I have more than a few pet peeves where the English language is concerned. Most of them involve TLAs (Three Letter Acronyms). Take a look at these TLAs: ATM, PIN, SAT, HIV. They may look…
Don’t You Dare Take Away My Redux (Spring 1998)
When I heard that Phen-Fen and Redux were being pulled from pharmacy shelves, I panicked. Could my druggist still be in the dark about this news? Could I convince him to dispense all of the…
EX-cellent Fashions (Spring 1998)
There is something I pull out of my closet every winter with a smile. And I wear it with pride. It’s my leather bomber jacket. Actually, it’s not really my jacket. It’s an ex-boyfriend’s. I…
Getting Tested (Spring 1998)
I’ve done it twice. Signed up for the low-cost HIV testing and accompanying counseling. The counseling is mainly to educate the “patient.” Are you aware of the ways in which HIV is contracted? Do you…
It’s Not Personal (Spring 1998)
I never answer my phone. Not ever. I blame this behavior on having grown up in a household in which my mother’s at-home business meant phones ringing off the hook at all hours, every caller…
Love Me, Love My Cat (Spring 1998)
I know that cats aren’t for everyone. I’ve got no problem with that. But if you’re in my life for any stretch of time, you’re going to encounter Muffy. Muffy is my 17-year-old feline friend….
My Collage (Spring 1998)
There’s this wall in my apartment that I stare at when I need something. That something can be inspiration, courage, hope. It’s my Image Map, a visual representation of who I want to be and…
Naming Yourself (Spring 1998)
There’s an opportunity we get when we start our first email account. It’s also a responsibility. We get to name ourselves. Perhaps we’re in college. We get an “.edu” account. This has already identified us…
Numerology for Novices (Spring 1998)
I’ll let you in on a little secret. When I meet you, I ask for your birthday for two reasons. One: I want to put you on my birthday card list. Two: I want to…
“Hollywood & Vines” (July 1994)
I squinted through my window, an insomniac again. Without my contacts in, I could see only the reflection of headlights in the chrome bumper of the car parked on the street, otherwise, I’d not have…