How Are You Doing?

Something you’re looking forward to: a summer trip to Umbria (Italy) and Spring! A worry that’s on your mind: egg freezing and wether or not I’ll be able to be a mom Your favorite dessert: profiteroles Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): the small village I grew up in Something you like about yourself, large or small: my hazel eyes, my legs, my hair and sense of humour

Something you’re looking forward to: warmer weather (expecting 24 inches of snow on Sunday here!!) A worry that’s on your mind: will my son who is 11 ever even out emotionally? Middle school SUCKS. As a kid and as a parent. Your favorite dessert: omg anything chocolate. Like a huge slice of chocolate cake with frosting and sprinkles (always sprinkles) Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): sweet home Chicago. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m so good at making friends and meeting people. Sometimes people will tell me the MOST vulnerable things after I just met them. And my husband (who is a minister) is like….HOW do you do that? I honestly don’t know but gosh I love people.

Something you’re looking forward to: As a trial run before I book a trip out of state, I’m going to have my first ever night away from my 2.5 year old son. The prospect of a night of uninterrupted sleep is too delicious to imagine. But I also think I will probably be watching vidoes of him for hours. A worry that’s on your mind: The aforementioned trip! But also school, work, dating. Somehow the best and worst of everything is so closely intermingled lately. Your favorite dessert: Tiramisu! Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Detroit, 100%. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m a quick reader.

I’m going to belatedly contribute in case other stragglers are reading the comments, too. I’m looking forward to: getting out of this CAM boot and back to my active ways! Two more weeks. I’m worried about: my daughter’s recent social struggles, which are making her so sad. AI coming for my job, which I love. The warming planet. My aging parents. War. Democracy. Etc. Etc. My favorite dessert is warm fruit pie or cobbler (berry, apple) with vanilla ice cream. My actual hometown is in the Bay Area, and I’m a Northern California girl through and through, but LA feels like home. (I currently live in the Southeast and it does not.) Some things I like about myself: I’m independent, really funny, confident, and easygoing. Physically, I like my green eyes, my long legs, my big nose, and my big hair.

Oof. I read the headline and took a deep breath (as I’m not doing good at all, friends). Sending solidarity and peaceful vibes to y’all. Something you’re looking forward to: Getting through a really busy period at work that is sucking my will to live. Hoping to take a long weekend and go somewhere that isn’t here. A worry that’s on your mind: Being able to meet all of the asks in front of me while retaining my sanity. Your favorite dessert: Creme brûlée! Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Chicago Something you like about yourself, large or small: My curiosity.

Looking forward to: After a long time trying, I finally got my first positive pregnancy test! A worry: I’m so scared that I’ll lose the pregnancy. Favorite dessert: Anything bready-cinnamon role, pastry, etc. A place that feels like home: Atlanta, GA (though I’m not sure it’s ever felt like home) Something I like about myself: My innate sense that anything is possible.

Something you’re looking forward to: spring and summer after a LONG winter A worry that’s on your mind: always my teenage daughter who’s really struggling and seems to hate me, and I know it is at least partially my fault because I made so many mistakes and I so wanted to do this perfectly (and somehow thought I would) Your favorite dessert: sprinkle cookies from the bakery, rainbow cookies from the grocery store, ricotta cheesecake from anywhere Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Long Island, NY Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m kind, and hard-working, and basically always trying my best

Something you’re looking forward to: My husband is traveling the weekend, and though I’d really rather he be home, I am looking forward to some alone time in the evenings to watch a romcom and do my nails without the fumes giving him a headache. A worry that’s on your mind: My 7-year-old son’s health. He tested low glucose levels last week and just hasn’t seemed himself lately. Your favorite dessert: I say tiramisu, but I don’t even know if that actually is. It might actually be really chocolatey moose tracks ice cream. Maybe with a chocolate chip cookie. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Kankakee, IL Something you like about yourself, large or small: I really like my hair (finally) and the way it holds curl as beachy waves for two or three days. I’m also curious about everything, can understand any perspective (even bizarre ones), and have an absolute killer singing voice.

