I got through MADRIGAL’S MAGIC KEY TO SPANISH for the second time in six months. Now I’m going through it for a final time, picking up a few odds and ends from it.
The book includes 20 reminder cards interspersed thoughout that I wanted to write down on consecutive pages so I can refer to them more readily. I did that this morning. Now I’m going thru again to see what I underlined that I may want or need to remember as I segue from book learning to actual speaking.
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE
When I got into bed last night after another full day of studying, I decided to find out if I could translate the chorus of YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE without looking at my notes or using a translation app. And I was able to, for the most part (except for no me quites mi luz del sol), so that made me realize I’m doing okay!
Tú eres mi sol, mi único sol,
me haces feliz cuando los cielos son grises.
Nunca sabrás, querida, cuánto te amo,
por favor no me quites mi luz del sol.
The book is easy to read and follow now. During the second run through, familiarity — while going through each lesson assiduously — brought me up to speed, so now there is very little more that I will need to practice to gain enough confidence in my ability to read, write, and understand Spanish, and of course to pronounce words. (Pronunciation was by far the easiest part of learning Spanish for me.)
It’s going to be a matter now of actually speaking the language while I’m out and about. Since I’m not terribly gregarious, it’s going to take guts to step outside my comfort zone and start casual conversations with strangers in Grecia and here in El Cajon. I’m certainly prepared to do it. Just gotta kick myself in the butt and actually do it!
I will start Spanish with Paul on YouTube tonight. Hearing and watching him will help, I’m sure. His manner of teaching is super pleasing so I’ll stay awake through each lesson.
CHICKEN GUMBO
I just finished eating the last of the chicken soup I cooked in the crockpot two days ago. It was very yummy. My next crockpot meal is going to be baby back pork ribs or dark meat chicken. I haven’t decided yet. I’m eating very little meat these days, but I eat a lot of black beans so I’m getting enough protein.
MISTY DAY
It’s misty and cool today (68 degrees I’m guessing) but so far no rain this afternoon. Charli and I are tucked in here like two bugs in a rug. She’s always within about six feet of me. When I move to a new room, she follows me. She’s my little shadow and guardian, and I love her dearly…
Guess that’s all there is to report for this time. I didn’t take any pictures today when I walked to the main road and then up to the mini mart to get zarzaparilla (sarsaparilla), ice cream and cat food. Sorry about that!