hablas español

That's it! I'm so embarrassed, but I must confess. I absolutely MUST learn to speak Spanish. It's the one gap in my otherwise impeccable "highly qualified teacher" status. I am mortified to admit that when I even begin to enter "translate" into google it immediately comes up with Spanish-English, I spend so much time learning a few words, a poem, a monologue my Spanish speaking students can read, it's ridiculous. I'm trying so hard, but I cannot/will not be able to meet my students needs if I can't speak to them! And! This is MY fault. My stupidity. This, from a first-generation Sesame Street kid. I should know better. One year of high school Spanish has gotten me nowhere! Enough already!

Okay.. so, I've learned the phrase, "Buenos Dias, mi estudiante favorito" that I absolutely butcher, but my kids giggle with delight when I greet them with that. Today, one of the poets I so adore and had the privilege of meeting posted, "Abrazos!!!" and I had to "translate" to learn it meant "hugs".

What an idiot I am. Seriously.

Those who know me... know I mean business. When I say I'm going to do something... I do it. I don't ever just lament my lot in life. I change it. I will sign up for a class at our local literacy center to learn Spanish already. And I will immerse myself until I get it. And sigh... at my age... it's gonna take a lot. Unfortunately, our old addled brains don't acquire a new language easily... not like kids. But, I'm determined.

And oh... how I admire people who read poems in two languages. It's just so beautiful. It is certainly not too much to ask of myself to take the time to learn another language. It's not.

Mostly because there is nothing I won't do for my kids.