Chapter 2: The Neighbors Chat

The Robinson’s have a family-owned store and Chris, their next door neighbor, comes over to have a look and chat.

Mr. Robinson: Hey Chris, I heard you were hired for the head coaching job on our football team. Congratulations!

Chris: Thanks. So far so good. You know this is my first head coaching job so I’m kind of in over my head right now with all the new responsibilities and such.

Mr. Robinson: Yeah, welcome to the club. You just gotta learn to stay on top of things.

Chris: Yeah, well I don’t even have it that bad. My friend from college coaches in Washington, and he just lost his starting quarterback to an injury. I’d have trouble keeping my chin up if that happened to me. Anyway, I wanted to see if you were selling any computers out here. I need a faster one so I can see up to the minute stats online.

Mr. Robinson: I have no idea. Jan!

Mrs. Robinson: What’s up, honey?

Mr. Robinson: Do we have any computers in the back?

Mrs. Robinson: Not today, but we should next week. An electronics store is going out of business and getting rid of everything but the kitchen sink. I’m going to check it out in a few days.

Chris: Sounds good. Keep me posted.

Mrs. Robinson: So how’s the team doing, Chris?

Chris: Well, we won our first game. Next week’s going to be a good match. The newspapers are saying it’s anyone’s call who will win. Did you see the first game?

Mrs. Robinson: No, I don’t follow football. It’s all Greek to me. I’ve tried to understand it before, but I just don’t get it.

Chris: Well, you two should come out and watch anyway. This next game’s gonna be neck and neck. It’s definitely not in the bag just yet. Hey, is Little Timmy trying to sell baseball cards to that guy?

Mrs. Robinson: Yep, he’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he?

Chris: Yeah, it seems like just yesterday he was running around in his birthday suit and now he’s doing business like his dad.

The Neighbors Chat: The Robinson’s have a family-owned store and Chris, their next door neighbor, comes over to have a look and chat.Los vecinos conversan: La familia Robinson tiene su propia tienda y Chris, su vecino de al lado, viene para echar un vistazo y conversar.

Mr. Robinson: Hey Chris, I heard you were hired for the head coaching job on our football team. Congratulations!Hola Chris. Oí que fuiste contratado como entrenador principal por nuestro equipo de fútbol americano. ¡Felicidades!

Chris: Thanks. So far so good. You know this is my first head coaching job so I’m kind of in over my head right now with all the new responsibilities and such. Gracias. Hasta ahora todo va bien. Sabes que es mi primer trabajo como entrenador principal entonces estoy medio abrumado ahora con todas las responsabilidades nuevas y demás.

Mr. Robinson: Yeah, welcome to the club. You just gotta learn to stay on top of things.Sí, bienvenido al club. Simplemente necesitas aprender a estar al tanto de todo.

Chris: Yeah, well I don’t even have it that bad. My friend from college coaches in Washington, and he just lost his starting quarterback to an injury. I’d have trouble keeping my chin up if that happened to me. Anyway, I wanted to see if you were selling any computers out here. I need a faster one so I can see up to the minute stats online.Sí, pues ni la tengo tan mal. Mi amigo de la Universidad, entrena en Washington y acaba de perder su primer quarterback por una herida. Me costaría ponerme contento si eso me pasara a mí. De todos modos, quería ver si vendías unas computadoras aquí. Necesito una más rápida para poder ver estadísticas en vivo.

Mr. Robinson: I have no idea. Jan! Ni idea. ¡Jan!

Mrs. Robinson: What’s up, honey? ¿Qué pasa, cariño?

Mr. Robinson: Do we have any computers in the back? ¿Tenemos unas computadoras atrás?

Mrs. Robinson: Not today, but we should next week. An electronics store is going out of business and getting rid of everything but the kitchen sink. I’m going to check it out in a few days. Hoy no, pero deberíamos tener la semana que viene. Una tienda electrónica se está cerrando por falta de vendas y está tirando casi todo. Voy a ver dentro de unos días.

