May 2021: Encontrar, Festejar, Mirar

I'm an "EFM" (Eligible Family Member) as defined by the U.S. Department of State. Here's what I've been EFM-ing this month.

Encontrar (to find/discover)

This month, I discovered Pati's Mexican Table on Amazon Prime, a cooking show focused on Mexican cuisine. Chef Pati Jinich explores different regions of Mexico and its unique history, culture, and cuisine. She has helped me better understand our local produce and grocery store and introduce some authentic Mexican meals into our kitchen. This month's mantra has become "What would Pati do?"

Our current favorite recipes are tacos al pastor, guisado de carne en salsa verde, and her big brunch enchiladas.

My husband found this article mentioning Pati traveling to "Los 2 Laredos" for her show in the coming months! I have since reached out to her on all possible channels in hopes to meet her. Pati, if you're reading this, please circle back on my requests for a private cooking lesson. I'll be starting a Pati Jinich stan account tomorrow.

Festejar (to celebrate)

We celebrated me on Mother's Day by going out for the first time to a restaurant in Nuevo Laredo and our 6th wedding anniversary at home over grilled Texas steaks.

Mirar (to look at/watch)

An EFM as defined by the U.S. Department of State:

Eligible family member (EFM): An individual who meets all of the following criteria,

(1) Is the spouse or domestic partner of a sponsoring employee; or child of a sponsoring employee under 21 and unmarried, or (regardless of age) unmarried and incapable of self-support; or a parent (including step-parent or legally adoptive parent) or sibling who has been declared as 51% or more dependent on the sponsoring employee;

(2) Is listed on one of the following:

(a) The travel orders of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to a U.S. mission abroad under Chief of Mission authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan;

or

(b) An approved Form OF-126, Foreign Service Residence and Dependency Report (or other agency equivalent), of a sponsoring employee who is assigned (not TDY) to a U.S. mission abroad under Chief of Mission authority, or at an office of the American Institute in Taiwan, and is residing at the sponsoring employee’s post of assignment.