One year of Spanish learned from CDs is not quite enough to conduct interesting daily conversations in Spanish and the more I learn of Spanish, the more I realize that I know very little.  It is one thing to be able to recognize a particular verb form while reading and quite another to produce it in a conversation. People are kind here and know how to speak a bit more slowly and clearly and use a simpler vocabulary for me. Still, I do feel frustrated. I wish I did not have to think so much or pause so much of feel awkward at times. I know that the only way through this is through more practice and through being kind to myself.  No choice around that. 

Actually, I have heard some 3 year olds with a larger Spanish vocabulary than mine: I guess that is no surprise really. 

Patience, kindness to myself.