Holidays

I normally reflect about the many reasons I love, honor and respect my dad on Father’s Day. Yet today, amid all the recent controversy surrounding race relations, I feel compelled to incorporate one of Dad’s life lessons into this year’s Father’s Day tribute. After many weeks of thunderstorms, usually on a Friday afternoon, the only time in my busy schedule … Continue reading »

Men, are you facing yet another Valentine’s Day bad date? Can’t bear another year of giving the cliché gifts of assorted chocolates, a bouquet of flowers and reservations at some crowded expensive restaurant? This year, do you want to do something unconventional and guaranteed to get your woman interested in having lots of sex months … Continue reading »

I find celebrating MLK Day to be just another day in my life. Since graduating from college in 1992, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching math and science to mostly nonwhite populations, starting with my Peace Corps assignment in Tanzania. Additionally, I read books about African American history, current events and participate in African diaspora culture throughout … Continue reading »

I boldly limped into you With the ambition to end a few things… My second novel My horrible job My insomnia My doubts I painted novel scenes Climbed Machu Picchu Worked from home Worked out of my comfort zone Derailed my train of thought Blurred my lines Dangled my participles Argued against Oxford commas Obeyed … Continue reading »

Back in June, I visited Peru and bought everyone in my family a pair of alpaca socks for Christmas. As thrifty as I am, I knew simply giving everyone a pair of socks was a little lean. Yet, buying for 9 people adds up very quickly. I’m not sure when I got the brilliant idea … Continue reading »

Every Thanksgiving since I’ve lived in this fine town of Austin, there’s been a “fun” run.  Actually, people around here find any reason to run–rain, shine, or sleet! So, I left for yoga a few minutes earlier than usual for the inevitable traffic delay. Other than a clueless runner disregarding the crosswalk sign at an intersection … Continue reading »

This year, my inexpensive costume was the iconic Cleopatra. I meant to kill two birds with one stone by ordering a Bloody Mary to continue my research. Yet the bar was “provisional,” meaning they only stocked the commonly ordered drinks.  The three radio hosts dressed as neon trees–the headlining band for the evening. They got the … Continue reading »

Here are the greatest gifts Dad has given me, through the example of how he has lived his life: Love and support your family Honor your commitments to God, family, friends and country Fill your life with laughter Travel to new places Find the humor in things, especially when sad Read, study and dream to … Continue reading »

This spring break is not just a vacation. It’s a reprieve from an externally structured schedule. As a quintessential Virgo, I’ll always operate on a schedule, but for the next nine days, it’ll be of my own design.  What a tease! Calling my own shots while pursuing happiness. Funny how there’s no problem getting out … Continue reading »