An Ex-stripper’s mea culpa Is it getting better, or do you feel the same? – “One” (U2) I can’t believe I ever called you fat. I’m so sorry. For that and a million other reasons, I ask for your forgiveness and pledge to honor you until my last breath. You…

How I Left His Harem and Rediscovered Myself They don’t wake up planning to hurt, manipulate and cheat. Narcissists are emotionally damaged. But their story is not our responsibility — and reasons are not excuses. After my text to him, I shut my phone off to hide. My life felt…

A Retired Stripper Visits Her Past Life 20 Years Later “Take me to the other side…” — Aerosmith The weather was perfect for an evening stroll. I started up Kūhiō Avenue with the plan to hail a cab [pre-UBER] a few blocks in. I missed flagging taxis. Waikiki may not…

Why This Hurts Music is the soundtrack of our lives. As soon as I read the headline I froze. Stella was already on the bed wagging her tail and looking at me with her big ears, head tilted to one side and feeling the energy of the room shift suddenly…

From the Eighties Archives

My First Kiss With A Woman — “Sometimes we reveal ourselves when we are least like ourselves.” ― Anaïs Nin Ladies: if a real-life goddess ever leans in to kiss you in the bathroom of the strip bar where you both work, you pucker up. Gay, straight, gender-neutral, asexual, fucking comatose — just do it — even…

If you ask this question, read on. I was told in conversation that ‘Only losers quit’. This struck me as hostile and had I wished to unpack the statement, I’m certain there’d be a story. I decided to smile and change the subject. I respected their beliefs but wasn’t on…

Her latest special is refreshingly human and hilarious — 2020 has been hijacked by a global pandemic and our mental health is at stake (in addition to our lives). As of today, there is no cure for COVID-19. Most of the world has been on lock down for portions of or most of the year. Millions have lost their…

Could A COVID-19 Layoff Be Exactly What You Need? Empty boxes are like open doors. You need to fill them with your old life before starting anew. I’ll never forget my nearly 20-year career with a company I love so much. Our parting ways felt more like an amputation; neither…