Missing South Louisiana

Me and many of my Louisiana native friends living in other parts of the country frequently share the same longing and craving for anything "Louisiana". What is it about south Louisiana that we miss so much ?

Looking at it from the outside, it's really hard to understand. In the summer, Louisiana is hot and humid, huge bugs are everywhere, not to mention...hurricane season. In the winter it's drab and a strange kind of moist coldness, which actually makes it feel even colder. Don't mention the food...most people can't even pronounce or even recognize some of the food we eat. There is no huge economic boom....as a matter of fact the current depressed economic times the rest of the country is experiencing is what we've always experienced economically in Louisiana. In addition, according to national polls ,the education system is not good.

Why is it that so many of us from south Louisiana miss it sooo much? Besides the fact the South Louisiana is "home" for us. I think the answer is hard to formulate but it has a lot to do with the rich culture that we don't appreciate until we are away. It is an easy-going, laid-back type culture that is centered around family, old friends, great food, a colorful language, a genuine sense of community and music, which includes everything from ole time cajun music, soulful zydeco and dirty south hiphop.


It's a lot like the Caribbeans, minus the beautiful beaches. There are exotic foods, flowers, fruits and always someone hosting a celebration.....complete with food, family, music and drinks !! Everything is a reason to celebrate... new car, new job, new house, baptisms, death, birth, graduation, being home, going away, new bike....the list is endless. Every corner store or gas station has something delicious to eat......meat pies, boudin, or bbq sandwiches. There are snowball stands everywhere operating out of pre-fabricated storage sheds, small garages, travel trailers or cute little colorful houses...each offering a long long list of flavors. Roasting a pig, eating boudin from Rays, donuts from Mikey's, Friday night seafood buffet at the casino, snowballs from Pie's snowballs and sitting in the front yard in the summer evenings swatting mosquitoes while watching kids play......those are just some of the things I love and miss about South Louisiana.

Building Character and a whole lot more.....

When my brothers and I were younger my mother had a policy of punishing everyone in the vicinity of a fight, an “accidental” break of furniture or appliance, a dispute between who’s turn it was or who’s going to sit in the front seat !! I always thought that was so unfair of her to make everyone suffer for the actions or behavior of the “guilty” one. For instance, if two of you were arguing and the other two did nothing to stop it but witness the madness from the sideline, then everyone got in trouble. She wouldn’t even entertain the statements “but I didn’t do anything…” or “I wasn’t even fighting, I just watched…” .

I realize now that my mother was teaching us a very important lesson, whether she knew it or not. She made us accountable for one another and our actions and we soon realized that everyone’s actions impact a greater community, whether it’s good or bad. We learned to resolve issues without getting my mother involved, we learned to share and take turns and eventually we learned to disagree without fighting. As a result, we developed a whole host of skills which included problem-solving, negotiating and teamwork skills. We also developed a keen sense of others and the impact we have on our environment. These lessons are proving to be very valuable today as people are struggling financially because of bad decisions or joblessness, religious groups are fighting over their right to practice their religion and disputing over land.

Too bad my mother is not in charge now…no one would get anything until they learned how to resolve their issues in a peaceful manner and learn to disagree without fighting.

"Slowly - Maybe we should take our time"

"Would it be so bad if we just stopped for a while
And enjoyed the thrills we could all be still let the world just pass us by
But it's all hurry hurry run run there's no time for this
We want more and more got to win got to score so afraid of what we'll miss"...Macy Gray

Today, I received two clear messages about slowing down...First in the car listening to Macy Gray's "Slowly" and then again at work reading my email I came across the following poem. It's a clear message to slow down, enjoy life and the little things. It's easy to get caught up in getting the next thing done before some deadline, we lose the sight of the little things that make a big difference.

"SLOW DANCE"
Poem taken from an email

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.....

......Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

"Life is lost in dreams and dreams are lost in living"

So many things to do, too few hands and too little time to do them. Lately, my mind has been buzzing with dreams, ideas and thoughts of things that would make a difference in society. Unfortunately, these dreams are very often interrupted with things I need to do right now....work, pay bills, take care of family and all the responsibilities that come with living.

