Wow . . . Krakow

I'm home now, but below is the post I wrote on the road.

I'm writing this on my first full day in Krakow, Poland.  What a beautiful city, although it has a very small town feel.  I opted not to bring my laptop, in an effort to travel lighter.  I realize now because of that, I'll have to wait to post, so I hope you won't mind a flood of info when I get back home.

The first thing I noticed as we very ferried by bus from the airplane to the terminal, was a large (several stories high) picture of a Mike Tyson ad.  I was so surprised to see him, I didn't notice what he was selling!

Getting through the passport checkpoint took a while.  The only other people of color on this flight were Asian guys, and the man checking their passports gave them a heck of a time.  I'm watching this, hoping that my treatment is better.

Yes, thank God it was!  Once I got to the counter, the check of my passport went very quickly.  I was asked why I was visiting.  I told them I was here to see the salt mine, and I was welcomed and sent on my way.

I took videos of the landscape on my way to the hotel, but I'm having technical difficulties with the upload.  I'll try again later.  

I was struck by how rural it was.  We were on a two lane road for a while before we entered a highway, and even that wasn't a busy thoroughfare.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was given directions to the town center which was like a town square.  A beautiful park-like setting surrounded the area, making it a lovely place to stroll and relax.

Where I stayed - The Ostoya Palace Hotel

Across the street from the hotel

View of the look down the street from the hotel.
Notice the cars are parked on the curb.

The weather was damp, rainy and cool, which was a welcome break from the blistering heat of the UAE.

I washed off the road dirt with a wonderful shower, then I was on my way to explore.

This area looks a lot like Prague, but quieter and slower.  The buildings were painted in pastel colors, and the streets were clean.

The town center/town square is a large open area with a stage, statues, and restaurants surrounding it offering outdoor seating.  This area is really, really nice. Also in the middle is a long, covered corridor with souvenir shops all along the way.

This beautiful, luscious park surrounds Town Center

This is on the way from my hotel to Town Center

Town Center

The head is hollow so you can climb in and look out through the eyes.

This is the awesome shopping area in the middle of the square with souvenirs galore.
This picture doesn't do it justice.  This is a really nice area.

A church on the square.

Outside dining area surround the square.

Closeup of one of the dining areas.

Statue in the square.

Another view of the above statue.

After walking around for a couple of hours, I was tired, so I headed back to the hotel. It was an all-night flight, but I didn't get much sleep on it, so I was ready for bed for the night at bout 2:30 in the afternoon.

After a wonderful night of rest, I awaken this morning to a quick breakfast in the hotel, then I walked for about ten minutes to the gathering place for my trip to the salt mine.

I'll stop here and pick up on that adventure in the next post.

Napping

I love taking naps.  Always have.

My mom used to say I could nap all afternoon and still beat everyone to sleep at night.

Today though, try as I might, I couldn't fall asleep.

I needed a nap for real because I'm on a late night flight to Krakow, Poland to see the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Huge thanks to Ann for introducing me to this marvel of ingenuity and patience.

Check out the link below to read about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine

More soon.

Good morning to you.

Good night to me.

The Way We Eat

This is a really quick review of some of the many different ways we eat around the world.

Very interesting!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/11/dining-etiquette-around-the-world_n_3567015.html

Bon appétit!

The Call to Prayer

Below please find a link to the Islamic Call to Prayer, or the adhan, that is heard five times a day throughout the area. Someone in the mosques is singing this live, and it is broadcast throughout loud speakers from the mosque. (In Abu Dhabi, at the Grand Mosque, it is sung live at this location, and is broadcast throughout the whole city).

This prayer is the first one.  Quite frankly, I didn't know that each time I heard this throughout the day, it was a different prayer.  Also, I didn't know what they were saying, so this was informative for me.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/07/10/a-call-to-prayer-on-channel-4/

It is a very haunting, calming ritual.  Not at all intrusive as it might seem.

The call to prayer times for Abu Dhabi for today are 5:40 - 12:28 - 3:50 - 7:15 - 8:45. The times change by location and by day.  The reason for this is below.  It was found online at www.islam.about.com.

The Islamic prayers are fixed at the same "time" period each day -- before dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Because of the rotation of the earth, the revolution of the earth around the sun, the tilt of the earth, the various latitudes of the earth's locations, daylight savings time, etc. -- the "times" (according to the clock) for these prayers do change from day to day and depend on location. Islamic prayer times were traditionally set according to the movement of the sun, not of the clock, and this is how they continue to be observed.

No.

I'm not converting to Islam or any other religion.  I just think the more we know about others, the richer our lives will be.

I hope you found this as enlightening as I did.

Being a Woman

Dustin Hoffman explains his thought process in portraying a woman in "Tootsie" that transcends what you see on the screen.  It's a powerful three minutes.

http://www.upworthy.com/dustin-hoffman-breaks-down-crying-explaining-something-that-every-woman-sadly-already-experienced-3

Reflections

Have you ever been watching TV or a movie, and the character is acting a fool, and you realize they're acting like you?

Do you gasp in shame, or recognize the problem and address it?

I began this post days ago, and couldn't get past these questions.

Of course, the "right" answer is to deal with the issues head on, but that takes work. And working on yourself, is often the hardest kind.  But, when you realize that you and you alone are in control you how you respond to life and the challenges it brings, then you can breathe and get to work.

