Spring Cleaning (Up)

I'm not trying to incite a riot or cause a panic, and I'm certainly not trying to raise your blood pressure.  But I'd like to remind you that here in Maryland, the temperatures are starting to rise.  Today will be in the 70s, and May is right around the corner.  You know what that means: less clothes/more skin showing. 

If you've put an article of clothing back in the closet because it just isn't fitting right, or if you're spending more time staring at the trouble spots in the mirror, you have time to fix that problem before the shorts and tank top weather approaches.  Ok, I realize that most of the guys don't wear tank tops.  But you do probably cut the lawn shirtless from time to time.  No one wants to show off big flubby grandmother arms in the summer, or tuck in a t-shirt only to have it press against the gut, making you look like a water balloon smuggler. 

We all have room for improvement, and now is a great time.  Motivation? Warm weather, bathing suits, vacations, looking better now that the ski parka is off. Means? Farmers' Markets and vegetable stands are opening back up for the season, gardens can be planted, and fresh meat is aplenty at the local farms.  Rockfish season begins, and we live in close proximity to the best rockfish, in fact the best eating fish, around.  The Chesapeake gives us great fish, oysters, and above all, blue crabs.

Look at your diet, and think about how you can improve it.  I had cheat meals Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.  They weren't horrible cheats, but 3 in a row is definitely the wrong direction.  This tells me that, at least until next weekend, there is NO ROOM for cheating.  I actually receive comfort now from eggs and roasted peppers, and eggplant and ground pork, when in times past my comfort would have come from a big ol' bowl of pasta bolognese. 

Even though Chris had a shed delivered and put on the spot that has always been my garden, I'm planning my new and improved, smaller garden for spring.  There is a fantastic farm stand right down the street, so I'm going to rely on them for most things, but I will plant some zucchini, squash, peppers and green beans.  It's never too late to fix your current habits.  If you've been cheating more than usual, like I have, cut it back.  If you've added back more meat and less veggies, turn the plate around.  If bacon is becoming your staple at every meal, make it a once a day reward.  If you're too busy to work out, carve the time in.  Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer is a mere 4 1/2 weeks away.  Get yourself together, starting now.  3-2-1 GO.