I got obsessed with a Spanish Television show and want to learn the Spanish language to watch and better understand the show. I have some advantage in that I am already multi-lingual. I can speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin fluently.

Although I have taken Spanish in High School and a class in College (and failed), I can’t even say “what’s up” currently. However, I am determined to learn the language to watch a show, Los Hombres de Paco.

I did what most would do when they want to learn a new language, I went out scoured the shelves of Barnes and Noble, and purchased an audio Spanish Level 1, along with Rosetta Stone, and a Spanish-English dictionary.

I gave myself one month to learn the language and be able to carry on a rudimentary conversation but mostly, be able to watch my show and comprehend.

My current process:

1. Purchase a Spanish learning audio and books.
2. Listen to my audio lessons in the morning for a half-hour as I get ready for the day or when I go on my walk.
3. Watch my Spanish show with subtitles until I can memorize the dialog in English, then I would just focus on their conversation without the subtitle. (peeking at the subtitle when I am completely clueless.)
4. I have post-it notes around the house in Spanish. And I make comments and curse in Spanish, especially when I am talking to myself. You all know what I mean. When I think . . . Okay, I respond with Vale!, I can’t in No Puedo, Sh*t in Mierda, ect.
5. If I am in a Spanish speaking restaurant, I try to talk to them in Spanish . . . thus I order my food in Spanish.
6. I would listen to the Spanish radio station on my drive home from work so I can get some music in and some DJ chat.

This is the best way to immerse myself in the language especially since my husband only speaks English and my family speaks Chinese.

I’ll keep you updated as to how well this approach works.

I was recently visiting a couple friend in Napa and I realized they have every type of shoes you could imagine. And since we are heading out for a hike, they pulled out their best pair of boots. Their fufu fluff designer hikers. A walk-in (shoe) closet of shoes and they own uncomfortable fluff.

Alright people, if you can spend $400 on designer shoes, go spend $200 and get a pair of good boots, proper fitting survival boots. The first thing my Drill Sergeant taught me was, protect your feet. Protect your #1 mode of transportation. A healthy well-protected pair of feet can take you to food, water, and shelter. It will save your life.

You want boots that can:
1. Traverse rugged terrain – The ground could have rocky paths, crazy contours, sharp rocks, ankle spraining obstacles, or narrow trails.
2. Get Wet – It is imperative to keep your feet dry. Especially if you cross streams, rivers, seashores, or floods.
3. Withstand Heat – You would want to feel comfortable in case you have to be exposed to long period of blazing hot concrete or desert hot floors.
4. Protect – There are nasty insects and reptiles out there not to mention animals that you’d want to keep out and protect from bites.
5. Fit Properly – Try on the boots late in the day when they are slightly swollen and wear thicker socks. You wouldn’t want huge blisters or lose all your toe nails from poor fitting boots.

So a good sturdy, comfortable, pair of boots is in order here. Look for an 8 to 10 inch high top leather or Gortex boot with superior ankle protection and at least 1/3 inch thick Vibram Soles.

Oh and don’t forget, NO Cotton Socks. Look for a pair of Ragg Wool or Merino Wool socks, they wick away moisture. And if you are allergic to wool like I am, wear a pair of polypropylene liner under the wool socks.

If your feet aren’t happy, there’s a good chance you will not be either.