Gekko was wrong

So it turns out out status and wealth tend to out people to behave unethically. This article from Wired magazine makes the point that as wealth and status rise for a person, their proximity to the outcomes of their behaviour gets further removed.

Is it any surprise then, that the jerk who cut you off on the highway was driving a Mercedes?

Link here. http://m.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/02/income-and-ethics/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+wiredscience+(Blog+-+Wired+Science

Might as well be Spring Cleaning, 'cause Winter never came

I've managed to do something for the first time in my life. I actually have a place to call my own in my garage. I've been married for 10 years. And all that time I've let my tools sit in boxes and bins, shelves and sacks. But I did it.

Ive got an old desk to work on small projects. A compound miter saw. And a table saw too. Even better... A work bench. Most of what I have is due in large to my very generous father in law. When he gets a new toy, I get the very nice hand me down.

There's nothing quite so nice as a "well lit place" to call my own.

Bonus: cleaned out the other half of the garage and now my wife can park her car with ease. It's the little things.

Pics to follow.

Things to come

I'm relishing the fact that this is a new year. A new chance to get things right. A new moment to start in the right direction. Expect changes soon. I don't know how or where or why. But God answers prayer. And that's good enough for me.

Where'd the time go?

Before you know it, you're 33 and you've got 3 kids in the house. Life is good. Life is full. I am regularly reminded of my favorite quote, which I have posted at the top of the screen. There are few things which are better than those which are right at hand, if only we would accept them for the amazing things that they are. I'll open my blog for 2012, and close this post by quoting again from Robert Louis Stevenson

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE NEAREST: BREATH IN YOUR NOSTRILS, LIGHT IN YOUR EYES, FLOWERS AT YOUR FEET, DUTIES AT YOUR HAND, THE PATH OF RIGHT JUST BEFORE YOU. THEN DO NOT GRASP AT THE STARS, BUT DO LIFE'S PLAIN, COMMON WORK AS IT COMES, CERTAIN THAT DAILY DUTIES AND DAILY BREAD ARE THE SWEETEST THINGS IN LIFE. -ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON-

Let's Move On to 2009, Shall We

I don't really have a lot to say in this post, but I really couldn't let the Christmas Season keep dragging on in my blog.  There is a time for everything, and Christmas is retired for at least another 10 months. 

It's yet another year, and I am finally back on a line crew.  The hiatus was fine in compliance inspection, and it did afford me some reliably standard work hours through the holidays, but come January I was ready to go back to being a regular Lineman.  The past couple of weeks have been really good.  It's difficult to return to construction after being away for so long.  You tend to forget all of the little tricks you use to make your job easier. Thankfully, they've been coming back to me in time.  

Last week, my coworker who lost his hands in an electrical incident dropped by the yard.  It was good to see him up and about.  He and his wife found out recently that they are expecting a baby later this year.  He seems in really good spirits for where he is in his recovery, and I wish him the very best.  Please continue in your prayers for him and his family.  There's still a long way to go.

I've not announced it properly here on the blog, but my wife and I are expecting twin boys later this Spring.  I've known for quite a while, but I just never got around to announcing it here.  I'm pretty excited, and fairly anxious.  Going from a family of 3 to a family of  5 in one fell swoop will be an adventure.  I plan to take advantage of the Family Leave Act and spend about a month at home, helping everything to get settled.  Thankfully, we expect to have some family help a few days a week.  It will be wild.

Here in CenCal the weather is unseasonably warm.  If you're visiting from the Great Northwest, you'll probably want to bring your shorts and t shirts.  It was in the 70s yesterday.

Well, until we meet again - good day.

Merry Christmas

As a little boy, I loved to read this part of the Bible.  My favorite part is where the angels appear to the shepherds, and tell them not to be afraid.  Can you imagine that night?  Quietly minding your animals, and watching the stars, when - BAM-  It's suddenly daylight, and a massive angel is standing in front of you, telling you that you don't have to be afraid.  

Some people might say that they wish they could see Jesus be born.  I'd rather let Mary and Joseph have their privacy, and instead hang out with the shepherds that night.  Besides, after the angels show up, we'd go visit the Holy Family anyway.  

 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.   Luke 2: 6-19

A Prayer Request

I just wanted to ask that your thoughts and prayers go to a coworker of mine, and a fellow Lineman brother here in Central Cal who experienced an electrical contact.  He is alive, but has had to endure double amputation of his hands.  No names will be posted.  If you work for the company, you've likely already been tailboarded - opportunity to sell your vacation hours will soon be available.  If you don't work for the company, please just pray for him and his family.  God knows who he is.