Something you’re looking forward to: a training i’m helping out with thats happening in person!! Growing up i really struggled with being in groups during camps, trips etc and still do sometimes but weirdly i LOVE being a part of therapy-focused group retreats or trainings. A worry that’s on your mind: I’m so sick of living in my hometown where my entire family lives, and uprooting feels complicated and hard. Honestly i’m dying to leave the US and live abroad but not sure how we can do it as my partner works with his hands and can’t make money overseas, will i be lonely if i leave my hometown and family of my entire life in my mid thirties. Or if i stay in the US, where to move? Picking a new place feels so arbitrary and high pressure at this stage of life Your favorite dessert: icebox cake Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): providence ri Something you like about yourself, large or small: my chutzpah, how i am both fire and water energy at once. I’m interested in lots of things and people. My enthusiasm.

Something I’m looking forward to: taking the poor man’s cruise (aka BC Ferries) to Vancouver Island for March Break Worry: during the day, I worry about my best friend’s health. She’s been sick for a decade and no one is quite sure what the problem is. Chronic fatigue? She’s in a dark place though. And during the night, I worry about if Canada is next, and if my boys will have to fight in the water wars. Dessert: black forest cake? but pass me the chips, those are my true weakness Hometown: British Columbia and the west coast have my heart Like about myself: I’m game! Also I can carry a tune.

Thank you to everyone who has shared, these posts have kept me going during a challenging week. Something I’m looking forward to: going out to my mother in laws place in Winthrop, WA in early April with my husband and our 2 sons as well as two close friends and their daughter, I am excited for a week off work and time to rest and rejuvenate in a beautiful place with loved ones Worry: I’m feeling really challenged by my 3 year olds behaviors and I worry about how I am responding, I don’t want to be this irritable! Plus the state of the world, war in Iran, and feeling burnt out of my job as a primary care nurse practitioner at a community health clinic Dessert: anything almond flavored Hometown: the puget sound Like about myself: my thoughtfulness

Something you’re looking forward to: my partner and I just decided yesterday to accept his offer and move to London. It’s exciting and what we both want but feels so daunting right now, one step at a time will get us there! A worry that’s on your mind: my heart is breaking for people in fear in the Middle East. It’s horrific and I am so angry. Your favorite dessert: not really a desert person, so it tends to be anything salty— hot chocolate, caramel, etc. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Colorado foothills. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I really like mundane, repetitive tasks because they feel meditative. Most people don’t, so it’ll often feel like a superpower. Need hundreds of iris bulbs separated, sorted and replanted? I’m your girl.

Something you’re looking forward to: Spring in the garden. A worry that’s on your mind: What will our next election look like? Your favorite dessert: A warm chocolate chip cookie. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Mount Joy, PA :) Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m a reader.

Something you’re looking forward to: I graduate with my bachelor’s in history this June. I was raised fundamentalist christian, homeschooled, and very conservative. Being a trad-wife was the only approved aspiration for girls. I will be the first woman in my immediate family to graduate from a four year university. I have been working on it for years while staying home with my children. I am really proud of myself. A worry that’s on your mind: My father-in-law has Parkinson’s. He is only 54. He is deteriorating rapidly and it is devastating to see. Your favorite dessert: I love chocolate chip cookies. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): the Oregon Coast and the Wallowa Mountains. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I like that I am a good listener and I like my hair.

I’m looking forward to spring: warmer days, softer air, color; Worried about my husband’s health; any kind of berry crumble; Vermont; My big wavy/curly hair + mostly everything else?! I love the confidence I feel in my 40s!

Something you’re looking forward to: Trip to see friends at the end of the month when they fly back to the States from Australia A worry that’s on your mind: My son is 22 months and not speaking as much as he should be Your favorite dessert: Tiramisu Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Lawrence, KS Something you like about yourself, large or small: My lips

I had to think about the first prompt for a second, which is a little concerning (in a rut and a tired/busy solo mom of a 2.5 year old), so I felt I needed to engage with this post and challenge myself! Something you’re looking forward to: Watching The Pitt tonight! Seeing my son at the end of the workday. And the vacation I haven’t planned yet but need to go on :) A worry that’s on your mind: money. Never enough and this economy is so bad. Your favorite dessert: Ice cream! Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Brooklyn feels like home (but Virginia is where I live) – I miss it so much. I could really use a good slice. Something you like about yourself, large or small: sense of humor :)

Something you’re looking forward to: starting to try for a baby in August A worry that’s on your mind: everything related to the above Your favorite dessert: Tiramisu Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Buenos Aires, Argentina Something you like about yourself, large or small: My empathy

Something you’re looking forward to: My bio-dad is flying me across the country to celebrate my birthday with him and my bio siblings on his side later this month. It was a surprise and a very welcome one. A worry that’s on your mind: If I’m doing enough for my daughter with disabilities Your favorite dessert: chocolate chip cookies Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Chicago – I’ve moved a lot in my life but Chicago, where my parents are from, has always been the “home base” to me. Something you like about yourself, large or small: My freckles. While I’ve been adding tattoos over the years I’m very intentional about placement because I don’t want to cover key freckle areas.

