56-yr old woman who is a state elected official. I'm long divorced but happily partnered with a retired firefighter. I live in the Midwest where I aim to piss off conservatives every day with my bravado. I have two grown kids making their way in the world and a cat named Ruth Bader Ginspurrrrrg.
48 yo girl living in San Francisco. Originally from Texas. Married, two cats, project manager for real estate construction and design stuff. Free time spent walking in Golden Gate Park and cooking.
Kim, can you give “slutty but orthopedic” recommendations? Just kidding but also my 48-yo feet hate all shoes except Danskos and Birkenstocks. Help?!
Occassionally Aerosoles and Clarks come out with not-fugly wedges or chunky 2-inch heels with disco vibes (the max I can wear these days after decades of 4-inch heels). Otherwise I love my patent black Birkenstock!
Naturalizer has some great shoes in all varieties (heels, flats, oxfords, boots, etc.). They particularly have great waterproof boots that I live in all winter.
53 here, with injured knees and spine: Discovered https://italeau.com/last year -- can't yet speak to their boots, but their loafers and Mary Janes (all waterproof) are like clouds for the feet! (-:
52 year old living in a classic New England town outside of Boston. Had a baby at 46 and now I’m 25 years older than all the other moms at the playground (which I wasn’t when we still lived in DC). Occasionally very priveleged to come on the show and talk about politics, policy and activism. Love hearing you all talk about friendship, family dynamics, career choices, fashion and makeup, books and movies. Your friend of 25 years (jesus, how did THAT happen). Some of my favorite episodes are when Jenn makes you absolutley cackle with laughter, Kim.
Oh and have been reading the blog (!) since it started and half my closet and bathroom is “kim-recommended”. Love the essays you’ve been doing this year, from the book.
63 yo, NYC. Was in publishing; now CEO of my multi-generational family struggling with health issues. Best job was writing Help in a certain fabulous magazine. Single mom of a college sophomore who just announced he’s going into nursing. When he was 3 he claimed he was in jockey school so this seems like a natural progression of careers. He’s my pride and joy. Watch any mysteries with Vickers, village ladies in straw hats and wind swept British isles. Loved paint by numbers kits and painting with acrylics. Massive fan of Frida Kahlo, Debby Harry, Diana Ross, Cher, Madonna, Prince and Sly and the Family Stone. And Big Mama Thornton. And Led Zeppelin. Re-learning embroidery. Have adored and admired Kim France since the 90s.
65 this year - retirement at 66. I have been with my partner for 27 years and we have been married for 7. Knowing our marriage will no be longer be legal in a matter of time is our biggest fear. We love to travel and are foodies. We have a very small boat for our people but it is so filled with love. We are both in the financial industry and work for the same firm. We live in Atlanta but we are from Indiana & Ohio. I have been interested in fashion my whole life. I always enjoy your posts. Stay being real.
54 year old woman, in Minnesota. Two nearly grown kids, great husband. Work as an HR consultant but eyeing retirement in a couple years. Lately my hobby is calling my representatives and trying to do my part to avert our slide into authoritarianism. Love your writing and so glad the The Fug Girls made me aware of you many years ago.
I'm a 45 year old woman living at my parent's house in the suburbs of Denver, CO in my former high school bedroom. :-/ The home I own is in Boulder, CO, currently occupied by my husband I am divorcing and my two beloved dogs. I started reading GOACA about 13-14 years ago, found via GoFugYourself which I started on in 2005 (!). I am going to Brooklyn weekend after next to look for an apartment as I can't live in limbo anymore and figure this divorce will settle itself eventually. I plan to be in NY April 1. I work in beauty (I own a beauty brokerage and sell brands into major US retailers). I'm super excited for this next chapter in my life. It's been a wild year with lots of curve balls but I feel grateful I am able to get a divorce and be on my own. Kim , I saw you and Jen speak in NYC June in the East Village (I can't remember the name of the venue) and enjoyed it immensely. Keep doing what you're doing, it brings me great joy. Thank you!
I left a 20-year marriage when I was 47. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I hope that turns out to be true for you too. I have a feeling it will.
