First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Worry-Free Zone

It’s with a sigh of relief that I’m entering Friday evening and my weekly 24-hour worry-free zone. During this period of time, I actively (and often through sheer force of will) put off whatever I’m worrying about until Sunday. After a costly week of an electrician, an auto mechanic, an accountant and the dentist, I’m ready for hope and optimism. Care to join me?

Illustration by Lisa Congdon

Play Ball!

And if yes, what’s your team?

When Was the Last Time You Mailed Something?

This is the perfect L.A. tableau.

Mural by Alex Israel. Photo by The Graffiti Hunter

What’s For Dinner?

This illustration by Wendy MacNaughton is from the acclaimed cookbook Salt, Fat, Heat, Acid (now a Netflix show). It’s motivating me to make a grilled cheese sandwich, one of my favorite foods.

In Need of Illumination

When I came home last night, I noticed that one of my lampshades was all askew and when I went to turn on the lamp, it didn’t work. Time for a new lightbulb? Too easy. So I unscrewed the shade, pulled out a flashlight to see if there was anything amiss in the socket, and realized I had no idea what to look for. The lamp (one of my favorites) is too big to fit in the car to bring to a repair shop. I actually panicked for a moment. And then picked up the phone and made an appointment with an electrician.

Ceramic matches by Katherine Morling

Transcendent Leadership

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Kilbirnie mosque in Wellington on March 17, 2019. Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty.

Upside of Single, Executive Edition

This week, I was prepping one of my Coaching clients for a job interview, and we talked about being ready for frequently-asked questions, like – “what’s your biggest challenge at work?” I shared the response I’d love to give in an interview, but probably wouldn’t – “I want to be in charge.” We may not get to be in charge on the job, but at home, we’re the boss.

Painting by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

What are you reading?

I’m in an intimidating book group of writers and writing teachers. I think of myself as the lone civilian. We read a lot of poetry – out loud – and non-linear short stories and novels. But for our next book, we’re going old school, and it’s one I’ve already read and loved. Cousin Bette by Balzac. What’s on your night table?

Illustration by Rose Wong

Spring Awakening

With our year-round temperate weather in L.A., seasons are nuanced. But change is still noticeable if you look close enough. For one thing, there’s already so much light. And the Jacaranda tree, with its ravishing purple flowers, will be blooming soon. What tops your spring to-see list?

Spring to Mind by Malika Favre

Rose Turns 14

My best girl had a birthday yesterday. She’s slow and steady and still the love of my life!