NOW WHAT? GREEN FATIGUE POWER

Another year? Now what?

I gave the most important Christmas present this year, one that will resonate in eternity, or maybe through January.

My two girls got their letterman jacket, their superhero cape, their cloak of invincibility.

I broke out the ironing board and starch and scissors and applied them all to this game changer.

Remember being a kid and something didn’t go your way and your parents said, “You’ll understand when you get older?”

I do.

Now I’m older and I say it.

Except when it’s a Christmas present this special, one I’ve been saving for fifty years.

Like a family heirloom? Exactly like a family heirloom, with a twist.

Back in the 70’s I had the shortest military career possible. Two years, in and out, like a draftee.

My Army was the first group, or close to the first group, of the all volunteer service.

I signed on the dotted line and took the same bus from Coos Bay to Portland as countless had before me, and after.

My buddy and I went in on the Buddy Plan and got separated right away. Hey, Buddy; hey Gary.

Since then I’ve kept two green fatigue army shirts with our last name on them.

This Christmas my girls each got one pressed and starched and all loose threads trimmed off.

With their last names on them.

They’ll understand when they get older?

 

Why Them? Now What?

My Mom had three boys before she had a daughter.

My Grandpa helped out by giving her a nice club to use on us one Christmas.

It was a joke until the day it came into play.

Now I’m the Granddad and the club hangs in my garage, waiting for another chance.

Until then, my girls now have the license to yell, to give orders, to dispense learning in teachable moments.

Each is a young mother with plans for more rambunctious kids.

Will they need the power of the Green Fatigue?

Yes, they will.

Since the shirts come with three verbal instructions yelled into them, they start with an advantage:

 

1. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?

2. HOW CAN I HELP YOU HELP YOURSELF?

3. WHO DID THIS?

 

The variations go on forever and it would behoove you to know them all.

(The first time I heard the word ‘behoove’ was in the Army.)

 

Strong Women Get Stronger

If you plan on making the long haul, and why wouldn’t you, the idea is being up to the ordeal.

Baby boomers have had, or seen, more than a few ordeals by now.

Why not commit to being as viable as possible from now on?

You’ve joined the gym, taken yoga classes, and dance classes.

Now what?

How about a kick-ass class from this guy:

 

TV Dad, Bodybuilder, Conan, Terminator, and former Governor of California. I killed the Predator. I told you I’d be back. I’m here to pump you up.

For the last 60 years, Arnold has seen every workout trend. This guide combines the best of the best.

Whether you’re beginner or advanced, have a full gym or only your body weight, or want to train for 2 hours or only 10 minutes, this guide has everything you need — including Arnold’s infamous Friday workouts with Franco.

This guide will help you start wherever you are and turn the next phase of your life into your prime.

Don’t cheat your health. You have one body. Challenge it, and you’ll realize you are stronger than you thought.

 

Does Arnold’s advice come with baggage? Can you work for the results he shows?

My girls have youth and vitality and beauty. The only thing missing comes in their new green fatigues.

Orneriness.

Tell them what they can’t do, then watch them do it.

Now they can face the future while holding their worlds together.

Gotta be strong to do that.

Do you know what else you gotta be?

You need to be able to ask your husband or wife for help and know their answer before hand.

My girls are millennials, my wife a boomer like me. My millennial sons are all about strong women.

If the women in your life need a boost, a push, or a pull, be strong for them.

Be strong for each other. 

Now what?

Take the garbage out and empty the dishwasher and fold the clothes and mop the floor and change the baby and go to the store and, and, and .  .  .  .

Gotta be strong to stand in that storm of need.

And you are.

Dismissed.