Ramadan Mubarak. I'm Passing This Year, But Dedicated to 30x30x30, A Program I Made Up to Suffer Another Way

Rewarding the 30x30x30

Last year, out of love and support for Abu and Lossine, I opted to fast with them for Ramadan. Granted, it was the hottest month of the year, July, and we were in full force Invitational Summer Institute and Young Adult Literacy Labs mode. We made it through together, and I can't believe it is another year and time for them to do it all over again.

They mean the world to me, but this year, I'm passing. I can still feel the afternoon weakness just thinking about the days I went without. So, this year, I am opting for a different kind of suffering.

For these 30 days, my goal is to move 3 times a day for 30 minutes. I will walk Glamis in the morning, go for another walk mid-afternoon on campus, and then run later in the evening when the air begins to cool down. That's 90 minutes of movement and yesterday was my first successful day.

Fool didn't eat since 10 pm
last night. No Crandall special,
though. That awaits July.

I did buy watermelon, however, as if the twins were here and we were going through the ritual all over again. Rather than break fast at 8:47, though, I simply eat the rejuvenator after my run (which tonight was at 6:47).

I told Abu my plan of action yesterday when he called. I feel June will be a kinder month for the long days ahead for my Muslim friends. Last July was brutal, but we did it.

And then I had to laugh. The watermelon photo above was matched by the photo Abu sent me last night. I told him, "Alright, I need to add your picture to my post for Tuesday morning." There won't be a day over the next 30 that I won't be thinking about them as they break their fast. By then, I hope to be sipping bourbon and reading a book!

It's Hard To Believe That It Was 19 Years Ago. It Seems Like Yesterday, Gunnar. Be At Peace, Friend.

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale" ~ Hans Christian Andersen 

In June of 1998, right after my first year of teaching, I traveled with Bonnie Cecil and a crew of American vikings to visit the Roskilde Lille Skole at its small hamlet outside of Roskilde and around 20 miles from Copenhagen. That year, Preben Sauerberg brought his students to the Brown School for a month and several of us bonded with the kids and teachers - I couldn't help but fall in love with the culture, the humor, the history, the kindness, and the international connection. Since they visited us, it was a no-brainer to visit them right back.

When I arrived for the first time I bonded with a man named Gunnar who helped out the school and who regularly became part of the Danish team that brought students to Louisville. We ate together, visited with one another at Mae's house, and did sightseeing. He was a man of joy ad spirit, and when I went on a quest to find Nisse, gnomes, he was a gentle giant.

I learned that Gunnar lost his battle with cancer this weekend and, as Carrie Klingenfus remarked, it feels like we lost a part of our hearts. She and I regularly took turns going back and forth to Roskilde with students and we hosted the Danes each Fall when they came to visit the Brown (even some springs when the teachers came without students).

I was a 26 year old, long haired hippy in birkenstocks when I first shook hands with Gunnar. He saw me grow up during the ten years that the Danish experience was part of my regular teaching routine. For a decade, as Carrie can relate, the Roskilde/Louisville connection was a Brown School rhythm, a flow, a challenge, and an irreplaceable opportunity for high school students and the teachers who embraced the opportunity. Yes, it was a tremendous amount of work kept alive for a long, fruitful time, but worth the stress. Every October and every June I think about my Danish friends, because that is when we were in exchange with one another.

In my office hangs a photograph given to me by Ulla where she was sticking her tongue out and making fun of me. It stands above the door so I can see it every time I leave the space, only to put a smile on my face and serve as a reminder that the joys we have with other people are short-lived and temporary. I will print the photo of Gunnar, too, so it can hang next to Ulla as a reminder of my mentors from overseas, my colleagues, friends, and the beautiful times of my educational and professional history while teaching at the Brown.

I am thinking of my friend, Tiana, too, who went with me to Denmark, as well as Sally - who really bonded with Gunnar because they loved to catch one another off guard. I'm also thinking of Lars, Vibeke, Torben, Preben, and Kristen, who graciously extended their Roskilde love to me whenever I visited the fjords.

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

Ah, Mr. Gunnar...rest in peace, my friend. Whenever I think of those days, I remember the bear hugs, your huge heart, and the total happiness you had for the exchange. I shall pick a flower from my garden today and wear it in memory of the joy you brought so many of us.