It reminds me of a quote I saw on a building in Cancun...."Life is lost in dreams; dreams are lost in living". I think it is a great success is to be blessed to live your dreams and your dreams provide a living.

As I write this blog, I realize that I can't complain. I have a career that I love, although it seems to be steering away from my ideas, I am able to make a difference in some people lives regarding their academic careers. I am able to provide a more than adequate amount to our household income and all of our needs are met. So, perhaps I am living my dreams and these little everyday "hiccups" are learning lessons making me better at what I do.

What are your dreams? Try not to lose them in living.

Sedona International Film Festival

Last weekend, Jason and I went to the Sedona International Film Festival. Sedona is just a 2- hour drive from Phoenix; yet it is a completely different world.

Saturday evening we saw Gospel Hill directed by Giancarlo Esposito (the guy from all of Spike Lee’s movies) and the opening short film was Gone fishing by Chris Jones. Gospel Hill was a good movie, but the unexpected surprise was the short film, Gone Fishing, that opened Gospel Hill. It was a brilliant short…never have I felt so many emotions, in such a short time with so few words…outstanding writing, acting, directing and cinematography !!! I can’t wait to see more from Chris Jones.

Sunday we saw a documentary The Long Road North of a man who decided to bike from the tip of South America to the far northern tip of Canada (Artic). It was very interesting and I was especially intrigued by the people he met along the way. Watching this documentary is the closest I would ever get to do anything like that.

This year the Sedona Film Festival….who knows... next year maybe Sundance. I am really digging this who film festival thing !!

Women in Science & Engineering

This weekend at the American Association of Physics Teachers conference I attended several talks but one in particular really resonated with my research and with my personal experiences. Dr Angela Johnson from St Mary's College in Maryland presented her research on the experience of African American women who study science at predominately white colleges and universities and the teaching methods that unintentionally alienate and discourage female students, particularly African Americans.

At that moment I was so thankful to her for being a voice for African American Women studying science. It is an issue that is often overlooked and perhaps not even acknowledged. I’ve found that far too often the issue of equity in STEM education is minimized as a perceived / imagined barrier or an excuse for women, especially African American women. Even at the AAPT conference this attitude was evident and the issue was often regarded as minimal. Her presentation reassured me that this is indeed a problem worth addressing not only in research but also in practice.

This presentation was so timely for me because this semester I am teaching a Physics course with 90% of the class consisting of female students. Her presentation reminded me to be aware of those unintentional practices that discourage and alienate female students. I was also encouraged that my research on women in engineering was not done in vain and there is some validity in my study despite the lack of interest or acceptance by many in science and engineering.
Related Reading: Racial Economy of Science - An interview with Evelynn Hammonds

What happened to the Cardinals ??

I am not a football fan, but I will watch the Superbowl. Since the Cardinals is my home team, I was especially interested in the game last night. Phoenix has been hit hard by the current economic downfall. Every part of the State is suffering financially. Winning the Superbowl would have been a great ego booster. The Cardinals almost pulled it off, but they gave it to the Steelers at the very last minute... What a game!!! Hey, it was a victory for the Cardinals to even play in the superbowl...so that's something to cheer about.

In the meantime, I am still trying to get the smoke smell out of my office. Last week someone burned a hot dog in the microwave located just outside my office. The smoke traveled straight to my office and stayed !! Any suggestions ?

Feng Shui Video

Here's a helpful video

Feng Shui anyone ?

I've been gradually working on making my work office a comfortable and productive place. As a result I decided to try Feng Shui....I am sure it's a lot like the horoscopes if you read them then you feel as if you have some insight on how you're day will be...well with Feng Shui if you apply it to your living or work space you'll feel the difference....better, energized, more efficient, etc....

The first rule in Feng Shui is to remove the clutter....that makes a world of difference. Then you decorate with pictures, plants, lighting, etc. to fulfill the symbols needed for a balanced(health, wisdom, knowledge and wealth) office; knowledge, ancestors, relaxation, motivation, family, friends and creativity.

