Following Ben Franklin's Virtues

In 1726, Benjamin Franklin developed a plan for regulating his conduct.  He based his plan on a chart of thirteen virtues, committing himself to one virtue per week.  I have decided to use Ben's list of virtues to monitor my own behavior and attempt to cut down on my many daily transgressions.

Last week was temperance, which was not extremely difficult, because I don't generally drink or eat a lot.  I visited no buffets and avoided all opportunities to over-indulge, which had the potential to be difficult considering I am married to Mr. Chinese buffet .  Temperance ended up being a piece of cake (not multiple pieces of cake).

This week's virtue is silence. -- Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.--
This may prove to be slightly more difficult, seeing as I can't usually make it through a day without being drawn into at least one trifling conversation about a student or co-worker.  It really is the nature of my job, but this is the reason I am trying to lead a more virtuous existence.  I want to live a life as close to the one that I would choose for my daughter.  She deserves only the best role model and I want to be that for her.