Another Middle School Tour this morning, followed by the ooohs and aaahhs of my fifth grader who is looking forward to Middle School almost as much as Christmas.
As we toured the campus today I got to relive some of my moments of "school love". The film equipment, the literature, the camaraderie I found in University all came rushing back to me as we moved around the campus.
The cinema program here is outstanding. I can't believe 6th graders have access to some of the equipment used here - equipment I didn't see until after I graduated college and moved into TV world. The opportunities that kids get these days is awe-inspiring.
Today, one of the feelings that overwhelmed me was the ability to actually help my child through his middle and high school process. My knowledge of the area he would be studying. The thought of being able to help write a treatment, draw a storyboard, to actually help my child design a program that creatively will draw the foundation of a career I miss.
I have felt overwhelmed with the "new" academics kids are learning these days. Outside of literature and language there isn't much I know about what my kids are learning in school today. It can make a parent feel a bit inept. But today, I felt the need to hold my excitement so as not to impact my son's choices. I dn't want my excitement about this program to influence which school he chooses if it comes down to his personal choice.
But, man the energy in this school brought a flood of emotions. His excitement alone made me proud and happy to be nurturing education, no matter what the choice, but I had no idea how these visits and choices would affect me personally.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Interracial Dater Haters
I was having a beer with a friend and retelling this story where this bouncer yelled at me in a bar. I had wandered into the men's restroom, locked the door behind me and this guy made it his job to yell at me and tell me to get out!
After the bathroom incident, I saw the same bouncer in the bar and made a point to approach and apologize. He just smiled. I wasn't sure if he was giving me shit, or simply harassing me because I was in the men's bathroom.
Regardless, I realized he was mocking me.
I told my friend that I got the feeling that it was because I was dancing with this white guy in front of the band and he didn't like it. My friend responds, "every black guy I know only dates white girls". His impression was that, this bouncer, who happened to be black could care less about the fact I was dancing with some white guy.
But, I have had numerous occassions in the past where black men were aggressive with me, and have made comments about my date. This is not an unusual scenario. This was also not in Denver. I notice in the southern states people, in general, have a lot more animosity (and are vocal about it) towards those in interracial courtships.
Meanwhile...back at the ranch, I was flying home and had one of the male, gay flight attendants, who happens to be in an interracial relationship tell me this story:
He was in the hotel van and they were waiting for another male flight attendant. When the male flight attendant arrived, he was striking. Tall, blond, and described as looking like a famous male model. The girls in the van swooned, while the male flight attendant I was speaking with described how awestruck he was with a gasp. He then stated that another passenger in the van, an older woman (late 50's, early 60's) acknowledged his reaction, then leaned in and whispered to him, "I prefer black cock".
Our society has changed so much in the last 50 years.
We have become so brazen, and so outspoken.
I believe like everything in life there has to be balance, and as we have those who do not adhere to the concept of inter racial dating, we also have those who will tell a complete stranger on the hotel van what they prefer.
What I want to know is, who cares?
Why does anyone care who I have dinner with? Who I sleep with? Who I rest my head on at night? Who cares?
and why?
When I see a couple out, I could give a shit why they are together.
Like most things in life, I worry about my own stuff. I worry about my bills. My kids. My sex life. My breakfast.
I also wonder how we can all live in the same country yet have such different ideas about what race means...what relationships mean, and why we care what those around us think.
photo courtesy of celebuzz.com
After the bathroom incident, I saw the same bouncer in the bar and made a point to approach and apologize. He just smiled. I wasn't sure if he was giving me shit, or simply harassing me because I was in the men's bathroom.
Regardless, I realized he was mocking me.
I told my friend that I got the feeling that it was because I was dancing with this white guy in front of the band and he didn't like it. My friend responds, "every black guy I know only dates white girls". His impression was that, this bouncer, who happened to be black could care less about the fact I was dancing with some white guy.
But, I have had numerous occassions in the past where black men were aggressive with me, and have made comments about my date. This is not an unusual scenario. This was also not in Denver. I notice in the southern states people, in general, have a lot more animosity (and are vocal about it) towards those in interracial courtships.
Meanwhile...back at the ranch, I was flying home and had one of the male, gay flight attendants, who happens to be in an interracial relationship tell me this story:
He was in the hotel van and they were waiting for another male flight attendant. When the male flight attendant arrived, he was striking. Tall, blond, and described as looking like a famous male model. The girls in the van swooned, while the male flight attendant I was speaking with described how awestruck he was with a gasp. He then stated that another passenger in the van, an older woman (late 50's, early 60's) acknowledged his reaction, then leaned in and whispered to him, "I prefer black cock".
