03/15/12 - Not Perfect but BETTER

I am not a perfect person.

Being George Washington has been a great experience so far in order to bring out some of the things that I do really well and also some of my failings.  Failings like trying to promise something that I was unable to do (ie. writing in this journal on a daily basis).  I made a commitment to myself and to you that I would be writing every day and keeping up with the project on a daily basis, and I have not done that.

It's not that I don't think about it on a daily basis and am still trying to live by the monthly teachings of the Being George Washington project, because I am.  Nobody said this was going to be easy, but I must say that I am disappointed that I haven't been able to follow through the way I would have wanted to.

With Diligence, I did a pretty good job the first month, but still fell short with my journal and my writing.  It's hard to say that I succeeded when the entire points was to start something and finish it.  I guess I could say that I actively think about Being George Washington on a daily basis, so in that regard I have made a great deal of progress from the time before I started.  Even through my failings, I know that I still want to be more like George Washington, so I guess that is a big step in the right direction.

Faith, was difficult and probably where I started to get off track.  I have never been a church goer and haven't gone to church on a regular basis since I went to Sunday School when I was in Kindergarten.  Even then, we didn't go to the church services and I was only dropped off for the after service classes.  I still remember those classes though and am now very grateful that I had that much in my life at the time.  I believe that at that young age at gave me my moral center and foundation for the rest of my life.  Since that time however, church has not been a part of my life and I pretty much stopped going all together after an atrocious Easter service where the pastor started preaching predestination.  In the service he said that everything was already predestined by God and used an example that if it was Gods will that a person get an A on a test in school then it didn't matter if the person studied or not, that person would get an A.  The only reason I didn't stand up and walk out was out of respect for my family I was sitting with.

On that note, I DO have a lot of faith.  I believe in God, follow the 10 Commandments and "The Golden Rule" and believe that faith and religion are KEY to having a moral and just society.  A few weeks ago I even went to a memorial service for a good friend of mine at an LDS Church.  I have to say that it was one of the most moving and fulfilling services that I have ever been to.

Virtue is something that I have not actually started yet, but I believe that I follow it very well and I always have.  As I said before.  I always follow the "Golden Rule" and think that it is a good way to express the ideals of being virtuous.  I haven't written out my chart yet, but I am content in knowing that I generally behave in a very virtuous way and have a virtuous lifestyle.

So Being George Washington . . . is hard work.  It almost makes me wish for a simpler time without as many distractions in life to get in the way.  Life doesn't work that way though.  Life IS more complicated today but it just means that we have to WORK HARDER to BE BETTER.

I am not a perfect person.  I have had personal success and failure during this Being George Washington project so far.  One thing I will say is that I know that I am a BETTER person for being on this journey.  So, thank you Glenn and thank you George Washington for being my examples to become better.

02/17/12 - Continuation of my Diligence update

Well, yesterdays update got a little away from me.  Again, three cheers for my friend Ray Conrad and what he is doing.

So I've determined that I am associating with good people but moving on towards the next item I didn't do quite as good.  "Don't speak with malice or envy towards another person".  With everything going on in politics today, it is nearly impossible not to make the occasional comment without a little malice.  Envy, I'm fine with.  No problems there.  Because I am a political junkie however, and I frequently discuss politics with other people,  there is no way I can talk about the Soros's and Obama's of the world and not be a little disgruntled.  I'm pretty sure I've even heard Glenn Beck say (at least once in the past month) "I HATE that guy" when referring to Woodrow Wilson.  But can you blame us for that?

Next on the list was making a goal every day.  This one was pretty hard at first but because of the move it was a pretty easy one to accomplish.  All I pretty much had to do was wake up and make the goal of spending ALL DAY unpacking and organizing my new home.  The goals of writing every day and going to the gym were a little more difficult as I said in my previous post but those I will continue to keep on my list for the future.

I also put on my list to "look every person in the eye when speaking to them and giving them a firm handshake".    The handshake has never been a problem, as my father could have told you (RIP), ever since as a child I shook his bosses hand with one of those squeeze as hard as you can handshakes when I was around 10 years old.  The look people in the eye when you speak to them is a little more difficult.  I'm happy to say that I believe I have accomplished this at every opportunity.  I must say though that I've always felt like I was staring at a person when I've done it in the past and usually looked away.  Now I realize that by looking someone in the eye when I speak to them I am paying them the respect of letting them know I am paying attention to what they are saying.

