More true confessions

In last week's Sacramento News&Review, I admitted in print that I'm living with my parents. I guess that wasn't enough of an ego boost, so I followed it up with this week's short essay, which my editor titled "Real-life bottom of the employment barrel?" It's about one of my many part-time jobs, handing out free samples in supermarkets.

Standing in public interacting with everyone who passes has its hazards. One customer repeatedly snuck up behind me to “test my reflexes.” Creepy men offer to warm me up when I shiver in the ice-cream aisle. I hear about everybody’s dietary restrictions. Gas, diabetes, indigestion—nothing’s too personal for the coupon girl.

And nothing's too personal for you! Read all about it here. There's also a great cover story by Ted Cox about Sacramento's homeless. It made me tear up a bit. Be grateful for your roof, everybody.