On a similar note . . .

The following article from the New York Times, is written by an 80 year old, discussing the joys of old age.  It is insightful and beneficial, no matter your age.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-old-age-no-kidding.html?src=me&ref=general

And finally . . .

This video clip below is a mini-lesson on one way Black folks avoid being killed in traffic stops.  It's a lesson every Black kid in America needs to be taught.

http://www.salon.com/2013/07/02/levar_burton_explains_how_not_to_be_killed_by_police/

This clip may seem out of place to some, but this is a reality many of us are forced to deal with and reflect upon, whether we want to or not.

Reflections for some, can mean the difference between life or death. 

On a Roll

 (This is a continuation of the previous post).

. . . and what's the deal with all these TV shows and movies about vampires?

Vampires?

Really?

Has it come to this?

The writers are all out of ideas, and now have to make believe about "blood sucking" folks in an effort to make things exciting?

Reading about this stuff is bad enough, or as bad as your imagination makes it . . .

But seeing it on the screen is just . . .

CREEPY!

OK.

OK.

I'm done editorializing for today.

Reality TV

I've never understood the appeal of reality television.  Especially the ones filled with high drama and high jinx.

I don't have to watch TV or go to the movies to find, and/or to deal with, crazy folks. They're all around.  Family.  Friends.  Colleagues.  Why would anyone spend their precious time on this stuff?

I know.

Misery loves company . . . so you hope to see someone crazier than your crazies?

I still see TV and the movies as forms of escapism.  I want them to take me to a place I want to be, not to some hell hole I'm trying to get rid of.

But that's just me, and until now, no one has asked my opinion.

I'm confident though, that call is coming soon.

Here's wishing you a great, drama-free day.

"If You Can't Stand the Heat . . .

. . . Get Out of the Kitchen."

Things are real hot for Paula Deen right now.  The more she talks/explains/pleads, the worst her situation becomes.  She needs to just go away for a while, regroup/rethink/recharge, then come back ready to make amends.

Of course, there are many of her fans who think what she's going through is wrong. I'm guessing they're not people who have dealt with institutionalized racism.  That is, racism so ingrained in society, unless you're on the receiving end of it, you think nothing of it.

Some would argue that she's been through enough.  She's learned her lesson.  We need to move on.

I agree that we need to move on, but I have my doubts about the lessons learned.

You see, when you've been saying something, and/or doing something for a lifetime, it's hard to recognize the wrong in it.  It is just how things are, in your mind.  And if you can't see what the problem/fuss is, how can you possibly address it?

There are floods of tears and remorse now, but is it because of recognizing the wrongdoing, or is it because now that the "cat is out of the bag," it forces you to deal with it?  And since you're on the wrong side of tracks on this, you come out looking pretty bad.  Twenty, forty or sixty years ago, this would not have been an issue.  In fact, she probably would have been lauded for her conduct and her comments.

But, thankfully, times have changed.

So, the "Redemption Tour" begins.

Another Good Book

I just finished another book that I couldn't put down.  It's entitled Tell My Sons: A Father's Last Letters by Lt. Col. Mark Weber.  It's about a career military officer who is dying of cancer, but he wants to share as much as he can with his sons, while he's still here.  Although it sounds morbid, it was not at all.  Instead, it was chocked full of universal life lessons that we can all benefit from.

Fascinating History Lesson

This is an article about African-American nurses and doctors who served in the military.

From the New York Times.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/breaking-medicines-color-barrier/?hp

Forgiveness

My mantra - forgive no matter what - has been put to the test recently.  In fact, it's been a real struggle.

How do you deal with a relative (a brother), who couldn't bother to travel less than 20 miles to see you, after you had traveled over 10,000 to see him, (and others, of course)?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with his wife who has made it abundantly clear that you're not welcome in their home?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with his wife who has said she won't notify you in the event of his death?

I know.

Forgive.

How do you deal with someone who attempts (and succeeds) in keeping family members apart?

I know.

Forgive.

A part of me feels sorry for this brother.  If he doesn't toe the line, he has hell to pay at home.

But . . .

At what point do you say, "enough is enough."

How long do you allow someone to railroad you into doing things that you know are wrong?

I realize, if it hasn't happened by the time you're 71 years old with over 50 years of marriage, chances are, it never will.

So, I choose to forgive . . .

But what I'd like to do is kick his old a**.

Family & Friends

What a trip!

I'm on the last leg of my three-stop traveling journey back to the US, and each stop has been wonderful.

It began with a visit with Frankie and his family.  I arrived in New York after a 17-hour flight feeling fine, but went to bed and woke up with an incredible pain in my right knee.  Although I wasn't feeling well, the joy of seeing everyone supplanted this painful intrusion.  Zadie is quite the talker now and it was so much fun chatting with her, as she soundly won in the game of "negotiating with Grandma."

Frankie's daughter, Zadie Faye @ 2.5 years old

Next stop . . . San Francisco.

Here I met my newest granddaughter Milu, and what a treat that was!  She's an absolute sweetheart.

Ben's daughter, Milu @ 5 months

I made this trip at this time to attend Ben's PhD graduation (in civil engineering) from UC Davis.  There was no doubt, of the 1000 graduates, 800 of those being PhDs, I was the proudest mother in the building.  

