The worst smell I have ever witnessed without a doubt is rotten milk. It somehow crawls into your nose and shoots lasers at every wholesome smell you have ever been introduced to. Recently the inside of my truck was bathed in a full gallon of raw milk cream and all. This putrid smell has been burning in my olfactory’s for two months although I have had recent success in eradicating the stink vermin there is a slight tinge of stank that still arises from the floor boards each morning. But even with the trouble seen from this incident nothing works on me greater than a sink full of dirty dishes! A clean shining sink is the precursor for a sigh of relief, muscles relax and the sun shines just a little bit brighter. But what are the benefits of washing your dishes as you use them?
In a way there is no benefit, now or later, either way they will be cleaned, right? Logically this is completely correct but this argument may be somewhat short sided. When a dish washed directly after use it creates opportunity, fewer germs, less bugs, and finally less sickness. When food has less time to rot it has less time to propagate its germs these germs never have a chance to get air borne or to find crevices on your plate. In turn bugs that are searching for a way to sustain their lives never get on the trail to your leftover food remnants. And finally because you have lessened the likelihood of the germ factories you have uninvited sickness to the party, no RSVP, no door prizes, just as Elvis put it, “return to sender.”
The next phenomenon of a tidy sink in a bachelor’s house is that when those of the opposite sex come for a visit they get to see that you are house broken! In fact here is part of a recent conversation I overheard from some eligible ladies,
“wow this boys house is so clean, it really is a man house maybe I can marry one of these self sufficient men and I won’t have to act like his mother for him cause he already knows how to take care of himself!”
So it becomes necessary in order to continue our species that each of us constructs a habit of cleaning our dishes directly after each use.
Finally, it is an issue of self-respect; it’s a good habit for future family, removes what your roommates may consider as your selfish feeling of entitlement. Because why should someone else be doing your dishes, are you’re too good for that? Everyone is happier when things are tidy and clean. There is peace in this simplicity.
There are many benefits to washing you dishes and keeping a clean sink. These include health, companionship, and friends. By bridging this gap from childhood to responsible adulthood life can be less stressful and you appreciation and respect for others is shown. The sink is open for the next user and you help him have a better day too. The stink of rotting food won’t burn your senses in some ways this could create a peace and consecration in your home that will spill over into your whole life. Imagine that. Just by doing you dishes!
Thursday, December 17
Reflections on a Recent Read
What does it mean to have a friend? How does one person influence others? These are fundamental questions in life. From birth we are reaching out and attempting to contact people around us in hopes that we will end up with some lasting relationship with them or in other words a friendship. As our interpersonal relationships continue we take on certain rolls, in some occasions we are influenced by others and in others we do the influencing. I read, How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. This book highlights some basic tools that each of us can use in order to make new friends and influence those in whom we come in contact with. The book is broken into four main categories; how to handle people, how to make people like you, how to win people to your way of thinking, and how to be a leader.
These categories initially seem very manipulative and unsound for someone who is seeking truth and wants to have true character in their interactions with others. It is understandable that there are certain levels of decorum that come into play in many instances of life and Carnegie helps to label those throughout. Some of the principles he teaches as subcategories in the book are easier to grab onto and would be natural to incorporate in ones life. Examples of these are; don’t criticize, give honest and sincere appreciation, smile, be genuinely interested in others, remember peoples names, be a good listener and make others feel important. These are just a few and they encompass most of the first half of his book. They make the blocked out, main categories not feel as cold and unnatural.
The second half of his book is more catered toward the influencing of others. Some of this may be more difficult to swallow, not that the principles aren’t real but pointing each out and categorizing them seems disingenuous to an extent. For instance, let the other person feel that the idea is his. Most people have done this in order to appease a boss or red personality type before. But to make it a personal policy turns the stomach a bit, I just never got into Jedi mind tricks this deep although the Jedi’ are great.
In the last section of the book Carnegie talks about being a leader but what he means to say is, this is what you do when your in control and want to continue to get your way. He says, make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest. Then he says, talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other persons and let the other person save face. These are all gracious things to say and nice ways to be but having been on the receiving end of this before, it is more transparent than a Ziploc bag!
In summation, this book is full of little gems some of the principles are true and would help anyone who implemented them in both their personal and business relationships. The most important thought while reflecting is that although some of these tools are embedded in each of us naturally and some can be learned, if we are not natural and most importantly sincere in the application of all used principles we will be considered shallow and fraudulent in our relationships. And remember when using Jedi mind tricks only use them for good or Yoda will, “happy not be with you.”
I would kindly appreciate all responses to this article, regardless of opinion.
