Christmas Roast Beast

Merry Christmas! This Christmas was spent in South Bend... we Skyped, Facetimed and called family. It was a nice day to stay inside, just the four of us. While it was nice to not travel, I did miss family traditions so I tried to keep one alive with my little family today... 

A favorite family Centellas tradition of mine is picking at whatever is in the oven... being the first to sneak a piece of crispy skin... or calling dibs on a turkey wing or the perfect end slice of meat. Yum... so I figured if we were home all day, I needed to take advantage and try my hand at some more cooking. I have done a turkey, I have done a ham, a big pork loin is fun... but this year I wanted to try a big cut of pork, crispy skin, bone in, a real piece of Christmas Roast Beast.

Meijer had their Picnic cut pork shoulder for under a buck a pound, for the price I figured it would be a fun experiment. I did some online recipe reading, and made a plan of attack... that would start when we returned from the Christmas Eve service. Heather was prego and beaming at service, Novali was all dolled up and beautiful (Cruz told her he liked her dress clothes), and Cruz was not only cute, but a tad of a spectacle singing "Oh Christmas Tree!", but luckily not out of control. 

I scored the skin lightly and did a dry rub on the beast before bed. A generous blend of carne asada mix (yes I put it on everything), onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper and salt.  I set her in the breezeway overnight, and then once everyone went to sleep I played Santa. I then beat everyone awake and brought the meat in to sit room temperature for an hour or so. While she sat I rough cut a big white onion and made a bed for the beast and layered her up and stuffed her with a few garlic cloves. 

I made coffee, and then everyone got up and it was present time... while present time started I pre-heated the oven to 425 and my big roasting pan to 300. Once we got to temp, I put the beast in the oven for 30 minutes to give a little crisp layer, and then moved her to the roasting pan for four hours. You might of seen my live Tweeting of the roast beast phases... 

We had fun opening presents, it was fun watching Cruz open stuff, getting excited about not just the presents, but the big cardboard boxes they came in as well... ha. Novali loved all her girly items, and spent the following few hours curling and curling and curling her hair. Plus it started to snow as we unwrapped gifts and it was a beautiful Christmas morning.

Presents were done, Cruz was napping.... the final 30 minutes in the roaster I turned her up to 400 to help crisp the skin, sprinkled the sea salt and basted her a few times. Heather did a great job on all the sides... stuffing, corn, and my favorite, green bean casserole. Paired with a nice Bells Christmas Ale it was the perfect holiday meal.

On one side, it was nice not fighting with any of my family for the crispy skin.... but in reality, I wish they were here, and it was a big Centellas Holiday gathering... well now I have a good recipe to make next time we play host to a Centellas gathering, and I get to make a Big Centellas Christmas Roast Beast.

Thank You Hostess

No not for a Twinkie. To Maria our hostess at the Hilton Garden Inn at Midway.

Friday night we stayed in Chicago after Novali's Christmas program. She was an angel, did a fantastic job and looked beautiful as an angel. Since it was a late program we decided to stay the night in town and get some swimming in to kick off the holiday break.

I had a reward coupon to use, so we picked this hotel based on location and free parking. I looked at the website and they had a pool so I booked it, confirmed my coupon and off we went.

When we arrived at the hotel we noticed it was under renovation and right away my first question was... pool? They explained no it was closed, but that the Marriott next door had a deal so we can swim there.... ah. The front desk lady was good, when presented with my coupon she mentioned needing to get help to process it. I appreciate that, so many times front desk people just walk away and don't tell you what they are doing. The guy who came was polite, said hello again and walked her through processing it. They offered us bottles of water and then explained where breakfast would be in the morning.

Our room was nice, I have come to enjoy Hilton Garden Inn (and likewise Hampton) as my favorite Hilton properties (been let down too many times by Double Tree and Hilton). We ate ice cream to celebrate Novali's performance and watched TV and got a late night tuck in.

Our morning was great, we went down to breakfast and let Novali sleep in. The staff at breakfast were great, obviously serving breakfast in a conference room and not their typical diner but they made it work. Maria was our server/hostess and she was nice, checked on us regularly and helpful with Cruz. Obviously a mom, cause not many people understand how hard it is to be out with a nearly 3 year old little man with lots of items in front of him at breakfast.

Later when I brought Novali down for breakfast, Maria once again said hello, so did the rest of the team. I asked for a to-go box so we could take her meal up stairs. We got that, but we also got a nice to go tray, with cups of OJ on it and condiments, napkins, etc. WOW. We didn't even ask.

They rocked out breakfast (which is my favorite part of Hilton Garden Inns) and then when we called to ask about the pool they were great. They told us which door to go out so we were closest to the Marriot to walk over. We went, we swam, all was good, Cruz was a champ in the pool, Novali enjoyed some hot tub time...

