Tonight, on the Grill
At least once a week, I roast peppers on the grill. It’s a staple in my fridge. I roast them whole on a super hot grill until they’re completely blackened, then put them in a bowl covered in plastic wrap to let them steam. Once they’re cool, the skin comes off easily. I drizzle them with good olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and it’s a slice of heaven.
Photo from things organized neatly
Is Being Single Easier?
A few days ago, HuffPost Live invited me to participate in one of their webcasts, which was described in part with the following sentence: Being single is normally viewed as being much easier than a long-term relationship or having a wife and kids but when it comes to tax breaks and healthcare the couples have it easier.
I was eager to take part in a spirited debate. As it turns out, HuffPost decided against doing the segment. But I appreciate their raising the point. The first part of the description includes such a fundamental question, which I’m surprised I’d never thought to ask. And now, I’m curious to get your feedback. Is being single normally viewed as easier? Please, tell me.
Artwork by Margaret Kilgallen at Letterheady
Are You a Nurturer?
I’d given up on houseplants years ago. Too much clutter and fuss. But then a friend brought me one as a “hostess” gift, which now sits on my terrace, and I’m slowly getting sucked back in. What surprises me is how much I’m enjoying tending it and watching it grow.
Illustration by Franco Matticchio
Equality
Bob Mankoff, the New Yorker cartoon editor, chose this Michael Shaw cartoon (or “idea drawing” as he refers to them) as one of his 11 most favorite.
When is Moving On the Best Idea?
When I first bought my condo, I was determined to tackle a home repair project. The previous owner had applied a layer of “privacy film” to the glass door that led from the kitchen to the terrace, which not only blocked light but also a cool urban view. As I wasn’t inclined to walk around in my kitchen naked, I decided to chip away at the film, armed with a razor blade and “goo gone.” After laboring for two weekends, I’d barely completing a 6″ square, and finally relented to call a handyman who finished the job in 3o minutes. Determination, passion and focus aren’t always enough, whether it’s a creative project or a relationship. Sometimes the smart move is to move on.
Artwork by Ole Ukena
“If Possible, Serve Others…”
This weekend, I was grumbling about all the hours it was taking to organize a phone bank to encourage members of Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. And then I watched this video, and was humbly reminded that it was, in fact, the best way I could be spending my time.
On another note entirely (or maybe it’s not), I’ve been asked by the Huffington Post to participate in a discussion tomorrow about the pros and cons of single people having gift registries. Last year, I posted a contest about this subject, and as a follow-up, some of you weighed in. I’d really like to hear more about your points of view so I can include them in the conversation.
Archive for July, 2013
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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