My Way or the Highway!

Ever heard that phrase before? It's my way or the highway! My parents used to say that to me all the time, mostly because I was a little brat as a kid, but also because sometimes there's just no other way to say it. This is gonna happen no matter what. But one thing that I don't like about that phrase is sometimes people take that attitude and concept too far.

I just started working at a rec center, and there is an older gent there who is semi-retired, working in the fitness area just for something to do. It's a good fit for him given his educational and fitness related background and from the few interactions I've had with him, he's a pretty nice guy. Direct, frank, but overall pretty nice. Last week however, I had an encounter with him that almost made me punch him right in the face. Yeah. I'd punch an old man want to fight about it? Here's why.

I came in to take over for him and start my shift. During the transition a regular of the center, a woman, came in and started talking to this fellow. He told me that this woman, in her mid-late 60's, took a YMCA physical fitness test and bench pressed 35 lbs 101 times. That's amazing. Then he proceeded to just talk to her and say that he had an older couple, also in their late 60's come in and the woman could only bench 35 lbs 7 times and the man could only do 10 (at an undisclosed but I'm pretty sure different weight). He then went on to say how absolutely ridiculous this was and these people should be embarrassed out of their minds. Um. I chimed in. "There are a VAST majority of people that age that can't bench that much." He paused momentarily, looked at me and said with disgust, "Yeah well I'm not one of em and neither is she (indicating to the amazon woman who can bench a ridiculous amount). So I have no sympathy." I backed out of the conversation before we literally got into a physical altercation. Mostly because this human being is REPULSIVE to me. Why you ask? Here's why.

My grandmother who is now in her 70's has MS. She cannot now nor ever bench press that much weight. First because of her physical limitations due to the MS (Multiple Sclerosis for those of you who don't know, http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx ) but also because never in her life has she ever had the need to, want to, or ability to ever bench press weight. Period. So you're going to sit there with your overly absurd ridiculous standards and expect that everyone over the age of 60 should be able to bench press stupid amounts of weight???????!!!! What a despicable moron. I don't think that in the height of my physical fitness, college swimming, I could even bench that much weight that many reps. And to think that some people who do regular things for fitness like garden, walk, clean house, who come in and can't bench that much and are looked down upon? What a joke.

Which leads me to my point of all this. First of all I don't like the guy at the rec anymore and have lost any and all respect I ever had for the guy. But second and the real point is people who do not realize that there are other people in the world who are NOT like them and can't find room in their limited feeble minds to accept that are repugnant to me. I understand that people should embrace physical fitness and I think the fact that Hostess, a huge company is going out of business and the Twinkie is no more should state pretty heavily to the fact that people are changing their lives to be healthier. I get it. But to stand there and say with a straight face that there is no reason for anyone ever to not be able to just walk in off the street and live up to super outrageous, over the top, unreachable standards, is repulsive to me. So they can't bench press?? Who cares?! Doesn't mean they're bad people or that they aren't in shape. It just means they've never done it before and their bodies aren't conditioned for that. Not everyone has access to bench presses idiot. It's not really a common commodity just sittin around in everyone's living rooms nationwide. "This is the kitchen, here's the bathroom and oh here's are bench press, isn't it lovely?" Many people who are older have never bench pressed because when they were younger, fitness centers were much fewer and further between. And they were called gymnasiums then, reserved for athletes. Can you blame them that they grew up with different standards of fitness than we know today? No. That's like saying my granparents should be able to keep up with their great grandkids technology wise. Yeah, right. People who were literally born on a farm keep up with kids who can open a smart phone at 9 months old should be on the same page tech wise. Makes total sense ...

Attitudes like his literally disgust me. You can't except that just because you took the route you did in your life, that everyone else didn't. And if they didn't they're miserable non humans. What's wrong with you?! News flash, all people are different. They have different circumstances affecting their lives. We're not all alike and in case you didn't learn this during your forever amount of years in education, that's a GOOD thing. You should be EXCITED that this couple wanted to come in and get in shape, or work toward better health. Not look down on them and mock them with other like minded individuals. That's not an attitude I want to be around.

