Week 4/52 - More Than Just a Word

I am, apparently, a person of authority.
I have my own parking spot.
I sit at the head of the table sometimes.
People stand up when I walk in the room.
"Ma'am" doesn't make me feel old; it's just normal.
I get 200-300 new messages in my inbox everyday.
I send about 50 new messages everyday.
My battlerhythm of meetings and visits and paperwork is intense.
Combat boots are my daily shoe of choice (or, rather, policy) and they match my outfit.
I don't carry a gun or fly a plane.

I'm a person with responsibility for mission, people and resources.
Defining the mission is hard.
Living within limited resources is harder.
Ensuring the health, safety and satisfaction of the people in my unit is even harder.
Balancing all that with helping the people in my unit take care of the customers of my unit--i.e. the entire population of our joint base--is, well, kinda impossible.  
That's my job.  
I'm a commander.

Seeing a face light up when someone has solved her own problem brings me joy.

Finishing a meeting that met its objective and generated new ideas brings me greater joy.

Knowing I've positively influenced someone's view of the word is the best.

The parking spot is cool.

My office is a mess.

My teams are amazing--even when they're not.

Laughing at drama is my favorite response to stress.

Making other people own the drama and laugh is my other favorite response.

I know a lot about leadership.

The art of actually leading can only be understood with experience.

I'm an artist.

I own my mistakes, add new layers, and sometimes end up with a final product that is awesome and unexpected.

And then I go home and take a nap because I'm tired.

Fly, fight, win...and proudly support the force.  :)

Artisan Jewelry Meets Air Force Charity Ball

On Saturday night Curt and I had the honor of attending the annual Air Force Charity Ball up in Springfield, Virginia.  It's a huge shindig where lots of Air Force big wigs, both past and present, raise funds for the Air Force Aid Society.  A huge part of the event is the silent auction.  A couple of years ago I made donation of jewelry and have been doing so ever since.  I love being able to bring my little crafty side into supporting Airmen.  It helps tamp down my inner cynic.

This year's event raised over $700K for the Society.  Amazing.  What's great is that 100% of that money will go directly to supporting Airmen and their families who need help.

Here's the set of baubles I created for the occasion...

I wanted to focus on the highest quality, most lovely lampwork beads so I picked some from my favorite artists:

The amazing necklace focal is from Donna Millard.

The bracelet focal is from Julianna Cannon.

And the earrings feature swirls from Libelula.

I didn't get to wear any cool jewelry that night since we were in uniform.  The only adornments are medals and badges.  Whoo hoooo.  But, I did get to see lots of lovely ladies in gowns which made me kinda thankful that I get to cover up with a cummerbund and jacket and don't have to worry about anything form-fitting or arm-showing. haaaaaaaaaa  Another reason to stay in the Air Force...I don't have to wear formal gowns! 

20 Years...Seriously?

Today, 23 March 2012, I mark the 20th anniversary of my first day at basic training.

I was 20 years old.   Now I'm 40.  What the hell?!  haaaaaaaaa

I wasn't really sure what I'd gotten myself into at the time, but the big bay full of beds and lockers and scary instructors yelling eventually gave way to a life of order.  

Well, there's some kind of order to it, I guess.  

In 20 years I've lived in Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Washington, Alabama, Italy, Qatar, DC, and Virginia.  

I've met some of the most amazing people and I've met some dumbass people.

I've been frustrated to the point of crying and been overjoyed and elated to tears.

I can't believe my entire adult life I've been wearing combat boots to work.  

Okay, sometimes I had to wear really ugly black shoes, but you know what I mean.  

I really never imagined this day would come to pass.   

It seems kind of like any other since I'm getting up, drinking coffee, and heading off to give my best to the blue and to my country in the little bit of email cubicle world I inhabit.  Sometimes I forget that I'm a part of something a little bit bigger than just me and the folks around me and our computers and our email and our bureaucracy.  