I also put on my list "Aspiring to Inspire".  I think I've done okay with this but it's not the easiest thing to do on a daily basis.  I believe that by doing my best in everything that I have done this month I have done my best to lead by example and hopefully I have inspired someone in some small way.

The last thing on my list I am VERY happy to say that I have accomplished.  "Say 'I Love You' to my wife" every day for the entire month.  Some things are more important than others but this one I think tops the list and I suggest it to everyone out there.  Don't forget to say "I Love You".

So all in all, besides the gym and the lack of writing, Diligence was a pretty good month.  It's not quite over yet but I anticipate good things.  I haven't started "Faith" yet but will begin on Monday after I have taken the weekend to analyze how I want to approach it.  I've never been a church goer.  In fact, the closest I have usually gotten to church has been listening to "The Jesus Christ Show" on KFI640 on Sunday mornings.  Well, we'll see what happens.

02/06/12 - 02/16/12 - An Update that Turned into Praise for a TRUE Hero

I can't believe it's been 10 days since my last post.  Life has been crazy with this sudden move down to San Diego.  When last I left you, I had just resurfaced on the technological landscape and had internet and cable again.  I was able to get a computer going behind my TV but unfortunately that didn't work out as well as I would have hoped.  The computer is okay for accessing things like GBTV but whenever I tried to multitask the who thing would crash.  It wasn't until late last night that I was able to get my home office organized, find my real workstation and monitor and get everything set up and usable.  It's been a challenge getting things organized to the point of being of any use but I think I'm finally back up and running to where I'll be able to start writing again on a pretty regular basis.

So let's start with a Diligence update.  Unfortunately, it could have been better.  Since the last 2-3 weeks have been in turmoil I have decided to add an extra Diligence month on to my upcoming Faith month.  It wasn't a horrible month but there are a few things I wish I would have been able to continue consistently for the full 30 days.  The number one item I wish would have been more consistent was my daily writing.  I could use the excuse that my computers were packed and the movers ALSO packed my Being George Washington journal, but let's face it, I could have scribbled something down on a pad of paper and continued on a daily basis.

No more excuses.

I also didn't make it to the gym every day but as I said in a previous post, I am counting a lot of the past 3 weeks of packing, moving and unpacking as some serious hard labor.  Unfortunately, with a lack of a kitchen for 2 plus weeks, my eating out, eating habits, have more than made up for the hard work.  I haven't gained any weight but I certainly haven't lost any either.  At least this one I plan to continue from here on out.  No more mister "Fatty Fat Fatso" as Glenn would say.

There are a few things that I think I have done really well at and I have kept at the forefront throughout the month.  "Respect towards others with every action" I have done a good job at with only one or two slip ups.  "Don't be hasty to believe rumors", I never do.  "Associate with good people" I ALWAYS do.  In fact, there is a side story to this one and I'd like to tell it because he started the amazing thing he is doing about the same time I was on Glenn's show for my "Flash Mob" Random Act of Kindness back in May.  I don't know if he was inspired by what I did and it caused him do this or not, but I can sure tell you that I am certainly inspired by him right now.

My good, good friends name is Ray Conrad and he has started an organization called "Bedside Concerts for Wounded Warriors".  I am proud to call him my friend.  His goal is to get professional musicians to perform bedside for our wounded warriors and he has single handedly for the past several months.  He is a solo classical guitarist and plays bedside for our wounded soldiers and veterans in Long Beach, CA.  Many of the people he plays for are so severely handicapped that they are unable to respond yet he sits and plays for them for hours at a time.  One story he told me was of a wounded veteran who had become a paraplegic do to his injuries and was only able to move his eyes in communication.  He described that when he played for him, the soldier would close his eyes to listen and a look of peace would come across his face.  When he stopped playing, the soldier would immediately open his eyes in anticipation of another song.

Hero's and brave people come in many packages.  Some are the soldiers who defend our country day in and day out for the freedom that so many of us take for granted, and some hero's are ordinary people who take hours out of there days to play music and CARE for those same people who have returned to us wounded and in many cases unable to care for themselves.  It takes a hero, and a brave one at that, to be able to enter the room of someone who most would avoid out of pity and embarrassment, and sit and play music for that person, and talk to that person and let them know that we THANK them for their sacrifice.  It takes a hero to be able to walk into that room and let that soldier know that he is NOT forgotten.

