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...

Facebook (Like it please!)
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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

IN LOVE, AT LOVE

It's been a weird year for love. All the media around marriage equality, hate crimes, terrorism, and everything else evil in the world we don't get to read much about love in the world. The Beatles said it best, all we need is love.

Luckily I can say that its not something lacking at home. Maybe more people need to talk about it, and I should probably talk about it more often. Today was prompted by an anniversary, so maybe later I need to remember to write more about it for no reason at all.

I am spending today on the road. Daddy Daughter Roadtrip with Novali and I know Heather understands, cause she loves me. Before we left, I made sure we had things ready for her to be at home with the Tazmania Cruz on her own, cause I LOVE her. Laundry, dishes, lawn, swept the floor, and of course left her some flowers.

I wanted to write something really philosophical, or maybe all sentimental and make people cry about LOVE and our marriage. However, we aren't what people would call the traditional American Love Story that someone would write a bool about. We met nearly ten years ago in college, for some reason she was attracted to a guy that went bowling for bar stools at BFE on his 25th Birthday. She was interested in a guy who made his school and daughter a priority above all else. LOVE isn't about being the center of attention, its about being a part of something that means more to you than attention.

Five years ago we made the decision to get married and buy a house. Whoa... new town, new jobs, and the whole house hunting thing. Talk about stress on a relationship, it wasn't long walks on the beach and waking up to the sunrise everyday. It was LOVE though, we took on challenges, learned new things together and started a home here in South Bend, together.

Being married has also been a challenge, but one that with LOVE we tackle together. Maybe the problem with marriage these days if people think it is supposed to be an idealized version from a made for TV Movie. It's not, its nights when I am out of town and Heather has to be a single mom for a few nights. Its nights when I sleep in another bed cause a man name Cruz is in my bed all sideways. It's days when we don't have enough money to do the things we want to do for ourselves, cause we are busy doing something for someone else that we LOVE.

Maybe part of the problem with the world, and with the word LOVE lately is that people have forgotten what it means? I looked up the definition, yeah cheesy. Much of the definition centered around the words desire and affection, marriage and of course required familiar ties. That's not LOVE, thats either lust or where you were born. LOVE is a feeling, it is created and nurtured. Here is the only one that I think related to marriage:

"unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another"

Look up unselfish, look up benevolent, and concern... all great words. And then interestingly, an unrelated one, and last of the definitions, something people might not consider tied to the feeling of love is: 

"a score of zero (as in tennis)"

So maybe LOVE is just that... Being unselfish, and keeping the score zero.  Could it be that easy? I have always said that sometimes the most simple answers are staring you right in the face. So happy anniversary. 

IN LOVE, AT LOVE. 
 

Mountain Out of a Breezeway

About a month ago Heather said, "Lets paint the breezeway"... unwittingly I said okay. I assumed that meant we paint the walls, redecorate it a little, new basket for Cruz's crap, hook for Novali to hang an umbrella for when she walks to the Library...

Then my OCD perfectionist eye and Heather's uncanny ability to not make firm decisions took over and it was a cocktail of Menards spending and elbow grease not seen since we did Cruz's room nearly three years ago (wow, time flies). 

BEFORE
Well it was boring, like most of the house when we bought it there was a fresh white wash on the walls. Which while not exciting, was clean and didn't put us in a rush to paint. I sometimes wish the house had been weird colors that forced a quick rehab of the walls. It had a dull green floor, which over five years had chipped. I threw up a quick kitchen rack to hold our junk, and we used some existing hooks and I added a few for hanging items.
THE WORK
Well... one thing led to another as is often the case. The colors we bought didn't match, back to the store. The floor during prep completed peeled... five layers of paint later and a worn away wire brush... floor was ready. When prepping doors the trim started coming apart... so decided to replace it... our breezeway door, a custom arched window pane door needed more work that I could do... so a couple simple repairs for now should hold for a couple years until I can build a new custom one. WHEW...
THE BENCH
Heather wanted shelves and a bench... I took the chance for us to make something custom real pine stuff instead of cheap laminate. Novali and I made a fun project out of it!
Blog: Daddy Daughter DIY Bench

AFTER
Well here it is... this past weekend Heather finished picking items to finish the project. The colors turned out well and it's more fun than white on white on green. Novali had fun on the bench. Heather didn't have fun getting hassled by me... and technically she isn't "done" decorating, but I am wrapping up my part and considering it done.
Now we have a more welcoming entrance (we don't use our front door) to our home and Cruz loves the bench he calls "Nini Bench". He sits on it most mornings before running and jumping into "Papi Truck" to head off for his busy day.

These are just a few photos, more are posted on Facebook HERE.

Whoa, Ten Years? Really?

I was working on another draft blog and happened to notice... it was ten years that I started this blog.

I don't have anything to write except WOW. That is a lot of me rambling on random things, talking about new jobs, my kids, complaining about the Betas, Open Complaint Letters to companies and lots and lots of posts about car projects. When I started my blog I was in the process of finishing up my project on my 1991 NX 2000. TEAM PLP!

Ten Years ago this was my post: Good Race Day and Mexican Food for Team PLP

Yeah I have been on memory lane lately... if you read my post yesterday about going to Iowa City... that was the summer before I started my blog. So I went and looked back at what I blogged about five years ago and nearly exactly five years ago I posted: It's Official

My blog the past five years has been slower than it used to be, but the post have gotten more important. New jobs, new baby boy, new house, new jobs...