Now, I'm excited to see what's next.

And, no, I'm not talking about retirement.  At least not quite yet.  

I still like being in charge of stuff.  haaaaaaaaaaaaaa

These pics were taken in a photo booth at the little mini-mall on Lackland Air Force Base in 1992.  It was probably a Sunday afternoon on one of the few days we had some liberty.  

I'm sorry to report that I no longer have those glasses in my spectacle inventory.

A Room with a View of Destruction

I actually have a really nice office.  Most of my Air Force friends would be jealous because cubicles are generally considered the norm for an office setup.  So, to have an actual office--a corner one with three windows--is pretty rare.  I can't complain about how it gets hot in the summer from the sunshine or cold in the winter from the old windows because I know how lucky I am to actually have that discomfort.  Lately, though, I've had a bonus because the really, really old wind tunnel building that's right outside the corner of  our building is being destroyed.  There are huge machines and extremely talented machine operators out there tearing it apart piece by piece.  I get to watch it out my window and have found myself distracted for a few minutes at a time just marveling at this giant building coming apart in little chunks that are gathered up in big piles on the ground.  I've been carrying around my camera a lot lately trying to practice my manual shots so I finally took a little time to get some shots.


While you can't see the talented man with the torch, you can see the spraying fire as he slices through this giant steel tube.  I wish I had taken a before picture so you could see that this big giant tube actually used to be covered with concrete (like the picture above) and once all that was removed they started cutting it apart into more manageable chunks.

Here's a series of the big giant claw/hand that is grabbing bits of steel and concrete.  It is absolutely amazing how agile this grabber, or whatever you want to call it, actually is!  It can actually grasp one little strand of steel that in the giant pile of scrap looks like a toothpick and gingerly place it on another pile.  It can also drop big ass pieces of concrete onto the pile in a thunderous dusty cloud. 

It's a beautiful pile of wreckage and rubble and when they drop a really big piece it makes a loud noise and then I realize that I've been staring at my computer for too long and I need to take a break and go back outside to watch some more.  :)

I just spent a good hour googling to find a "before" picture and get some history of the facility.  I can't find much so I may contact the historian and see what I can dig up.  I'll be more diligent about taking pics as the process goes along.

Join Me in a Toast

to amazing weather that lets me sit outside at a bar...

to Apple computers that work outside same bar...

to cool summer necklaces that go with everything...

to black and white photos that hide how tired my eyes are...

to the men and women who serve our country--no matter what service and no matter whether they're officer, enlisted, civilians--it's a big job...

and to my Air Force leaders who selected me for promotion!

I started out in the Air Force over 19 years ago and never did I imagine that I'd be this close to a possible retirement or that I'd progress from the life of a no-striper airman to potentially serve as a lieutenant colonel.  I love my career and leading others and I'm thankful everyday that they're willing and able to follow.  I guess those retirement plans can wait for a few more years.

I'm sure I'll have a few more thoughts on this momentous achievement but for now I'm just relaxing with a beer or two or three and reveling in the fact that life is good.

LOVE AND CHEERS!!

Overly Expressive At Work

One of my folks was taking pictures during a luncheon today and caught this shot.  Apparently I make this expression when something doesn't make sense or someone has done something I think isn't all that smart--which must happen frequently.

We were saying goodbye to a boss who's on her way to Germany and she said that she was leaving the office in the good hands of a "crack pot of folks" to which everyone remarked that I was the main crackpot of the bunch.  haaaaaaaaaaaaa  I'm so proud.  :)

At least I got a bigger desk today...the restructuring of all the modular cubicle furniture is almost done.  So, I have to give credit to the captain who took this picture because she's also taking care of all the new furniture drama.  :)

The Magic Number: 77.5

What does that mean?  I passed my fitness test!

