Ever since moving to L.A, I’ve been cultivating a sweatpants wardrobe. Lightweight summer ones, chunky winters ones, cropped, wide-legged. I need a whole drawer for my sweatpants. After years of searching, I finally found the perfect cozy pair from Vince. They were pricey, but fit like a dream, with enough pockets for house keys and doggie poop bags. I liked them so much that I bought a second pair and stowed them away for when the first one ripped. So it was with great sadness and reluctance (it took me weeks) that I threw my remaining pair in the garbage yesterday, after becoming so shredded that I could no longer wear them. And already, they are greatly missed. Have you ever had an item of clothing that was hard to part with?
Last night, as I was about to barbecue some red peppers, the cover of the gas grill came off in my hands. The dinner I’d envisioned all day depended on these peppers, so I refused to be deterred. It took some awkward maneuvering to keep the lid on, but the peppers got grilled and I had a lovely meal. It was too dark to discover the problem, plus I’m pathetic at home repair. I thought about calling a handyman in the morning, but who would come over for such a minor item. With the light of day, I was determined to see what I could do, given the grill’s importance in my life. I took a deep breath, centered myself, removed the lid and noticed that a couple of screws had fallen out. Within minutes, the cover was fixed. I’m feeling single and proud right now.
I don’t like visual chaos, which is why my home is fairly neat. One exception is a perennially messy desk. And the other is the dish rack. The items I use everyday – coffee mug, juice glass, water bottle, paring knife, small plate, granola spoon and bowl – never get stored back into their respective spots. I don’t much see the point. And I’m wondering if this is because I live alone and there’s no one bugging me about it. Please, tell me, can you relate?
Stack of Plates with Flatware and Glasses by Carrie Mae Smith
It’s Friday as I write this. There have been so many ups and downs these last 7 days, starting with the loss of my dear cat, Lily, plus all the political madness. But it has ended on a decidedly up note, with an article I wrote now published at Forbes. Here’s hoping your week ends up as FINE.
Illustration by Marc Johns
An article that I wrote for an online publication of PBS is today’s “Editor’s Choice.” It’s a personal and practical account of my career change after 50. There were many times along the way that I felt hopeless. And it’s a reminder (even to me) of hanging in there despite the landscape appearing dark.
Photo by KangHee Kim