#384 - Happy Birthday Jesus

#383 - Get a Real Tree

Don't settle for a fake Christmas tree, get a real one.

-Love Dad

#382 - Christmas Lights

If you are going to decorate the house for Christmas, you either have to go all out or just be simple.

-Love Dad

#381 - Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Cut down your own Christmas tree.

-Love Dad

#380 - Put out a Nativity

At Christmas time, be the guy who puts the Nativity out in the yard.

-Love Dad

#379 - Joseph Mohr Quote

"Holy night, peaceful night,
Wondrous Star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King,
Jesus the Saviour is here."

-Joseph Mohr

#378 - Don't buy from a Kiosk

Don't buy gifts from a kiosk.

-Love Dad

#377 - How to Change Your Oil

How To Change Your OilPlan to change your motor oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months if you want to be on the safe side, but know that most cars no longer require an oil change after every 3,000 miles. You will not damage the engine by letting it run 4,000 miles in between oil changes. However, if you've been driving in very hot and/or dusty conditions you should stick to the 3,000 mile schedule, or even more frequent changes.

You'll save roughly a hundred dollars a year doing this procedure on your own. Oh, and maybe another ten bucks or so when you say no to the guy at the quick-lube place trying to sell you a five dollar air filter for $14.95. Chicken feed for most of us in these flush times.

If this doesn't appeal to you, go to Jiffylube or Grease Monkey or your local quick-lube shop, shell out 30 bucks, and be done with it.
If, on the other hand, you do this procedure yourself, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing the job was done right, with the right materials, in its own good time. And that you completed a task (if you work for corporate America this may be the biggest benefit of all -- that you actually accomplished something). So if you've been contemplating a more active role in your car's life, or if you want to learn more about your vehicle, this could be a good place to start. Not only will you save a few bucks, you'll also develop a more intimate relationship with your transportation, never a bad thing in our book.
One more thing before we get started. Oil disposal has become a hot issue in the last decade or so. The EPA now levies a huge fine -- into six figures -- for improper or illegal oil disposal. The days of digging a hole in the back yard and pouring dirty oil into it are long gone. Before doing this procedure, we recommend you find a local quick-lube place that will accept your dirty oil at no charge. One of our editors has an arrangement with a local Jiffylube that accepts not only dirty oil but used filters too. It might be that Jiffylube has a corporate policy of doing this, for community relations, so you might start there.

Remember, it is illegal to dispose of used motor oil improperly.
Now, if you're still interested in tackling this task yourself, here's a list of tools and things you'll need to perform this procedure:

• a 3/8-drive socket set (metric will work for both)
• a combination wrench set (closed- and open-ended, metric)
• an oil filter wrench
• something to catch the old oil -- an oil pan, a used kitchen basin, a kid's pail
• a couple of empty one gallon milk containers with screw-on lids.
• a funnel and a one quart Ziploc baggie
• a lot of old newspapers and several dirty rags
• presoiled work clothes and, if you have long hair, a baseball cap
• two pair surgical gloves (optional; no, we won't ask you to cough)
• a new oil filter (see vehicle's owner's manual for requirements)
• enough oil to refill the engine (check back page of owner's manual for grade and number of quarts); we recommend name brands, such as Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Mobil, etc.

STEP ONE: Before you do anything, pick out a flat spot on your driveway. Now take your car for a drive around the neighborhood. We do this to heat the oil and make it nice and thin, so it will drain more completely from the engine block. Drive the vehicle far enough and long enough so that the temperature gauge begins to register. If you don't have a temp gauge, or if you have gauges but they're broken, turn on the heater and drive until your feet get toasty. The engine is now warm. Park it in your pre-chosen spot.

STEP TWO: Turn off the engine, put the car in gear, and set the parking brake firmly. For safety, block the tires with several bricks or large rocks. Go in the house and put on your dirty clothes and cap. Come out and line up your tools.

Now slide under the car and locate the oil drain plug. If there isn't enough room to slide under, you may have to jack up the car to get beneath it. Raise the car with a hydraulic pump and settle it on jackstands. CAUTION: Never get under a car held aloft only by a jack. Always use jackstands.

