Author Archives: mathdreads
Pagode Birthday Party
One of my cousin’s roommates had the ultimate birthday party, mixing a crowd of capoeiristas, samba dancers and musicians, and pagode musicians and singers. I had the perfect gag gift: a partially-filled canister of pillow packs of lubricant. Every February, I get a donation of adult goodies from La Rouge for the Austin Writers Roulette. … Continue reading
Mom’s Potato Salad
I signed up to bring potato salad for a cooking meetup group. I was weary about this particular dish since it was based on my mother’s recipe. My mother is a wonderful cook, which is somewhat of a disadvantage for me. In the past, I’d tried to get recipes out of her. The most successful had … Continue reading
Dr. Seuss: Unorthodox Taxidermy
Although I’d attended many opening receptions at Art on 5th, I’d always appreciated their Dr. Seuss collection. Now, I had the opportunity to celebrate the man himself. This event highlighted the “taxidermy” collection, most of which has been a part of the gallery since I’d been visiting years ago. Even The Grinch looked pleased with how well … Continue reading
Designer Bulletin Boards
Thanks to another niece’s birthday, I gathered supplies to make a gift. Since she’s a freshman in college, I researched some DIY ideas and chose to make designer bulletin boards. For the first time ever, I used a spray adhesive and bought four 12″ x 18″ pieces of colorful fabric for less than $2 each. … Continue reading
Violet Crown Hike
I’d driven past this spot many times without once realizing there was a beautiful hike to be had. This part of the trail had been open since last August. How symbolic we all parked near a liquor store and walked over to the entrance since, after this hike, I was properly motivated for a drink! … Continue reading
Unconquered
The sincerest lie about love is that it conquers all. Moralistic, preachy fairy tales lied to little girls about romance and true love. The only tale, in retrospect, that gives a clue about modern romance isn’t a fairy tale. Tarzan stories illustrate what modern women have to look forward to in romance: bringing civilization and … Continue reading
Middle School Field Trip
Perhaps the highlight of tutoring math at a local middle school was the day I chaperoned the 6th graders on their field trip to the Austin Nature & Science Center and Zilker Park. One of the special ed teachers and I had a dirty dozen of students to keep track of while we toured ANSC. … Continue reading
Great Hills Hike
This marked my first outing with a new outdoorsy meetup group. I wanted to exercise my permanently injured ankle in a novel way; so I could strengthen it. I gave the park’s fitness area the evil eye as we walked past. I’ll run on a treadmill and lift free weights, but I want nothing to do … Continue reading
Carnaval 2016: Texas! A Horse Opera
Unexpectedly, one of my friends treated me to a night out–Carnaval 2016: Texas! A Horse Opera. As soon as we approached the front door to the venue, I saw my “cousin” and former capoeira teacher. Fortunately, a third of my closet is dedicated to costumes. We both went as the entrepreneurial women from “The Best … Continue reading
Bible Burial
Toward the end of my junior year of college, Mom had the brilliant idea that I transfer to a less expensive school since The University of NC at Chapel Hill, AKA “Carolina,” cost more than sending both of my sisters to ECU. There was no way in hell I was going to transfer to another … Continue reading