Sleep is something we usually desire more of, but never seem to get enough of. As you can see from this posting, it's 0119 in the morning. I just can't seem to get to sleep.
The question, why am I not sleeping? or answer, I am not sleeping ...because I am thinking about tomorrow. I am anxious about getting back to work and getting something done. I like to get things done, accomplish things, do things to make things better, well, you get the picture I like to be doing.
As I read through the packages I brought home over the holiday weekend, I find myself able to do so uninterrupted. I am able to read for content, not just skim for the high points and be on my way, I am able to spot issues and work them before sending them back or up. It is a good thing.
While I want to go to sleep,because believe it or not I do need sleep. I find I am so much more productive in the wee hours of the morning. My mind is whirling with freshness and ready for a task. How great it is to be able to function (at least partly) on little sleep (and diet coke).
Looking forward to a new day at the office...in only a few short hours.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
"Family"
Most will not be able to remember the tune "We are family. I got all my sister's and me..." by Sister Sledge. In all honesty, it's probably before your time :)
Anyway, I'm sure most of you were able to spend some time with family these past few weeks. At least I hope you did if you wanted to! During the holidays, we seem to try and find more time to spend with our family. We reacquaint ourselves with those we call family and seem to redefine what's important in life...which for most IS family. There's nothing like them.
While there is nothing better then being around the family, sometimes we do better if we take them a "little" at a time. I'm not sure if it is them...or us? Nonetheless, the reality is that family can get on your nerves or under your skin and we oftentimes do better when we have them in small doses.
The same is true for us as members of the Air Force...like it or not we are also family. We take care of our own. But the reality is that they too can get on your nerves. It could be your boss, a co-worker or a subordinate. "They" seem to want the world, you wonder if "they" are aware that we are doing "more with less" since their request are very demanding. However, since we must spend days, weeks and sometimes years with these fellow American servants, how do we deal with the "family dynamics"? You know those famous "family squabbles" and falling outs that happen within our ranks. What to do, what to do!
Let me give you one option of dealing with those whom we sometimes can't seem to get along with...SERVE THEM! What do I mean? Just what I said, I mean serve them, genuinely serve them. Give them MORE of yourself. Give them MORE of your time. Give MORE than they could ever imagine.
As I am spending more and more time away from my family (yes, even during this holiday season), I find myself DREAMING of a time in the future when I can actually SERVE my wife and daughter. Service with a grateful heart. A servant attitude which gives them EVERYTHING!
Most will not be able to remember the tune "We are family. I got all my sister's and me..." by Sister Sledge. In all honesty, it's probably before your time :)
Anyway, I'm sure most of you were able to spend some time with family these past few weeks. At least I hope you did if you wanted to! During the holidays, we seem to try and find more time to spend with our family. We reacquaint ourselves with those we call family and seem to redefine what's important in life...which for most IS family. There's nothing like them.
While there is nothing better then being around the family, sometimes we do better if we take them a "little" at a time. I'm not sure if it is them...or us? Nonetheless, the reality is that family can get on your nerves or under your skin and we oftentimes do better when we have them in small doses.
The same is true for us as members of the Air Force...like it or not we are also family. We take care of our own. But the reality is that they too can get on your nerves. It could be your boss, a co-worker or a subordinate. "They" seem to want the world, you wonder if "they" are aware that we are doing "more with less" since their request are very demanding. However, since we must spend days, weeks and sometimes years with these fellow American servants, how do we deal with the "family dynamics"? You know those famous "family squabbles" and falling outs that happen within our ranks. What to do, what to do!
Let me give you one option of dealing with those whom we sometimes can't seem to get along with...SERVE THEM! What do I mean? Just what I said, I mean serve them, genuinely serve them. Give them MORE of yourself. Give them MORE of your time. Give MORE than they could ever imagine.
As I am spending more and more time away from my family (yes, even during this holiday season), I find myself DREAMING of a time in the future when I can actually SERVE my wife and daughter. Service with a grateful heart. A servant attitude which gives them EVERYTHING!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
"Light"
This weekend's Word 4 the Weekend is LIGHT!
I'm sure you wonder why I chose such a unusual word. Well, it's like this...we either walk in the light or darkness. While this has many meanings, I will let you reflect on where it places you.