Our society has changed so much in the last 50 years.
We have become so brazen, and so outspoken.
I believe like everything in life there has to be balance, and as we have those who do not adhere to the concept of inter racial dating, we also have those who will tell a complete stranger on the hotel van what they prefer.
What I want to know is, who cares?
Why does anyone care who I have dinner with? Who I sleep with? Who I rest my head on at night? Who cares?
and why?
When I see a couple out, I could give a shit why they are together.
Like most things in life, I worry about my own stuff. I worry about my bills. My kids. My sex life. My breakfast.
I also wonder how we can all live in the same country yet have such different ideas about what race means...what relationships mean, and why we care what those around us think.
photo courtesy of celebuzz.com
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Surprise! I am brown
Today I picked up a schoolmate of Saunders for a play-date.
Neutral spot.
I had spoken to the Dad on the phone prior to the pick-up. Saunders and John have been classmates for 3-4 years now.
As the dad approached, he cruised right past me and pointed at Saunders. "There he is", he stated. He then noticed there were no other parental figures around and turned back towards me, the woman he moved so quickly past 90 seconds prior. "Are you Sherri?"
"Yes," I answered, as I removed my sunglasses and stretched out my hand. His visible surprise made me laugh as I have seen this too many times.
How did this brown lady make this red-haired, blue eyed kid?
Genes are a funny thing.
I have had this happen many times. The 1st day of school is usually the most fun, because I am most prepared. I remember the 1st day of school for 2nd grade when the teacher asked me if I would be picking up Saunders everyday. Very tactfully, I explained, well, yes, we live directly across the street from the school. I realize that some people have no concept of how many flavors there are to bi-racial children.
Black Americans are some of the most diverse looking people on earth. We range on color and shade from the blondest of blonde, with blue and green eyes, to the darkest cherry with the most mahogany skin and hair. There is every spectrum of beauty in the Black culture because we are so mixed with every other culture in the world.
Someone asked me over the past weekend, if I wore contacts, and I was so offended, because I had not heard this question in twenty-five years. Then I dropped back a decade prior - back to the elementary school playground, "what are you?"
Then a friend confirmed, "I thought the same thing - perhaps you had green contacts." Wow, I assume ignorance from those milling around the country, but not from my own peers, people I have chosen to sit in my sphere.
I am not one to change my appearance with contacts, or hair dye, or silicone.
I am proud of how I look, no matter what; freckles and green eyes, yellow skin in the winter, small boobs when I am thin enough.
I am who I am.
I am a woman.
Today was a quick reminder that the world does not change around me.
I change and accept.
Even when I forget, I accept.
Even when I am surprised, I accept, because that is what my color brings me.
My children have no idea, because they are fair skinned, what it means to be Black in America. But, I carry this for them.
Neutral spot.
I had spoken to the Dad on the phone prior to the pick-up. Saunders and John have been classmates for 3-4 years now.
As the dad approached, he cruised right past me and pointed at Saunders. "There he is", he stated. He then noticed there were no other parental figures around and turned back towards me, the woman he moved so quickly past 90 seconds prior. "Are you Sherri?"
"Yes," I answered, as I removed my sunglasses and stretched out my hand. His visible surprise made me laugh as I have seen this too many times.
How did this brown lady make this red-haired, blue eyed kid?
Genes are a funny thing.
I have had this happen many times. The 1st day of school is usually the most fun, because I am most prepared. I remember the 1st day of school for 2nd grade when the teacher asked me if I would be picking up Saunders everyday. Very tactfully, I explained, well, yes, we live directly across the street from the school. I realize that some people have no concept of how many flavors there are to bi-racial children.
Black Americans are some of the most diverse looking people on earth. We range on color and shade from the blondest of blonde, with blue and green eyes, to the darkest cherry with the most mahogany skin and hair. There is every spectrum of beauty in the Black culture because we are so mixed with every other culture in the world.
Someone asked me over the past weekend, if I wore contacts, and I was so offended, because I had not heard this question in twenty-five years. Then I dropped back a decade prior - back to the elementary school playground, "what are you?"
Then a friend confirmed, "I thought the same thing - perhaps you had green contacts." Wow, I assume ignorance from those milling around the country, but not from my own peers, people I have chosen to sit in my sphere.
I am not one to change my appearance with contacts, or hair dye, or silicone.
I am proud of how I look, no matter what; freckles and green eyes, yellow skin in the winter, small boobs when I am thin enough.
I am who I am.
I am a woman.
Today was a quick reminder that the world does not change around me.
I change and accept.
Even when I forget, I accept.
