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Old Skateboard Decks...

1/28/2015

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WOW....It has been a really really long time since I wrote anything.  I can come up with a million excuses why but that may or may not bore you:)  I'm just excited to be back and hopefully you will be to...in time!  I actually made these skateboards a while back and the blog has been sitting in my "drafts" for months!  Well not anymore!!  I hope you enjoy...


What would you do with 3 old skateboard decks?  Most would throw them away or stash them in back of garage to save face when your son is suddenly wanting his "old" board!  It's true...kids always want to play with the stuff you finally decide to part with!  Back on track...there are so many things you can do with old skateboard decks from shelves to lighting to benches or just wall art.  I decided on functional wall art!  Before I throw something of use away, I tend to save it for that "a-ha" creative moment that may not always come!  A lot of projects go undone because of this which is one of many reasons why I can't park my car in the garage...but that's another story!  Some see it as a fault..I see it as just waiting until something clicks in my scatterbrained, creative mind.  Most of my ideas, whether it be a project or a simple thought, come to me in the middle of the night.  This idea came to me while I was sitting in my boys room trying to figure out how to maximize their space.  They, by choice, share a room.  It's great but it leaves little space for all of their extras!  I knew I needed to put more shelves but I didn't want just any old shelves.  I also knew they needed something to put some of their personal things like photos, tickets, awards, etc.  I knew the whole time I wanted to reuse these beat up skateboard decks but I wasn't completely sold on how.  Until...I found this excess cork board sitting in my over-cluttered computer hutch!  It all came together in my head...I'll turn the skateboards into cork boards!!  But wait, there is only space for 2.  After looking around, I found a spot for the third and decided to use it as a hat rack!  So, that's what I did!  Here's how:

For the cork boards:
-cut out the cork board to fit the shape of the board.
-screwed the boards to the wall.
-I used a liquid nail type of glue to glue the cork to the board.
-Finito-a cork board for each of them!

For the hat rack:
-I actually put new grip tape on the board first!
-hammered about 5 small nails into the board-in a scattered a pattern to maximize the space.
-screw the board onto the wall!
-Finito again...a hat rack!
 
They aren't perfect but they are certainly functional....and my boys love them!!  Hardest part for them is deciding what to put on them!

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1, 2, 3's of a Chalkboard Wall!

3/26/2014

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Most of you know that I recently had an unexpected appendectomy...good times!  As much as I would love to write about my experience with that, I have so many other things saved in "drafts" that I need to get out..plus, my experience isn't quite over yet!  So...if you really want to know about appendectomies, stay tuned!

In the meantime, I promised you a tutorial on how I did my recent chalkboard wall...Like months ago!  Yes, I suffer from self-diagnosed ADD and have a really hard time NOT getting distracted.  That's why this project is something I am proud of because it was soooooo easy and soooooo fast.  Fast enough for me to start and finish in one day-minus shipping time!



First... I ordered this "Blackboard Wall Decal" from plumdistrict.com (they have some great deals)! It was only $9 and is 6 feet long x 1.5 feet wide!  I only needed about 2.5 feet and the width was perfect!

Second...Once I received the decal, I measured my space and simply cut the 6 foot roll in one straight line to give me what I needed.  You can get fancy and create a shape, but for me, a straight line was simple and what I wanted.

Third...Very carefully and with the help of a ruler to keep the air bubbles out, I stuck the Blackboard Decal to my wall!  It took all of 3 minutes!

Fourth... I wanted a border to frame out the decal.  I felt it looked unfinished.  As I was running errands that afternoon, I stopped by Lowe's to check out their wood framework.  I didn't see anything that I loved but what I did see inspired me to do what I did.  They had a "rope" design piece of wood frame that I would have had to cut, prime and paint.  But a light bulb went on...I actually have some real rope leftover from an old project that I thought would be perfect!

Fifth..As soon as I got home, I found that extra rope!  And what do you know...it was the EXACT length I needed.  It couldn't have worked out more perfectly!  I grabbed our staple gun and stapled the rope to the wall...and felt so accomplished as I did!

Sixth...I needed something to cover the ends where the rope ended.  I looked around my house and found some shells in a candle holder and waa-laa!  Hot glued that little sucker right in the middle!