I am a retired magazine editor in the DC area. I turn 65 next month. I've been married for 39 years and have two grown kids who are happily launched. I spend my days trying out recipes, reading (too much internet and not enough books), getting in 10,000 steps, and hanging out with my distinguished associate, a Maine Coon boy with resting bitch face. Don't tell him I said that. Every morning I get up at 5 am to feed him and then we sit on the couch and watch Britbox murder mysteries for a couple of hours. It's the best way to start the day.
55 year old in North Jersey. I specialize in insurance for occupational fraud/ white collar crime. On my second marriage, we were best friends in high school and reconnected at a reunion. Yes, it does happen and it does work out LOL
I am an avid reader and enthusiastic consumer of film, TV and music. I often fantasize about all of a sudden becoming crafty, but I got as far as a few unfinished paint by numbers during Covid. We have a 15 month old male Havanese named Bennie. As first time dog people we are in love and he has made our lives so much better. I also have a 16 year old daughter who is a great kid but giving me a run for my money about our relationship. We are in family therapy now, which is kind of helping but is also frustrating.
I'm retired (career 1: newspaper reporter. career 2: Yoga Therapist specializing in Parkinson's Disease). From Philly, living in Rennes, France. I love writing, exercise (especially walking with a podcast), reading, exploring France, collecting rocks, waving to dogs, watching TV.
A 48 year old Canadian whose 46 year old sister told me about your podcast “Oh my god! Kim from Sassy has a podcast and it is the best!”. And it is. I found you on Substack because I am trying to make my internet scrolling a little less instant gratification - longer form articles feel less attention span melting. I read about outfits and style because I miss magazines. I am currently unemployed (I am an arts worker. It is a terrible time to work in arts education - even in Canada) so I have a lot of time on my hands and reading, sewing, cooking are all in the house thinks that have an end product I can see so I don’t feel at such a loose end. Also it is winter and I live in canada so leaving the house is such a production number!! Thanks for asking.
Listen Kim: are you ageing in reverse, like Dorian Gray? You look so young in this picture! Amazing. Ok I'm tired but buzzing because it's after midnight and I just went to see Max Richter in concert, but I'll try to say something. My name is Janiece, I'll be 60 this year, and I live in South Australia. I work in sexual health, the education & communication side of things. Never got married or had kids, by choice. In my free time I like to walk in the bush, and take photos, and do gardening, and organise things, and research current obsessions. I've recently started wearing dresses again, and I think I kind of like it, to my surprise. Everyone I know here is horrified and kind of speechless about what's happening in the US - much love to you all over there, from many of us in Australia.
48, live in New Jersey, former journalist, now work as a library assistant while getting my MA in library science. I have a second-grader, a partner, an elderly cat. I run recreationally and swim a lot as well.
Yay librarians! I got my MLIS 20 years ago, and though I've never worked in a library, I consider librarians to be among the world's greatest people. Getting my degree was one of the best things I've ever done.
An 88 year old woman łiving by herself in santa fe new mexico. Was a photographerʼ written some books challenging male bibłical interpretation.
Did you work for ZOOM Magazine in 1990?
56-yr old woman who is a state elected official. I'm long divorced but happily partnered with a retired firefighter. I live in the Midwest where I aim to piss off conservatives every day with my bravado. I have two grown kids making their way in the world and a cat named Ruth Bader Ginspurrrrrg.
Here’s to pissing off conservatives every damned day. Brava!
My cat's middle name is Ruthbaderginsburg. She fought off a coyote!
Your daily goal! Your cat! Love them both.
I think a Netflix series on you should be in the making....
48 yo girl living in San Francisco. Originally from Texas. Married, two cats, project manager for real estate construction and design stuff. Free time spent walking in Golden Gate Park and cooking.
Kim, can you give “slutty but orthopedic” recommendations? Just kidding but also my 48-yo feet hate all shoes except Danskos and Birkenstocks. Help?!
Definitely need a "slutty but orthopedic" post in the future, Kim!
(I often look for Clarks or Born brands - I wouldn't say they're "slutty" but maybe "elder minx")
No more high heels EVER
I second that shoe request.