Something you’re looking forward to: Warmth. A worry that’s on your mind: The world allowing russia to return to the world of sports and culture, while they are killing and raping in Ukraine, and threatening all neighbouring countries (I live in Latvia). Also, I found out that I will not be able to have another child. Your favorite dessert: Fresh local raspberries. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Rīga, Latvia but I felt like I belong during out trip to Hiiumaa which is a small Estonian island. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am good at understanding instructions – knitting patterns, origami schemes, processes. Also, my eyes are a very deep blue which I like.

Im looking forward to everything coming into bloom and the lighter, warmer days of summer Im worried about the UK and the rest of Europe following the USA into fascism Fav dessert chocolate mousse Hometown Edinburgh, Scotland Thing I like about myself is animals and babies love me!

Something you’re looking forward to: My eldest just got selected for his riding club’s show jumping team in a local league, and I’m looking forward to the organized chaos of trucking horses to competitions around Stockholm this spring and all the growth and development for him that comes from an experience like this. A worry that’s on your mind: The world, the climate, my aging parents and in-laws Your favorite dessert: Currently obsessed with Franui – frozen raspberries covered in white and dark chocolate. They are my every evening pick-me-up and I love them. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): My heart home-town is always Sardinia and I’m counting the days until I’ll be back there again and can breathe the way I only can there Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m proud of how hard I try, especially when it comes to be mothering my three kids. I’m acutely aware of my failings – it’s so hard to get it right, but I hope they will look back and recognize that when I got it wrong, it wasn’t from lack of care or lack of effort.

Something looking forward to: The warm sun (hopefully) on my face in my new garden this summer A worry that’s on my mind: My poor 13 yr old daughter, bereft after leaving her friends to move back to Ireland, and not understanding why we needed to. My heart is broken for her. My favorite dessert: lemon tart. My hometown (or a place that feels like home): Abu Dhabi, just returned home to Ireland after 10 years and seeing my previous beautiful home in the midst of this neverending war is unthinkable.

Something I’m looking forward to: Warm sun (hopefully) on my face this summer in my new garden. A worry that’s on my mind: My poor 13 yr old daughter, bereft after leaving her friends to move back to Ireland, and not understanding why we needed to. My heart is broken for her. My favorite dessert: lemon tart. My hometown (or a place that feels like home): Abu Dhabi, just returned home to Ireland after 10 years and seeing my previous beautiful home in the midst of this neverending war is unthinkable. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am loving and cuddly with daughter.

I am an expat living in Qatar and my family and I have spent the last 11 days sheltering in place due to multiple missile attacks each day from Iran. Thank goodness Qatar has a highly competent military defense, because we haven’t gotten any support from Qatar’s ally, the US. Trump has admitted to not having an evacuation plan for Americans in the region (either embassy staff or citizens), and somehow didn’t realize that Iran was likely to attack neighboring countries. Consequently, my young children are terrified and upset by the sound and sensation of missiles being intercepted overhead (all of the windows and doors in the house rattle with each interception), and while I assume we are mostly safe in that our neibourhood won’t be targeted, there’s no guarantee that debris won’t fall on our house like it has in other GCC countries. I receive daily emails from the state department assuring that my safety and security is of utmost importance, however the phone number they provide for assistance is bogus. They recommend we take commerical options to leave Qatar, and yet airspace was closed for over a week and now only relief flights are available for stranded transiting passengers. The State Dept recommend we leave by land into Saudi, then tell us it’s not safe to travel by land and to shelter in place. The terror and confusion has been enormously unsettling, and on top of it all I’m trying to manage virtual schooling for my kids while constantly having to duck and cover when we hear missiles overhead. We are all scared and exhausted, while seemingly forgotten by the Trump administration.