Seventh...Chalk!  The wall decal came with chalk, but I needed to have it in a place where I wouldn't lose it!  So, I nailed a tiny nail into the wall, hidden in the rope.  I then tied a piece of string around a piece of chalk...and attached the other end of the string to the nail!

Eighth... I sat back and literally patted myself on the back because not only was I proud to have started and finished a project in one day, but the only money I spent specifically on this project was less than $13 including shipping fees!  Now I just need to figure out how to use the rest of the decal!  More projects!!!

Ninth... Last but not least...write, draw, do whatever you want to decorate, leave messages, etc.  I chose to use it as a message/behavior chart/chores board for my boys!  I use clothes pin to mark where they are on the behavior chart...we've had fun with it and best part is....IT WORKS!!

You do not have to do this exactly how I did it...but hopefully you will see that you can do it as easily as I did.  Just think out of the box...use items that you already have...and put them to good use!  It's all about recycle, reduce , reuse!  Good luck and as always, HAVE FUN with it!!

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"Do Less Better"...in 2014!

1/22/2014

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Well Hello Mama's!!  It's been a while!  I woke up and it's suddenly 2014...HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I have been a bit MIA just dealing with, well, Life.  I'm sure you all know how that goes.  It's now time to get back at it!  I'm so far behind that not only have you probably set your new year resolutions, but some may have already been broken!  Yikes!
I decided not to have any specific resolutions this year, rather just spend a bit more time focusing on the positives in my life.  2013 was probably one of the hardest years to date...for me.  While I had some really great HIGHS, I had some pretty low lows!  Hopefully I have gotten a handle on the lows and will turn those into my 2014 highs!  When I look around, I realize I have a lot going on.  I am a mother (in other words a doctor, a chef, a chauffeur, a cheerleader, a personal shopper, a tutor, etc....), a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a CrossFit Kids Coach, a CrossFitter, a runner and of course a Hot Green Mama!  How in the heck can I be perfect in all areas?  It's simple...I can't!  But, I can set goals and priorities and do my best!

Enter my weekend at the CrossFit Kids Trainer Course....AMAZING!  UPLIFTING!  INSPIRING! MOTIVATING! HUMBLING!  The effect that we, as parents, teachers, coaches have on our children is so much deeper than I really ever thought about.  I think I get so involved in my every day nuances that I haven't really stopped to think how every choice, every word, every situation, every moment, every meal is essentially setting the groundwork for our children.  WE are our children's future., to a degree, and it's a bit overwhelming when you think about it.  That's why it is our job to teach, lead and inspire every child, in every moment, every day!  While yes, I learned how to Coach CrossFit Kids, I more so re-learned the effect that my being has on not only my own children, but every child that steps foot in my class!  Whoa!

Something one of the trainers said really spoke to me...I took it as a general life lesson.  
He said, "Do Less Better."  Of course.  Do less better, duh!  Seems simple.  Focus on being in the moment.  Don't think about the future while you're living in the present.  How many times are you playing with your child(ren) while thinking about all of the other things you can and/or should be doing? GUILTY!  How many times are you on a date night with your husband talking about what needs to be taken care of at home. How many times do you say "yes" when in reality you KNOW you should be saying NO?  My goals are to do better at the things I am SUPPOSE to be doing rather than what I feel like I SHOULD be doing or WANT to be doing.   Keep in mind, this is relative to YOUR situation and YOUR goals...no one else's!  

Focus...Focus....Focus!  

I have a challenge for you...and this goes for me too!  Pick one thing at a time that you want to change for the better.  Whether it's focusing more on your children, your relationship, your health, your job etc.  Pick just ONE.  Once you feel you have improved in that...move on to the second.  And so on...  Put dates and deadlines to your goals.  Seriously, if you need help, Google search "goal setting worksheets" and I guarantee you will find one what suites you!  Try to be realistic, we all know setting shorter goals provides greater achievements.  "DO LESS BETTER!"

CHEERS to a fantastic 2014...may it be healthy, happy, fulfilling, challenging and balanced!


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We all have our own "mountain!"              