“Slutty but orthopedic”—perfect.
Occassionally Aerosoles and Clarks come out with not-fugly wedges or chunky 2-inch heels with disco vibes (the max I can wear these days after decades of 4-inch heels). Otherwise I love my patent black Birkenstock!
Trippen, expensive but worth it. Also check out Ped Shoes out of California. Dayna has great taste.
ive been investing in Bared footwear - Australian brand
rode my bike to work today in GG Park. Finally, some nice weather!
gorgeous!!!
Depending on how “slutty” Naturalizer has some nice options!
Naturalizer has some great shoes in all varieties (heels, flats, oxfords, boots, etc.). They particularly have great waterproof boots that I live in all winter.
Yes please on the shoe recs!
53 here, with injured knees and spine: Discovered https://italeau.com/last year -- can't yet speak to their boots, but their loafers and Mary Janes (all waterproof) are like clouds for the feet! (-:
47 yo married artist in Central Alabama with two kids navigating a red state hellscape.
47 y/o lawyer in north Florida sending you solidarity from my own red state hellscape!
Solidarity with both of you from a 59 y/o lawyer in Texas. My city is blue, but the state is a hellscape.
52 year old living in a classic New England town outside of Boston. Had a baby at 46 and now I’m 25 years older than all the other moms at the playground (which I wasn’t when we still lived in DC). Occasionally very priveleged to come on the show and talk about politics, policy and activism. Love hearing you all talk about friendship, family dynamics, career choices, fashion and makeup, books and movies. Your friend of 25 years (jesus, how did THAT happen). Some of my favorite episodes are when Jenn makes you absolutley cackle with laughter, Kim.
Oh and have been reading the blog (!) since it started and half my closet and bathroom is “kim-recommended”. Love the essays you’ve been doing this year, from the book.
63 yo, NYC. Was in publishing; now CEO of my multi-generational family struggling with health issues. Best job was writing Help in a certain fabulous magazine. Single mom of a college sophomore who just announced he’s going into nursing. When he was 3 he claimed he was in jockey school so this seems like a natural progression of careers. He’s my pride and joy. Watch any mysteries with Vickers, village ladies in straw hats and wind swept British isles. Loved paint by numbers kits and painting with acrylics. Massive fan of Frida Kahlo, Debby Harry, Diana Ross, Cher, Madonna, Prince and Sly and the Family Stone. And Big Mama Thornton. And Led Zeppelin. Re-learning embroidery. Have adored and admired Kim France since the 90s.
“He’s my pride and joy.” A million hearts.
65 this year - retirement at 66. I have been with my partner for 27 years and we have been married for 7. Knowing our marriage will no be longer be legal in a matter of time is our biggest fear. We love to travel and are foodies. We have a very small boat for our people but it is so filled with love. We are both in the financial industry and work for the same firm. We live in Atlanta but we are from Indiana & Ohio. I have been interested in fashion my whole life. I always enjoy your posts. Stay being real.
54 year old woman, in Minnesota. Two nearly grown kids, great husband. Work as an HR consultant but eyeing retirement in a couple years. Lately my hobby is calling my representatives and trying to do my part to avert our slide into authoritarianism. Love your writing and so glad the The Fug Girls made me aware of you many years ago.
I'm a 45 year old woman living at my parent's house in the suburbs of Denver, CO in my former high school bedroom. :-/ The home I own is in Boulder, CO, currently occupied by my husband I am divorcing and my two beloved dogs. I started reading GOACA about 13-14 years ago, found via GoFugYourself which I started on in 2005 (!). I am going to Brooklyn weekend after next to look for an apartment as I can't live in limbo anymore and figure this divorce will settle itself eventually. I plan to be in NY April 1. I work in beauty (I own a beauty brokerage and sell brands into major US retailers). I'm super excited for this next chapter in my life. It's been a wild year with lots of curve balls but I feel grateful I am able to get a divorce and be on my own. Kim , I saw you and Jen speak in NYC June in the East Village (I can't remember the name of the venue) and enjoyed it immensely. Keep doing what you're doing, it brings me great joy. Thank you!