Even when in the elevator with one of their house keeping staff they made eye contract and told me to have a nice day. Usually they avoid you in elevators and don't know how to reply when you say hello.

This morning I got an email from their manager asking how my stay was... it seemed like a real direct email. Not those spam surveys I get from most hotel stays. I wrote her a quick note, and thought... for all the negative rants I do on Twitter about customer service (BTW Enterprise never replied) I need to do a nice positive rant. Thank you Gabriella and your team for a good stay.

Now if you guys can do something about that crazy Chicago traffic... I might visit even more. HA.

Check out their hotel WEBSITE next time you are in the area or flying from Midway.

Mr. Odd Gifter

So I like to think I am thoughtful, or maybe it is just weird, not sure what you want to call it, but I don't always get traditional gifts. They say it is the thought that counts, and I try to put thought and effort into things.

Our Christmas Tree

So this year I got Heather an odd gift for Christmas. No I am not ruining the surprise, she got it this past Tuesday, but not sure she knew it was a Christmas gift yet...

First, maybe you need examples of other potentially perceived as odd gifts I have given Heather... once we had gotten serious, I decided to gift her a duplicate set of everything she needs when coming to visit for a weekend. Yeah a duplicate set of toiletries and blow dryer might not be the coolest gift to some... but it meant, I like you, I like when you come over, and I want it to be easier for you to come and visit (we lived far apart). Did she write all her sorority sisters about it, and post a picture of it on FB... hardly, but I thought it was a important step in our relationship.

Call me Mr. Odd Gifter, but thats the type of stuff I like to think of as presents.

Well this past Tuesday, not really a gift from me to her... but I had to put in mountains of work to make it happen... we signed a new mortgage. Yeah it came with about a point drop in interest rate, we got out of FHA, we now have no PMI on our mortgage, and dropped our monthly payment a couple hundred bucks. Sexy Christmas Gift huh? Did I mention our house appraised for about 40% more than when we bought it? Getting sexier now huh?

Really the gift isn't the mortgage... to me, the gift is signing a document, for us to live in a house together (if either of us leaves the house it is technically a violation of our mortgage agreement) and raise our kids there (technically raise kids is not in the mortgage agreement, but its a four bedroom house, read between the lines) for the next 30 years.

Yeah, 30 years, thats a long time, like a really long time.

So maybe you still don't get how this is a cool Christmas gift huh? Well the couple hundred we save monthly on our mortgage means we can afford to get a snazzy van for the growing family. Yeah, just how I always envisioned spending extra money in my pocket, on a bigger, less fun car, and probably without rims.

Yes we will get Heather some "normal" Christmas gifts, so don't worry. Cruz knows his mama likes flowers, chicken and cheese, so something along those lines will be coming. However, some advice for everyone else, maybe don't spend cash on things that will end up in drawers, or donated to Goodwill in four years... maybe find ways to change your life for others, so they know how much you care.

So call me Mr. Odd Gifter, but I rather do something that shows someone how much I care, not spend a certain amount of money as an example of how much I want them to think I care... especially if you buy things you can't afford.

Admit it, you are jealous about the no PMI for Christmas...
Now how to wrap that and put it under our tree...

Walk With Father Jenkins

People that have heard me speak know that I sometimes use a quote from Father John Jenkins in my presentations. Father Jenkins is the current president of the University of Notre Dame. Recently the quote I use has been featured in the ND commercials that play during their football games. The quote I use is:


"Let no one ever again say we dreamed too small."

It was part of his inaugural address at Notre Dame and when I speak to students about having dreams and sharing them with others I use this quote.

Well this week I was invited to a special event at Notre Dame, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, for local community leaders. It was a prayer service followed by a reception and I was just honored to be invited. Interestingly I knew a lot of the people there, and more to my surprise many of the community leaders that I haven't met knew me and my role with La Casa. Word travels fast I guess and I am impressed at how well the name of La Casa de Amistad is received by our local leaders.

As I was leaving the Basilica and heading to the reception I happened to hold the door for none other than Father Jenkins. So him and I walked together to the reception. He also had high regards for La Casa, and I thanked him for the work the college does in enrolling Latino students. His reply, "But we can do more." They currently rank in the top 25 Colleges for Latino students... about 10% Latino enrollment is very impressive. He asked about the work we are doing and praised our impact in the community. We then talked about the big celebration they planned for their Latino students for Lady of Guadalupe and his love of the passion and energy the Latino students bring to the faith and campus.

I have been blessed lately with so many opportunities, and that was another great one. In a job where I am constantly reminded of the great need and of all the work in front of us, it was nice to be reminded, by one of the great pillars of our community, of the tremendous support we have behind our work.

Thank you to the University of Notre Dame, and especially to Father Jenkins. I hope in the future to have more time with you about ideas of how together we, Can Do More.

