This week has been very revealing. After the blogging award, I got nominated for a second award for writing on HubPages. Between those two posts, you learned quite a bit about me, the intolerant, obnoxious, human-hating me. How about some more?
What’s in it for you?
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Saturday Evening Post
Posted by Red of M3 on November 26, 2011
https://mommasmoneymatters.com/saturday-evening-post-2/
Marriage Mathematics
This is not a post about algebra (yet). It is about marriage, even if you find both equally unappealing. It is dedicated to the math- and algebra-phobic and all of those who never thought they would use math ever again once they got out of high school and college.
Expectation
John McDevitt (of The Aware Writer) brought something interesting to the table yesterday.
Expectation “2. anticipating with confidence of fulfillment” — WordNet.”
The irony this is the second definition is not lost on your author, nor is its parallel to marriage.
Image via Wikipedia
First
The first definition of “expectation” is belief about (or mental picture of) the future. Many marriages begin with the first definition. After seeing other married couples and listening to parental, academic, psychological and religious influencers about what marriage is (and is not), we build our first expectation of what marriage is.
Second
As we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife, we embody the second definition: anticipating with confidence of fulfillment. In its shiny infancy, marriage is a treasure trove waiting to be delved into with abandon to find gems and precious things with both hands.
Image via Wikipedia
Third
After time wears away the novelty of marriage, we tremble at the third expectation: the feeling that something is about to happen. For some, this is a wondrous time, like the birth of a child or an anniversary filled with celebration. For others, it is a dreadful time, like the discovery of betrayal or impending divorce.
Fourth
Some couples never reach the fourth definition: the sum of the values of a random variable divided by the number of values. These are the ones whose life is never mathematically sound: The drama outweighs the logical order of events.
Fractions
In between the four definitions lies the simple human desire for the Fourth. In our heart of hearts, we want our relationship to be average (the mathematical expectation), in balance, complete. Where we flunk math, we flunk marriage. We build our equations around Mate. Mate, on the other hand, does not always perform mathematical duties.
Decimals
Mate is not always 0.50 of the marriage. This is not about laying blame. We are also not always 0.50 of the marriage. In this simple fact, we lose sight of Second. We know which will fail and gauge the likelihood of success (statistics) from the moment a question or requests slips off the tongue.
Image via Wikipedia
Geometry
Learning to juxtapose yourself and mate into a healthy shape is very simple. Did you prepare before marriage? No? Are you being open now? Still no? Time for some basic mathematics.
You + Mate + Reasonable Expectations + Communication + Acceptance + Compromise + Teamwork = Healthy Marriage
If you do not know what one of the addends are, simply ask.
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Which math best represents your marriage/relationship?
Posted by Red on November 26, 2011
https://mommasmoneymatters.com/marriage-math/
Fire!
Part VI of the Auto Saving Series. If you missed a segment, start at the beginning.
If your engine is on fire, it is going to be expensive. Burnt engines ruin much more than your day.
Statistics
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2007, 365 deaths, 1,500 injuries and more than $1 billion in property damage directly resulted from vehicle fires in the United States. The majority of vehicle fires are attributed to routine maintenance which was neglected.
A driver’s nightmare
Image via Wikipedia
Driving down the highway, smoke starts rising out of the hood of the car. You pull over to the side of the road and get out. Smoke billows from the rear of the car. The paint blackens on the car. Then, you see the flames. Before the fire department can arrive, the car burns to a black cinder on the side of the road. The upside? You got out.
What causes car fires?
The NFPA says most fires are a result of electrical or mechanical malfunctions or failures. Once the fire starts, leaking flammable fluids and gases make the blaze burn out of control. The heat melts hoses and line joints for brake and transmission fluids, gasoline and power steering fluid.
Does my driving affect my chances of a car fire?
Yes. How you drive changes the behavior of your car.
- Follow posted speed limits. They are set to account for road conditions and typical safety features of cars on the road.
- Follow traffic rules to prevent collisions. Collisions can start a fire.
- Do not smoke in the vehicle. If you must smoke, use the ashtray.
- Be aware of changing road conditions. Icy, oily or wet roads can be dangerous. Erratic driving can damage safety and electrical systems in your car which can start fires. Avoid driving under these conditions.
How do I prevent a vehicle fire?
Maintenance. Well, that sounds simple, but you have to ask for the right kind of maintenance. Make or print a list to bring to your mechanic when you have routine maintenance done, like oil, filters and fuse changes.
- Check all engine hoses for leaks, wear, damage or weakening.
- Check fuel lines and joints.
- Check electrical conduits for wear or cracking.
- Check electrical wiring for fraying.
- Check belts for wear or damage.
What else can I do?
Image by jsalvino via Flickr
Be aware. Know, look at and listen to your vehicle. Get your vehicle to a mechanic if you notice any of the following:
- Blistered or cracked hoses.
- Loose wiring.
- Wiring with cracked insulation or frayed metal.
- Fluid leaking under the vehicle.
- Change in the sound of the engine running and idling.
- Backfiring.
- Change in the tone or volume of the exhaust.
- Visible exhaust or smoke coming from the tailpipe.
Preventative maintenance is the best deterrent to vehicle fires. Many mechanics will perform these checks for free. Save money by preventing the kind of damage which starts a vehicle fire. Take care of your car, so it can take care of you.
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Have you ever seen a car burn? Where were you, and was it yours?
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(c) Ann Marie Dwyer 2011
Reblogging of this or any other post on Momma’s Money Matters is expressly forbidden.
Copyright and Privacy Policy available in The Office.
Posted by Red on November 26, 2011
https://mommasmoneymatters.com/prevent-vehicle-fire/
Recognition, Reprisal and Redemption?
Many a writer has lamented the lack of recognition in our industry. Many writers can wallpaper their offices in rejection letters. A handful enjoy unabashed fame with scores of accolades. I am in a small minority somewhere in between.
Posted by Red of M3 on November 25, 2011
https://mommasmoneymatters.com/writing-awards/
Technical Difficulty
Image via Wikipedia
It is with great chagrin the regularly scheduled post for 2000 tonight will be postponed until 0000 GMT-5.
Thank you,
The Management
View the delayed post: Recognition, Reprisal & Redemption?
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(c) Ann Marie Dwyer 2011
Reblogging of this or any other post on Momma’s Money Matters is expressly forbidden.
Copyright and Privacy Policy available in The Office.
Posted by Red on November 25, 2011
https://mommasmoneymatters.com/technical-difficulty/
Compliments of The M3 Readers