So everyday for the past two weeks I've been slowly Feng Shuing my office. It's not done yet, but I feel a whole lot better about my workspace.

Check out the Office Feng Shui tips

Responsible Shopper !!! ???

Are you a responsible shopper ? Are you aware of the social impact, corporate behavior and labor practices of your favorite stores and the investment practices of your financial companies ?

I wasn't and since I've learned I am not sure that I can commit or afford to change where I spend my money.

However, I thought it was interesting to learn about the issues of economic and social injustices of some stores....I am now a more informed shopper.

Check out this link to the responsible shopper to learn more about where you shop.

Here are a couple of online stores that are socially responsible. When you shop you also support.

World of Good
Red
Rainforest
Alonovo

In these tough financial times it's difficult to shop based only being socially responsible. I usually go for economic price tag first !!

Mr. President Obama - 1/20/2009

I've been listening to the inauguration coverage on NPR since 6am this morning at home and in the car.
Now I am at my desk listening to it online.... I really wish I was there !! Which is really surprising, because up until now, I couldn't imagine fighting the cold weather and those crowds...but now that I am hearing everything on the radio and TV, I would love to be there and experience this historic moment in person.

Since I am not, I am going to make the best of what I have...watch it at work, where there are designated TV's to view the actual inauguration, and listen to the coverage at my desk on NPR.

What are you doing today?

Holla Holla Holla !!

Jason and I enjoyed a night out on the town at the John Legend Concert ! Of course it was a Thursday night out on the town....but I'll take what I can get these days. In Phoenix, the best concerts happen on Weds or Thurs when the artist is on the way to or from California or Vegas. The concert was great....he walked in and on stage from the audience with images of him boxing flashing on stage. He opened with " I used to love you" and the crowd went crazy when he said "Holla Holla Holla"...the crowd was a cross-section of people from every race, ethnicity and age group. There were lovers, couples, familes and friends there enjoying the music. My favorite part was when he did some old Prince songs...."Adore" thrown in with "Purple Rain". It's Saturday afternoon two days later and I am still humming John Legend tunes.

Everything is Boinga !!

Now I know why I just love the BackYardigan Song "Everything is Boinga".....it's Alicia Keys !! Everytime I hear that song on Noggin...I just have to dance.

Click on the link above to enjoy the video.... !! The BackYardigans is my favorite Noggin show...They are always jammin...there was even an episode featuring Zydeco music...I could only find the music on this home video (click on the link to see) of a little girl running around getting dizzy and enjoying the music.

Well, Nia is feeling better and, if you haven't already guessed, watching the BackYardigans!

NFL or Oxford

Florida State Defensive back, Myron Rolle, had a decision to make and he chose Oxford over the NFL draft. I am very impressed with his decision.

What would you have done?

What's really important ??

Thanks to an inspiring email from Gail and some prayer time about my work environment...the infamous office change and other things going on at work... I realized that everything that was bugging me had to do with me and not necessarily the students we serve. So, it's important to respond and act in the students' best interest....not on what I want and desire. I am right where God wants me to be in order to do His will ans serve the students.

I will start work tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose......right now I m at home with my sick daughter. I hope she gets well soon....I don't handle vomiting very well.

I think it's a good practice to check yourself and assess what's really important.

Movin on up ???

Have you ever got promoted yet felt as if it were somehow a demotion?

In July I got a new position at work, moving up from "Coordinator" to "Director". But somehow it has not felt like a promotion. I have less freedom and control over the projects I work on, I have less decision-making power and today I moved into my new office (something I've delayed for as long as possible). I call my new office a cave....it has no windows, I have to go through one office to get to my office and to top it all off the chair is falling apart....I almost fell as I sat down !!

My old office had all new office furniture, a ceiling-to-floor window giving plenty of natural light and it was private yet accessible to students. I think it is the best office on campus....besides the president's. So, all day today I quietly traded offices with the person who works for me. So that as Director I can be closer to the "action". She was happy and energetic...almost gitty, I was reserved and reluctant .....almost outright mad !! As I was packing my things I came across a folder marked "Movin on up" from a workshop I attended. I thought "yeah right" !!!