Looking forward to: getting my daughter back today. I really miss her. Worry: how hard I’m finding my separation and the impact on her Favourite desert: crumble Hometown: Edinburgh I like: my small hands and wrists

Oh, sending big hugs to all of you! *Looking forward to: Our sweet kids climbing into our bed for cuddles in the morning, and their honourary grandparents visiting soon! *A worry: *gestures everywhere* Also, my health – I very likely have celiac disease but still have a few more tests this year to rule out more serious things that might be compounding my symptoms. I have a wonderful husband and two amazing little kids and even though the outside world is a dumpster fire, I love our little life so much, and I feel scared about not getting to experience it with them. We also have a lot of house repair and student loan debt that we’re trying to dig out from under, my parents are rapidly aging with no safety net/very little for retirement, and my beloved grandmother is slowly dying with dementia, and I feel like my extended family is just going to fade away from each other when she’s gone. *Favourite dessert: chocolate caramel tart, DQ ice cream cake, anything with rhubarb, dark chocolate dipped into a jar of peanut butter * Hometown: Calgary, but my heart is most at home on the west coast of Canada, especially the Gulf Islands * Something I like about myself: I love my crow’s feet! I also love feeling prepared with everything we need when we’re out for walks or adventures, that I’m really good at showing up for people, especially in a crisis, and that I always organize boxes of donations really carefully to make it as easy as possible for the person unpacking it

Something you’re looking forward to: Being done with a year-long work project (that just started!) A worry that’s on your mind: Balancing health and wellness and family with new work expectations. Your favorite dessert: Homemade or small-batch ice cream Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Southern college town. The way stress leaves me the second I enter city limits is magic! Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am incredibly strong emotionally.

Looking forward to: I’m visiting NYC…alone…with no plans. In my fantasy I run into you Jo and tell you I’ve been reading your site for 20 (!!) years but I’ll be just as happy wandering around and not having anyone ask me what’s for dinner. A worry: My 12 year old girl is feisty, tough and showing signs of emerging disordered eating and ugh, no bandaids for that. Favorite Dessert: KEY LIME PIE Hometown: Twin Cities, MN and have never missed it so much as this year or felt more proud. Something I like about myself: I remember names and birthdays, I run fast, I hug long.

Something you’re looking forward to: the ice going out and being able to swim in the lake again (more immediately, looking forward to getting into bed tonight and reading the next chapter of Lady Tremaine!! Thanks COJ for the tip-off, it’s incredible..) A worry that’s on your mind: my partner and I have very different lifestyle goals and I worry what it means for our long term compatibility. Your favorite dessert: a warm chocolate chip cookie with a cold glass of milk Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Toronto Something you like about yourself, large or small: my ability to find the pangram in NYT’s Spelling Bee and navigate high pressure situations calmly (maybe the two are connected?! Lol)

Something I’m looking forward to: I turn 50 next month and a couple of days after my birthday I am signed up to fight in my first jiu-jitsu competition A worry on my mind: our dog passed away in July and my husband is ready for a pup, but my heart is not ready. How will we navigate this? My favorite desert: I am loving flan right now, Trader Joes has some great flan in the refrigerated area Place that feels like home, Phoenix Something I like about myself: I am not afraid to be bad at things. Honestly I am not a quick learner and I don’t have natural talent at most things and I like that I still enjoy putting myself out there and learning things.

Looking forward to: Easter, and my toddlers excited run around the house looking for eggs Worry: war, if we’re doing the right thing for our girls by staying in the States while there are threats to California Fav dessert: warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, why haven’t I had this in forever! Hometown: Toronto, any season I like that I keep going and finding out more about myself

Something you’re looking forward to: hiking and thrifting this weekend A worry that’s on your mind: prep for upcoming cross country move and new job Your favorite dessert: berry pie with homemade ice cream Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): anywhere with my family and friends, laughing and eating good food around a table Something you like about yourself, large or small: my legs and my creativity

Something you’re looking forward to: I am heading to New York in a week with my best friend for a Pals Trip to see Oh, Mary! and I am excited to be there. A worry that’s on your mind: I am trying to get pregnant and the world is like THIS. I worry we are insane! Your favorite dessert: Custard. Egg custard. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): I was born in Frimley (south of London), but my grandparents retired to Selsey, two streets from a pebbly beach. I’m there when I close my eyes. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I smile easily and I’m very kind (but not always nice, ha!).