Chris: Sounds good. Keep me posted. Suena bien. Avísame.

Mrs. Robinson: So how’s the team doing, Chris? ¿Entonces cómo está el equipo, Chris?

Chris: Well, we won our first game. Next week’s going to be a good match. The newspapers are saying it’s anyone’s call who will win. Did you see the first game?Pues, ganamos nuestro primer partido. Lo de la semana próxima va a ser un buen partido. Las periodistas están diciendo que cualquiera puede decidir quien ganará. ¿Viste el primer partido?

Mrs. Robinson: No, I don’t follow football. It’s all Greek to me. I’ve tried to understand it before, but I just don’t get it. No, no sigo de cerca el fútbol Americano. Es como chino. He tratado de entenderlo antes, pero simplemente no lo comprendo.

Chris: Well, you two should come out and watch anyway. This next game’s gonna be neck and neck. It’s definitely not in the bag just yet. Hey, is Little Timmy trying to sell baseball cards to that guy?Pues, ustedes dos deberían venir y mirar de todas maneras. Este partido de la semana que viene va a ser competitivo. Definitivamente no es seguro todavía. Oye, ¿Little Timmy está tratando de vender cartas de béisbol a ese tipo?

Mrs. Robinson: Yep, he’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he? Sí, es parecido a su padre, ¿no?

Chris: Yeah, it seems like just yesterday he was running around in his birthday suit and now he’s doing business like his dad. Sí, parece que justo ayer andaba corriendo desnudo y ahora está haciendo negocios como su papá.

"Nervous about an Interview"

A: Thanks for B: No worries. I was already in the area. So what's up? A: Nothin'. Well, actually there is. It's just a habit to say "nothing." I was kind of nervous so I thought it'd be good to talk to you. You always seem to brighten my day. B: Oh, thanks! So what's going on? A: Well, you know how I've been studying Japanese and business, right? B: Yeah... A: Well, I've finally finished my business degree... B: Hey, that's awesome. Congrats. A: Thanks. Anyway, I have 4 interviews this week with companies that predominately do business with Japan. B: Whoa, that's a lot of interviews for one week. Don't bite off more than you can chew. A: That's just the tip of the iceberg. All my interviews will be in Japanese! B: What? That's gotta be tough. But you've been studying Japanese for a while, so you should do fine.  A: That's true, but I haven't had many opportunities to practice it with native Japanese speakers. So I'm nervous. B: Don't worry about it. The interviewers know it's not your native language. They won't expect you to speak it perfectly. I'm sure they know your Japanese will get way better after you get hired and are practicing it all the time at work. A: You're right. Plus, I bet most of the other candidates learned Japanese as their second language too. So we're all in the same boat.  B: That's true. You've been studying a lot of idiomatic expressions too, right? A: Yeah. B: Maybe you could score some brownie points by using some of them in the interview. Just make sure the expressions are appropriate though. You don't want to cuss or anything in the interview.  A: Hmm... Good idea. I've been studying the expressions a lot lately. B: Is your resumé in English or Japanese? A: They didn't specify which language, so I made one of both. Better safe than sorry. B: Good idea. Also, remember you made good grades in school. They care about that too, not just your level of Japanese. Any company would be luck to have you. You bring a lot to the table. A: Thanks for your support. I feel a lot better now. Well, I need to get going.  B: Yeah, me too. Feel free to call me anytime and bounce some ideas off me if you want. A: Ok. Maybe I will.  

