Special Events
The Art of Volunteering
Once again, the wonderful city of Austin has not let me down! I signed up to volunteer for an annual art show as a “floater,” which I prayed would not find me in the blazing Southern sun carrying a bunch of heavy shit. I got so lucky. The volunteer ahead of me was placed in … Continue reading
Marching Band Madness
One thing I love about Austin is that there’s seemingly a festival or three every week. This past Saturday, I actually caught one, which caters to marching bands. Although there were many local marching bands, some came as far away as Louisiana. I’d signed up to volunteer for four hours, explaining to people about local … Continue reading
Education Is a Right, Not Just for the Rich & White!
On Saturday, February 23rd, I woke up much earlier than I intended to because of my excitement to march in the Save Texas Schools event. So much of what makes teaching my high school science students a challenge occurs in the Capitol. Although there a multitude of issues surrounding public education, what I looked forward … Continue reading
Warrior Women
After three quick weeks of rehearsal, carnaval finally arrived in all its Bacchanalian glory! Although I’ve attended carnaval three previous years in a row as “security” with my capoeira group to protect the samba dancers and musicians from the crowd, this was the first time that I’ve been an integral part of the show. Seven of us … Continue reading
Hollywood BD Party
Once again, I had the wonderful occasion to dress up. I used my previous Halloween costume, which was the Black Angel. Since my friends were throwing a Hollywood-themed birthday party, my Black Angel costume magically transformed into a Lady Gaga costume, but once I walked through the VIP stage door entrance, people added to the … Continue reading
Not Doing It for the Money
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak out against something that has been one of my biggest challenges to educating my students here in Austin, the lethal effects of high-stakes testing. The Citizens United to Amend organized a rally in order to change the legislation that equated money with free speech and declared … Continue reading
Black Angel Halloween
For this month’s Austin Writers Roulette, I dressed up as the Angel of Redemption, which worked because I introduced myself as such and then read my short story, “Renouncing the Devil.” Yet, when I put on the same costume yesterday to celebrate Halloween, my favorite holiday, I just told people that I was a death … Continue reading
Spirit Week 2012
This is my favorite week of school: Spirit Week. Granted, I love celebrating Halloween; so this is almost the “warm up” to that. Monday was “Crazy Hair Day.” Most days, I fight with my hair to minimize its craziness. On this particular day, I upped the ante. Several Halloween celebrations ago when I still lived … Continue reading
Twice 21
Every birthday is special since I can measure where I was the previous year and where I currently am. It’s just amazing the things I’ve done and looking forward to doing since the last birthday. This time around, I scanned the paper and saw that one of my favorite Brazil bands was playing at a … Continue reading
Two Stars Are Born
Recently, an indy filmmaking friend of mine sent out a casting call for extras. I forwarded the email to my capoeira group, my professional writing group and my Austin PR list. Out of nearly 200 people, only one other person answered the call for yesterday’s shoot at the Republic Square farmers’ market. When I introduced … Continue reading