Sunday, April 07, 2019

Lesson learned

This evening, Jilda baked chicken with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas. Sides were corn on the cob and shredded zucchini. Like most of the things she prepares, it was scrumptious.

We've both put in a full day, so when after we ate dinner, she had some things she needed to do, so I cleaned up the kitchen. I'm not much of a cook, but the Army taught me how to be helpful in the kitchen.

After basic training, Uncle Sam shipped us out to advanced communications training. I was anxious to get started, but as it turns out, classes didn't begin until the following week. The Army is not big on slackers, so I spent a week working in the mess hall.

I peeled mountains of potatoes, shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, and washed a million four hundred thousand pots and pans that week.

I also cleaned the grout between the kitchen floor tiles with a toothbrush. I earned that duty because I washed the pots and pans quickly. Silly me thought I would get to take a break when I finished. I mentioned, Uncle Sam, is not jiggy with spare time. The mess sergeant told me he had a special job for me. That's when I cleaned the grout.

I was born at night, but I wasn't born last night. I learned quickly that the task at hand should take just long enough to fill up the time allotted. No more and no less. Lesson learned.

Sorry to drag you down this backstreet memory, but I remembered it while washing the dishes this evening.

I did get a picture of our azaleas today when we were walking.  They are about to put on a show.


7 comments:

  1. I love your azaleas. I have a brown thumb where they are concerned.
    It seems that the Army taught you some valued lessons. I clean grout with a toothbrush too. Not my favourite job, but it works.

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  2. I think that you are older and no longer in the army and that you should cut yourself some slack, maybe. Let the bees be busy... I use a little hand-held brush with batteries inside for the grout cleaning. It cleans way faster than a tooth brush.
    I love the Azalea blossoms. I can't wait till mine bloom. They are so spectacular.
    Hugs, Julia

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  3. I have experienced this at work. I was always the first one finished at work and the boss made me finish everyone elses. Somehow, I thought I could get a break too. Now I have 3 hours of work that I try to make last for 8 hours. haha..
    Lisa

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  4. We live and we learn, also a pretty flower

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  5. Yes, military life does teach some things, most by experiece. LOL
    Our azaleas are starting to show off too, good term....
    Sherry & jack

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  6. It was fun to learn about your military experience.

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  7. Ahh the military experience...go see the world they say..not peel potatoes and clean grout. It’s a good way to end with a Beautiful Picture of a great flower that smells great

    ReplyDelete

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