"Nervous about an Interview"

A: Thanks for meeting me for lunch on such short notice. Gracias por venir a almorzar sin haberte avisado antes.  B: No worries. I was already in the area. So what's up? No hay problema. Estaba en la zona. ¿Qué pasó? A: Nothin'. Well, actually there is. It's just a habit to say "nothing." I was kind of nervous so I thought it'd be good to talk to you. You always seem to brighten my day.Nada. Bueno, en realidad sí. Sólo es un costumbre decir "nada." Estaba un poco nerviosa entonces pensé que sería bueno hablar contigo. Parece que siempre me mejoras el día.  B: Oh, thanks! So what's going on? Oh, ¡gracias! ¿Qué está pasando? A: Well, you know how I've been studying Japanese and business, right?Bueno, sabes cómo he estado estudiando japonés y negocios, verdad? B: Yeah... Sí... A: Well, I've finally finished my business degree...Bueno, finalmente he terminado mi título de Negocios... B: Hey, that's awesome. Congrats. Oye, eso es fantástico. Felicitaciones.  A: Thanks. Anyway, I have 4 interviews this week with companies that predominately do business with Japan.Gracias. De todas maneras, tengo 4 entrevistas esta semana con compañías que principalmente hacen negocios con Japón.  B: Whoa, that's a lot of interviews for one week. Don't bite off more than you can chew.Wow, son muchas entrevistas para una semana. No muerdas más que lo que puedes masticar.  A: That's just the tip of the iceberg. All my interviews will be in Japanese!Eso es sólo la punta del iceberg. ¡Todas mis entrevistas estarán en japonés! B: What? That's gotta be tough. But you've been studying Japanese for a while, so you should do fine. ¿Qué? Eso debe ser difícil. Pero has estado estudiando japonés por un tiempo, de modo que debería irte bien.  A: That's true, but I haven't had many opportunities to practice it with native Japanese speakers. So I'm nervous.Es verdad, pero no he tenido muchas oportunidades de practicarlo con hablantes nativos de japonés. Así es que estoy nerviosa.  

B: Don't worry about it. The interviewers know it's not your native language. They won't expect you to speak it perfectly. I'm sure they know your Japanese will get way better after you get hired and are practicing it all the time at work.

No te preocupes. Las entrevistadores saben que no es tu lengua madre. No van a esperar que lo hables perfectamente. Estoy segura que saben que su japonés mejorará después de que te contraten y estés practicándolo todo el tiempo en el trabajo.  A: You're right. Plus, I bet most of the other candidates learned Japanese as their second language too. So we're all in the same boat. Tienes razón. Además, apuesto que la mayor parte de los candidatos aprendieron japonés como su segunda lengua también. Entonces todos estamos en la misma situación.  B: That's true. You've been studying a lot of idiomatic expressions too, right? Eso es cierto. Has estado estudiando muchas expresiones idiomáticas también, ¿verdad?A: Yeah. Sí. B: Maybe you could score some brownie points by using some of them in the interview. Just make sure the expressions are appropriate though. You don't want to cuss or anything in the interview. Tal vez podrías tener puntos ganados por usar unas de esas en la entrevista. Sólo asegúrate que las expresiones son apropiadas. No querrás decir unas palabrotas o algo en la entrevista.  A: Hmm... Good idea. I've been studying the expressions a lot lately.Hmm... Buena idea. He estado estudiando las expresiones mucho últimamente.  B: Is your resumé in English or Japanese? ¿Tu currículum está en inglés o japonés? A: They didn't specify which language, so I made one of both. Better safe than sorry.No especificaron cual idioma, entonces hice uno de cada uno. Mejor estar seguros y no lamentarse.  B: Good idea. Also, remember you made good grades in school. They care about that too, not just your level of Japanese. Any company would be luck to have you. You bring a lot to the table. Buena idea. También, acuérdate que obtuviste buenas calificaciones en la universidad. También eso les importa, no sólo tu nivel de japonés. Cualquier compañía tendría suerte de tenerte. Eres capaz de ayudar con muchas cosas.A: Thanks for your support. I feel a lot better now. Well, I need to get going. Gracias por tu apoyo. Ya me siento mucho mejor. Bueno, necesito irme.  B: Yeah, me too. Feel free to call me anytime and bounce some ideas off me if you want.Sí, yo también. Siéntete libre de llamarme en cualquier momento y contarme cosas si quieres. A: Ok. Maybe I will. Ok. A lo mejor lo haré.  

 Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación: (On such) short notice - hacer algo sin avisar con anticipaciónNo worries - no hay problema, no te preocupesTo brighten someone's day - hacerle sentir mejorDon’t bite off more than you can chew - no trates de hacer más de lo que puedesThe tip of the iceberg - el principio, la punta del icebergWe’re all in the same boat - todos somos en la misma situaciónBrownie points- puntos ganados. Son algo que obtienes si haces cosas especiales que no son necesarias. Better safe than sorry - mejor estar a salvo que arrepentirse. Mejor estar seguros y no lamentarse.To bring a lot to the table- tener muchas capacidades para ayudar muchoTo get going - irseFeel free... - siéntete libre...

¨The Power's Out" A: (talking to herself)Great. I was already having a bad hair day, and now the power's out. Crap! I didn't save the document I was working on. Now I'll have to start all over. I think I'll call Marsha. My cell phone's probably the only thing that works in the whole house. B: Hello? A: Hey, my power just went out. I'm a little worried. The power hardly ever goes out over here.  B: Mine is out too. A: Really? Why aren't you freaking out?

B: I guess I'm just cool as a cucumber.A: That's so corny. I was in the middle of writing a paper when we lost power. I hadn't saved it yet. So I think I lost everything I was working on.

B: That sucks. Well, lucky for me, I wasn't working on anything important. I was just reading the news. Apparently someone fell asleep at the wheel last night near my house and killed the other driver.  A: Were they under the influence? Sometimes alcohol makes you sleepy.

B: I don't know. I hadn't finished the article yet. A: So what happened at your last job?

B: Oh, it just didn't work out. Me and the boss were always at each other's throats. I quit about a week ago. I was thinking about taking classes, but I don't know. I'm not sure what I want to do. I've been thinking about it all week, but have no clue. I'm at my wit's end.  A: Your job before this last one was an office job too, right?

B: Yeah, I've had back to back office jobs. I might want something different now. I'm kind of tired of sitting at a desk all day. I'd be nice to have a job where I could move around some. I was getting in bad shape from just sitting around all the time. But then again, I've been off for a whole week and have done nothing but hang around the house. I haven't gone out, exercised, or anything. A: Yeah, I know what you mean. So you were reading the news... What else is going on, besides a possible drunk driver? B: Well, you know... the usual. Criminals at large, businesses going under, people getting put behind bars, people arguing about politics. I don't usually keep up with the news. The news is almost always negative. So I don't usually keep up with it. But I thought it was about time that I get caught up on current events.  A: Yeah, the news does always seem negative. Amen! The power came back on.

B: Mine too. I'll let you go. Good luck on your paper.

¨The Power's Out" A: (talking to herself)Great. I was already having a bad hair day, and now the power's out. Crap! I didn't save the document I was working on. Now I'll have to start all over. I think I'll call Marsha. My cell phone's probably the only thing that works in the whole house.(Hablando consigo misma)Que bueno (sarcasmo). Ya estaba teniendo un mal día y ahora la luz se cortó.¡Maldita sea! No guardé el documento que estaba haciendo. Y ahora tengo que empezar de nuevo. Creo que llamaré a Marsha. Mi celular es probablemente la única cosa que funcione en toda la casa. B: Hello? A: Hey, my power just went out. I'm a little worried. The power hardly ever goes out over here. Hola, la luz se cortó. Estoy un poco preocupada. Aquí sólo se corta muy rara vez.  B: Mine is out too. Aquí tampoco funciona.A: Really? Why aren't you freaking out? ¿De veras? ¿Por qué no estás volviéndote loca?

B: I guess I'm just cool as a cucumber. Supongo que soy bien tranquila. A: That's so corny. I was in the middle of writing a paper when we lost power. I hadn't saved it yet. So I think I lost everything I was working on. Eso es tan cursi. Yo estaba en la mitad de un ensayo cuando se cortó la luz. Todavía no lo había guardado. Y creo que perdí todo lo que estaba haciendo.

