Naked and Afraid

At one place of employment I have our bathroom/showers are also the public bathrooms for anyone who comes to the fire station. As you can imagine there are often encounters of the public finding us shaving or just getting out of the shower. I know, real professional. That is another story. So one thing you need to know about me. I am a naked pooper. Why be confined by clothing when you can be so free?! Well most times it is not an issue. This was not most times. As I sat minding my own business in the office I heard what was most definitely not a mans voice. By deduction I knew it was not anyone I was working with because they were all men. That meant not only was it a woman but she probably didn't know me. After a gut dropping feeling, I then heard two other little voices. 

Now in our bathroom there is stall, a urinal and a handicap stall in between the two. Obviously I choose the handicap one because who likes to feel claustrophobic while relaxing? As I sat being ninja quiet, praying she didn't see my feet which I had lifted by this time, one little set of feet appeared next to me in the urinal. Then to my right a second set of feet followed by his mothers appeared in the stall. I was surrounded and trapped!  As I practiced air conservation(holding my breath) I could hear the pitter patter of their toilet water being disrupted. Knowing all I had separating what would be a life altering event for them was just a piece of steel built and installed in the 40's was not comforting.  After about 2 minutes the group left and I was able to breath.

Two things to learn from this.

1: Always have an escape plan.

2: Never leave your clothes on the outside of the stall.

Heroes don't wear spandex, they wear badges, 

28 lesson for my sons

To my sons,

Boys I have seen many things in my life. These thoughts come from a life of competitive sports, religious service, entrepreneurship and public safety service. I have competed in high stake games and competitions. I have walked through the soles of two pair of shoes in a foreign country. I have literally ran into a burning building. I have had people die right in my hands but some who also lived because of the team effort to save them. Life is nothing but a blank page that you will fill with your experiences. These are a few things I wished I had applied in my life. 

1. Always try your hardest in anything. Even if you are not good at it. 

2. What you eat directly will influence your mood. Eat healthy. 

3. Do not be intimidated by anyone, Ever. It will hold back your true potential. 

4. Lift something awkward at least 3 times a week. It will make your mind work. 

5. Read more

6. Surround yourself with people using the 80/20 rule. 80% positive 20% negative. Life is full of challenges and we will all need a positive person in our corner. 

7. School is important. Math is very important. Listening to your teachers is paramount. 

8. Always listen to your mother. She cares more about you than anyone in the world. 

9.  Being the biggest and the strongest is fun. It is not everything.

10. Your talents were given to you for the people around you. 

11. Your family is your entire world. Friendships come and go but family is forever.

12. Take time in nature. Heavenly Father created it for you.

13. Save you money and pay cash for cars. You will be asked, "well how much can you afford a month?" Slap that person in the face. 

14. Choose a profession that brings you joy. 

15. You make your own luck. 

16. It is OK to be wrong. It is unacceptable to not admit fault. 

17.  Strive to impress yourself. Do not try to impress others. 

18. Make as many friends as you can. Many shoulders can bear bigger burdens but they also can throw bigger parties. 

19. Keep a journal. 

20. You can hear the most important voices when it is silent. 

21. Don't ever think you have arrived at anything. If you arrive the train will keep going and you will be left behind. 

23. Learn to read music, play the piano and guitar. 

24. Respect everyone, trust few. 

25. It is OK to be proud of your accomplishments. 

26. Lift heavy minimum 3 times a week. 

27. Take pride in your last name

28. Your true worth is determined by the amount of people you serve. 

You will change the world. For better or worse, it is up to you. I love you