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One Thousand Words To Infinity & Beyond

4/12/2024

 
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In 2012, Eddie Murphy starred in a film called “A Thousand Words.” In the movie his name was “Jack.” I thought it was a pretty good movie because I appreciated the simple plot that every word Jack spoke, a leaf would fall off of a mythical Bodhi tree that only had 1,000 leaves.

This past November, I celebrated a birthday that told me I had less than 4,000 days left on the planet, or approximately 12 years around the sun if I reached my life expectancy as a man of African Ancestry in America. I remember counting up to 2,000 before, it was hard to focus but I did it, and that experience made me realize 4,000 days wasn't that much time. While in my 20s, 30s, and 40s it wasn't. Today, it is my reality. 

And then I thought - what if I could live an infinite life, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally fit under the condition that I could only say 1,000 words a day, everyday, forever? And every word counted, one letter words, two letter words, slang, words like “ouch” and “oh” would count as well. No exceptions. 

In a day there are 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. I couldn't even say a word a minute. If I slept 8 hours, there would be only 16 hours, 960 minutes, 57,600 seconds. I could say at least one word per minute, unless I spoke out loud in my sleep. 

As of the day of this writing, my wife, 2 kids, mom, sister, dog, and many of my childhood friends are still on the planet and drivers of my purpose for being. On a daily basis, I speak to my wife about her day. My mom is 81 and I call her more and more knowing one day, I won't have that option. My kids have finished high school and just beginning to figure out how to launch. My sister and I connect every few days and have started going to old school hip hop concerts together and I sing almost every word to every song. I have more than 2 years on my current term as a school board member and contemplating running again in 2026 to ensure educational leadership continuity in the place that raised me. I currently have a role in developing California School Boards Association curriculum for student board members, new school board members, and board presidents across the state. I pray in whispers and sometimes out loud at different times of the day. I mentor young people every chance I get. Wow!

Could I figure out how to keep it all? What would I say? When would I say it? To whom would I say it? What would I give up? Who would I give up? Could I use a gadget that could read my mind and say the words for me? Could I just write or use sign language? Would I want to live with only having the ability to say 1,000 words per day? 

So many things to consider for this opportunity! So much reflection on the times when I talk too much, or talk to myself when I'm alone, or singing in my car or when I would get into a deep conversation with others that inspires me.

What would you do if you had the opportunity to use a 1,000 words to infinity and beyond?


Chris Norwood,
MUSD Senior Board Member
2020 State Board Member of the Year


    Chris Norwood

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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
      • Summer Intern Insights Blog 2024
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Awards & Honors
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E and Q Parcel Tax
    • 2024 Parcel Tax
    • Measure E Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Steps to Resolve a Concern
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • LCAP
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • Find Your School
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Handbooks
    • World Languages Program >
      • World Languages Program
      • Dual Immersion Program
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Educator Workforce Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Staff Training
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Staff Resources
    • Organizational Charts
  • SCHOOLS
    • Summer Programs
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas >
        • MHS Extension at MUSD Innovation Campus
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
    • Graduations & Promotions
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AAPID+ Connections
    • Black Excellence Collective (BEC)
    • Attendance >
      • Showing Up Matters!
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign >
      • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Campaign Donation
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Let's Chat
  • Immigration Support
  • MUSD Apparel Store!