B: That sucks. Well, lucky for me, I wasn't working on anything important. I was just reading the news. Apparently someone fell asleep at the wheel last night near my house and killed the other driver. Que mal. Pues, afortunadamente para mí, no estaba trabajando en nada importante. Sólo estaba leyendo las noticias. Por lo visto, alguien se quedó dormido mientras conducía anoche cerca de mi casa y mató al otro conductor.  A: Were they under the influence? Sometimes alcohol makes you sleepy.¿Habían bebido? A veces el alcohol te da sueño.

B: I don't know. I hadn't finished the article yet. No lo sé. Todavía no había terminado de leer el artículo. A: So what happened at your last job? ¿Entonces que pasó con tu último trabajo?

B: Oh, it just didn't work out. Me and the boss were always at each other's throats. I quit about a week ago. I was thinking about taking classes, but I don't know. I'm not sure what I want to do. I've been thinking about it all week, but have no clue. I'm at my wit's end.

Oh, nada, no resultó. El jefe y yo siempre estábamos peleando. Renuncié desde hace una semana más o menos. Estaba pensando en tomar clases, pero no sé. No estoy segura de lo que quiero hacer. He estado pensando en eso toda la semana, pero no tengo idea. Estoy volviéndome loca.  A: Your job before this last one was an office job too, right? Tu trabajo anterior era un trabajo de oficina, ¿verdad?

B: Yeah, I've had back to back office jobs. I might want something different now. I'm kind of tired of sitting at a desk all day. I'd be nice to have a job where I could move around some. I was getting in bad shape from just sitting around all the time. But then again, I've been off for a whole week and have done nothing but hang around the house. I haven't gone out, exercised, or anything. Sí, he tenido un trabajo de oficina tras otro. Tal vez quiero algo diferente ahora. Estoy un poco cansada de sentarme en un escritorio todo el día. Sería bueno tener un trabajo en donde moverme un poco. Me estaba convirtiendo en mala forma por estar sentada todo el tiempo. Pero por otro lado, he estado libre por una semana entera y no he hecho nada salvo quedarme en casa. No he salido, ni hecho ejercicio, ni nada.

A: Yeah, I know what you mean. So you were reading the news... What else is going on, besides a possible drunk driver?Sí, sé lo que quieres decir. ¿Entonces estabas leyendo las noticias? ¿Qué más está pasando, además de un posible conductor borracho? B: Well, you know... the usual. Criminals at large, businesses going under, people getting put behind bars, people arguing about politics. I don't usually keep up with the news. The news is almost always negative. So I don't usually keep up with it. But I thought it was about time that I get caught up on current events. Bueno, tú sabes.... lo usual. Criminales prófugos, negocios que cierran definitivamente, personas en la cárcel, o discutiendo sobre política. Normalmente no estoy al día con las noticias. Son casi siempre negativas. Así que normalmente no me pongo al día con ellas. Pero pensé que ya era hora de ponerme al día con los eventos actuales.  A: Yeah, the news does always seem negative. Amen! The power came back on. Sí, las noticias siempre parecen negativas. ¡Gracias a Dios! Volvió la luz.

B: Mine too. I'll let you go. Good luck on your paper. Aquí también. Te dejo ir. Suerte con tu ensayo.

Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación: A bad hair day - Puede ser dos cosas: tu pelo está horrible o que tienes un mal día. To start over - empezar de nuevoHardly ever - casi nunca o muy rara vezGo out - La luz, electricidad, el fuego, etc pueden "apagar" o “cortar” También de otro contexto, "go out" significa "salir."To freak out - volverse locoCool as a cucumber - estar muy tranquiloCorny - cursiThat sucks - ¡qué mal!Lucky for me - afortunadamente para mí At the wheel - se refiere al conductor... el conductor está "at the wheel"To be under the influence - estar borracho mientras se conduceTo work out - en este contexto, se refiere a una situación. "La situación x no estaba saliendo bien" o “no funcionaba.”En otro contexto, "to work out" quiere decir "hacer ejercicio."To be at someone's throat - estar peleando o discutiendo muchoTo be at your wit's end - estás para volverte loco porque no sabes la solución o respuestaBack to back - si hay dos cosas siguientes, están "back to back"To move around - moverse, levantarse de una silla para caminar un pocoBad shape - mala formaTo sit around - sentarse o estar en el mismo lugar sin hacer nadaTo be off - estar libre de trabajo o sin clasesTo hang around - quedarse en un lugar, a veces no haciendo nadaAt large - si un criminal está "at large" quiere decir que se escapó de la cárcel y hay que tener cuidadoTo go under - cuando se refiere a un negocio, quiere decir que cerró para siempre por falta de ventas, etc. Keep/catch up - ponerse al díaTo be about time - ser la hora. Normalmente se dice después de una demora cuando ya estás listo por esperar mucho tiempoTo come back - volver, regresar

