Because in Euphoria the men are taking their turn — I’m watching Euphoria right now. People warned me against it because I have a seventeen-year-old daughter. I’ve heard people say that it glorifies drug use and casual sex. …

The evolution of memory — This past week I went to Chicago to spend time with my mother and stepfather. My mother is 80 and my stepfather is 93. About fifteen years ago they moved to a 100-unit apartment a block from the house where I grew up. …

Contemplating the middle ground — For the last year, I have been working as a contact tracer. This is not my life’s passion, it was just a stop-gap job to transition from selling my business. I wanted a job and the pandemic was on in full force so it worked out. About ten months into…

The hardest parenting phase so far — Even though I’m a twin, I identify as the eldest (by thirteen minutes) in my family. I’ve always been incredibly capable, competent, and directed. I make plans, set goals, and get things done. Parenting has been no exception. From the get-go, I’ve had it all planned out and, when things…

Teach yourself what doctors don’t know — I recently went on hormone replacement therapy. I’m fifty-four. I haven’t had a normal period since June, 2022. I’d been having multiple daily hot flashes including vicious night sweats, and my sleeping was in the toilet. My family might also say that I was experiencing some unpleasant emotional lability. After…

It’s cellular — My daughter said yesterday, “Mom, will you get a dog when I go to college?” The week before she said, “Mom, are you going to be okay when I’m gone?” “I’ll be fine,” I tell her, “I’m already preparing. I just started a painting class!” I’m very attached to my…

Stepping into the mystery — Since I returned to the rainy Northwest from my sunny adventure in December I’ve taken to walking in the dark. I walk both in the morning and in the evening. I call it ‘snorkel walking’ because, in the dark, I discover things I don’t see while walking in the light. …

Another lesson from menopause — Since arriving to my 50s, I feel wise in many areas of my life. Most days I walk around with a fairly solid sense of self. This is a very different feeling from how I felt in my younger years. I attribute this grounded feeling to the wisdom that comes…