Ask Rachel

Dear Rachel,

I remember the days when I used to be spontaneous. Up for anything that showed up, in the moment. Now, my friends and I are trying to schedule a drink together (a drink, as in “one single drink”), and we’re having to look into November because we’re all so full up. And we don’t even have kids! First of all, how do people with kids ever schedule anything? And second of all, what is wrong with us, and how can we free up our calendars for what really matters?

– Waiting List

Dear Overbooked,

I hear you. I’ve lost budding friendships because I’m unable to commit to a weekend hike until next April, weather permitting. I don’t quite understand how it happens, because lord knows it’s not that I’m leading a rich and fulfilling life. It’s quite possible that I simply value Netflix more than cultivating interpersonal relationships, if we’re being honest here. Maybe we should both reprioritize.

– I’ll check my calendar, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

I think it’s so weird that local bands have groupies. I don’t just mean “dedicated, loyal and supportive fans,” which certainly help out any musician. No, I mean the total kiss-ass, brownnosing, middle-aged men and women who fawn over our local celebrities like they’re built of magic pixie dust that will make all their dreams come true. Come on – these artists are literally just like us. They drink the same beer and gripe about the same City Market parking lots. Can we stop fawning over them already?

– Star Stricken

Dear With the Band,

Agreed! But, with the Grateful Dead no more, what do you expect these people to do – live a life on the road following Chris Stapleton? At least they’re supporting local establishments at the same time they’re creeping on our musical wunderkinder. And, since mud sharks are remarkably hard to come by in the Rocky Mountains, I think these groupies are safe.

– Freebird, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

I love books. I love used books. And I love used bookstores. But I’m finding that the circle of book-life doesn’t work like it used to. Years ago, I could take a stack of books to a used bookstore, get something like a fair trade for store credit, and leave with a smaller but new-to-me stack. Now, it’s like the used bookstores won’t even look at my books. They say they just have too much stock. Are we really at the point where a book is worthless the moment I buy it? Am I stuck with my unwanted books forever?

– Drowning in Paper

Dear #FirstWorldProblem,

If I learned one thing from watching “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” it’s that you should never trust an elf-dentist with your bumble. But if I learned a second thing from watching Rudy, it’s that every misfit has a home. You may not be able to sell your books for love or money. But you could donate them to a group in need. Say, a monthly drinking club, so we have a better excuse to get together more often.

– Turn the page, Rachel