Back with our favorite little way to get to know one another! Copy and paste into the comments with your own responses! I absolutely love reading these. Landon will often read them aloud to me at cocktail hour. Some previous installments here and here.
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled?
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you.
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu.
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu.
05. Scariest words.
06. Loveliest words.
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about?
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive?
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance.
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken?
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why?
***
I’ll go first:
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? Current decade: Tie between “The Good Ol Days” (I already know it) and “Head Down and Heart Full” (I have been cranking!! And also very happy!); Next Decade: The French Chateau Era. (If you read this post, you’ll understand what I mean by that.)
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. Pushy.
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. Anything that feels out of place on the menu and has clearly been included to pander / hit a trend. For example: gochujang chicken noodles at a pizza place.
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Something difficult for us to make at home — fried baby artichokes, beignets, etc. Also, anything unpopular — I’m thinking sweetbreads — because it usually signals a passionate chef.
05. Scariest words. “We have to talk.” Ahhh! Just sent a shiver down my own spine.
06. Loveliest words. “Please stay.” (I have a whole musing on this here.) Also: “We did it.”
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil. Dreams / strategies.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? How hard it is to watch your parents get older. Also, the amount of time you spend planning meals. (More surprises about getting older here.)
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? Distinctive noses. I think some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met have strong, distinctive, unusual, even crooked noses.
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. Invisalign in my late 30s. I used to hate smiling in pictures!
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? Ina Garten’s chicken pot pie! It’s seriously delicious.
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why? Here for the answers!
Shopping Break.
+How gorgeous is this lace top? I’d wear it as a jacket over a white dress. L’Agence has some absolutely spectacular pieces right now — I love this tailored patterned dress!
+Lake’s blue striped kimono pajamas were just restocked! These are a bestseller season after season.
+What I plan to wear to my daughter’s First Communion. Under $200! I also have this hanging on my dress rack as an alternative option; will make a gametime decision. Other pretty picks for big spring/early summer occasions: this Zimmermann, this Farm Rio.
+Gucci has some gorgeous spring scarves out. This one reminds me so much of my mom. And I love the colors in this one!
+Just received this hydrating face mask. Cannot wait to use. I find as I get older, the main thing I need for my skin is more moisture. I also wanted to re-plug this incredible inexpensive collagen sheet mask — I am obsessed with then. You do need to leave it on for like an hour to get the full effect so I find I have to really think about when I’m going to be able to use it, but it’s SO plumping, hydrating, glowing. They just released a brightening version with Kojic Acid and Turmeric that I am also going to try. I actually ordered this bundle set with four of the original and four of the new, as it cost less per mask! A steal!
+Weezie has the prettiest spring patterns — love these kitchen towels and these scalloped florals. And their new terrycloth toiletry pouches with the oversized monogram!!!
+A great $29 scalloped tray for a coffee table, bar, etc.
+Fun new Zara finds: this flower-button knit gilet, these wild jeans (so fun and bold!), these corded necklaces (the paracord is having a moment! — c.f. Dorsey!), this floral mini, this peter pan collar blouse, this gingham midi.
+Perfect headboard for a boy’s room.
+The chicest scalloped picture light!
+A FUN party dress.
+Love this brown linen tank, especially paired with something raffia – – a hat, a bag, a sandal.
+Wow — gorgeous furniture and home finds at this Etsy shop. Look at this spectacular nightstand and this darling ottoman!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation. Image via.
01. Inner growth, family, and peace
02. Chill!
03. capers!!!! YUCK
04. anchovies!!! YUM
05. “Hey, do you have a few minutes to chat”
06. “saudades” <3
07. I honestly never use pencils!
08. Soooo many errands all the time.
09. chest hair haha
10. under-eye fillers (I used to look perpetually exhausted and underslept!) + accutane when I was younger, though it is definitely brutal
11. homemade tacos!
12. N/A!
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? Current decade: finding my strength. Next decade: finding my peace.
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. Loud.
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. Chili flake (why the singular form? Just one itty-bitty chili “flake”?)
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Creative mocktails. A unique cheese selection. Also, as someone who cooks and bakes, I agree with what others have said about something that is hard to make at home.
05. Scariest words. “I’m calling you with your test results…” (in the medical context)
06. Loveliest words. I miss you/I love you
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil. Non-negotiables in ink. Negotiables in pencil.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? 100% agree with this: How hard it is to watch your parents get older. Also, how much the body changes in mid-40s. Lastly: how much I have to learn to allocate/protect my time.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? Smile lines/laugh lines
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. Not so much on appearance — but more for well-being: monthly massage.
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? Hot take, but I hate the Costco chicken. I don’t know why, there’s something about the texture that bugs me. But I do like the rotisserie chicken in our local grocer, and I shred it and make Filipino chicken adobo (lots of garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaf, black peppercorns). You can put it in soft tacos (almost like pulled pork) with fixings, or in a “slider”. Or I go the classic Filipino way and eat it with rice and a fried egg. Sometimes I let the pulled chicken sear and crisp up in the pan.
