First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Martini, anyone?

I want to hear about your Valentines Day. Tell me everything.

Letterpress card from Calligraphuck

The State of the Union

I’ve been glued to the TV for the State of the Union address and commentary. It’s like the Oscars for political types like me. One of my favorite lines of the evening: “Our rights are wrapped up in the rights of others.”

Artwork by Michael Vincent Manalo

Shopping Therapy

Yesterday, I went to Costco for the first time in more than a year because of these chicken treats that my dog is addicted to that are so much cheaper there, and I was running low on toilet paper. When I shared a household, we used to go every three months, but since living alone, it’s been harder to get motivated. I drove early Sunday morning, and sailed into the parking lot. As I walked through the door, I noticed a Wi-Fi Blu-ray DVD player I’d been wanting at an unbeatable price, and cheerfully added it to my cart. I suppose that softened me up for the bulk buying of zip lock bags, aluminum foil, paper towels, laundry detergent, printer paper, VOKDA, Parmesan Reggiano in addition to the two items that got me there in the first place. I was in and out of the store in 40 minutes, got home, filled my shelves to capacity, hooked up my DVD player, and felt satisfied.

Photo by Jonny Paw

That Means You

For those in the throes of this winter storm, stay safe, and may your power stay on.

You Are Beautiful. Happy weekend.

Thursday Affirmation

Street art from newyorkshitty

The Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude

Pets, WiFI, books, iPad, HBO, strolling the neighborhood, social media, The New Yorker, movies, chicken pot pie, music, Rachel Maddow.

What makes the difference for you?

Artwork by René Gruau

A Near Perfect Super Bowl Sunday

The San Francisco Niners lost the big game and they were my team. But it was a near perfect day. It began with civic engagement at an exhibit on why Democracy Matters. I went there because of a South African friend who just became a citizen, and we talked about the rights and responsibilities that go with that. It was stirring. While driving home, I got a craving for meatballs and spaghetti and in particular a recipe I’ve wanted to try from Cooks Illustrated. I had an hour to run to the market to be home in time for the kickoff. I raced through the aisles throwing ingredients into my cart, and walked in the door at the exact moment that Alicia Keys was singing the National Anthem. I finished prepping my meal at the end of half time. It was a thrilling game. Yes, my team lost, but it was only a few months ago that San Francisco won the World Series, and I had gratitude for that. Best of all, I got to lick my wounds with a delicious bowl of pasta.

Going For It

After receiving my daily “recommendations” from Match.com, I decided to email one of the ten candidates. I hesitated at first because the man describes the woman he’s looking for as someone who wears jeans, t-shirts and “a ponytail most of the time.” I’m assuming he’s articulating a mood of casualness rather than an actual hairstyle. If not, we’re doomed. Oh, and he doesn’t read except at the airport and on the Stairmaster. (Didn’t think that was a deal breaker.) I’ll keep you posted.

Artwork by Nikita Gale

Neighborhood Power Outage. Lights Just Back On.

This lantern came in handy tonight. I was able to use the 4 removable LED panels throughout the house. With the lights back on, my weekend just got happier. Hope yours is a good one.