Erik's Posts (2)

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I am not the type of person who "needs" a cup of coffee to start their day. However, when I am at work I like to have a cup to settle and pass those minutes in between getting to the office, turning on my computer and checking last night emails. I think now is most about having something to do that my caffeine needs. 

One day I was on my way to work in San Francisco, CA. I took the train because it is normally faster than driving and you do not have to worry of traffic or anything like that. It was a cold morning of February and I had to walk about 10 minutes to get to my office from the train station. On my way to work, I saw one of these coffee chains, the one with a green and white logo and I thought, well, I should get a coffee cup to bear this weather and have a nice morning start. I like bold flavors, especially when it comes to coffee and the two options were: Tribute or Peak. Tribute was advertised as a bold flavor and Pike as a mild flavor. I will order Tribute, or at least that was my intention. 

Once I got in line I started to think what the right pronunciation of that word was, "tri-bute", like in "try" and "bute", "Tri" as in trilogy and "byoot", "Tri" as in triangle and "but". I was confused and concerned about this single word. I did not know how to pronounce it. When I got to the barista I said, not quite confident: Can I get a large "Try"-"Byoot"? Or something like that! The barista looked at me and gave me that look that represents "I swear to god I am trying to understand, but I am lost". After I saw his face I said. You know what give my a large pike instead.  The barista then had a revelation and he said, "Ohh you meant Tribute?" Is that what you want. Of course, that is what I wanted but I was already too embarrassed to admit it. I stuck to the option that I knew how to pronounce. 

I felt so embarrassed for a few minutes and clearly I have not let that go! hahaha. Now, every time I want to try or get something I do not know how to pronounce I go to the restroom, open my dictionary app and listen to the word, so I can get what I want instead of limiting my options. 

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The idea is get better and better!

I never wanted to start a blog. I was never into technology and I always believe that I would not have an audience. I am good at complaining about many things but I mean, I think we have enough of that, so a blog to rant, would not be a new thing around here, although I can be really funny when I complain. Or at least I'd like to think that.

But now that I think about it, it would have been helpful, I could practice my English and with a website like this I would make great progress, but as most people say: "it's never too late" or something like that. 

I will try to write about my struggles learning English, with a fun and spicy twist, all the embarrassing situations that I have faced and, of course, those moments when you only get what you know how to pronounce when you go shopping? I bet I am not the only one!

Please, if you have suggestions, comments or ideas please write me a line, I am open to collaborate in this site and get better together!

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