Something you’re looking forward to: Seeing my nephews next week-end ! They live far away, and after family problems I dont see them as often as before, so I’m so happy for this time together ! A worry that’s on your mind: France falling into fascism more and more each day, following many countries of this scary world. And our helplessness to do more/enough for the populations suffering all these attacks. Your favorite dessert: The one my friends have eaten a million times : the yogourt cake from my grandmother’s recipe ! Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Les Landes (or any forest of pines, that helps to feel home in so many parts of the world !:) ) Something you like about yourself, large or small: My courage to face painful truths (even if sometimes I would love some rest). + my hability to laugh of/with myself ! Which helps to bear with the 1st thing ! :)

Something you’re looking forward to: We’re taking our first post retirement trip! And my flower garden. A worry that’s on your mind: My mom slipping further into her dementia and everything, everything, everything. Your favorite dessert: I love chocolate, bread pudding, rice pudding, cake and ice cream, flan, apple pie, just about any dessert is my fave. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): The mountains of NC. Something you like about yourself, large or small:

Hello lovely community… my spoon, my hands, and my heart are ready to share the load. For my part: I’m looking forward to spring! Not false spring or fools’ spring, but proper life-affirming, glorious spring! I’m worried, as are so many of us, that Canada will be next. I love a proper English trifle, My hometown is the bucolic Guelph, Ontario. I like my tendency for stubborn optimism when things are at their worst. And my eyelashes. They’re pretty fly. 🩷

Looking forward to my two Springsteen concerts with my son at Barclay’s and in Philly. Worry about our two boys, age 25 and 27, and hope they each find true love because they (and their friends) are so frustrated with Hinge. Favorite dessert is a really good chocolate chip cookie. Hometown is CT but my happy place is our little MA beach house. I’m 61, and I like that I feel 25 in my head.

I’ll play! Something you’re looking forward to: Reading Station Eleven this evening before bed – someone here recommended it and I’ve been tearing through it! Thanks for the rec! A worry that’s on your mind: My husband lost his job about a month ago. He’s had one interview, no offers. We have debt, and my job is unstable. It’s a lot to hold. Your favorite dessert: Chocolate mousse (twinning, Jo!) Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Northern California Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am exceptional at having boundaries, saying no, and putting myself first.

Joanna, I always wish you answered these questions yourself when you do these posts! Please consider, I’d love to know how you are doing :) Something you’re looking forward to: Beach vacation with my immediate family – first one since my brother and I had our own children. Four cousins 3 and under! I’m excited to see my two year old twin boys on the beach for the first time – I’m sure it will be hard in ways I can’t even imagine but hopefully also worth all that sand :) A worry that’s on your mind: My husband’s contract is ending at the end of March, so him finding a new job. He works in AI and has a very marketable skill set, but the industry is very volatile and it’s hard to see him have to interview and learn a new team etc. AGAIN. But fortunately we live well below our means and when he is working he does very well, so we do not have the financial stress many people do during times of unemployment. Your favorite dessert: Warm brownie + ice cream + hot fudge + nuts Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): west side of Cleveland, small suburb that is 1/4 mile from the lake that I wish I hadn’t taken for granted growing up! Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am decisive, and I think it’s a highly useful quality!

Something you’re looking forward to: taking my boyfriend swing dancing on Thursday, and all the potential of Spring garden growth A worry that’s on your mind: my grandmom’s quality of life further declining as she goes into hospice care Your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): brownstone Brooklyn Something you like about yourself, large or small: my warm hugs

Something you’re looking forward to: springtime,I am ready to enjoy longer and warmer days A worry that’s on your mind: how to raise a kind boy in this crazy world Your favorite dessert: I have a sweet tooth so it is hard to choose so I would say anything with chocolate! Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): anywhere my two favourite people are, they are my home Something you like about yourself, large or small: the wrinkles I have when I smile

Something you’re looking forward to: an upcoming family trip to Japan A worry that’s on your mind: my blood pressure fluctuations Your favorite dessert: chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Santa Fe Something you like about yourself, large or small: very good at reading nonverbal cues about people’s affect

Suggest a story about female Iranian player Shiva Amini who lost everything in Iran and was not allowed to ever play professional soccer again because she was once photographed wearing shorts. Can you imagine? There are no basic human rights for women in Iran. I pray for their freedom.

