Many of us American mamis have ancestors who came from Latin America in search of a better life. But when you compare maternity leave policies across the Americas you realize that, in this regard at least, we might have been better off had they stayed put, because in spite of its relative wealth, the U.S. […]
For many years, I was angry. I was so angry that it became one of the defining traits of my character, as my master’s advisor noted in the recommendation letter he wrote for me, describing me as “a pugilist with a mind that gives off sparks like steel on flint.” People often mistook my anger […]
There were two dreams I had when I was 14 and about to enter high school. One was to go to a certain elite private prep school in my hometown. The other was to be a cheerleader. I applied to the prep school, and was rejected. Then I tried out for the freshman cheer squad at […]
Let’s get right to the point. Cuban-born actor and model William Levy is hot. And, no, I don’t mean hot in any of the clichéd Mexican-food-reference ways that far too many mentally lazy mainstream journalists are employing about him at the moment, as they so often seem to do for any Latino celebrity in their […]
Like most moms, I have tried to teach my son to play by the rules in life. This includes team sports, which I must confess to having known very little about until I found myself raising a bundle of budding testosterone who loves basketball and football. I’ve gotten books on the sports, and sat down […]
Dear Demi, I don’t know you. So I ask you to forgive my false familiarity. We have New Mexico in common, and I know of people who knew you growing up in Roswell. From what I’ve heard, you had a rough start in this world. So I guess I we have that in common, […]
It’s funny how things are all connected, when you really sit down to look at them. Well, not funny in a comedic sense, but funny as in interesting. For years, I have had trouble controlling my impulses. Many people who knew me understood this. I, unfortunately, did not. I never realized I had a problem until […]
When I was growing up, one of my favorite dishes made by my mother was a traditional New Mexico cheese and red chile enchilada casserole. Served with a side of larded pinto beans, and topped with crunchy iceberg lettuce and tomato, those enchiladas were just about the most satisfying meal I remember having. I loved […]
The first time the cowboy met my son Alexander, he held his hand out for the boy to shake. My son, 10 at the time, just sort of looked at the man’s hand in confusion. “Shake, son,” said the cowboy. Alexander looked at me for guidance, which was probably his first mistake. “Shake,” I repeated. “Go […]