We are told by media - books, television, reality shows - that heartbreak is this terrible thing and yet we should seek it. We're told that heartbreak is all about love and we should just go after that high over and over again. We are told it is healthy to be addicted to this kind of behavior and the highs associated with love. But, that's not all what heartbreak is.

I want to write an essay called "Fear of Mexico," because I always feel like Mexico's this lover that never writes to me.

It's so good for your health to take those naps. I don't know why people brag that they sleep five hours. I'd be ashamed. I'm proud that I sleep nine hours.

I find myself using Spanish words much more now that I'm older, and I guess I have the authority to do it in public spaces in ways that I felt I couldn't when I was teaching here fifteen years ago.

To tell you the truth, I think it's about that we shouldn't get our driver's licenses till real late in life.

The border between the dead and the living, if you're Mexican, doesn't exist. The dead are part of your life.

I was interested in cross-pollinating the two. I thought there was something lovely in the little vignette forms. I wanted to explore that.