These categories initially seem very manipulative and unsound for someone who is seeking truth and wants to have true character in their interactions with others. It is understandable that there are certain levels of decorum that come into play in many instances of life and Carnegie helps to label those throughout. Some of the principles he teaches as subcategories in the book are easier to grab onto and would be natural to incorporate in ones life. Examples of these are; don’t criticize, give honest and sincere appreciation, smile, be genuinely interested in others, remember peoples names, be a good listener and make others feel important. These are just a few and they encompass most of the first half of his book. They make the blocked out, main categories not feel as cold and unnatural.
The second half of his book is more catered toward the influencing of others. Some of this may be more difficult to swallow, not that the principles aren’t real but pointing each out and categorizing them seems disingenuous to an extent. For instance, let the other person feel that the idea is his. Most people have done this in order to appease a boss or red personality type before. But to make it a personal policy turns the stomach a bit, I just never got into Jedi mind tricks this deep although the Jedi’ are great.
In the last section of the book Carnegie talks about being a leader but what he means to say is, this is what you do when your in control and want to continue to get your way. He says, make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest. Then he says, talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other persons and let the other person save face. These are all gracious things to say and nice ways to be but having been on the receiving end of this before, it is more transparent than a Ziploc bag!
In summation, this book is full of little gems some of the principles are true and would help anyone who implemented them in both their personal and business relationships. The most important thought while reflecting is that although some of these tools are embedded in each of us naturally and some can be learned, if we are not natural and most importantly sincere in the application of all used principles we will be considered shallow and fraudulent in our relationships. And remember when using Jedi mind tricks only use them for good or Yoda will, “happy not be with you.”
I would kindly appreciate all responses to this article, regardless of opinion.
Wednesday, October 28
Change in the weather and random yea
I couldn't sleep tonight; I usually sleep like a baby. Decided I was going out for a walk...
The first cold nights of fall make me shudder. Fall dries my face out and makes my nose run a bit and I wear a jacket and scarf to fend it off. But it awakens my senses and its like I can almost feel, smell, taste, and for once see the color of fall, at least through my broken eyes. I love the awakened senses.
At times, although it is faint, I get a smell in my nose that reminds me of Texas in the fall. Running miles in the early morning for cross country, late Friday night football games and early Saturday morning competition. Cold dew on my Asics and an even colder bus ride. Watching the warm breath of the southern earth as the steam rises from the swamps. Then a midnight practice and basketball was there.
I find myself not searching for the good old days but struck by the beauty of the past. And it invigorates my soul.
The first cold nights of fall make me shudder. Fall dries my face out and makes my nose run a bit and I wear a jacket and scarf to fend it off. But it awakens my senses and its like I can almost feel, smell, taste, and for once see the color of fall, at least through my broken eyes. I love the awakened senses.
At times, although it is faint, I get a smell in my nose that reminds me of Texas in the fall. Running miles in the early morning for cross country, late Friday night football games and early Saturday morning competition. Cold dew on my Asics and an even colder bus ride. Watching the warm breath of the southern earth as the steam rises from the swamps. Then a midnight practice and basketball was there.
I find myself not searching for the good old days but struck by the beauty of the past. And it invigorates my soul.
Wednesday, September 2
School is in session!
I am a student. I have been a student for many years now. I have studied many things tectonic plates, literature, concrete, building codes, computer science and drafting among many others. That was my first four years of school and I just had debt and the knowledge to build just about anything known to man. Then I built houses full time for a few years and put my knowledge to work. Finally with no piece of paper(Diploma) in hand I began to wonder if I would ever finish college and grow up.
My sister told me to come and visit her school and as I remember describing it, the really weird school that most of my family had or was going to. It was in Cedar City too. The middle of nowhere! I reluctantly went for would be a weekend that would change the course of my life forever. As my friend H loves to tell the story of my flip flop, I will try to tell it but surely wont do it justice. I showed up the for the first day of a three day seminar and sat and listened to the professors and administrators talk about education reform and the need for young educated men and women who have studied under Aristotle and Plato and Marx and Tolstoy(I knew none of these names, I thought they may be professors at the school back then). This figure of speech was actually a call to study the classical literature and histories from their original sources rather than a watered down textbook.
So after two days of this I told H that I thought the school was neat but most definitely not for me! Then the Saturday morning closing lecture came one man stood up and spoke straight to me, at least I felt he was, he said today in America we have the most over-skilled under-educated population since Nazi Germany. I thought WOW that's me. I had many skills and did not think reading or understanding history or the world was important at all.