Something you’re looking forward to: crawling into bed and finishing “Good People” also, watching the Pitt tomorrow night. A worry that’s on your mind: my husband’s alcoholism and how it’s impacting our marriage and my precious toddlers Your favorite dessert: tiramisu Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Bend, OR Something you like about yourself, large or small: my ability to find really great small businesses to support.

Forward to: first freezing bay swim of the season, my daughter’s coming home tomorrow from college! She chose HOME over travel w friends on her first Spring break. Worry: the world, my health. Dessert: Fresh apricot tart w vanilla i.c., a Hit cookie w a cup of tea. Home: We live on Outer Cape Cod in Ma in the States Favorite part: I root for other women like it’s my job, my legs and my flirtation skills. How are you doing, Joanna. Still thinking about you and Freddie, and your big heart healing. Sending a big hug.

Looking forward to: Work hopefully slowing down a bit this fall, winter? A worry: A big case I have to try this summer that I don’t feel ready for Favorite dessert: Lemon ice cream Hometown: Detroit, the love of my life Like about myself: I do the things other people are afraid to do

Love this check in! Excited about: summer travels, it’s a year of island adventures and I am so lucky to have a family vacation planned for Ireland AND as a chaperone on a trip to Australia & New Zealand. Bucket list trips for sure! Worry: that I am a person who can’t seem to get it together. I’m failing at exercise routines, meal planning and so many things. I’m just at the point where my teenager will be driving on his own (a real necessity in our community with lack of public transportation and the expectation that everyone drives everywhere) so maybe that will help. But I’m just finding it hard to take care of myself and our little family. We’re getting by but I’m far from thriving. Dessert: brownie sundaes, preferable with ice cream, whipped cream and crushed up Thin Mints Something I like about myself: I genuinely like people and their stores, and I marvel at the many people who intersect in our lives. Woo Strength is there are any other Strengthfinders peeps in this thread!

I’m looking forward to summer evenings at the river with my kids. I worry how long the dust of divorce will take to settle. My favorite dessert right now is a warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream. Astoria, OR feels like home always. I like that I have a wide range of competencies and interests — it’s a strength.

Something I am looking forward to: My brother visiting this weekend. A worry that’s on your mind: My parent’s declining cognitive health Favorite dessert: Fruit Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): The Jersey shore, anywhere with my hubby, and with my mom Something you like about yourself, large or small: How much I love my family

Something you’re looking forward to: Meeting family members that I haven’t met in years, outwardly I’m a calm person (most of the time) but inside I feel giddy and delirious with anticipation. A worry that’s on your mind: that the current world state is the new norm for the rest of my lifetime Your favorite dessert: Right now? Basque burnt cheesecake Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Hamburg, DE where I first felt truly emancipated Something you like about yourself, large or small: I have a mole near my navel, and inner wrist, ring finger and a small birthmark that looks like Australia on top of my thigh. Seeing these constants on my changing self across decades somehow grounds me.

I’ll play! Something you’re looking forward to: Close waterpark spring break weekend, warmer weather. A worry that’s on your mind: The U.S. is slowly imploding. Your favorite dessert: Chocolate chip cookies. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Stevens Point, WI, a university town in the exact center of the state. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I am truly the glue that holds my family together, and it’s a role I was born to play.

A worry that is on my mind: my son is in 6th grade and his best friend since kindergarten is distancing himself b/c he’s now part of the “sporty kids” group, to which my son is not. It’s a little heartbreaking how we categorize ourselves. My favorite dessert: I realize I quit alcohol only to develop a sugar addiction! I am trying to lay off sweets, but my answer is still magnolia cupcakes. I didn’t grow up in NYC, but I lived there from ages 20-35. I moved to the suburbs to raise my kids, but my heart is always in NYC. As soon as my kids are out of school, I’m going back! I like my tattoos! It’s finally getting warmer and I have a short sleeve dress on right now, and my arms have tattoos and I’m happy to have them on display again! Thank you for this, this was a pleasant break in the day.

