Have a Boo-tiful Weekend!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween this year...Love ya!!

AFAP...It's a Wrap!!

Well, this week we have successfully conquered yet another AFAP conference in another region. When I say we...I mean this year it was an Isla Trifecta!! Both Saige and George were delegates this year and I filled in a staff position as a recorder/transcriber. For those that don't know what AFAP is, here's a little history...

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) is the Army's grassroots process to identify and elevate the most significant quality of life issues impacting Soldiers (all components), Retirees, Department of Army (DA) Civilians, and Families to senior leaders for action.

Information provided through the AFAP process gives commanders and leaders insight into current satisfaction detractors, quality of life needs, and expectations of Army constituents. Leadership uses the information to effect changes that improve standards of living and support programs. These changes foster a satisfied, informed, and resilient Army Community.

The Army Family Action Plan is a year-round process that begins at the installation or unit level. It is the preeminent means for commanders at all levels to learn of and seek solutions to the concerns of their communities. The Army is the only Service with a program like AFAP.

It is a great program and I am always impressed at how much of an impact it has on the community...but man it there some long hours, and hard work involved. I threatened to bring a flask in on day two. And almost bi^ch slapped somebody that same afternoon...just sayin'.

Anyway, the conference went well overall and the last day is always my favorite because that is the day we get to show off everyone's hard work with a report out to the General and the delegates get to have a little fun and perform a skit based on their issues of that week. I am so excited to show you what George and Saige contributed...please welcome Captain AFAP and little lunch girl:

Monday Mortal

This week I have a mortal I want to highlight. I got my new US magazine the other day and there she was sitting on the cover. She is one of my all time favorite 80's teen flick actresses, and she's making a comeback!

All Hail Shawna, Frances, BABY!! With or without your old nose...you still got it girlfriend.

Jennifer Grey, 50...really??

Play Nice

Here it is Sunday and I have been literally downloading my weekend all day! Mentally, physically, emotionally...busy days entitle us to some download time. It keeps the sanity. So today as I was washing up some dishes, I began to reflect upon certain instances that occurred this weekend. In particular, some chick on the scene yesterday at my SIL's party seemed to have had a bad day and thought she was in the capacity to ridicule me, berate me and act like she was even on my radar. I could go on and on about the details and some "she said" BS, but ultimately all have to say is that she is simply NOT NICE!

When someone is genuinely a nice person...which I actively maintain as a personal characteristic of mine...these are some things I consider being part of that quality. A checklist if you will...

1. Be cordial to even the nastiest people...maybe they are having a bad day/moment.

2. Treat people with respect...there is always a line that somebody is thisclose to crossing, but until then be respectful.

3. Offer your help to someone who might need it...that does not mean lose sight of your goals in the process. We can't save everybody, right?

4. Be accountable and follow through when you do offer to do something.

5. Find the good in people.

6. Don't let people take advantage of you...in that, being nice does not translate into "doormat".

7. Be real...part of being nice is being quite honest to the people we come into contact with.

8. Be complimentary...without being a kiss a$$.

9. Even though I know someone is fake, smile at them anyway...because they are in need of some serious security and warmth. And a smile oozes warmth!

10. Lastly, be nice to yourself...we all need to pat ourselves on the back, too.

This is obviously the way I believe...not to be confused with what is necessarily "right". But, I make pretty good sense sometimes.

Just sayin'...

Wednesday Without Words

Missing my Monday Mortal

The days have all seemed to run together lately...for years actually. I love my blog, because even when times get hectic...the blog is always there to open up and give me space to think, write, share, overshare, show-off, and ramble. I wonder if the blog cares that I have missed several Mortal Mondays...or traded my mad writing skills for term papers. To honor my lil bloggie, I want to give a Mortal Monday shout-out. Bringing it back to familiarity for my Fam Bam Fans!

This week's Mortal Monday is dedicated to my JD!! Most of the people know the recent news concerning JD. He has been chosen to be a part of the Kaiserslautern Community Theater production of Beauty and the Beast (he plays a handful of smaller parts, but will be showcased more for his singing). Not only is that thrilling enough...he is also doing double duty in the school's production of Scared Silly. He plays Mr. Monroe (the father) in the Bunnicula Series. We are so proud of him...

For many years we have plugged JD into several different ventures, basketball, baseball, art classes, piano lessons, culture activities...the list goes on. He is not the type to reach out for a hobby. He is very content with some solo time on the computer or in his room with his legos. I love that imaginative, creative aspect about him, too...don't get me wrong. But the fascinating thing about my son is that he will put every bit of himself in everything he does or tries to do. That, alone, thrills me as his mom. Never mind all the issues he has overcome, all the obstacles he has been given...that boy is a gift to not only this Family, but the world. This is why I am so excited for others to have a chance to see a glimpse of what we see at home all the days. I am over the moon that JD can bring the joy to people that he gives everyone he comes into contact with...or shall I say, that he lets in. Super proud mommy for him...for once again proving that he is limitless.

I uploaded the singing portion and emailed to several of you...but here is the link in case you missed it (it makes me cry like a sappy girl every time)

JD Singing

and I added the dance audition for you here. He is in the front of the group (they are facing away from us...so I send a disclaimer for the abundance of tooshie). It was a very quick lesson...they wanted to see if they could just move on their feet pretty much. Enjoy it...I can't wait until I can actually upload his full dress performance. Look for updates throughout.

Thanks for looking...LOVE YA,