Even when I am surprised, I accept, because that is what my color brings me.
My children have no idea, because they are fair skinned, what it means to be Black in America. But, I carry this for them.
Some Spam I am so glad I went back to the trash to retrieve
True Story:
Ladies: What we have been discussing all week
And I would like to focus on #2, #6 and #11
hahaha
Just sayin'
I don't have many male friends that "can't wait to get a girl back to their place", and moody men...Booooo!
Next!
Ladies: What we have been discussing all week
And I would like to focus on #2, #6 and #11
hahaha
Just sayin'
I don't have many male friends that "can't wait to get a girl back to their place", and moody men...Booooo!
Next!
Today...Taking "Me" Back
This morning in working on a blog project for another company, it occurred to me that I need to "clean up" my old blogs. Delete the old and freshen the new. I'm back on track (thank you to the Dr.).
When I got to the old blogs I realized I had years and years of work that would just be archived, then I noticed the import/ export tool.
Where have I been?
I exported all my old blogs and deleted the account. I was then able to import every word from every year into my new format - yay! technology.
Now, with this comes history...ha!
I also realized with my new phone had somehow deleted all my photos from my old blogs, but the links were still there. So, after a few days work, This blog should be back on track with all my history, all my stories, my photos, all my whims of fancy.
This is so important, because I had an overwhelming year. I switched departments at my company and not only is everything that was once smooth and good, now a sheer pain in the ass (go corporate b.s.), but apparently I wasn't even allowed to have a public opinion anymore unless it was anonymous.
My writing has been my life since I was 5 years old, and now a job was attempting to stiffle my voice.
It took me months to get back on track and even write again.
So today is valuable for so many reasons.
I have lost nothing. I have learned the value of patience and technology. I have gotten my gift back IN VOLUMES.
Thank you Google, you are genius.
When I got to the old blogs I realized I had years and years of work that would just be archived, then I noticed the import/ export tool.
Where have I been?
I exported all my old blogs and deleted the account. I was then able to import every word from every year into my new format - yay! technology.
Now, with this comes history...ha!
I also realized with my new phone had somehow deleted all my photos from my old blogs, but the links were still there. So, after a few days work, This blog should be back on track with all my history, all my stories, my photos, all my whims of fancy.
This is so important, because I had an overwhelming year. I switched departments at my company and not only is everything that was once smooth and good, now a sheer pain in the ass (go corporate b.s.), but apparently I wasn't even allowed to have a public opinion anymore unless it was anonymous.
My writing has been my life since I was 5 years old, and now a job was attempting to stiffle my voice.
It took me months to get back on track and even write again.
So today is valuable for so many reasons.
I have lost nothing. I have learned the value of patience and technology. I have gotten my gift back IN VOLUMES.
Thank you Google, you are genius.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The power of Inner Beauty
This was posted on Facebook today:
"For every beautiful woman there's a man that has successfully made her feel that she wasn't." via Kalimah P.
The sad thing is, it's so true. It is so easy to bring anyone to their knees by making them feel like they aren't beautiful or special. It's funny, because it's so subliminal on some levels.
Like racism and sexism in America, we have been trained to hear some things and not feel the depth of how fucked up the statements are and how they can impact someone's soul.
Yes, there are plenty of jackwads that directly insult women to keep them insecure and incapable. But then there are the men that tell women how pretty they are, and how smart they are, and how fantastic they are - then (like my previous blogs this week describe) they undermine these verbal compliments with actions, and psychological undermining s: ie "Don't post pics of us (now) because it may hurt someone else (supposedly from my past)."
I could teach a class on what things you shouldn't be doing if it may hurt someone else, and how simple you must be to think A) the original acts aren't "bad", or B) the person you are speaking to doesn't have feelings as well.
Next:
Every woman is beautiful , and if we were all taught that from the moment of birth, men couldn't get away with making any woman feel as if she wasn't.
My mom always told me from the time I could understand:
There will ALWAYS be someone prettier, smarter and younger, but YOU are special.
It took me 40 years, and a daughter of my own, to fully understand what this statement means, but if I pass anything on to the young women of the world it is: Never let a man take away your strength.
YOUR strength is your inner beauty. The power of you. The righteousness of choice, and love.
You can't help how the outer looks and changes, but you have full power over the inner.
All
Day
Long.
"For every beautiful woman there's a man that has successfully made her feel that she wasn't." via Kalimah P.
The sad thing is, it's so true. It is so easy to bring anyone to their knees by making them feel like they aren't beautiful or special. It's funny, because it's so subliminal on some levels.
