Being George Washington

First of all, I can't even look at that title without thinking of the movie Being John Malkovich.  Whew, now that I have that out of my system, I will go into detail what "Being George Washington" means to me.

Back-flash, a few years ago:  Paul - my husband, came home from work with a list of rules that George Washington made for himself.  It's titled The Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.  While we thoroughly enjoyed reading through these rules, after some time they were put in a pile of things that are never seen from again, you know - the household black hole, where things are put and never seen or heard from again. 

Forward in time, but still back-flash to last week:  Paul enjoys listening to audible books.  For those who know me well will realize that this usually doesn't bode well for me.  Blame it on ADD if you will, but I prefer to think of it more as being too preoccupied in an higher altered state of consciousness to be bothered with mindless chatter.  (Unfortunately, that argument only works well in certain situations.)  For my benefit when we are together in the car, Paul chooses books that will be more of an interest to us both, which I greatly appreciate.


So, back to last week, we started Glenn Beck's new book titled, "Being George Washington".  We're only on chapter 1, but it already had me thinking of the list of rules he had made and wondering where I had put my copy.  (Thankfully Paul kept his on file, like the sweet organized man that he is.)  Now, follow my rabbit trail here - I began to question what it would be like to take these rules and conscientiously apply them to my everyday life, then decided it would be fun to write about it.

This is my game plan, and how fitting it should start the month of Presidents Day.  I didn't even plan that on purpose.   In total, there are 110 rules, for as long as it takes, I will apply a few of these rules each week until I have gone through the list in its entirety.  While some of these rules seem simple, I find a profoundness to them, some of these rules will be very challenging, some will be humorous while some are downright confounding.  I will blog about each rule; what it means to me and how I went about it, and how successful, or unsuccessful I was in my results. 

In next week's blog, I will report on Rules 1-3, which are:
 
1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.

2. When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.

3. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.

If you feel so inspired to join me in this challenge of "Being George Washington", please comment on each week's blog.  I would love to see how "Being George Washington"  affects you and/or those around you!