A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K.

After being married for thirty years, the wife asked her husband to describe her.

He looked at her for a while, then said, "You're an alphabet wife ... A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K."

She asked, "What does that mean?

He said "Adorable, beautiful, cute, delightful, elegant, foxy, gorgeous, and hot."

She smiled happily and said, "Oh, that's so lovely ... but what about I, J, K?"

"I'm just kidding!"

My Rules Of Living: Morality

This is a delicate one to comment on as not all things are right or wrong, and there are so many individual opinions on the subject. So while some things such as murder are wrong to everyone, for everything else it comes down to your own take on it. In some cases if you can get away with it, then why not - even if you know you shouldn't.

Where do we get values? We have an inbuilt law called a conscience that is the basis of morality. That in turn is shaped by our personality, family, community, religious beliefs and our own inherent flaws. Our conscience can be molded or even desensitised, but it always remains in some form. So how do I see morality?

1) Morality must be based on a something reliable and trustworthy. If you need an accurate measurement, you use something accurately marked. The result could be a failure if we just guessed a measurement. Many today - especially the young - lack a standard they can trust to put them on the right course.

2) It takes determination to stick to what you know is right. Being with others who have differing standards to yours is a challenge. It is so easy to go with the majority, even if it makes you uncomfortable doing so. Never ignore your standards and back off if others insist on continuing. Better still, associate only with those who either have similar standards or will respect your decision.

3) The majority can be wrong. We cannot adopt the herd mentality. Society's morality is in virtual freefall at the moment. Accepting it's falling values will hurt us.

4) Be honest in assessing morality. Our heart's desire can let us down badly. What seems right now can feel anything but later on. Once we know something is the correct, move quickly to reinforce that. Don't give our heart - or others - time to change our mind.

5) The best standard I have found is in an ancient book. The most circulated book in the world by far has the answers. Unfortunately its message is twisted to suit - or not consulted at all - by too many. An honest appraisal of its standards gives us help now and a happy future. Find publications or genuine readers of that book to help us get the most out of it.


We need morality. It shields us and gives us dignity. Society is glued together with it, and the planet is protected by it. We turn our backs on it at our peril.

My Rules Of Living: Tidiness

I used to make and install customised wardrobes (US: closet). When I would arrive at the house, I was shown the rooms I would be installing them in. When coming to the rooms youths slept in, sometimes the existing wardrobe was empty and the floor was piled high with clothes. I wondered if my handiwork would ever be used.

I cannot understand why parents would allow such slovenliness in their home. Permissive parenting isn't something I respect. If you love your children, give them boundaries and insist on standards. They will squeal and protest now, but will thank you one day.

My parents insisted on standards for me to live by, and I still hold to them many years later. So what are some of them? Tidiness is one:

1) I always make my bed before leaving home. I get up, let it air as I do necessary things, then make it before going out. When I come home, the bedroom is tidy and I feel good.


2) All clothing is put in it's proper place. Clean clothes are put hung up or put on shelves. Dirty laundry goes to the basket. I can take pride in my bedroom environment.



3) Dishes are either put in the dishwasher or cleaned immediately. I don't get up in the morning to a pile of dishes. They are also easier to clean if not left. All kitchen items are in cupboards in their rightful place, not scattered across the bench tops.

4) The lounge is always tidy. If guests pop in anytime, I can show them into the lounge without apologising for catching me out. No, I don't believe people either when they say "We're not normally like this".

5) Keep the car clean, inside and out. Having a rubbish bag hooked over a headrest stops junk hitting the car floor. I have got into some cars where I didn't know where to put my feet, there was so much rubbish in the foot well.
It doesn't take long with a hose and soapy water to clean the outside. A wipe down with a chamois afterwards if you want a better finish. An occasional polish and wax if you want a wow factor.



I don't enjoy cleaning, and it would be easy to let things slip. However, I was taught the satisfaction of keeping things nice. Living in a pleasant environment builds self respect too. So thank you mum and dad for insisting on standards. I grumbled at times, but you persisted. It shows to me that you cared and that I need to care about my surroundings.