No Hablar Espaniol

So to say I didn’t exactly take my high school Spanish classes seriously would be a huge understatement. Granted, the two Spanish teachers that I did have both had questionable mental states. Nonetheless, I wish I had used my time in these classes to actually learn from these individuals who, if nothing else, knew a great deal about the Spanish language. Many of the guests that come up to my window do not speak English, and I personally feel ignorant that after four years of Spanish classes, I can’t string out a sentence to save my life.

Yesterday, a Spanish speaking man was at my window, and I was trying to get him to write his daughters name on the back of a ticket. I tried saying it slowly, loudly; using hand gestures… nothing was working. The man just kept repeating, “ I no understand.” So finally, as a last resort I point at the back of the ticket and say, “Tu baby nombre!” Now to be honest, I’m really not completely sure of what that means. The guy starting laughing at me and said, “Si, si!” He then wrote his child’s name down, so problem solved. With all of that being said, I would really like to learn to speak Spanish. I know that I miss out on sales opportunities because I am not able to understand what my Spanish speaking guests are saying, and I don’t know the language well enough to explain it to them. At different points throughout the year Disney offers Spanish classes, so another of my College Program Goals is to sign up for a Spanish class. Deséeme suerte! That means, “wish me luck.” I only know that because I translated it on line…

Speaking of programs Disney offers, this Sunday I am volunteering for my first time since living in Florida. People who are enrolled in the WDW college program are invited each Sunday night to volunteer with the kids who are visiting us through the Make A Wish Foundation. This allows the kids parents to go out for a night, and leave their children with trusted individuals. I’m really not too sure on what this will entail, but I’m really excited about it! I actually had a family at my window yesterday whose nine year old has cancer, and has had to have his leg removed. The mother said Disney has been such a blessing to them this summer because it has been their family’s escape from dealing with the reality of cancer.

On a sad note, my niece Lana’s horse, Sweet Pea, passed away yesterday. She injured her leg so severely that she had to be put down. Another reminder that life is short, and death is a part of all of our lives. Each day you have is a gift, and not a guarantee. As sad as death is, it helps put life into perspective. Life is way too precious to waste it being angry, bored, judgmental, fill in your own blank her…..

Last, but not least I want to give a little shout out to my girl Elizabeth Gajewski!!! Happy 21st Birthday! Liz is an awesome friend, who is a ton of fun to be around! Liz is one of my favorite people in this whole entire world, and is a great listener when I just need someone to be a sounding board for my rambling thoughts! Love you girl!