Travel...the necessary evil of business.
It has been (and continues to be) a traveling experience for me in my new life and times. Many would say that traveling the world is fun (and it is), but sometimes traveling is a little bothersome.
Therefore, if you must travel (long term or short jaunts), make the most of your trip. Remember...
1) Use your time wisely
2) Pack appropriately...less is best
3) Don't forget to enjoy the trip and people you meet
4) Look around, you may see someone you know
5) Make NEW friends along the way
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday's Musing
As I sit working on the holiday, I find myself wondering WHY do we enjoy them?
Well, normally it's just sitting around and enjoying the time off and with family. However, that is not the case right now. In my new life and times, I find myself "working" during this holiday. We have a DV coming to my location and I need to meet him and ensure he is situated. While I wish I could just "relax", I find myself in the waiting game...
Remember, holidays are a time to relax and enjoy...not work.
Well, normally it's just sitting around and enjoying the time off and with family. However, that is not the case right now. In my new life and times, I find myself "working" during this holiday. We have a DV coming to my location and I need to meet him and ensure he is situated. While I wish I could just "relax", I find myself in the waiting game...
Remember, holidays are a time to relax and enjoy...not work.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Word 4 the Weekend
Uncertainty
Why would I chose such a word as "uncertainty"? Well, it's based on what is going on in my life. When sometimes you think you have everything under control, then...BAM...nothing is going like you want or thought.
However, it is times like this that make me appreciate what HAS been good in my life. I have found that I can anchor my life on the things that have already happened. As I speak to Airmen these days, I find myself referring to being "blessed beyond measure". How do I say...it's amazing.
I can't seem to understand how blessed I am. Too many times we find ourselves looking forward and forgetting about the past. Why is that? Are we always searching for the next thrill or adventure or do we just forget about the great successes of the past. I think about the job I currently have...WOW what a blessing. I couldn't have asked for more.
But even during this time of prosperity, I find myself thinking about the upcoming uncertainty of lil' Blue going to college and Mrs. Blue coming to Florida. Also, what about that house we can't seem to sell? So much to be thankful for, but so much to be concerned about.
However, I still have the faith...
Why would I chose such a word as "uncertainty"? Well, it's based on what is going on in my life. When sometimes you think you have everything under control, then...BAM...nothing is going like you want or thought.
However, it is times like this that make me appreciate what HAS been good in my life. I have found that I can anchor my life on the things that have already happened. As I speak to Airmen these days, I find myself referring to being "blessed beyond measure". How do I say...it's amazing.
I can't seem to understand how blessed I am. Too many times we find ourselves looking forward and forgetting about the past. Why is that? Are we always searching for the next thrill or adventure or do we just forget about the great successes of the past. I think about the job I currently have...WOW what a blessing. I couldn't have asked for more.
But even during this time of prosperity, I find myself thinking about the upcoming uncertainty of lil' Blue going to college and Mrs. Blue coming to Florida. Also, what about that house we can't seem to sell? So much to be thankful for, but so much to be concerned about.
However, I still have the faith...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Word 4 the Weekend
"Education"
As I teach online at DeVry University, I am learning that a good solid education is crucial. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who just go through the motions of getting an education and expect to be given the grade. What has the world come to???? Just a free ride to get a diploma...I think NOT! I suppose there might have been a time when I was in their shoes, but I guess I have matured into a learning junkie!
Really, I never thought I would be so critical of my students work, but I can't believe that they don't even READ their assignment instructions nor do they complete the minimum requirements for the course. Getting an "A" at DeVry just not that tough...simply post in the threaded discussion areas three times a week or more and do the weekly assignment/homework. Not TOUGH at all :(
As my Lil' Blue gets ready to head off to college, I wonder if she is really ready for the demands of college? However, I wonder if "we" were ready for college when we went some time back...guess not since I didn't stick with it and I still vividly remember the "D" I got from my biker dude, dressed in leathers, Calculus professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I tell you now...I was NOT prepared for the class size nor the pace at which they expected me to LEARN (and I use that term lightly).
However, with the online educational environment, learning is so much easier...and expectations are up front. Online students can easy get their diploma and be succcessful.
Education...is it really taking place in today's world? I sure hope so, and as for myself I am trying to be a lifelong learner and that is why I teach.
As I teach online at DeVry University, I am learning that a good solid education is crucial. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who just go through the motions of getting an education and expect to be given the grade. What has the world come to???? Just a free ride to get a diploma...I think NOT! I suppose there might have been a time when I was in their shoes, but I guess I have matured into a learning junkie!
Really, I never thought I would be so critical of my students work, but I can't believe that they don't even READ their assignment instructions nor do they complete the minimum requirements for the course. Getting an "A" at DeVry just not that tough...simply post in the threaded discussion areas three times a week or more and do the weekly assignment/homework. Not TOUGH at all :(
As my Lil' Blue gets ready to head off to college, I wonder if she is really ready for the demands of college? However, I wonder if "we" were ready for college when we went some time back...guess not since I didn't stick with it and I still vividly remember the "D" I got from my biker dude, dressed in leathers, Calculus professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I tell you now...I was NOT prepared for the class size nor the pace at which they expected me to LEARN (and I use that term lightly).
However, with the online educational environment, learning is so much easier...and expectations are up front. Online students can easy get their diploma and be succcessful.
Education...is it really taking place in today's world? I sure hope so, and as for myself I am trying to be a lifelong learner and that is why I teach.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday's Musing
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.
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.
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.
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