Ben and Milu

The graduation day began with a luncheon to recognize and celebrate those people who were instrumental in helping Ben to reach this goal.  More specifically, the people who helped to save his life and point him in the right direction.  Although this may sound dramatic in retrospect, to those who lived the painful period with us, these words aren't strong enough.  If I thanked them every day for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be enough to show my appreciation.

Then I raced from the ceremony to meet other friends in Sacramento.  With each person I reconnected with, I realized all over again, just how blessed I am to have such marvelous people in my life.

People I've known for years.

People who were there with me through the good times and bad.

People who have made my life richer and more meaningful.

I send my sincere thanks to all.

Next . . .

Final stop . . . Houston, to see my brothers.

I am one of the luckiest people in the world to call these guys family.

Forrest and I at Joel Osteen's Church today

In two days, I'll be headed back home for the last two weeks of school.

Although I've tried to express it, I lack the articulation to share just how meaningful this time in the US has been. I return to Abu Dhabi with my heart filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Sending smiles across the miles . . .

Your blogging buddy.

Powerful Stuff

I finished the book, Defending Jacob, and loved it.

It's the kind of book that makes you think, what if?

Would I respond like they did (the characters), or would I have seen the writing on the wall and gone the other way?

This is a good, good book.

Very highly recommended.

Now to movies.

One of my all-time favorite movies is 12 Angry Men.  The original came out in 1957, starring Henry Fonda, L. J. Cobb, Jack Klugman and a host of other great actors.  It was remade and released again in 1997, this time starring Jack Lemon, George C. Scott, Ossie Davis, and a colorful cast of characters.

The entire movie takes places in a jury room where these men are deliberating the fate of a young man accused of murder.

Once more, it sets the stage for reflection, and more, what if's?

In music, Sean Hayes has a song called, "Powerful Stuff," that was used in a Subaru commercial.  I can't find the commercial, but here's a link to the song.

file://localhost/Users/fayesharpe/Desktop/04%20Powerful%20Stuff.m4a

Now, you're probably thinking, do I care if Faye likes this or that?

Well, if you know me, you know that I missed my calling.  I should have been in sales because when I like something, I want the world to know it and experience the joy of it with me.

Seriously, I should be paid for my endorsements.

Anyway . . .

On Friday, I begin my journey home.  First stop, New York City.

Until then,

Cheers.

Good Book

I found myself doing something I have not done in a while - I went to bed reading a book, and anxiously picked it up first thing this morning to see what happened next. And this was a workday morning, no less.

The book is entitled, Defending Jacob by William Landay.  It reminds me a lot of The Dinner by Herman Koch.  Both are suspenseful, in a quiet sort of way.  There're no gore or scary parts.  The suspense comes from the pealing back of emotions and how the characters deal with life changing events they must face.

After re-reading my endorsement, I realized there's nothing I've said to make you wanna grab one of these books, but don't dismiss them because of my wanting literary critique.

They're better than I've described.

Promise.

Now, so you don't mistake me for a some bourgeois literary giant . . .

Know this . . .

For every thought-provoking book I read, I wallow in the shallow end of the reading "pool" devouring at least five romance novels.

Yes.  

They are mostly . . .

Mindless,

Plot-less,

And . . .

Gratuitous.

Yet,

They are my literary junk food.

As soon as I conquer overcoming actual junk food, I'm gonna work on this.

Promise.

Great Article on Siblings

In the New York Times today, there's this wonderful article about the power of the relationship of siblings.  The link is below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/opinion/sunday/bruni-the-gift-of-siblings.html?src=me&ref=general&_r=0

I thank God for my brothers.  I had three.  Now there are two.

I was closest to Terry (decreased) because he was a year older than me, so we literally grew up together.  Willie is fourteen years older (71) and Forrest is ten years older (67).

Willie left home when I was four, heading to the military.  I didn't really get to know him until I was an adult.  His choices in life have made it more difficult to be close, but we still try.

Forrest has been like a father to me.  Much more so than our father ever was.

He's the one we all turn to for advice.  He can see things clearer than anyone I know.  He's also the one who will call you on your sh*t.  Everyone needs someone like him in their lives.

When it was time for me to go to college, he convinced Mom to let me leave Texas and go away to school, to his alma mater, Florida A & M University.  Believe me when I say, this was HUGE, MONUMENTAL!  Not only that, when the two year scholarship money that I received ran out, he paid for the remaining three years for me to complete school and earn my degree in pharmacy.

I don't know where I'd be without Forrest, and the positive influence he has had, and continues to have in my life.

When I want to laugh, I call Forrest.

When I want to vent, I call Forrest.

When I want to celebrate, I call Forrest.

Would it be different if I was married or in a relationship, maybe.

Here's what I know for sure.

I wouldn't be the person I am, without him.

The author of the above article lamented that we recognize Mother's Day and Father's Day, but we don't recognize our brothers and sisters.

Let's declare today Siblings Day.

Here's to you Forrest!

Fahrenheit vs. Celsius

Most businesses, including the medical profession, work split shifts here on most days.  Their hours are from 8:00-1:00, then again from 5:00-9:00.  Once a week they rotate having a regular 8:00-5:00 day.

