(I absolutely do, though) — “It’s good that you brought your partner along this time,” the pulmonologist told me as he called us into his office. Matthias and I shared a look that said, Uh-oh. Our butts had barely touched the padded chairs when he gave us the news. “It’s cancer.” The words fell into…

My DNA is equal parts scientist and artist. My father’s side of the family is full of engineers, doctors, and physicists. The kind of people who thrive on structure and precision. The kind of people who find comfort on 1+1 always being 2, and who get a sparkle in their…

Last October, my partner Matthias and I traveled to Egypt, the magical place of my childhood dreams. On the first 7 days of the 10-day trip, we visited the major temples and sights, crowded with tourists and pushy salespeople. For the last three days of our vacation, I wanted more…

What hating my colleague taught me about my female relationships — When I first heard Shandra’s voice, I knew she was bad news. Her high pitch told me she wanted too much attention. The way she generously used her “pleases” and “thank yous” told me she was fake — nobody’s that nice. …

Growing up, my parents didn’t allow me to have real pets. The kind of pets that follow you around the house and miss you when you’re gone. I had to get by with third-rate pets instead. If it was slimy, cold-blooded, and dull, I could have it. But a cat…

Equations, betrayal, and deceit — In my family, we consider that a person’s value lies in their intellect and that the best way to measure it is with academic performance. My grandfather Aníbal would always greet me with “So how are your grades?” before proceeding to hug me. I’d happily answer, as he’d reward me…

(and my Happily Ever After) — I was the first girl in my kindergarten class to get a boyfriend. I must have been only about 3 years old, but I had already entered a committed, long-term relationship, with a blonde boy named Kevin. We didn’t do anything special together, we just called each other boyfriend and…

My awkward relationship with my father — My father wasn’t around much during my childhood. I realize this sentence usually indicates an irresponsible parent, who cares more about having fun than taking care of his children, but it wasn’t as exciting as that. He was still happily married to my mother (as far as a kid like…

I hated it all the way — My first memory of Christmas is when, in 1991, my mother gifted me a toy truck at my pre-school's Christmas party. I was three years old, and I hated that truck with all my being. "I asked for a Barbie!" I screamed, tears streaming from my eyes. All around me…