O.K., now locate the drain plug. It should be about the closest thing to the ground, a fairly large nut with a slim washer under it. Sometimes it will even be labeled "drain plug." (Caution: Make sure you're not looking at the transmission drain plug. It's usually a larger nut. If not sure, feel the metal around it. The metal around the engine oil plug should be a lot hotter than around the trans plug. If still not sure, call a friend.) Find your socket set and pull out several sockets that look about the same size as the nut until you find one that fits over it.

STEP THREE: If you have them, put on your surgical gloves to keep your hands clean. Grab the socket wrench and put the correct-sized socket on it. Place it over the nut and turn it counter-clockwise. It won't budge? Try again -- really put some force into it this time. If it still won't dislodge after several tries, locate the same sized closed-end wrench and use that instead. After you get the nut cracked, work it slightly loose with your fingers. Not too loose, though -- you don't want oil all over the place.

STEP FOUR: Now take the newspaper and spread it under the car. Make sure to cover where the oil filter sticks out, because it drips after removal. Look up into the engine. See the oil filter? It looks like a miniature, upside-down version of the mountain from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Get the drain pan (or kitchen basin, or kid's pail) and slide it under the drain plug. Position it so the stream hits it just right (if the plug points to the side and not straight down, the oil will shoot out sideways like from a fire hydrant). Loosen the plug and set it aside. Most of the oil will drain in about two minutes.

STEP FIVE: Locate the oil filter wrench. Take the socket off the socket wrench and set it next to the drain plug. Slip the oil filter wrench onto the socket wrench. You'll probably want to use the short extension, too. The oil filter wrench is like a round dog collar that only chokes in one direction. Set it up to "grab" or "choke" counterclockwise. Slip it over the oil filter and give it a tug. It shouldn't be that tight. When you feel it give, loosen it a little more, then slide the wrench off and do the rest by hand. Careful -- it has hot oil in it! Make sure your face is not under it. Remove it all the way and pour the contents into the drain pan. Set the used oil filter right-side-up on the newspaper.

STEP SIX: Slide out, open the hood (if you haven't already) and remove the oil filler cap. Set it aside. This will help the oil drain a little easier. O.K., take a breather.

Now, here's the deal. If you're in a hurry, you can dive right in and finish the oil change. But think about it. Drops of dirty oil are still dripping down. Personally, we like to give it a good hour to drain completely. They don't do that in the quick-lube places. If you have the time, peel off your gloves and take a break. Grab a bite, drink some soda, watch the tube.

STEP SEVEN: O.K., you're back. Put your gloves on and get to work. Before you thread the new oil filter in place, dip a finger into the drain pan and coat the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter with oil, and set it aside. This will help it seat better against the engine block. With a clean rag, wipe off the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits, then thread the new filter onto the post. When it's finger-tight, either tighten it by hand if you're strong enough (it takes about one-half to three-quarters of a turn, no more: read the instructions on the filter), or flip the oil filter wrench over on the socket wrench and tighten it that way.

STEP EIGHT: We recommend using a new sealing washer on the drain plug. Put the washer in place and thread the drain plug back into its hole. Scooch it up tight with the socket set, but not so tight that you can't get it off the next time (remember your struggles earlier; better to have it snug but not stripped.) Now take the oil drain pan and the empty milk bottle and the funnel. If you have a friend, have him hold the bottle while you pour the oil into it. When most of the oil has found the bottom of the bottle, seal it with the lid, then wipe out the inside of the funnel with a clean rag. (We sometimes prop the drain pan against a wall and let it continue to drip into the bottle while we do the next step. You'll need an extra funnel to do this.)

STEP NINE: Set the cleaned funnel into the oil filler hole and pour in as many quarts as the manufacturer recommends. As the oil fills, begin cleaning up. Throw the newspapers in the trash and wipe down all your tools. Discard the empty oil containers in a recycling bin. After the oil is all in, twist the oil cap back on and check the dipstick for oil level, just to make sure. Take the old oil filter, place it in the Ziploc bag, and seal it.

STEP TEN: Start the engine and let it idle for about five minutes, looking for leaks. Place the milk container and the Ziploc bag in a box, and set it somewhere in the car where it can't tip over. Drive to the nearest oil recycling center (as we discussed, most of the national chains, such as Econo Lube N' Tune, Jiffylube, Grease Monkey, etc., will take your old oil and filters). Take a last look underneath for leaks.

