Spring is a sacred time of year for many people. All the major religions have important celebrations: Easter (Christian), Passover (Jewish), Ramadan (Muslim) and Ramanavami (Hindu). These rituals all honor birth, re-birth, reflection and new beginnings in one way or another.

At the end of 8th grade, my teacher, Mrs. Trujillo, wrote on my Pupil Development Report, "Recommended: summer school in English." In the ensuing 40 years, I have never forgotten that note on my report card. It caused years of angst and ultimately had a hand in shaping me.

If you’re a woman married to a man, odds are strong that your name is NOT at the top of the contract, or the tax returns, or the utility bills. Regardless of income or who manages the finances (not that it should matter), most cultures in the world default to historic gender customs.