Shots of Tequila

Sipping some Pina Coladas in Cabo!

We had a great time in Cabo, San Lucas.

I shaved my head again. I like it better when I don’t have to worry about combing my hair.

CONCORD, N.H. — While stranded on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Eagle Scout Scott Mason plunged into frigid water, built a rock shelter to protect himself from the mountain’s notorious winds and watched a rescue helicopter fly off as he tried to attract the crew’s attention.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518417,00.html

This 17 year old knew what to do and took appropriate action. Good job!

The Marvin Gaye song lyrics had me thinking about the way things are these days. Too many people are rude, insensitive, inconsiderate, and some are downright nasty to others, particularly strangers. We live in a time where everyone seems to be in a hurry, everyone is impatient, and everyone seems to have an inflated sense of self-worth, and when anyone even accidentally cuts them off on the road, they get so enraged, that the term “road rage” was developed. Some sick people actually want to kill you if you accidentally cut them off on the road. How crazy and insane is that?

Just about every religion in the world teaches people to love each other, help each other, forgive each other, and certainly NOT to hurt people or harm people, yet many of our fellow humans are so wrapped up in themselves, and have become so rude and uncaring about others…OUCH!

Also, with crime gradually rising, these insensitive people are more likely to take your wallet, even forcefully, and not even feel bad about it, and other uncaring people won’t even help you, they may even walk by and turn their heads in the other direction. In fact, the need for people to carry items of self defense is now greater than ever, as we live in a time where it almost seems like “every man for himself.” OUCH again!

I don’t know where all of this will get us, or when the insanity will stop, but it sure is a scary time in the history of our little planet, and our civilization is slowly becoming uncivilized, and it is so sad to watch it happen. Next time you’re “out there,” maybe you can be a little nicer to some of our fellow humans, and maybe if we all try to do this daily, we can slow down the process of What’s Going On!

I hope you enjoyed the series on Ben Franklin’s virtues as outlined in his quote.

The quote is as follows, “Thirteen virtues are necessary for true
success: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.”

As you know, we are strong believers in being able to protect yourself. Many times, the police can’t arrive in time to save you and in many circumstances, you don’t even have an opportunity to call for help.

You are left to deal with the situation on your own.

You don’t get all freaked out about getting in an accident just because you put your seatbelt on.

Nor should you needlessly worry about getting attacked just because you carry protection such as a stun gun or a pepper spray.

You’d be thankful you had your seatbelt on if you did get in an accident. You’d also thank yourself over and over if you did come up against a bad guy and had the ability to fend them off and get yourself to safety.

It just becomes second nature to tool up and be prepared.

Self Defense Products

Humility, the state of being humble, is a perfect item with which to end the list of Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues for our successful lives, or at least the pursuit of them.

He was right when he said that we need humility. If we donate money to charity or do some volunteer work, but then we brag about it, this lessens the value of the humanitarian act.

If we have a great score or good grades or a spectacular achievement, whether school-wise, or job-wise, but then we boast about it, the accomplishment suddenly is of less interest to others, who don’t want to have something rubbed in their faces.

When we do something grand, or become something great, or achieve the impossible, we are much better off to keep quiet, and let our actions speak louder than our words.

Others will take note, at least the ones who are worthwhile, and we should have a humble feeling about it, because our efforts were probably blessed by our Divine Creator, and that is one of the major reasons for our eventual success.

Life is too short, but life is good, and more importantly life is what you make it! So, why not make your life the best one that you possibly can? Use the time tested words of wisdom from one of our beloved American elder statesmen, and be humble along the way!

Success is out there, so go get it!

Well, in this day and age, there are probably not too many folks living a chaste life in terms of sex, and chastity can mean abstaining from “unlawful” sexual practice, particularly cheating on your spouse. However, there are other meanings to the word chastity and these are probably what the good Dr. Franklin had in mind!

