AFTB

Not long ago, I spent three days in training to become an AFTB instructor on Ft. Carson. In my experience, the Army is known for over-exaggerating training needs. For example, in order to serve hot dogs in the motorpool to our guys last summer, we had to become "certified" in food preparation. To put a hot dog on a bun and hand them chips.

Now, as an attorney, I get it. You have to be cautious and cover your bum, but it still seems like overkill. I can honestly say I did not learn any safety or health measures to make the food process any better. The class was a merely a stamp so the Army could say they took the extra precaution. 

Nevertheless, when I decided I wanted to teach AFTB courses on post, I signed up for the class. Three days, all day. And it was a wonderful experience - as well as a necessary one.

Before I tell you about my experience, let me first explain more about the AFTB. AFTB stands for Army Family Team Building and is a component of ACS (Army Community Services.) At it's most basic level, the AFTB provides free classes on a variety of Army-related topics. More specifically, it is a resource of information and a collection of tools for spouses to better understand the Army, how it works, and what it provides. The AFTB is often the first point of contact for young (or new) spouses entering the Army family.

I have always had a special passion for young military families, and becoming an instructor allows me to mentor some of those newly-minted spouses and help guide them to success in the Army lifestyle. Some of them are starved for information about even the smallest details - like where the Commissary is located and what the heck zero-nine-hundred means. Some of them need deeper mentorship and a guide to staying clear headed and healthy during many scary transitions. 

Think about it. How many careers out there have a built-in system of networking and information to guide you through the process? I've worked in the business world for many years and I can tell you that few of them do. I decided that this was a great opportunity to help spouses on the path to success, whether they simply want to be a happy, fulfilled military spouse, or pursue career options and volunteer opportunities. The great thing about the AFTB is that it offers a vast array of information services, classes, resources, etc... and can be suited to every single person's desires and goals!

I am certified as a Level 1 instructor, which is all the basic military info and resources for incoming spouses, but I have the ability to train in higher levels and to branch into other classes. Of course, with recent budget cuts, they are not training as many people or offering the same amount of services, but I hope to do as much as I can with the experience.

It was a great experience I can't wait to teach my first class!

My Interview for the Successful Military Wife

Two weeks ago, I had the sheer pleasure of having a Skype date with the ever-so-lovely Kaye Putnam. She is the brain (and personality) behind The Successful Military Wife and she also advises business owners (with special focus on military spouse owners) on marketing their businesses for portability. 

{courtesy of Kaye}

The fact that military spouses need help in business and careers is not new - this is a fight many of our leaders (and us) have been fighting for years. The way Kaye brings the information to the table, however, is quite remarkable. One of the best pieces of advice I've garnered from her site is that you can't just be "good" at business, you have a be a good and likable person too! 

In fact, Kaye recently ran a three-part article discussing ways to be remarkably liked so people flock to your business.

{courtesy of Kaye}

And really, if you think about it, that makes perfect sense. If you are likable, interesting, charming, and even funny, you are going to make more friends, networking easier, and build a stronger base of support around you. Those are the components necessary to successful business. 

When I first ran across her site, I felt compelled to connect with Kaye. I have always had a passion for encouraging spouses to pursue their education and career dreams and I knew I wanted to help her in any way I could. She emailed me back (almost instantly) and asked for an interview. I was thrilled. 

And then I was nervous. What made me an expert in business? Certainly not the fact that I am slowly making my way through starting my own. Nor the fact that I went to law school and focused on business law. Those are just pieces of paper. Nevertheless, the Skype interview went swimingly (it helps when the interviewer is so delightful and puts you at ease immediately!) 

Even after she excitedly sent me the link to the video, followed by "It's live" and a smiley-face emoticon, I was still nervous. How am I going to come off on this video? Will people think I know what the heck I'm talking about? Did I have anything in my teeth? 

Please head over to The Successful Military Wife and let me know what you think. (I don't have anything in my teeth, I already checked!) Also make sure you take the time to check out the other amazing features on her site. Thank you, Kaye, for spear-heading an amazing business and for inviting me to be a part of it!

 I hope that we can help other women to find the balance between pursuing their dreams and supporting their spouse all while navigating this crazy military life!

Recipe: Portabello Pasta in Red Wine Sauce

This recipe is so quick and simple (we adapted it from a recipe on the stewed tomatoes can!) and yet one of the more delicious meals we've had in a long time. Even Al was gushing about it and it contains no formal protein (a big deal for him.) 

