Write as Raina

Category: LIVE

  • Here’s What You Can Do With Your Opinion…

    Here’s What You Can Do With Your Opinion…

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    My niece Mina is one of my favorite people. Yes, she’s cute and the fact that she thinks that I’m the cat’s pajamas doesn’t hurt. But my favorite thing about that kid is that, from the jump, she has been unapologetically herself. She has always had the kind of self-assurance that most adults would find…

  • A Year to Remember

    A Year to Remember

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    As 2014 came to a close, I was heading into the new year with just one resolution: Stop being the most miserable person I know. The endgame was happiness, that much was obvious. However, figuring out how to get from point A to point B wasn’t quite as clear. Once again, I found myself hanging…

  • Once Upon a Breakdown

    Once Upon a Breakdown

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    In the interest of full disclosure, the last five years have been a little rough. When I announced my retirement back in August, I talked at length about what was happening in my professional life and how that had left me quite depressed. That was only half of the story. The unfortunate truth is that,…

  • I’ve Got the Golden Ticket

    I’ve Got the Golden Ticket

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    The day after I retired from the oil industry, I took the train out to a suburb of Philadelphia to take a dance class. I know the woman who teaches the class; she lives a few blocks away from me in the city. I bought a one-way ticket because the teacher offered to drive me…

  • Under My Umbrella

    Under My Umbrella

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    Living alone and not having an other of any significance, I spend the lion’s share of my waking hours by myself. Which is fine by me, I enjoy the shit out of my own company. I find me hilarious. But, that being said, there are times when I feel like I’m out here all on…

  • Common Courtesy is Dead

    Common Courtesy is Dead

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    Common courtesy has died a horrible death and common decency is on life support. If I ever become President, I will mandate that everyone, I don’t care who your dad is, EVERYONE will be required to spend at least six months working in either a restaurant or in retail. I believe that will make a…

  • Baby Showers Bum Me Out

    Baby Showers Bum Me Out

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    Baby showers bum me out. I get bummed out because as I sit there I know that, more than likely, that will never be me. I have that thought not for the reasons you might think. I actually don’t want kids. At least not now and not in the foreseeable future. I’ve been told that…

  • Summer in the City

    Summer in the City

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    I love summer and all that it stands for, in theory.  I love the spirit of summer, the break from school, the freedom that comes with warmer weather, being outside.  The sun, the fun.  All good stuff.  It’s the practicality and reality of summer that bums me out.  That from May to mid-September, I’m just…

  • Hey, Remember That Time I Met Mark Wahlberg?

    Hey, Remember That Time I Met Mark Wahlberg?

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    by

    Raina B.
    in , ,

    I had graduated from Drexel University with a Master’s Degree in Interior Design with no job offers and no job leads.  I was working as a hostess at two high end restaurants in Philadelphia. One of those restaurants was the steak house chain, Smith & Wollensky’s.  Summer being their slow season, there wasn’t much need for a…

  • Today is an Important Day

    Today is an Important Day

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    by

    Raina B.
    in ,

    Today is an important day. I have given it a lot of thought, and I’ve decided to take an early retirement. Today, I am retiring. You’re confused, understandably. So I’ll explain. But where to begin… I guess I’ll start in Harrisburg, PA. I moved to Harrisburg about six months after I graduated from college. I…