Thursday, February 26, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Lunch Money
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Lunch Money: “ I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine. ” Bruce Lee, martial a...
Lunch Money
“I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in
this world to live up to mine.” Bruce Lee, martial artist
The smile:
Being a single dad and/ or co-parenting is tough. I am
fortunate my ex and I work well together when it comes to our kids. This is no
reflection on her when I say you must always look for those teaching moments
with your kids. No one will ever care for them in the same way a parent does
and the best way to instill good judgment and values is to share them with your
offspring.
Case in point…there will always be people in need in the
world. I have taught my sons and daughter
to assist where you can. You can imagine
my pleased surprise when Ben came home from first grade one day and we had this
conversation:
Me “How was school today?”
Ben “OK, I guess.”
Me “What did you study?”
Ben “I don’t know”
Me “What did you eat for lunch?”
Ben “I didn’t eat lunch.”
Me” What? Why not?”
Me” What? Why not?”
Ben “I gave my lunch money to an old woman?”
I beamed with pride at the thought he had helped someone
less fortunate.
The next day after school the conversation went much the
same way. When he got to the point which he told me he gave his lunch money to
an old woman again, I grew concerned. I lectured him, “Son, I am glad you are
so giving, but you can’t continue to skip lunch. It isn’t healthy. Who is this woman?”
Ben looked innocently at me and answered, “The one selling
candy in the lunch room.”
The ponder:
Ben does have a big heart and does help others when he can.
I am very proud of him. In the previous story I leapt to the conclusion he was
making a selfless gesture based on what I expected from him. Think about this…how
often do we conclude the motivation of people around us, especially people for
whom we care, before we have all the facts? How often do we have negative
thoughts in this area with no foundation?
The Fudoshin Challenge:
I continue to get in better shape. I practiced kenpo for
three hours the night before last and will weight train (arms & abs!) today
with sensei. Today I weigh 219 pounds, down from 250 pounds in January 2014 .
Lean and…not so mean…lol
Friday, February 20, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: It's a dog's life
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: It's a dog's life: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings, humorist (I hope it isn’t true…) The smi...
It's a dog's life
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than
he loves himself.” Josh Billings, humorist (I hope it isn’t true…)
The smile:
Shiloh and I have a puppy that is 10 months old. Our puppy
weighs around 60 pounds and is still growing. It has been a long time since I
have owned a dog because of my travel schedule. I have enjoyed watching her run
through the backyard, dig holes and (for the last two days) try to catch
snowflakes in her mouth as they fall from the sky.
It isn’t often she gets out of the confines of the house and
backyard. When she does she is a runner. After one recent sprint for freedom I
had her recaptured and she was in her favorite place looking over the fence.
There was a knock on my front door. A
little elderly Filipino stood on my porch, wearing worn jeans, a work shirt and
holding a baseball cap I assume he just removed from his head. I ask what I can
do for him. He kept his head tilled down and gazes up at me when he asked, “Sir,
is that your dog looking over the fence?”
“Yes,” I reply, “why do you ask?”
“Sir,” the man told me while shuffling his feet, “I see that
dog chasing a man yesterday riding a bike. I think the bike wrecked and
damaged.”
I listened and gauged the situation for a moment before I
told him, “That is impossible.”
The man literally took a step back as if I had struck him
and excitedly exclaimed, “No, no, how could you say that?”
I smiled and answered, “It couldn’t be true. My dog doesn’t
know how to ride a bike.”
The ponder:
There are many studies that dogs (pets) help you live a
better, longer life (http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health)
through reduced stress, depression and less loneliness. This leads me wonder what other things we do…or
can do that…that will enrich and lengthen our lives. Seriously…no one what’s a
boring, fiber filled life…what are the options?
The Fudoshin Challenge:
SNOW , ICE, IT WAS FREAKIN’ COLD OUTSIDE…no class at the
dojo…I did 100 Olympic style situps and 100 pushups….
I’m 221 pounds today. It looks like I may be going back on
air soon to film my cooking show, so I need to shed 11 pounds….I am thinking
eggs…could you eat 54 eggs in two weeks to see what effect it has on your body?
Follow me…I’ll post the progress here starting Monday…
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Some days....I just don't really care...
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Some days....I just don't really care...: “ I have a very strong feeling that the opposite of love is not hate - it's apathy. It's not giving a damn. ” The smil...
Some days....I just don't really care...
The smile:
My brother…yes, Chris is getting tired of being the
protagonist of my stories…told me he had a great story about apathy. I wasn’t
really listening.