Ray Conrad is an inspiration to me and a hero.  I was going to continue with my update but Ray's story suddenly seems more important to me.  He deserves praise for what he is doing and ANY help that anyone can give him.  I'm going to end this post with a plea of help for my friend.  Please go to his website (click here) and if you can help him in his venture and his success please contact him through the site.

I'll continue my update tomorrow.  Thank you.

2/06/12 - Back to Civilization

Wilson? Is that you?

So it's been 6 days since I've had ANY internet access or cable TV.   At times I've felt like Tom Hanks sitting on an empty beach and talking to a volleyball.  I can stand the TV but the internet access has been killing me.  No blogs, no GBTV and all my computers are still packed in some crate and I have no idea where they are!!!  At least I was able to access my media center computer and get online through that.

I'm a bit surprised that upon re-integration with society and the internet there is no new Being George Washington post from Glenn for the month of February.  I have been panicking because I thought I was way behind because of the move but there isn't anything posted yet.  Maybe, since Glenn didn't start the challenge until late in January, he is waiting for the full 30 days to start the next month.

As far as the month of January goes, for the major items I am doing very good.  Unfortunately, because of the move I haven't been able to write or blog as much as I wanted to, but my hope is that now I will be back on track.  Going to the gym has been next to impossible but I am counting the exercise that I am getting during the move as part of my routine.  I don't feel bad in this regard because in the last 6 days I have lost an additional 5 pounds.  It might not feel the same as going to the gym but I assure you that I am getting my exercise in.

Also, the lack of TV and internet has had an additional advantage.  My wife and I have been able to spend more time together and the most important thing on my list I have been able to do EVERY day; and that's say "I Love You".  Some times I think that with the abundance of technological use in society, we forget about the simple things in life.  Saying "I Love You" seems like such a simple thing to do and yet I think that many of us don't do it often enough.  Say "I Love You" to your spacial someone today.  Maybe it's your wife.  Maybe it's your brother, mom or dad.  It really doesn't matter.

I guarantee that if you do say it, it will make your life, and theirs a little brighter.

01/25/12-01/30/12 Upside Down and Inside Out

It's amazing how much can change in the period of one week.  Since my last post, my wife has accepted a job offer which is requiring us to move to San Diego . . . THIS WEEK!  Our plan is to have the packing people come tomorrow and the move to be on Wednesday.  AAHHHH!

On a less stressful note, we found a beautiful condo and the weather is pretty nice down there.  Of course it IS still in CA and now I'll be closer to the border, but oh well.  The ultimate goal is still Texas and we kind of see this as a stepping stone on our journey.

As for George Washington and diligence, I'm doing pretty good.  Although I haven't gone to the gym EVERY day, I have been exercising in other ways, like packing, walking and lifting heavy objects in my house.  Moving is a workout all in itself.  Since this is a crazy time I might not be able to do a daily post but I will try, even if it is short and from my phone.  Tomorrow everything gets turned off at this house and we WON'T HAVE TV OR INTERNET UNTIL MONDAY!!!!!!  THE DAY AFTER THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!  Oh well, it will ive my wife and I some quality time together and I've convinced her that we will have to take a break from unpacking on Sunday to go explore and find the game playing somewhere.  I'm actually looking forward to it and I think we will have a great time.

Anyway, I'll try to update this post with some more info later about my last week and will begin sharing my experiences again soon.  Future George Washington signing out.

01/24/12 - Day 2 of Diligence "The First Setbacks"

So it's only Day 2 of my Diligence chart and already I am finding that some things are easy and some things are harder to accomplish every day.  Here's the way it looks:

You see I missed the gym today and I also didn't make a goal.

This morning I felt horrible.  My back and neck were in extreme discomfort and getting up and going to the gym were the last things on my mind.  Actually, they WERE on my mind because of this chart but I rationalized that I would go later in the day.  Well obviously that never happened.

I'm finding that making a goal every day is kind of difficult too.  What kind of goal should I make?  This seems simple enough but I'm finding it tough.  Should it be something like; Work today at 100%?  Make sure all my boxes are checked today?  Do one random act of kindness?  Anyone reading can feel free to chime in.

