That 55-minute phone call really lit a fire under me. A five-minute per language in Spanish and English, with a woman from near Córdoba, Spain, pushed me far outside my comfort zone into a space of frustration and desire.
The relief I felt when we switched to English was like coming home after a long trip. You know that feeling—the heavy sigh, dropping your bags, and changing into comfy clothes? It’s the best.
But just as I was settling in, she’d say, “Let’s switch,” and I’d be flung back into speaking Spanish, into the cold, my cozy spot on the couch now a distant memory. It felt like being a stranger in a world I didn’t quite understand.
Years ago, I attended a conversational Spanish group at a Mexican restaurant. I was nervous, but my desire to learn the language was stronger. I spoke little compared to the others, who were more advanced and tended to dominate the conversation.
Today, with Mercedes, she made sure the conversation was a true 50/50 exchange. That accountability felt great. She didn’t constantly correct me, and she listened well. She asked thoughtful questions and was genuinely interested in my life. I loved hearing about the olive orchards near her home and the olive oil they produce. I even told her I’d run out of olive oil (in Spanish) and needed to pick some up tomorrow.
I know I have a long way to go in my language journey, but with someone like her as a partner, I can see my comfort zone expanding—and with it, my ability to communicate with confidence.
I visited Córdoba in 2000 during a three-week study abroad trip, the same town where my language partner is from. I’ve since been pulling up Google images and browsing tour bookings, but nothing looks familiar, yet everything feels vaguely familiar. It’s been 24 years, and a snapshot of a place doesn’t always trigger the memories like I thought it would.
Which only means one thing: I have to go back. Looking at the average temperatures for a future trip, it seems like any time of year would work. Sure, it gets a bit cold at times, but the highs are in the 80s. How about I plan for this time next year?
Meanwhile, this sore throat is getting worse, keeping me horizontal longer than usual. I’m feeling a bit lazy and stir-crazy, but still, I’m grateful for the hearty split pea and bacon soup I made for dinner, my new gardening cart that’s already housing rosemary and will soon host an herb garden, and the warmth of the sun as I relaxed on an extra-large pillow like a sprawled-out cat.
I hope your weekend is relaxing as well. Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 