 

Watching Sports"

A: Whoa, did you see that play? Ryan got so lucky.  B: Tell me about it... He's not even that good. It just seems like everything goes his way. A: Yeah, I guess you're right. But he does have some talent though.  B: Of course he has some talent. He's in the pros. I think their best player is Jones. He seems to always step up and make a play when they need it.  A: They're undefeated so far this season, but they're losing now and there's only a couple minutes left. Do you think they'll pull it off? B: There's no telling.

A: Look, they're in position to score. They better not blow it...B: Score! Way to go, Jones! When push comes to shove, he always comes through.  

¨Watching Sports"A: Whoa, did you see that play? Ryan got so lucky. Wow, ¿viste esa jugada? Ryan tuvo tanto suerte. B: Tell me about it... He's not even that good. It just seems like everything goes his way.A mí me lo vas a decir... Ni siquiera es tan bueno. Sólo parece que todo le sale muy bien. A: Yeah, I guess you're right. But he does have some talent though. Sí, supongo que tienes razón. Pero él tiene un poco de talento.  B: Of course he has some talent. He's in the pros. I think their best player is Jones. He seems to always step up and make a play when they need it. Claro que tiene un poco de talento. Es profesional. Creo que el mejor jugador es Jones. Parece que siempre toma el control y hace una jugada cuando lo necesitan.  A: They're undefeated so far this season, but they're losing now and there's only a couple minutes left. Do you think they'll pull it off?Están invictos por ahora esta temporada pero están perdiendo ahorita y solo quedan un par de minutos. ¿Te parece que van a lograrlo? B: There's no telling. Quién sabe.

A: Look, they're in position to score. They better not blow it...

Mira, están por anotar. Qué no fallen...

B: Score! Way to go, Jones! When push comes to shove, he always comes through. ¡Puntuación! Bien hecho, Jones. Cuando se llega al momento de definir, él siempre hace lo es necesario.

Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación: Tell me about it - en este contexto, quiere decir algo como. "Ya estoy de acuerdo" o "Ya lo sé."To go your way - si algo "goes your way," te va muy bien. Normalmente no hay una explicación y parece ser de suerteTo step up - tomar el control y ser el héroe. Si hay un problema, el que se separa para arreglarlo "steps up."To make a play - en deportes, es hacer algo muy bien, una muy buena jugada o paseTo pull off something - lograr hacer algo importanteThere’s no telling - nadie sabeTo blow it - fallar o hacer un error en una situación graveWay to go - bien hechoWhen push comes to shove - cuando se llega al punto crucial o al momento de definirTo come through - lograr a hacer la diferencia. Es parecido a "step up."

 

"An Annoying Neighbor"Kim wants to go inside and doesn't feel like chatting with her neighbor, who has issues A: (talking to herself) Alright, clean as a whistle. Now I can go inside. It's hot out here. B: Hey Kim, wait up! A: Oh, hey Barbara. How are you? B: All sticky and nasty. This stupid weather. It's always hot and humid. Plus, my air conditioner is broken. What are you doing out here? A: Oh, not much. I was just washing my car. It had a lot of bird poop on it cause the parking lot at my job has a lot of trees. B: I hate it when that happens. Mine always gets bird crap on it. I wish there weren't so many birds. But it's not a big deal. I just make my boyfriend wash it for me. A: I'm sure he loves that...B: Actually, he hates it. But I just keep nagging him and eventually he gives in.