12/11/2013

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ANOTHER SUBMISSION BY GUEST BLOGGER, MR. HGM!

So I just got back to exercising after taking a week and a half off to visit with family and to reacquaint myself with Captain Morgan. The time with family was great (helped in part by the Captain) but needless to say I was hurting a good bit during yesterday’s workout. In fact I was doggin’ it so much so that I had to walk during an 800 meter run. 
However, as I was walking and trying to catch my breath I feel a tug on my arm followed by a woman saying, “let’s go, you can do this”! So to save face in front of this woman whom I had never met before, I picked up the pace and started to jog along side of her. As we were jogging we started to chat; she told me that this was her first day back, to which I replied, “yeah I took the holiday off as well”. She politely responded, “No this is my first day back after having surgery 7 weeks ago”! As she explained the surgery, I couldn’t help but to pick up my own pace and complete the workout in a more respectable manner than that in which I had started. 
So with all that being said, I’d like to give a special shout out to this woman for her encouragement and for the gentle reminder that my challenges aren’t always as big as I sometimes make them. If fact it’s pretty safe to say that there is always someone out there who has a bigger mountain to climb… nice to know she’s attacking her own head on and helping others along the way!
FITNESS TIP OF THE DAY: Vodka mixed with Gatorade is not considered a sports drink. Who knew…?
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I met a girl...

11/18/2013

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I had the pleasure of being a part of the local Autism Speaks Foundation walk this weekend.  I was there as a friend and supporter, but I was also there promoting my "other" job, CrossFit Kids New Smyrna Beach.  I had a very simple set-up as it was only decided the day before that I would have a presence at all.  I was sitting behind my little table, dealing with a what came to be a two-day migraine, when up came a young girl, I'm guessing about 12 years old, and her mom.  I'm going to call her "Ava" because I don't know her name and I love the name Ava:)  So, Ava, who was rockin a hand-made Justin Bieber shirt, energetic and excited said, "look mom, crossfit, those people eat Paleo* like I do."  It may not have been those words verbatim, but pretty darn close!  My initial thought was, "wow, how does a 12 year old know about Paleo?" My other instinct was of course to tell her that I call it "Paleo-yo" because when I first learned about Paleo, I wasn't sure how to pronounce it properly and that adding the "yo" kept me from messing it up!  She thought that was kinda funny...of course, because she's 12! :)  Moving on, I asked Ava what she knows about Paleo and why.  Her mom proceeded to tell me that with her Autism, comes a lot of food allergies.  I'm not sure if that is a normal side effect/symptom but either way, here was a girl with Autism AND a food allergy.  That seems like a lot to handle!  Her mom continued to tell me that Ava took it upon HERSELF to research different diets that would help her control her allergies.  Ava found the Paleo diet and has been religiously following it for 8 months and not only has her allergies under control, but has lost 42lbs!  42lbs!!  Are you kidding?  A guesstimated 12-year old???  And, ON HER OWN?  I was blown away.  I had goose bumps.  For me, to have that conversation with a 12-year old was quite refreshing.  She had a problem, so she took it upon herself to fix it! A lot of adults don't do that!  Wow, I was impressed!  Looking back, I regret not jumping up and giving her a huge hug!  What I did do was tell her that I was simply impressed and extremely proud of her and that she should be too! I also told her that Paleo isn't a diet but a lifestyle. Having to be on a "diet" at such a young age can play mind games, plus a diet is temporary.  On the other hand, choosing a healthy lifestyle is something to be proud of and can last a lifetime!

My encounter with "Ava" was all of 5 minutes but the effect that had on me will last a very long time. With my own food challenges, I do my best to follow the Paleo-yo program, but like any human being, we are just that...human.  We have cravings...we get lazy..we go out.  It's hard to stick to any kind of strict food program, never mind an adolescent!  She will be in my mind when I feel myself start to cave, or when I need a bit of emotional motivation!  I wish I knew her real name and I really wish SHE knew the positive effect she had on little ole' me!

My point today is this...we all have challenges. Some more intense than others but we all have them.  In order to live a healthy, balanced life, we need to take initiative.  We need take time to research what is relative to our own situations, make the changes that are necessary and frankly, stick with them.  If a 12-year old with Autism can do it, so can you!