01/23/12 - My Diligence Chart

Hello everyone!

Bill Clinton (in black behind the guy standing funny)

What a great weekend.  This weekend I spent time in Palm Springs at the Humana "Bill Clinton" (secretly still the Bob Hope) Desert Classic golf tournament with some great friends and some greater family.  It was a fun filled weekend where we got to watch the players, including Bill Clinton, outside my parents house playing in the tournament.  Here is a picture of the former President, after putting two balls in the lake, chipping on to the green.  I must say that after having such a trying hole, he maintained his poise and good humor throughout and still managed to greet and say hi to the public.  I might not agree with his policies but it was nice seeing a President act presidential again for a change.

It was also a great weekend to start examining my plan for this months George Washington assignment featuring "Diligence".  Here is my plan so far (and subject to additions).

Some of these items are taken from Glenn's "Being George Washington" webpage but I thought they were good items to start living by.  There are a couple that I am thinking about including to this list but Glenn specifically said that if you weren't willing or ready to do them, then don't even put them down.  I know that by the time this year is over they will be there.  You'll notice that this month starts on the 23rd and will last for 30 days and for February I will be starting  month 2 on the 1st.  So for a little while I'll be doubling up but like Glenn said, 30 days makes a habit.

Well this is my start.  I know I might drop the ball on a few of these but hopefully my missteps will be few and far between.

01/19/12 - First Web Blog and GBTV clip

Being George Washington clip from GBTV

01/18/12 - GBTV Premiere Night!!

What a great night for GBTV!  The premiere of 2 new shows ( . . . and the B.S. of A.) were fantastic.  Glenn's program was spectacular and my Tweet from my "e4" Connection website even made the show!  Bot was that a surprise, but AWESOME!

The only thing that I was hoping for was more info on the Being George Washington Project, but apparently that will come tomorrow.  I can't wait.  In explanation of the Tweet above, during the commercial break Brian Sack came on and did a really funny bit about how the Drudge report didn't mention that the B.S. of A. was part of Premiere night.  My Tweet was joking and giving him his promo for the show.  The B.S. of A. is hilarious.  I loved the "Sharia Law and Order" clips.  If you haven't seen it yet go watch the previous episodes.

"Independence USA" was awesome and I can't wait for further episodes and "Real News from The Blaze" was simply fantastic.  Not only is it a great news program but I loved how there was a slight (and perhaps unintentional) jab at the show that replaced Glenn on Fox called "The Five".  That last statement wasn't very "George Washington" - like so I will strike it from the record.  :)

I'm looking forward to more information about Being George Washington on tomorrows show.  I can't wait to have a "plan" and get going on the transformation.

01/17/12 - Getting Ready to "Shrug"

Today I experienced a pivotal re-awakening in what I have been feeling, and what I have been seeing and hearing from other people.  For months now, I have been contemplating the sanity of staying in California or moving to a state like Texas.  After all, our house is currently on the market and my wife and I are looking for employment, so it seems like the perfect opportunity to make a change.  I've done my pro's and con's list (there's an app for that) and by a 67% to 33%, Texas seems like the way to go.  But I haven't been able to kick the feeling that there has to be a bigger reason for the change.

On top of that, why Texas?  Why do I keep hearing that Texas is the place to be?  Why not Florida, Nevada, or Tennessee where there are also better tax ramifications?  Well tonight I think I found my answer.

Atlas is beginning to shrug.

Tonight I went and saw the new Ayn Rand documentary about how the prophesy of Atlas Shrugged is coming true and it made me realize that Atlas IS shrugging, and Texas is perhaps becoming the new "Galt's Gulch".  

Maybe a question should be added to the quest of Being George Washington.  Who is the modern day "George Washington" (although I know he would cringe at this comparison) that we all aspire to be more like?  Also, who is the modern day "John Galt"?  I contend that maybe they are the same person.

So the first goal is to become more like George Washington, but maybe we should all think about being a little like Midas Mulligan or Francisco d'Anconia.

"Who IS George Washington?"

"Who IS John Galt?"

01/16/12 - Keep the Leeches Away!!!

So today I feel much worse than yesterday, but so far I've been able to keep the doctor with the leeches away.

