Glossary

Having lived all over the world and working in several diverse industries, I’ve picked up a truck load of acronyms, jargon and idiomatic expressions.  I’ve added to this section to help the reader decipher some of my language or clarify my verbage.  It’s a strange and scary glimpse inside my skull.  As different words or phrases pop up in my articles, I will attempt to add to this list. 

You’ve been properly warned, so scroll down to take a peek at the World According to Lex.

1800 hours- Army time.  I still carry that habit.  If you need help decoding military time, it’s pretty easy.  Everything before 1:00 PM is pretty self explanatory.  For example, 0300 hours = 3:00 AM.  For times ranging from 1:00 PM and beyond, you simply subtract 12 from the number.  Therefore, 2100 hours (21 – 12) = 9:00 PM.

Chepe- my youngest son.  In Mexico, Chepe is a nickname for José and of course José is Spanish for Joe. The Latin women in my office call him that. Very quiet and extremely intelligent with a very dry sense of humor that can make you pee your pants. I’m not sure if he likes the name Chepe, but he does answer to it.

Crazy Phyllis- after picking up a red border collie from a shelter, we discovered that Phyllis had issues.  Our vet discussed her having OCD and suggested we take her to a doggy psychologist. She is a slave to affection and follows me everywhere I go.  Ever post I’ve made, Crazy Phyllis has never been more than three feet away from me.

Dutch Uncle- a term for a person who issues frank, harsh, and severe comments and criticism to educate, encourage, or admonish someone. Sometimes, in order to grow, we need someone who is willing to look you in the eye and tell you the truth about yourself.

Mama (sometimes Sugar Britches)- my wonderful wife who, for some reason unbeknownst to everyone, has chosen to put up with me. Mama is a tough farm girl who is not afraid to put a boot in my butt when I’m out of line.  Although I love her, I am just a little bit afraid of her.

Molly (also Fat Girl)- Molly is an old chocolate labrador retriever who understands English better than many of my family and friends.  She is, however, an absolute slave to her belly.

Pearls- short for Pearls of Wisdom.  Something of value, not only in the context used, but in several other areas.

World According to Lex- more of a philosophical maxim I found to be true thoughout life.

Young Ranger- my oldest son.  Did two tours in the Middle East with the 1st Ranger Battalion.  I think he was trying to ‘out tough’ his old man. He succeeded.