Here's to a healthy and happy you!


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*Paleo is used to describe a lifestyle that consists of whole foods and the elimination of processed, refined non-nutrient factory foods.  If you want to learn more I would highly suggest the book Practical Paleo, by Diane Sanfilippo.  It is one of my favorites and staples in my kitchen!  There are also a number of websites and blogs dedicated to the Paleo lifestyle!  For the record, it's not just for CrossFitters...clearly!
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Kitchen Clutter Problem-Fixed

9/25/2013

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In effort to clear some of the clutter around my house, I have taken on some projects that I may or may not choose to share!  If they turn out how I visioned, you will definitely be seeing them.  If they are disastrous, well, you still may see them to learn how NOT to do something.  I tend to have great vision, but not as great follow through.  Maybe, if anything, my projects will simply inspire you to come up with your own ideas that I encourage you to share!

Tis' the season for LOADS of school papers!  Oh my goodness!  This year is even worse because now that I have 2 in the same school, I get TWO of everything!! Not to mention their personal school work including some doodles from my Kindergartner that I "CAN NOT" throw away!  In effort to keep the important stuff in a safe place and my counter tops clear of clutter, I went to the almighty Pinterest for some ideas.  I can't take full credit for my/ project but I will take credit on the type of boxes that I used:)  You can also use recycled cereal boxes, shoe boxes or whatever other box you can think of!  

It's pretty simple, quick and very inexpensive!
I took 3 sturdy boxes, taped them together with packing tape and then found a patterned contact paper from Target.  Wa-la!  For a whopping 6 bucks we have ourselves a brand new organizing center with an "in-box" for both my boys and one for myself. Anything for Mr. HGM sits right on top...in plain view!  This has worked perfectly for not only keeping me on top of important dates but for also keeping our counter tops clear of crazy paper clutter!  

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Hot Green Mama is....

9/18/2013

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I have received a lot of questions regarding "hot green mama" and the meaning behind it. Before I get started, let me first say this...if you are a mom who wants to create a healthy environment and lifestyle for your families, then you my friend are a Hot Green Mama.  NOTE:  if your children have 4-legs and/or fur...count yourself in!!




HOT=How you FEEL about yourself, OR how you would LIKE to feel about yourself!  
This goes against everything my mom has embedded in me; "it's better to look good than feel good." Pick up your jaw mom-love you!  While I agree with her to a point, most of us look better, present ourselves better, and accomplish more if we indeed FEEL better!  I personally feel better and feel accomplished when I am physically active on a regular basis.  It keeps me focused and provides positive energy throughout the day.  I may look like crap until I get home and take a shower, but I FEEL... well, hot!  I am a big advocate of exercise and highly encourage everyone to find something they will enjoy and stick with  Put it in your calendar if you have to! Over time you will not only feel great, but you may find the physical benefits are just as rewarding!




GREEN=being conscious of your choices when it comes to your environment.  You may have seen articles that explain the 'different shades of green.' It isn't as exciting as the 'shades of grey,' but definitely worth a google search!  Being 'green' can be pretty simple. 
 
Reuse, reduce recycle-period!  Don't stop with just your cans and bottles.  Go to consignment shops, donate to shelters, shop your own closet, change upholstery rather than buying a whole new piece!  I know it's easy to toss things out but try to think about your options!


Shop smart!  Try to use household products that aren't loaded with toxic ingredients, although a good ole bleach wipe down in the shower/tub is sometimes needed!  Look for personal items that are also made with more natural elements.  I'm not suggesting you throw out everything that you have, but when it's time to replace something, try and make a smarter choice.   There are a few big reasons why I try my best to use natural products.  One, we don't know the long term effects that certain chemicals can cause.  Two, I am very sensitive to fragrance so I try and steer clear.  Three, both of my boys had allergies when they were younger and once I switched all of our household products, they have not had ANY issues!  


Shop local!!  There are local farmer's markets popping up everywhere and they are a great place to find unique fruits and veggies that your normal grocer may not have access to!  Even better, plant your own garden.  I finally did after years of being scared and my goodness, it was so much easier than expected.  It was like Christmas every time I actually ate something I grew!


