[pct-l] always room for more

[pcnst@oakapple.net (David hiking PCNST in bits)]

The following I received from a friend is actually a parable about
how to pack thirty one-course meals into a Garcia; those present at ADZ
will recognize the substance of it:



A philosophy professor [WTR?] picked up a very large empty jar and proceeded to
fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They
agreed that it was. Next the professor picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of  sand and poured it into the jar. Of
course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the
jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "Yes."The professor
then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour
their entire contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space
between the sand.

The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important
things - your family, your lovers, your friends, your health, things that if
everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be
full. The pebbles are the other things that matter -  like your job, your
house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. If you put
the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks.
The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the
small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to
you. Set your priorities. Take care of the rocks first - the things that
really matter, the rest is just pebbles and sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.
The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no
matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
beers."