Ingredients:

           1 box Penne Pasta          2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes           

1 1/2 Cups Portabello Mushrooms, chopped

        1 Can Tomato Sauce   1 White Onion, chopped    1 tsp. garlic powder           

1/3 cup red wine     1/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable)

     1 pinch (each) italian seasoning, fennel, & pepper

Process:

o Boil water in medium saucepan and cook pasta per instructions.
o Meanwhile, in a large skillet, put onion, mushrooms and garlic in oil and brown
o Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
o Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes
o Add almost-cooked pasta and cook for another 5 minutes (until pasta is fully tender and has soaked in the tomato and wine flavors)
o Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and serve!

Voila! A delicious Italian meal full of flavor and relatively healthy. If you have a heavy red wine that you would prefer not to drink, this is the perfect way to use it up! If you did want to add a protein, we actually thought clams would be amazing. It would keep the Italian flavoring and add a great texture. If shell-fish are not your thing, a few slices of pepperoni would also be delicious!

**Note: I used a burgundy wine for the sauce and it was perfect. Any red cooking wine (not a sweeter red for drinking, would work well) but test a small amount before adding to the recipe. The pasta will soak up the flavor and if you pick the wrong wine, you will not be able to salvage the rest of the dish!

Kramer

On Valentine's Day, I received a text from Al asking if I "wanted to come check out a dog." Now, this wasn't totally crazy - we had been talking about getting one for a while. We had not, however, decided on a breed or size or anything like that. Well, apparently earlier that day, Al became aware of a dog that needed a good home - the family was struggling to deal with a hyper 10-month-old puppy as well as two other dogs and their three kids. (Yikes!) In fact, the father was going to deploy this summer and the puppy was going to be too much when they were down to one parent. They told Al they wouldn't even charge us so long as we promised to give him a good home. 

He came home with us that night. 

He isn't at all what I expected to get. He's part lab, part Pitt (and full of all the piss and vinegar that implies) and is a full-grown, very active dog. On the flip side, he is already kenneled trained, housebroken, and responds to commands. Obviously, that will take some adjustment while he learns we are boss and gets used to his new home.

We are still deciding what his boundaries are: kennel at night or sleep in our room, couch or no couch, people food or dog food. I'm a pretty strict dog-momma (and Al is a total sucker.) It is surprisingly a pretty good indicator of the type of parents we are going to me. Which brings me to my next point: we have started calling each other momma and daddy. It was not a conscious decision but it happened. I will look at the dog and say, "Kramer, did dad feed you yet?" Of course, Al is the one who responds, but still... 

Let's be brutally honest here - this is totally a no-baby-band-aid - so it makes sense that we've taken on the role of puppy-parents in total stride. I have never seen Al so happy.

Kramer took to his side instantly and still won't let him leave the room. Al takes him for a run every morning and other walks throughout the week. He has only been in our life for three days, but Al has become dog-dad-of-the-year. 

My transition has been harder. I'm used to less-energetic dogs. I wanted a dog that was happy but calm and would get along with everyone. I wanted a medium-sized dog that couldn't overpower me. Kramer is a little crazier and much bigger than I wanted. But this dog is Al's side-kick (and my protector, I've already seen that response) and he's well-trained. I am working on patience and staying calm during the training process and he is responding with handshakes and wet kisses.

At the end of the day, he is a great dog. He is good for Al and great for our home. He stays out of trouble and wants nothing more than a piece of ham and to lay at our feet. Ultimately, Kramer is our family and he's certainly not going anywhere!

Wordless Wednesday: Alpaca

(Go here for more in the series)

"Holiday" of Love

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day. I'm not a fan of over-hyped and unnecessary "holidays" and the red-puffy-paint-hearts on damn-near everything just makes me want to gag. As a kid, I hated passing out Valentines because they "made" you give them to everyone so no one felt left out and in college I remember scrambling to find a date "'cause no one wants to be alone on Valentine's Day." And now that I'm happily married, I just don't see a reason to make one day any different than every other day when it comes to showing love and affection.

It has just never been a big deal to us, so we usually have a low-key dinner at home, followed by a little TV, and bed at our normal time. This year, though, our anniversary was a total bust (literally) and for some reason I am feeling abnormally interested in doing something for V-day. The 15th also happens to be our dating anniversary (holy four years, batman!) so it makes sense to do something a little different. 

Our first date (or what we base or "dating anniversary" on) was pretty low-key anyway. We spent the day hiking in the mountains and came back to our hotel, ordered-in pasta, sipped wine, and did a puzzle together. Looking back, my favorite part of the whole evening was sitting on the couch with an absolutely amazing guy and laughing my ass off all night. And we recreate that memory multiple times each week. 

