These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Sunday, February 27, 2011

A Spanish smirdivitz

Today I ordered Rosetta Stone, Spanish (Latin America). I'm so excited! I've wanted to do this for a long, long time, and I finally found a way to afford it.

Here's the thing .... my daughter-in-law is Mexican by birth, and now a naturalized US citizen. I want to converse with her in her native language. I believe people who come to live in America should learn the language, but I also believe it doesn't hurt us a bit to learn their language. She learned my language, now I'm going to learn hers.

Also, My son and DIL are planning a huge Quinceanera in DIL's home in Oaxaca in June. I want to be able to navigate myself through the surroundings without an interpreter in tow while I'm there. I don't plan to go off on dangerous larks, people, so relax! But I do want to feel I could get along by myself if necessary. And II want to be able to communicate with her family. Her parents are adorable people who I met at the wedding 17 years ago. We communicated by sign language, my tiny tidbits of Spanish (nether of them knows any English), and with translators when they were around. I want to really talk with them, even haltingly, this time around. Exciting!!

If you don't know what a quinceanera is, check it here. It's similar to our debutant parties, but it will be a lot more fun! Have you ever been to a Mexican wedding? yeah, like that! Then take a look at how beautiful my sweet little granddaughter is going to look.... Well, imagine her with her hair done, jewelry, etc.!

I'm having a necklace and earrings made by my friend, white druzies and Austrian crystals. It's going to be perfect to go with the dress.

I'm SO excited!! About the trip, about the party, about learning Spanish, the whole smirdivitz!

15 comments:

  1. Sounds like great fun! You will have to give us a review of how the rosetta stone program works for you!

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  2. How in the world can Kylie be 16??? The first year I was in my house in KC I remember seeing her and she was like 2. Wow...she is beautiful. How exciting about your trip. I know you are going to have so much fun!!!

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  3. Here's hoping Spanish will come easily to you and you have the time of your life at this event.

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  4. I bet your DIL loves a good MIL like you!
    Not so many people would bother to learn a language to be able to speak to somebody who already knows their own language.

    Congratulations on your enthusiasm and spirit of adventure. Have a great party.

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  5. I will, Merikay!

    Caroline, she isn't 16. Is will be 15 this summer, hence, QUINceanera. If it were 16 it would be .... uh, I'll tell you in a couple months!! Bub it would begin with "sis," I'm pretty sure. But yes, she has grown and is beautiful as ever! Remember what a cute little toddler she was?

    Linda, that's the plan, for sure!

    Friko, I think she does! :) And thanks!

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  6. I was never good at spanish.....lol.

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  7. I've wanted to get the Rosetta Stone Spanish course for several years, but it is so expensive. Please let us know how you like it.

    Your grand daughter is beautiful! Sounds like a fun event.

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  8. SVB, it is expensive, but I've heard really good things from *real* people who say it works. I haven't been able to find a class here that works for my schedule, so let's hope it works!

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  9. Granddaughter is a doll and that dress must have been made just for her. Hope you take pix of her in finery including new necklace and earrings. Best wishes on language adventures!

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  10. That dress is gorgeous and your granddaughter looks so pretty in it. Good for you, learning to speak Spanish. I know just enough to be dangerous! Thankfully, even though I work with children who speak a different first language, I only HAVE to know how to speak English! I can't wait to hear all about the party later this year!!

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  11. That dress is just beautiful Lyn. I love the color and just the whole thing, I can imagine how gorgeous she will be. How old is your granddaughter? I thought I remembered reading that they are 15 at a quinceanera? But I don't know.
    I think you'll do well with the Spanish program, my oldest daughter loves it. She took it in H.S. and than again a couple of years ago. Well actually it was a class where she helped with the American language while learning more Spanish!
    Either way she really enjoyed learning it, so have fun with it!
    Love Di ♥

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  12. Thanks, LC. She really is a cutie! And you bet I'll show off pictures of her fully regaled!

    Deb, your command of Spanish sound about like my!

    Di, yes, she will be 15 in August. I took French in hi sch and again in college, but no one is ever around to practice with. Hopefully, my Spanish will have a better workout! I can't wait to get started!

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  13. Just found you through Retired English Teacher.

    I bought the Rosetta Stone course last month but haven't had a chance to load it. We're planning a trip to Ecuador next January and I'd like to be able to do more than sign language and flipping madly through an English-Spanish dictionary.

    Good luck to you!

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  14. Hi, Linda! I've seen your comments at RET and the other Linda (A Slower Pace), too. Guess it's time to get to know each other, isn't it?

    You have longer to be speaking the language that I do, but I'm hoping to be at least slightly able to communicate with my son's in-laws. They are sweet people.

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!