Bowl Highlights

Yes, the game was exciting. Yes, the underdogs won. Yes, it was a high-scoring game with many firsts: most total yards in Super Bowl history, gutsiest play in Super Bowl history, highest loser score in Super Bowl history. I could’ve done something more educational and important. But those commercials! So funny or so sincere. Every… Continue reading Bowl Highlights

An Ode to the West Coast

Earthquakes, fires, and mudslides aside, California is an awesome state. You’ve lived at both ends, and it is like leaving one country and entering another. San Diego is warm, sunny, and filled with swaying palm trees. You were only there for 18 months, long enough to visit every beach and experience every tourist attraction. You… Continue reading An Ode to the West Coast

The Nuts in My Batter

I have judge-y friends. Two years ago: “Why’d you go and get a puppy?” Last year: “Why don’t you ever travel? I’d die if I didn’t get to travel.” Last month: “Why did you get another dog? As though you don’t have enough to do!” Last week: “Why did you take your sister? You have… Continue reading The Nuts in My Batter

Too Tired to Boogie

The band room was a freezer. “Vamos a sentarnos en el pasillo, clase.” “What?” “We’ll sit in the hallway today.” It was zero degrees outside. The school district wanted a Spanish class but had no classroom for me. I’d complained a zillion times – when the band teacher held private tuba lessons in his office,… Continue reading Too Tired to Boogie

Prom with an Older Woman

Alan was a sophomore when he got asked to junior prom by an older girl. He rented a tux from his date’s father, Mr. Cohen, at the local men’s shop in Monterey. Alan’s dad had to play chauffeur in his 1962 Chevy Bel Air, since Alan didn’t have his driver’s license yet. When they go… Continue reading Prom with an Older Woman

Do the Hustle

Guido met Marsha at a famous bar called Rex and Eric’s in Waikiki. He lived locally. She was on vacation. He’d put on his five gold chains, unbuttoned his billowy polyester shirt with the big collar to reveal just enough chest hair, stepped into a pair of black high-waisted pants that hugged his tight butt,… Continue reading Do the Hustle

Five Minutes in Philly

She was tall and blond. He was taller and had reddish hair. They were both at Rite Aid in Valley Forge. Matthew had come in for his hair gel, LA Look. He needed the gel to maintain the spike in his hairstyle. He saw her in the hair care aisle. “I have trouble finding hair… Continue reading Five Minutes in Philly