I need to clean my desk. Everyone needs to clean their desk. Well, not everyone. Not the super-organized neat freaks. I used to be a super-organized neat freak, but then I started doing stuff and it keeps me from doing other stuff, like cleaning my desk. My desk isn’t bad, though. I mean, I’ve seen… Read more »

What’s a student to do when a crisis arises? Things were going well; out-of-my-mind busy, but well. The house wasn’t particularly clean, but full-time work and part-time school, coupled with family and volunteer commitments, meant that something had to slide. Work was moving along, and for the first time ever I’d become really excited about… Read more »

When summer began?or as soon as I got excited about summer beginning, which was back in March?I made a list. I make a lot of lists. They are not especially successful, unless you count making the list itself as Task Number One. (I do.) But this time it was going to be different; I’d be… Read more »

This article was originally published June 29, 2012, in issue 2025. Does it ever seem as though the secrets of life can be narrowed down to a formula? Success is 99 per cent perspiration. Eating right plus getting exercise makes you lose weight. Do this, get that. It sounds reasonable, right? If you don’t put… Read more »

I just turned 34. This is not a bad thing. Mid-thirties is not old. Mid-sixties is not old. But 35 has felt so far away for so long that It’s a little unsettling to see myself approaching it so soon. At the same time, I want to celebrate getting older. I want to do things… Read more »

Three hours. That’s the length of a feature film, with previews and enough time to load up on pre-movie snacks. That’s one evening, downtime I would have spent on dinner: cooking, eating, cleaning up afterward. That’s a few sitcoms and a bit of Facebooking. That’s enough time to learn how to save a life someday…. Read more »

What’s a student to do when a crisis arises? Things were going well; out-of-my-mind busy, but well. The house wasn’t particularly clean, but full-time work and part-time school, coupled with family and volunteer commitments, meant that something had to slide. Work was moving along, and for the first time ever I’d become really excited about… Read more »

You say, ?It’s not working out? You say you can’t cope But when you give up on me You’re putting into words what I feel inside You’re proving to me that I was right: I can’t do it It’s too hard Why should I even try? Are you surprised when I get frustrated? Are you… Read more »

This feature originally appeared September 7, 2012, in issue 2034. You’ve got your books. You’ve got your supplies. You’ve carved out time and finances and a space to work, and now You’re ready to begin the school year. Except that You’re not, really. You sit at your desk and stare at the schedule?and stare and… Read more »

I’m offended by holiday music. I hate crooning singers making love to the microphone. I despise tear-jerking tunes and emotionally manipulative lyrics (I’m looking at you, ?Christmas Shoes?). Worst of all, most of the holiday songs I hear are celebrating something I don’t believe in. Winter. Nothing gets me more than all this winter love…. Read more »