The well-loved book
My first work-study job in as a freshman in college was at the school library. I worked at the front desk checking out books. As work-study jobs go, I could have done a lot worse. It was 1987, and we still used a paper system to loan books. I’d ask for my fellow students’ ID, ...
Viva La Scene
This is a photo I snapped on a recent trip to New York. I was staying a few blocks away from the venerable Chelsea Hotel. At the time it seemed too cliché to photograph the Dylan Thomas plaque, but now I wish I had. Coincidentally, I was also reading Just Kids by Patti Smith, which ...
Fight Club of One
Last month I learned how to ski in Canada, at the same place where 12 years earlier I learned to snowboard. In those days, at 30, I suspected I was too old to learn how to do something like ski or snowboard. Still, I put on my helmet and hoped no one would guess my ...
(Not exactly) Paradise by the Dashboard Light
Though it’s cold and lonely in the deep dark night I can see paradise by the dashboard light – Meat Loaf – Paradise by the Dashboard Light Those of you who read this blog have probably noticed that I try to keep it apolitical. Those of you who know me personally probably know that I’m ...
Tales of Marriage and Baggage
Last week I was lucky enough to tell a story at The Moth ”Marriage” show in Santa Monica. I’m not someone who moved to Los Angeles to be an actor, although I love my actor and comedian friends and go to as many of their shows as I can. I don’t really want to be ...
To Live and Drive in LA
I read an article on “mindful eating” the other day in the New York Times. It’s about applying the principles of mindfulness and meditation, being in the moment while eating. I couldn’t figure out whether to laugh or cry, since I practice the exact opposite of mindful eating. This practice of mine is not ...
Flowers and candy
Here are the ghosts of Valentines Days past: 1. My first Valentines Day when I had a real boyfriend, circa 1987, Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Dreamy boy, great friend, fun. He presented me with a small box of candy and five wilted maroon roses he picked up at the grocery store (the last ones in stock) ...
Free to be (crazy) you and me
This week I am starting a class and working on a deadline. So far in 2012 I’ve been meeting all my deadlines, but I don’t want to gloat lest I start missing them! Instead of a new post, I am re-posting the following entry from June 3, 2011. Thank you for reading, friends. A New ...
This Dog’s Life
These were my two dogs, Genji (left) and Saki (right), in 2004. Genji was five years old, and Saki was two months old. It wasn’t the best time in my life for a new puppy. Although I was in my 30s, I had an 18-month-old baby and was remodeling our kitchen and bathroom. For three ...
Happy Year of the Dragon!
Happy Chinese New Year! I must be honest: I haven’t done a thing yet to celebrate the Dragon Year. But our dear friend and Chinese teacher has given my kids hong bao (red envelopes), so at least that’s something. And just as soon as my mom — the Caucasian who’s more Asian than me — ...
