I am doing a lot of yoga to give my foot a chance to recover after my last race. Having to switch from running to yoga is preventing me from doing Greek Pimsleur lessons while working out. Today I went…
I woke up at 4:51 a.m. today and did the eighth lesson of Greek Pimsleur. It was already pretty light outside. I noticed an elderly couple from the adjacent building sitting out on their balcony. They didn’t appear to…
I did a 5K race this morning in Central Park, organized by YAI Network, which works with people with developmental and learning disabilities. It seems like a great organization. Tina Fey was at the start, which made me happy, because…
I am starting to feel pretty optimistic about my Greek prospects. And it also seems so useful. I didn’t study Latin or ancient Greek in school, but this encounter with the modern version of Greek—which, yes, I realize…
Today I got my Spanish test results from ALTA Language Testing. I received a score of 9, described as “advanced,” on both the oral and written exams. The highest possible score is 12. I have to say I was disappointed with…
The day began with more of the technical and logistical hurdles associated with the beginning of each new language. I had to set up my new iPod Shuffle, purchased yesterday after the tip of my old headset broke off in…
Day 1 of Greek began with my being awakened by the sounds of garbage trucks picking up Memorial Day weekend garbage. I didn’t mind as much as I might have on another day—I wanted to get going with the…
Here is my (highly personal) theory of language acquisition. Many people seem to go through the following three phases as they learn a foreign language: Phase 1. Insecurity Phase 2. Complacency Phase 3. Insecurity The first phase is characterized by uncertainty and discomfort…
Today was my second-to-last day studying Spanish, so I decided it was time for another visit to Washington Heights, which has a large Hispanic population, particularly Dominican. The intended route: Broadway from 155th Street to Dyckman Street, roughly two…
I went to another 5K race last night, this time in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Normally I wouldn’t race two nights in a row, but I love this particular summer series, so I went anyway. On…
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