I have weird hair. It’s been a constant battle to learn new, inventive ways to keep myself from looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket or bathed in an oil slick.
Author: Cassandra
I know how to make crepes, like the real, authentic French kind; this is a fact that I reveal only to the trusted people in my close circle who won’t exploit me for this (welcome to my circle). I once made the mistake of volunteering to make crepes at a family holiday brunch years ago […]
For the past three weeks, I’ve wandered aimlessly, making a vain effort to get everything done that I’m supposed to. I quit my job after being in a steady eight-to-five for three years and having nearly the same routine every week; as a type-A personality, this worked for me. Now, my days are largely my […]
It’s not every day that you get the chance to meet someone who is an inspiration to turn your life upside down and chase your dreams of making the world a better place. Several months ago, I did just that when I was virtually introduced to Kavita Ramdas by her cousin, who’s a close friend […]
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The Wonder That is an Egg Salad Sandwich
I’m a hungry lady on a budget; I’m also pretty stressed and busy, which can interfere with eating well. I am, in fact, so stressed and busy today that I didn’t notice I put my underwear on inside-out this morning while getting ready at warp speed. That’s just fucking great. A good lunch (and rightly worn underwear) can totally make […]
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Ladybleeding on the Job
When it comes to being a woman in the workplace, there’s no shortage of challenges and uphill battles to fight. In my office, which is small and run by a stereotype-governed executive director who thinks that all women always carry nail files, these battles are fought up a steeper hill than other places I’ve worked. Until […]
I absolutely love appetizers, but I find them intimidating to make. Usually, I end up offering hummus and fancy crackers or something because I never know where to start. I went to a New Year’s party last weekend and, of course, was put in charge of bringing one of the hors d’oeuvres. Crackers weren’t going to be good enough for this […]
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Declaring Myself “Free at Last”
When I first sat down to write, I had every intention of covering the end of the year and all the beautiful and tragic things that have happened in the world. If you haven’t seen the year in pictures that’s been making the rounds on Facebook, I would recommend taking a peek. I still remember some […]
Last year, for the first time as an adult, I made a New Year’s resolution; I felt silly doing it, honestly. It always bothered me how people would make a big production about what they resolved to do in the coming year, only to abandon the idea by February. All that aside, I chose a […]
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What Would We Do if We Weren’t Afraid?
It seems there’s a movement going on that is pushing people to take risks and prioritize for their own happiness. Folks are changing jobs, opening their own businesses, and moving to new places to start over and find joy. I don’t know if this is happening just to people in my circle or if it’s a […]
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In With the New
Whenever I have an event to attend or a trip that I’m taking, I always feel a need to buy some new article of clothing before I go. Thinking about what I’ll wear for the event or the traveling, I find myself completely dissatisfied with the contents of my small, but full closet and […]
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Scrooges Unite
I’ve been making an effort this year to get into the “Christmas spirit.” Well, I’m making an effort to at least acknowledge that Christmas is happening (and there’s nothing I can do about it), people are jerks joyful, and I have a huge poinsettia that someone gave me in my living room which makes itself impossible to […]
On Thursday of last week, I came home to find that someone had broken into my house. They came in through my bedroom window, and went through my things without taking any of the jewelry that I have carelessly displayed in full view on top of my dresser. They had, however, looked through my drawers and closet, moving […]
When I first took on this challenge of going to 30 Bikram Yoga classes in 30 days, I imagined when it was over that I would be letting out a huge sigh of relief, while collapsing on the couch exhausted and a little bit shriveled from all the sweating.
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Dumplings Are Not Kidding Around
When I think of chicken and dumplings, I think of everything that used to feel like home when my grandmother was still alive. She was an expert at this dish and she made it regularly on chilly Sundays, which always made me feel safe and cozy.