I had a 7:30 pm dental appointment tonight.  At 8:00, it was still 100 degrees outside.

If you put your oven on full blast, and put a fan near it to blow the air out, that's what it feels like when you leave the comfort of air conditioning.

It's blazing hot, even in the shade, and even at dusk.

It seems like everywhere else in the world measures temperature using Celsius. Somehow, it just doesn't hold the "wow" factor that Fahrenheit does.

For instance, 100 degrees F equals 38 degrees C.

Which sounds hotter to you?

Exactly!

We're told not to hurry in the heat.  That you just make yourself hotter when you do.

Well, that's advice I don't heed.

When I have to be outside, I'm racing to get to the next air conditioned spot.

Am I hotter because of it?

Who knows?

I'm fortunate though.  I've acclimated to the area better than most.  There are plenty of folks who suffer with respiratory ailments (because of the fine dust) and the heat.

I know what you're thinking.

People are never satisfied.

Folks living in hot weather, want cold.  Those in rainy areas, what dry.

So, given that scenario, I'm working on my gratitude.

I'm trying to be thankful, in spite of the heat.

It's something I have to work at . . . everyday.

Sightseeing

There is an article today in The Root, about a bus tour in the Bronx, that until very recently, was called the "Ghetto Tour."  I wonder how many people thought this was a good idea, and how many folks actually signed up for it?

http://www.theroot.com/buzz/interested-real-new-york-ghetto-bus-tour

I'm forever grateful for the many places I've visited since living abroad.  In many of them, the poverty was overwhelming, and right in your face.  In the interest of preserving the memories, photos were taken.

But . . .

Do you take pictures of the dirty toddles with flies all over their faces?

Do you take pictures of the squalor living conditions?

Do you take pictures of the people who seem content in their wretchedness?

At what point does it go from documenting the trip, to exploiting the locals?

I think it's fair to say that few people want their misery broadcast to the world.

On the other hand, maybe it's through this broadcasting that help can be found.

It's a touchy subject, but I think erring on the side of dignity should be the ultimate goal.

Movies

I like going to the movies.  Always have.

Ben and Frankie used to tease me about going alone.  I always responded by reminding them I watched movies at home alone all the time.  So, going to the theater alone was no big deal.

They thought I, and the whole notion of going alone, was pretty pathetic though.

Anyway, going to the movies here takes more effort.

There are no marquees announcing what's playing.  All of the malls have theaters, and most of the hotels, too, but you wouldn't know that unless you ventured to the top floor and stumbled across them.  There are no outside, or street level, ads for the theaters.

The lack of advertising what's playing makes finding something to watch pretty colorful.

All of the silly comic book character movies usually open here at same time as in the US, but really, who would pay money to see that?

I know.  Lots of folks.  But hopefully no one over 50.

I've made enough blank trips to have had a recent "aha moment" of finally getting the phone number of the two most convenient theaters, so now I call ahead to find out what's playing and the show times.

I'm always looking for good movies to watch.

Any suggestions?

A Dapper Dude

I love this guy!  He makes 83 years old look really good.

From the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/17/what-ali-wore-tumblr_n_3294222.html?ref=topbar#slide=2468387

A Woman Making a Difference

Below is a powerful story of a retired teacher who has opened her home to the neighborhood kids in Watts.  If you don't have time to read the story, watch the two minute video about halfway down the article.  It's inspiring.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/01/11/mama-hill-profile?cmpid=tp-ptnr-upworthy

Miss Israel 2

I heard (thanks Frankie) that there was a problem viewing this post.  My apologies.  A link to the story is below.

Enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/amyodell/the-incredible-rise-of-yityish-aynaw-the-first-black-miss-is

Miss Israel

Miss Israel
(When I was in Ethiopia recently, I was surprised to learn about Ethiopian Jews who had settled
in Israel.  The new Miss Israel represents them beautifully.  Hat tip to Forrest for sharing this).

President Obama Meets with First-Ever Ethiopian Crowned Miss Israel. Israel is putting its best face forward for President Obama, and what better face to put forward for America’s first black president than Israel’s first black beauty queen? The newly crowned Miss Israel is an Ethiopian Jewish immigrant to Israel. She is joining Obama Thursday for the official state dinner in Jerusalem. Ethiopian immigrants have struggled to integrate into Israeli society, but Obama will be getting a taste of some of their recent success stories. A few weeks ago, more than a quarter of all Israeli TV viewers watched the judges announce the new Miss Israel of2013. Titi is her name, short for Yityish Aynaw. She was the only black finalist in this year’s beauty pageant and she has become Israel’s first black beauty queen. She’s tall, commanding, and outspoken. “It’s time that someone from my community, someone with my skin color, who is Israeli just like everyone else, represent the country,” Aynaw said. What captivated the judges was not only her beauty, but also her life story. Born in a small town, Titi was orphaned by the time she was about 10. She moved to Israel to live with her grandparents, who had already left Ethiopia for a new life here. Titi said as an Ethiopian Jew, she grew up with stories about the Land of Milk and Honey, but her new life in Israel wasn’t all milk and honey. Titi hardly remembered her grandparents. She was sent to an Israeli boarding school without knowing a word of Hebrew. Some of her classmates made fun of her Ethiopian name, Yitayish. “What is ‘Yitayish?’ This is my name. but it sounds weird,” she says. “There were times they’d call me ‘Tayish.’ In Hebrew that’s a kind of animal. You know?” But she was proud of her Ethiopian heritage, and unlike many other Ethiopian Jewish immigrants who took on Hebrew names, she kept her own.

