The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions–and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else–the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first–the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

A couple other girls from WCSC drove to the OC to participate. There were only 7 girls registered and we were by far the smallest.

Each left has three attempts. My plans were 135, 155, 175. The first two were easy. On my last attempt, I hit my head when setting up and lost my focus. I got down and never came up.

This video is of the 155, which I have done before but whatever…it was still fun. I refuse to post the head buster video. It’s just too embarrassing.

I had no expectations for the Bench Press. I rarely press and had no idea what my 1 rep was. I planned for 95, 105 and 110. The Press is a whole new animal at a meet because you have to pause at the bottom and wait for the judge to say “press”. The first two were ok, but 110 wasn’t going anywhere. Fail.

The deadlift was last and I was hopeful. I’m usually pretty strong at it. I opened at 235 and planned 250, 265. 235 was easy, then 250 felt heavy. I took too long to set up and got scared. I went for 260 which is my previous 1 rep max. I approached the bar more aggressively and lifted quicker. It was WAY easier. I should have done 265 after all. Live and learn.

Over all it was fun and I learned a lot. I may do another one in October. We shall see.

I know, you are all so much more wise and smart than the average teen. Well, duh. Of course you are. Why is it that adults expect teens to behave as though they were not just a mere 13-14-15…etc. So, act like it. You were there once. Try to remember what it feels like.

Puberty.
Insecurity.
Increased Responsibility.
Acne.
Confusion about the opposite sex.
Looking for who you REALLY are.

and so much more…but mostly just humans trying to live and relate and grow and mature, as we all are.

So here are a few tips I’ve accumulated and through think and thin, I still love my kids, a lot. We have our moments, I’m not gonna lie. Our worst moments don’t define us and the same goes for them. Let them grow and learn. It’s painful at times, sure. But, everything worth doing takes effort.

1. Start early. Like, really early, when they are 2 or younger. I’m pretty sure that kids who aren’t required to respect and obey their parents early in life, will surely not do so later. They DO know what they are doing. Don’t let their little overalls and hair bows fool you.

2. Talk to them. Ask them stuff. Tell them stuff. Make them laugh. Laugh at their jokes. They might not be super forthcoming with deep info, but don’t give up. Let them know you will always be there to listen.

3. Apologize. I’ve gotten so much respect from my kids for being able to say I’m sorry for overreacting, or saying something harshly or whatever. I’ve seen them become more able to realize when they need to do the same. I think it builds confidence to accept responsibility when they don’t always feel like they are wrong.

4. Help them without resentment. Driving places, helping with home work, sleepovers, buying school supplies are all just part of parenting. Don’t make your kids feel guilty for it. After all, you birthem them. They will appreciate it someday. Allow them to mature enough to see it.

and,

5. Keep the line between parent and friend. As my kids have gotten older, there are things we talk about that we might not have before, but keep in mind that they are approaching adulthood. Nonetheless, they are still your children and need to respect you. Keeping things open is not the same as becoming a peer. That happens later.

Good luck! Hey, while you’re here share some insight you might have to parenting or relating to teens, whether you have one, know one or are one…you might have a nugget to share!

I added the bacon because now I keep plenty on hand for such a time as this.

It was so delicious. It brought back all kind of memories, mostly of food. My mom would put huge chunks of onion in it. Gag. I left those OUT! I’m sure this meal was made because of the low cost. We were not rich by any means. I was also reminded of ‘leftover’ night. Whatever was saved from the week in the fridge came out and was revisited. This is probably why to this day, I despise leftovers.

I had another food memory this week, as well. I bought cinnamon graham crackers and when I opened them promptly spread butter on one. My kids almost fled the premises. They were mortified. I guess I grew up putting butter on graham crackers. It’s quite delicious, you know. Don’t believe it? Come over sometime for tea and buttered grahams. Divine.

PLUS

equals joy. The end.

Do you have any different or odd food combinations or food memories from your childhood? Please share. Don’t leave me hanging here with butter on my face!

This week’s workouts were kind of a roller coaster. Tuesday, my heart was not in it but I finished.
15,10,5 rep rounds for time:
Squat Clean – 75#
Ring Dips 10-7-4 (ended with bar dips)

(rest 25 min)

21,18,15,12,9 rep rounds for time:
KBS – 26#
COVP chin ups 15-12-9-6-3

Wednesday is M&M (Martha & Megan) Hoedown Workout Day

for meters:
2 min row @ 97% – 483 meters
rest 1 min
for reps:
2 min amrap clean and jerk – 97% 8 reps
rest 1 min
for meters:
2 min row @ 97% – 475 meters

(rest 15 min)

2 min amrap @ 97%:
burpees – 39reps
rest 1 min
for meters:
2 min row @ 97% – 398 meters
rest 1 min
2 min amrap @ 97%
double unders – 115 reps

Then, I finished the week off with the “Filthy Fifty”
this is…
For time:
50 Box jump, 20 inch box
50 Jumping pull-ups
50 Kettlebell swings, 26#
Walking Lunge, 50 steps
50 Knees to elbows
50 Push press, 33 pounds
50 Back extensions (with a band)
50 Wall ball shots, 14 pound ball
50 Burpees
50 Double unders
Time: 28:32
I was pretty happy with this. I don’t feel like I was super slow on anything except the burpees.

Looking forward to the next week!

I love you, internets…you are awesome. The only thing that would make you awesomer (that’s a word-because I say it is) is if you would comment more.

See you on Wednesday! I’m excited to take on a specially crafted workout for my bday. Let’s see what this Forty ONEDERFUL chic can do!!

The beauty of running water makes me happy every day. Imagining pumping or dragging a bucket out of a well, or having to boil every drop before use makes me sad.

A long hot shower is pretty amazing, as is a soak in the hot tub.

Props to modern plumbing…which according to Wiki, a form of flushable toilets was found dating back to 1500 BC.