"What You Are Thinking About, You Are Becoming," RIP Muhammad Ali - 1942-2016, Louisville Hero

From The Good Days At The Brown School, Louisville, Kentucky
(A Photo Still Hanging In My Office)

In 2005-2006, two students of mine, Jonica and Miles, were selected as youth leaders in the city of Louisville in commemoration of the Muhammad Ali Museum that was built down the street from the Brown School, where I taught, on the corner of 1st Street and Muhammad Ali. The year before, another student - Jamal - and I were invited to be at the Muhammad Ali Museum Grand Opening event as presenters. I was chosen as a teacher ambassador and he was selected as a youth advocate. In my tuxedo, I welcomed Ali's family (beautiful, stunning individuals) to their dad's museum), and the jet-setters, trustees and investors, royalty, and movie stars that flew into Louisville to tour the facility before it opened to the public. I memorized a speech about Ali's use of poetic language and discussed his vibrant character and contributions, not only as an athlete, but as a human being of Louisville. I performed my small part over and over again, and it was exciting. I was in the presence of magic the entire evening.

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." Muhammad Ali

After the museum tour, Jamal and I were invited to the Kentucky Center of the Arts for a special tribute to Cassius Clay, a graduate of Central High School and a legend for the last 60 years, not only for the Bluegrass State, but for the entire world. I stood behind Patrick Henry Hughes while he played the piano and everyone entering the red carpet came by him to have a photo taken. It was during this evening, too, that scandal broke out (it wasn't Jim Carrey who couldn't make it), but because of the debut of Brad Pitt with a strange woman at his side - it wasn't Jennifer Anniston! He brought Angelina Jolie to the event, and the paparazzi went nuts. Tabloids were all over it the next day.

I didn't stay in Louisville too many years after, but when my family visited, we toured the facility that sits proudly on the Ohio River and down the street from the school. They polished the museum since its premier and it is a tremendous dedication to the man. I recommend it to anyone who ever finds themselves in Derby City. I cherish my fortune for having such a connection to such a legend, if only in a blink of an eye. Somewhere on a flash drive, too, are photos of the event when I wasn't as gray as I am today.

I thought a lot about the boxer and personality yesterday as I spent the day doing yard work and then simply chilling on my back patio by the grill. Towards the end of the evening, too, I had chance to cuddle with a kitten, which seemed to be symbolic for the day as a whole. Ali was fierce and that can never be denied. But the museum does a remarkable job showcasing his fuzzier side, too - the family man, the political figure, the husband, and the contributor to a better world.

From this point on, I will see any shooting star that sparks across the sky as evidence of Ali's ferocity in the heavens. They truly gained a hero up there, and I am thinking of the City of Louisville this weekend as it mourns. May the skies above flash symbolically tonight.

@bobohanny Dean of GSEAP @FairfieldU Welcomes Bridgeport Teachers, Counselors, and Administrators

Dr. Robert Hannafin, Dean of Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions had a vision: Why not celebrate K-12 educators in southern Connecticut in an end of the school year hoopla hosted at Fairfield University? The barbecue pits were fired, the cookies were baked, a teacher-band was ensembled, Dr. Yohuru Williams offered a welcome to the party-goers, and public and parochial educators united for a Friday night in the Oak Room of the Barone Campus Center.

TGIF is the perennial motto, and we welcomed many on a Friday to come to campus by saying, "We appreciate the work that you do. We recognize your profession. We celebrate your choices for working with our youth."

Faculty at Fairfield have been off contract for a few days, but still we returned to campus to applaud the K-12 professionals we work with throughout the school year - recognizing, too, that they still have a few more weeks left in the classroom before they release their own learners for summer vacation.

Special to the evening was the first-ever invitation of superintendents to nominate an outstanding teacher in their district to be recognized by our campus. The archdiocese and local public schools delivered and we were able to offer a special applause. The words spoken in honor of these teachers were remarkable.

Janine Huber, GSEAP Dean's Office, deserves a special round of applause for organizing so many individuals from a vast region to congregate at the University in celebration of teaching and learning. Her lion's share of the work deserves a million standing ovations as she signed individuals in, arranged the catering, organized the facilities and harnessed our faculty's busy schedules. She's truly amazing.

Any recognition that honors the hard work of teachers is a positive event in my book. Thumbs up for a special way to end a taxing work week. Teachers, like faculty, and especially like staff, deserve the accolades and praise.