That's it. Remember, changing your oil on a regular basis is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car. Refer to your owner's manual for exact time periods.

excerpt from: edmunds.com

#376 - Cicero Quote

"A man of courage is also full of faith."

-Cicero

#375 - Be Brutally Honest

Be brutally honest.

Also know when and when not to be (you'll figure it out).

-Love Dad

#374 - Write a Thank You Note

A gentleman knows that a thank-you email does not take the place of a thank-you note. It is better than nothing, but not as good as a handwritten note.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#373 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts

Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts

> You do

Write a thank-you note to your friend's parents if they took you out to eat at a nice restaurent or on an out-of-town trip.

> You don't

Write a thank-you note to your friend's parents if they simply made you a grilled cheese sandwhich when you were over at theri house.

> Why

There are limits to how many thank-you notes you have to write. You should send a thank-you note for special gifts or special acts of kindness. A trip to see a professional hockey game requires a thank-you note. A grilled cheese sandwich does not. (You do say, "Thank you." when your friend's mom or dad gives you the sandwich, of course.) If you are wondering whether you need to send a thank-you note, ask your parents for their advice.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#372 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts

Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts

> You Do

Write a thank-you note on a note card.

> You Don't

Write a thank-you note on a piece of notebook paper or on your computer, even if you used fancy fonts.

> Why

You are not a six year old. You are old enough to have your own stationary. If you don't know what type of cards you need, you might ask your parents to help you pick them out. Better yet, ask to get your own supply with your name on it. People will be very impressed.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#371 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts

Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts

> You Do

Write a thank-you note for gifts you receive.

> You Don't

Assume that, just because you said, "Thank you," when you opened the gift, you have done enough.

> Why

When somebody has put time, effort, or money into giving you a gift, writing a thank-you is the right way to show your appreciation.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#370 - Writing a Thank You Note

Writing a Thank-You Note

When someone does something nice for you or gives you a gift, you thank that person. It is the right thing to do.

And doing the right thing will always pay off. If you have good manners, your friend's parents will be more likely to be comfortable with your being around their kids. When you get older, good manners will help you get a better job and have a better life.

Writing a thank-you note will demonstrate that you have the best manners possible. You will be showing people how much you appreciate them. You are not doing it because your mom and dad are forcing you to. You are doing it because you are a thoughtful guy. And that will really impress people. It will also have a lot to do with what they think of you and how they treat you.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#369 - Mike Ditka Quote

"Coaching is teaching, and it's taking the time out when a guy doesn't do it right to tell him why he doesn't do it right. Show him how to do it right."

-Mike Ditka
Former Coach Chicago Bears

#368 - Tom Runnels Quote

"I can deal with the losses. It's the losing I can't handle."

-Tom Runnels
Former Manager Montreal Expos

#367 - Fix Your Bike

Do your own bike repairs.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#366 - Chris Rock Quote

"You don't pay taxes - they take taxes."

-Chris Rock

One Year of Treasured Map!!

Wow!

It's been a full year of this blog. I can't believe it. That went way too fast. I've officially gotten 365 of my thoughts entered into this blog for my boys. And amazingly there is more to come.

If you've forgotten what this blog is all about, or if you are new to treasured map, go back and check out the first blog entry "Let the Journey Begin."

Thanks for looking, and thanks to T & J for being such an inspiration.

#365 - Kiss Goodnight

Always kiss goodnight.

-Love Dad

#364 - You are not in Control

None of us are in control as much as we think we are.

-Love Dad

#363 - Lighten Up

Don't take yourself too seriously, lighten up.

-Love Dad

#362 - Arrive Early

Be Early.

Arrive at every appointment at least 10 minutes early.

-Love Dad

#361 - Own up to your Failures

Don't cover it up when you fail.

You will gain greater appreciation if you can own up to your failures.

-Love Dad

#360 - Education is Important

Education is important.

If you are reading this right now you can thank the person who taught you to read.

-Love Dad

#359 - Embrace Life

Embrace life and you will live.

-Love Dad

#358 - Children are the Future

Your children are the promise of the future.

-Love Dad

#357 - No Worries

Don't respond to people with "No worries."

Ever.

It just sounds ridiculous and makes you sound uneducated.

