tony and I should have a jump rope battle. I was sweating my butt off by the time we were finishing up. I didn’t dare complain. Compared to Tony, I was gr-r-rateful. I was barely able to keep jumping up and down, while he performed hand-stands and other acrobatic feats in front of me.
What I really wanted for myself, for my post, was to eat some Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes with Tony the Tiger. For no other reason than because I thought it would be funny. The idea was so silly and obvious that it made me laugh. And if there is one thing that I am, without question, undeniably first gr-r-rate at, it’s making myself laugh. I thought, and maybe even said out loud, “this will be so meta!” Tony the Tiger, though, had some difficulty partaking in his own delicious cereal between dance moves. It was just him watching me eat Frosted Flakes. Me eating. Him watching. Yeah, I didn’t think it through. Maybe that made the bit even goofier and more absurd. It made me chuckle. Luckily, no milk or flakes came out of my nose, which would have made the situation only slightly more awkward. I continued to eat, unsure of when to stop. The director decided to film my obviously brilliant idea, so it was suddenly, and quite literally, a whole production. The bowl and cereal had to look perfect. I didn’t know if I remembered how to eat. I could do this! Tony made me believe I could. The spoon goes in my mouth, right? And then I chew? Yeah, I figured as much.
Having breakfast with Tony the Tiger was exactly what you would imagine: weird and fun and, I have to say, it was GR-R-REAT!!!! I’m so relieved to finally utter those magic words. It feels gr-r-reat to Let Your Great Out! I should have done it much sooner.
Disclosure: Life of Dad has partnered with and been compensated by Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes for this blog post.