Chocolate Milk and House Guests

Recently I have been distracted with work... end of the year fundraising for La Casa has kept my mind focused on that and I have been a little spacey at home... good example of recent issues. 

On Sunday Heather sent me a message to get some organic milk, and a couple other grocery items after I was done with our local radio station event supporting one of our programs (at a local grocery store). So I quickly got the items, did my live radio interview and then headed home. 

Tonight, Heather texted me, to get some white milk. I reply, organic or regular... kinda eluding to, well I just bought milk, so do we really need more? Here was our exchange: 

D: Can u buy white milk?

Me: Not organic?

D: Organic, but you bought chocolate

Luckily Heather has been a good sport about my busy schedule, and often my distracted attention with some important items happening at work. She was even a good sport, when for our weekend immersion program I told her we might have to host a couple college kids in our home overnight... fortunately we had enough families to host all of the students and it worked out, mostly for my sake, but also better that the students stay with our La Casa families in the neighborhood they are learning about in class. 

So thought I would share a moment of humor we had, and a public thank you to for all Heather has to put up with around the house. On that note, an early thank you as I am leaving town for a couple days to present in Indy on Thursday, and Syracuse on Friday... I am back on the road presenting. As Cruz would say, "Thanks Babe." 

50 Percent Off Priceless

Today is Heather's Birthday. We are married with children, and one on the way... so tonight won't be a rager party to celebrate.

While there won't be a rager, we have a lot to celebrate. As we get older we can celebrate what we have done together, and learned over the years. I think our recent weekend really sums up who she is and as much as this might sound more like a Mother's Day post, she is a mother that is expecting, and its pretty much all we talk about so here we go...

Saturday morning she made her breakfast potatoes (awesome!) and played with Cruz. She let me sleep in, and then we planned our errands and activities for the weekend. Goodwill had their 50% off sale, so had to go look for baby girl clothes. Cruz found a truck he liked, I found a nearly mint condition Dirty Dancing VHS (Heather didn't want it), and Cruz got dirty on the floor pushing trucks around.

Then we picked up Novali (she likes to sleep in), and little man Cruz got a haircut. Then it was off to Kolhs, we like to shop holiday decorations after the holiday. Heather scored a cool halloween table cloth, and yes 50% off. Not to mention costumes we got for Novalí, Cruz, and future baby girl for next year this week 50% off as well. We like to shop in advance...

As Novali likes to say, "Heather is crafty", so that afternoon they rolled, baked and frosted some Halloween cookies. Yes it was in November, we have learned to be flexible on Holidays because of when we can get Novali. So past date, but still great. Plus Cruz loves frosting no matter the occasion, belated or not.

Sunday, Heather planned our traditional backyard photo shoot. People always love our cards, and are surprised to learn they are usually taken with my camera propped up on something (cause I can never find my tripod when I need it), and after many outtakes we find just the right pic. I am sure Heather has a 50% off coupon to use, and you all will be getting a great card from us soon. Here is my favorite candid shot of Heather spinning Cruz around between pics.

So Heather is one year older, and her value continues to hold at priceless, no after holiday sale here for sure. Plus not sure what 50 Percent off Priceless would be anyways. We have learned to be thrifty, she is crafty as ever, she is great at mama snuggles, we have learned to just be who we are as we age and I enjoy her each year more and more. Love ya babe, Happy Birthday.

Fall Into Spring

Love the fall colors.

Here is a leadership lesson, from my plants. Yep, nature can teach us if we listen...

This weekend is fall back... you get a free hour and I will admit that I slept in a little. I will be honest and say that I don't see today as a "free hour", but as a reminder that how you use time today impacts your tomorrow. Good leadership lesson, and a more importantly a great gardening lesson.

I like to teach with analogies... I teach leadership, and I like gardening so this is a good fit. Each year since getting our house I post photos of my flowers, plants and landscaping changes. I don't, however, write a lot about what it takes to make them look so nice. I was thinking earlier how much gardening is like leadership, you get back what you put into a project, and you have to trust, follow directions, and be patient.

Fall is when you start prepping for your plants for next year. I learned a lot of lessons my first couple years with certain plants, when to prune, how to prune, cutting back in the fall, mulching before winter, etc. 

Over the past few days I have been prepping my plants. I dead headed the Hydrangeas, cropped back the daylily plants, cut my decorative grasses, and gotten plants ready to survive winter. I still have to put some winter fertilizer down, mow the grass nice and short, and put some mulch and fresh dirt around a few of the plants.

Still next season hydrangea flowers.

I learned the hard way that you have to follow the right steps and to be willing to ask questions and look up information. Not using good dirt means the plant won't grow, or putting them in a less than ideal spot for the sun they need they won't flower. I also learned not to lose faith, some plants I nearly lost, but with some time and patience came back and flowered for me. I also under estimated some plants... I planted some too close together thinking they wouldn't go that fast and then had to thin them out.

