Work Habits

           I heard him every morning as he got ready for work.  If I had to get up for school I'd see him as he went through his routine.  Like clockwork as they say.  You could count on him being there, going through his routine of preparing for work

           My father and mother made a good team.  She would have his breakfast waiting for him, his lunch at noon, and dinner for the family without fail every night.  I could often hear him singing and being all cheerful in contrast to my I don't want to get up and go to school attitude.  Sometimes there would be a lecture--or at least that's how it came across to me.  Maybe he saw it as pep talks and fatherly advice, but sometimes it was also a reminder of things I needed to do like mow the lawn or something like that.   I was never ready for morning.  He was always raring to go and optimistic about life in general.  My mom kept it all together on the home front.

            I don't remember my father ever staying home sick from work.  He somehow always managed to save sickness for the weekend.   Sickness was not a part of my mother's job description.  She was always there for us no matter what.   Following my father's example I tried my best not to get sick and miss school.

            My parents were sticklers for being on time, following through with commitments, and being true to our word.   They wholeheartedly backed us when we became interested in something, but expected us to be good at what we were doing.  When I wanted to play the violin, they bought the instrument and paid for the lessons.   They also expected me to practice.   My father's philosophy was if you were going to do something, do it right.

            These work ethic principles and general values stuck with me throughout my life.  I've rarely missed work because I was sick.   I try to always be early, never late.  If I tell someone I'm going to do something, I either do it, or if I can't I call ahead and make some kind of arrangements.  I don't ever like to leave anyone in a bad situation because I was irresponsible.

             This is much the way I have approached my blog.  I first have the responsibility to myself to fulfill my blogging goals.  I have committed myself to blogging daily for the first year and I have made every effort to do so, even when it seemed inconvenient or uncomfortable.   I never know if readers will be there, but I make sure my post is up so the readers who do show up will find it just as they have expected it.   Likewise I feel like I have the responsibilities to respond to my comments and to comment on the blogs of those who have commented on mine.   This is what it all comes down to:  Responsibility, reliability, and consistency.

              Who were the role models who have shaped who you are today?   In what way did they do this?  Are your blogging habits an accurate reflection of who you are in your work and social life?  Do you tend to usually be a leader or a follower?  Would  you rather be early or late to work?  An appointment?   A party?  Your own funeral?