In almost nineteen years of service, I have never been confident that I'll pass.  Most years I can manage it--and some of it was easy because I was a triathloning skinny lieutenant--but I've had some pretty down moments.  Yesterday's was actually a re-test because I didn't pass 90 days ago.  Sure, I know I should be healthier.  Sure, I know I should go to the gym more.  Sure, I know that exercise is fun.  haaaaaaaaaa  Okay, I'm still trying to believe that one. 

There are plenty of professional consquences to being a chunk--you'd think that would be motivation enough to go to the gym.  But, instead I stress about it and almost cry as I slowly finish my mile and a half.  Get a visual on that one, it's sort of funny.

But, it's a new year and as I turn forty (seriously?)...I'm going to attempt to stay focused on being healthy.  My trainer who's a wonderful AF SNCO, has been a great help and motivation--he even ran with me yesterday and literally yelled at me when I whined that I wanted to walk.  In the last 90 days I lost nine pounds and two inches on my waist with his help.  Whoo hoo.  Plus, last weekend I got into size 12 jeans.  I almost cried. So, we'll see how it goes.

If you're not in the AF and wonder how you'd measure up, here's a link to the charts with the latest standards .
You've got:
 - One minute of push-ups
 - One minute of sit-ups
 - Your waist circumference
 - A mile and a half run.
And it's all based on your age group. 

Yes, if you look at the charts you'll see I only passed by two points, but that's still a pass and I'm happy...and two inches skinnier in my size 12 jeans.

Raptor Leaf

Driving onto base the other day, as I handed my ID card to the security guard, an F-22 Raptor took off just to the left of the gate where the runway ends.  It was really loud and really cool.  I was distracted as I drove through and watched for the other jets taking off behind the first.  I managed not to crunch into the car in front of me, but the sound of jets is an awesome way to start the morning--even though I wasn't really looking forward to taking my bed-headed self to the gym.

I had a great workout, but realized that I left my towel in the car.  Luckily I realized that fact before I took off all my clothes--that's happened a few times before and putting sweaty clothes back on isn't really that pleasant.  Well, as I walked out to the car, I looked down and saw a little leaf on the ground that looked just like a jet!  It was a little Raptor Leaf!  Luckily my Rebel Baby was in the car because I was taking it to work to document the tearing up of cubicles (in a good way).  So, there I was...on the ground trying to get an artfully macro shot of this leaf that looks like a plane.  I was probably at it for about five minutes before I realized that I really needed to get the towel and actually get dressed and go to work.

If you're not really thrilled with the Raptor Leaf, here's an actual F-22 pic...just for comparison.  Try not to get too excited, they're only worth about $150M each.  Compare that to my leaf which is priceless!  haaaaaaaaaa

Celebrate Freedom--Go Hug A Veteran...

Celebrations are the theme of the Art Bead Scene Carnival this month and I can think of tons of things to celebrate, but none quite as important as Veteran's Day--the 11th of November.  Of course I take it a little personally because of my own uniformed life, but there are a ton of folks out there who are doing things a lot more challenging than managing email (my normal focus) to ensure that as Americans we can go about our daily lives with the rights that we enjoy.

I can worship--or not worship--the way I want. 
I can argue with my crazy conservative friends about U.S. policies without threat.
I can vote for the folks who represent my ideals.
I can walk down the street wearing what I want, whenever I want.
I can sing songs in the cubicle where I can work for a living.

There are folks out there in the world who can't do these things, so I appreciate my friends and family who are part of a larger cause.  And, whether you think our missions are right or wrong you can't fault the commitment of those who give their days, years, and even lives to protecting the fundamental freedoms that we enjoy. 

Since this is a bead-related post...I'm going to encourage freedom through creative expression and shopping with a few links to some beads that make me think of the blue sky where we daily Aim High.  :)


Irridescent Blue-Black Lampwork from Paulina's Bead Shop



Gyrate Lampwork Focal from Flaming Fools



Blue Velvet Lampwork from Emmylou Beads

On that note, I'm going to proudly put on my camouflage and boots and get to work...even if it's email and meetings, taking care of Air Force people is what I try to do everyday and that's pretty important.  :)

Graduation

I started the week with a graduation ceremony.  I now have a master's degree in Military Operational Art and Sciences.  Pretty cool! 