However, darkness is the absence of light...therefore, if you remain in the darkness, you can not see clearly and often stumble. If in a leadership role and you are in the darkness, you'll find yourself making uniformed decisions and at best...luckily make right decisions.
If you find yourself in the light, you can see...clearly see where you are heading or where you want to go. Why is this so important? Well, seeing helps us understand what is needed to get where we want to be. When we are in the light, we can easily make course corrections to help us live.
Take the following challenge if you are unsure how dangerous the darkness is...
1) Find a room with no external windows (could be the closet or bathroom)
2) Place some sharp and dangerous items randomly across the floor and take off your shoes
3) Turn off the light
4) RUN across the floor.
5) Now do it again with the light on.
See how easily life is when you walk in the LIGHT.
This weekend's Word 4 the Weekend is LIGHT!
I'm sure you wonder why I chose such a unusual word. Well, it's like this...we either walk in the light or darkness. While this has many meanings, I will let you reflect on where it places you.
However, darkness is the absence of light...therefore, if you remain in the darkness, you can not see clearly and often stumble. If in a leadership role and you are in the darkness, you'll find yourself making uniformed decisions and at best...luckily make right decisions.
If you find yourself in the light, you can see...clearly see where you are heading or where you want to go. Why is this so important? Well, seeing helps us understand what is needed to get where we want to be. When we are in the light, we can easily make course corrections to help us live.
Take the following challenge if you are unsure how dangerous the darkness is...
1) Find a room with no external windows (could be the closet or bathroom)
2) Place some sharp and dangerous items randomly across the floor and take off your shoes
3) Turn off the light
4) RUN across the floor.
5) Now do it again with the light on.
See how easily life is when you walk in the LIGHT.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday's Musing
Old Friends...how great are they?
Today, I find myself in the Washington DC area at a conference. Low and behold, I also find myself meeting up with an old friend, an old MTL from the Air Force Academy.
As we reminisced about old times and new ones, it came to me that I have lost sight of some important aspects in my life. I have forgotten to keep up with others over the past few years...to keep in touch, to cultivate friendships.
While we talked, I found myself not being able to remember the last time I had called some old friends. And then I wondered, WHY? Was I really too busy with my life to think about others? Was I that selfish? Am I just a jerk? Maybe it's all of the above.
I need to continue to stay in touch with people. People who are your friends will be there for you anytime; in times of need and times of joy. They will be there right beside you no matter the issues. They are not your friends because of what you can do for them, but they are your friends because of who you are.
Build friendships...cultivate them...call someone up you haven't spoken to in awhile...if you're were real friends, the conversation will be just like it was yesterday that you last talked with them. Go ahead, what are you waiting for, pick up the phone, reach out and touch someone!
Today, I find myself in the Washington DC area at a conference. Low and behold, I also find myself meeting up with an old friend, an old MTL from the Air Force Academy.
As we reminisced about old times and new ones, it came to me that I have lost sight of some important aspects in my life. I have forgotten to keep up with others over the past few years...to keep in touch, to cultivate friendships.
While we talked, I found myself not being able to remember the last time I had called some old friends. And then I wondered, WHY? Was I really too busy with my life to think about others? Was I that selfish? Am I just a jerk? Maybe it's all of the above.
I need to continue to stay in touch with people. People who are your friends will be there for you anytime; in times of need and times of joy. They will be there right beside you no matter the issues. They are not your friends because of what you can do for them, but they are your friends because of who you are.
Build friendships...cultivate them...call someone up you haven't spoken to in awhile...if you're were real friends, the conversation will be just like it was yesterday that you last talked with them. Go ahead, what are you waiting for, pick up the phone, reach out and touch someone!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
D e t a i l s
Now why would I choose such a word as "details"? Because remembering to take care of the little details can contribute to our success in a big way.
Take for example, typing a SMS text message or email. Sometimes our brain does not register what we are typing and we seem to leave out a few words. Boy is this embarrassing. The intent or message you are trying to convey is lost in the missing words...people are saying "what an idiot" instead of seeing the real meaning of the message.
We all need to take a few moments to pay attention to the details. Whether it's lacing up the sneakers, driving down the road or typing (um, proofreading) an email...
