Lately, my life has shifted quite dramatically. Since I’m getting ready to sell my house (as part of a cross country move), I’m basically living out of a single suitcase. I only use the microwave to cook, never the stove or oven, so I won’t have a big mess to clean up in the kitchen. » Read more
If You Leave a Note Before You Go Out, Will They Still Yell At You When You Get Home?
It was something I was told a thousand times growing up. If you’re going to go out, leave a note.
By my mother when I was staying at my parents’ house. But not just her and not just there. Everywhere. At all the other places I stayed. Friends’ houses. With other relatives. » Read more
I’d Been Dreaming of Home an Awfully Long Time, But I’m Glad It Took a While to Find It
Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think belongs to us, whereas envy is a frenzy that cannot bear anything that belongs to others.
-Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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I was alone a lot when I was growing up. » Read more
There’s Something to Be Said for Being a Good Sport
“You’ll be fine,” my dad said, as we waited in line for the roller coaster. “It’s not so bad.”
But the old man was tricking me.
My first clue was the screams that we heard as we waited in the enclosure. “They’re just being dramatic,” Dad had reassured me. “Some people ride these things just to scream.” » Read more
PQ 25.3 — Who in my life is important for me to be able to talk to about my relationships? Whom do I think it’s important for my partners to meet?
PQ 25.3 — Who in my life is important for me to be able to talk to about my relationships? Whom do I think it’s important for my partners to meet?
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“You know,” my mother says. “I really wish your brother would bring one of his girls home.”
“I guess he’s not at an emotional place where he wants to do that,” » Read more
I Don’t Get Over Things by Forgetting Them. I Do It by Remembering & Making Sense of Them.
“I’m not sure why people keep saying my pieces are painful to read,” I say to Justin. “I mean, it’s usually a part of a ‘but I love them’ kind of comment. But yeah, they’re always saying they’re painful. And I’m not sure why.”
“It makes them think about themselves and their lives,” » Read more
There’s Something Magical About That Person Who Raises Your Standards
I’ve Been Drinking Coffee Since I Was Nine
I drink the best coffee now. Kona beans ground and brewed in a two-in-one machine. The results splashed with heavy cream. Even holding the cup is a familiar kind of comfort. The warmth radiating through my entire hand.
I’m married to someone who doesn’t even drink coffee, » Read more
I Wish I Enjoyed Gift-Giving More. It Really Stresses Me Out.
It’s that time of year again. Everyone in my web is talking about what they’re getting each other for the holidays. Metamours and telemours hitting me up for gift ideas for Justin (a.k.a. Skyspook).
And me?
Well, I’m frozen in fear.
You see, I’m neurotic about gifts. Giving them, » Read more
A Thanksmas Miracle: “You Can Bring Someone With You”
“You Can Bring Someone With You”
“Just so you know,” Skyspook’s mother says. “If you ever wanted to bring anybody else with you to Thanksmas, you’re completely welcome to. Someone either or both of you are dating.”
Just when I think I can’t love that woman any more.
We’re sitting at her kitchen table. » Read more
Abused Kids Get to Look Like Their Bullies
“God hath given you one face, and you make yourself another.”
-William Shakespeare, Hamlet
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On countless mornings, I glimpse my reflection in the mirror and want to punch myself in the face.
Because I look like her at certain angles.
Her chin, » Read more