First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Public Transportation Envy

Growing up in NYC, taking the bus and subway was a part of everyday life. Now in Los Angeles, I spend far too much time in my car. The situation is starting to improve here. We have a new Metro line, and another is under construction. What’s your relationship to public transportation?

F Train by Mark Hartman

Weekend Plans

Single and not much on the calendar this weekend. Homemade chicken soup for dinner. It’s all good. How about you?

Illustration by Thomas Danthony

New Nobel Laureate for Literature

After I write each post for this blog, I select a category in which to file it. I created these categories years ago, and they include: daily life, myths and stereotypes, foodstuff, excursions and a final catchall, “what gets me through the day.” During this scorched-earth political campaign, I feel more in need of comfort than ever. When I awoke to the news of Bob Dylan receiving the Nobel Prize for literature, it gave me a boost.

1963 photo of Bob Dylan by William C. Eckenberg.

Nectar of the Gods

Once a year, I make Rugelach a delicious pastry that evokes my Eastern European roots. It’s very labor intensive, but worth the effort. It will be my contribution to “break fast,” an aptly named annual meal that takes place in Jewish households around the globe following the 25 hour period that we abstain from food. I’m looking forward to diving into these tomorrow evening. Back at FPS on Thursday.

Signs of Fall

L.A. weather is hovering in the mid eighties as pumpkins make their appearance in stores. What’s your favorite thing about autumn?

Photo by Jens Meyer

Days of Awe

This is the stretch of time on the Jewish calendar known as the Days of Awe. I try to remember that as I’m coping with petty annoyances – from the snarl of L.A. traffic to being on hold for an hour with the cable company. To be honest, it mostly doesn’t work as a reference point. But every now and then I do feel a wave of gratitude for scoring another day on the planet.

Wishing you all an awesome weekend.

Illustration by Marc Johns

I’m in Vacuum Sealer Heaven

A few weeks ago, I got my hands on an Oliso vacuum sealer. I’ve been drooling over this product for years. As FPS readers know, I’m a huge advocate for cooking in bulk and storing small portions in the freezer for upcoming meals. I do this on a regular basis with stews, chilis, ziti and even baked goods. (This photo is a pair of lamb chops.) Zip lock bags and plastic containers are staples in my kitchen, but freezer crystals form when I use them. With the Oliso, I can now get a perfect seal. What an upgrate! This is such an exciting tool in the single person’s arsenal.

Speaking of food, I wrote a guest post today about mindful eating and its positive impact on productivity. Please check it out, and if you have the time, I’d love for you to leave a comment.

Back to the Grind

For the last 72 hours, I’ve been in a spiritual vortex. It’s a once-a-year soul excavation, and though I do so willingly, I’m glad to have a break before the even bigger inner journey next Wednesday, known to Jews as the Day of Atonement. Today, I was appreciative of the banal – feeding the dog, replenishing my fridge, returning emails. I even took pleasure in mopping the patio after a recent wind storm left a faint dust behind. Maybe that’s part of the purpose of the holiday – stepping out of the ordinary to be grateful for it.

Illustration by Brad Woodard