Thanks For Dinner @pamelaMarieKell - My Words Are Minuscule Compared to @CHITUNGA1995 's Charisma

This photo was taken during Memorial Day weekend, but I post it today because Tunga wanted to have chicken with Pam on Thursday night and we chose to play indoor corn hole in Monroe, rather than sit at home studying, reading, and writing. All I had was green beans and ice. She made sweet potatoes and chicken.
Chitunga used his charm to flatter Pam, as usual, and I honestly feel I could market him as Mr. Positive energy, "No, Pam, I think you look good just the way you are." "I disagree, Pam. I don't think you should be frustrated at all. Life is beautiful and we should enjoy it." "Of course I want to come for chicken, because it means spending quality time with you."

Um. I guess I'm not the only teacher in my house. His one liners are out of this world.

Seriously, there's nothing like finding time to unwind and say, "Phew...that was a semester." When I do, I like to do it with the twin sister separated at birth but six years older, and to see her interacting with Chitunga (as they both adore one another in all the positive ways).

Glamis gets play time with Jake and Mae, and that tires her out, and better yet, I don't have to cook (well, cook everything). Out of my house I'm not worrying about all the things I should be getting done. Instead, I'm enjoying the day, its nature (why Monroe 40 degrees cooler than Stratford) and the company of a Connecticut family.

Today is June 3rd. 06/03/16. As any day, today is the first day of the rest of our lives. Carpe Diem.
Thank God It's Friday. 

I'm thinking of the twins who are about to start Ramadan, CNY where the pools are likely to be open and the family gathering when they can, and my allergies (which I wish would go away already).

Perhaps the Card Will Arrive a Day Late. In the Meantime, Happy Birthday, J.C. and an Octopus....just because.

Jacob Charles
Months Before Becoming
Age 7

Yesterday was Mr. J.C.'s official birthday (even though he isn't having a real party (that means, at a bowling alley with friends) until Sunday. Last night, relatives came over, but since I'm almost 5 hours away, I had to call and then Skype, reflecting on his Easter rendezvous on Mt. Pleasant earlier this year, when the rabbits that live under my shed left candy all over my house and backyard. Jacob is pictured here filling his John Legend Easter Basket I pulled from the linen closet (actually, the bag given to me at the event of his during Fashion Week two years ago).

Jacob wanted Chitunga to sing to him, which he did, and to get a FaceTime tour of the bedroom, which also happened. They did that as I became Glamis's chew toy. The most exciting part of the call was when Jacob played Mimi Sue's Sponge Bob card. That Phylum Ponrifera can sing!

On another note, CWP-Fairfield kicked of the summer's labs and institute with a mixer at Uncle Buck's Trophy Room inside the new Bass Pro Shop in Bridgeport. Adorned with Ernest Hemingway posters, a fancy bar, and aquatic bowling alleys, we couldn't help but dig into fishy tales to start things off. As I noted to everyone who attended, I can't imagine a more

Uncle Buck's Octopus

quirky place to host an event, but it was perfect...and nice...and fancy...and delicious. Just the right amount of food in a tremendous space.

We had numerous applicants this year, and I decided to double up and do two summers in this one (because the pool was so phenomenal). I'm looking forward to all that's yet to come (we don't begin until July 5), but already the magic is being felt.

Speaking of being felt, I also knew that as soon as my contracted ended (which was Wednesday at midnight) and the Uncle Buck's event ended, I would likely get sick. The pollen is severe this year and I felt it creeping up all day. When I pulled in my driveway I started to sneeze and now my head and chest are a cesspool of phlegm. Ah, the life. I will carry a box of Kleenex with me for the next few days.

Βοήθα με να σε βοηθώ ν' ανεβούμε το βουνό. Help Me, So I Can Help You and Together We Climb The Mountain. Ubuntu

I

Climbing the Mountain Together
Fairfield University Faculty, 2016

Βοήθα με να σε βοηθώ ν' ανεβούμε το βουνό. 

Help Me, So I Can Help You and Together We Climb The Mountain. 

Ubuntu.

Men and Women For Others

Faculty service can bring one's journey to a variety of places, and somehow I was voted onto Faculty Salary Committee at Fairfield University, first as a fill-in, and then in a more permanent position. Many advised me not to sit on this committee as the demands are tremendous, the controversies often, and the paperwork almost impossible to keep up with.