A couple good things for today though.  After an extra few hours of much needed sleep and a LONG hot shower, I was able to finish my website.  That is a huge source of excitement.  I'm going to release it and let it hopefully hit before I mention the specifics on this blog, but hopefully soon.

Also, today Glenn was back on the air and we got a sneak peek at his plan for the George Washington Project.  It looks like a 12 month project and I can't wait to get started with it (on top of what I am already doing).  Having a set plan of action will be great.  Here's a picture captured off the show from today.  No details yet but it looks really promising.

And tonight was the South Carolina Fox News debate.  I have to say that for the first time I feel confident that ANY of these candidates will be far superior to the President that we have now.  I think that everyone did a great job in the debate and each one of them showed more leadership skills than Obama ever will.  That isn't to say that I don't still have issues with each of the candidates but at least now I at least feel comfortable saying that any one of them will be a vast improvement as President.

Anyway, I'm off to bed so that I won't have to be bled by leeches tomorrow.  Good night and sleep well everyone.

01/15/12 - Under the Weather But Still Going

Who would have thought that you could get sick by going to the gym?  At least that is the only thing I can think of for where I might have gotten this cold.  So a word to the wise if you are a gym rat;  wipe down your gym equipment before AND after you use it.

On a George Washington note, so far I'm still able to get on the computer and get some work done.  I'm so close to finishing the website, so I'm pretty excited about that.  Today is going to be a short post because my brain is a little fuzzy due to Theraflu but I'll be thinking about upcoming activities and can't wait to see Glenn back on the air tomorrow.

01/14/12 - Work Ethic

George Washington wasn't the only person that had principals to live by, there was also another man and comrade of of his named Benjamin Franklin.  Benjamin Franklin also had list of things he tries to live by.  They were his "13 Virtues" and one of these virtues is what I want to comment on today.

It's kind of amazing, but recently, I have never been busier and the topic of today's discussion is Franklin's comment on "Industry" or work ethic.

Lose no time.  Be always employed in something useful.  Cut off all unnecessary actions.

Easier said than done now-a-days.  Today, with distractions like Facebook, iTunes and just access to the internet in general distracting people at work, it's nearly impossible to stay focused and not take a mental break from daily work duties.  As a writer and someone who spends a lot of time at the computer, who works from a home office and has no supervision from boss who is constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure that work gets done . . . let me tell you.  It's not easy.  I mean, who wouldn't want to jump on over to Facebook and play Farmville for a few hours?

That's one of the hardest challenges for any person in my position.  So day I make this my pledge.

When I am working, I will "lose no time, always be employed at something useful and not get distracted by any unnecessary actions."

01/13/12 - Friday the 13th Movie Review

So today is Friday the 13th.  I didn't even realize it until I got home and started typing this post.

Today was a good day.  I got a lot done and my wife and I had a good day together.  Ironically, today was much like my last work and play day that I wrote about.  I have been putting the finishing touches on my website and to take a break, my wife and I went to see another movie.  We saw Sherlock Holmes and we thought it was pretty good.  Although it has been getting panned by the critics we figured that it was going to be the kind of movie that you had to see in the theater.  With the bad reviews we were pleasantly surprised to find that the movie was good.  I should have expected this to be the case considering the critics hated movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  From now on, if a critic says it's bad, I want to go see it!

Now Sherlock Holmes has absolutely NONE of the personal and social qualities of George Washington but I will say that they have two things in common.  They strive to be the best that they can be and they never give up.  Beyond that . . . I got nuthin'.

I guess you could say that I did learn something though.  Those two combined attributes did make me think about "doing my best" and "never giving up".  Therefore, that is what I will aspire to for today.

I will always try to do my best and I will never give up in my endeavors.

01/12/12 - Death and the Company of Good Friends

Today was the memorial service of a good friend.  He was loved by all who knew him and that was demonstrated by the fact that it was standing room only in the Synagogue where the service was being held.  Although I don't know the exact count, there looked to be about 300 people crammed into the small auditorium.

My friend was a man of music and an admired member of my chorus.  The service was filled with music from two choruses and the Synagogue choir.  Even my departed friend was able to fill the hall with his own voice through a wonderful video presentation that showed a photo montage of his life.  It was one of the best memorial services that I have ever attended.

By knowing him and being his friend, I know that I am following Rule number 56.

Associate yourself with Men of Good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.