I went directly into the office and began my application for George Wythe University and I am so excited to have been here for going on three years now. My life has changed I love books I love discussing current topics and seeing the trends from the past I really enjoy so many great young people that inspire me to be better and learn more each day. The next almost four months of my life will be dedicated to learning I can't wait. I am glad to have my life ahead of me with the skills I have and the beginnings of great knowledge.
My sister told me to come and visit her school and as I remember describing it, the really weird school that most of my family had or was going to. It was in Cedar City too. The middle of nowhere! I reluctantly went for would be a weekend that would change the course of my life forever. As my friend H loves to tell the story of my flip flop, I will try to tell it but surely wont do it justice. I showed up the for the first day of a three day seminar and sat and listened to the professors and administrators talk about education reform and the need for young educated men and women who have studied under Aristotle and Plato and Marx and Tolstoy(I knew none of these names, I thought they may be professors at the school back then). This figure of speech was actually a call to study the classical literature and histories from their original sources rather than a watered down textbook.
So after two days of this I told H that I thought the school was neat but most definitely not for me! Then the Saturday morning closing lecture came one man stood up and spoke straight to me, at least I felt he was, he said today in America we have the most over-skilled under-educated population since Nazi Germany. I thought WOW that's me. I had many skills and did not think reading or understanding history or the world was important at all.
I went directly into the office and began my application for George Wythe University and I am so excited to have been here for going on three years now. My life has changed I love books I love discussing current topics and seeing the trends from the past I really enjoy so many great young people that inspire me to be better and learn more each day. The next almost four months of my life will be dedicated to learning I can't wait. I am glad to have my life ahead of me with the skills I have and the beginnings of great knowledge.
Friday, August 28
great new weight loss program
My name is Ed I used to weigh 243 pounds. Back when I hit the 200 pound mark 12 years ago in 1997 I never thought I could be in triple digits twice, but I was. My weight yo-yoed for a few years, mom called it "filling out", but I knew I was just getting fat and loving it!
Over the years I thought about many things to battle the weight off. Tape worm never took, smoking caused a plethora of side effects, sit 'n fit only could take me so far, so as a last resort I decided to start running.
I had heard some success stories of people losing weight from running but they had to run for a long time and consistently, I didn't think I could do it. But regardless of my doubt I ran everyday until one day I ran a marathon and won, ok I didn't win but I sounded like the natural thing to say.
That was last year I have kept any goals to run this year because of some minor foot injuries and major worries of my heart stopping mid-run(I'll get over it).
I have been a little down in the dumps because of it all until the night of August 17th hit. I got sick, strep throat to be exact and eureka 15 pounds in 11 days. I recommend it to anyone looking to lose a few vanity pounds or to fit into that little black dress. Please contact me for details on how to get this illness according to my doctors I have been able to catch this same illness in my throat 8 times in the last three years. Never give up on the easy way out. If you work hard enough you can dodge the right way every time. official weigh-in 229, 14 pound loss!
Over the years I thought about many things to battle the weight off. Tape worm never took, smoking caused a plethora of side effects, sit 'n fit only could take me so far, so as a last resort I decided to start running.
I had heard some success stories of people losing weight from running but they had to run for a long time and consistently, I didn't think I could do it. But regardless of my doubt I ran everyday until one day I ran a marathon and won, ok I didn't win but I sounded like the natural thing to say.
That was last year I have kept any goals to run this year because of some minor foot injuries and major worries of my heart stopping mid-run(I'll get over it).
I have been a little down in the dumps because of it all until the night of August 17th hit. I got sick, strep throat to be exact and eureka 15 pounds in 11 days. I recommend it to anyone looking to lose a few vanity pounds or to fit into that little black dress. Please contact me for details on how to get this illness according to my doctors I have been able to catch this same illness in my throat 8 times in the last three years. Never give up on the easy way out. If you work hard enough you can dodge the right way every time. official weigh-in 229, 14 pound loss!
Saturday, May 9
Grandma J
.jpg)
When I was a kid We used to take trips to Alabama from Texas 8 hours on through the south seven kids in the old Toyota van, some of the best times of my life. But the real treat was always on the other side of the 26 mile long bridge through the swamp and the metal "singing" bridges(I think they sang Dixie), it was Grandma's house! Her house has always been a true sanctuary of love and happiness to me. The only thing you got in trouble for there was watching to much TV and that's a good thing to get scolded for anyway.
.jpg)
Grandma never has had a shortage of hugs to give or "sugar" (kisses and if you know grandma you know how she says it; suga) to receive. Give her five minutes and she'll have your life planned out for you, she can't help it, its always a good plan, full of productivity, and meant for the best. These days it may be a little more unrealistic but she sure does mean well.