-Love Dad

#356 - Hard Times

Harder times have happened to weaker people, you can get through it.

-Love Dad

#355 - Order Dessert

Order dessert.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#354 - Suprise Dad

Surprise your Dad at the office.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#353 - Keep a Garden

Keep a garden.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#352 - Ronald Reagan Quote

"If the federal government had been around when the Creator was putting His hand to this State, Indiana wouldn't be here. It'd still be waiting for an environmental impact statement."

-Ronald Reagan
Former President 1981-89

#351 - Ben Franklin Quote

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

-Ben Franklin

#350 - Thomas Paine Quote

"That government is best which governs least."

-Thomas Paine

#349 - Thomas Jefferson Quote

"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks."

-Thomas Jefferson
Former President 1801-1809

#348 - Patrick Henry Quote

"If life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!"

-Patrick Henry

#347 - Carl Sandburg Quote

"I see America, not in the setting sun of a black night of despair ahead of us, I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God. I see great days ahead, great days possible to men and women of will and vision."

-Carl Sandburg

#346 - Good vs. Evil

Our character is but the stamp on our souls of the free choices of good and evil we have made through life.

"Hate what is evil; cling to what is good"
Romans 12:9

-Love Dad

#345 - Proverbs 20:11

Character building begins in our infancy and continues until death.

"Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right."
Proverbs 20:11

-Love Dad

#344 - Do the Right Thing

Faith is...doing the right thing regardless of the consequences, knowing God will turn the ultimate effect to good.

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

-Love Dad

#343 - The Truth will Come Out

Faith is...allowing God to straighten the record when false things have been said about me.

-Love Dad

#342 - Friendship

Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words.

-Love Dad

#341 - Don't Brag

A gentleman does not brag about the expensive gifts he has received. He knows that different families live on different budgets and have different traditions.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#340 - You Won't Always get the Gift You Want

At his birthday, or at the holidays, a gentleman does not make a scene if he does not receive every gift he has asked for.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#339 - Accepting a Gift You Like Do's and Don'ts

Accepting a Gift you Like Do's & Don'ts

> You Do

Say, "Thank you," to the gift giver, as soon as you open the present.

> You Don't

Start raving about how much you love this gift - especially if somebody else in the room has given a gift you didn't like as much.

> Why

It is OK to love a gift, but it is not OK to compare one gift with another, especially if both gift givers are sitting there in front of you. If you start comparing gifts, some body's feelings are bound to get hurt. When you write your thank-you note (and you will write a thank0you note, of course), you can let the gift giver know how much you really like the gift. The thank-you note is like a private conversation between you and the person you are sending it to. Nobody else will know what you have said, and no body's feelings will be bruised.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#338 - Accepting a Gift You Like

Accepting a Gift You Like

Big Checks
The right gift cards
Clothes you really like
CDs by bands you like
Video games you want

If you are lucky, and we bet you are, you have someone in your life who gives really cool presents. It might be an uncle or godmother or a grandfather or a family friend who always gets it right. Maybe she or he gives presents like the ones listed above. If you have a person like this in your life, count your blessings. It is always exciting to open a package from someone who puts a lot of thought into gifts. Try to learn a lesson from this person, so that, when you are giving gifts, you can give the most thoughtful gifts possible. And, yes, it is coll to love a gift. But there are a few things to keep in mind even when accepting a gift you really, really like.

excerpt from: 50 things every young gentleman should know

#337 - Joe Paterno Quote

Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good.

- Joe Paterno
Coach, Penn State Football

#336 - Pray

Pray regularly.

-Love Dad

#335 - Fail Fast

Fail Fast.

Don't be so afraid to fail that you never take any risks. After all, you'll never learn anything with out failing. So make sure to fail fast, learn your lessons quickly, apply them and move on.

-Love Dad

#334 - Take Responsibility

Take responsibility for your actions.

-Love Dad

#333 - Be Prepared for the Future

Be prepared for the future, it will be upon you tomorrow.

-Love Dad

#332 - Have Worthy Friends

Pledge friendship only to those who are worthy.

-Love Dad

#331 - Unknown Author Quote

"A person doesn't know how much he has to be thankful for until he has to pay taxes on it."

-Author Unknown

#330 - Woodrow Wilson Quote

"Some people call me an idealist. Well, that's the way I know I am an American. America is the only idealistic nation in the world."