Carpool!  There is no reason why two cars should be in the same place at the same time if not necessary!  


There are so many things you can do to be "green."  You are all smart mama's and I'd say if you're reading this, you're on the right track!

  

MAMA=the role in which you were given once you made the choice to have a child..or pet!
Does this really need much of an explanation?! Whether it's the love you give your children or the love you receive, you are a MOM and there is nothing else that's more important!!  It's our job to teach our children the healthy habits they need for a long and fulfilling life!  Make sure they see the good choices you are making and help them understand why!   Let them make their own choices, when applicable, so they can reap the benefits..good or bad!  


ALL OF THE ABOVE= HOT GREEN MAMA!




LOGO=It's a mom, with heart shape arm (mama), wrapped around a kettle bell (hot) with my favorite flower, daisy, (green) in the middle.  This expresses and embraces all of my passions in one. 



Four years ago when I came up with Hot Green Mama, literally in my sleep, I really didn't know where I was going with it..  I thought it would be cute printed on a t-shirt or a tote bag, similar to "life is good."  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I can make this into something.  Something that would allow me to share my passions, my beliefs and my experiences with others. Sometimes I think I don't know much or that everything I do know, everyone else must too.  However; what I have learned, is that no one knows everything and that some of our biggest lessons learned are through sharing.  So, that is what I'm doing.  I am sharing my life, my feelings, my accomplishments, my failures, my passions and sometimes I'm just sharing something because I feel like writing and writing makes me feel better!


So I thank you for following me and I hope that at some point, I will have taught or inspired you in some way, shape or form.  I hope that I will bring a smile to your face or maybe even a tear.  I want to relate to the everyday issues that we all have as moms, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, etc.  I welcome comments, suggestions, thoughts, questions, criticisms- or not:)  Remember, while it is great to "look good," it's way more beneficial to FEEL good, awesome, healthy and HOT!



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"ability to accept humility"

8/26/2013

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Hi.  My name is Jennifer and I took the CrossFit Level 1 Trainer course and......FAILED!  Yup, that's right my friends, I failed!  As in, I did not pass.  As in, I need to take it again!  Why am I sharing this with you?  Why not?  I share positive situations and experiences, why not share this not so positive one.  

So many thoughts went through my head after receiving my results...I have an amazing opportunity once I pass this course...did I just blow it?  Will people judge me because I may think I know what I'm doing but because I failed this test, I don't?  Am I even good enough to be coaching other people?  This can't be possible...there must be a flaw in the system!  Did I really just see FAIL under my name?  Are you freaking kidding me?? How did this happen?  Did I time it wrong? Should I have waited until the boys were back in school and my mind wasn't so flustered? and so on and so on....


After throwing a minor temper tantrum like a toddler,  I realized that part of my being upset is not necessarily because I failed a silly test, but because I was embarrassed to tell anyone that I failed a silly little test.   Don't let me fool you, I am devastated that I didn't pass this written test.  I have been doing CrossFit for a year and a half, and I know this stuff. Ha!  I may know how to show up to class, lift heavy stuff, do way too many burpees, hang upside down, do a double-under and feel like I've had my butt kicked after an hour but this 55 question test is telling me I don't!  And THAT, is discouraging and quite frankly a confidence buzz kill to say the least. 


If you follow my personal facebook account, you may remember a post from last week that said I have learned "the ability to accept humility."  This quote has been put to the test!  After spending the afternoon with my supportive family...husband, kids, mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law....the people who KNOW me and LOVE me unconditionally, I tried, stubbornly tried, to see the light in all of this.   We are all our own worst critics so that was (is) hard.  Well, I woke up and decided it was a new day and instead of hiding behind my "FAIL," I'm going to announce it to whoever reads this!   I am not a failure!  I am not stupid. I am not less of a person/crossfitter because I failed a silly, tricky little test.  I am a better person because I tried.  I am a better person because I am learning the "ability to accept humility" and that is harder than any test.  AND I am a better person because I already signed up for my re-test and I KNOW exactly where I need to focus my studies!  I do need to find clarity in the difference of "best" vs. "most important.'  They seem pretty lateral and interchanging to me?! But what do I know?! Haha!

