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Work – life balance and the skilled trades
***Updated for 2023*** *NOTE: This is primarily written from the perspective of having a family. There is nothing wrong with being single, but your time is your time when single – your work – life balance is drastically different. You … Read the rest
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Convenience: How much are you willing to pay?
Convenience is everywhere today. It’s on every corner, it’s a part of many daily choices, it’s nearly incumbent in our entertainment, and it’s saturated in our daily lives. Convenience has just as much a place in American lives as affluence.… Read the rest
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The 5 reasons why I really enjoy Thanksgiving – Happy Thanksgiving 2020
For many reasons, I thoroughly enjoy Thanksgiving. It’s a time to slow down and reflect on what we have to be thankful for and trust me, if you live in America, there is A LOT to be thankful for. Never … Read the rest
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The benefits of the skilled trades
What exactly are the benefits of working in the skilled trades? Are there actual benefits to being a skilled tradesman? After all, doesn’t the stigma that those who work with their hands are somehow less intelligent have a ring … Read the rest
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Tightening your financial belt
  The Budgeting Series   Introduction – tightening your financial belt *NOTE: This is part 5 of a series on budgeting.*      ***Updated for 2023*** If you have missed the previous articles in this series, I encourage you to read them before moving … Read the rest
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Conversations with Tradesmen – HVAC
I’m going to start a new category called “Conversations with Tradesmen” where I do primarily just that: I have conversations with tradesmen of all different crafts and discuss the pros and cons of their trade, location, work, etc. I find … Read the rest
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Talent vs. Tenacity – which is better?
Talent vs. Tenacity Over the years I have come across some of the most talented individuals with varying interests. Nascent talent, whether latent in an individual or at work conscientiously, is a gift many do not have. Indeed, I can … Read the rest
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The Math Myth and Other STEM Delusions – Book Review
The Book Review Series Riveting, compelling, and tantalizing are but a few of the words I would use to describe The Math Myth and Other STEM delusions. I might follow them up with ingenious, stimulating, … Read the rest
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Professional jealousy
Over the course of my career I have experienced what I like to call professional jealousy. Actually, I have experienced it and projected it – and when that happens it isn’t my finest moment to be sure. It wasn’t until … Read the rest
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Neutron Radiography
As a American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and a member of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), I receive periodicals from both professional organizations. Sometimes the information isn’t interesting to me; I mean, I’m not too … Read the rest