How do you begin to process a year of life? By looking through thousands of low-resolution cell phone photos, apparently. I leave 2015 with an odd feeling in my stomach and a lot to think about. It wasn't as though it was all perfect. But amidst so much hardship in our world, I feel uncomfortably grateful. …
Tag: Friends
Los especialistas
There were so many shadows, it was as if the moon was shining down on trees. This time, though, the countless lines and shapes on the dirt--spilling one on top of the other, indistinguishable--were not from the jungle, but from unfinished building beams, windows without glass, plastic chairs and bricks and a red sofa with a sinking middle cushion. The …
Top of the World
The fear of falling thousands of feet. The fear of being attacked by an angry mob of deadly wasps. The fear of a twelve-inch needle. The fear of being buried alive. Of tornados. Of rats. Of spiders. Of snakes. Oh, how life has its share of scary. Yet, somehow, these fears all pale in comparison to one: The …
Christmas Letter 2014: A Filterer’s Review
If you had a conversation with me in the last 1-3 years, you may have experienced the following: (1) I asked you a question immediately. i.e. "Jane! How are you? Tell me about your life!" (2) I answered your question with a question. i.e. "Hi Vanessa, how are you?" "Jane! How are you? Tell me about your life!" …
Watch Your Neck.
I am not an animal person. I am sorry, world. Here's the thing: I feel like pets should grow up. Like, say, I don't know...people? At some point, probably a few minutes after I've met the thing, I'm like, hey, Spot, would you please clean up after yourself and stop drooling? You should know better. How embarrassing. …
Precancerous Moles
I am going to tell you about one of my favorite kids at camp this summer. Not that I had favorites. I will call him Henry. I thought Henry was a bit of a punk. Not that I ever think such things of campers. It might've been the way he dressed. Possibly? He wore a graphic …
just a morning walk//snapshots
Because what's better than a walk on a mild January day in Chicago, when Aubrey and I are actually home at the same time?
(mostly)nonfiction
I never really considered 'how' I worked. Particularly in an office. I figured, 'oh, I input the info. I make phone calls. I update this. I update that. It's procedure. It's pretty basic. I'm pretty organized.' Last week at the Goodman was 'crossover week,' the final week of my internship. Our office once crammed with …
christmas letter 2013
Merry Christmas friends and family, far and near! I've made it home for the holidays! And while, alas, the rumors ARE true, and I WILL be home later this winter, I'm actually headed back to the Windy City for a few weeks longer following the holiday festivities. Let's not get ahead ourselves, though. We can talk …