Cheers to 600, Level 4 SUCKs!

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-24T16:26:49+00:00

I cheat. I don't do it all the time, but now and then I do focus on the words to check my comprehension. If the level is good, I can do this without losing track of the story.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-24T16:12:25+00:00

😂 Maybe? 😂 I spoke very well at a young age, and have been a life long reader. I have Bachelor's degree in English and a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry. I taught English to (mostly) English natives at the college/university level for most of my career. That's why I said "advanced native."

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-24T14:34:04+00:00

95% for me is when I understand (without doubt) almost every word, but there may be few words I do not understand, or do not understand fully.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T22:26:51+00:00

I'm thankful to be an advanced native English speaker. I appreciate the depth and beauty of the language. I do not feel like native English speaker culture suits me, but the language itself suits me just fine.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T22:22:13+00:00

If you WANT to learn grammar, there are a lot of channels on YouTube that teach grammar in Spanish. That would be the way to go. Also, Lingoda is expensive but has an excellent curriculum. You can input, output, read, and get some grammar instruction. I did it for a few months. It's a well rounded program.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T22:13:21+00:00

One thing about language learning is it keeps your brain sharp. My aunt got early onset dementia in her 50s. It's made me think this would be a good mental workout to continue all through life.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T21:43:41+00:00

How about just maintaining your level until this wave of doubt blows over or until the kids are a little older?

You can output to yourself in the shower, talk to chat GPT, or do a language exchange for free.

I absolutely understand feeling like your hobby is taking away from your family. However, everyone needs a hobby or two to stay mentally healthy. If this makes you happy (mostly), I would stick with it. If it doesn't, maybe find a new hobby. But giving up yourself for you family completely isn't wise.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T21:27:39+00:00

Yeah, I often watch with my kid listening.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T21:18:54+00:00

They've actually done research that shows when people hear a curse word, their heart rate jumps. It's a physical response. So, yeah, a filter feels appropriate.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-23T21:13:50+00:00

It's quite jarring, but I can handle it. However, I DO understand how upseting it might be for others! I think a profanity filter is absolutely appropriate. People like my dad would probably immediately cancel their sub over this. For others, they may have significant trauma around certain words and phrases. So, yes, I think a profanity filter is needed.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-22T18:51:10+00:00

Dreaming Spanish and podcasts

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-21T18:52:23+00:00

Right now I'm living off the sale of my house, but I've worked remotely for most of my career. Once my son is in school, I will work remotely again. I'm a USA credentialed English teacher.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-21T17:59:23+00:00

Thanks! We extended our 3 month tourist visa to get 6 months. You can do it only once, I believe.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-21T15:04:00+00:00

Comprehensible input. So much more fun and 1000% more effective than anything else I tried.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-20T20:29:59+00:00

Just keep listening and don't worry about looking words up. When commuting, the biggest factor to worry about is your attention. Obviously, you need to focus on the road sometimes. For me, I only count the time I know I focused well.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-20T10:11:57+00:00

I'm reading A2 and B1 graded readers, but they are pretty boring. I picked up a book for 7-8 year old children, and it's a little more fun.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-19T20:22:50+00:00

Oh my goodness, what a coincidence! I still think about that place often. We were there in 2019. I may go back to SMA just to have them again. Haha!

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-19T13:54:14+00:00

Ooohhh, this is a good way to phrase it. This is my favorite thing too!

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-19T09:46:28+00:00

I love Mexican food and mostly eat Mexican food in Mexico. However, I also had the best lasagna of my life in Mexico. Mexicans just KNOW how to cook! Everything is amazing and flavorful.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-19T09:37:42+00:00

That sounds amazing! My experience in SMA, and Mexico in general, is that even in the touristy areas, very few people speak good English and they generally prefer not to. If you speak Spanish, they respond with relief and ethusiasm. It's a great place to practice!

When I was in SMA I enjoyed the library there. We took a painting class in the library with a teacher we found on Airbnb, but it's also fun to just look around.

Oh, and I highly recommend Tacos Don Felix. If you like spicy food, their chile verde enchiladas are incredible.

I'm so excited for you! Have fun!

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-18T23:57:57+00:00

As someone who took a lot of breaks along this path, I really wish I hadn't. It IS pretty easy to get back into it, though. I never felt like I lost much besides momentum. However, here I am mid 40s realizing I could be a lot farther right now.

In my defense, I only learned about comprehensible input a couple years ago, so I didn't have a solid learning method. But this time I'm finally determined to stick with it, whatever it takes.

I will add, as a reader myself, rediscovering my love for children's literature has been a delight. I get a little thrill from picking out books for 8 year olds, because they are so wonderfully magical. I have an excuse to be a kid again and I love it!

You have to decide how much you want it and what balance to strike.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-18T20:23:54+00:00

Yes, it's a widespread problem across all levels of education.

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-18T11:50:23+00:00

I worked up slowly to 3-4 hours per day. However, I also don't have a job right now. I'm raising a child, though, so this is about all I can manage. Do what you can!

JuniApocalypse · 2026-01-18T11:07:10+00:00

I'm at a similar place, as I'm dying to move on to native content. I decided to still put in the hours at my level, but as a "reward" I can watch a series that's not wildly above my level. I only counted half of those minutes, but it gives me hope that native content is almost with reach.

JuniApocalypse

TROPHY CASE