First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Alien Invasion

This week, I’ve been in San Francisco for meetings. At the end of a hectic day enjoying a martini with friends, I made the mistake of checking my phone and learned that my building was in the midst of a bedbug crisis. OMG. Terrifying emails were flying back and forth, and they were mostly in CAPS. Apparently one owner was crying. Maybe because I was hundreds of miles and 2 days away from home and really couldn’t do anything, I decided to stay calm, even though in the past that has never stopped me from worrying. Today, the exterminator inspected my apartment, and HALLELUJAH, I’ve been spared.

Collage by Joseba Elorza

Thanks. But We’re Good to Go.

(I’m just back from a 3-day trip. More tomorrow.)

via French Voguettes

Upside of Single, part 4

Cartoon from The New Yorker

Nostalgia

For the third date, a guy who I’d been excited about invited me over to his house for dinner. Around midnight on the way out, he asked if I’d return his movie to the video store. It was a blustery night, and what his favor required was for me to get out of my car alone on an empty street, so he could stay cozy at home. Ah, those were the days.

Revel in It

Dr. Seuss

No More Movie Popcorn?

I’m in love with butter. I slather it on toast and regularly cook and bake with it. When I’m making dinner for friends who are dairy free or kosher (and don’t mix meat with dairy), I find it hard  to plan a completely butter-free menu because there’s no good substitute. Today, with the FDA moving to ban all trans fats in foods because of their link to heart disease. we learn that margarine is not just a culinary insult, but also a health threat. Which banned food will you miss?

“Microwaveable Popcorn” by Agata Królak

Enjoy the Journey

Image by Dorothy Alexander

Taking the Online Out of Online Dating

At eHarmony, customers can now hire a personal counselor for $5000/year to manage their dating profile and do the scouting. Interested?

Artwork by Barbara Kruger

Do You Like Routine?

Almost every weekday morning, I have Café Fanny Granola for breakfast. It’s delicious and dependable. I like that. Are there routines you find comforting?

Illustration by Marc Johns

End of Week Grace

I was snarling my way through rush-hour traffic this morning. Everything and everybody was annoying me, especially the guy who cut in front as he tossed his cigarette out the window. I was ready to bite his head off. And then, I realized it was 70 degrees on November 1, and how amazing that is for someone like me who thrives in warm weather. I suddenly felt lucky. My body relaxed.

I wish you a weekend filled with grace and the weather that suits you.

Illustration by Lisa Congdon