The ponder:
I have spent a large part of my adult life trying to make
this world a better place. Have I accomplished that end? Right now, I don’t
really care.
The Fudonshin Challenge:
LEG DAY!!!!!! I can only say a good leg day is when you have
to noodle step to the door at the end. It was a good weight training day.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Understanding Golf
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Understanding Golf: “Golf is a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic.” Jonathan Montoya, musican The smile: I’m n...
Understanding Golf
“Golf is a lot
of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic.” Jonathan Montoya, musican
The smile:
I’m not much of a golfer. Well let’s rephrase that. Wii
“Tiger Woods” I can play all day. Chasing a little white ball for hours on
end…it is someone else’s game. My brother is on the other end of the spectrum.
He enjoys a good game whenever he can. I can appreciate his love of the game.
Ever so occasionally he will coerce me onto the course, normally if he will
agree to stay out of my kitchen.
One afternoon I wasn’t having the best of days. He convinced
me to go to the driving range to shed some frustration. We each had a basket of
scratch and dent balls, which I quickly settled into murdering with my club.
The joke is I can hit it far…to the left or to the right. (Note to other
non-golfers: it seems those guys always want to hit the ball straight. How dull
is that?!?)
We took a break after a number of drives. We found a couple
of metal chairs to sit and relax, when he produced this golf ball he had been
carrying in his pocket. He held it up to the sunlight like it was the Hope
diamond. He turned and admired it. I didn’t see anything unusual about it. He explained, “This is the ball you
need. You can’t lose it. See these
little shiny dimples? If you hit this ball in high grass or some other rough,
it will shine so you can see it.”
I shook my head in thoughtful agreement as he continued,
“You can hit this ball into a water trap and it will float.”
“That is pretty cool,” I agreed. “Where did you get it?”
He studied the ball in admiration a few more seconds and
answered, “I found it.”
The ponder:
Do you have a
brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, husband, wife, friend-girl, guy friend,
in-law, outlaw? HUG ‘EM! They are going to say something that makes you wonder
where their brain is and it doesn’t make you less of a man or independent
person or whatever you think is important. If it doesn’t make you think, do it
again….
The Fudoshin Challenge:
Dude, it is cold outside. Ice is everywhere. Karate class was cancelled and there was no
weight training. I took the day off.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: This ol' mule
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: This ol' mule: “If you are going through hell, keep going” Winston Chuchill The smile: I had the great fortune to grow up with 800 acres of ...
This ol' mule
“If you are going through hell, keep going” Winston Chuchill
The smile:
I had the great fortune to grow up with 800 acres of good camping
and hunting land behind our home. Stan and Jeff, two of my good high school
friends, and I decided to try a different a different venue and go to my Great Uncle
J.T.’s farm. Rolling acres only accented by trees, hay bales and deer.
Chester County is a very rural area and my uncle’s home is
no different. We made a few twists and turns down a gravel road or two to get
to his home. I was driving as I knew where we were headed. When we pulled into
his drive, I jumped from my truck before the dust had settled. I told my
friends to stay in the truck while I checked-in. We would be gone in a few
minutes.
I walked into the house through the back door. My aunt met
me with a huge hug and scratch biscuits with summer sausage for us hunters. My
uncle sat at the table enjoying his morning coffee. After the “good mornings”
he told me “I need you to do something on your way out. I have this mule behind
the hog pin that is in bad health. I’ll take the backhoe out later today to
bury it, but I’d like you to put it down. Just take care of it on your way to
the woods.” I answered with a brisk “Yes,, sir.” I hugged my beautiful aunt,
grabbed my biscuits and hit the door.
I got back into the truck with a plan to play a prank on my
buddies. I dropped the breakfast my aunt had made on the console and tried to
say as exasperated as possible “ I can’t believe it. He said we can’t hunt his
land today. This sucks.” Both of my friends expressed their disbelief. I continued “I’m not putting up with this…” I
threw the truck in drive and spun out in the gravel. When we got a few yards
down the road and had passed the hog pin, I put the truck in park. I reached
into the gun rack and drew my rifle. I aimed and dropped the mule where it
stood. CRACK came the resounding noise behind me. I turned to see Stan lowering
his own weapon. He smiled and said “Heck yea! I got the cow!”
The ponder:
I have the most amazing, real life Southern family.
Siblings, nieces, nephews, more cousins than I can count. We have been in West
Tennessee and Northern Mississippi for almost two centuries. That is mind I
completely realize that the 30,000 views I have had in the past month are
family checking up on me and someone will tell Aunt Jenette I’ve been tellin ’stories. She will love me anyway. So think about this...is
talking to your family outside the immediate parents / siblings important? How
often should you stay in touch with that part of the family?