I left a 20-year marriage when I was 47. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I hope that turns out to be true for you too. I have a feeling it will.
Same and same 👍
Good luck on your next adventure!!!!!
Thank you. I appreciate it.
I am a retired magazine editor in the DC area. I turn 65 next month. I've been married for 39 years and have two grown kids who are happily launched. I spend my days trying out recipes, reading (too much internet and not enough books), getting in 10,000 steps, and hanging out with my distinguished associate, a Maine Coon boy with resting bitch face. Don't tell him I said that. Every morning I get up at 5 am to feed him and then we sit on the couch and watch Britbox murder mysteries for a couple of hours. It's the best way to start the day.
I am a school psychologist who just made the decision to retire in a year. Picturing a life like yours is what gave me the final push.
I wish when I was on the hamster wheel for 40 years I knew that this awaited me. I am so thankful every day.
That truly does sound like a perfect start to the day.
I’m a writer in NYC who likes to travel, knit, read, and enjoy life.
I’ve loved your writing for a long time.
Big fan since Somewhere off the Coast of Maine! And love your substack!
Loved your latest book. 5 stars!
55 year old in North Jersey. I specialize in insurance for occupational fraud/ white collar crime. On my second marriage, we were best friends in high school and reconnected at a reunion. Yes, it does happen and it does work out LOL
I am an avid reader and enthusiastic consumer of film, TV and music. I often fantasize about all of a sudden becoming crafty, but I got as far as a few unfinished paint by numbers during Covid. We have a 15 month old male Havanese named Bennie. As first time dog people we are in love and he has made our lives so much better. I also have a 16 year old daughter who is a great kid but giving me a run for my money about our relationship. We are in family therapy now, which is kind of helping but is also frustrating.
My daughter is now 26 and it is great. Hang in there, you will get through the teen years and come out the other side. :)
Good luck with the family stuff <3
I'm retired (career 1: newspaper reporter. career 2: Yoga Therapist specializing in Parkinson's Disease). From Philly, living in Rennes, France. I love writing, exercise (especially walking with a podcast), reading, exploring France, collecting rocks, waving to dogs, watching TV.
I love that you are a yoga instructor specializing in Parkinson’s!! How fantastic that people like you exist.
Thank you. Yoga has a huge impact on slowing down the progression of that disease.
A 48 year old Canadian whose 46 year old sister told me about your podcast “Oh my god! Kim from Sassy has a podcast and it is the best!”. And it is. I found you on Substack because I am trying to make my internet scrolling a little less instant gratification - longer form articles feel less attention span melting. I read about outfits and style because I miss magazines. I am currently unemployed (I am an arts worker. It is a terrible time to work in arts education - even in Canada) so I have a lot of time on my hands and reading, sewing, cooking are all in the house thinks that have an end product I can see so I don’t feel at such a loose end. Also it is winter and I live in canada so leaving the house is such a production number!! Thanks for asking.
Listen Kim: are you ageing in reverse, like Dorian Gray? You look so young in this picture! Amazing. Ok I'm tired but buzzing because it's after midnight and I just went to see Max Richter in concert, but I'll try to say something. My name is Janiece, I'll be 60 this year, and I live in South Australia. I work in sexual health, the education & communication side of things. Never got married or had kids, by choice. In my free time I like to walk in the bush, and take photos, and do gardening, and organise things, and research current obsessions. I've recently started wearing dresses again, and I think I kind of like it, to my surprise. Everyone I know here is horrified and kind of speechless about what's happening in the US - much love to you all over there, from many of us in Australia.
48, live in New Jersey, former journalist, now work as a library assistant while getting my MA in library science. I have a second-grader, a partner, an elderly cat. I run recreationally and swim a lot as well.
Yay librarians! I got my MLIS 20 years ago, and though I've never worked in a library, I consider librarians to be among the world's greatest people. Getting my degree was one of the best things I've ever done.
Librarians are the BEST.
I got my MSIS in 2023, started at age 59 during the pandemic. Go librarians!
Aw, thanks library-loving (and Kim-loving!) friends!
I, too, am a former journalist who now works in a library!