The word also means “purity in conduct and intention,” and this is always a good practice, whether we are dealing with co-workers and colleagues, friends & family, or even neighbors and acquaintances.

If you are pure in your thoughts and actions, you should be able to stay out of trouble. Personal integrity is also another definition of chastity, and what’s wrong with personal integrity? It sounds like an excellent virtue to have, and we can all sure do ourselves good to pursue a bit more of that!

In fact, integrity, honesty, reputation, and reliability are all very important for a person’s success, and these are particularly important when we live in an era where there are so many people of the opposite habits around. Something to think about!

Tranquility is important to have a good night’s sleep, to enjoy a fine meal, or even any meal at all, and it is important for good health. The home needs to be a happy and tranquil place, free of violence, arguing, stress, and problems. The home should be your refuge from the world. After all, we are out there working, and running in the rat race, why not be able to come home and peacefully relax and enjoy ourselves?

Tranquility is important when approaching studies, your work at the job, your volunteering, and your involvement with church or other house of worship. Who wants to partake in an activity that is stressful and nerve-wracking? It is so much more enjoyable to have serenity, calmness, and a peaceful and tranquil feeling when doing most things in life.

This is also a very important word to be included in this great list, from a great man, on how we can make our lives great! Just reading Ben Franklin’s words can bring tranquility and following them is an even better experience!

Enjoy peace of mind in your home by installing home alarms.
http://www.tbotech.com/home-safety.htm
Some of these will even call your cell phone when the alarm is triggered.

We have always heard our mom or grandmother tell us, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Actually, cleanliness is important for many aspects of human life. If we keep our bodies clean, we will smell fresh and clean, and be more appealing to the opposite sex, for purposes of finding a mate.

People will be more inclined to want to do business with us, so it positively affects our job or professional life. When we keep our homes clean, it makes them more comfortable, and makes us more proud of their beauty and we are more likely to entertain friends and family there.

When we keep our bathrooms and kitchens clean, we are less likely to spread germs, and are more likely to remain healthier. When our offices or workspaces are clean we can be more productive and more efficient in our job performance.

So, as you can see, cleanliness is not just “next to Godliness,”
but it is also puts us one step closer to success! Benjamin Franklin was absolutely brilliant to include this one!

This is such a great word. Imagine how many fewer problems would exist IF everyone used moderation in everything that they did?
Moderation would turn the alcoholic into a casual drinker, the obsessive overeater into a normal weight person, and the compulsive gambler into a person that gambles occasionally for recreation.

The moderate approach to diet and exercise would be better than the people who starve themselves and then suffer medical problems, and the ones who neurotically work out so much that they forget everything else that is important in life.

The “work-a-holic” dad that neglects his wife and kids because he is always busy working, working, working, is unbalanced and needs to learn moderation, even with his job, career, or business.

Moderation can even pertain to religion and politics, as some folks are way too overboard with their religious practices, and others try to force their morality, beliefs, and even political views down everybody’s throat. This is never a good practice, as people should inspire by setting a good example.

Moderation is one of the cornerstones to a healthy and well-balanced human being and their lifestyle.

Living by the law, doing what is right, being a decent person and citizen, and being fair to others are several of the implications here. Benjamin Franklin knew that you need to be correct in your speech and your actions particularly with other people, and especially strangers.

We live in a day and age when many people are downright mean and nasty to others, not to mention rude and insensitive. It is so sad to see how some people mistreat those around them, and how some people have no regard for others.

If the good publisher of Poor Richard’s Almanac were here, he would suggest that we “be nice to each other, respect one another, have a certain degree of compassion and understanding, and use manners and patience with other people.”

There have been, since biblical times, people who are crude, mean, and even evil. Thank goodness that a large majority of folks are decent people, and if we follow the recommendations of good old Ben, we can be even better people!

And if you come across someone who rudely demands your wallet, feel free to dispense some justice with a telescopic steel baton.

http://www.tbotech.com/telescopicbaton.htm