Ujima

The theme for today is cooperative work and responsibility. This reminds me of the last time i went to Cuba. I was there to help build a church. When we arrived we realized that there was only one shovel and 12 volunteers. Our first instinct was to go out and buy more shovels. One of the volunteers asked "where can we buy shovels?" The Cubans looked at us with blank expressions and asked "Why? We have one already." They explained to us that shovels didn't do the work people did. They organized us in such a way that we actually got more work done with the one shovel then I think we would have with 20. Cooperative work involves utilizing the talents, knowledge and abilities that we have to help and influence the community as a whole. "If everyone digs then everyone gets tired." If we take turns digging and doing other jobs then the digging never stops and the work gets done faster. We are counting down to a highly anticipated change in power. The Obamas are poised to take office and the world has high expectations. JFK advised us to ask what we could do instead of asking what could be done for us. Collective responsibility. I think the change we all want for America is within reach but we have to ask ourselves "What can I do?" What talents, knowledge and skills can we call upon to be part of the solution. If you have no shovel, then mix cement, pile rocks, weld re-bar, and be ready because when someone else gets tired they may pass the shovel to you. Obama can't do it alone. So, its a great time to decide how you will help your community- no excuses.

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Kujichagulia,
Today is the second day of Kwanzaa. The theme for today is self-determination. Today is a day to define ones self. Even though I spent the day being lazy, I define myself as more than a conqueror. I wanted to do some exciting, and productive activity that would give meaning to the theme for today. But, come-on I'm on vacation. I have been so tired after work and school I wanted nothing more than to rest during the vacation time that I am given. Maybe that means I define myself as smart for resting when I am given a chance to, well maybe that's stretching it. I wish you all a joyous, restful, and productive Kwanzaa.

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Habari Gani!

Hello family. In the spirit of Christmas, Kwanzaa, and a general desire to keep in touch I wanted to create this site for us all to stay connected.
The first day of Kwanzaa celebrates the principale of unity= UMOJA. So, with that spirit in mind let us share our holiday photos, traditions, thoughts and comments.
I had a great Christmas this year. I went home to spend Christmas Eve with the folks. In an effort to create a new holiday tradition I made a standing rib roast, green beans, and rice. I tried making "ponche" for the first time. It was ok, It tasted like something was missing. I'll just have to keep trying.
Christmas day was fantastic this year. I appreciate the hard work my parents put in to making the holidays so special. I feel like a little kid every year on Christmas day. We had dinner with the family at Auntie Roslyn's house in Dana Point. The food was great, Auntie Roslyn threw down with the turkey, ham, stuffing (with shrimp), mashed potato, and green bean casserole. Her and Tina both do such an incredible job preparing and serving family dinners. Tina made some nice deserts, and I just brought a healthy appetite. Like every year the hours passed quickly and the laughs came easily. Its such a great reminder of whats important in our lives and how wonderful and accepting family is. We missed our cousins who couldn't be there (Rykie, Rhaunda, Shaun, Philip) but you were there in our hearts and in our thoughts.
Every year I try to give a socially conscious gift. This year I gave sapling Ponderosa Pine trees from the arbor day foundation. These baby Christmas trees are to be planted helping the environment and increasing awareness.
Enjoy this first day of Kwanzaa -celebrating unity in your family, and community.
Love you all.
Robert