The TueDo List: Shelia E. + Fortnite at 55 + Randi Oster

Jul 15, 2020

We’re seriously thinking about taking Sheila E.’s drumming and percussion classes, making time for the Suzi Quatro documentary, and reading this interview with our dear Leather Tuscadero. Never say die, ‘80s fashion. During lockdown, these senior citizens are recreating classic album covers. How to quit doomscrolling: Do something more constructive. You could purge your closet, watch The Muppets perform the entire first act of Hamilton, play with the new Wonder Woman 1984 makeup, or check out the new Far Side comics. How to get divorced and learn to surf in your 40s. Everything is cake now. Quarantine jams: Modern English doing “I Melt With You.” Imagine getting married by Gloria Steinem. ICYMI, here’s Margit and Nina Lorez Collins talking about creating community for women over 40. Who needs a purrito?

(Photo: MasterClass)

Story: My Search for the "Oh Yes!" When Sex Was a No-No

By Melanie Dione

Sexual education in my conservative, southern, Christian upbringing was strictly on a need-to-know basis: I needed to know what I should avoid. An entire sexual revolution swirled around me, giving not thought at all to my existence, yet it was I, I, who madly sought it.

Keep reading…

(Psst: Want to write for us? Pitch us here!)

Obsessed: Fortnite at 55

I'm 55 and am obsessed with Fortnite, the battle royale-style video game. At first, I used video games as a way of bonding with our son when we adopted him at age 12. But then I learned to love the challenge of teaching my brain new tricks, flexing my hand/eye coordination skills during the rapid-fire battles, and the unpredictability of the gameplay that pushes me to quickly come up with solutions to survive. Each game is a microcosm of team work. You're forced to instantly assess everyone's personalities and strengths and to pick up the slack for the weak link, or rely on the help of total strangers on your squad to revive you when you're down.

I highly recommend learning to play Fortnite, Minecraft, or whatever game your kids are playing. They might be too embarrassed to play with you, but it will give you a better understanding of what they're doing and help you build some common ground with them. My kids are growing up so fast that anything I can do to strengthen our ability to relate to one another is worth it. And, besides, Fortnite is a blast!

— Aliza Sherman

(Read more of Aliza’s stories on TueNight!)

TueNight 10: Randi Oster

(Randi with a horse named Hope)

Bio: Randi Redmond Oster is the author of Questioning Protocol, an award-winning book about navigating the healthcare system as she advocated for her chronically ill son in the hospital. She is also the President of Help Me Health, where she helps healthcare organizations transform the patient experience.

Beyond the bio: When my son underwent multiple operations from Crohn’s disease, I discovered cracks in the healthcare system. When my book was published, the hospital implemented many of my ideas. I have seen how the power of positive intention can make what seems impossible become reality.

What makes you a grown-ass lady? I listen, learn, and then lead. I value input from different perspectives and am able to bring people together to implement plans that are fair for all.

Here’s her TueNight 10:

1. On the nightstand: The Crate, an award-winning book by my dear friend Deb Levison.

2. Can't stop/won't stop: Smiling. Even under a COVID mask.

3. Jam of the minute: Anything that gets me dancing.

4. Thing I miss: Going out to a crowded restaurant with my gal pals.

5. 80s crush: Jon Bon Jovi

6. Current crush: Still, my husband. We have been married 31 years.

7. Latest fave find: A box of old family pictures, some from 1910.

8. Last thing you lost: The ability to visit my mom in the nursing home. I miss her.

9. Best thing that happened recently: 10 weeks of home isolation. It forced me to have time to reflect.

10. Looking forward to: A new normal where we cherish our time together.