Author Archives: mathdreads
Vagina Monologues 2016
The last time I had to memorize lines for a stage production was nearly 15 years ago–around the same time I’d seen “Vagina Monologues” in Denver. I’d just barely found out about the auditions the night before they occurred. Despite being the last one to find out. I was among the first to audition since … Continue reading
Braided & Knotted T-Shirt Necklace
Continuing my gift-making quest, the latest effort involved transforming an old, colorful T-shirt into a gift for one of my nieces. I unfortunately have the habit of overthinking some simple things. I won’t even divulge how long I contemplated the best way to make the initial cut. Seems pretty straightforward, but I like to visualize things … Continue reading
How I Spent My Last Day at Work
Last year, I began teaching Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes in the evening, Monday through Thursday on January 5th. At the time, my nonprofit employer had just merged with an alternative, year-long adult education center. As a result, my first day ended with a champagne toast. Of course, this had nothing to do with the … Continue reading
Engaged
Have you noticed the spring in my step, the blush on my cheeks, the joy in my eyes? Why yes, I’m happier than I’ve ever been because I’ve recently got engaged. Fully engaged in my life, that is. Previously, I was just busy. I’ve always been a super organized person, making lists, grouping errands and … Continue reading
Teaching: A Leap Forward
I nearly jumped outta my skin when a friend told me how lucky I was to have teaching as my “fall back career.” I wished I could’ve traveled through the cell phone to cuss her out in person. She’d caught me off guard, sliding that insult disguised as a compliment into our otherwise friendly, yearly … Continue reading
Before I Learned
Before I learned sex positions were named for what’s done to a woman, I knew women weren’t created to be passive recipients. Before I learned oral sex was sex, I knew it should be reciprocated. Before I learned most of a man’s fascination with his own penis was the fact he could see it, I … Continue reading
Star Wars Fine Arts Reception
I wasn’t part of the hoopla of moviegoers for Star Wars, but I jumped on the opportunity to attend a Star Wars fine arts opening. This art gallery swooped up two of the officially-commissioned Star Wars artists for this event and, most important, invited attendees to dress up. Oh, boy! I shopped at my favorite … Continue reading
NYE 2015
This marked the first New Year’s Eve where I attended a birthday party at the start of my celebration. I’d lived in Austin for 6 years, passing the chain seafood restaurant as I fetched myself to and from yoga, never once stopping in until NYE 2015. I enjoyed the small group of poets gathered as … Continue reading
Christmas 2015
One of my Christmas gifts to myself was a pair of polarized, no-line bifocals. After looking at all the female frames, I wandered over to the male section and found an attractive, cheaper frame, which didn’t have a bunch of fake jewels or girlie bling along the temples. I’d previously worried if I’d walked away … Continue reading
Ch. 24: Celebrate!
How appropriate the last painting in this series shows the twins celebrating their newly heightened enlightenment. I feel the same way since I’ve learned a tremendous amount about painting and I’m ecstatic to have completed just in the nick of time–the weather turned very windy and cold the next day after I put the last … Continue reading