-Thomas Woodrow Wilson, former President

#329 - Ramsey Clark Quote

"There is no conflict between liberty and safety. We will have both or neither."

-Ramsey Clark

#328 - Jeff Snyder Quote

"As the Founding Fathers knew well, a government that does not trust its honest, law-abiding, tax paying citizens with the means of self defense is not itself worthy of trust. Laws disarming honest citizens proclaim that the government is the master, not the servant, of the people."

-Jeff Snyder

#327 - Lilly Tomlin Quote

"Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard working, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them."

-Lily Tomlin, comedian

#326 - Thucydide Quote

"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage."

-Thucydide

#325 - Calvin Coolidge Quote

"I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say"

John Calvin Coolidge, former President

#324 - Honor

Our own heart, and not other men's opinions, forms our true honor.

-Love Dad

#323 - Character Revealed

Sports do not build character. They reveal it.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

1 Corinthians 9:24

-Love Dad

#322 - Arthur Ashe Quote

"Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit. You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it."

-Arthur Ashe, Tennis pro

#321 - Will Robinson Quote

"Winning is the thing. If it wasn't , they wouldn't keep score."

-Will Robinson
former Coach Illinois State Basketball

#320 - Be Patient

Honking your horn won't make them go any faster.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#319 - Mom's a Good Cook

Compliment your Mom's cooking.



http://feedmymonkeys.blogspot.com/

-Love Dad

#318 - Where's the Ring?

In her dad's eyes, until you marry her, you're not in the picture.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#317 - Don't Loose Your Cool

Don't loose your cool, especially at work.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#316 - How to Change a Tire

How to Change a Tire

Have you ever gotten stuck helplessly on the side of the road with a flat, or do you dread someday getting trapped in that kind of scenario? Do you want to be able to change a tire without having to ask for help? Luckily for you, changing a tire is a pretty simple task, if you don't mind a little bit of elbow grease!

1) Find a stable and safe place to work. You need a solid, level surface. Avoid soft ground and hills. If you are near a road, park as far from traffic as possible and turn on your emergency flashers (hazard lights).

2) Make sure that the car cannot roll. Apply the parking brake and put car in "Park" position or in first or reverse if using a standard transmission. If possible, it is a good idea to place a heavy object (such as a brick) in front of the front tire (if changing a rear tire), and vice-versa.

3) Take out the spare tire and the jack. Place the jack under the frame near the tire that you are going to change. Make sure that you place it where it will meet the metal portion of the frame.

• Many cars are made from molded plastic, and if you don't place the jack in the right spot, it will crack the body when you start lifting. If you're not sure about the right place to put the jack, read your owner's manual.
• For most modern uni body cars, there is a small notch or mark just behind the front wheel wells or in front of the rear wheel wells where the jack is intended to be placed.
• For most trucks or older cars that have a frame, look to place the jack on one of the beams of the frame just behind the front tire or in front of the rear tire.

4) Raise the jack until it is supporting, but not lifting the car. The jack should be firmly in place against the underside of the vehicle. Make sure that it is lifting straight up and down.

5) Remove the hub cap and loosen the nuts by turning counterclockwise. Don't take them all the way off. Just break the resistance. Having the wheel on the ground means that you're turning the nuts instead of the wheel.

• Use the wrench that came with your car or a standard cross wrench. Your wrench may have different sizes of openings on different ends. Place the right size of the wrench on the lug nut. The right size is the one that slips easily over the nut but does not rattle.
• It can take quite a lot of force to break your lug nuts free. If all else fails, you can use your body weight or stomp on the wrench (be absolutely certain you are turning it the right way).

6) Pump or crank the jack to lift the tire off the ground. You need to lift it high enough to remove the flat tire and to put the spare on it. As you lift, make sure that the car is stable. If you notice any instability, lower the jack and fix the problem before full lifting the car.

• If you notice the jack lifting at an angle or leaning, lower and reposition it so that it can lift straight up.
• Chock the tires if you notice the car starting to roll. You can use logs, large stones or other heavy, solid objects to help keep the car in place.

7) Remove the nuts the rest of the way. Turn them counter clockwise until they are loose. Repeat with all lug nuts, then remove the nuts completely.