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? The Surprising Years. The Emboldened Years.
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. conventional
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. entries that look like the result of a drunken Mad Libs competition. Menu speak is perilously becoming Art speak.
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. things I would not make at home
05. Scariest words. recently “where are those blueberry muffins you baked?” the dog climbed on the table and ate all of them. luckily no vet visit!
06. Loveliest words. I love you. it’s simple and a classic for all time
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil. prose, poetry
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? all of it. I had a bit of a feral upbringing. I will say aging parents and perimenopause were the biggest surprises.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? moles. Cindy Crawford and Madonna made inroads though.
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. gym membership, running shoes, meditation, veneers.
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? don’t eat chicken but have enjoyed reading others’ culinary adventures.
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why? I had a patient I worked with for over a year. She was not expected to live. I officiated her wedding 5 years ago!! She and her partner and son are friends for life.
“Menu speak is perilously becoming art speak” – lol. And the blueberry muffin debacle!! Tilly would have done the same thing…
Agree with you on perimenopause!
xx
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled?
fruition… fruition 🙂
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you.
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu.
overpriced bread.
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu.
stuffed artichokes, squash blossoms…. and I did try sweetbreads once at the now defunct Blue Ribbon in NYC. Tasty but the texture is an adjustment 🙂
05. Scariest words.
Over, gone, useless.
06. Loveliest words.
hope, haven, thrilling, ripe, thunderstorm.
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil.
name in ink, thoughts in pencil
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about?
How there truly is no one else coming to tell you how to navigate it all.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? big ears 🙂
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance.
sunscreen! I know that’s boring but I’m 45, been using it religiously since my mid 20s… even here in Seattle when it’s pouring rain. I still get carded all the time!
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken?
not exactly ground breaking but tortilla soup
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why?
I had a student named Malin who was 4. At the beginning of the year, she started coming to me and saying in a soft, trembling voice…”Miss Jessica.. can I talk to you out in the hallway alone?”. She did not know how to tell her friend, who was much more vocal, that sometimes she wanted space. She was terrified the friend would not like her anymore. I had a call with her Mom, who told me Malin was crying herself to sleep, afraid to come to school. I worked with her, trying to give her the words, gas up her little (but not so little) moments of speaking up… and a few months later, I would hear her say, I want to be alone right now. I don’t want to play with you, but I do later. And when a boy smacked her butt? “You do NOT have my CONSENT to do that!!”
I have never been so proud. I can only hope I had a small role in that…. what a superstar.
***
Love this story! Malin didn’t know it at the time, but she was a future Magpie in the making!
!!! So sweet!
I love Malin!! Go you for creating a safe space where she could be heard and supported. Wow! I love this story.
And I love the idea of “writing your thoughts in pencil.” Yes!! We are always rewriting how we think.
xx
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled?
This is my mom era. I hope next comes my writerly years, my back catalogue years, the years I complete books.
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you.
Indecisive. I am a good researcher and I generally have an opinion on anything you care to name. And I’m perhaps known for that in my friend groups!
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. No allergens listed? In 2025? You’re going to make me question a harried server? Print the damn list.
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Chimichurri. Sardines. Pao de queijo. Brisket. Brussels sprouts. Hoisin. Aguachile. Pavlova. Vermouth. Lamb. Scotch eggs. Fried herbs. Truffle fries. Cheese fries. Frozen custard. Asparagus. Oyster mushrooms. Socca/panisse. Yuzu. Rocket. Sichuan pepper. Jalapeño. Apricot. Almond. Buy a round for the kitchen.
05. Scariest words. “Can you come in here.”
06. Loveliest words. “I love you.” Forever and ever and ever. Magic. Especially from the little people I made.
07. Write your praise in ink, but your critiques in pencil.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about?
How is there so much laundry? How am I doing ten times as much laundry now? There are only four of us. The math ain’t mathing.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? I’ve said aging before, and I stand by that. Body hair. Love handles. I actually think any feature has the potential to be attractive on a beloved person, and I like faces with character that embrace their quirks with confidence.
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance.
Microdermabrasion, red light mask, regular haircuts, clothes that fit the body I’m in.
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? Avgolemono or Tom Kha Gai. Mighty soups.
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why?
I do user driven design research, and the fact that some people we studied were feeling so disempowered, and seeing their feedback surfaced up and ultimately incorporated into technology solutions not only made believers of them, it transformed their experience of their company. I remember one skeptical fleet manager whose life we really changed. I had many clients who went in skeptics and truly missed us when we were gone.
Your list of things that delight you on a menu — pure poetry. Wow! I was unexpectedly transported and moved by it! Thanks for sharing.
AGREE on laundry. It’s never ending.
xx
Yay, icebreakers!!
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? We just celebrated a decade of marriage last week! I feel like that decade should be “we had no idea!” Next up: standing on a firm foundation.