Since I will be working until late on Valentine's Day and we're currently on a spending hiatus, I'm sure we'll do our typical meal-and-movie-at-home and be in bed by 9:30. I'm sure we'll have plenty of laughs and maybe even sneak in a few extra moments to love on each other. Really, what more could I ask for?

Swabucks' 5th Birthday

Swagbucks has some big things in store for their 5th Birthday this year - they're giving out five $1000 cash prizes and holding a HUGE Swag Code Extravaganza where you can earn 135 Swag Bucks worth of codes! There are also some huge games planned, and while the party doesn't happen until February 25th, tomorrow you'll get more info, including how you can win one of those $1000 prizes!

Haven't joined Swagbucks yet? Click here to join and use the Swag Code 5THBIRTHDAY during registration - you'll start with 120 Swag Bucks instead of the usual 30. I have earned over $200 in Amazon gift cards by using Swagbucks, but there are so many other items you can build towards. So, check back tomorrow for more information on how to earn more Swagbucks in honor of their 5th birthday. 

**I am a Swagbucks affiliate and while I do not get compensated for my opinion, I can earn Swagbucks for my posts. I would not, however, promote the company if I did not truly believe in and support it. As always, feel free to message me or email me with questions on the Swagbucks program.**

Continuing the pursuit of happiness

In January, I forced myself to admit a my feelings of inadequacy, monotony, and overall unhappiness with my life. Perhaps I was overreacting. I was certainly highly emotional. Yet, at the time, it was true and it was how I was feeling. And after putting those words on paper, seeing them in black-and-white, and talking them out with Al, I was forced to make a change. 

One of those changes is re-evaluating my goals and the things that make me happy. 

I've spent my entire life focusing on my career. I've invested time, a ridiculous amount of money, many sleepless nights, and even more tears, in pursuing my education and starting my career. I always believed that a large part of my identity, my heart, and my happiness was based on my education and work.

This week, however, I was faced with a big decision. Continue on my current path, pursuing a job only partially related to my field, that I only sort-of love, with higher pay and great opportunity - or, walk away and take an attorney job for less pay simply because it's what I really love to do.

Everyone I know would say to follow your dreams. I always told myself that if I didn't love what I do, it isn't worth doing. And while that may seem like an easy decision to some, it really isn't. After all, my passion and career options aren't the only considerations...

My current job allows for more flexibility (and more money) for starting a family. It is also keying me in to many networking groups and volunteer opportunities. And if I truly give it everything I've got, I can use it as a way to propel me into starting my own law practice down the road. (Say, when our debts are paid down and we've started our family.)

I also have to consider that Al wants to transition out the Army (at least active duty) and pursue his own career. He wants to start a business and finish his degree. And in order to support that transition, I need to be the primary bread-winner. I need to financially support our household when we leave military life behind for "the real world." 

So I reached the fork in the road and for a brief moment the hustle of the world slowed and my choice was clear. With teary eyes, I told Al, "I need to stick with my current path. It's hard to remember that while this job might not be my first choice or my whole passion, supporting our family is."

My priorities have changed and that just might be okay.

Wordless Wednesday: Our new meal-planner

A Reveal: The Great Guest Bath Transformation

This project wasn't quite as fast as the kitchen remodel because both Al and I are working significantly more than we were those first couple weeks. This project happened over about two months, although the actual "working" time was only 4 days. I don't have an official before shot, because I simply forgot when we started the project. 

But I have plenty of other photos to make up for it:

Demo:

Floors are in: 

Getting closer: 

(Peel n' stick linoleum tiles for the vanity inside. Easy to clean and maintain. Any damage? Just pull and replace!)

Adding the details:

(Dry erase, so I can change them if I move them to another room!)

The final product:

Time frame: 4 days

Original budget: $20 ($5, if you ask Al)

Final cost: $120

The breakdown:
Tile -  $40 (clearance at Home Depot) (includes subfloor, mud, grout, & sealer)
Vanity - $19 at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Painted with Cabinet Restorations left over from kitchen remodel, peel n' stick tiles on inside (Lowe's) / Sink - $8 at Habitat ReStore / Faucet - FREE (Pulled out of parents old bathroom, less than 1 year old.) / Counter (original) - Painted with Countertop Restorations left over from kitchen remodel / Light fixture (original) - Spray painted, Valspar Silver $5 / Shelf - $6 (On-hand, painted to match cabinets, added hooks from Walmart)
Decor items: Shower rod, curtain & hooks - $30 (Walmart) / Basket - $2 (thrifted, spray painted) / Tin buckets - $2 (Target $1 section) / Set of 3 mini candles, set of 2 pictures on wall, rock candle holder, towels & floor rugs - FREE (all previously owned)

2013 Goals Review and February Tidbits

One month down in 2013.