A: Well, that's nice of you. (kind of sarcastic)B: Why?

A: Oh, never mind. Well, I gotta go.

B: You think I'm not a nice person or something?

A: I didn't say that. B: You didn't have to.

A: I hate to break it to you, but you're not the most considerate person in the world. B: Like how?

A: Well, for starters... if you're going to make someone else wash your car, you could at least make an effort not to park under trees all the time. It's not like there are trees all over the place in our neighborhood. It wouldn't be that hard to avoid them. B: That sounds like a lot of work on my part.

A: It's not just with your boyfriend, either. You're always blowing your own horn, you breathe down everybody's neck, you criticize constantly, and you're bossy and manipulative with almost everyone you come across. Oh, and you're the worst backseat driver, by the way.B: Hey, I was just trying to show you a shortcut.

A: Be that as it may, it's still rude to tell others how to drive. Well, I should probably go now.B: Does everyone feel this way about me?

A: Pretty much. Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I guess I was just blowing off some steam.B: No. You're right. I must be really annoying to everyone. Maybe I should try to change.

A: Well, it's better late than never. Have you ever gone to a psychologist or anything?B: Been there, done that. They're just a bunch of know it alls.

A: See, that's exactly the kind of attitude you need to change. So why'd you go in the first place if you felt this way about them?B: My parents made me go when I was little. I guess I was a handful for them.

A: I can imagine. Well, maybe you should go back one more time. Or you could read a self-help book or something. Either of those could help you break some ground and maybe find the cause of your problem. You really have issues. No offense.B: Well, I guess it couldn't hurt. Let's go to the bookstore and see what there is. We'll take my car. That way I won't have to tell you how to drive.

"An Annoying Neighbor"Kim wants to go inside and doesn't feel like chatting with her neighbor, who has issuesKim quiere entrar porque no tiene ganas de conversar con su vecina, que tiene problemas personales.  A: (talking to herself) Alright, clean as a whistle. Now I can go inside. It's hot out here.(Hablando consigo misma) Bien, limpio como el cristal. Ya puedo entrar. Hace calor aquí.  B: Hey Kim, wait up!Oye Kim, ¡espera! A: Oh, hey Barbara. How are you?Oh, hola Barbara. ¿Cómo estás? B: All sticky and nasty. This stupid weather. It's always hot and humid. Plus, my air conditioner is broken. What are you doing out here?Pegoteada y sucia (por sudar). Este clima estúpido. Siempre hace calor y está húmedo. Además, mi aire acondicionado está roto. ¿Qué estás haciendo aquí afuera? A: Oh, not much. I was just washing my car. It had a lot of bird poop on it cause the parking lot at my job has a lot of trees.Oh, no mucho. Sólo estaba lavando mi carro. Tenía mucha caca de pájaros porque el aparcamiento en mi trabajo tiene muchos árboles.  B: I hate it when that happens. Mine always gets bird crap on it. I wish there weren't so many birds. But it's not a big deal. I just make my boyfriend wash it for me.Odio cuando eso pasa. El mío siempre tiene caca de pájaros. Quisiera que no hubiese tantos pájaros. Pero no es gran cosa. Le pido a mi novio que me lo lave.  A: I'm sure he loves that... Apuesto que a él le encanta... (Sarcasmo)B: Actually, he hates it. But I just keep nagging him and eventually he gives in. En realidad, lo odia. Pero sigo molestándole y al fin se rinde.

A: Well, that's nice of you. (Kind of sarcastic) Pues, es bueno de su parte. (Sarcasmo)B: Why? ¿Por qué?

A: Oh, never mind. Well, I gotta go. Oh, no importa. Bueno, me tengo que ir. B: You think I'm not a nice person or something? ¿Opinas que soy desconsiderada o algo así?

A: I didn't say that. No dije eso.B: You didn't have to. No tuviste que decirlo.