It is just like people... don't give them what they need, they won't bloom. Don't listen to what they need, you won't get what you expect from them. Sometimes the right things will happen, but you have to be patient and get results on their timeline, not yours.

Yeah my plants are smart and excellent teachers.

I love my plants, I love the zen feeling I get out there weeding and mulching and the pride I get of posting great flower photos. Hopefully winter behaves, and I have prepped the correct way so spring will be beautiful once again.

My 2013 Flowers: Album

8 Days of Celebration

Well I just completed 8 days full of events for work. I was in front of news camera crews on four dates in 8 days... and I have completed my first month on the job at La Casa de Amistad.

Last Friday (10/11) we had an open house. It was a mixed crowd of first time visitors and regulars, some of our board members and families that attend the center. We did have some folks pick up some sponsorships and buy tickets so for friend and fundraising it was successful. We were in the paper that day, and our local ABC station came and did interviews (but we didn't make the news).
SB Tribune: La Casa Events

Then it was a hectic week of prep for our big dinner and dance events. Last minute arrangements, calls on tickets and collecting all of our items for the silent auction kept me busy.

Silent Auction

Ready for Dinner

Thursday (10/17) was our 40th Anniversary dinner. We had the mayor, our state senator, chief of police, school board... the list was endless. We had 140 people there, nearly 40 items in our silent auction and a great event with a Proclamation from the Mayor, the CEO of our major hospital as our keynote, and awards for some outstanding community members. It was my first major event with La Casa and I enjoyed it and it went well.
ABC57 News: 40th Anniversary

Awards Dinner

Immigration Forum

Friday (10/18) the Northern Indiana Coalition for Immigration Reform asked me to serve as the moderator for an Immigration Roundtable. It featured the mayor, head of the local AFL-CIO, religious leaders, a naturalized citizen and local business representatives. Once again news coverage!
WNDU: Immigration Roundtable

Finally on Saturday (10/19) was the big annual dance for La Casa. It is the annual celebration and musical event for the community. We had cake for our 40th Anniversary and a great line up of musical acts and special presentations at our downtown conference center.

Great Music!

Dancing

It was a long few days... but a great time of networking, learning more in my new role and celebrating the great work of La Casa! It is truly an honor to be in such an important role in our community. I am blessed to see so many people that believe in and support the work we do in South Bend. Watch for more big news, and fun events... but for now I need a little down time!

And We Marched

Well we didn't bring down the government, they already did that to themselves, and it wasn't a scene from Berkley in the 60s... but we did it, we marched on the Office of Indiana Congresswoman Jackie Walorski to ask her to support comprehensive immigration reform.

Last Friday was the march, our coalition group gathered on a hot and muggy October afternoon. Luckily it stayed dry during our march, I think the chance of rain kept our crowd smaller than hoped, but we still rolled 100+ deep.

Our group was the Northern Indiana Coalition for Immigration Reform, lead mostly by Union organizers and it has been great getting to know them and of course have their support on this important issue. We had a great turnout from our local Latino radio station, Sabor Latino and attorney Felipe Merino, some Notre Dame and IUSB Faculty and many others. Of course leaders like Greg Chavez and many of my current and former La Casa staff were there as well.

The next event will be on October 18th, 2013 at 4:30PM at the County/City Building. We have speakers like Mayor Pete, local religious leaders, lawyers, and hopefully Jackie will join us for our roundtable on immigration reform. I will be there again, and this time I will get some microphone time so wish me luck. 

Some great pictures in the SB Tribune Article on the march: Rally Pictures
We made two news stations, the Latino radio station, local Spanish Newspaper and our main newspaper. Overall great coverage!

I am glad to be more involved in these types of activities now. Hopefully we can help make a difference on these critical issues in our country. If you are reading this, and in the South Bend area I hope you join us in the County/City building on the 18th and support this important cause.

Mums the Word

Each fall we put some Mums into the planters around the house. Last year we did yellow, and those Mums are now growing very nicely in the back yard! They started to bloom a week back and look great! They are the newest (and last photos) in my Flowers 2013 Album on Facebook.

Well this weekend was Mum weekend. This year Cruz and I got them planted for mama, he knows she likes flowers... Heather picked out purple ones this year (I swear it wasn't me). Cruz is old enough now to be much more helpful than he was last year, and after we did the first one... he explained to his mama how it's done... cause of course, toddlers are experts on any task once they have done it once...

We had fun, hopefully they bloom well for a few weeks, and then we can transplant them to the backyard for future years.

The UnGlamorous Traveler

So many people love traveling, many people hate traveling, many people have no idea the life of someone who does a lot of traveling. So let me fill you in on my last four days...

Late night work on projects.

Wednesday Night: I worked a full day, had class and then drove late in the evening to Indianapolis. I had a 7AM Flight from IND. I got into my hotel late, did some late night work on my presentation for Thursday and got to bed.