The Fudoshin Challenge:
1 hour escrima training and 90 minutes of kendo followed by
100 push ups
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Miss Understood
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Miss Understood: “ If I turn out to be particularly clear, you've probably misunderstood what I've said. ” Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve chairm...
Miss Understood
“If I turn out to be particularly clear, you've probably misunderstood
what I've said.” Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve chairman
The smile:
I worked for a
large corporation in Memphis that managed food service concerns in Memphis. One
of these locations was on a man-made lagoon on the Mississippi River. I was
called to the restaurant a particular day to cover for the manager that was
absent. I stood behind the cash register and reviewed stock inventories when
one of the female staff approached me nearly in tears. She blurted’ “There is a
customer sitting outside that refuses to order and keeps hitting on me.”
I will admit
even pouting she was very cute in her uniform of tennis shoes, short shorts and
t-shirt tied in a knot above her belly button. I asked her to give me more
detail so I would know how to handle the situation. She explained, “I asked for
his order and he asked me for a quickie…TWICE.”
“Ok’” I told her,
“Let’s go talk to him.” I headed toward the table with her on my heels.
The guy was
just another tourist and very non-descript. I introduced myself as the manager
and asked “Sir, would you like something to eat?”
He looked at
me with frustration and anger in his eyes. His voice was coarse as he punched
the menu with this index finger and replied.” I would like a quickie!”
My eyes fixed
on the point he was stabbing. I glanced over my shoulder at the serve and
directed her, “Please bring him the quiche.”
The ponder:
Everything is
clear and concise in my head. It isn’t until I try to convey my wants, needs
and desires to another that anything goes awry. Many times…for me…it seems that
it is even more difficult when I am emotionally connected to the person. How do
we put aside our own agenda and motivations to actually talk and hear other
people?
The Fudonshin
Challenge:
I did one
hundred push-ups today.
Sensei and I
weight trained biceps, triceps and abs. JEEZ, I hate the three minute plank.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: There is nothing to fear but fear itself....and zo...
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: There is nothing to fear but fear itself....and zo...: “He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet The smile: I mov...
There is nothing to fear but fear itself....and zombies...
“He who is not every day conquering some fear has not
learned the secret of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet
The smile:
I moved to Memphis after I left the Army. I began taking
classes at University of Memphis and shared an apartment with three friends
from high school. All of us were trying to get through school and we were flat
broke. We lived in one of the highest crime areas of the city and violent
crimes happened every day around us. I took a little solace that a hospital was
directly across the street from our building.
We each put in money for groceries one day. I was chosen to
go get the food. I shopped conservatively and tried to get food that would be cheap,
easy to fix and keep for a while. I tossed the grocery bags in the back seat of
my roommate’s car that I had borrowed and headed home. I immediately discovered his air conditioner
was on the fritz again and only blew hot air. I tried to roll down the window
and the handle came off in my hand. “Jeez, “I thought, “I only have a couple
miles to go. I can make it.”
It took seconds to begin sweating in the Memphis summer
heat. It ran down the back of my neck and my shirt stuck to my chest. I would
be drenched before I got back to the apartment. I made it to the street between
the hospital and building when I heard a loud POP. I swerved, ducked and glanced
around for the source of the sound. That was the moment I felt the sticky ooze
that came from the back of my head. I’d been shot. I knew it. I couldn’t
believe I had been dumb enough to live in this area. I had gone through all of
my military training for what? Just to be another statistic on the streets of
this hood?
I quickly made a choice and pulled into the emergency drive
on the hospital. I shoveled the car into park and left the motor running as I
got out and stumbled through the sliding glass doors. Two neatly dressed nurses
sat at the emergency room desk and looked shocked as I made my way to them. I
knew I didn’t have long before I would lose consciousness. I felt weak and
disoriented. My mouth was dry as I opened it and told them “I’ve been shot.
Help me”
They jumped to their feet and came around the desk. The
first to my side inspected the back of my head and gave me the bad news, “Sir,
it appears you have been assaulted by a can of biscuits.”
The ponder:
I fear more as I get older, which seems odd to me. Simple
things as love, respect, health and friendship have always been important. Now they
each signify a pillar to what makes me a complete person and loss of even a
little of one makes me reflect. What do you fear losing?