I am honored to have been able to call him my friend and I am proud to be able to say that most of the men in that room today are my friends.  I will aspire to keep associating myself with good people and I hope that when it is my time to join the heavenly choir I will have a cadre of friends to sing around my casket and send me off to be with my Father.

We will miss you my friend.

01/11/12 - Washington's Tough Rules to Follow (part 1)

As I am perusing George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior, I have come across a few rules that are well neigh impossible to follow.  Luckily, some of these are not as applicable today as they might have been back in George Washington's time.  Take for example, Rule number 10.

When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.

As a challenge, try not sitting for an entire day without crossing your legs.  I bet you that you won't be able to do it. Also, I find it amusing that there are so many paintings of George Washington sitting with his legs crossed.  Maybe HE couldn't even do it.

01/10/12 - Rule Number 58

It's another busy but regular day so I think another "Rule" is in order.  Today I picked Rule number 58:


Let your conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature:  And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.


This is an interesting rule and one that I could definitely do a better job at adhering to.  My problem is that I often use sarcasm in my conversation.  Sometimes that sarcasm is directed at myself and sometimes it can be directed towards others.  It is never intended to be with any Malice or Envy, but I can see that there are times when others might think so.  My goal for myself is to curb my use of sarcasm and to stop and think more often before I blurt things out.


The second part of this rule deals with thinking before reacting in passionate situations.  There is a story about George Washington that goes something like this:


The story goes that as a young militia officer, George Washington was having an argument with another man named William Payne.  During the argument, Payne knocked Washington down with a stick.  Apparently, an insult like this would have normally led to a duel and Payne must have thought this when Washington summoned him to a tavern the following day.  Instead, he found Washington at a table with a decanter of wine and two glasses.  Washington apologized for the quarrel, and the two men shook hands.


I think that this story speaks for itself.  Think before you act.

01/09/12 - Rule 44 "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior"

Hello everyone!

It was a very productive but quiet day today.  I got a LOT of writing done and almost finished my website.  The only thing that I have left to do is record and add the video to it and it will be pretty much complete.

As for Being George Washington, nothing dramatic happened today (which is kind of a relief after yesterday).  I figure that there will probably be quite a few days where it is quiet, so instead of leaving you hanging, I thought I would take the time to analyze one of George Washington's 110 Rule of Civility and Decent Behavior.

Today, I'll pick Rule number 44.

When a man does all he can, though he succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

In other words, if a person does his best and doesn't succeed in his endeavors, we shouldn't rush to judgement and blame that person out of hand.


There will come a time when you will encounter a person that has failed at something and it might be something that has great significance to you.  This is an important rule because many times in situations like this we might jump to conclusions and blame the other person for the failure.  


George Washington reminds us that we can't rush to judgement and should analyze whether that person did his best trying to accomplish the task.  After all, there may have been circumstances that prevented the person from succeeding.


Another thing to consider is that the task that was assigned (maybe by you) was something that could not be accomplished by one person alone.  In this case, maybe there should be a reevaluation of the person assigning the task that maybe he didn't provide adequate resources to succeed.






Because of Rule number 44, I pledge that I will not rush to judgement when dealing with the failure of another person.  I will examine closely the situation and look for the reasons for the failure, and if the other person has done his best then I will not blame that person. 

01/08/12 - In Memory of a Friend and Brother

Today, a good friend died.  A long time member of my barbershop chorus and a member who followed his father into our hobby and a member who brought his son into our hobby.  For him, singing 4 part harmony in the chorus was a family affair.  I, and my fellow brothers in harmony, learned of his passing while attending our annual chorus installation banquet, and I happened to be sitting across from a person who, 3 years earlier saved his life when he had a heart attack.  It was a tough night for all of us.

We lost a brother.

As I sat there digesting the news, I thought to myself how honored I was to have known him and it made me appreciate my fellow chorus brothers who surrounded me.  Each of us felt the loss, but at the same time we celebrated his life.  More than once, someone came up to our table to check on my hero friend that I was sitting across from and ask him if he was okay and they thanked him for making it possible to spend an extra 3 years with their friend.  They also thanked him for making it possible for him to spend an extra 3 years with his son and wife.

These are quality people, who think of others around them and go out of their way to make sure that they are all right, before dealing and recognizing their own grief.

I am lucky to have these friends and brothers who are living examples of the traits and characteristics of the man I wish to emulate, George Washington.