Like racism and sexism in America, we have been trained to hear some things and not feel the depth of how fucked up the statements are and how they can impact someone's soul.
Yes, there are plenty of jackwads that directly insult women to keep them insecure and incapable. But then there are the men that tell women how pretty they are, and how smart they are, and how fantastic they are - then (like my previous blogs this week describe) they undermine these verbal compliments with actions, and psychological undermining s: ie "Don't post pics of us (now) because it may hurt someone else (supposedly from my past)."
I could teach a class on what things you shouldn't be doing if it may hurt someone else, and how simple you must be to think A) the original acts aren't "bad", or B) the person you are speaking to doesn't have feelings as well.
Next:
Every woman is beautiful , and if we were all taught that from the moment of birth, men couldn't get away with making any woman feel as if she wasn't.
My mom always told me from the time I could understand:
There will ALWAYS be someone prettier, smarter and younger, but YOU are special.
It took me 40 years, and a daughter of my own, to fully understand what this statement means, but if I pass anything on to the young women of the world it is: Never let a man take away your strength.
YOUR strength is your inner beauty. The power of you. The righteousness of choice, and love.
You can't help how the outer looks and changes, but you have full power over the inner.
All
Day
Long.
Kids and School
This morning I took my son to tour Graland Country Day School here in Denver. He is entering Middle School next year and initially he said he wasn't interested. He thought the kids would be too different, and he had been influenced by his high school sisters viewpoint on what a Country Day school meant to herself, and her too-cool-for-school classmates.
I went to a Country Day School when I was in High school and am not only an advocate for private education, but I always think it' a good idea for kids to see their options and make their own decisions.
I have been struggling with the choices that were made for Maddi and want to make the right decisions for Saunders, acknowledging the fact that they are very different children and students.
I knew he would be enticed by the amazing athletic facilities and the student labs (science/ computer). Saunders is a natural athlete and a bit of a techie. He enjoys high-end technology and the benefits of the enviroment that Graland would offer.
That said, he has not been the best student in elementary, and it is hard to keep his attention.
I rode the fence between thinking, perhaps he is just not going to be an outstanding student, and/or maybe he is the genius I think he is, but hasn't found his niche yet.
This morning he was sucked into the Graland campus like an NCAA athlete into the NFL. He just walked around taking everything in, with the biggest smile on his face.
He pulled me over twice to tell me he loved it, and this was his number one choice.
When the Director of Admissions asked him if he had any questions, he just smiled and said, he liked the school very much.
As we left the campus, he told me how much he loved the Invention Lab and the idea of having the full park across the street to play sports. How he wanted to play sports in fall, winter and spring. I explained that he would have to work hard - that these benefits come with hard work and focus, but that I had hoped that we could find an environment that would inspire him academically, and that would nurture his own success.
I then asked what he thought about the dress code policy and wearing a collared shirt everyday and he said, he wanted to start wearing collared shirts everyday to prepare himself for the school.
I tried to cover all bases, good and bad, but he was so excited over the hour on campus, that he wore his name tag back to his own school for the rest of the day.
Now...tuition.
I went to a Country Day School when I was in High school and am not only an advocate for private education, but I always think it' a good idea for kids to see their options and make their own decisions.
I have been struggling with the choices that were made for Maddi and want to make the right decisions for Saunders, acknowledging the fact that they are very different children and students.
I knew he would be enticed by the amazing athletic facilities and the student labs (science/ computer). Saunders is a natural athlete and a bit of a techie. He enjoys high-end technology and the benefits of the enviroment that Graland would offer.
That said, he has not been the best student in elementary, and it is hard to keep his attention.
I rode the fence between thinking, perhaps he is just not going to be an outstanding student, and/or maybe he is the genius I think he is, but hasn't found his niche yet.
This morning he was sucked into the Graland campus like an NCAA athlete into the NFL. He just walked around taking everything in, with the biggest smile on his face.
He pulled me over twice to tell me he loved it, and this was his number one choice.
When the Director of Admissions asked him if he had any questions, he just smiled and said, he liked the school very much.
As we left the campus, he told me how much he loved the Invention Lab and the idea of having the full park across the street to play sports. How he wanted to play sports in fall, winter and spring. I explained that he would have to work hard - that these benefits come with hard work and focus, but that I had hoped that we could find an environment that would inspire him academically, and that would nurture his own success.
I then asked what he thought about the dress code policy and wearing a collared shirt everyday and he said, he wanted to start wearing collared shirts everyday to prepare himself for the school.
I tried to cover all bases, good and bad, but he was so excited over the hour on campus, that he wore his name tag back to his own school for the rest of the day.
Now...tuition.
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