Language Learning

About a month ago, my co-worker and I decided to make a "deal." Neither of us believes in gambling, but we wanted to make a deal, a challenge of sorts. Not against each other, but against ourselves I guess you could say. I typed up a contract and we both signed it, along with our "witness" person, Tricia (other co-worker). We're such geeks!

Edith is from Mexico City, Mexico, and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. She's been studying Punjabi for several months now, almost a year! She decided to start learning Punjabi because she has friends that speak it and thought it would be a fun challenge. I am from America, so I barely speak American English. I have a fair knowledge of Spanish, speak amazing Spanglish, took a semester of Hebrew in college and attended synagogue for several months, and my French, well, I can hold very basic conversation. But truthfully, I can only speak American fluently. I am pretty good at picking up languages, so even though she has a year under her belt, I figured; I would be able to catch up to her!

Our agreement is as follows: Edith, will learn enough Punjabi to be able to read a children's book with comprehension. I will learn enough Hindi to do the same. We have chosen a book called "Spot's Birthday Party." I am working hard on learning to understand the characters and to have a decent vocabulary. She's ahead of me, as she already understands the Punjabi characters, but I have a stronger vocabulary in Hindi. She can read the letters, but doesn't know the words. We have both worked together to help each other out when we have questions, so it's been a fun little activity for us.

I have really enjoyed the journey so far! Hindi is so different in sentence structure and their characters are completely different from both the Germanic language English that utilizes the Latin or Roman alphabet, and the Semitic language Hebrew utilizing the Hebrew alphabet. There are a few similarities I have observed between the characters of Hebrew versus Hindi, and that may be purely coincidental (I have yet to research these similarities). It helps me either way. It also helps that Hebrew is guttural, since it is also present in Hindi.

I have checked out a few items from my local library to assist me on my trek. I figured the best way to read a children’s book is to learn as a child does. I have been watching Baby Hindustani videos, “Learning the Hindi Alphabet” and “Exploring Hindi.” They teach you nursery rhymes, fun songs, and ways to associate sounds, letters, and pictures. I probably have the vocabulary of a 1 year old at this point, and the comprehension of a 6 month old, but it’s progress.

ej

Brandon aka Easy Money

Man...

It's really difficult for my mind to grasp that he's really gone. He was going to be 31 years old this year and I was just thinking a week or so ago that we hadn't chatted in a long time. He was my karaoke Tambourine Man! I am not sure what to make of all the emotion. I feel sad.

My life has been at a crossroads for a few months now. Contemplating going back to school has created a lot of extra work for me mentally and emotionally. Should I stay working both jobs and still try and get into School? Which one should I keep if I do go back to school? How much is medical coverage if I decide on one job over the other? Should I accept this job offer or that job offer? Should I just say "no" and stick with my initial plan to work one job? Should I give up my apartment and choose a life of utter poverty to go back to school? How can I be a better support for my family during this time of crisis? Is Brandon really gone? How are the kids going to react if I decide to quit? Will they even care? Will I miss them too much to leave? How will I pay the bills? Did I dream about Brandon, is he really gone???

Brandon...

What a great kid! I don't know that I have ever been in his presence when he wasn't smiling. Even when he was sick and in pain he still smiled, at least whenever I was around. I remember last year he had been in the hospital and I had happened to send him a text and didn't know he was in hospital. I could still sense his cheery sense of humor as we exchanged texts. Even when he was explaining why he was hospitalized, I could still hear optimism. I could hear him smile as we communicated. It made me smile.

With Brandon gone and his funeral coming up this weekend, I can't help but forget my worries for a moment. Be easy, Easy Money! I'll see you on the other side!

ej

Blessings come pouring in...

The following post has been saved in my 'Drafts' for awhile, but it is finally time to put it "out there."

I want to thank my friends that have supported me through this difficult time. Prayers have been answered, and though the struggle to learn how to live and understand the circumstances will remain, it has helped me to better understand my role with my family and the role they will play in my future.

My trip to Fresno a few weeks ago was a quick one! (yeah, Sommer, I was in town) I wish it had been under better circumstances, but my next trip will be planned and Sommer....you are on my list of people to see! Since you actually follow my blog!!! I miss you my dear, sweet friend!

Back to my trip...

I have struggled with the circumstances of why the trip was necessary. I was happy to make the trip and the sacrifice was minimal, as I would do it again in a heartbeat. My struggles have not been because of the trip itself, but the position in which I found myself. I felt awkward, and unsure. Not familiar territory for me. I normally take time to process emotion and sort out whether or not it makes sense to be moved or not. In this case, I had approximately 4 hours of awake time to process before having to be before family and friends to face the concerns and issues we were faced with. I love my family. I may not always know how to embrace them with love, or we may not always be able to spend time with one another, whether it be for financial reasons, clashing of personalities, or personal conflicts; whatever the reason, we have always come together when in crisis.

Despite the challenges ahead of us (collectively), the blessings have and I know, will continue to pour in. I can't speak for my family, but for me...I feel stronger and more sure about my role as a daughter, an older sister, a cousin, a niece, and even a grand-daughter.

"I am a Child of God. Rich blessings are in store.

If I but learn to do His will,

I'll live with Him once more."

Does this mean that all the challenges and past concerns and struggles will disappear? No. This will only help us on our road to progression. Even from a distance, love can be felt and shared.

ej

Well...

I didn't get the job I interviewed for, but that's okay! Regardless of that outcome, I have decided to give notice to my job at the Group Home. I have really enjoyed the work I have been able to do with the kids there. I have learned tremendously and have gained some invaluable experience. This is a difficult demographic to work with and I have found that I am well suited for it. There are some issues within the employment I have had in the GH and it is time for me to move along. Finances will be difficult as I decide my next steps, but I know it is the right thing to do.I am contemplating going back to school. Not sure how that will all pan out, but I am going to do it! It's the only way I can get what I want. Even though I am capable of doing it now, the world tells me I need this stupid bit of paper to say I can. So, I conform. Off I go to see about college.ej

Big Day

Today's a big day. I don't know what the outcome of my interview will be, but I am praying that it is in the affimative. Keep your fingers crossed. Knock on wood. Say a little prayer for me. Positive thoughts my way. Whatever!

ej