An Uncomfortable Resolution for 2018

It’s that time of year when it seems just about everyone drafts their resolutions for the coming year. I’ve done this in the past, promising myself to write more. (I’m a writer, I tell myself.) I thought about making the same commitment again this year but thought better of it. Previous years’ resolutions always fell through, starting out strong and then fizzing out by mid-February. But recently, I wondered if the solution was as simple as changing my attitude and purpose about writing generally. What if I made a resolution about something that had more impact and integrated it with a 52 week writing challenge (because those aren’t going away any time soon, right?)?

When the Work Starts to Kill You

When I was an undergrad, I knew a career in journalism would likely result in a terrible work-life balance. At least in the beginning but the worst instance of this is happening now, as a communications person for an educational non-profit in Manhattan. It feels worse than when I was working on my master’s degree. I’ve suffered from noticeable body aches, where the pain is concentrated in my lower back, and experienced chronic headaches that last for days. I can feel my body breaking down, and these are the days I don’t want to get up for work. And I’m not alone.

What I Learned Making Thanksgiving Dinner

“Do you want traditional Thanksgiving or subversive Thanksgiving dinner?”

I was intrigued. This was the first Thanksgiving M and I weren’t traveling. I assumed we were going to do some adaptation of the traditional dinner — like turkey tacos or sandwiches or burgers — but that question made me pause.

Why should we do a traditional dinner?