Thursday Morning: got up at 5AM, drove to IND in the pouring rain. Checked in for flight, got through security, went to my gate... DELAY. It was storming and lightning. I was flying to Lynchburg, VA, through Charlotte (CLT) to speak Thursday night at Virginia Tech. The delay backed me up into missing my connection, so I was able to just fly in and out of Charlotte. Good on flights, but I had to quickly switch hotels and car rental... re-plan my times for driving to Blacksburg... AH.

Landed in Charlotte at 9AM. I had quickly booked a Double Tree that morning, and on arrival called and asked about early check in, they said they would try. I arrive at the hotel at 10AM, first on the check in list and worked in the business center. Long story short, I needed to leave by 2PM for Blackburg... after waiting, and asking, and waiting, and watching her check other people in... I finally at 2PM canceled my room for that night, and shaved and got dressed in the hotel bathroom and left... APPALLED. The classy life of someone on a schedule.

Love when Greeks represent
at my workshops!

I drove three hours to Blacksburg, ate lunch in the car, arrived, worked with some amazing staff and students and presented my "Abuelitas Hands" lecture. Got great reviews and a line of students to speak with me afterwards and then dinner with the event planners.

More info on my Presentation: My Virginia Experience

Thursday Night: Left Blacksburg at about 10PM for my 3 hour drive home... got pulled over on my way back (ticket!). On my drive made calls around CLT for a hotel for a few hours before my early morning Friday flight and do it all over again.

Friday morning: Up at 5:30AM. Returned rental car, got through security, got to gate.... luckily everything on time. Arri ve in Indy and have just two hours before my luncheon with Indiana Latino Institute with Governor Pence. So, changed from traveling clothes into my suit in the back of my Element. Parked at JW Marriot, had lunch, networked, and wrapped up to drive 3 hours back home.

Mary Peterson mingling with
Brothers at our reception.

Saturday: Breakfast with Heather, got errands done and organized around the house. It was busy morning with Cruz... went to the library, got Cruz a hair cut and went to Memorial Health Works (kid museum). Then at 3PM drove to Chicago, arrived early so had dinner by myself while cheering for the Irish on TV.

Saturday Night: Served as host for our Fraternity Foundation Reception and have a great time connecting with Brothers I haven't seen in a while and meeting new Brothers. Left at 11PM my time to drive home... about 10 miles from home, get a flat tire going through typical Indiana construction! Its 1:30AM, and I take off my dress shirt, and get to work and in about 10 minutes got the spare tire on and got home before 2AM. AH....

Flat tire...

Sunday: Got to sleep in, which was very nice... and then took Cruz with me to La Casa to get a couple things picked up, and after his nap... last program. A reception for the Good Sheppard Montessori School to help raise support for the new Olga Larimer Scholarship to help a La Casa student attend the school for free... very great program! More good networking, and then... my four days of busy was done...

So four programs, four days, four cities (Blacksburg, Indianapolis, Chicago, South Bend) in three states. Not luxurious, nothing fancy, but all important parts of my positions as we develop networks for supporting La Casa and my fraternity.

Whew... now no traveling for two weeks!

New Week. New Career. New Challenge. New THE.

Today is Monday, September 16th, 2013 and I am starting my new full time career in Non-Profit Administration. I spent the last couple weeks working part-time at La Casa de Amistad to transition into the role, and now I am here in full force. Despite mentally preparing myself for the role... I am still weirdly nervous, like I haven't been before until now.

I have experience in non-profit. I have served on the boards of the Western Region Greek Association (now AFLV), I was a founding board member of HazingPrevention.org and served as president of my fraternity national board (SLB). In graduate school my program was a couple classes away from being an MPA that I actually wanted to do, but to keep my fellowship I had to be in the M.Ed program. I now serve as a member on my fraternity foundation board, and have had fundraising experience through several other positions in my career.

In the Latino community I also have plenty of experience. The Mayor and City Council appointed me to the City's Diversity Utilization Board, I am a member of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition and serve on many important committees around the local area.

So why am I nervous? The board selected me, from other qualified applications, and I have been well received in the media and throughout the community. I think what has been keeping up at night is the reason I am looking forward to this position...

I get to be the difference... and THE difference can be positive or negative. Through La Casa, my work can be THE change for a student to get on track with school, or THE change can be to support a family through hard times so they make it to good times, or THE change can be to see a student graduate who years before wanted to quit...

It keeps me up knowing there is great need, and I know we can't meet any of those needs without help from others. It will be my job to connect those who care, with those who need. To find ways to bring together those who need with solutions that work.

La Casa has been a cornerstone of the Latino community in South Bend for 40 years, and we need to solidify that foundation and grow our influence so we can push back the streets. We are at a critical time in our community, and I hope together we can make THE difference.