"I wanna be a policeman."

Lots of the kids say that in Dubai.  It might be because they drive some of the coolest cars on the planet.

The fastest street-legal car in the world is the Bugatti Veyron, and the Dubai police just acquired it.  This car joins a fleet that includes a Lamborghini, and a Ferrari.

Check them out in the link below.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/bugatti-veyron-is-latest-addition-to-dubai-police-supercar-fleet?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Daily%2BNewsletter%2B17-05-2013

Wrong Link!

Clearly, yesterday was not a good day for blogging.  Forrest just shared that I put the wrong link for the shower app.

The good news though, is you might have found news ways to make grill cheese sandwiches.

Anyway . . .

Let me try this again.

From Salon.com

http://www.salon.com/2013/05/12/app_of_the_week_fake_shower/?source=newsletter

Blazing Hot!

It's 5:00 in the afternoon and it's 109 degrees outside.  Please send cool thoughts my way.

Side note - In yesterday's post about the cool "shower" app, I was only going to forward the info about the app, but decided at the last minute to send the article, to fully appreciate how awesome it was.  In doing that, I forgot the change the verb tense from "is" to "are" in the second sentence.

Sorry.

If I wrote about the many errors I commit in my writing, it would be a very long post. So, how about a blanket apology for how I butcher the written English language.

Please forgive me for all of my prior errors, and the ones I've yet to commit.

Thank you, in advance, for not holding my feet to the fire . . . too long.

Now, might I suggest you also thank God, because chances are really good, wherever you are, it's cooler that 109.

Your bloggin' buddy . . . signing off.

Ingenious!

Below is an article about a new app that simulates a shower running.  The article and the app are pretty cool.

Enjoy!

From the Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/11/best-grilled-cheese-recipes_n_3247054.html#slide=more296530

Going Home

First . . .

Happy Mother's Day!

Second . . .

I'm really starting to get excited about my June trip home.  I'll be in New York to catch up with Frankie and his family, and other relatives in the area, beginning on the 7th.  Then I'll head to San Francisco to be with Ben and his family and friends as we celebrate his getting his PhD in civil engineering from UC Davis, on the 13th.  I'll get to meet his little girl Milu, too.  I can't wait!  My last stop will be in Houston to visit my brothers.

Like last year when I was in New York for Frankie and Cara's wedding ceremony, I'll have to come back to close the school year out, so I'll be in the US for two weeks.

Ben's graduation is a huge deal in and of itself, but it is especially so because he began the program while he was recovering from his accident.  In fact, at one of his lowest points, when he was healing from the physical ailments, but still couldn't see past his present state, a dear friend (a psychologist we've known for years), suggested that he return to school and pursue a PhD in his field.  This was the motivation Ben needed to move forward.  So, he applied to UC Davis, explained his predicament of having to schedule classes around surgeries, and his journey began.

There will be so much to celebrate, and thank God for, as he walks across that stage.

Guess who will be the proudest momma there?

Eureka!

I found it!

I found a crock pot.

In a furniture store.

Don't ask.

The reason it would be there, doesn't make sense to me either.

Anyway . . .

I know you think this excitement is a bit much, but it's funny how the mind works. As long as it figures out you want something that you can't have, you then become obsessed with getting it, whatever "it" is.

Or, maybe it's just me.

So, of course, I made a pot of red beans to try out this new kitchen tool/toy.  In fact, I made three.  The first two I threw away because the beans were as hard as bullets. I googled solutions to the "hard bean" issue, and the best explanation was the beans were old. That makes sense.  Red beans are not a part of the local cuisine, so God only knows how long they had been on the shelf.

The first batch I tried soaking overnight.  The second batch I didn't soak, but brought them to a boil, then let them simmer for hours and hours. Both were recommendations from the internet.

They were still hard as a brick.

Then, viola!

I picked up a different brand, cooked my third batch, and they were delicious.

Yes!

Victory!

Also today, I had the maintenance guys over to change some light bulbs.  The ceilings are way too high to venture up that road.

Talk about "let there be light!"

It's 8:00 at night, but it's so bright in here, it feels like midday.

Now I realized I had been living in the dark for months.

By all measurements, today was a good day.

Here's hoping yours is too.

Everyday Kindness

Below is a link to a video clip of a beautiful display of human kindness.  It was filmed in Russia and it reflected my experience there.

Even though the taxi system was kind of shady, each of the drivers I rode with made sure I was safe when they dropped me off.

The tour guide went out of his way to help me find something.  He was also the one who encouraged me to take the subway, which was an awesome experience.

Of course, I don't mean to suggest that there aren't kind people all over, but I think it's especially surprising (for lack of a better word) that this kindness was evident in Russia.  I expected the people to be cold, like the weather, and they were not.  At all.