The Fudonshin Challenge:
I did my 100 push-ups this morning. Sensei and I weight
trained yesterday on chest. Today is biceps, triceps and abs followed by 3
hours of kenpo karate. Come join us if you are local to West TN at the
Fudoshinka Dojo.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Anyone for seconds?
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Anyone for seconds?: “If we all could see the world through eyes of a child, we would see the magic in everything. ” The smile: My brother has alw...
Anyone for seconds?
The smile:
My brother has always tried to be the best uncle. Even when his
nephews and nieces were young, he spent time with each of them.
Shiloh was three and very proud of the china tea set she got
for Christmas. She would set the cups and saucers on the table in her room and
happily serve people wherever that sat in the house. My brother and I sat on
the sofa watching football, when she carefully handed me a serving. I pretended
to drink and sat it on the table. Shiloh beamed with personal satisfaction. She
quickly toddled back into her room and brought my brother his tea.
Chris took the small cup, gazed at the contents for a second
and tilted it back to drain every drop. Shiloh clapped with glee. Chris looked
over to me trying not to laugh. “What’s up?” he asked to explain my reaction. I
regained my composure and answered, “The only place she can reach to fill her
cups with water is the toilet.”
The ponder:
I am as guilty as anyone of wanting more toys or vacations
or something else to occupy my attention. I recently went to the park with a
friend of mine and her kids, which are seven and five. I watched them jump,
climb and run just as I did when I was their ages. It reminded me the simple
pleasures are still there.
The physical challenge:
Sensei has begun to weight train with me three days a week
for strength and flexibility. Yesterday was leg day. I’m sore. Haha
I did my regular 100 sit-ups and 100 push-ups today.
Tomorrow is my favorite weight training day, CHEST!
Airbourne!
Sp
Friday, February 6, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Truth is in the eyes of the beholder
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Truth is in the eyes of the beholder: “All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we choose to distort it” Woody Allen, actor, director, comedian The sm...
Truth is in the eyes of the beholder
“All people know the same truth. Our lives consist of how we
choose to distort it” Woody Allen, actor, director, comedian
The smile:
My first job when I left the Army was waiting tables in a
river side restaurant in Memphis. It was also my first experience at working in
a white table cloth establishment. It was intimidating in the beginning. It
didn’t remain that way.
One busy summer afternoon nearly every table was occupied. I
did my best to give superior service and attention to each customer. There was
a table in my section which two women in their late fifties sat. They were
enjoying conversation, people watching and a glass of wine or two. They were in
no hurry. I didn’t mind. I’m a people person and if you sat at my table long
enough, I was going to entertain you. The women were deep into their discussion
when I sat a bowl of soup in front of each. Barely a nod my direction indicated
the depth of their attention on the subject which they were engaged. I left to
get them another bottle.
I returned to the table to realize both women were sitting
quietly. I smiled and presented the libation. The woman to my left stopped me
by pointing to her bowl and saying, “I believe I am losing my soup.” I sat the
wine bottle on the table and leaned down to examine what was happening. There
did appear to be a growing ring of wetness under her bowl, so I asked “Didn’t
you order the vegetable stew?”
“Yes, “she answered unsure where I was going with the question.
“Well, “I said as I stood erect, “I’m guessing it has leeks
in it.”
The ponder:
Change is not always what we want though we must accept it
is inevitable. Life is not about the best person always winning. Winning is
such the wrong term anyway. It is about remaining positive in the face of
negativity, persevering and not accepting defeat. That is my truth.
The Fudoshin Challenge:
I am waiting new direction from my sensai. New goals will be
here soon and I will share them.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: STOP...this is a black thing
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: STOP...this is a black thing: " One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people. " Alvin Ailey, activist The smile: Yes, ...
STOP...this is a black thing
"One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people."
Alvin Ailey, activist
Alvin Ailey, activist
The smile:
Yes, this is going to be racist. If you can’t take it STOP
NOW. NO, I MEAN DON’T READ ANY MORE. STOP, STOP, STOP….
Ok…one of my duty stations in the Army was in Alaska. I had
the fortune…good orbad…I laughed either way…to walk into my room at the
barracks to find my two black roommates drinking. For over an hour they told
WHITE jokes. Thank you, guys. I is a cracker.
Here are some of what they taught me:
1)
What does a white woman make for dinner?
Reservations
2)
What do you call a white man in court?
Lawyer
3)
What do you call four planes of all white
paratroopers?
Snow
4)
What do you call a bench full of white guys?
NBA players
5)
What do you call a white boy with a satisfied wife?
