Run DMC

Miles @ Undivided in Hawaii

...was one of the first Hip Hop groups I loved as a kid (along with Beastie Boys). I think I must have been in first or second grade, listening to My Adidas & Walk this way. 20 + years later, Run aka Rev Run is still relevant as a father on MTV's Run House. Justin and I enjoy catching that show, finding his parenting skills fresh, endearing, and straight Hip Hop. He encourages his kids to pursue their dreams in music, fashion, etc. but of course--they are wealthy and have privileges that not the average American has. In any case, it's a great show because it shows a positive and strong, Black family in America, thriving--and also, you know--they're Hip Hop.

Why am I talking about Run DMC? For one thing, the 3 of them--each being equally important in the crew--remind me of Justin, Miles and I. Partly cause we are a set of 3, but also cause we are a crew--hence, Cadabes Crew. Two, we are raising Miles, Hip Hop. And I'm not talking about the stereotypical culture portrayed by most mainstream media-but I'm talking about cultural elements & principles of Hip Hop that are important: "Each one teach one", "Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun," Finding your niche and doing you...those are some of the things that come into our parenting style. Anyway, I'm also just missing our 3rd member right now, terribly and synchronicity keeps happening, reminding me of our lil Cadabes Crew (which I'm so thankful for, I love my guys!!), including this--finding a new thing to follow daily online, Rev Run's twitter!

Now, I'm not on twitter, but I've always wanted to get Run's daily texts that he usually does at the end of his show, reflecting on the day's lessons. They are always uplifting and something we can think about in our everyday normal lives. They are straight to the point (but I guess that's what twittering is about?) and also effective. Yesterday, I was a bit melancholy, missing my boy Miles and happened to stumble onto one of Rev Run's daily insights, "What type of day you have is up to you.. YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHAT TYPE OF DAY YOU’LL HAVE! believe dat!" So instead of moping around, I got myself up and decided, "Hell yes, I'm gonna have a good day!" And so it was...a very good day. No matter what we go through, with all the ups and downs, there is always something positive to reflect on. Why choose to dwell in the negative? Let me keep it moving...

Miles is my little Rev Run. He schools me on life, in the most simplest ways. One day, I was a bit annoyed having to clean up (during Finals week=stress) a big mess. I didn't say anything out loud but my facial expression must have said it all. Miles goes up to me and says, "Mommy, are you mad?" And I told him, "No, I'm just feeling a bit stressed, thank you for asking." And he responds with, so matter-of-factly, "Well, Life is too short to be stressed! Come play with me!" And like that, my mood changed and I joined in on his role-playing fun and voila! I have to remember that he's 3 years old--which is also why he amazes me with his understanding of life in general already. The other day, mom aka gramma told Justin what Miles said to her, "I want to be a kid in my next life. It's so much fun!" And there you go...wise with age (or wise with many lives lived!). I love you Miles....


Hanging out with gramma & Aunty Theresa