Failing is one of life's biggest lessons and tests.  It's a lesson that knocks you down but forces you to move on and do better.  It's also a test to see HOW you pick yourself up and move on.  HOW you take that negative and turn it into a positive.  And THAT my friends, is exactly what I am going to do...pick myself up, move on, study harder and focus on my daily blessings that I know give me a passing grade!  And dang it, if I have to wait a few more weeks to get my 25% off new CrossFit shoes, well, I guess I'll have to wait!

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More than just a little run...

7/29/2013

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So here I am...on a 2 week vacation in Lake George, NY, with Mr. HGM's side of the family...1st, 2nd & 3rd cousins, etc.  Our boys couldn't be happier as they not only have other boys to play with but access to fishing, swimming, boating, paddle-boarding, ping pong, tag, go-carting, acorn throwing... (with an adult's consent of course.)  Mr. HGM is working, and he really is, so while the boys are in camp for 4.5 hours, what is a mama to do?  Everything, nothing, a little of this, a little of that..how about WHATEVER I WANT?!  Today, being the first day I have this time to myself, I chose to take a little run home along the lake after dropping the boys off.  
I want to remind you we are up in the Adirondack Mountains and for this Florida girl who doesn't get a whole lot of running in, this was going to be a little challenging!  I have run up here before when I actually used to consider myself a runner, but this time around the only exercise that I have been doing consistently is CrossFit.  So this run was much anticipated.  Could I do it without stopping?  Could I do it at all?  This may sound silly but running in the mountains is not like running in Florida..especially the last 400 meter HILL leading up to our house!  I should mention, this run I'm about to embark on is only 1.2 miles. hahaha

So, I put on my headphones (yes P!NK) and just started running!  Quick story quicker...I ran the entire 1.2 miles along the beautiful lake, around corners and bends and finally up my nemesis of a hill WITHOUT STOPPING!  WooHoo!  I think I can say in the 17 years that I have been here, this run was easier than ever.  It may seem like a small defeat to some but for me it was a measure of not only my athletic ability but also my mental!  Everyone knows I'm a big advocate of CrossFit but today just proved to me that CrossFit does what it is meant to do and that is to "prepare you for any physical contingency."  So, not only could I do the run (as short as it was) I did with with excitement, I finished with the feeling of wanting to do more and mentally I overcame a portion of the road because my strengthened mentality has become forever changed with the "I CAN do this" attitude!  

Once my quick little spurt of running was over, I was able to complete a quick little 21-15-9 workout including wall-balls, sit-ups and push-ups!  Then I filled the rest of my time eating breakfast and visiting with more cTomorrow is a new day and with a new day comes new challenges...maybe a 2.1 mile run? Maybe this one will end with a quick jump in the lake?!  

My point?  Just keep on keeping on...whatever it is you're doing and one day you will surprise yourself with your own abilities!



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Would  you like fries with that?

7/17/2013

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Special Blog Submission by none other than MR. HGM!  I didn't even ask him to do this....enjoy!
So this past Friday I decided to take the family out to our favorite burger spot.  Now before you go patting me on the back for a terrific act of kindness, keep in mind that this is the place that offers up free burgers during your birthday month; and seeing that both my wife and youngest son have birthdays in July, I figured this was a great deal for all involved…  so off we went.  Plus we did have to hand our oldest son’s friend back to his parents.

                                                In any case, when we arrived I immediately went inside to secure a table while my wife handled the exchange AND our two boys (7 and 5 respectively).  Again my motive wasn’t that altruistic because I did have a thirst for a cold beer and standing outside in the humidity didn’t quite fit the mood.  So in I went where I was politely greeted and escorted to a comfortable booth in the back.  Very shortly after I was seated by the hostess, the waitress came and introduced herself.  She proceeded to lay out the menus and take my drink order (4 waters for the table plus 2 beers, 1 for the wife and one for me).  And YES, we earned those beers!  After all, it was a long week and at last count the boys’ hand all fingers and toes intact and the lady and I were still sleeping in the same bed together (counting even the smallest of victories is important sometimes).