Pool boy
The ponder:
Racism divides people. Sure we should be
color blind, but we aren’t. How do we overcome our bias everyday…race, creed,
religion or other non-important factor?
Fudonshin Challenge:
I did my 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups today.
Based the guidance from my sensei, Sherwin Moore, my challenges are changing. Give
me a couple of days to learn how we measure them. Thanks, Sp
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Your Story
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Your Story: “I have to live if I want to be remembered.” Suzanne Young, author of “A Need So Beautiful” The smile: A friend of mine was g...
Your Story
“I have to live if I want to be
remembered.” Suzanne Young, author of “A Need So Beautiful”
The smile:
A friend of mine was got into the pizza franchise business
when it was hot. He did well with his first restaurant and decided to open a
second. A few days after the grand opening, he had a heart attack and passed
away.
I drove to Atlanta for the funeral and after paying my last
respects I casually looked at the flower arrangements people had sent.
Evidently news didn’t travel as fast to some of his friends as it did to
others. One bouquet had a very neatly printed card attached that read “Congratulations
on the new location”.
The ponder:
I often say it is easy to be immortal. We live on through
the stories our friends and family tell. What story are you leaving?
The Fudonshin Challenge:
|
Exercise
|
Reps/ Goal
|
|
Straight Punches
|
1610/2000
|
|
Knuckle Push-ups
|
960/2000
|
|
Olymipic sit-ups
|
960/2000
|
|
Squat kicks
|
685/2000
|
|
Front kicks
|
545/2000
|
|
Side kicks
|
470/2000
|
|
Back kicks
|
470/2000
|
|
Upper blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Downward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Inward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Outward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Just like Grandpa
Out of the pan and into the fire...one cook's story: Just like Grandpa: "In a desperate attempt to stay young forever we have achieved eternal childishness, rather than eternal youth.” Daniel Prokop, autho...
Just like Grandpa
"In a desperate attempt to stay young forever we have achieved eternal childishness, rather than eternal youth.” Daniel Prokop, author of "Leaving Neverland"
The smile:
When you are from an old Southern family there are a LOT of
stories and a few traditions. I heard over and over the coming of age story
that his eighteenth birthday my grandfather walked across the lake between his
home and general store. He and his father had his first adult beverage.
When my uncle came of age, he took the walk and celebrated
the same way. As a child I would stare at the lake and think “It is just a
matter of time before I take that walk across the lake and share this rite of
passage.”
The day finally came. I spent time visiting with my great
grandmother. It was getting close to time to meet my uncle so I left the house
and made a b-line for the general store. I stopped at the edge of the lake. I
looked at the surface of the lake. I removed my shoes and put a foot in the water.
We called it a lake. It was more of a pond, maybe three hundred feet across the
middle. I considered my grandfather and uncle were great men, but they couldn’t
walk on water. Maybe there is a trial of stones under the water that lead across
the water. I stepped a little deeper and felt around with my toes. Only the
mush of a red Tennessee mud met my touch. I hitched up my pants leg and took
another step. I took a few steps and the water stayed fairly shallow. My
confidence was building as I boldly took yet another step. I must have found
the ledge because I plunged straight under water. I hadn’t been dunked more thoroughly
or quicker when I had been baptized. The shock of going completely under water
left me gasping and disoriented for a minute.
I quickly found the shallow ledge of the water’s edge and
crawled back to dry land. I was soaked. I was covered with silt and mud. My
hair was plastered to my head. I got back to my feet and headed back to my
great grandmother’s house. She must have seen me coming because she met me at the
front door with a dry towel. “Lordy, honey, “she asked in a concerned voice, “What
were you doing?”
“I wanted to walk across the lake to get my first drink as
an adult like the other guys,” I explained wiping my face. “They did it on
their eighteenth birthday and today is mine.”
She put her hands to her mouth to hold back the laughter,
but it came. First a giggle, then a crackle and finally a gut aching roar. She caught
her breath and told me, “Honey, they did walk across the lake but they were
both born in January.”
The ponder:
What rites of passage have you experienced as you have gone through life? What would you consider your first rite of passage?
The Fudonshin Challenge:
|
Exercise
|
Reps/ Goal
|
|
Straight Punches
|
1610/2000
|
|
Knuckle Push-ups
|
860/2000
|
|
Olymipic sit-ups
|
860/2000
|
|
Squat kicks
|
685/2000
|
|
Front kicks
|
545/2000
|
|
Side kicks
|
470/2000
|
|
Back kicks
|
470/2000
|
|
Upper blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Downward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Inward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
|
Outward blocks
|
1145/2000
|
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