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. Bubbly.
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. Too many pages in a menu always annoys/scares me. It cannot all be fresh, let alone good!
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Risotto – I just love it so much! Especially if it’s served with scallops, which I hardly ever make at home.
05. Scariest words. These are by far not the scariest words I’ve heard, but seeing the schools name on caller id fills me with dread. Is someone puking at school? Break their arm on the playground? Etc.
06. Loveliest words. You look beautiful!
07. Write your prayers in ink, but your plans in pencil.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? Career planning, for sure.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? Can’t think of anything, guess I’m pretty conventional 🙂
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. Deva cuts for my curly hair.
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? Chicken enchiladas from What’s Gaby Cooking. But sounds like I need to check out Ina’s pot pie…
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why? I do not interact regularly, but I was room mom in my 2nd grader’s class last week, and one of her friends complimented my watch and it just charmed me so much!
Good point on the long menu!! It cannot all be good or fresh – amne.
OMG yes to the school’s name on caller ID. It sends me straight into a mixture of panic and stress. Who will pick them up?! What happened?!
xx
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? Ah, the chaos and stormy years to the years of bliss and golden opportunities
My 30s have been stormy and chaotic. Still a few years left in this decade
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. Patient
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. Blistered anything….it just sounds gross
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Mozzarella sticks
05. Scariest words. We Need to Talk. I wanted to ask you something. Or call me asap.
06. Loveliest words. Hugs & Sweetness
07. Write your ________ in ink, but your ________ in pencil. Dreams in ink but your process/to-dos
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? That people are self-absorbed and it takes a lot of patience and things need to be scheduled. Spontaneity is rare and friendships require work.
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? Men with gray or white hair.
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. Jade face roller and my rose quartz roller
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken?Haven’t bought this
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/studen6ts regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why?
Currently working with clients….won’t forget that they just as human as the rest of us and require more time and attention than most.
Patients – previously worked with this group. I won’t forget their stories
Students: previously worked with students currently in grad school. Will remember that they are lacking the ability to do unstructured assignments as life has been dictated to them and they are spoiled and entitled. And that it is very different than it was when I was in grad school.
“Call me ASAP” sends a shiver down my spine…yikes!! Love a man with salt and pepper hair / gray hair / etc!!
xx
01. The Decade of Change- I’m in (the last year of) my 20s and have lived in 11 different apartments/houses, 5 different states. 2 graduations (law school/undergrad), 2 different careers/jobs, multiple relationships/heartbreaks/love. Lots of constants too but mostly change. For my 30s, I’m hoping it’s the Decade of Love – engagement, marriage, babies!
02. Taciturn.
03. Things marked as gluten-free when they are in fact cross-contaminated with gluten – so frustrating! (I have celiac disease)
04. Tuna tartare (gf)
05. Also with you on we need to talk! Or the dreaded “call me”.
06. “Love you too!”
07. Write your hopes in ink, but your goals in pencil.
08. Agreed on the parents getting older! Also, being in vastly different life stages as friends you’ve “done life” with up to that point.
09. Hooded eyes/eye wrinkles!
10. Balayage.
11. Chicken enchiladas!
12. I’m a lawyer but my clients are all companies! One memorable character is a board director who showed up to meetings in a t-shirt and jeans. Never seen someone else pull off the right balance of confidence/casual without being rude/disrespectful!
As a fellow gf/celiac girlie, could not relate more to your food answers. Some restaurants/eating establishments make it so much more difficult than it needs to be!
That would be SO frustrating re: allergy listings on menus! Yikes. I’m sorry about that — how exhausting to have to constantly second guess!
“Call me” is a bad one — yuck.
xx
01. If you could title the current decade of your life, what would it be called? What do you want the next decade of your life to be titled? Current: In my golden era Future: Better and Brighter
02. A word no one would ever use to describe you. Quiet
03. Something that annoys you when you see it on a menu. A la Carte
04. Something that delights you when you see it on a menu. Broccoli Rabe offered as a pizza topping
05. Scariest words. Do you want the good news or the bad news first
06. Loveliest words. Being referred to as ‘My Darling’ always melts me
07. Write your travel plans in ink, but your fears in pencil.
08. What part of adulthood did no one sufficiently warn you about? Caring and advocating for aging parents, no one prepared me for the emotional toll
09. What’s a feature that is considered unattractive by conventional beauty standards that you find attractive? Freckles
10. Best investment you’ve ever made in your appearance. Botox (minimal)
11. What’s the best meal or dish you’ve ever made with the $5 Costco chicken? Edith Duncan’s Chili with Green Salsa (her chic bonus tip for serving, buy 16×12 acrylic serving trays sold at Target for $10 and stack them by the pot of soup layered with French kitchen towels aside crocks for guests to self serve)
12. Anyone who interacts with a range of clients/patients/students regularly: what is one student/client/patient you’ll never forget, and why? The one who referred to me as his angel and told me when he gave up I wouldn’t let him