Now. What's the right thing to do when dealing with a cancerous person like this dumb head? I don't really know. I could correct him. Do some research on it and have stats to back myself up. Including the personal story of my grandmother who lives in the woods in Michigan and is lucky to go to water aerobics a few times a year. OR I could talk with our supervisor as to indicate I think this is not only inappropriate behavior, but a terrible attitude. Or I could just let it go. And kinda hope this guy busts a hammie working out while on the clock. (Hamstring injuries are VERY hard to recover from. It seems simple, but they are hard to get back to where you were quickly.) I mean, I hate to sound so mean spirited toward someone, and some of you might even be sitting there goin, hey isn't that kinda hypocritical? And in all honesty it's not. I'm calling someone out for being in the wrong. Hypocrisy is more like say one thing and do another. I say you need to accept there are people out there different than you, and I accept that. I'm telling him he needs to realize that. And also throwing out some heavy words partly for funsies but also for emphasis.

So when you deal with people out there in the real world, please TRY to except that they are different from you. It's partly what makes our country great. So what if they're not in as good of shape as you? Okay so they wore their dirty PJ's to Walmart. You didn't and that's all you need to worry yourself about. There are much more important things happening in this world that we need to be concerned with outside of who isn't like me.

So as you head out this Black Friday, try to enjoy people watching a little and tell yourself it certainly is okay to be different! Our world is kinda like a Picaso, crazy, colorful, and not really put together. Enjoy!

 

Turkey Is As Turkey Does

Mashed potatoes has to be one of my all time favorite foods. Like stuck on an island for life gimme some potatoes and butter. Done. So when I found out they made a whole holiday about them ... I freaked.Okay so the holiday isn't around mashed potatoes, but when I was about 4 we walked into my grandma's house and I literally smelled mashed potatoes, so I said so, and the whole family erupted at my adorable stupid sillyness. It can't possibly smell like potatoes with a turkey in the oven!! Awww ... we hope you grow up pretty honey!

Thanksgiving is my husbands all time favorite holiday. And I'm not really sure why, he hates Turkey, he told me it's the cardboard of meats. He's not a huge potato guy, and lets face it all the rest is just, well sides. But, he maintains it's his favorite and even though year after year I out eat him, we all just pretend he really does love it.

But aside from the tryptophan, football, potatoes - sweet and otherwise, nasty cranberries and if you're lucky my grandmothers seriously world famous (okay maybe not the entire world but our marketing team is working on it) apple pie, why celebrate?

I feel like some of us are losing interest in history. Who cares lets party!!!!! Well ... that's all well and seriously good. I love food and I love my family, so any reason to get together is awesome for me. But really our nation made a day for people to used to not have to work, so that they could give pause and reflect on all the things they're Thankful for. People aren't Thankful anymore. I mean not really. And yes I know I'm making a generalization and you're sitting over there on your computer all offended because you're like I'm Thankful everyday whacko! The reality is,  yes you may be thankful, but so many people aren't. Trending generations not happy with what was, or what they have. When I was a kid I was spending time building a horrible death trap we called a tree fort in the back yard tree. Now these kids have their own cell phones, iPads (not even iPods anymore, they get the whole pad!), tv's, DS's, laptops, portable DVD players and on and on and on. To be frank, I don't have half those things and I'm an adult.

When I was in high school, I was lucky that my mom let me drive the family van to school. I hated every minute of that stupid thing, but I was honestly lucky. As a senior, you shouldn't have to ride the bus. But there was a kid in my grade who when he turned 16 got a brand new Mustang. It was red. Sweet. He threw a tantrum in school, that everyone heard about because it was 1 year old. It wasn't the newest model. Yep. Happened fer real. I can tell you his name. But I won't. That's what I went to school with. I'm lucky to have a hideous Astro van, SERIOUSLY lucky, and he's complaining because his brand new Mustang isn't new enough ... These are the generations who grow up to teach their children about materials. Possessions. Having THINGS are important. The more things you have the better you are.