PS.  Make sure you tell your family and friends how much you love them and appreciate them.  You never know when your time will come and you are called upon to join that heavenly choir.

01/07/12 - Work and Play

Back to the gym this morning.  Honestly, I was a little worried that taking a day off would make me not motivated to go back.  I'm glad I was wrong.

Anyway, today was a mixture of work and fun.  The fun part was going to the movies with my beautiful wife and spending some time with her.  We have both been so busy that it's nice to have a little quality time to just sit in a dark movie theater and relax.  We saw the new Mission Impossible movie and I must say that it was pretty good.

Aside from the movie though, getting home and getting back to work was "almost" more fun.  Before going to the movie, I was in the middle of building a new website (to be disclosed at a later date).  It was kind of frustrating because I had to stop building the website in order to go to the movie.  As a result, all I could think about during the movie was things to add and tweak on the website.

I hope to put the finishing touches on it and start marketing it to a select group of people within the next couple of days.  Wish this website luck, because it will be a game changer for both me and my family.

01/06/12 - The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

Busy day today.  I missed my workout but it was for a good cause.  Today my wife had job interviews, so it was a day to support her.  Could I have squeezed it in between being there for her?  Yeah, I probably could have.  Instead, I decided that if she needed me for any reason I would be there for her on call.

It's actually given my body a day to rest and I'll be back at it tomorrow morning.

My on call status also gave me a chance to review a blog post that I wrote in July of 2010 in my other blog The American Herald, and it's one of the reasons why I am following the path to be more like George Washington.  Back in July of 2010 I wrote about Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior" and because of that, and because of Glenn Beck's new book, "Being George Washington", I have decided that it is time to change myself.

Portions of my article are worth re-posting, especially the key rules that I pulled from the 110.  It is time to start setting an example by our own behavior, and what better role model than George Washington and the rules that he lived his life by. Here are some of the key rules that I pulled over a year and a half ago.  It will be interesting to see how this jives with what Glenn is going to announce on Monday. Hopefully these rules will be a starting point and will give me guidance on how to start living my life in the manner that George Washington did.  It's definitely no small task, but all any of us can do in life is our best.

As you will see, living up to the standards and rules that George Washington lived by will be no easy task.  I will strive to do my best, as it is all I can do.  Enjoy, and hopefully you will learn a few things, as I did re-reading them.


1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.


6. Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.


17. Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.


19. Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.


20. The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.


21. Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.


22. Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.


25. Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.


32. To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.


35. Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.


38. In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.


39. In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.


40. Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.


43. Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.


44. When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.


45. Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.


49. Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.


50. Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparag[e]ment of any.


51. Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed tha[t] you approach not to any Uncleaness. (or . . . don't be a slob).


54. Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely. (avoid vanity)


56. Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.


58. Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sig[n o]f a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion [ad]mit Reason to Govern.


62. Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.


63. A Man o[ug]ht not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qua[lities of wit; much less of his rich]es Virtue or Kindred.


64. Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.


Anyway, you get the picture. Personally, it would do the world and our society good if we could just "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and follow that Golden Rule. To conclude my diatribe I'll leave you with Rule 110. It's a rule that, if followed, will enable everyone to enact the other 109.


Rule 110. Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Ce[les]tial fire Called Conscience.

01/05/12 - Pain and Passion

The morning workout is still going strong.  I'm sore, but it's the good kind of sore.  It's funny, but this pain is actually kind of enjoyable.  It's the kind of pain where you can feel yourself getting stronger.  I've always thought that pain was pain and really used that as an excuse not to get back into the gym and start exercising.  I know pain.  A car accident in college has been giving me pain in my back for 20 years.  Interestingly enough, with each passing day exercising, my back pain is slowly going away.

Following that, today was a day of writing and computer productivity.  It's also the first day that I have really focused on my work and not let distractions like the TV or the internet slow me down.  Somehow I think George Washington would have thought that "work is work and play is play".  As a result, I got a lot done.

I was also able to help my wife a lot today and support her in her job search.  It's not coincidence that it seems like I have a lot of time on my hands to go to the gym in the morning and write on the computer in the afternoon.  Both my wife and I unexpectedly lost our jobs right before Christmas.

