First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Note to Ex

The other day, I calculated the total amount of time it takes me each week for ballet class. Including travel (which is a lot considering I’m driving in L.A. traffic), it’s about 9 hours. And then, I had this odd thought. If I was forced, right now, to choose between spending time in ballet class or having a romantic relationship, I’d choose ballet. 

Illustration by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

Oreo Flashback

My favorite childhood cookie was the Oreo. I used to take out 2 at a time. I’d slide a chocolate cookie off of each one and first eat those. And then I’d put the two creams together for a double-cream, sugary experience. It’s no wonder I was a cavity-prone kid. Were you an Oreo fan and if yes, how did you eat them?

Painting by Robert C. Jackson

Pursuit of Fitness

Follow up question: Do you still use it?

Painting by Tara Kopp

Pay It Forward

And I’ll add one more thing – be kind to yourself. 

Illustration by Dave Van Patten

Celebrating National Dog Day

And that’s why mine’s a girl.

Illustration by Franco Matticchio

Weekend Plans?

End of week zen by Jean Jullien

Single and in Love

A neighbor, who like me, has an aging dog, was talking about her desolation when thinking about life without her beloved pet. She’s so fiercely attached that she imagines the dog’s death as the death of her. And she suggests that her attachment is because of being single without kids. I try to take a more positive approach. Every day with Rose is a blessing, and I truly hope in the end to feel grateful for having shared so much quality time together. 

Illustration by Marc Martinillo

Pitching In

Painting by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

Pro tip from a Coach

Here’s advice I give to my Coaching clients: To be most effective, to-do lists should be short (3 items) and only contain tasks that are specific and actionable. 

Chart by Chaz Hutton

Seasonal Obsession

As part of my commitment to a daily consumption of tomatoes during their short season of sweetness, I’ve been mixing it up by slow-roasting them. The other night, I made the most divine BLT. Slow-roasted sun-gold cherries, thick-slab, apple-smoked bacon with arugula on sourdough bread by Tartine. Each bite was ambrosia. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

“Crop Circle” by present and correct