Something you’re looking forward to: My staycation with my husband. Two nights in a hotel, downtown, away from kids, and able to explore our city a little? Heaven. A worry that’s on your mind: Feels like the state of the world is on everyone’s mind right now. I keep thinking about the bombing in Iran that hit a school. Your favorite dessert: GOOD chocolate cake. So easy to mess up, and some folks try to go too fancy. I just want chocolate cake and chocolate frosting. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): I felt immensely at home in Carmel, CA. Might have been the magic of my honeymoon, but it sure was easy to imagine daily life there. (Though I could never afford it!) Something you like about yourself, large or small: Small – My freckles. I’m not a redhead type freckly person with them dotted all over my nose. Mine are big brown ones that border on moles. I’ve got constellations of them, and my oldest son is starting to get them, too. I always point out a new freckle on his skin when I notice its arrival. Big – I was just part of an interview panel at the school where I teach. The panel was a smattering of different folks from the building, so the room could be oddly quiet at times. I like that I can fill that space (as needed) with jokes or connections with others.

Sending love and hope to all… Something you’re looking forward to: The six-week post op mark (hysterectomy), so I can start to move my body more and properly hold my sweet babies! A worry that’s on your mind: Our five-year-old just got over walking pneumonia after the flu (two weeks), and now we all have some sort of virus, and I’m really hoping it just follows a normal course, and he’s okay. His low-grade fever is hanging around, and it makes me nervous. Your favorite dessert: tiramisu Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): I’ll let you know when I find it Something you like about yourself, large or small: I don’t stress the small stuff

Something you’re looking forward to: joining a new church! The church I called home for 13 years just was no longer a good fit for me. I had for sure outgrown it. I have been going to this new-to-me church since August and it has been the most life-giving place. They are inclusive of ALL people, really wonderful stewards of their finances and their space, encouraging of everyone’s gifts, and have incredible women in positions of leadership. I’ve been given room to grow there and I am so grateful. A worry that’s on your mind: the continual hatred coming from our country’s “leaders.” It is getting worse and worse and I am getting more fearful about what is to come. Your favorite dessert: I’ve been vibing hard on a good chocolate chip cookie – like baked by a bakery. But also, there’s rarely been a bad dessert. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Sellersville, PA is my official hometown (it’s a postage stamp of a town, but George Washington did ride through and stay there.) The town my husband and I live in now in PA also feels like home. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m a very thoughtful person. I remember the birthday, the anniversary of your mom’s passing, the fact that you just got a promotion. I celebrate it with a baked good, a $5 venmo for coffee, a handwritten card. I love this about myself. I can be scattered in other ways but I’m glad that I am there for people. (It does make it challenging sometimes though because rarely do I come across people as thoughful so it can be a little discouraging when I am the one in need of the care.)

Something I’m looking forward to: I lost my job in May last year and I have been interviewing a ton. If I don’t get a job in my field (education administration) by the end of this school year, I am giving up and doing something else. I will have to move to a smaller apartment and make some other changes, but right now I have three possible paths mapped out. My drop dead date to know something and either move or not is June 30, so I’m looking forward to knowing what the next chapter will be. Didn’t think I would be here at age 55, but here I am. A worry that’s on my mind: how unsafe the world has become and continues to be for women. Our rights and bodily autonomy just keeps getting chipped away and it just seems like there’s no end in sight. My favorite dessert: any kind of pie. I live above a pie cafe. It’s both good thing and a bad thing!!! I am a born and bred Chicagoan. I love the lakefront, the neighborhoods that make up this city, the diversity and culture and theater and food and opera here. I could do without the winters, but what are you gonna do?! Nothing is perfect! Something I like about myself: I’m a good friend and I have a terrific circle of friends. We have worked really hard in mid life to prioritize in person time. We do a good job of taking care of each other and our mental health. I’m proud of us for that.

Oh the last one…! Something I like about myself – I’m friendly and approachable. I have a kind face it seems people like to chat to me or ask directions.

Looking forward to wearing a dress today with tights and boots as the weather cools down, worried about my daughters one who is in hospital and the other who is going through it all too as families do when someone is unwell, grateful for all the care and amazing hospital staff and parents who we chat with and laugh about things that only parents in hospital for a long time can do, favourite dessert right now are Brownie Cookies my daughter and I have been baking and we messed up the recipe but they worked out so well so now we have our own recipe, hometown is here on my street and the dog park I’ve never felt more part of a community and I forgot what the other things were on the list but thank you for this moment and for all the wonderful readers here who we share our days with even far apart on the wild wild world.