8) Remove the tire. Place the flat tire under the vehicle so in event of jack failure the vehicle will fall on the old wheel, hopefully preventing injury. If the jack is placed on a flat, solid base, you shouldn't have any problems.

9) Place the spare tire on the hub. Take care to align the rim of the spare tire with the wheel bolts, then put on the lug nuts.

• Tighten the nuts by hand until the are all snug. They should turn easily at first.
• Using the wrench, tighten the nuts as much as possible. To ensure the tire is balanced, don't completely tighten the nuts one at a time. Going in a star pattern around the tire, one nut across from another, give each one a full turn until they are equally tight.
• Avoid using so much force that you risk upsetting the jack. You will tighten the lug nuts again once the car is down and there is no risk of it falling.

10) Lower the car to the ground. Do not put full weight on it yet. Finish tightening the nuts as much as possible.

11) Lower the car to the ground fully and remove the jack. Tighten the nuts again. Replace the hubcap.

12) Put the old tire in your trunk and take it to a mechanic. Small punctures can usually be repaired for less than $10. If the tire is not repairable, they can dispose of it properly and sell you a replacement

Tips

• Always put the car in Park and apply the emergency brake.
• Do not use the lug wrench to start off the lug nuts when putting them back on. Use your hands, to avoid cross-threading the nut.
• If your wheels have locking lug nuts, be sure to keep the key-lug where you can easily find it. You will need it to change the tire.
• Most spare tires (the undersized "donut" tires) are not rated for more than 50 MPH or for long distances. Exceeding this speed can cause problems, including failure of the spare tire. Instead, drive slowly and carefully to a shop and have your tire repaired or replaced.
• When loosening and tightening the nuts, arrange the cross wrench so that you are pressing down (with gravity). This will remove risk of injury to your back and also allow you to use your body weight rather than just your arm strength. Press on the end of the wrench for the best leverage. You can even use your foot, but make sure to keep your balance and steady yourself against the car.
• When replacing nuts, be sure that the tapered side goes into the wheel. This centers the wheels and locks them in place.
• Familiarize yourself with this procedure and with the particulars for your car before you get a flat tire, so that you don't have to learn by the side of the road, in the dark, in the rain.
• Check occasionally to make sure that your spare tire has sufficient air in it.
• Rotating your tires at manufacturers recommended intervals can prevent a common problem when changing a flat. Sometimes the wheels will seize to the hub resulting in great difficulty in removal of the flat tire. If this happens, you will need a sledge hammer and a 2 by 4 or other piece of wood to remove a seized wheel rim. Rotating your tires will prevent this from happening to you when you do have to change a tire.

excerpt from: wikihow.com

#315 - Pick your Battles

Pick your battles.

-Love Dad

#314 - Be Your Best

Be your best.

If you always do your best, be the best that you are capable of being, not only will you get a deep sense of satisfaction, but you will also inspire others to be the best that they can be.

-Love Dad

#313 - Mark Twain Quote

"If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed."

-Mark Twain

#312 - Thomas Jefferson Quote

"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just."

-Thomas Jefferson, former President

#311 - James 1:12

Life is a grindstone.

Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you are made of.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

-Love Dad

#310 - Keep Trying

Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.

"Don't you know that this good man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again?"

Proverbs 24:16

-Love Dad

#309 - Dick Vermeil Quote

"If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt very much and winning isn't very exciting."

-Dick Vermeil

former Coach Philadelphia Eagles

#308 - Bernie Bierman Quote

"Base your play on the standards most likely to defeat champions."

-Bernie Bierman
former Coach University of Minnesota Football

#307 - Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

I Love You.

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”
-Anonymous

#306 - Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble.

Proverbs 17:17

-Love Dad

#305 - Satchel Paige Quote

"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you."

-Satchel Paige

#304 - Happy Birthday Uncle Seth

Happy Birthday!

To your Uncle Seth Andrew Lee.
We love and miss you very much.

#303 - John Winthrop Quote

"Liberty is the proper end and object of authority, and cannot subsist without it; and it is liberty to that which is good, just, and honest."

- John Winthrop

#302 - Dwight Eisenhower Quote

"There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure."

- Dwight D. Eisenhower, former President

#301 - Ronald Reagan Quote

"We should measure welfare's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added."

