The day I learned to follow directions

During my years at college, I learned many techniques for making the perfect pitcher of Kool-aid. I like to focused on making sure all the sugar grains were properly dissolved by adding a small amount of water to the kool-aid mix and stirring, making a think syrup, once that was done, I’d add water to taste.

My roomate George made his Kool-aid with hot water and stuck it in the freezer.

My other roommate made the Kool-aid with a practiced eye, and almost zen like quality from years of study and practice.

Over those years I became an addict not only to the Kool-aid but a slave to the process that it took to create the product.

The one thing I learned, and a lesson that I have never forgotten, was because of a discussion with my brother over our shared addition with Kool-aid.

He claimed he knew how to make the perfect pitcher of Kool-aid. I didn’t believe him, every one was of the opinion that “they” made the perfect pitcher of Kool-aid.

“Okay, what’s the perfect way”, I challenged.

He pointed to the back of the package. “The instructions”, he said simply. His thought process went like this: Kool-aid probably spend millions on R&D to figure out the right amount sugar, water and mix, why on earth should he spend time re-inventing the wheel.

I was speechless.

Since that revelation, even though my addictions is years behind me, I rarely rarely don’t take the time to read and follow directions.