Time sure does fly (and other cliche sentiments that are fitting for this reflection...)

Before I jump into the things happening in February, I want to look back through January and how I did on my 2013 goals. I shared with you my spreadsheet for tracking the goals, so I can stay on top of it daily when I use my planner. Now, I want to look at the individual goals and see how I can improve my strategy and plan for achieving those that fell short (and pat myself on the back for those I've accomplished!)

Expand Mind

1. Did I read at least 1 book? Yes! The Art & Power of Being a Lady

2. Did I develop any skills? I attended a small business class at the local library. I also shadowed another coach at the gym to further develop my coaching skills.

3. Did I teach/tutor at least 1 child? No, but I am taking on a new class at the gym - tumbling. This should challenge me and help the kids!

Increase Wealth

1. Did I payoff any debt? No. With the break-in, any progress we made was depleted by those added expenses.

2. Did I increase ER savings? No. See above.

3. Did I increase additional savings? Yes, I saved about $25 this month towards travel and events

Advance Career

1. Did I attend at least 1 event? Yes. 

2. Did I write at least 1 article? No. I am looking at ways to fix this by seeking out new sources and places to write.

3. Did I make steps toward finding a mentor? Yes. I had a meeting with an attorney I hope to maintain a mentorship with.

Enhance Home

1. Did we make progress on the guest bath/bedroom? Yes! We are 50% done and hope to finish this weekend!

2. Did we make progress on clearing the Radon? No. This will happen when the weather warms.

3. Did we make progress on the outdoor projects? No. See above.

Improve Health

1. No smoking? Yes! I have not had a cigarette in over 30 days!

2. Did I eat healthier? Somewhat. I opted for a salad at least once per week and cut back on sweets. I also avoided soda, for the most part. I could definitely improve more in the area.

3. Did I take a multi-vitamin? Not regularly. This one is so simple and yet so difficult. I will get a pill box and set it up each week on Sunday so I can just pop-and-go in the morning.

For the month of February, I added an additional little project. I joined up with The Idea Room to participate in her photo prompt project on Facebook. 

You can watch my progress on my Facebook page - I've incorporated the photos in my 365 in 2013 album. You can also watch the progress of the other participants (most of them are much better photogs than I am!)

Finally, don't forget that February is heart month. Do something to raise money, awareness, or assistance for those suffering from heart disease, and take the necessary steps to lead a healthy life so you heart stays healthy too!

Saturday Share: Staying Safe

This was not my original plan for re-introducing the Saturday Share series, but in light of recent life-events, it seemed fitting. For your weekend reading pleasure, I've compiled some great resources to help you stay safe and protect your belongings.

Avoid car break-ins - via NY Daily News

Tips on car break-ins direct from a police officer - via Business Know-How

My favorite tip: a disguise for if you must store your stuff inside your car - via Wisebread

Don't make stealing the car itself too easy - via Wisebread

But if it does... Rely on Taxi Drivers to Find your Stolen Car - via Lifehacker

Prevent identity theft using these quick-tips - via Business Insider 
And with 10 more great tips!

Secure your digital accounts - via Life.YourWay

I recommend keeping a list of all your accounts (in a secure place, like a fireproof lock-box). That way, when a card is stolen, you are able to immediately provide the full credit card number to authorities and to any places that need it for follow up. I was able to get the video of the man at Wal-mart because I had the full credit card number for the manager to locate the transaction. Some advisors say to keep copies of the front and back of your ID's and major credit cards as well. I know having my full license number would have made the restoration process much easier. 

Make sure you keep these documents in a secure place (not online or in a file cabinet) but keep them accessible. You may find this method handy even if theft does not occur.

Be safe and have a wonderful weekend!

Fashion Friday: Casual weekend layers

Colorado has been unseasonably warm this winter. For the last two weeks, temps have been mid-50's by lunch-time, accompanied by a wonderful winter sun. Last weekend, Al and I walked around a home & garden show at a local event center and then went out for a couple beers and low-key hangout. I wanted an outfit that was cozy but still looked pulled together - I think this wintery, layered look accomplished that!

Tank - Kohls / Tunic sweater - Target / Denim jacket - thrifted

Zebra scarf - Heartbreakers / Leggings - Old Navy / OTK Boots - Rampage via Herbergers

Lips: "Bare it All" Wet n' Wild / Baby Lips "Peach Parfait" / Nails: Ulta