When I was about 13 Grandma was in town, in Texas, and she came and picked me up from school. We needed gas so we pulled into this station with a service center, grandma J told me it was high time I go a job and started working towards financial independence and I should get a job at the service station. I said ok knowing that I was too young and they wouldn't hire me. After the fuel was pumped she went to pay and a few minutes later she walked out and got in the car, she turned to me and said, "That man says if you come talk to him, he can find you some work around the shop." I was 13 and embarrassed and didn't go back but that just shows how grandma J is fearless and always attempting to help solve problems and help people grow.
.jpg)
A few times growing up I got to spend a month at grandma's house in the summer with a sibling. These times were great full of hard work, family history stories, trips to Brewton, watermelon, the beach, early mornings with grandpa on the patio, cheering for the braves, eating burnt bacon,learning how to help, faithful prayers that opened the windows of Heaven, scripture studies and most of all so much love that even thinking about it brings on a refreshed warmth. Better than a blanket right out of the dryer wrapped around you so tight.
Grandma J is pretty sick right now, she had major intestinal surgery on Thursday night. The warm blanket of the Lord's mercy has been with her throughout it all I'm sure. I can't think of a more faithful and deserving woman. She is in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I pray for peace and comfort for this wonderful 85 year-old woman, she deserves it.
Thursday, April 30
Philly
Well I just got into Philly on Sunday, so far it has been good. I'll be installing security systems this summer. I drove all the way from Denver without stopping for sleep. It has taken me til today(Thursday) to catch up on the sleep I skipped. Things are going to be good now, I love the east coast! So much history and so much beauty. I never thought I could like it so much. we'll see if I still say that in 4 months...
I went to Gettysburg on Sunday as the sun was coming up It was beautiful. This picture is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on Oak Hill dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt the evening of July 3, 1938. Sadly there was graffiti all over the memorial that had to be covered by plywood. From what I could see it was mostly racial garbage. Very sad.
I went to Gettysburg on Sunday as the sun was coming up It was beautiful. This picture is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial on Oak Hill dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt the evening of July 3, 1938. Sadly there was graffiti all over the memorial that had to be covered by plywood. From what I could see it was mostly racial garbage. Very sad.
Wednesday, April 8
One foot in front of the other
Recently, because I have become almost completely nocturnal, I have picked up a new tradition of walking in the middle of the night. I decided to wear out a path of sidewalk that takes me on a loop around many parts of Cedar City. I seem to think that there may be something in the night air and deep blue sky that will heal my soul and draw me closer to God. It is working on some levels but there are still, if you'll excuse me for stealing your phrase McDad, miles to go before I sleep.
Tonite, as I left my house around 1:45am, there was the clearest sky I have seen in months and the wind was blowing through my hair. A few times as I crossed the street I contemplated why I should even try to move forward when the universe was doing everything in its power to move me back or at least keep me in the same place. But I just kept walking toward it even when it kicked the dirt in my face and the soda can gave up and went rolling down the gutter.
As I approached my halfway point I realized that the force that was impairing me would soon be helping me in my return and I was glad I picked my initial direction. when I was almost 3/4 through my walk I noticed that a car was quickly pulling up to me and I clenched my fists knowing that any man who thought to assault a silhouette such as mine would be a fool. I peered over in time to see that it was a cop!
What on earth could I have done? My shadow had struck fear into this rookie but not enough because he wanted to question my intentions. I told him that, I wanted to wear out every piece of sidewalk in this town and he wouldn't be the one to stop me! Okay, maybe that wasn't what happened but after we got through the formalities he was satisfied and let me on my way.
As I continued my walk and the evening air I thought, but many of my thoughts are still unfinished maybe they will remain this way, hopefully not.
Tonite, as I left my house around 1:45am, there was the clearest sky I have seen in months and the wind was blowing through my hair. A few times as I crossed the street I contemplated why I should even try to move forward when the universe was doing everything in its power to move me back or at least keep me in the same place. But I just kept walking toward it even when it kicked the dirt in my face and the soda can gave up and went rolling down the gutter.
As I approached my halfway point I realized that the force that was impairing me would soon be helping me in my return and I was glad I picked my initial direction. when I was almost 3/4 through my walk I noticed that a car was quickly pulling up to me and I clenched my fists knowing that any man who thought to assault a silhouette such as mine would be a fool. I peered over in time to see that it was a cop!