- Ronald Reagan, former President

#300 - The Dalai Lama Quote

"If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun."

- The Dalai Lama

#299 - Don't Jump to Conclusions.

Don't jump to conclusions.

-Love Dad

#298 - Excersise in the Morning

Exercise in the morning, you'll have more energy for the day ahead.

-Love Dad

#297 - Gift Responses

A gentleman never says, "You shouldn't have," when someone presents him with a gift

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#296 - Say Thank You

A gentleman says, "Thank you," for every gift he receives, whether it is something he loves or something he hates.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#295 - Gifts Don't Need to be Expensive

A gentleman does not measure the worth of a gift by how much it cost.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#294 - Accepting a Gift You Don't Like Do's and Don'ts

Accepting A Gift You Don't Like - Do's & Don'ts

> You Do

Accept someone's gift gratefully, even if it isn't something you wanted.

> You Don't

Ask where the gift came from, so that you can take it back and get something you really want.

> Why

Simply asking that question makes it clear that you don't like the gift, and that would hurt somebody's feelings, which would be rude. A gentleman is never rude - at least not on purpose.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#293 - Accepting a gift You Don't Like Do's and Don'ts

Accepting A Gift You Don't Like - Do's & Don'ts

> You Do

Say, "Thank you," for any gift you receive

> You Don't

Claim to be truly excited by a gift that is not what you wanted. (Saying, "Thank you," is enough. Just make sure you don't roll your eyes and groan and say, "What made you think I wanted an old book about history?")

> Why

All you need to do is acknowledge that somebody has been kind to you. Simply saying, "Thank you," and following up with a thank-you note is all you are expected to do.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#292 - Accepting a Gift You Don't Like

Accepting A Gift You Don't Like

Underwear
Classical Music
Arts and Crafts Projects
Really Thick Books
Ugly Sweaters
Ugly Sweaters with Snowmen

Maybe you can look at this list and say, "I'd love that." Then good for you. There is nothing wrong with getting a snowman sweater or a think book or even underwear as a gift that is something you really want or need. But it may not be what you want to find when you open a package on your birthday or Christmas or Hanukkah. At those times it is important to remember that it is not what is indie the package that matters. What matters is that someone took the time to do something he or she thought was nice for you. That is why it is important to know how to react to that thick book or snowman sweater.

excerpt from: 50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know

#291 - Be Charitable

Give to charities you believe in.

-Love Dad

#290 - 3am

Nothing good ever happens after 3am. I promise.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#289 - Simple is Better

Don't wast time with a fancy watch.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#288 - Woodrow Wilson Quote

"We grow by great dreams. All big men are dreamers."

- Woodrow Wilson, former President

#287 - Millard Fillmore Quote

"An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory."

- Millard Fillmore, former President

#286 - Friendship

Having and being a friend means wanting only the best for each other.

-Love Dad

#285 - You Can't Buy Friendship

A friend that you have to buy won't be worth what you pay for him, no matter what that may be.

-Love Dad

#284 - Success Comes From the Lord

Faith is... acknowledging God as the giver of abilities when success is mine.

-Love Dad

#283 - No

Learn to say "No"; it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.

-Love Dad

#282 - Author Unknown Quote

When dealing with girls, remember this:

"No boy is worth crying over, and the one who is won't make you cry."
- Author Unknown

#281 - Author Unknown Quote

"God will never lead you where His grace cannot keep you."

- Author Unknown

#280 - Author Unknown Quote

"God is like the best sidekick!"

- Author Unknown

#279 - Martin Luther King Jr. Quote

"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

#278 - Winston Churchill Quote

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

- Winston Churchill

#277 - John F Kennedy Quote

"America is the greatest force that God has ever allowed to exist on his footstool. "

- President John F. Kennedy

#276 - Harry S Truman Quote

"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."

- President H.S. Truman

#275 - Haircuts Don't Last

Don't spend too much money on a haircut, they don't last.

-Love Dad

#274 - Ghirardelli Brownies...MMMMMM

Ghirardelli Brownies are the only ones worth eating.

All others pale in comparison, trust me.

-Love Dad

#273 - How to Catch a Baseball

How to Catch a Baseball

Steps

-Get a glove that fits you perfectly and has enough padding for your protection.

-Watch the ball from the time it leaves the throwers hand till the time it gets to your glove.

