First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Cocktail Hour

Wishing you a relaxing weekend, however you get there.

“Vessel” by Kai Samuels-Davis

California Dreamin’

Last night, I was tossing and turning and finally fell off to sleep. I dreamt about a man. He was attractive, gracious, funny and really into me. In the dazed few moments immediately after waking up, I thought my dream was a sign. I should check out a few dating sites. Hours later, that impulse waned. Now it feels like someone else’s dream.

Insomnia by Jon Krause

Old Habits

Photo by Andrea Tese

How it Pays to Do Good

On the Jewish calendar, it’s the month of Elul, which leads up to our High Holidays in early October. During Elul, you’re supposed to take a spiritual inventory and tell people you might’ve hurt that you’re sorry. I had that in mind yesterday, after a terse conversation with a neighbor whose dog and toddler were trampling over our newly planted drought-tolerant lawn. The moment I walked away, I realized that this woman was grappling with a big dog and a small child, and I needed to get over myself. I immediately sent her an apology email. She responded at once with such gratitude. It was the perfect lesson on what happens when you spread good will around. On that note, I have a new blog post on my Career Coaching website, Volunteering Your Way to a Job. I hope you’ll check it out.

I’m Good by Marc Johns

Word for the Day

Humble. I like it.

Photo by George Tice

End of Week Zen

If this is your weekend, relax and enjoy yourself.

Illustration by Wasted Rita

Progress

Yesterday, Apple announced the launch of the iPhone 7. The casing is now so small, it can no longer accommodate a headphone jack. This makes me cranky. There will be workarounds in the short term, but ultimately, we’ll all be sporting wireless headphones. That’s progress.

Old School

What’s your favorite old-school tool?

Photo by Adam Hillman

Table for One Isn’t Lonely in My Home

Today in the health section of the New York Times, there’s an article about the epidemic of loneliness and it’s impact on health. To be honest, I couldn’t get through the article. I found it too depressing – and not because I could relate to it, but because I couldn’t. The illustration above, which accompanied the piece is so grim. In my home, dining alone is a joyous experience. I cook myself beautiful food, and take the time to savor it. I sip a vodka martini in a frosty class, with Rose snuggled nearby in her dog bed. I feel complete.

Illustration by Jon Krause

Here’s to Freedom

Happy weekend!

Illustration by Mari Andrew