My waiter, he asked how old I was in reference to the round of margaritas for the table of guac lovers, and so I replied, “27.” My friends, they turned to me quickly and corrected, “Ash, you are 28.” My years, I have lost them in my foggy brain, forgetting exactly how many moments have [...]
Today, I am mad. I am mad because I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and I refused to make an effort to roll over to the right side and try again. I am mad because the coffee beans spilled out of the coffee maker and into the dirty sink when [...]
I don't like building. I learned this lesson when I helped build a new bathroom in my house. And by "helped" I mean I passed a few tools to my best friend's dad who will one day reveal his hidden angel wings. He has held my old house together from day one. He loves [...]
"It's kind of funny," I said to my coworker. "When I first started grad school, I came home with bags busting of great stuff from Whole Foods, right off my high as a working woman. And then it wasn't long before I learned how to put in a quarter to use a cart at Aldi's." I [...]
Dear Leaving, I don’t want you to go. When I wake up, you’ll be gone. I’ll cry over the pot of coffee because you won’t be here to drink a cup of dark roast. I’ll miss you. I love you. Do you have to go? Love, Crying. Dear Crying, Saying goodbye is all about the [...]
When I was 16, doctors told me I was sick. Honestly, I felt relieved to receive a diagnosis. After years of poking and prodding, doctors diagnosed me with an autoimmune disorder called Sjögren's. It took years to figure out because it's most common for women in their 60s. Today, I am 26 years old. And today - [...]
Dear Tillie, You forgot to tell me how hard this grown-up thing would be... Fly over to Medium to read the rest of my letter to Tillie...
One new text message and life is suddenly different. The alert for this new message didn’t sound any different than an alert for a normal message that might read, “Hey, what’s up?” or “What are you wearing tomorrow?” But this message was different, and it certainly wasn't about my plans or what the weather was [...]
ashley fenker 