Lily, 1999-2017
The beautiful Lily was put to sleep last night. It was very peaceful. She had a joyous, healthy life almost until the end. 6 years ago, when I moved into my condo, I made a heartbreaking decision not to take Lily with me. She’d been an outdoor cat for 12 years, and I couldn’t bear to bring her into an apartment where she would be stuck inside all the time. I left her in loving hands where I used to live, and visited her often. On warm summer days, Lily loved to sit in the garden and at night she cooled herself beneath the car. She enjoyed long walks around the block beside the dog. She was the best sleeping companion. I spent a few hours nuzzling with her on Sunday, knowing it was our last time together. Lily taught me about love and I’ll miss her.
Photo by Miguel Torres
Is it Okay to Be Ordinary?
Today, my good friend (who is an economics professor at Princeton and recently gave birth to her 3rd child) had her OpEd published in the New York Times. She’s a wonderful person and I am supremely happy for her. But it did make me feel very ordinary.
Illustration by Laura Odell
River of No Regrets
When I mull over the word regret, I think of grieving over a missed opportunity. In my view, regret bears no fruit, so I try to stay clear of it. But being human, every once in awhile, I dip a toe into that troubled water. Reviewing my romantic history (some of it passionate, some of it dull, some even sordid), I can say, with confidence, that I have no regrets. There’s not one relationship I wish I’d pursued. I’m certain there were no appropriate spouses who crossed my path. Professionally speaking, I’m on shakier ground. There are two pivotal moments I would’ve liked a redo, now with hindsight. But I refuse to get stuck there. Where do you stand on regrets?
River of No Regrets by Duy Huynh
Living Up to Nostalgia
When I was a kid growing up in NYC, I used to love Entenmann’s donuts and coffee cake. They were a fixture in my family’s kitchen. Revisiting these baked goods as an adult, I was disappointed by their mediocrity. Entenmann’s was originally a small family business based in Brooklyn, and it’s possible they were truly better back then before being bought by a conglomerate. But maybe it’s a matter of maturing taste buds. What childhood foods do you have nostalgia for? And have they stood the test of time?
Painting by Terry Thompson
Overcast Blues
These last few days in L.A., we’ve been experiencing what Angelenos call “May Gray.” We get so petulant about overcast weather in this region of near unending sunshine. After 20 years of living in foggy San Francisco, I covet blue skies. I find the Spring grayness is putting a drag to my step. How does weather impact your mood?
Painting by Heidi Annalise
Desert Island Food
It’s Friday evening, and I’m about to set out for rotisserie chicken from a great Lebanese takeout place in my neighborhood. It’s served with an irresistible garlic sauce. There was a time when I’d feel sad about eating alone on a weekend night. But with food this good just a few blocks from my house, I’m filled with gratitude.
Illustration by Euniko Nugroho.
A Shameful Day
I’ve been raging most of the time since the election, but I try to restrain myself on these pages. Not today. Not after the GOP Congress voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. This is heartbreaking, as it will have a disastrous impact on the health and financial security of millions of Americans. Watch for the active resistance, which I plan to be a part of.
Illustration by Wasted Rita
Archive for May, 2017
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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