In Los Angeles, by the time you’re 35, you’re older than most of the buildings.

Children are a house’s enemy. They don’t mean to be-they just can’t help it. It’s their enthusiasm, their energy, their naturally destructive tendencies.

Your basic extended family today includes your ex-husband or -wife, your ex’s new mate, your new mate, possibly your new mate’s ex and any new mate that your new mate’s ex has acquired.

As complicated as joint custody is, it allows the delicious contradiction of having children and maintaining the intimacy of life-before-kids.

[It] consists entirely of people who are not related by blood, many of whom can’t stand each other.

It consists entirely of people who are not related by blood, many of whom can’t stand each other.

Do you think you can cause something to happen just from wanting it so much?’ she asked. ‘I don’t get what you mean. Does this have to do with your dad?’ asked Frannie. ‘Not really....