When one works at a University where scholars take pride with expertise of research, statistics, history, economics, business, humanities, sciences and general knowledge it is easy to imagine how many opinions need to be unified so best decisions can be made. Faculty do not often agree with one another (hubris) and it is typical for confrontation to occur (departmental meetings). For this reason, it is also awe-inspiring when faculty come together as a united front. That is what I witnessed yesterday.

In 2014, I wrote on Kreativet  the importance of work, the integrity of being one, and the inspiration of community. It was after the Feast of St. Joseph, when colleagues united to advocate for staff, adjuncts, grounds people, and Sodexo workers. At that moment I found myself feeling satisfied I chose Fairfield University to continue my career and quoted Wendell Berry, "The freedom of affluence opposes and contradicts the freedom of community life." At the rally that day, I stood next to Gisela Gil Egui - a colleague who took me under her wing and shared a zest for life and equity (and for doing what's right), action I hope to replicate in my own work. Sadly, our colleague and friend at Fairfield lost her life on the last day of 2015 in a car crash on I-95 in Miami. She was 48 years young and her death was tragic to our campus. Gisela was a tremendous inspiration and when I was given the MLK Vision Award for Faculty at Fairfield University this year, I dedicated the acceptance to her. 26 days after her passing, too, I reflected again that the loss of her spirit hadn't gotten easier.

Yet, part of Gisela's drive, focus, and mission was rekindled yesterday when, after an emergency General Faculty Meeting was called on the last day on contract, my colleagues at Fairfield University and I united with a willingness to stand in solidarity. I returned home from campus late yesterday afternoon and went for a run to think about the experience. Although I once loved numbers as a high school kid and pride myself on acing the NY State Math Regents exams, I moved my interests toward a world of words (and not numbers) in my education and spent a large portion of my adult life pontificating denotations and connotations in the narratives I tell myself.

Collegial. \kə-ˈlē-j(ē-)əl marked by camaraderie among colleagues; characterized by an equal sharing of of authority.

Discussion. \di-ˈskə-shən\ an act of conversing with other people or another person - to host a mutual conversation to share information, ideas, opinions 

Equity. \ˈe-kwə-tē\ fairness and justice in how individuals are treated

Jesuit. \ˈje-zü-ət a member of the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius Loyola in 1534 and devoted to missionary and educational work - one given to intrigue and equivocation

Mission. \ˈmi-shən\ a task or job that someone is given to do.

Service. \ˈsər-vəs\ contribution to the welfare of others: help, use, benefit.

Trust. \ˈtrəst\ belief in what is reliable, good, honest and effective.

Good Faith. \ˈgu̇d\ \ˈfāth\ honesty in dealing with other people, high quality trust.

For the last few months, I have been part of collegial discussions about salary equity at a Jesuit University with a mission for serving others (a definite draw that unites well with my Ubuntu philosophy - I am, because we are). This has been my major University service, and I trust the good faith of others (although in my second year, I'm growing more skeptical and doubtful about the words "leadership" and "vision"). Good faith, collegial discussions connote/denote something entirely different to others not directly at the table. When faculty chanted "social justice" yesterday in support for the Faculty Salary Committee, and eventually "Doors are locked," I couldn't help but think of another word.

Symbolism. \ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm\ the use of items, motions, or traditions to express or represent larger, significant ideas

Faculty was shut out. Doors were closed. Actions spoke louder than any words.

It's been a year, and I know it is unhealthy to clock the hours that FSC has put into good faith collegial negotiations through reading emails, running numbers, searching for best solutions, surveying colleagues, answering questions, and having faith in the mutual process designed to bring parties together. Ethnographic notes taken at each and every meeting offer a more accurate narrative of negotiation this year and I'm wondering what the real vision for our campus really is. I'm shaking my head. Bambi has met Godzilla, and I'm no longer naive nor optimistic. I now see truer colors that make me distrust the faith I had in the good.

I'm wondering about the story I've been telling myself for the last few years with the words that attracted me to teach at a Jesuit school in southern Connecticut. The hope that remains are with the colleagues I admire. They continue to motivate me and engage me with brilliance. They are good people. And yesterday I learned they share the same narrative and interpret the language as rational, cooperative, and well-intended people. 200 individuals in agreement against the mind-boggling negotiation of a few. 

It made me proud to to climb the mountain together with them. We have a lot more mountain to climb.