Spenglench

I often find myself clenching my jaw by the end of the day. Conducting work in a language that is foreign is very difficult. I take the shuttle to work at 7:15 a.m. everyday and the spanish begins. It is a great language I have decided. Unfortunately, I know none of it. Everyday I order Solo Arroz y cafe sin leche. I commonly respond to questions with si o no se. My favorite response is "I don't understand you" and then I proceed to look around for someone who will translate only to find that they repeat the atrocity slower and even more complicated than the first time. Add on embarrassment and you have a recipe for my job, 8-5.

It isn't as bad as I make it sound. Those who know me would probably agree that I like to exaggerate. I do operate under a lot of confusion though and my days usually end with a migraine. A guy came into my office today while making his rounds saying hello to everyone and I had just come back from a meeting conducted entirely in spanish (as they always are). I kindly apologized for not being able to get ANYTHING out and expressed that I had a lobotomy and was still experiencing brain trauma. He kindly left my childlike brain and I alone in my office. Only to later return that afternoon to ask if I was okay and if I could speak yet. To which, I responded with Oui.

Why am I so confused? On a daily basis I am speaking Spenglench (i made it up) and no one understands me. And I am taking an advanced spanish class because no one will let an intern take spanish here. Dios!!!! Ayuda!!! Por Favor!!!