Well, not that I'm a good enough parent to offer that deep of parental advice, but I think we need to send a different message to the upcoming generations. Whether you're a parent, mentor, teacher, friend, we all have opportunities to impact future generations. When I was lifeguarding at my home town pool the kids recognized me in the grocery store. This one kid said Mommy Mommy that's a lifeguard! I knew I needed to set an example. As dumb as that sounds, that was cool to me! It was like my own tiny little version of celebrity. But also important. I knew that kid would be watching what I did. Monkey see Monkey do.

I'm to a point in my life where I am starting to try to mature. I think deep down if you lose your inner kid a piece of you is gone, but we also need to start not fully acting like that inner kid. I have been able to let go of  a lot of the wants in my life and focus on the needs. And the ability to do that has not been an easy road. It has taken a lot of kicks in the face and fire's under the rump. Mostly I had to focus on opening my eyes. Telling myself do you see this? Do you know what is going on? Through my grandfather, my last remaining grandfather being diagnosed with cancer, to my work in Human Trafficking, to all the horrendous storms and tragedies. I have to understand that what I have does not define who I am. My house, messy and creeky and small as it may be, does not make me a bad or incomplete person. I am a homeowner. How many people do not get to call themselves that ever? Or did once, but not any longer.

Our nation, and if you know your heritage your ancestors, have fought and died, and worked, and slaved to get you to where you are now. The people who have come before us had to go through hell and back to get this country where it is now. When the people from England first came here to start a new life, it was no life at all. If we're cold we throw on a sweater and put a space heater wherever we want. They died. If we want a snack we go to the fridge and eat something. They went days without eating. We celebrate Thanksgiving to remember those people who literally gave their lives to start something here. To give people an opportunity to live freely the way they want. So that if you want your kid to have a Corvette before they turn 10 you can get them one. It's not about the stuff. It's about the opportunity. And people sacrificed everything they had to give you, someone they don't know, that opportunity.

My husband thinks I cry too much, which is probably true. But I don't see it as a sign of weakness like he does. I see it as a deep emotional bond to things that amaze me. Awesome wonders of the world around me that blow my mind. So as this Thanksgiving rolls around, I'll consider it a success if I cry a little. Remembering those who are no longer with us. Thinking of all that I have and how fortunate I am to have it. How incredible of a life I am privileged to lead and praying I don't mess it up.

I hope you find true Thankfulness this Thanksgiving. A moment or moments, to really, truly, honestly reflect on your life, and the lives of those you love. How we are so lucky to be where we are and have the ones we love near by.

Go and give Thanks ... and don't forget to be really thankful.

Grinds My Gears

So there's this animated show called Family Guy, some of the younger readers may have heard of it, for those whom haven't, it's a show similar to The Simpsons in that it's based on an animated family. But it's a little more raunchy and risque with much more liberal writers. That being said, it's actually pretty funny most of the time. With random plots and the main character and father of the household always coming up with crazy bone headed schemes. Did I mention there's a talking baby? There is an episode where Peter, the main character, gets a spot on the local news station doing a segment called "Grinds My Gears." He does rants about what's bothering him. Hands down one of my favorite episodes.

In what will probably a futile effort to entertain you, I'm going to do a segment on what "Grinds My Gears!" (Can also be, what cooks my carrots, what frosts my cookies, what steams my veggies, what rolls my ravioli's ... you get the idea. And feel free to come up with your own phrases as well!)

First thing, have you seen these commercials for this Greek yogurt? Where the guy is yelling through a mega phone at the pretty professional lady. Chips! Chips! Chips! Then the whole point of the commercial is to satisfy those cravings and eat the yogurt. I ask you, in what dimension or the next does yogurt satisfy a craving for chips?! It doesn't. Ever. Mr. Marketer guy, when I want chips, I want something salty and crunchy. Yogurt is smooth, creamy and sweet you nerd! That's like saying "Ah I'm dying of thirst I need some water!" "Oh you need water?! Here's a bag of sand! ENJOY!" Yogurt has it's place, but it does not make me not want chips.