My 9-11 Revelation

On the evening of 9/11 I was sitting and thinking about that day, and remembering the impact it had on me, and confirming that I was not going be an engineer anymore and I was going to go into Higher Ed... well tomorrow, 9/11 will be my last day working full time in Higher Ed... WOW.

Fall 2001 I was a senior majoring in engineering, the president of IFC and figuring out what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I had finished a successful term as my chapter president and working on more general Latino issues for the college and loved being involved. The morning of 9/11 I had a meeting with the college president at WMU, Dr. Elson Floyd (now president at Washington State). On the way to the meeting the news was breaking about a plane crash in NY.... then while in his waiting room, watching live coverage on CNN we saw the second hit, and he came out of his office and had to reschedule. It would later come out that some of the pilots of that attack had trained at WMU... Dr.  Floyd closed our campus at noon.

Right away, Megan Baker and I started to plan... we knew we had to do something. She was my best friend, and Panhellenic President, both on our phones the entire day we worked to organize a candlelight vigil in the fraternity village. When we got reports a fraternity was drinking on their lawn and partying cause school was canceled, me and a couple guys went and made them stop... We took no lip.

Megan and I enlisted others and we organized other Greek leaders to get the word out. Friends like Doogie and my fraternity Brothers all jumped on board no questions asked. We went to every store in town and bought out all the candles we could find. We got the Director of Student Life (Sandy Barry-Loken) to come, our Greek Advisor (and my mentor) Steve Veldkamp and other administrators came. Even the news stations came. It was one of the largest gatherings we had, and it showed the power of student connection, the importance of a support network in college, and of not just Greek Life, but student engagement in general. We had students in village who had family in the area, students with family in the military, and firefights and it was a major tragedy... and we endured it together.

Over the years I had waned from my desire of being an engineer. I had enjoyed my internships, but I knew that I wanted to do something more enriching than designing cars. I had been working on campus in several different capacities and enjoyed the work. That day really helped me see what impact Student Life had on me, and can have on others. It helped solidify that I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mentor and go into higher education.

Well fast forward... I have been in higher education since... worked two years at Grand Valley State while earning my masters, then four years at Albion College, followed up with four years at Indiana University South Bend, and now just shy of 2 years at Ivy Tech Community College... tomorrow, 9/11 is my last day working in Higher Education. WOW.

That day changed a lot of things in this country, and it clearly changed a lot of things in my life. I think it is why I always worked to honor it in some special way at each college I worked. I want to thank all the great people who came into my life during my career in Higher Education... grad school mentors, first job and all my Albion folks, my IUSB people who taught me to be an administrator and Ivy Tech that taught me the importance of balance.

Today I will attend my last Yoga session at Ivy Tech, a program I started, then our Black Student Union has a remembrance event, and then close the door on my career as a Higher Education Administrator.

Am I sad to go, yeah a little, am I excited for the new venture... absolutely. Monday the 16th I start full time work at La Casa and I can't wait.

I'll close, maybe with a shameless plug... to keep a little connected in Higher Education, and because I do love working with college students so much... I am trying to do more speaking/consulting/facilitating through my OutSight Consulting group I started years ago. Check out my updated site as I'd love to be connected in higher ed still, just no longer with my campus, but hopefully... yours. www.outsightdesign.com

I Sat Between Two Giants

I sat between two giants...

It was a couple weeks ago, interestingly the first day I started telling people about my new job that I had an interesting experience... it has taken me a while to process what happened.

I was attending an Immigration Rally hosted by The Northern Indiana Coalition for Immigration Reform in front of the Morris Theater. Rudy Monterrosa, local lawyer and President of the La Casa board was speaking at it as well as our mayor, and several other notable local people. 

As I approached I saw Gregorio Chavez, retired military and local Latino leader. He was responsible for getting Cesar Chavez Avenue in South Bend, is a national LULAC leader and a guy everyone says good things about. (Article from when La Casa recognized his contributions) I spoke to him when interviewing for La Casa for his advice. I wallked over and he asked me, "So I heard you got the La Casa job?" I had barely just accepted, and the word was out... 

Shortly after Jose Alvarez came over and said, "I heard the good news". I was surprised yet again, that another local, respected and well known community leader not only already knew, but wanted to tell me congrats. Jose is an award winning community activist (Article on Human Rights Award) and retired head diversity officer for our major medical center. You don't go anywhere in South Bend area where people don't know Jose. 

Before the program started we sat down and talked... something I had done with them individually, but this time I was smack between two giant civic leaders in South Bend. What I didn't expect was that they wanted to hear my ideas, and share their experiences and history.

I sat between two giants, and it was an even exchange. It wasn't them telling me what I should, or shouldn't do, or what they would do... I get that a lot from others... no wonder they managed to make a big impact. It isn't about them... its about the people we serve. Clearly their humility is what made them successful in service of others.