Jewels and beads were a major part of my life here in Alabama, but I also spent plenty of time reading about air power, warfare, culture, and history.  I can actually read the whole newspaper now and understand it...I don't have to stick with the tv listings and the sudoku.  haaaaaaaaaa  I read a ton about Afghan history and culture that has really helped me understand some of Curt's daily mission and the challenges he's facing.

There was a huge graduation ball on Saturday night, so here's a pic of some of my flight mates and their lovely spouses.  I was truly blessed to meet all these guys...even the fighter pilot!  haaaaaaaaaaaaa  I'm headed to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia while the others in my flight are headed off around the world:  Honolulu, Okinawa, Las Vegas, D.C., Louisiana, San Antonio, and Phoenix.  My international student buds are going back to Armenia and South Africa.  It seems like we'll be far apart, but it's amazing how small the world gets when you have a shared experience like we've had here. 

So, on that note, I have to get ready for the packers...they're already late, but should be here eventually today.  I'll have to write more about moving and how much fun it is later on when it's all done and I'm through with the fun.  haaaaaaaaaaa

Bead Air Power!!

My Air Force: Simple & Chunky

They're ready for primetime!!!

The Air Force blue themed pieces that I'm donating to the 2010 Air Force Charity Ball!  A couple of weeks ago (okay more than a month ago) I posted about the custom blue wacky chunky beads I got from Heather at HMB Studios...well, it has taken me this long to realize that I really needed to keep it simple. This project was starting to stress me out! 

For the necklace I ended up with a simple gathering of the disks that makes the best of the clouds, wind, air, and entrails that come to mind when thinking of Air Force blue.  The inspiration for this simple design actually came from day one of the Humblebeads challenge from last October:  Fun with Focals.  Heather used a design by Teri Bienvenue as her inspiration; you can see both of their designs here.

Then, for the bracelet, I wanted a couple of dangles for the sheer entertainment value, but focused on lapis lazuli (aaaahhhh the Afghanistan connection!) for the meat of the bracelet.

I am really starting to get in a simplification groove...I am usually so far over the top on adding things to a piece that I get overwhelmed with it and then wonder why it doesn't look perfect.  So, I'm practicing a little "less is more" mantra lately.  It's sort of against my nature, but seems to have worked out in this case, if I do say so myself.  haaaaaaaaaa I got a little validation on the simplification from The Rabbit Muse this week...she's been doing more basic shapes with her ceramics with less of the bells and whistles and I think they're gorgeous!

So, that's that for now.  Hoarders is on tonight...so crafty "collectors" unite!!  haaaaaaa


Jen

Panjshir Valley - He's there!

I got a phone message yesterday confirming that my sweetie's arrived at his final destination:  The Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan. 

My husband, Curt, is going to be in command of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Panjshir Province.  I've been studying Afghanistan for the last few months here at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and there is still a great deal I want to learn about the country and it's culture--or variety of cultures.  I hope to share some of my newfound knowledge so you can understand a little better, too. 

First things first...here's a map

And, just to show you that there's more going on than the Marjah offensive that you may see on the news, I'd recommend checking out this link to the U.S. Central Command (they're in charge of the area of the world that includes Iraq and Afghanistan) page and this document on Counter-insurgency or COIN.  This is a different sort of activity for the U.S. military and its Coalition partners than you might think of when it comes to a "war-fighting" organizatoin.  You may have seen Gen Stanley McChrystal on the news...he's the commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) over in Afghanistan.  This newsletter includes his directions on how COIN should work.

A PRT is part of the COIN effort because they're focused on security and stabilization in each of their assigned provinces.  Curt and the team in Panjshir--which is more than just U.S. military--is ready to take the reigns in helping the provincial government move forward.  I'll explain more as his assignment goes on.  :)

Thanks for the support!