The other day I was out on a walk with my kids, yeah the four legged and the two legged. And it was like 65 maybe warmer. There was a family, mom - dad - kid, bundled like they were headed for Antarctica. Parka's, hats, headbands, gloves, hoods, the works. Meanwhile I'm over here goin, I got a t-shirt and capri's on and I'm sweating. I don't know bout you but if I were that 10 year old kid, the second I walked outside and knew my mom was nuts I woulda ditched the headband and at LEAST unzipped the fur lined parka. I know it's November, but hey if it's not cold out it's not cold. No need to be embarrassed once you're out there! We all make mistakes! It happens, sometimes you throw on that extra layer and maybe we don't need it today. The responsible thing to do is to accept you were wrong about the weather and move on. Don't own it, it only makes me hot looking at you. PLEASE STOP WEARING PARKA'S WHEN IT'S 70 DEGREES OUTSIDE. You don't need it, unless you're 90. Then as far as I'm concerned you live that long you can do whatever the heck you want! It's 97 and sunny, you own that parka grandma!

 The reverse. If there is in fact snow on the ground, it's time to put the flippy floppies away. I know shoes stink, I completely agree, but wait to take them off until you're appropriately in doors. I mean. What did your toes ever do to you? Really. They're all just sittin there goin "hey, we're here, ya know, just doin our thing, helpin you walk n whatnot. Then we're all thrown out into the snow turnin blue, and you don't care. We're just toes to you, let em fall off you say! I'll have you know we look AMAZING in the summer!" You'd look weird wearin those flip flops with no toes dude! Cover them up. They're cold. It's time.

The Patriots.

What's with all these animal cruelty commercials??! Does anyone really not change the channel on those things? I would think that would send a message to the station saying "Hmm ... yeah I see when these commercials air there is a dramatic down turn in viewer ship." "Well how big of a down turn Bob?" "Well all the way, yeah, zero people are watching our station during the commercial air time. Huh." Put it together. No one wants to see that. It's sad and it almost made me throw up once, and they use music that always makes me look up to see that poor 3 legged dog gimpin around when he CLEARLY has no family! No family! I mean it's like, c'mon man! You can't not cry when you see that! Poor thing. I adamantly refuse to give them money until they stop showing abused animals. I get the shock and awe, but I'm just stuck on aww, followed by tears, followed by throw up. I'm not writin you a check for making my lunch reappear. If anything YOU owe ME! That burger wasn't free dude!
 
Delivery people. Yeah you fella. Comin all over to my house and whatnot. Okay so my husband is an engineer and doesn't know how to appropriately interact with people in public so he orders all of his stuff from the safety of behind his computer. That's no reason to tick me off! I know they're watchin me plan my day, and when my kid goes down for her seriously needed nap in the afternoon ... that's when they strike! And it's never a freakin stealth attack. No. NO! They KNOCK. Those ding dongs knock. Why? Because they want to see if I'm home! Who cares?! Dump the thing in a bag and put it by my door. I'm PRETTY certain I'll eventually see a 40 pound box sittin there. I would even be in favor of just dumpin it by the mailbox! Yeah slow down slightly, chuck and go. My dog hates you. He hates your guts and when you knock, it makes him go bat crap crazy because he knows it's his arch nemesis. So next time you think about knockin on some schmoe's door ... Think. Maybe I should do this the silent way as to not disturb the angry beast on the other side of this door. Just sayin. You don't go throwin firecrackers down the dragons lair!

The Steelers. STOP IT.

Feel free to post about your own peeves, pet or otherwise. (For the really smart one's you'll get that. For the rest of you, just smile and pretend!) We've all got em. Sometimes it feels good to air em! Otherwise they get moldy and you gotta wash em and it's a whole deal.

Stupid is a disease people! I hope you never catch it!!!