And The Force Has Been Within Us All Along: #Family2015 @LBility @Cc1airlines @AbuBility

I returned to my home planet for the holidays and to the Mall where I worked all throughout high school. That location funded my college life  (all those hours, all those weekends, all those holidays and all the jobs selling shoes and cleaning bathrooms at Sibley's and Kaufman's). That mall was the foundation from which I leaped and it is sad to see it so dead now. It's almost vacant.

Now, 25 years later, I returned to Great Northern to see The Force Awakens with my CNY posse (a second screening). Missing were mom, dad, and Cynde, but they were their in spirit and heart (I wish they came, too).

Sitting next to Jacob during the film I got a Star Wars joke, "How do Storm Troopers say goodbye to Darth Vader?" I gave up. Later Vader. I also got, "Guess what time it is?" "1:30." "Guess what time it is now?" "1:33." "Guess now." "It's 1:36." He then asked me if Chitunga knew he looks like Finn. I said, "I'm wondering the same thing. Why don't you ask him." He then sees Chewbacca and says, "Which one of us plays him? I bet it's Abu." I couldn't help but laugh.

I was excited to introduce the Star Wars series to the twins, Chitunga, and my nephews. Dylan and Mike weren't impressed, but I think the others are sold. I'm happy to hear Sean wants to watch all the films and that Abu plans to binge watch to catch up. Being a Star Wars nerd allows for better conversations with other nerds. From it, we can address the force, its metaphors, the Republic, and the idea of the Dark Side. I love the films, and enjoyed this one even more in the company of family.

The entire ride back to Connecticut I kept thinking about the movie. It is a really easy concept, actually - the force is love and doing what is right by energy, the universe, and the narratives that comes one way.

Three decades ago when the first Star Wars came, who would have thought that there'd be an opportunity in time to revisit the childhood classic with the entourage I have now. I channeled all toys and the R2D2 lamp my mom made me (and wish I still had them with me today).

And then there's more jokes These are for Jacob Charles to add to his collection:

Why is Yoda such a good gardener?
Because he has a green thumb.

What's a Jedi's favorite toy?
A Yo-yo-da

What side of an Ewok has the most hair?
The outside.

What do you call Storm Troopers playing Monopoly?
Game of Clones.

What do you call potatoes that have turned to the Dark Side?
Vader Tots.

Why does Leia wear buns in hair?
In case she gets hungry waiting for her son to leave the Dark Side.

Finally,

What do you call Chewbacca when he gets chocolate stuck in his hair?
A chocolate chip Wookie!

We are the Force, especially when united in support and dedication to one another. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU (and with us....for a very long time).