Jen

p.s. if you're looking for some relationship to beads and such...think lapis lazuli!!! 

"Hey, this is what I do."

There are a lot of different roles a girl can have: wife, cat-mom, jewelry designer, coffee drinker, craft addict, or Air Force officer. But, if you ask me, there's room for all of them. It just takes a little bit of work to get the balance right. I'm not saying I'm actually doing it perfectly, but I've been able to do lots of things I love all while serving my country.

So, here's the story. Last summer I was out on a Friday night at happy hour at a bar in Alexandria, Virginia celebrating one of my pieces being published in Stringing. I also happened to be in uniform since I was on my way home from work on the Air Staff. Well, there was a writer from the Army Times sitting next to me and she got caught up in my celebration; we exchanged business cards and that was that. Or so I thought. She contacted me a couple of weeks later to ask if I'd be interested in sharing my story about my part-time business in her company's new publication called "The Edge."

Several months later, after I moved from Virginia to Alabama, I got a call from the interviewer and we spent about an hour chatting about my business ventures. Then, a local photographer came over to my house to do a full-up photo shoot. It was hilarious! I had so much fun!

Cut to a couple more months later...I get an email at work from an old boss who has seen my picture in the magazine, which comes free once a month with subscriptions to Air Force Times. I ran over to the library to find a copy, I ask if I can have it, then run back to my classroom where my 12 classmates are wondering what I'm all wound up about now. I hand it to one of my buds and he starts to read...

"It took a lousy love life..." I start laughing hysterically thinking that he's joking. But, no, the article, which is a feature about three different people who "moonlight" at other jobs, actually says that about me! A lousy love life! haaaaaaaaaaa I was dying laughing!! When I did the interview, I was being pretty flippant about how the dating scene in D.C. was such a wreck I didn't really want to waste any more time on it so I started being more productive doing something that was actually rewarding, making jewelry. Apparently, that stuck in his mind.

Plus, the other great quote he picked up on is, "hey, this is what I do." That's exactly how I tell my supervisors and co-workers that I have an arts and craft business. haaaaaaaaaa Can you imagine?! Yes, I'm a little outspoken, but I'm not crazy! haaaaaaaaaa

Anyway, if you want to check out the article, it's here...Military Times article. At least the picture's pretty good...

And, I'm thankful for that lousy love life that settled me down into crafting and helped me realize that the love of my life was sitting in the cubicle right next to me, patiently listening to all my crazy dating stories, and waiting for just the right moment to sweep me off my feet. :) Take note that in the magazine picture there's a photo from our wedding day. haaaaaaaaaa I get to see him tomorrow! I'm so excited!!!! Because, "Hey, this is what I do!" haaaaaaaaaa

Wacky Chunky Air Force Blue

I want to share some good beadiness with you...

One of my Favity McFave bead makers totally hooked me up! I said "wacky chunky disks" in a an "Air Force Blue sort of color combination" and look what Heather from HMB Studios made me!!!!

Aren't these just gorgeous?! Talk about aiming high...these are so much better than I could have even figured on.

So, why do I want Air Force blue beads? Well, there's this big Air Force Charity Ball that the Air Force Officers' Wives' Club puts on in the D.C. area to benefit the Air Force Aid Society. I got the opportunity to go last year (thanks to my bud, Wayne) and it was an absolutely wonderful five-star event. Much champagne and a fantastic meal, all while wearing a sweet mess dress uniform, led to a fantastic shopping experience in the silent auction. I decided that night that I really wanted to donate a super-fantastic-fancy piece of jewelry for the next year...which is now this year. I wanted a challenge, so I figured I'd go with an Air Force blue theme, hence, the beads! I still have a little design time, thank goodness, so I can figure out the best way to show off these beauties.

Wish me luck! :)