First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Standing on the Sidelines

My sweet next-door neighbor invited me to a party this weekend to celebrate his son’s first birthday. It’s at a park nearby, so I thought I’d walk over with my dog, for a very brief hello. When I RSVP’d, “I’ll drop by,” my neighbor pressed me to stay and make an afternoon of it. It would be rude to say no. So I’m guessing it’ll be a crowd of parents with their toddlers, the balloon-maker, then me, clinging to the perimeter.

Image: Tetrarch, 2009, Christopher Bucklow. At Danziger Projects through October 23.

Has the Social Network Made Dating Easier?

Last night, I saw an advance screening of The Social Network, the gripping, must-see (and see again) movie about the origins of Facebook. (You can bet on the fast-paced, brilliant screenplay by Aaron Sorkin to win an Oscar.) Social networking isn’t a new idea. On this exact day, 350 years ago, a British entrepreneur established the “Office of Addresses and Encounters,” which was a rudimentary Craigslist, with information on jobs, real estate and even potential marriage suitors. But does it work? Have dating sites improved YOUR love life?

Don’t Share Lipstick, and other Cold/Flu Season Tips

1.  Wash your hands, or shove them in your pocket.
2.  Drink plenty of liquids. (Alcohol doesn’t count.)
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When All You Want to Talk About is the Weather

We’re dripping sweat here in L.A, but at least it’s for posterity. At 12:15 this afternoon, the temperature hit 113 degrees, the hottest since 1877, when the weather service first starting keeping records. Being outside feels like being inside an oven. I seriously considered whether it was possible to slow roast a pan of tomatoes on the steps of my backyard, because, for one thing, you’d have to be crazy to turn on the stove. My cat and dog are laid out on the couch (although that’s nothing new) and we’re all drinking plenty of liquids.

Image: Walking Woman, 2004, by Chantal Joffe.

One Last Seasonal Fling with Tomatoes

My favorite tomatoes are the tiniest, cherry-sized ones, called “sweet 100s” and since their appearance is fleeting, I’m gorging myself. For a throw together meal, I use Julia Child’s method of macerating (softening) tomatoes in oil, vinegar and seasonings for about 10 minutes, then spoon them over packaged tortellini. This recipe would also be fantastic over grilled bread.             Continue reading »

How to Stay Healthy

Are multivitamins effective? Is there a risk to mammograms? Should we give up carbs? Will taking calcium prevent bone loss? Are flu shots worth it? Have we become too sun-phobic? Do peptides reduce the signs of aging? Is high fructose syrup really as bad as they say? Will wearing high heels cause permanent damage? Does caffeine have any benefits? Is a daily glass of red wine a good idea?

Image: Apples and Cigarettes, 2004, Roe Ethridge

Who Do You Love?

A woman I know is battling stage IV cancer. With deference to Christopher Hitchens, who is troubled by using “battle” in this context, whatever you call it, it’s fierce. Despite the grim circumstances, my friend remains amazingly upbeat, posting frequently on a blog provided by the hospital. Her cheerful updates put my petty gripes in perspective. A few days ago, she expressed gratitude for having one of the essential components of a happy life – “someone to love.” Reading this, I was jolted out of my humility. SomeONE to love? Is that the recipe? If so, I’m screwed.

Image: I Promise To Love You, Tracey Emin, 2010

Skirting the Issue

When you find a burden in belief or apparel, cast it off.    — Amelia Jenks Bloomer, 1851

Last week, I overheard a friend trying to convince her 9th-grade, tomboy daughter to wear a skirt to school. Not wanting to get in the middle of family politics, I kept my mouth shut. But inside, I was screaming. SEXIST! It seems unfashionably retro to insist a girl put on a skirt, given all the brave women who came before us, risking ridicule and even arrest, for the right to go through life in trousers. Sure, I wore a skirt to my mother’s funeral. But that’s because I wanted to. Can you name an occasion when only a skirt will do?

Image: Girl Pulling Skirt Up, Geoff McFetridge. See his work at Half Gallery through October 15.

What to Wear When You’re Flirting

“I see fashion as a way to play with your personality, to flirt with a part of yourself. It’s like when you go on a date with someone. You’re excited, you dress up, and you look phenomenal. When you get dressed, you should always be dating someone — even if it’s just yourself.” – Anna Dello Russo, fashion director at large for Vogue

Tucked away in the back of my closet is an expensive pair of low-rise, skinny jeans, which I usually drag out, along with wobbly high-heeled boots, if I have a date. More perfect when flirting with MYSELF, however, are the far roomier (and ironically titled), BOYFRIEND jeans. I made the mistake of wearing these baggy jeans once, while flirting with an actual man, who said right to my face: “I hate those. I can’t see your butt.” (Needless to say, that relationship never got to first base)

Illustration by Ana Albero

Carbo-loading into a Sweat

Trying to squeeze in enough carbs, protein and hydration to last a full 25 hours. Jewish Day of Atonement is nipping at my heels, and I’m cramming.

Photograph by Irving Penn