I'm the lucky one.  I am an entrepreneur and have businesses on the side that I run from home.  In fact, this has been a great change for me because I have been able to refocus on what I love to do.  Now I'm able to work on my passion instead of slaving away at someone else's passion.  To top it off, what I do will hopefully help change how small business owners do business.  I believe that it is the small business owner that will help restore our country to greatness and what I'm doing will help it along the way.

I don't "think" this, I "know" this.

01/04/12 - Re-aligning My Hopes and Dreams

Up at 7am and at the gym by 8am.  George Washington would have probably been done with his workout by 7am but at least I'm getting better.

After my workout I began going through and cleaning out things in my office.  After all, an organized office is a more productive office (and for the record, my wife will say that I have a LONG way to go.  I say, baby steps to greatness!).  Anyway, as I was cleaning, I found a small picture frame.  In it was an old list on a piece of paper on which I had written all my "dreams".

As I read them again for the first time in years, I felt ashamed.  Almost every item on the list was a selfish, material nick-knack.  I had written:  A home in another country; the same type of Ferrari as in Magnum PI (I loved that show); buying my old house back from my ex-wife and turning it into some kind of a playboy grotto for spite and revenge . . .

I look back and realize that I must have been in a really bad place at the time.  I wrote these petty things as a list of what should have been all my hopes and dreams.  Well, it time to make change.  It's time to change my perspective on life.

Now I have something new to put in that frame.  It's a new dream and something to aspire to.  In place of that horrible list, I now have a picture of someone who I can strive to emulate.  Someone who I can look at with respect and someone who I can look to as a role model for how I want to live my life.

George Washington

01/03/12 - It's Time to be a Leader

George Washington would have woken up earlier.

On that note though, I did make it to the gym and had a great workout this morning.  While I was working out on the treadmill, I had plenty of time to think.

Recently, I had decided to take a break from an organization that I was getting frustrated with.  For years this "hobby of mine" has become more and more frustrating and I had decided that I had finally had enough.

I'm not going to do it though.

What's stopping me is the thought that, in my own way, I am one of the leaders of this group and the other people who aren't as talented as me probably look up to me as an example.

George Washington wouldn't have quit and abandoned his men.  He would have bettered himself and become a better leader to those around him.

It's not going to be easy, but as of today there will be no more complaining.  It's time to become part of the solution instead of helping contribute to the problem.  It's time to try to help lead my fellow soldiers to victory.

01/02/12 - Changing Oneself

Today is my last day of rest.  Today is the Rose Parade and an evening at my cousin's house watching football and celebrating my aunt's 86th birthday.  She is an inspiration and embarrasses me with constant praise on how great she thinks I am.

I don't feel like I deserve it.  Up until this point I feel that my life has been one failure after another.  The key is that I have never given up on my dreams.  I also believe that the key to my success will come from the improvement of myself and making myself change into the man that I want to be.

There is a parable that I keep up on my wall that seems appropriate to this line of thinking.

"When I was a Young man, I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world,

so I decided to change my nation.

When I found that I couldn't change my nation,

I began to focus on my town.

I couldn't change the town and as an older man,

I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change

is myself,

and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself,

I could have made an impact on my family.

My family and I could have made an impact on our town.

Their impact could have changed the nation

and I could indeed have

changed the world."

I don't know who wrote this, but being neither a young man or an old man, I have decided to change myself. It's time to become George Washington.  Tomorrow, I make it back to the gym to start my day, then plan to work hard organizing and implementing my list of goals.

Tomorrow, I begin to change myself, and maybe, just maybe, someday I will be able to help change the world.

01/01/12 - Football, Beer and . . . George Washington

I spent the night thinking about my plans.  Being George Washington will take more effort than I have ever been able . . . willing to give.  I have my goals and aspirations but in order to accomplish them I will have to start thinking and acting like the man (George Washington) himself.

Am I ready?
YES!
Will I do it?
The honest answer is, I don't know.

I'm thinking about these things as I'm getting ready go to the annual New Years Day party at our friends house.  Let me tell you, there's nothing like the conflicting emotions of pondering a serious life change while lying back on the couch eating fattening foods, watching football and drinking a beer (and this is coming from a person who KNEW he shouldn't be drinking a beer because he is Gluten intolerant).

Needless to say, it was a guilt ridden day that further made me question my ability to change.

As the day comes to an end however, my last thought is that I WILL be George Washington.