Here’s a recap of my February 2024. Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world.
February Recap
Can you believe the temperatures got up to 90 in Austin this month? A big swing from winter but also a very welcome change to warmer temperatures. I wouldn’t say I love the sweltering Texas heat but I live for the sunshine. Vitamin D has a big impact on mood!
Quick things:
- I went back to the Museum of Ice Cream this month. It’s a fun spot at the Domain with immersive photo installations and ice cream tastings.
- This was my third month working out at least 12 times. It’s been an interesting experiment of pushing myself, staying disciplined, and figuring out the most effective routines and exercises. It’s an ongoing challenge this year.
- I celebrated the Lunar New Year this year, and it usually gives me mixed feelings of pride and sadness. You can see some of the backstory in this post. I love that young Asian kids can celebrate their culture and that non-Asians can learn about and experience the festivities.
- I took a baking class and a cooking class this month, learning how to make croissants and gnocchi. See this post about Prickly Pear Cooking Classes and this post about cooking classes in Austin.
Where to Donate
For any items you don’t want anymore, I typically give it away in my Buy Nothing group. But I recently learned about Heartening, an Austin project that shares where you can donate specific items. It lists the local nonprofits needing items. This is a great option instead of donating to Goodwill or trashing your items.
The Mountains Sing
One of my favorite books I’ve read recently is The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai. It is a heart-wrenching, multigenerational tale about the fictional Tran family and their life in Vietnam. This quote from the book is a main theme:
“Human lives were short and fragile. Time and illnesses consumed us, like flames burning away these pieces of wood. But it didn’t matter how long or short we lived. It mattered more how much light we were able to shed on those we loved and how many people we touched with our compassion.”
How Much Money Do You Have?
This article questions: “Is having a lot of money really something we should be proud of?” This conversation is very nuanced and based on each person’s experiences. I believe people should support others with excess money, but it can be hard to understand how much is excess.
Dr. Ruth Gottesman
Do you know the name Dr Ruth Gottesman? Many people do now. She inherited her late husband’s $3 billion fortune and recently made the news by donating $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The tuition is typically $60,000 a year and now tuition will be free. Wow! Can you imagine how the world would be different with more generosity like this?
Vintage in Austin
Where are my vintage lovers? Do you know the difference between vintage and thrift? This article lays it out for you. This website also has a handy list of vintage shops in Austin.
How to Live
“I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.” – Joan Didion
New Blog Posts Here
Did you miss any of the 7 posts this month? I’ve linked them here:
- Best Chocolate Shops in Austin
- Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party Itinerary
- Where to Eat Noodles in Austin
- Japan Travel Guide + 2 Week Itinerary
- Ultimate Austin Bachelorette Party or Girls Weekend Guide
- How The Prickly Pear Cooking Classes in Austin Teaches You to Cook Confidently
- Best Places for Creative Classes in Austin
5 Things I Love Lately
- This local cold-pressed juice company – Stoke Juice
- My body – I’m thankful to be healthy and strong
- Warmer spring weather
- HEB Peach Guava Sparkling Water
- Souffle Cake by local baker @TheInterruptedBaker
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