Something you’re looking forward to: visiting the oregon coast for the first time in a couple weeks with my little fam (2.5 year old and 10 month old daughters and husband) A worry that’s on your mind: my brother is in the process of getting divorced and i really worry for him Your favorite dessert: rice krispies treats (smitten kitchen edition, because duh) Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): victor, idaho Something you like about yourself, large or small: i know how to show up for my people

Having dinner with a good friend tonight (a friend I made as an adult!) Will my kids, or anyone else’s, be able to find dignified, meaningful, decently paid work after AI has completely torn our economy to shreds? Black Cherry Chip ice cream from Van Leeuwen San Rafael, CA was my birthplace, and it never really felt like home, but I do miss the fantastic farmers’ market and the beautiful hikes. I am really good at parenting my three kids and showing my love for them all equally

These comments are so encouraging, even those that are sad or difficult. Not one of them contains desires to be rich/thin/beautiful, to own lots of shiny, shiny stuff or be famous. And in a world that constantly urges us to be all of the above and buy, buy, buy…and holds up the vacuous and the vain and the vicious for our gaze and admiration…glad to be part of this online community.

Something you’re looking forward to: Summertime travels A worry that’s on your mind: I have 4 kids, all under 4.5 (suprise twins – 4 mo. old). I just do not know how I am going to survive the next 1-10 years…there is always so much to do. Your favorite dessert: Gummy candy, cake, cherry pie…I love sweets :) Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): My mom’s house + Cape Cod Something you like about yourself, large or small: I love that people trust me not to judge them, and everyone feels comfortable telling me their secrets.

Something you’re looking forward to: Running outside again now that the weather is warming up A worry that’s on your mind: Finding work. I come from a start up background and have been a freelance editor for years, but lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and what I want to do with my life…and what I want to get into is…working on a vegetable farm. So if any of you own a farm (preferably on the East Coast), please reach out! Your favorite dessert: A brownie sundae always and forever. Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): NYC, but Portland, Maine will always have my heart. Something you like about yourself, large or small: Lately, I’ve been *trying* to love my overly introspective brain.

Something you’re looking forward to: Continuing the improv classes I recently signed up for. Class No. 1 was so fun I didn’t want it to end. A worry that’s on your mind: Potential surgery on my feet. Damn bunions. Your favorite dessert: German chocolate cake Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Colorado Springs Something you like about yourself, large or small: My curiosity and willingness to ask questions, even if they seem ridiculous.

Something you’re looking forward to: springtime evening walks A worry that’s on your mind: the hard work of healing plus career changes Your favorite dessert: traditional Italian black cherry gelato (Figo il Gelato Italiano’s in NYC is to die for) Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Pittsburgh, PA Something you like about yourself, large or small: that I am not afraid to get out on a dance floor!

Looking forward to: trip “up North” with my daughter (that’s for us the farthest northern part of California) Worry: husband still looking for work. His mental health because of that. Fav dessert: home-made chocolate mousse. Home: Northern California What do I like about myself: I think I (=we) raised pretty independent, self sufficient and adventurous young people (which sometimes cause me sleepless nights though) without a whole lot of drama.

Something you’re looking forward to: My son’s 9th birthday is coming up! A worry that’s on your mind: *gestures wildly at the world around us* Your favorite dessert: Lemon cake Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): Cleveland! Something you like about yourself, large or small: I’m patient and curious, which I see reflected in my children and it makes me really proud to say that.

*Visiting 3 grandchildren in Texas hill country in 2 weeks *Sympathy and empathy for all being hurt by our president and wondering if our democracy will survive *Chocolate mousse * Seattle, Washington *I appreciate the blessing of an ordinary day

Something you’re looking forward to: trip to Paris in April for the first time in a while! A worry that’s on your mind: ICE, Iran, Venezuela, am I going to stop sleeping when I enter perimenopause? Your favorite dessert: I think really light chocolate mousse Your hometown (or a place that feels like home): San Francisco!! wasn’t born here but it’s where my heart lives, and where I live now too for the past 18 years. Love that I have three native San Franciscans in my kids. Something you like about yourself, large or small: I dress up. Every day. Get an outfit on and get out of the house to see the world–it feels like my formal greeting to the day, to other people I run into. I thought about these shoes! Yes the stripes in my shirt DO match my pants! Even throughout the extended work from home during Covid, you’d find me with my earrings and lipstick on.