Genoba's Graduation - walking across stage

You almost got me!

This blog is dedicated to Steve's Tire & Auto.

A few weeks ago, I went to Steve's Tire & Auto to get my car inspected.  I like going there because it's a small business, so I feel I'm getting better service and not being "sold" something.  The inspection was quick as usual.  The mechanic--or whatever his title is--told me that I needed new tires and that I could get a whole set for $325.  Since I drive many miles on the interstate each day, I asked how much longer I had with the current tires.  I specifically asked, "Months?  Weeks?" and his reply was "I would do something real soon."

Being that I didn't have $325 to give up for tires, I continued to drive my car as it was and just hoped and prayed that my tires would hold out until school closed.  In my mind, I believed my tires were practically no good.  So, my car didn't seem to be driving the same, the handling wasn't all that good, and I was terrified at the thought of rain or a thunderstorm and me having to drive with my awful tires.

Well, a few days ago one of my uncles stopped by to see my mom.  I asked him about tire places and prices.  He took a look at my tires and said that the back tires looked practically new.  I told him that in the 4 years I've had the car I never had the tires rotated.  He said that I could probably rotate the front and back tires or maybe replace the front.  Either way, he said I was okay to drive my car with the tires I have. 

I consider myself to be a loyal customer.  If I patronize a business it's because I believe I'm getting the best service.  I don't like to be deceived.  I'm not sure if I will discontinue business with Steve's Tire & Auto, but I am definitely disappointed.  Do I look like I have $325 to throw away?  I think not!

"I Refuse to be Another Black Statistic" by Kerrion Franklin

This poem was read at church today during the Children's Day program.  I refuse too.

I refuse to be another black statistic
A black man who can wine and dine in the sin of the world and still be considered a Christian
I plan on being great
I care not to be less
I refuse to wear a barcode across my chest
I refuse to let a black tee or throwback jersey define me
I refuse to let my children witness divorce
Or make mature decisions in court
I refuse to grow up carrying the generational curse
I refuse to feel the need to curse in my verse
I hate being automatically looked at when someone asks can anyone rap
I wanna be a black man that can flip it from urban to corporate measures
A black man who doesn't gain knowledge from the world for his own pleasures
A black man who reps Christ to the fullest with no regrets
My only regret is the stigma that many black statistics in the past have set
Like going to jail, bragging about bail, leaving our kids, cussing at church,
married and you still flirt, no father present at birth
Animosity within the ministers of our church
I refuse to let my people be viewed as temporary
I plan on planting a seed not for the moment but for one thats legendary
As for statistics
My father broke the mode
And I feel its my job for the next generation to continue in it
Because I refuse to be another black statistic

Is it okay to start counting down now?

I am nearing the close of another school year--a challenging, Jesus keep me near the cross school year.  I have survived only by praying and by not being anxious.  I had to stay calm (try to stay calm) and take it one day at a time.  I'm not sure how well I did being that I ended up on blood pressure medication not long after school began.

There are only two weeks left.  Four and 1/2 days this week and two full days and two half days next week.  Great, right?  Well, my students have learned everything from the curriculum and taken their SOL test for my class.  Honestly, there is nothing else that they must do.  They are ready to quit and just relax.  But, here's the thing.  I can't let them do nothing because you know where idleness leads.

There's a poetry project that needs to get finished and some high school registration stuff to get done.  Maybe I'll take some games to school.  I have Monopoly, Scrabble, and I think something else.  I used to have UNO but Emmai has pretty much destroyed/lost all the cards.  Monopoly I may not let the kids play due to the dice.

I have a few days left that I could take off.  I'm debating if I'm gonna be a trooper and come to school everyday or sneak in a break somewhere.  I guess I'll wait to see how the week goes.  I can do it though.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Okay.

Have a great work week folks!