Enjoy!

http://www.upworthy.com//what-do-hidden-cameras-reveal-about-humanity-something-amazing-2?c=upw1

Great Message

I hope you're able to access this YouTube video entitled, "Meet A Muslim Person."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4U1dWtmHBM

If not, just go directly to YouTube and type the title in.

It's a powerful message from some young kids.

"When I Was Your Man"

This little four year old is giving Bruno Mars a run for his money.

What a cutie!

From the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/08/kai-langer-when-i-was-your-man_n_3240862.html

Screws in My Head

I know.

You're thinking I have loose screws in my head.

Probably.

But the ones I'm referring to are actual screws, drilled into my gums.

This is what happens when those years of not taking care of your teeth catch up with you.

It's dentures or screws.

I chose screws . . .

As in those used in dental implants.

I went through phase two of the four part process on Saturday, and was in bed for two days afterward.

I'm not sure why it didn't register that drilling screws in head might be painful.  Even with anesthesia, it was no joke.

So, as I've shared many times before, make your dentist your friend and visit often.

Of course, brush and floss.

Believe me, the alternative to good preventive care, is . . .

Dentures or . . .

PAIN.

Here's to good dental health, so that you won't have to choose either.

A Teacher's TED Talk

Inspiring.

Watch her on the link below (she's a great speaker) or read her story below that.

From the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rita-f-pierson/student-teacher-relationships_b_3203159.html


Teachers don't make a lot of money. They are usually not deemed worthy of news coverage unless there is a scandal or a strike. Most of the time, their major accomplishments are shared only with colleagues and family members and not the media. The celebration is often cut short by some catastrophe the next day. Yet, in spite of the highs and lows, I cannot think of another profession that brings both joy and challenge on a daily basis.

In the spring of my career, I found myself questioning the choice of my life's work. The students did not appear to be motivated, the paperwork was overwhelming and the constant change of educational direction was discouraging. But, I just could not seem bring myself to do anything else. "Next year", I would say. "Next year I will switch jobs, make more money and have far less stress." Next year just never came. I am now in year 40. And while I am no longer in the classroom or at the schoolhouse, I remain an educator. It finally dawned on me that there was no other profession that would let me change children's minds and have an impact on their future, long after the school day and school year were over. For every student that finally "got it," for every rookie teacher that said, "you inspired me to stay," I get the raise that never quite made it to my paycheck.

I was on a plane recently and the flight attendant asked my name. When I told him, he said, "I knew that was you! You taught at my elementary school. You made me take my cap off in the building and told me I was handsome." He then paused and said: "I think I kept my hat on until you saw me, just so I could get that compliment. Thank you for making me feel special." I don't think he realized how special he made me feel that day. There have been so many former students over the years that have made me realize the sustaining power of relationships.

I most certainly realize the extreme importance of being a competent teacher. Unfortunately, far too many in our ranks are unqualified and poorly trained. Many are working tirelessly to rectify that. But while we address what we teach and when we teach it, we must not forget to include how we deliver those lessons. Unless there is a connection between teacher, student and lesson, learning becomes tiresome to all involved. Veteran educator, James Comer, states that, "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." Yet, the value of relationships is often downplayed or ignored completely in teacher preparation programs. Even more disturbing is the lack of useable information on the relationship building process. There is the belief among some that camaraderie between teachers and students leads to unprofessional familiarity or places the teacher in a weakened position in the classroom. Nothing could be further from the truth. Strong relationships encourage learner exploration, dialogue, confidence, and mutual respect.

I made it my business to know everything I could about my students. Where they lived and with whom, how often they changed schools, how many siblings they had, whether or not they lived in a house or an apartment, whether there was trauma or drama in the household. I went on home visits and shopped in the neighborhood stores so I could be certain to run into my students and the folk they lived with. (Some of my best parent conferences were held on the produce isle at the grocery store). Many may consider my actions extreme. I called it "preparation for what might lie ahead." Teaching and learning is often hindered by the details not found in school records. There is an African proverb that states: "The best time to make a friend is when you don't need one." I was being proactive. It is advice I always give to others.

The more you know about a person, the easier it is to develop an alliance (if that is your intention). Positive, healthy relationships rely on clear communication. Without it, misunderstandings occur and intentions are misinterpreted. I wanted an open pathway to learning, so I was open to their questions, as well.

We have now entered an age where nothing is private and secrets are hard to keep. Your "friends" are counted by simply clicking a button. Face to face interactions are seen by many as unnecessary and time-consuming. Of course, we can do just about anything online, including teaching and learning. But I guess I am just old school. I want to look into your eyes when the answer finally dawns on you. I want to hear that inflection in your voice when you are angry with me. I want to see the smile on your face when you forgive me. I want to share in the joy when we both realize that we make a good team.

Sharing the Good News

Another link about incredibly smart girls.  Their story deserves widespread exposure. Share it with someone.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Extraordinary-talents-Twin-sisters-achieve-exceedingly-rare-feat-151483705.html


NEW ORLEANS After graduating from Xavier University with a 4.0 average in both chemistry and pre-med, Asia Matthew went looking to beat the odds. She wanted to enroll at the prestigious University of Massachusetts Medical School in a selective, eight-year program where you concurrently earn a PHD and MD.

It's a rigorous program where you earn the doctor’s degree simultaneously with a PHD in biomedical research.

