Spanish Update

Since I am asking for community support to get to Mexico, I thought it might be great to also keep you updated on my Spanish learning progress.   If you only care about the current item I am offering, you can go to my Trade History page and click on the top item, or just scroll down below this post.

Last year about this time, I developed a keen desire to understand the world outside of my own cultural sphere.  I had served an English-speaking LDS mission in the West Indies, and this had whet my appetite for cultural understanding and language learning.  I knew I wanted to learn a language, but I couldn’t decide which one to pick up – I had done five years of German earlier on, but I saw limited application for that.  I was also really interested in Mandarin and Hindi since I knew so little about eastern cultures.  I decided against those languages just because I felt like I needed a supportive learning community and plenty of opportunities to practice.  Finally, I settled on Spanish because I felt that the Latin culture is becoming so embedded in American society and that by learning their language and understanding their culture, I will be able to relate to and connect with this large segment of the American population.  Also, Spanish is a relatively easy beginner language because of its similarities with English and the plethora of opportunities available to practice it.

So, with a will to win, I began learning Spanish.  As much as I would love to be doing this in the traditional classroom setting, I knew there was no way I could make that type of commitment.  Currently I am taking 18 credit hours at BYU, working 20 hours a week, and struggling to keep up with my double major and graduate on time.  So if I’m going to do this, it has to work according to my schedule.  In a way, I think this has actually been better than a traditional classroom for me, but more on that later.

I’m not a fan of long blog posts, so I’ll write about my methods for learning as well as about my progress later.  I do, however, want to put in a plug for Fluenz language learning software.  Their method has been so incredibly effective for me.   From lesson one, the focus is on real world conversation rather than just vocabulary.  No wasting time with ‘the boy is young’ or ‘the woman is taller than the girl’ type sentences that you never actually use in real life.  Check it out at www.fluenz.com.

While you’re at it, head over to my Trade History page or scroll down below to see the latest item I’m offering, and see if you’ve got anything bigger and better to offer in return.

Hasta luego,

-Ellis

#4 – Movie Night Kit

The large, attractive umbrella has found a new home! Cindy, a Provo resident, offered to trade it for a TV that had been collecting dust in her garage.

The TV is actually really good, just so you know.  It features a large 32 inch screen with a beautiful picture, and will be perfect for the dorm room, the bedroom,  the game room, or anywhere where you need a little entertainment.  It will also work awesomely with your Playstation, Xbox, or even your classic Nintendo.  But wait – that’s not all!  I’ve got an extra DVD player in my apartment that I’ll throw in, along with a bag of premium popcorn and a copy of Mr. Deeds (the Special Edition!).  Literally everything you need to have an awesome movie night.

This  movie night kit can be yours simply by providing something bigger and better.  Actually, let me clarify that.  My storage space is limited, so whatever you offer doesn’t have to necessarily be bigger.  Let’s instead focus on the better part.  If you have something to offer, reach out to me on Craigslist, or fill out a quick contact form by clicking on the link below:

Click here to make a bigger and better offer

#3 – Large, Attractive Umbrella

And that was a quick turnaround!  By the time I was able to post the jumbo golden paper clip, I already had a bigger and better offer.  The lucky recipient of the jumbo golden paper clip is Kelli from Oregon (living in Provo – no, I don’t travel out of Utah Valley for exchanges at the moment).  Kelli works at a local private school and says she would use the jumbo golden paper clip to help organize her desk.  Her offer? A large, attractive umbrella – perfect for la primavera (Spring, for the non-Spanish speakers out there) weather!

This umbrella features not one, but two straps to protect your from unwanted umbrella openings.  In addition, you will find the open button to be very large and sturdy, and easy enough for even your grandma to use.  This umbrella is brought to you practically new.  Although I cannot give you any type of warranty, I can guarantee hours of uninterrupted pleasure as friends and family compliment you on what an amazing rain accessory you are holding.  You will find new life in tired relationships as your loved ones (and potential loved ones) flock to you for attractive rain protection.

Attractive rain gear, indeed.

If you would like to be the proud owner of this large, attractive umbrella, you can either reach out to me on craigslist, or fill out a quick contact form by clicking the link below:

Click here to make a bigger and better offer

#2 – Jumbo Golden Paper Clip

And we have our first taker!  This week a good friend offered to trade my sturdy, dependable paper clip for a jumbo, flashy golden one.  Although this clip may not be ideal for your documents, it would surely be useful for a variety of other tasks.  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Attractive paper weight – don’t want to clip those scattered documents together?  Set this paper clip on top of them, and they won’t go anywhere!
2. Potential hair accessory – who knows girls, you could spark the next fashion trend with this one!
3. Safety pin alternative – whether dealing with cloth diapers or pants that are two sizes two big, this jumbo golden clip offers the convenience of a paper clip with the reliability of a safety pin.

So, if you are interested, send me an email at ellis (dot) atwood (at) gmail (dot) com, or leave a comment below with your contact information.

#1 – Paper clip

Let’s begin with the first offering – a paper clip.  This handsome paper clip is sturdy and dependable, and will be perfect for that stack of documents you’ve got scattered on your desk.

If you would like to be the proud owner of a new paper clip and you have something bigger and better to offer, give me a shout (you can comment below) and let me know what you have to offer.

Welcome!

Bienvenidos a Grande, Mejor, y Mexico!  For the past year I have been working hard to learn Spanish, and now I’m ready to put it all to good use.

This summer, I am planning a trip to Mexico to practice my Spanish, but I need your help, and I hope to provide value for you in return.  I heard about this guy who used a favorite childhood game, Big Better and Best, to trade up from a paper clip to a house.  It took him an entire year, but if he can get a house from a paper clip, surely I can get a simple trip to Mexico this summer.

So, feel free to browse this blog and look at my current offering.  If you’ve got something bigger and better, let me know!

Best,

-Ellis