I sat between two giants, and now I think the scope of what I am doing is clear. They reminded me that I need to listen, and share my thoughts when asked. I must prepare to know that I won't have all the answers, but I must listen and reflect to find the best path. 

I sat between two giants, and now I truly understand the scope of my role in our community. Is it a little scary? Absolutely. Am I excited for it? Without a doubt. It helps knowing they have my back.

I will reflect back on that day often, obviously I have been for the couple weeks since it happened. I will remember to harness the confidence they gave me and balance it with humility. I must remember to hold my opinions and listen to others, then share with passion and vigor when asked. 

I sat between two giants, and I hope to continue to do it as we lead our community and help make change. I think they saying is that great leaders sit on the shoulders of giants, well I was lucky enough that for a period of time I sat between two giants and it made all the difference. Thank you.

Labor of Love (My New Job)

It's Labor Day, luckily I finally get a day off, and I guess I can spend some of that time telling you about my future labor...

It went public in my local newspaper (Tribune Article) this week on Monday (8/26/13). Interestingly I was not in town, I was traveling to the University Kentucky to host a retreat for their Pan-Hellenic Greek Council. I knew it would be in the paper, so I snagged a copy for Novali to read on our roadtrip... she got a kick out of my photo in the paper (blog and pictures of that trip coming soon).

With the timing, and the busy time of the year I haven't been able to write much and give information about my new gig, my new employer and this next phase of my career.

I accepted the position of Executive Director of La Casa de Amistad, Inc. in South Bend, IN.  It is a small non-profit that was founded by Fr. John Phalen, CSC (Notre Dame) 40 years ago.  In business terms it makes me the CEO, and I am responsible for the day to day operations of the center. We own our own building and we have a handful of amazing full time and part time staff that run our amazing programs.

La Casa works mostly in the educational environment with Pre-K programs all the way through adult education. We also run a food pantry, have immigration and translation services and host citizenship classes. Our name is very well recognized in our community, we have over 1200 families that we serve annually, and over 90% of those we serve are at the 100% poverty level ($23k for family of 4).

I started working for La Casa part time already... which has been stressful to say the least. I will start my full time position on September 16th. Most of our school based programs are kicking off between now and then so I have been busy helping get our Pre-K classroom ready, make sure we have staff in place for programs and some last minute re-organizing at the center to be ready for the returning flock of students.

It has already been a busy and productive time in my new role. I lead our presentation on a major community grant. We did not win it, BUT, we did get a special recognition from the granting agency and $10,000 prize. Not too shabby... and then we made the paper again in an article on the Leighton Award (Tribune twice in one week!). We not only made one news agency, but TWO (WNDU Coverage). Then in October we will be hosting our 40th Anniversary Dinner and I am going to lead the drive for our silent auction (if you have something to donate let me know).

This past week I also spoke to the Hispanic Leadership Coalition who came to see the new mural painted by our students in the Graffiti Art Project.  We have done several murals around town, and finally have one on our building done by our students!

I am sad to be leaving higher education as my full time gig... but I won't be far away. One goal for La Casa's educational programs is to help graduate students from high school... I want to extend that to getting them into college. I also want to do more speaking and consulting to keep me connected. I have booked gigs for the fall so far with Rutgers Newark, University of Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Syracuse and working on a symposium I will help host at a conference this fall. I also am revamping my business website to help drum up a little more business.... OutSight Consulting.

Well there is my news... I am leaving a business I have loved for over 10 years, and starting a new Labor of Love in the Latino Community here in South Bend. I appreciate everyone's support and please Like and Follow La Casa's pages below...

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Enjoy your Labor Day everyone!

Philly Roadtrip Saga

Two years ago Novali and I did a road trip to Oxford, MS to visit my older brother Miguel and his family. So this summer we planned a road trip to visit Philadelphia to see my younger and his family. So here is the saga of our trip to Philly.
Vermillion, OH
Novali is the navigator, and a very good one who is great at following where we are, and picking places to stop. Well I had not planned stopping points for our drive to Philly. We planned to do it in one big shot so I figured some stretch breaks and food and nothing to see. Well Novali figured otherwise and wanted to stop and see Lake Erie. So I figured we were close, lets see it! She planned an exit where 80 was close to the water, we hoped off and took the road less traveled... 
It took us to a fun little town called Vermillion. Cute downtown, right on the water, and frienly mostly (mostly tourist though I am sure). Novali climbed on some rocks in the water, we ate at Big Ed's Soda Grill, an old fashioned soda fountain, and she ordered a Fluffernutter. Novali said it was the cutest town she ever saw, and hopes we can go back. It is between Cedar Point and Cleveland, so maybe a future family vacation site? Maybe...