So I guess here goes SALUD! To another ten years of blogging, and more big announcements, more photos, and probably more posts about my car not running... Ciao!

Beta Homeland Reflections

Its been two years since I was in Iowa City... I remember it was when Cruz was just a little man and we made it a family trip to Iowa. This trip I Facetimed with him in front of the Danforth Chapel, the site were our fraternity was founded. What was funny is that when we facetimed, in the background was the picture in our living room of the Danforth. Coincidence, I think not...maybe it was fate.

Cruz and I on Facetime

I have been in transition with the fraternity. It is now over a year that I have been the "Immediate Past National President". During this period I have been trying hard to stay out of conversations about what direction the fraternity has taken since I left. This year was the first year in nearly ten years that I didn't attend our summer leadership program... it hurt my heart not attend but I wanted to be sure I am giving space to the new board.

I am involved with the Sigma Lambda Beta Education Foundation and serve as a member of the Board of Trustees. It has been a role I also served on while on the fraternity's board, but now I can dedicate more time to the projects. I helped design and launch our new L.I.F.T. (Leadership Institute For Tomorrows Leaders) Endowment.The hope would be that someday, we have enough money that all our members could attend for FREE... lofty goal, but important goals are never easy.

Not normally a tank top guy... but no AC made me do it.

It was a good weekend... the weather was nice, and it was great Brothers coming together for our cause. I had some challenges on the trip... my AC recently went out in my Element... so it was to be a long hot ride. Then a big rock cracked my windshield... nothing was going to stop me from having a good Beta weekend. Shot out to Safelite and Liberty Mutual for getting it fixed for me while I was in Iowa!

I always get nostalgic or in Beta terms we call it "Neo Fever" when we feel like a brand new member all excited about all the little things in Iowa City. I took my nice camera for some shots around of the trip. I will get an album up soon when I get time. The chapel were our founders met, the campus and halls they walked when creating an organization that has now touched so many lives.

Like a Neo I popped my TeeKee on when I arrived!

I think this trip was important for me, a chance to talk fraternal business with long time friends and Brothers. It was a time to know what I am doing is making a difference, and a chance more importantly to refuel and engage again in this new phase of my volunteer involvement. It was good timing as Eddie Diaz a long time staff member is leaving the team and we had a little shin dig for him... what happens in Iowa City... stays mostly on Twitter but some just stays in the 319.

My TeeKee had never been to the Danforth.. there she is back home.

On that note... if any of you would love to give to a great cause... Our new LIFT Endowment was created to try and give more of our members an opportunity to attend out Leadership Institute. Right now cost is restrictive, and you could help... click here, make a profile or use your current one and make a gift.... L.I.F.T.

Mary Peterson on her famous porch...

Thank you Iowa City, thank you Mary Peterson, thank you fellow staff and other trustees... it was a great weekend. I needed that for this old Beta Soul.  Peace. /\B.

Daddy Daughter DIY Bench

If you didn't know, Novali and I like working on projects together. I think I have posted on here about the many projects that we do together. Well lately we have been working on a big project of redoing our breezeway. Heather wanted it painted, and new shelves, and maybe a bench... so I jumped at the opportunity to make a bench instead of buy one.

We embarked on the project, and started shopping for wood and ideas. We always try to find clever ways to use items and do something unorthodox, and save money along the way.

Well our first find was the wood to use... our main wood pieces for the shelves and top and bottom of the bench... pine stair treads. They were a good width, bull nosed, and only $7 each. The pine is soft, but these will be decorative shelves so not worried about them, and the bench will get some wear and tear, but it is a small bench for the kids so it will be fine. We spent another $20 on some trim pieces, pine board for shelves inside the bench and a fiberboard backing to finish the rear. Then we used some oval end caps for stairs to cut in half for feet... In total, with shelves, the wood came to just about $50.

Selecting the best boards for our project.

Novali and I set about designing it. How high would we make it? How many shelves? We looked online at bench height, but wanted a little shorter for Cruz. We tested the height of a step stool he uses and ended on that number. Novali did the math, ideal height, minus thickness of top and bottom, height of feet... bam size of the side and support sections. I like finding ways for her to use math in the real world...

What, you can use math in the real world?

Our custom feet...

Measure twice, cut once... well sometimes cut twice still

Sanding and more sanding.

The hard work thought was in the sanding and staining. We got some Minwax stain, so tack another $15 on the project, but a few bucks for a bag of foam brushes and we were off and rolling. Novali was good at the stain process, got less drips than I did on my side. It took a lot of coats to get the color we wanted, but it helped us develop a nice surface as we steel wooled it in between coats and got it looking really nice.

Starting to stain...

Layer after layer to get it darker...

We wanted a dark rich color...

Novali was a trooper, and even when I could tell she was tired of steel wool, or one more coat of stain (we did 4) she powered through. Here she is proud of our latest DIY, a bench and shelves for under $75 made of solid wood and loved with some elbow grease.

Our DIY Bench.

It was a fun summer project... we wrapped it up a couple weeks ago... yes luckily before the heat hit! I am finally around to posting pics. We just need to finish up the rest of the breezeway and I will post those photos.