Let me guess. When you saw the words “Black” and “surf” in the same sentence you knew this had to be a misprint. I’m even going to go out on a limb and guess that you thought that there was no logical reason “Black” and “surf” should ever go in the same sentence. Except for the sentence “Black people don’t surf”, the words “Black” and ... [Continue Reading]
If You Don’t Want Humble Pie, Don’t Eat The Arrogance Cake!
A couple months ago, I wrote about having to endure the insufferable taste of humble pie. The vividness of the event remains so agonizing clear that I can still recall every single excruciating digestible second. It’s as if a steaming heaping helping of humble pie is being served to me right now. Lest you forget, humble pie is like that yucky ... [Continue Reading]
Four Things a Child Must Know to Keep Moving Forward
The other afternoon, I decided to pay my mother a surprise visit. I hadn’t been home in a while and I sort of knew that it was time to go north. So doing what good yet guilt ridden children do, I decided to go home to visit my mom. I must tell you that my mom is a bit old fashion. She’s not big on surprises. She wouldn’t admit it openly but she ... [Continue Reading]
Is Your Child Happy and Healthy?
Chances are that if you ask any expectant parent what their hopes are about their pregnancy the overwhelming odds are that they will respond – “all we want is a happy and healthy baby”. In fact, the phrase happy and healthy is so common that it should be catalogued as part of the standard and universally accepted expecting parent lexicon. Yet ... [Continue Reading]
Sometimes Humble Pie Tastes Ooh So Good!
The other day, I was served a hot heaping slice of humble pie and I loved it. Okay, truth be told when the slice of humble pie was first presented to me, I was – in G-rated terms – irritated. I wasn't irritated because the humble pie wasn't served à la mode either. Nor was I worried that the humble pie might mess up my swim trunk model figure. I ... [Continue Reading]
The iPhone And The Case For Experiential Learning
A little over eight years ago, my then eleven year old son asked for an iPhone. Today, this might seem an ordinary request for one so young but eight years ago, I thought his request was outrageous. In 2007, owning an iPhone was a luxury item even for adults. For that matter, owning an iPhone was a luxury item even for working adults. Yet, somehow ... [Continue Reading]
Is Your Child A Chip Off The Old Block?
There is a phrase my son’s grandmother has been fond of using to describe my son and I since his birth. Nearly every time we talk to or see Bibi (Swahili for grandmother), something occurs to make her say chip of the old block. For those who are unfamiliar with the expression, chip off the old block means that the child has qualities that are ... [Continue Reading]
Cultivate Hopes & Harvest Dreams: The Farmers Only Way
I’m going to tell you something about me that you might not know. Can you keep a secret? Do you promise to keep my secret? I’m a big fan of farmers. I know that sounds crazy doesn't it? An urban dweller like me having more than a passing interest in farmers. Yet, it’s true. I absolutely dig farmers. Now before I go further, let me give a point ... [Continue Reading]
Tell Your Child That Adversity Is As American As Apple Pie
The other evening, I had the great pleasure of participating in an advisory panel discussion with a group of Indiana University undergraduate students. No different from any other time that I am asked to speak to the “future”, I had an absolute blast learning from and sharing with the insightful students. Plus there was an added bonus for me, like ... [Continue Reading]
Please Parents, Show Your Child How To Get On The Plane
This past weekend, I spent it in Buffalo. Yeah, I know Buffalo. Buffalo's not the tropical destination that I so often wax poetically about but Buffalo is the home of my great childhood friend and my son's Godfather. Fear not, this is not the 21st century remake of Grumpy Old Men. Nor will I bore you with the weekend escapade of two middle age ... [Continue Reading]