                                                So while sipping my frosty beverage and enjoying a moment of solitude while the rest of the crew was still outside, I came to the conclusion that I was going to order a salad!  I know, I know… you don’t order the steak at a seafood restaurant and you probably don’t order a salad at a burger joint.  Crap, if you’re a man at all you probably don’t order the salad.  HOWEVER, I just recently re-introduced myself to the fitness world and I feel like I’ve been making some decent progress.  Of course if you’ve been reading any of the HotGreenMama posts you likely know that my wife has been doing an admirable job of keeping herself healthy despite the demands that a young family can put on even the strongest of wills; so I guess her choices are rubbing off on me too.  And while I made my decision, I still needed a strategy to ensure I didn’t change my mind.  My strategy to make certain I would follow through with the salad concept was to never again look at the menu.  Nope, never again prior to ordering, because I knew that even one tiny peek at the double stacked burger loaded with bacon and cheese would mean immediate re-consideration.  Although, if you’ve been following me at all, you know I have another Ace in the Hole when it comes to the food…

                                                So the family finally comes to the table and my wife gifts me a delicate smile for the adult beverage that greets her arrival.  At this point everyone is hungry and after the boys’ and my wife quickly scan the menu they are ready to order.  The attractive woman across from me orders a bun-less avocado burger (no surprise there), while my 7 year old goes with the adult cheese burger complete with lettuce, tomato, onion and a side of broccoli (not too surprising here either because he typically goes with the healthier side choice – rarely will he even drink a soda), but her comes my Ace in the Hole!  Yup, that would be my 5 year old who could consume the entire contents inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and then ask, “What’s for dessert”?  He is a slam dunk and part of the reason I am ordering a salad.  Why is he part of the reason for the salad concept you ask?  Because my boy is going to order fries, and the fries at this place are endless, so who do you think is going to help him eat all that tasty fried goodness?  ME… of course!  So now the waitress comes to him and asks, “would you like fries with that…”, but to my astonishment he replies, “No thank you, can I get the broccoli please”?  WHAT?!?!?!?!  Immediately the questions mount in my head like, where is my son, what just happened, am I losing my hearing, etc…?  Now instead of doing what my heart wanted, which was to scream out “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO”, I quickly collected myself, mustered up my indoor voice and re-engaged back into the wonderful goofiness that this particular table provides.

Until now, I have never spoken about this horrible and personal injustice.

                                                After dinner and as we drive home I glance over at the attractive girl from dinner that ordered the bun-less avocado burger and conclude that she is the one to blame.  Of course, why didn’t this come to me sooner, like at the dinner table-booth thingy?  After all she has very subtly been teaching our boys about healthy food, and why healthy food is important for their bodies.  I have also watched as she takes the boys out to our very small garden; talking to them about what vegetables we are growing and fielding questions as to how big they might get or what they might taste like.  I swear at one point our 5 year old would have been more terrified of eating a tomato then being eaten by a shark, until he helped Mom grow them (not sharks, the tomatoes… stay focused).  Now he won’t just eat them but he’ll actually ask for them.

                                                So as I selfishly kept trying to figure out exactly why I didn’t end up with fries that night, I inadvertently came to the conclusion that our boys have one hell of a coach.  After all, every successful team needs a good coach/front office manager/owner; someone who takes time to study the game, to understand that each player is their own individual with different dreams, someone who will do their best to equip their players with the right tools to be successful, but also a person who will call them out when they aren’t performing, while having the presence of mind to understand when they’ve had enough for one day.  But most interesting was to witness that when 1 leads by example, you’ll get at least 3 people to follow.  HEY, I did end up getting the salad didn’t I!

                                                As a final note and so that you don’t walk away thinking we’ve turned all sugar-free vegan on you, I will let you know that this Saturday night our boys will still put together a full blown campaign demanding that “Doughnut Sunday” be a weekly tradition and not monthly.  But hey, Doughnuts or not, I’ll sleep well knowing their Mama has already instilled in them some sound qualities that will prove valuable down the road.



-MR. HGM
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    Just a mom trying to create a healthy & balanced life for my family.  Fitness, health & the love of my boys keep me on my toes...

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