Aprendiendo Espanol

I have been getting so frustrated with my lack of spanish skills. I can get by in present tense, but God forbid I need to talk about anything I've done or plan to do! It occured to me recently that I was just as frustrated a year ago and I couldn't even begin to get by even in the present tense. This helped me realize that I have indeed learned a lot. There is a ton more to learn but poco y poco, right?! I'm not nearly as frustrated when I put it into context.

There is this time factor that I'm seeing and really appreciating. There is only so much you can learn at a time. You have to practice and focus on a few things, then once those are under your belt, you can move on the the next bit. Working on the past tense isn't so hard now that I know the present. And those direct and indirect object pronouns are way easier now that I know the actual objects. Last year my spanish teaher would throw in a Le or Lo and I'd freak out. Now, sometimes I wonder what she is talking about, but I am way quicker on the uptake.

Those are the little things that I remember and am encouraged by. Who knows what will frustrate me next year but I'm guessing it won't be what frustrates me now. That puts a smile on my face!

I even told a joke the other day. I took a taxi somewhere and when I got out I got the taxi drivers number so I could call him the next time I needed a ride. He said his name was Juan and I said "ah, Juan, un nombre unico en Bolivia!" (for you non spanish speakers, that translates to, Juan, what a unique name in bolivia). He looked up at me ready to correct me, then saw my smile and gave a little chuckle. I told my students about my joke experience and although they thought it was cheesy they gave a little laugh.

Back in Bolivia (with strike #2)

I have enjoyed a very peaceful Friday here in Santa Cruz. There was a paro civico (civil strike day) here today so the city was shut down. There is a lot going on in Bolivia these days with Evo rewriting the constitution. You never know what to expect which can be good and bad. This is our second strike in 5 weeks so who knows what will come next.

I can't believe that I've been back here for 6 weeks already. It seems like just yesterday that I was hanging out with my family in Davis, sailing on the bay with Jeremy in Oakland, enjoying city life in San Francisco. I got to see the newest of the Rosendales, baby Zoe, who is just as cute as her sisters and brother. What a fun time!! It has been nice returning to Bolivia without the drama associated with being new. I already have a place to live, a bank account, I know how the school works and where to find things for my classroom. It has been a nice transition returning to Santa Cruz. I think what I will miss most this year is the visitors. I had 10 people visit over the course of last year and I loved that. It helped a lot on the homesick front, basically taking any homesickness away completely.

Pictures
-Jia-min and my parents with Charlotte
-Lela and Ethan playing with Chris
-Sadler Family (Markel, Stacy, Kobe, Kira)
-Jeremy on Pura Vida
-4th of July, Colleen and my mom with lela and ethan
-Jaclyn and Bruce in SF
-Cindy and Michael at Sudwerks
-Kristen, Shaelyn and baby Zoe
-Lela and I
-My balcony in Bolivia
-SF park dinner
-Brian and Jeremy on their B-day with Zack
-Walkway from my living room to my bedroom (sort of fun to walk outside to get to my room)
-Backyard at the compound I live on.
-Kitchen
-Balcony
-Bedroom/Bathroom
-Liviing Room

I'm really into my new place. It doesn't offer the views of last years 7th floor downtown apt. but it is so peaceful here with a beautiful yard so I'm glad of the move.