However, only the best get in. Hundreds apply and the school annually interviews only 40. From that group, between seven and ten are chosen. I was nervous, she admitted. It's hard not to be. This is the one thing that I’ve wanted for a long time and when you see it almost at your fingertips, you don’t want to do anything to let it slip. Asia beat the odds and got accepted, a great coup for her and Xavier. But Asia isn’t making the journey on her own. Her twin sister Ashley is going too. They're identical twins and were dealing with the idea that they’d be separated for the first time in their lives. I was ecstatic, said Ashley. “My sister and I were jumping up and down and we fell over and ended up tripping each other because we were so happy. We didn’t think it would happen and it did.

Not as surprised was Dr. Terry Watt their professor and mentor who saw their skills, work habit and motivation first hand. It's exceedingly difficult to get into an MD/PHD program and the odds that both of them would get in anywhere were extremely low,” he said. “We’re all very proud of them for the effort they put in to do it. It’s well-deserved. 

Two sisters from the same school getting two of the handful of spots that were open, and, to top it off, they both are going on full scholarship. Their plans for the long run, are to give back with their patients and their research.
I want to be able to see my patients, said Ashely. B ut, I also want to be able to go into the lab and make influential progress that’s going to help my patients in the long run. 

Someday they also hope to open a hospital for the less fortunate. Just to open up a hospital that would be dedicated towards that that should be anybody's goal, said Asia .

Mothers

I know it's early, but Mother's Day has been on my mind.

There is no job on the planet more important that being a mom, and there is no job on the planet that is harder.

Whether you're a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, the responsibility of raising another human being, is not for the faint of heart.

Some women are naturals, and some of us have to work at it.

It doesn't help that there is not one way of doing it.  There are as many parenting philosophies and parenting gurus as there are moms, each espousing a different, often conflicting message.

I think the best advice is go with your gut and hope for the best.

Because really, that's all you can do.

And of course, every child is different.  What worked for one, may be detrimental to the other.  As moms, we have to be discerning and perceptive, knowing when to nudge (Ok, push), and when to be still and let the kids make their own decisions.

It's not easy.

But there is absolutely no greater joy than being a mom.

Just like with childbirth, you forget the growing pains, and once they're grown up and parents of their own, you can breathe a sigh of relief, pat yourself on the back and say, "Well done," or "Oh sh*t."

Either way, you're done.  We don't get do-overs.

Second Grade

The previous post reminded me of an incident that happened when Ben was in second grade (although I'm not comparing him to the genius level of those kids). We were living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa.  The school he attended had a lot of great programs, but I didn't realize how rich it was until we moved to California.

Anyway, the school had a lot to offer, but the attitude of the folks was Okie, at best.

Here's what happened.

The students in grades 3-6 competed in something called Fact Masters.  They had to complete 300 problems - 100 addition, 100 subtraction, and 100 multiplication - in 10 minutes or less, error free.  It was a huge deal.  The winners were recognized in school wide assemblies, and their pictures were in the foyer for everyone to see.

Ben wanted so much to compete, but he was only in the second grade, and it was not offered to second graders, only 3rd thru 6th graders.

So, being the proactive mom that I was, I asked the powers that be to give him an opportunity to compete.

I'll never forget his teacher's comment.  "Why are you pushing him?" she asked.  I responded with a question of my own, "Would you ask that if he were Asian?"

I didn't make a friend that day.

That was OK.

Bottom line, Ben was allowed to compete.  He loved it, and he was the youngest Fact Master ever.  Funny thing though, his picture didn't make it up in the foyer.

Again, that was OK.

This was a small town with a little newspaper.  I stopped by, shared Ben's accomplishment, and he made the headline news the next day.

A big, beautiful picture, with him missing a tooth, graced the top half of the paper.

I'm guessing the folks at his school threw a party after we left.

Genius Black Kids

Forrest forwarded an excellent email, featuring extraordinarily bright black kids, geniuses, no doubt, but it didn't come as an attachment, so I can't share it the way I received it, with their pictures.  I hope that just reading the brief snippets about each of them is enough for you to appreciate their amazing accomplishments.


10 Black Child Geniuses You Should Know

If you only watched the evening news or depended on pop culture to paint a picture of young blacks, you would probably think that the majority of black youngsters were only ambitious about sports and music, or caught up in crime and debauchery.

However, the face of black success isn’t limited to the fields that are occupied by Jay-Z, Beyonce and LeBron James. There are a multitude of young blacks who are achieving at a high level in science, math, classical music, chess and other knowledge-based areas and preparing to change society.

Stephen R. Stafford II
Stephen entered Morehouse College at the age of 11 and picked up three majors. Now 16, he is currently studying computer science and mathematics. He will likely graduate at 17.

Mabou Loiseau
By the age of 7, Loiseau spoke French, Creole, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and Russian. She also plays the harp, clarinet, violin, drums, guitar and piano.

Andrew Koonce
Andrew is a master violinist based out of Atlanta. He was named Concertmaster of the Georgia Music Association’s All-State Middle School Orchestra. The title goes to the most skilled musician in the section.

Autum Ashante
Raised by a single father, Autum was ridiculed by highly regarded conservatives at the age of 7 for writing a poem that highlighted the travesty of slavery. Autum never wavered and mastered languages such as Arabic, Swahili and Spanish. She scored 149 on the standard IQ test. At age 13, she was accepted into the University of Connecticut.

