This has been a month filled with some trials and many triumphs. This month, I have witnessed a little bit of magic each day, with each Black History month program, and in each of those who participated and supported our efforts.
In this short 28 days, we dined with Hollywood Stars and were enlightened by the shining wisdom of campus alumni who've come back to share the knowledge...To write their names in the books of history.
From right here in our little corner of the world, we traveled. Circumventing the globe through music, poetry, film, dance and the spoken/written word. From Uganda to Europe. From South Central to MidTown USA. We've honored our illustrious history and acknowledged our bright and shining future.
It has been exhausting both physically and emotionally. It has been extraordinarily rewarding on all levels. Each year, I think to myself that I cannot do it this time. I don't have the energy or the time. Then I think of those who went before me. Who never had the opportunity, or should I say luxury, of being "tired". That was not a choice. And I don't have a choice either, because as the path was paved for me, it is my duty to keep laying bricks and pavement for those who come after me to walk on.
Our journey is one rich with culture, family and sincere love.
Forward ever...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
30,000 Days
I'm obsessed! Well maybe just hyper aware... There is a difference... right?
My frequent cruises up to Los Angeles can involve any number of things. Most often it is the beginning of the weekend and I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends. There might be some mission to accomplish, like babysitting, taking Mom shopping, a theatre event that only shiny LA can offer.
The trek never seems too long because I am addicted to books on tape and my XM radio.
Last weekend's jaunt was no exception. My mission: Visit Mom and then accompany my Sister to a pseudo Superbowl party. We were only going because this party boasted several very large HD televisions, and Prince was the halftime entertainment. We weren't disappointed. Those 8 minutes of the Purple One in high definition, was well worth it.
On the way home Sunday evening, I pushed the XM button and clicked over to 156... Oprah and Friends. Even I couldn't stand the schmaltzy dialog during whatever "friend" was on at the moment, so I switched to NPR and caught a conversation in progress on the importance of being aware of how we spend our time. Understanding the importance of gratitude. Living in the present and not lingering in the past. (Okay, this may have been kind of schmaltzy too)..
"If you live to be 80 years old, how many days do you think you get?" asked the commentator. 400,000! replied one person...another said 60,000. 30,000 days was the answer. Actually it is really around 29,200.. but it is nice to round up, particularly in with this equation. 30,000 days is not a lot of days to have... in fact, it seems like a really small number. Now wonder we all have a feeling that time is flying..because it is and there is not alot of it.
So how you are spending it becomes the important question. It is like a bank account on those long months when you might cut things close paying your bills. You know how much money you have and what you need to give away... you are focused on meeting your obligations and reserving funds for other needs/wants/desires. Why aren't we so good at managing our time? Not to be more productive at work and make those endless meetings. But how we spend it. What we focus on...
The notion of 30,000 days is helping me realize how often I might allow other people to affect my mood and my outlook. Awareness is good. I choose, and when I can't choose, I determine my response. Focus on making the most of each of however many days I might have.
My frequent cruises up to Los Angeles can involve any number of things. Most often it is the beginning of the weekend and I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends. There might be some mission to accomplish, like babysitting, taking Mom shopping, a theatre event that only shiny LA can offer.
The trek never seems too long because I am addicted to books on tape and my XM radio.
Last weekend's jaunt was no exception. My mission: Visit Mom and then accompany my Sister to a pseudo Superbowl party. We were only going because this party boasted several very large HD televisions, and Prince was the halftime entertainment. We weren't disappointed. Those 8 minutes of the Purple One in high definition, was well worth it.
On the way home Sunday evening, I pushed the XM button and clicked over to 156... Oprah and Friends. Even I couldn't stand the schmaltzy dialog during whatever "friend" was on at the moment, so I switched to NPR and caught a conversation in progress on the importance of being aware of how we spend our time. Understanding the importance of gratitude. Living in the present and not lingering in the past. (Okay, this may have been kind of schmaltzy too)..
"If you live to be 80 years old, how many days do you think you get?" asked the commentator. 400,000! replied one person...another said 60,000. 30,000 days was the answer. Actually it is really around 29,200.. but it is nice to round up, particularly in with this equation. 30,000 days is not a lot of days to have... in fact, it seems like a really small number. Now wonder we all have a feeling that time is flying..because it is and there is not alot of it.
So how you are spending it becomes the important question. It is like a bank account on those long months when you might cut things close paying your bills. You know how much money you have and what you need to give away... you are focused on meeting your obligations and reserving funds for other needs/wants/desires. Why aren't we so good at managing our time? Not to be more productive at work and make those endless meetings. But how we spend it. What we focus on...
The notion of 30,000 days is helping me realize how often I might allow other people to affect my mood and my outlook. Awareness is good. I choose, and when I can't choose, I determine my response. Focus on making the most of each of however many days I might have.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
View from the Top
Today I spent the majority of my time indoors, participating in a retreat for the community Board on which I sit. Part of me was excited because I knew we would get some critical work done during this time, but who wants to be cooped up inside, on a beautiful San Diego Saturday? Pas moi!
After grabbing my Starbucks, I hit the freeway headed downtown to the facility where the retreat was about to begin. It was 8:45 and I was close to being late. Through my sunroof, the tall buildings gleamed in the morning sunshine. I found my destination and elevated to the 13th floor. No triskaidekophobia here. When the elevator doors opened, I was greeted by floor to ceiling glass walls... Ultra modern furnishings right off the pages of the latest Architecture Design magazine... flat screen televisions on far too many walls to be useful. "I want to work here" I thought to myself. Then I walked to the windows and saw the view....
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