Spanish progress

I've been listening to a fair number of podcasts that claim to teach Spanish. Mostly, I have been listening to Notes in Spanish Advanced (which is definitely a stretch goal for me). I need to put back on my iPod the Notes in Spanish Intermediate, which is more within my zone of proximal development. I also listen to the remastered versions of Coffee Break Spanish (which provide a very basic review, where I can practice some things I was supposed to have mastered a LONG time ago).

I have not done any grammar review all month. That's going to hurt me when class starts up again on Feb. 10th.

I haven't been reading much lately. Just a few essays from the vocabulary book of the Practice Makes Perfect series. I've been looking through "Speaking Spanish Like a Native" to learn some more ways to express myself. But if I want to learn those phrases well, I will have to put them on flashcards.

Self-improvement is more common in downturns

Well, the example  (NY Times, registration required) given is from the Depression. The Depression lasted SUCH a long time, that it is a bit special. I have no idea whether this dismal economic spell will last as long. Did people have self-improvement as a goal in the 1970s?

Interesting. I love learning about new things. Other people love to exercise. I feel the same way whatever the economic climate. I may be more or less persistent depending on other activities going on in my life, such as the number of movies that T would like to see with me.