The Bible in Proverbs 17:28 captures the real essence of details "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
Now why would I choose such a word as "details"? Because remembering to take care of the little details can contribute to our success in a big way.
Take for example, typing a SMS text message or email. Sometimes our brain does not register what we are typing and we seem to leave out a few words. Boy is this embarrassing. The intent or message you are trying to convey is lost in the missing words...people are saying "what an idiot" instead of seeing the real meaning of the message.
We all need to take a few moments to pay attention to the details. Whether it's lacing up the sneakers, driving down the road or typing (um, proofreading) an email...
The Bible in Proverbs 17:28 captures the real essence of details "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday's Musing
Dress 4 Success
It's funny how the smallest things in life may provide the greatest rewards.
When I am traveling, I "dress up". Not dress up in the sense of wearing a 3 piece suit, but I do wear a sports jacket and look "sweeeeeeet". By doing this small thing, I notice the way people interact with me is markedly better. Additionally, I think you act how you're dressed.
The same things go when wearing the uniform. We MUST present that professional appearance (in both blues and utilities). Something as minor as removing those pesky strings or ensuring your boots and/or shoes are clean and polished can say a lot about your professionalism. Looking sharp has a way of impacting our mental attitude. When we dress down, we are more relaxed. When we dress up, we are more professional.
Dress 4 Success is about dressing the part. Would you dress down for that all important job interview? Definitely NOT! If you want to be treated like a winner you have to dress like one.
It's funny how the smallest things in life may provide the greatest rewards.
When I am traveling, I "dress up". Not dress up in the sense of wearing a 3 piece suit, but I do wear a sports jacket and look "sweeeeeeet". By doing this small thing, I notice the way people interact with me is markedly better. Additionally, I think you act how you're dressed.
The same things go when wearing the uniform. We MUST present that professional appearance (in both blues and utilities). Something as minor as removing those pesky strings or ensuring your boots and/or shoes are clean and polished can say a lot about your professionalism. Looking sharp has a way of impacting our mental attitude. When we dress down, we are more relaxed. When we dress up, we are more professional.
Dress 4 Success is about dressing the part. Would you dress down for that all important job interview? Definitely NOT! If you want to be treated like a winner you have to dress like one.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
"Infamy"
This weekend we remember a day in history that shaped our world and World War II. On 7 December 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor was an act of war that pulled the US into the war to end all wars on a second front in the Pacific.
Because many people died in this attack, there are memorials that still recognize those people who gave their all the in defense of our country. One such place is the Pearl Harbor War Memorial. This fitting remembrance of US Armed Forces still weeps today at the devastating lost of life. Oil leaks from the ship hulls as a lasting tribute to those brave soldiers and sailors.
Do we need to wait until a day like December 7th to remember those who have sacrificed their life in the pursuit of freedom? I hope not, but think that we forget about those Americans serving or have served so that all Americans can live free.
However, what the US Armed Services do is much larger than just the US borders. We promote democracy world wide.Thank an American Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine for your freedom! It's the least you can do.
This weekend we remember a day in history that shaped our world and World War II. On 7 December 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor was an act of war that pulled the US into the war to end all wars on a second front in the Pacific.
Because many people died in this attack, there are memorials that still recognize those people who gave their all the in defense of our country. One such place is the Pearl Harbor War Memorial. This fitting remembrance of US Armed Forces still weeps today at the devastating lost of life. Oil leaks from the ship hulls as a lasting tribute to those brave soldiers and sailors.
Do we need to wait until a day like December 7th to remember those who have sacrificed their life in the pursuit of freedom? I hope not, but think that we forget about those Americans serving or have served so that all Americans can live free.
However, what the US Armed Services do is much larger than just the US borders. We promote democracy world wide.Thank an American Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine for your freedom! It's the least you can do.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Monday's Musing
Today, my musing is about something amusing.
Being new to the community, I find myself "learning" the rules of the road in Florida. While I, like most men, refuse to ask for directions when lost or confused, I found myself making many trips over the Pineda Causeway to Merritt Island today because I couldn't find an off ramp from the road or a way around the infinite loop.
Is this like we are as leaders? or followers? Do we sometimes find ourselves "thinking" we know where we are going only to find that it leads us in the wrong direction or that we are making the same trip "again"?
