First Person Singular | January 2014 - Page 2 of 3

End of Week Exuberance

January 17, 2014 ⋅ 6 comments

Here’s to all who go for it. Have a great weekend!

Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the deadly earthquake in Northridge, California, one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. I wasn’t living in Los Angeles at the time, but I heard stories from friends about diving under tables when the ground shook. I did go through the San Francisco earthquake and I’ll never forget the feeling of having barely escaped real peril. Given these circumstances, you’d think I’d have an emergency plan with supplies stowed, just in case, but I don’t. Are you prepared for the big one?

Artwork by Sarah Illenberger

Affirmation for Hump Day

January 15, 2014 ⋅ 4 comments

Artwork by Martin Creed

Me Time

January 14, 2014 ⋅ Post a comment

Cartoon by Roz Chast

What Will You Be Eating in 2014?

January 13, 2014 ⋅ 14 comments

One of my annual treats is the sweet bread Panettone, which emerges in the markets right around Christmas. I love it in the morning with tea, and always buy a few extra to sustain me through the holiday season. I’m just about done with my stash, and will soon have to get back into my daily granola routine. What healthy foods have you resolved to eat in 2014?

Artwork by Florence Tanet

End of Week Zen

January 10, 2014 ⋅ Post a comment

Happy weekend!

Marriage Fixation at the Nail Salon

January 9, 2014 ⋅ 30 comments

After the holidays, I treated myself to a rare winter mani/pedi. As soon as I started to relax, the Mongolian-born manicurist, making small talk I’m sure, asked me what I did on Christmas, and I told her about my dinner party. She asked if I was a good cook, and I answered, “yeah, pretty good.” And then she said, “your husband is a lucky man.” In what seemed like an interminable few seconds of silence, I had a full conversation with myself, in which I debated the various ways to respond. In the end, I just smiled and shook my head, yes.

(For more on the subject, read Interrogation at the Nail Salon)

Photo of an Indian bridal ritual by Ozzie Hoppe

Rethinking Failure

January 8, 2014 ⋅ Post a comment

For this first work week of 2014, some words of wisdom by Seth Godin
illustration by Designworklife

Baby It’s Cold Outside

January 7, 2014 ⋅ 20 comments

Outside at the Getty Museum this weekend on a warm winter’s day, I chatted with a woman from Alabama. She asked if I take the weather in L.A. for granted. “Never,” I quickly replied. Amidst the polar vortex in much of the country, I’m feeling particularly grateful. Have you been bundling up?