What on earth could I have done? My shadow had struck fear into this rookie but not enough because he wanted to question my intentions. I told him that, I wanted to wear out every piece of sidewalk in this town and he wouldn't be the one to stop me! Okay, maybe that wasn't what happened but after we got through the formalities he was satisfied and let me on my way.
As I continued my walk and the evening air I thought, but many of my thoughts are still unfinished maybe they will remain this way, hopefully not.
Sunday, February 22
Children...
I just got back("back" meaning Cedar City) from Houston for to check on some work and although the trip was rather uneventful I did have an interesting thing happen on the plane trip home.
As I got on the full plane I chose a seat with an aisle and as I sat down I looked over and there was an older lady and a 2 to 3 year old sitting next to her on my row. I initially had a few thoughts running through my head, one of them being that the grandma kidnapped her; that thought came out exciting and with me saving the child and putting her into the rightful arms of her parents. But once I got past my daydream I noticed how polite the little girl was. Grandma took the crossword puzzle book from the little one and she quickly retorted, "You should share, Why aren't you sharing with me?" I soon was caught unable to hide my staring and introduced myself to the toddler, her name was Zoey. And she looked out the window and took what she called, "Just a Wonderful nap, Grandma", but as she slept and I read page after page of the history of our civilization I wondered to myself many things; economic, spiritual, mental, powers of our world, strength of morality, strength of our nation; What am I providing for this little girl and all the little girls and boys that are up in the clouds discovering our new world.
I am moving forward with life cautiously, with the knowledge that things are going to change more than they ever have before. I will do whatever possible on my part to build my world for my children so that they can have productive healthy lives also.
But I don't "pledge" I'll just Act.
As I got on the full plane I chose a seat with an aisle and as I sat down I looked over and there was an older lady and a 2 to 3 year old sitting next to her on my row. I initially had a few thoughts running through my head, one of them being that the grandma kidnapped her; that thought came out exciting and with me saving the child and putting her into the rightful arms of her parents. But once I got past my daydream I noticed how polite the little girl was. Grandma took the crossword puzzle book from the little one and she quickly retorted, "You should share, Why aren't you sharing with me?" I soon was caught unable to hide my staring and introduced myself to the toddler, her name was Zoey. And she looked out the window and took what she called, "Just a Wonderful nap, Grandma", but as she slept and I read page after page of the history of our civilization I wondered to myself many things; economic, spiritual, mental, powers of our world, strength of morality, strength of our nation; What am I providing for this little girl and all the little girls and boys that are up in the clouds discovering our new world.
I am moving forward with life cautiously, with the knowledge that things are going to change more than they ever have before. I will do whatever possible on my part to build my world for my children so that they can have productive healthy lives also.
But I don't "pledge" I'll just Act.
Thursday, January 15
Laughable
I am now living in Texas just southeast of Houston and I really love it, but I miss my cinnamon girl a lot. I have been here just over a week and am finding myself very busy and this is good.
The last few days I hired some guys to work for me hauling out all the junk(drywall, doors, carpet, moldy stuff) from the house I am working on. In the business we call it "gutting", Remove everything from the house but leave the structure.
So I have these guys working for me and all they do is pick things up and take them to the street. That's it! After two days of work totaling 14 hours I pay them and they say they will be back the next day, today. I get to the house a little after 8am and they are not there, this is very typical. These guys are always scrounging for work so maybe they found other work for the day or something.
About an hour ago they finally called me back and said that they wanted more money to do the work for me. These guys sat at home all day because they wanted 2 dollars more per hour! That's like trading 3 pennies for 1 quarter because 3 is more than 1! I just laughed because I hired two more guys tonight for less than I was paying the last guys.
Its better to push the broom for a dollar a day than to sit a home and waste away.
Pray for Rachel She is having a very difficult time right now, and I just love her.
The last few days I hired some guys to work for me hauling out all the junk(drywall, doors, carpet, moldy stuff) from the house I am working on. In the business we call it "gutting", Remove everything from the house but leave the structure.
So I have these guys working for me and all they do is pick things up and take them to the street. That's it! After two days of work totaling 14 hours I pay them and they say they will be back the next day, today. I get to the house a little after 8am and they are not there, this is very typical. These guys are always scrounging for work so maybe they found other work for the day or something.
About an hour ago they finally called me back and said that they wanted more money to do the work for me. These guys sat at home all day because they wanted 2 dollars more per hour! That's like trading 3 pennies for 1 quarter because 3 is more than 1! I just laughed because I hired two more guys tonight for less than I was paying the last guys.
Its better to push the broom for a dollar a day than to sit a home and waste away.
Pray for Rachel She is having a very difficult time right now, and I just love her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)