Therefore, I ask "what are we going to do about it"? Are we going to continue going in the never ending loop of leadership? Albert Einstein's quote: "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
While it's kind of funny to drive the same route many times in a very short period of time, it isn't funny when we do this as we lead our Airmen. Let's lead by being original in our thoughts and actions. Don't be an "infinite loop" leader.
Being new to the community, I find myself "learning" the rules of the road in Florida. While I, like most men, refuse to ask for directions when lost or confused, I found myself making many trips over the Pineda Causeway to Merritt Island today because I couldn't find an off ramp from the road or a way around the infinite loop.
Is this like we are as leaders? or followers? Do we sometimes find ourselves "thinking" we know where we are going only to find that it leads us in the wrong direction or that we are making the same trip "again"?
Therefore, I ask "what are we going to do about it"? Are we going to continue going in the never ending loop of leadership? Albert Einstein's quote: "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
While it's kind of funny to drive the same route many times in a very short period of time, it isn't funny when we do this as we lead our Airmen. Let's lead by being original in our thoughts and actions. Don't be an "infinite loop" leader.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
Today's word for the weekend is: Thanksgiving
Since this week was the time for us to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I am inclined to recall the things I am "thankful" for. I have a list a mile long, but will only bore you with the top few...
I'm thankful for:
Since this week was the time for us to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I am inclined to recall the things I am "thankful" for. I have a list a mile long, but will only bore you with the top few...
I'm thankful for:
- My family (wife and daughter)...they are the reason I am
- My Air Force...as a Man in Blue, I love being a part of the USAF and Space Command
- My Country! What a great country to live in. If you don't think so, leave it for a while to get a different perspective (a tour in Afghanistan will help you see more closely how GREAT you have it).
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday's Musing
To start off the week, I want to share a quote from one of my favorite authors: John C. Maxwell which is an internationally recognized leadership expert.
"Success is achieved in inches, not miles." John C. Maxwell
This simple statement carries so much more meaning than the few words can express. While deployed to Afghanistan, this type of forethought would have helped a great many leaders throughout the AOR. Leaders sometimes lose sight of the mission because they are looking too far forward at their goals (usually self-serving).
While I was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, one of my bosses had to remind me to take a look at the mountains from time to time. I had lost sight of the daily successes of working with the cadets and needed to refocus. We all need to look ahead to see where we want to go, but we also take a look around to see what is going on.
Successes can be found in every inch along your travels...it's the journey, not the destination.
"Success is achieved in inches, not miles." John C. Maxwell
This simple statement carries so much more meaning than the few words can express. While deployed to Afghanistan, this type of forethought would have helped a great many leaders throughout the AOR. Leaders sometimes lose sight of the mission because they are looking too far forward at their goals (usually self-serving).
While I was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, one of my bosses had to remind me to take a look at the mountains from time to time. I had lost sight of the daily successes of working with the cadets and needed to refocus. We all need to look ahead to see where we want to go, but we also take a look around to see what is going on.
Successes can be found in every inch along your travels...it's the journey, not the destination.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Word 4 the Weekend
Loyalty
Webster's Dictionary defines loyalty as..."the quality or state or an instance of being loyal" which uses the word to define what it is...does this really tell us anything? So we must look at the root word of loyal to better help us understand. Webster's Dictionary defines loyal as...
Webster's Dictionary defines loyalty as..."the quality or state or an instance of being loyal" which uses the word to define what it is...does this really tell us anything? So we must look at the root word of loyal to better help us understand. Webster's Dictionary defines loyal as...
- unswerving in allegiance: as a: faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b: faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c: faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
As Airmen, we want to comprehend why we serve our country. However, loyalty must come from a deeper cause then just service. We must look into our own being for the understanding of what real loyalty is... Having loyalty is more than our country, a person or a cause. While it is important to be loyal to all of these, we are driven by something greater...our fellow Airmen.
A dog is loyal...WHY? It's not because of the allegiance to a government, person nor cause. It has nothing to do with fidelity, but with relationships. Loyalty is based on friendships and relationships built over time. It is not from being "fake", but from being yourself.
Who are you? What do you believe in? Are you loyal? What would your boss or friends say about your loyalty?
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