Hewitt Associates

Hewitt eliminated 200+ jobs the other day, including mine.

This might allow me the opportunity to head down to Mexico again for a few weeks this winter to practice my Spanish.

As they say, "when one door closes, another one opens."

Rosetta Stone

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I heard a commercial for a free CD demonstrating how the Rosetta Stone language program works, so I ordered it.

They claim it works differently and more effectively than other programs and I sure hope so!

I'm Off to Mexico Again!

I'm going to Mexico again on Friday, April 18th and am trying to freshen up on my Spanish. Cramming, actually!

I've been reading the Charles Berlitz Passport to Spanish and practicing online with the studyspanishonline.com site as well.

I really wish I had time just to devote to my Spanish, but I wouldn't get much else done. I'm still hoping that I will get to go there for at least 3 months because that will help tremendously.

Back to my studying now!

Mexico Travel Marketplace

I attended the "Mexico Travel Marketplace," which is a Trade Show on March 11th. We met with vendors/suppliers and people from the tourist boards. We also had a very nice dinner with a presentation and prizes (and I won a trip to Cancun).

I met some very nice contacts and Greg Custer, the presenter and VP of Destination Ventures, Ltd., really gave an informative presentation. I was so energized and excited about these new destinations and opportunities for my clients.

The reason I am mentioning this on my blog is that they actually thought my Spanish was pretty good. LOL I did try to use it when it seemed appropriate, but it is far from being good. I am bound and determined to continue to learn.

Online Spanish Learning

Yes, today is Easter (and last year on Easter I was on my way to Playa Del Carmen to attend Spanish Immersion classes).

Last year my family was upset that I wouldn't be home for Easter and this year we did NOTHING! That's the way it works in my family, so now I just do my own thing.

I did some online training tonight regarding travel and the lessons were fun and helpful. I'm going to keep using that site for a while.

Adios, Southbound Señorita's

This trip did not work out, so I think that next year I am going to do a tour of the Colonial cities on my own.

It Has Almost Been a Year

It's really hard to believe that it's almost a year ago since I went to Playa for my Spanish Immersion. In a way, it seems like it was so long ago, but then again, it seems like it was yesterday.

I really want to go there for a longer period of time. I hope I get the opportunity in the near future. (I really need the exercise. I've gained so much weight since then and I was walking so much in Playa. This winter has been miserable. I'm looking so forward to warm weather soon!).

Of course, Easter is a bit early this year and I didn't go down there until Easter, but it's quickly approaching.

La Cuenta, Por Favor

We had a breakfast meeting this morning and my manager, Mary Kay couldn't get the Bus Boy to understand that she wanted the check, so I asked him in Spanish. She thinks it's funny when I try to use my Spanish, but it worked. At least I know more than they do!

More Materials

I think I have more Spanish learning materials than a book store!

I bought a used Spanish Verb book and someone I used to work with has two books that she never used and offered them to me.

Now, I just need to put them to use!

A New Way of Learning

I thought I would try an old trick and listen to my Spanish CD's while I'm sleeping. I just set the "repeat" button and it keeps repeating over and over again throughout the night.

My dog, Harley absolutely loved listening to the CD's. She must like the man's voice because she slept right next to the CD player.

I'm going to continue doing this for a while to see if it works like it did when I was in High School (but we all know that was a long time ago!).

The Girls from Huatulco

Marci got married and Alejandra is now working/living in Cancun. A lot has changed since July.

Alejandra always e-mails me in Spanish, so I have to use Babel Fish to translate. I could understand some of it, but not everything. Maybe I can visit her next time I head down there.

Spanish Language Lab

I bought a new 60-minute audio CD with a phrase book. It was on clearance for $2.99 at Borders.

I figure that every little bit helps! Now, I just have to practice!

Southbound Señorita's

I am planning a girl's trip to San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, Mexico. It's going to be a very interesting and cultural trip.

I will really need to practice my Spanish before I go.

2008 Calendario

I bought a desk-top calendar to help me with my Spanish. You learn one phrase a day and already, I haven't been doing so well. The start of this year has been very busy, but I need to get on this!

The calendar is really interesting. I mean how hard is it to learn one phrase a day?