At a loss, vive la résistance and key party

At a loss, vive la résistance and key party

Dear Rachel,

I was at a potluck recently. On the way out, I realized I lost my keys. Six or seven people stayed to tear apart the house. They texted people who left to see if anyone had the keys. A half hour later, I found them. In my own purse. I was so embarrassed, I called an Uber and asked him to circle the block a few times then drop me back off at my car. I think no one is the wiser. But I want to thank everyone who helped. What’s a good way to show my appreciation?

– Potluck Unlocked

Dear Lock With No Key,

You owe everyone dinner. And not another stinkin’ potluck, where someone brings their grandma’s secret casserole and someone else brings a 60-piece McNugget as if that’s the same. You owe everyone a freaking meal, or at least a round of coffee, next time you get together. Presuming they’re willing to invite you.

– Jimmied wide open, Rachel


Dear Rachel,

We’re barely a month post-election, and I’m already exhausted by the news cycle. I know it’s designed to wear us down. To make the ludicrous seem normal so we start to accept it. I need some little rebellions to keep myself sane. What are your ideas?

– Rebel Rouser

Dear Small Acts,

I hate to sound like a Hallmark card, but remember to take care of yourself: go for a walk, eat good food. Talk with friends. Dig out your basement for whoever needs to hide there as part of the next underground railroad. Undermine authoritarianism by continuing to live as if you’re free. Get sleep. And always, live by the golden rule, not whatever it’s being replaced with.

– Doing unto others, Rachel


Dear Rachel,

The person who normally plans the small office holiday party is having a medical procedure and the task has fallen on me. We’re a tiny crew but spanning I think, best guess, five decades (from 20s to 60s). The party is during the work day so booze is minimal, but we’re supposed to be entertained and “cutting loose” for three hours or so. How do I keep everyone happy and having fun? 

– Pressed into Service

Dear Party Planner,

Make it a key party! No, no, not THAT kind of key party. Rather, think Christmas party meets Easter egg hunt. At the start, collect everyone’s keys in a hat. Then, everyone draws a set and gets to hide them wherever they please. Then, you spend the party looking for your keys. Last one to find theirs has to clean up.

– Keyless functionality, Rachel 

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