First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Prepping for the Spring Holiday

In honor of Passover, I’m deep into my annual holiday workout, preparing Matzo Ball soup for 20. As always, the biggest challenge is getting the bucketload of soup from the apartment into the car, and securing it so the soup doesn’t spill everywhere. This is one of those times when having a spouse who could lift things would really help.

Notre Dame in Flames

If you have special memories of visiting Notre Dame, I’d love for you to share them here.

1923 Painting by Albert Lebourg

Love Your Neighbor

Yesterday afternoon, my doorbell rang. At first, I thought it was UPS leaving a package, but the ringing was insistent. I opened the door to see my neighbor, Evie, who was gesturing at me in obvious distress. She couldn’t get the words out, and I feared (correctly) that she’d had a stroke. 911 came within minutes, they took her to the hospital (leaving her beloved dog behind) and Evie’s now slowly recovering. What happened next was amazing. A group of us who barely know each other except to smile on the street, immediately banded together, exchanged phone numbers for texting, arranged a schedule to take care of the dog and make hospital visits. It was a good moment for humanity.

Illustration by Geoff McFetridge

Brain Drain

For as long as I can remember, people have been telling me I think too much. And I never quite know what they mean. (See, right there, I’m overthinking.) Can you relate? One of my role models was a woman named Betty, who died a few years ago at 88. She seemed to float a few inches above the usual turmoil of life, always smiling, taking things in stride. I could use more Betty.

Photo by Jilly Ballistic

Losing Power

Los Angeles is experiencing unusually high winds, and last night we were one of many neighborhoods that lost power. I pulled out my massive lantern with its detachable light panels, prepared dinner, poured a martini and watched Rachel Maddow streaming on my cell phone (using a backup charger). All things considered, it was a pleasant evening. Update: 24 hours later, the winds are still howling and I’m grateful, as I write this, to still have power.

Illustration by Eiko Ojala

Right Now, We Need This

Food Habits

Here’s a confession. For the last several years, I’ve automated my eating habits. Every weekday morning I have (homemade) granola for breakfast. Saturdays are my splurge day for a sweet pastry. For Sunday breakfast, I chow down on an onion bagel smeared with cream cheese (and add a sweet tomato in the summer). Each Monday evening, my dinner includes an artichoke. Someone reading this might think it’s boring. But the routine has made my life even more delicious.

Photo by Sarah Illenberger

End of Week Zen

Photo by Vanessa Mckeown

Self-Appreciation Day

from #365quotes by Kelly Beall

Good to Have On Hand

Regular FPS readers know that I regularly enjoy a martini. To streamline the process, I take a jar of olives, drain it of liquid, fill it back up with vermouth and keep the jar stored in the fridge. When I’m ready for a drink, I pull the frozen martini glass from the freezer, add a couple of vermouth-soaked olives and pour in the vodka (or gin, as you please). Cheers!

Painting by Erika Lee Sears