The following mantra kept me in a somewhat positive place....."Thank God I have a good job, I really shouldn't complain". Perhaps tomorrow will be better, I am going in equipped with plants and lamps !!

Have "A Mercy" on me !

It's been over 5 years since I read a book for pleasure and entertainment, which is really sad because I thoroughly enjoy reading. On my conference trip this week, I picked up Toni Morrison's latest novel, A Mercy.

I had forgotten how difficult it is for me to read Toni Morrison's books. Until I read the first few pages and then had to read them a few more times just to get an understanding of what was happening. Like all of her books I have to struggle to get started and just when I think I am getting it, she throws a "curve ball" that is beyond my understanding, She has a tendency to give the reader little clues and then later reveal the answer...by then I have to go back and read th clues again....it's like piecing together a puzzle for me, which can be mentally draining. After five years of reading research papers, and children's books my mind was not ready for the creative Toni Morrison.

I managed to complete the book while waiting in airports and on my flights. At the end, I felt as if I was missing something and the story wasn't over....When I got to the last page I kept flipping back to make sure I had not missed anything. I was also quite depressed....the topics of slavery, indentured servants and the plight of women in the 1680's was just too heavy for me.

However, I am always impressed with Toni Morrison's ability to convey stories in such a poetic manner. This novel read like poetry....we all know that poetry contains many messages and can have many meanings. I am sure I will read this again and find new things, meanings and messages I did not catch the first time. Actually, I have kept all her books with the intention of re-reading !!

Extinction..What will you miss the most?

The following is a list of 25 things sited as becoming extinct in America, according to an email I received. Honestly, I thought some of these things were already extinct. For example, I didn't know the Milkman still existed. Although I don't have a family farm, I love the idea and concept of having a farm and would hate to see this become extinct.

As much as I love seafood, I will miss the blue crabs the most.

Which ones will you miss the most?

24. Yellow Pages
23. Classified Ads
22. Movie Rental Stores
21. Dial-up Internet Access
20. Phone Landlines
19. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs
18. VCRs
17. Ash Trees
16. Ham Radio
15. The Swimming Hole
14. Answering Machines
13. Cameras That Use Film
12. Incandescent Bulbs
11. Stand-Alone Bowling Alleys
10. The Milkman
9 Hand-Written Letters
8. Wild Horses
7. Personal Checks
6. Drive-in Theaters
5. Mumps & Measles
4. Honey Bees
3. News Magazines and TV News
2. Analog TV
1. The Family Farm

The gumbo was a success !! We were able to find suitable ingredients at safeway and walmart. We couldn't find a hen so we bought a roasting chicken, which is apparently the same thing. Other ingredients included, smoked turkey sausage, smoked oysters, shrimp, crab and of course, onions, bell peppers and celery.

The roux is the key and it turned out pretty good. We were easy on the spices and it could have used a little more salt. The gumbo was just enough to satisfy my cravings. We have plenty to eat today and to freeze for those times when I am homesick for a taste of Louisiana.

Last year around this time, I made a gumbo in Louisiana for my friends and family. My dear friends and sorors Fran and Sann questioned my ability to make a gumbo after being in AZ for so long....but with help from my brother, Steve, I proved them wrong.

My parents are leaving tonight on the 11pm train to Lafayette; we had a wonderful visit. I think we did and saw all the sights in and around Phoenix. From the top of South Mountain to the luxurious homes of Biltmore. We even had a tour of a local candy company, ate at the best hamburger joint in Phoenix, The Original hamburger Works and enjoyed a train ride at Ecanto Park. I didn't know there was so much to do in Phoenix !!

Iam now an unofficial expert on things to do to keep kids and grandparents entertained in the Phoenix area....What are some of your favorite sites and things to do in Phoenix?

Happy New Year

Happy 2009 !!! We're off to the store to gather ingredients for a Louisiana Gumbo in Arizona. This will be an adventure....and I am sure will require us to get really creative and use what we can find at the local Mercado....smile.