I came from Mexico here. I got here in LA, and the next day I start working. I was coming from a place where it was no electricity, no stoves, no nothing. I didn't even know the machines for the wash. Everything I just learned myself. I worked for this family for a year, but they were not really nice to me. She said, "Well, Gregoria, I DID pay you last week." I said, "No, you didn't pay me." Then in 1982, I met Sherri. I said, "Well, I like her, and I like the house, so I'm gonna be working for her." I picked the right house, and I picked the right people.
When I have free times I like to sew clothes. I do so many things. I also work when people have parties at their houses. I clean the dishes. I also do baby-sitting. I also work at the church. Well, that's not for money. I work with kids to prepare them for their first communion, every Sunday.
I really don't have time to clean at home. I clean one table here today. Tomorrow I'm gonna clean over there. There's always something to do. My girl grabs my hand and says, "Mommy, it's time for you to sit down." She brings a blanket over and turns on the TV for me. She's really sweet.
-Gregoria
Photos and text from the forthcoming book "Cleaning: People Talk About Housework"