Author Archives: mathdreads
2023 St. Patrick’s Day
For one day a year, many people in the US celebrate Irishness, even if the religious basis of the observation should give one a moment of pause. Besides, we Baptists weren’t exactly a part of the conflict. Nonetheless, I seized on the opportunity to hang out with a friend at an Irish restaurant where neither … Continue reading
Didn’t Congress End This?
I distinctly remember around this time last year, Congress made a lot of noise about ending Daylight Savings. They cited many reasons why it was no longer needed and even dangerous to continue the tradition of “springing forward” an hour, which robs us of an hour of sleep. Not to mention those of us who … Continue reading
Questions for Dilbert
Once again, a privileged white man, who made his riches in one narrow area, comic stripping, now feels qualified to rant from his ivory tower. Based on the so-called results of a facile-worded poll question, “Is it OK to be white?” Dilbert creator claimed that that convinced him white people should live apart from black … Continue reading
Black History Dance Celebration
When one of my cousins invited us to an event as part of a monthlong black history celebration, several of us had different ideas about what it would be: a potluck, a dance, a play, or some other presentation. I knew for sure that it was a potluck because, once again, Mom had been requested … Continue reading
Federal Refund?
I knew it was a check before I opened the envelope. Peeking from behind the window, which revealed my name and address, was the telltale “check” paper. I tore open the envelope, noted the check amount and dreamed of what I could do with the money. I set it aside to eat dinner. As the … Continue reading
Auntie’s Surprise 80th BD Party
I’m always apprehensive to attend a surprise birthday party for an older person. I remember that scene in the movie, “Get Shorty,” where the surprised birthday person has a heart attack. I’d hate to be associated with such an unfortunate event, but my extended family has been smart. We lie to the unsuspecting birthday person … Continue reading
Motivating Factor
Edible Incentive In a workshop about developing my own personal brand, the presenter stated that a branding statement consisted of three P’s: portable skills (What do I do well?), previous experience (What is my greatest strength/accomplishment?), and personal passion (What would I like to do and why?) After writing my personal brand, I was about … Continue reading
Shedding the Old Skin
Some view decluttering as embarrassing proof that your home, car, garage, or whatever space where you regularly dwell within is “junky.” I view it as an opportunity to transform the space into something more in alignment with how the space is used. The latest work-in-progress is the den. Although everyone loves propping their feet up, … Continue reading
Sisterly Dinner Collab
I’d planned to make vegetarian enchiladas since my sister was following a red meat fast. Turned out, the cauliflower salad she’d prepared contained bacon. That bacon grease would have been sequestered in a jar had I not rescued some of it. Instead of using vegetable oil to make the enchilada sauce, I used bacon grease … Continue reading
My Dapper Uncle’s Homegoing
Rest In Power, Uncle Floyd On Thanksgiving Day 2022, I had the pleasure to interview Uncle Floyd for an episode of Strange Family Folklore called, “Killing Santa Claus & Other Cascade Childhood Memories.” At the time, I knew what a blessing Uncle Floyd’s good spirits were. At 93, Uncle Floyd had reoccurring health conditions that … Continue reading