-Move your glove to a position where the ball would land safely into the pocket.

-Close your hand when catching the ball so you do not drop it. This will also make a loud popping noise so that it sounds like he (thrower) can throw very hard.

-If the ball is high in the air (pop up) move under the ball and catch it with the glove above your head. This gives you the advantage of not taking your eye off of the baseball, as you would have to do if you caught it at your waist.

-Bring your throwing hand into the glove as you catch it for a quick take out and release.

Tips

-Break in your glove.

-If the ball is thrown slow enough and to the side of you, slide over and catch the ball in the middle of your chest. This way you do not have to take your eye off of the baseball.

-If the ball is going to hit you or pass by you on the opposite side of your body that has the glove, catch the ball with the thumb part of the glove down.

-If the ball is going to go to your glove side, make the catch with the thumb part of the glove up. Trying to catch all throws thumbs up is a common mistake made by those who are new to the game.

-If the ball curves in mid-flight and it requires you to change your Thumbs up or Thumbs down glove position, it will be easier if the ball is thrown high. If thrown low, or in the dirt, you will need to flip your glove in a hurry, (rotate your wrist).

-Always make sure to put your throwing hand in the glove to make sure it stays in the glove.

excerpt from: wikihow.com

#272 - God is Amazing

God is amazing.

His timing is impeccable.

Keep your faith. The Lord will walk with you to the edge of the cliff, but will always be there to pull you back when you are about to fall.

-Love Dad

#271 - Susan Bales Dupre Quote

"What I see is just a glimpse of the man you'll be"

-Susan Bales Dupre

#270 - Douglas MacArthur Quote

"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory."

-Douglas MacArthur

#269 - Alan Beck Quote

"A boy is a magical creature - you can lock him out of your workshop, but you can’t lock him out of your heart. You can get him out of your study, but you can’t get him out of your mind. Might as well give up—he is your captor, your jailer, your boss and your master—a freckled-faced, pint-sized, cat-chasing bundle of noise. But when you come home at night with only the shattered pieces of your hopes and dreams, he can mend them like new with two magic words -
“Hi, Dad!”"

-Alan Beck

#268 - Walter Schirra Sr. Quote

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. If you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes."

-Walter Schirra Sr.

#267 - Raising Your Voice

There is rarely a need to raise your voice.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#266 - Impress

Don't show off.
Impress.

excerpt from: 1001 rules for my unborn son

#265 - Pick Your Battles

Know which battles to fight and which to avoid.

Live today to fight tomorrow.

-Love Dad

#264 - Be Supportive

Be Supportive.

The giving of our support to a loved one, a work colleague, a charity, etc. can be one of the greatest gifts we are capable of giving.

-Love Dad

#263 - Put the Seat Down

Always put the toilet seat down when you are finished.

-Love Dad

#262 - Don't Drink from the Carton

Don't drink out of the carton.


-Love Dad

#261 - Albert Einstein Quote

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value."

-Albert Einstein

#260 - John Quincy Adams Quote

"May our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right."

-President John Quincy Adams

#259 - Ronald Reagan Quote

"Facts are stubborn things."

-President Ronald Reagan

#258 - Joe Wilson Quote

Call 'em like you see 'em.



"You lie!"
-Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina
Shouted towards President Obama during health care speech.

#257 - Never Forget

Never Forget.

#256 - Actions Speak Louder than Words

Actions, not words, are the true citerion of the attachment of friends.

-Love Dad

#255 - God Will Test You

Faith is... something God will prove genuine by testing.

-Love Dad

#254 - Have Honor

A man of honor regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked.

-Love Dad

#253 - John Wesley Quote

"Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can."

-John Wesley

#252 - Robert H. Jackson Quote

"It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the Government from falling into error."

-Robert H. Jackson

#251 - Crisis Reveals Character

Character is not made in crisis - it s only exhibited.

-Love Dad

#250 - Edward R. Murrow Quote

"We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home."

-Edward R. Murrow

#249 - The Lord Will Provide

Faith is... Confidence in God when money is running out, not rolling in.

-Love Dad

#248 - No Sunglasses Indoors

Take your sunglasses off indoors.

excerpt from: 1001 Rules for My Unborn Son

Jack is the only exception to this rule.