So far behind...at Week 16: Taking a Walk

I have been going and going and going for the last several weeks.  Tonight is my first solo night in a while, so I'm getting my blog on!

Recently, I spent two weeks in Montgomery, Alabama, learning the ins and outs of my upcoming job.  It was fantastic to get some insight into the challenges that are going to come my way in command.  I'm realistic enough to know I'll get more wild curveballs than the class could send my way, but it was still a great opportunity to meet 20 other folks who are headed to the same type of challenge I am.  Plus, the crosstalk and ideas we shared are going to be invaluable as I go through the next few months and find my way in the new job.  

The cool thing about the Air Force is that even though there are about 332,000 people in uniform servicing on active duty, when you start talking about your particular cohort or year group and your particular specialty, the world gets significantly smaller.  It was really cool to meet people in this class who I've only heard or talked to on the phone over the years. 

One of my old friends, Michelle, who I've been stationed with a couple of times, was in the class.  So, we set out to the track on several mornings to try to motivate each other to at least run/walk/jog a little bit.  We had to counteract the massive amounts of time sitting in a classroom watching briefers and PowerPoint presentations.  My picture from the "take a walk" week is this one I shot from my phone while walking an interval (I actually did run some that morning!).  The sunrise was neat to see as it reminded me of 15 years earlier when I was on that very ground as an officer trainee.  Man...time flies! 

I'm still behind in my photography posts, but I'm committed to catching up!  And I'll continue to remain thankful that deadlines are flexible.  :)  Thank you, Sally!!!

Week 15 - Focus on Aged Beauty

On a walk through the crazy flea market in Savannah I saw this phenomenal patina on a worn, old outdoor chair.  I can see some copper or clay finished in this style.  So, it's my "aged beauty" shot for this week.  I'm a little late posting, but I've been busy with my big leadership class, so it's a good excuse.  The joy of "owning" a blog...I can do what I want!  haaaaaaaaaaaaa

Thinking Differently

Do you ever just think about thinking?  I'm in a class this week, learning about leadership for my new job and one of the big topics flowing through the curriculum is critical thinking.  I think I'm a pretty creative person, and with a couple of degrees in psychology, I probably have a little more than average "book knowledge" about perceptions, bias, learning, and all that sort of thing.  But, it is so refreshing to take all that and focus it on real life challenges and potential work drama.  I'm not a huge fan of the critical thinking books, so far, but they are at least driving me to partake in some intellectual gymnastics.

For instance, when viewing a problem (or a creepy antique animal), what is your first impression?  Can you move past that first impression and consider it from a different angle?  If you look at it in a different light, is it actually funny?  Does the environment around it influence your impression?  Can you squint or turn and think about it differently?  What about the feelings it invokes?  How do those contribute to your thoughts?  (I don't know what this thing is, but I love it.)

How about when looking at something mundane and routine, like a marigold...can it look like something else?  A circus tent?  A kaleidoscope?  Some windmills waiting to be charged with Quixote-like passion?  Ooooh...all that adventure encapsulated in a simple flower that used to grow in your front yard on Juliana street.  

Once you get past the simplicity and see the possibility, messages might be clearer.  You could be walking down a busy street in Savannah (or Susquehanna, as I keep calling it for some Pennsylvania-based reason) in a dream state of spring buds and dripping moss and suddenly see a "J" calling out to you.  Even better, it's saying, "hey, the door's open...are you ready for the adventure?"  

Yep.  I am!!

Week 14 - Up Close in Charleston

At the Magnolia Plantation in Charleston.

Savoring the moment.

Trying to take pictures with a tripod.

My fave pic of the week.

Up close on some sort of orangey-yellow flower.

I can't believe I get to live here soon!

Week 13 - Have Faith...Spring Will Arrive Soon

Many of us have been stuck in the midst of crazy weather patterns...the buds are out and covered with snow!  Seriously?!  I, for one, am craving sunshine and can't wait for the days of milder temperatures and brighter colors in the trees and gardens.  Luckily, I have faith that those days are coming.  Soon.  

I'm actually hitting the road today for a trip to Charleston to start looking for a place to live.  In the military, we're lucky enough to have a wonderful network of housing professionals who help with this search.  Plus, there are fellow servicemembers around who own homes and need someone to keep them occupied when they move on.  I don't have much of an agenda set up for this trip because I really just want to look around and get to know the city and the suburbs.  It's a unique opportunity and I have faith that I'll find something perfect.

About the photo:  It's a Hipstamatic shot.  There was a special last weekend with some new lenses and films and I am in love with this "tintype" version.   My friend, John, and I were walking out to the car and I saw this nest and really wanted the shot.  He stared at me as I explained that I needed to try out some new film and lenses.  Then he reminded me that I was holding my phone...haaaaaaaaaa  Whatever...I live in a world where a phone has film and lenses and I love it!

Week 12 - Following Life's Curves

My pic of the week is this little shot of my nametag from the course I attended last week.  My future command job is the latest curve in my life.  I'm thrilled and excited to see where that curve leads because, from this vantage point, I can't see exactly around it...but, I'm ready to go!

Week 11 - The Possibilities are Endless

I missed last week.  But, I'm okay with that.  My life has been a little bit off kilter lately.  But, again, I'm okay with that.

I made up for it this week by exercising.  I hate admitting that exercise actually makes me feel like a more positive, productive and overall normal human being.  But, it does. I'm okay with that.

While out for a run today, I saw this bit of junk and saw the possibilities.  It's a flower.  It's flowing.  It's paper.  It's layers and layers of exploration.  After a few miles (okay, just two) my mind was 100% off of work and the frustration and ludicrous (my boss's word) issues we've been working lately and fully engaged in the world around me.  A little '80s rock in some new kickass headphones helped, but I didn't even have to try to see things more clearly.  They were just there...in a pile of construction trash.

I'm ready to move.  Okay, not really.  I'm mentally ready to move to a new job, but I have a lot to do to transition. The possibilities, though, are amazing...and that's what matters this week!!