Harrisburg, PA
Despite the longer than planned lunch stop, we were making good time and thought... lets get off the tol lroad for another break and see something else. So why not stop at the state capital! The capital wasn't open to tour as it was past dinner time, but we walked around their historical district, down their shops and found a little Mexican place to sit for dinner. It wasn't a full tour, but at least another capital we got to visit.
Philadelphia, PA
I had planned a 10PM arrival, we rolled into Philly nearly on the dot! Tired, but excited to be there from a fun travel day! Novali jumped into playing with the two cats, and I caught up with Andres and Kelly. Before going to bed, we got a map out, and started plotting our attack on all the city sites! Man it was a long list of targets...

The Philly Rains
Then the rains came... and they came. Thursday morning we armed ourselves with umbrellas and we hit the road. Novali wasn't phased as we walked all over town, taking pictures, pointing out things, and planning poses that let us keep our umbrellas on. In one day we saw nearly all the historical sites! Independence Hall, the original Franklin Post Office, Franklin Press, the Mint, Reading Terminal Market, Franklin Fountain, Franklin's Tomb, and of course lots of gift shops. Ah.

It would pour rain as we walked to a new site, and when we arrived, of course the rain would stop. It down poured while we looked for Cheese Steaks... and once we ordered and sat inside at Sonny's Famous Steaks; it was dry and sunny outside. Each time we went by the Liberty Bell it was pouring rain and we skipped waiting in the long line to see it. By 5PM our socks couldn't take on more water, and we trekked home.

Dinner was at a fun local pizza place with Andres, Kelly and Baby Gael. Despite being more of a small town guy, I do like that cool local neighborhood feel of walking to a local dinner. The architecture in Philly is so unique and historical it is just a pleasure to walk around and soak it in.
Mr Franklin and Ivy League
We never got to see Rocky, but we showed Novali clips from the movie because Friday we planned to climb the steps. We started the morning at the Franklin Institute, Novali got to make paper, do some physics experiments, we watched a cool fireworks demonstration and Novali even had the courage to ride their skybike!

Andres left work early and picked is up and we had a fun family afternoon. In West Philly we got more great Mexican food, and then took a tour of the Penn Campus. As you can tell Novali is a big Ben Franklin, she did a research project on him and has been interested in that history for a long time. So clearly here she was very excited to see all the ways he impacted the country and of course Philly.

Friday was chill, we got pizza, wings and stayed in for the night with the movie The Lorax. We did a lot of walking and needed some time to recharge and enjoy the company of family.
Rocky Steps
Saturday morning the Centellas boys ventured over to Wilmington, DE for a project at Andres' condo. He had a broken cabinet and we all took the adventure together. Gael tagged along for some moral support, and we got the project done quickly. We venture home and after breakfast we went to the row of boathouses, walked by the water plant and then of course... ran up the museum steps! It was funny how many boot camp and cross fit groups were up there... nice built in place to work out, and with the Rocky statue as inspiration I am sure a great place to be motivated.

So then we left Philly... Novali was sad to leave, as we never got to brave the long line at the Liberty Bell... but there is always next time! Then it was off for dinner in Pittsburgh and then Cleveland.
The Three Rivers
We had no real plans in Pittsburgh, just to stop, see the city and have dinner. We got lucky and few fun attractions jumped right out at us. In Philly Kelly had mentioned a trolly up a hill, well we got lost and ran right into the Duquesne Incline! It is an old trolly that goes almost straight up! Still functions, and just cost what a normal bus fare. Tip: be sure you have cash, I didn't and had to run to the truck and luckily had $7 in quarters which is what a round trip cost for us.

Also while lost in the city, we drove by an Inca Restaurant... so after the incline we went there! Well... it was closed, so of course my back up plan was, Google: Man vs Food Pittsburgh and less then two blocks away... Primanti Bros for sandwiches! Novali wasn't brave enough to try cole slaw on her sandwich, but she did try it fries on it. It was fun, fast, and then we walked Pittsburgh parks on the river to burn off some cals from sitting in the car... and off to Cleveland to our hotel.
Cleveland Rocks, Kinda
We stayed at the Historic Tudor Arms Hotel, now a Double Tree and enjoyed the cool unique building. We didn't have time for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but when we asked the hotel staff what else there is to do... they said, kinda nothing. Way to sell your town... they did mention botanical gardens, so we said lets do it! Well to our surprise it was a beautiful area with the art museum, botancial gardens, science museum and all by the cool college campuses. It was a great site!
On our way out of Cleveland we drove through and stopped quickly and the town center. Took some pics, walked the circle and enjoy our last break before making the last leg home...

It was a great time that Novali and I got to spend one on one... it was a busy summer that fly by and I hope we can continue to plan and find time for great trips like this again soon. To Andres, Kelly and Gael, it was a great visit and hope to come out again soon! Ciao! 

It was a fun trip! More photos can be found here: Facebook-Philly Trip