it is always better to...

One of my students started "The Giving Club", a charitable group aiming at "giving back" to the community. He wanted me to help with the club but I'm already sponsoring the Model UN club, as well as coaching basketball. Don't want to put too much on the plate. Anyway, I thought the button was kinda dope and it got me thinking about all the things I give...
my heart to (you)
time
wisdom
money
"the bizness" lol
Give.

wine, cigars, mos def...

"My Umi Says shine your light on the world..."

Mos Def at the Kennedy Center on Sunday was incredible. Yes it's cliche, but "music is universal". I've never witnessed such a diverse mixture at a hip hop show. Not to mention the fact that hip hop was being performed in the Kennedy Center in the first place. Good music transcends all boundaries.

Went to a wine festival this weekend and had a ball! I've never been one to drink wine but I'm always open to trying new things. Looks like Sangria is my new drink of choice. I guess you can call it a sign that I'm aging, but eventually I'm gonna have to slow down with the Red Stripe and start pacing myself with a glass of wine. Also had my first cigar this weekend. It was okay, but the aftertaste was disgusting. The next morning my mouth tasted like warm shit!

Thoughts after the Mos show...


i am
black.
most definite.

i am
my mother's child.
most definite.

i am
my greatest enemy.
most definite.

i am
me.
most definite.

seeing sounds...

Much of last year I was seen throughout the halls pushing around a stupid black cart with all my teaching materials. Let's just say the black cart is the "anti-cool". I felt like one of those middle-aged single moms "non-traditional students" you see on campus pulling their bookbags around like it's luggage at the airport . It was a major inconvenience and did I mention how stupid I looked pushing it around?!

Well this year I have my own classroom. *sigh of relief* So I went to Ikea, bought a few lamps and a couple of plants. I really wanted my room to be an oasis. I'm a very low-energy, calm person and as we all know most teens are the exact opposite. In order to create a calming atmosphere, I've decided to incorporate music into my classroom.

Instead of boring my students to sleep with my Best of Sade playlist, we created a playlist to be played on days when I actually stop talking and have the kids do book work. No Jonas Brothers allowed!

Here's what we came up with...

Otherside - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love, Love, Love... - As Tall As Lions
Kick, Push - Lupe Fiasco
Superstar - Lupe Fiasco
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix
Redemption Song - Bob Marley
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N Roses
Numb/Encore - Jay Z/Linkin Park
Vultures - John Mayer
Sullen Girl - Fiona Apple
Be Intro - Common
Love Lockdown - Kanye West
Dig Dug - Wale
Set it off like napalm - Emarosa
Sooner or Later - N*E*R*D
Apunk - Vampire Weekend
Havana Affair - Red Hot Chili Peppers
American Boy - Estelle

Notice no Soulja Boy. Yeah I know, I was surprised too.

stay...

Everyday I put "words of wisdom" on the board in my classroom. So instead of talking about History for the entire class, we at least spend 5 minutes talking about life. Yesterday's quote was..."stay connected." A major part of maintaining relationships is showing the other person that you actually care. One dimensional friendships never last. The effort has to be reciprocal. Reach out and connect with a loved one...

since you've been gone...

I've missed you...

I knew I wouldn't be able to stay away for too long. It's been a month since my last update and not much has happened since. School started, I saw Dwele live, developed a few new friendships and got a damn speeding ticket (see: NWA Straight Outta Compton track 2). Overall, I enjoyed my summer. The time off was well deserved but I was actually a little excited about going back to work. I made a lot of mistakes during my first year of teaching so I was eager to redeem myself.

I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately, and what it will take to make me completely happy. I'm satisfied with my life now but I still feel like I haven't reached the point of complete happiness. I'm in pursuit...