Imafidon family
The Imafidon family is known as the smartest family in the U.K. The youngest siblings, Peter and Paula, made history by becoming the youngest students to enroll at secondary school. Their older sister, Anne-Marie, was the youngest student to pass A-level computing at the age of 13.

Rochelle Ballantyne
At 17, Rochelle Ballantyne is one of the top chess players in the world. She is currently on the verge of becoming the first black American female to earn the title of chess master.

Ginger Howard
Ginger Howard is the youngest black American woman to become a pro golfer. Howard is competing to become the fifth black American woman to join the LPGA Tour.

Tony Hansberry II
Tony used failure as inspiration. After he didn’t place in the eighth grade science fair, Tony interned at Shands Hospital and developed a method of reducing the amount of time it takes to perform hysterectomies and potentially reducing the risk of complications after the procedure. He was honored for his contributions.

Chelsea Dock
Chelsea has been an accomplished pianist since the age of 5. Now 13, Chelsea has performed at Madison Square Garden, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Steinway Hall. She’s also an artist and straight A student.

Daquan Chisholm
Daquan created a walkie-talkie, bulletproof helmet at the age of 12. He’s currently working with Johns Hopkins University to gather funding to patent the idea.

Phenomenal, right?

Another One

I'm on a roll with "learning new things."  Today I discovered a new blog, "Very Smart Brothas." The article that caught my eye was about parenting.  Guess what, the joys and challenges of parenthood are universal.  We all want the same things for our kids, whether we're black, white or polka dot.

Anyway, I think it's worth reading.

http://verysmartbrothas.com

Also, serious kudos to Jason Collins, the NBA player who just came out.  No long ago, my attitude was way different.  Thank God, old dogs can learn, too.

Good morning to me.

Good night to you.

Making Rain

We've had a week of drizzle.  Remember, it typically only rains four days per year. We had that much last week.  Some of my colleagues and I were talking about it and I learned that the UAE uses a process called "seeding the clouds" to generate rain.  The article explaining it is below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_seeding

Not sure I understand it, but it might explain why we had a hailstorm deep in the desert at few days ago.

Here's to learning something new everyday.

An Amazing Invention

This video clip comes from the Huffington Post, and it features a TED Talk that is truly amazing.  It's about helping a patient with ALS communicate again.

Powerful stuff.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mick-ebeling/eyewriter-ted-talk_b_3158106.html

Pink Power

Another very interesting video clip on the color pink from The Dish/Andrew Sullivan. It's two minutes.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/04/24/the-power-of-pink-2/

Learning Something New Everyday

I won't lie.

Even after seeing this explanation of where atoms come from, it's still pretty muddy for me, but I'm fascinated nonetheless.

It's two minutes of wonder, from the Huffington Post.

Enjoy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/23/neil-degrasse-tyson-origins-atomic-elements-bodies_n_3117063.html

Catching Up

Oh what a difference a day makes.

I've been glued to my computer, following the extraordinary events the folks in the US have lived through.

The Boston Marathon Bombs.

The fertilizer plant explosion in Texas.

I know you don't need reminders of what happened, but if I should read this entry years from now, I'll know what incredible week I was referring to, and I'll know why it will live in infamy.

Of course, the news made headlines all over the world, and I picked up several local papers to see how the events were seen through the eyes of the folks in my world. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to read them, but it is on my list of things to do today.

On a positive note, my niece and one of her girlfriends visited Dubai, and stayed a couple of days with me.  What a treat that was!  They're off this morning, back to New York and beyond.  They gave me a view of the city from their eyes.  Our impressions were very similar.  It is space age and primitive.

It's that time of year at schools everywhere when teacher evaluations are taking place.  Yesterday we met with 17 teachers, today we're scheduled to see 20.  We have a staff of about 75 teachers, so it's a daunting task.

You know, after all that has happened recently, plain old, uneventful, ordinary days, are what I'm looking forward to.

May your world be filled with ordinary days, too.

Good night to you.

Good morning to me.

Floaters

In all of the grocery stores, big and small, there are cases displaying floating cheese.  A connoisseur of cheese, I am not.  So you may read this and think that I'm missing out on a real treat.  If that's the case, I'll wait for your endorsement, and then bravely try them out.

The other floating food is very popular, too.  I'm not sure what they're called, but they look like donut holes, and are about the size of golf balls.  I bit into one of these and nearly gagged.  They were swishy and greasy.  Not for the faint of heart.

So, I'm avoiding floating food.

Kind of reminds of the wacky food sold at the state fairs.

Anyway, isn't it funny how the presentation of food has a great impact on how much we enjoy it?

Here's hoping if you have floaters in your dining experiences, they're tasty ones.

Triple Digits

It's hot as a booger bear.

We had a week of winter, with the temperatures going down to the 50's, a while ago.

Spring?

It was a blur.

Summer?

It's here.

We're expecting 108 on Friday.

Dry heat.

Humid heat.

When you get past 100, it's just  . . .

HOT!

The zen in me is thinking cool thoughts.

The sweat dripping from my brow is getting in the way.

If, wherever you are, the temperature is less than 100, be thankful.

More soon.