Sunday, July 27, 2014

Practice What You Preach



I saw this quote a few days ago and I can't get it out of my head. 

It's saying some people say one thing, yet do another. You see words coming out of their mouths but their actions make it impossible to hear what they are saying. Essentially, many people are hypocrites. 

I can instantly think of about ten beautifully classic instances of people I know doing this, and some of them are pretty damned good. But what personal growth do I gain from that?  None. So I will turn this around and take a look at myself. 

I've lived most of my adult life this way. Saying I wouldn't tolerate certain behaviors, yet continuing to allow them for years. Decades even. I've made leaps and bounds here. Now, if I tell someone I'm going to do something, or NOT do something, I mean it. I'm proud of myself in that area. 

Clearly the one area where I continue to fall short is vowing to eat better, exercise, and lose weight. I talk, talk, talk it, yet I eat, eat, eat it. I drink it too. 

So instead of focusing on how much it bugs me when preachers come in to my office and flirt with my employees, or a number of other things, I'm going to try to take a life lesson from it. 

Practice what you preach. 

Happy Sunday, y'all. 


Sunday, July 20, 2014

You Can't Have One Without The Other

Yesterday my son asked to use the car for a date with his girlfriend. Dinner and a movie.  He just got his intermediate license a few days ago, which allows him to drive without a licensed driver in the car. Since then he has driven to my dad's house and a couple other spots close by. So this would be his first real experience out on his own.

was paralyzed with fear. 

A friend of mine lost her niece in a terrible crash recently. And I kept thinking of other crashes involving teens. Having your child sick or hurt, or God forbid, losing your child, has got to be some of the worst pain I can imagine. I can hardly stand to think about it. 

This leads me to the real point of this entry. Thinking about this made me realize something. The worst heartaches we have in this life can only exist because of the happiest moments in our lives. Grieving over the loss of a loved one doesn't occur without first experiencing love and joy with that person. Having your heart broken by a lover is the same. It wouldn't hurt so bad if it hadn't once felt so wonderful. Losing a high level job wouldn't seem so devastating if you hadn't first enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment and the payoff of hard work. An animal who is caged, resents it more if he once experienced freedom. You can rarely have sorrow without first having happiness. 

I guess we could put ourselves in a bubble to avoid this sorrow in the first place. Don't love or feel and you don't get hurt. Don't care for a pet because it won't live long. Don't make friends because they sometimes disappoint you. Distance yourself emotionally from your parents so you won't witness them grow old and sick. Don't hold another human being in your arms because one day they may leave you. Don't take chances, don't have adventure.  

Safer, but what kind of existence would that be? 


Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Step Outside Your Life

Being on vacation is funny. It can be like you are stepping outside of your life for a little while. No household chores to do. No laundry. No bills to pay. No groceries to buy. No responsibility. Sure, sitting down and having quiet time will allow your mind to go back to the real world, and know that all of those things are waiting for you when you return. But what a lovely blessing to step outside the box for a few days and turn it all off for a while.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

A Much Needed Break

I'm spending the week at Kitty's house in South Florida. A much needed break from the day to day hustle and bustle of my life. 

Flying down here, I was reminded of the strange superstions I practice when I fly. 

As soon as I go through the security checkpoint I have to find the nearest water fountain. Luckily in my city, there is a fountain at the end of the checkpoint. When I reach the fountain, I take two Dramamine. I have always had terrible motion sickness. During take off, I always pray. Once cabin service begins, I always order ginger ale. This was likely born from my motion sickness problem, but I still do it. As soon as I get off the plane, I find a restroom. It's just what I do. Superstition or habit, I don't know. 

Anyway, I'm here, and so far it's been absolute Heaven. Friday night we went to an Italian restaurant and I enjoyed a huge portion of Veal Parmesan, linguini, hand twisted bread, salad, and a cold Peroni. Yesterday, my brother in law BB made a wonderful breakfast of blueberry pancakes, then we spent the day at the pool. A steak dinner and "The Big Lebowski" rounded out the day. No drama. No stress. Just wonderful food and great company. 

Oh....not all of us had a drama free day. The garage door broke and we were locked out for awhile. BB had to climb a ladder and crawl through the kitchen window which had fortunately been opened during pancake preparation.  

I'm thankful for this break, and for the wonderful hospitality of my hosts. Two people I love very much. Not sure I can ever repay all their kindness.