December 25, 2009
December 24, 2009
December 23, 2009
#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
December 22, 2009
December 21, 2009
#380 - Put out a Nativity
At Christmas time, be the guy who puts the Nativity out in the yard.
-Love Dad
December 20, 2009
#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
Wondrous Star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King,
Jesus the Saviour is here."
-Joseph Mohr
December 19, 2009
December 18, 2009
#377 - How to Change Your Oil
How To Change Your Oil
Plan 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.
Plan 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 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.
December 17, 2009
December 16, 2009
#375 - Be Brutally Honest
Be brutally honest.
Also know when and when not to be (you'll figure it out).
Also know when and when not to be (you'll figure it out).
-Love Dad
December 15, 2009
#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.
#373 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts
Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts
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.
#372 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts
Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts
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.
#371 - Thank You Note Do's and Don'ts
Writing a Thank-You Note
Do's and Don'ts
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.
#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.
#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
-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
-Tom Runnels
Former Manager Montreal Expos
December 14, 2009
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.
#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.
#360 - Education is Important
Education is important.
If you are reading this right now you can thank the person who taught you to read.
If you are reading this right now you can thank the person who taught you to read.
-Love Dad
#357 - No Worries
Don't respond to people with "No worries."
Ever.
It just sounds ridiculous and makes you sound uneducated.
Ever.
It just sounds ridiculous and makes you sound uneducated.
-Love Dad
#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
-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
-Ben Franklin
#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
-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
-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
"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
"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
-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
-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.
#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.
#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.
#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
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.
#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
- Joe Paterno
Coach, Penn State Football
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