Having a Voice

If I were a women living in Saudi Arabia this blog may not have been possible. Or a young black man growing up in Philadelphia who was marginalized before he had the chance to grow, this blog may not have been possible. 

It is because of these reasons, and many others, that I am grateful for my voice. I am able to articulate my opinions, however grammatically incorrect.

Although the concept behind this blog may not change policy or be a starting point for new waves of advocacy, it pains me to know there are people who will never have the ability or opportunity to record there thoughts, no matter how inconsequential or silly. I believe it is these people, the people who we call the least, that have the most to teach us. They are the people I yearn to hear.  

 

Left Handedness

Not that I had any control of this one but I really do enjoy being left handed. 

I use it as an excuse for my poor handwriting and I also remind people that a majority of our President's have been lefties. 

17 East Delaware Avenue

This little place has been a second home to me and the rest of the Hoffman family for over 20 years.

Located on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, this house holds a monumental number of memories. From barbecues to Grandpa in a sombrero, boogie board lessons to massive amounts of crumb cake, and loud games of speed Scrabble to louder games of Taboo.

I am so grateful that my parent's and a number of my mother's siblings made this investment. An investment that has been the foundation for many of my relationships with my Hoffman Aunt's, Uncle's, Cousin's, and all the other folks who have come around over the years.    

Lots of People Dancing

If you were unaware, I have absolutely no rhythm. This may be way I love watching people dance. I usually avoid joining in, but I do love watching!

To that end, check this video out!

Four Way Stops

I never thought I would be grateful for an intersection with four stop signs on each corner, but after spending a day in a city that does not place more than two stop signs on a given corner, I am longing to return to the safety of a stop sign on each corner.

Inflatable Fun

Just one example of inflatable fun!

I have long appreciated toys for adults and yesterday in the main quad of my sister's campus there were a number of inflatable games scattered about. 

These big toys are great reminder to have fun!!

The one above is also nice for settling childhood scores. I won't say who won, possibly because I lost. 

Lack of cell phones

Today I had the opportunity to visit the art museum with some pretty cool people. While in the museum and then afterwords on Kelly drive not one of used our cellular device.

It was refreshing. It is very easy to become used to only having people half listen or finding myself only listening half of the time.

Today I felt a renewed appreciation in having conversations with the folks you are with. Yes there may be moments of silence but why does silence need to filled with text messages and Facebook checking?

Along with this appreciation I realized that I will remember the conversations I had today. How often can you say that about checking your Facebook or sending a text?

I want to challenge myself, and the two of you reading this, to make an attempt to really be with the people you are with. I guarantee you will get much more than expected in return, and if not what did you lose?

Glasses

Glasses = win

They make me look at whole lot more intelligent and I can see faces/buildings/large flying objects.

Even if they are usually a bit crooked 

Smiling

Smiling? The photos above are from Project Haiti's first and most recent trip. I was not able to attend but I have loved hearing all about my fellow group member's experiences.

One of the things I have enjoyed most are the pictures of the children. They are beautiful. Their faces remind me that there is always a reason to smile!

Pears

They may not travel well, however they do stain comforters well.

No matter the case pears are lovely. They have soft skin, they smell nice, and their refreshing taste is great!

J&H Brunch

It's not really about the food.

The main dining establishment at Temple may not be trying to win Top Chef but where else can you eat two donuts, sip a glass of chocolate milk, and still take a bagel, or six, for the road? Only at J&H.