First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

End of Week Zen

I’ll be celebrating with my dog, Rose, who turns 12 this weekend. What are you doing for fun?

Weekends by Jean Jullien

The Ultimate Homage

A few days ago, the prolific author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal died from cancer at the age of 51. I was not familiar with her work. But earlier this month, I had noticed a heartbreaking column she’d written for the Modern Love section of the New York Times, You May Want to Marry My Husband. Nearing death, Amy cheerfully extols the virtues of her long-time spouse, for the woman who may come next. I’ve often thought what the perfect partner would be like. The description of her husband, Jason, comes very close. I urge you all to read it, and look into her work, as well.

Image via Austin Kleon

Designer Sneakers

I love that sneakers are so versatile these days. I wear mine for dress up.

Vans by Sophie Roach

March Weather Report

Manhattan Bridge by Jonathan Smith

Holiday Cooking

On Saturday, I decided it would be fun to make corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day. I consulted some recipes, and was startled to read that it takes 6 days to brine the beef, which meant I needed to leap into action. A flat-cut brisket was easy to procure. The finicky ingredient is pink curing salt, also known as “Prague Powder.” I finally found it at a great specialty store about 30 minutes from my house, and grabbed the last pack on the shelf. I’m now on day 2 of brining, and look forward to the results. Fun fact: The word “corned” comes from chunks of salt that resemble corn.

What are you Reading?

This is a great reading list from the Silent Book Club for the politically minded. To that end, I’m making my way through an epic piece in the New Yorker. And for fun, the second part of Elena Ferrante’s quartet. How about you?

Staying On Top of the Angst

Even in the best of times, I’m a political junkie. These days, I turn to Twitter way too much, and it’s not good for my mental health. I alternate between rage and dread. I’m not sure how to look away. Any tips?

New Yorker cartoon

International Women’s Day 2017

Geoff McFetridge

How to Move Forward When You’re Not Sure of the Way

In my work as a Career Coach, clients come to me at a crossroad. They need to do something different, but they’re not sure what path to take. My job is to ask the right questions. Sometimes, I invite them to explore past successes, or reflect on the pain/gain of the status quo. But at some point, over analysis can lead to paralysis. Is there an idea you’re waiting to hatch?

If you’re at a crossroad, check out my latest career change blog post with 10 essential questions to jumpstart your process.

Uncertain by Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands

Creating Ourselves

When I was 15, I thought I had the most mundane life imaginable. Stuck in the boring, outer borough of Queens, when I longed to be in Manhattan, I wondered if I’d ever find a path to creativity. What I didn’t appreciate at the time was my Mom’s commitment to acquaint her children with the cultural bonanza of New York City, even if it was a bus and train ride away. Our family outings included theater, museums and the symphony. Thanks to her influence, I’ve managed to construct a life with outlets for creative expression. How do you express yourself?

Spot by Jean Jullien and Anaick Moriceau