A: I hate to break it to you, but you're not the most considerate person in the world. No me agrada decírtelo, pero no eres la persona más considerada en el mundo. B: Like how? ¿Cómo?

A: Well, for starters... if you're going to make someone else wash your car, you could at least make an effort not to park under trees all the time. It's not like there are trees all over the place in our neighborhood. It wouldn't be that hard to avoid them. Bueno, para empezar... si vas a obligar a otro a lavar tu carro, podrías al menos tratar de no aparcar debajo de árboles todo el tiempo. No es que haya árboles por todas partes en nuestro barrio. No sería tan difícil de evitarlos.

B: That sounds like a lot of work on my part. Eso sería mucho trabajo para mí.

A: It's not just with your boyfriend, either. You're always blowing your own horn, you breathe down everybody's neck, you criticize constantly, and you're bossy and manipulative with almost everyone you come across. Oh, and you're the worst backseat driver, by the way.Tampoco es sólo con tu novio. Siempre estás echándote flores a tí misma, vigilas a todos para controlarlos, criticas constantemente y eres mandona y manipuladora con casi todos que encuentras. Oh y por cierto, eres de los peores para conducir porque eres una que da ordenes al conductor. B: Hey, I was just trying to show you a shortcut. Mira, sólo estaba tratando de enseñarte un atajo

A: Be that as it may, it's still rude to tell others how to drive. Well, I should probably go now.De ser así, aún es rudo decir a otros como conducir. Bueno, probablemente debo ir ya. B: Does everyone feel this way about me? ¿Todos opinan así sobre mi?

A: Pretty much. Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I guess I was just blowing off some steam.Más o menos. Lo siento, no quería ofenderte. Supongo que solamente estaba quitándome la frustración.B: No. You're right. I must be really annoying to everyone. Maybe I should try to change.No. Tienes razón. Me imagino que soy muy fastidiosa para todos. Tal vez debo tratar de cambiar.

A: Well, it's better late than never. Have you ever gone to a psychologist or anything?Bueno, es mejor tarde que nunca. ¿Has ido a un psicólogo o algo? B: Been there, done that. They're just a bunch of know it alls.Yo fui antes. Sólo son un montón de sabelotodos.

A: See, that's exactly the kind of attitude you need to change. So why'd you go in the first place if you felt this way about them?Ya ves, eso es exactamente el tipo de actitud que necesitas cambiar. ¿Entonces por que fuiste en primer lugar si pensabas así sobre ellos?B: My parents made me go when I was little. I guess I was a handful for them. Mis padres me hicieron ir cuando era niña. Supongo que yo era difícil de controlar para ellos.

A: I can imagine. Well, maybe you should go back one more time. Or you could read a self-help book or something. Either of those could help you break some ground and maybe find the cause of your problem. You really have issues. No offense.Me imagino. Bueno, tal vez deberías regresar una vez más. O podrías leer un libro de autoayuda o algo. Cualquier de los dos podría ayudarte a abrir nuevos caminos y tal vez encontrar la causa de sus problemas. Realmente tienes problemas. Sin ofender. B: Well, I guess it couldn't hurt. Let's go to the bookstore and see what there is. We'll take my car. That way I won't have to tell you how to drive. Bueno, supongo que no me haría daño. Vamos a la librería a ver lo que hay. Tomemos mi carro. De esta manera no tendré que decirte como conducir.  

Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación:

Clean as a whistle - muy limpioWait up - esperar por alguien. Lo mismo que "hold up" o "hold on"A big deal - un gran líoI hate to break it to you - no me gusta decírtelo. Se dice antes de decírselo For starters - para empezarTo make an effort - tratar de hacer algo, ponte fuerza para hacerloAll over the place - por todas partesTo blow your own horn - echarte flores a tí mismoTo breathe down someone's neck - vigilar detenidamente a alguien para controlarTo come across - encontrarBackseat driver - pasajero que le dice al conductor todo lo que debe hacer, mandónBy the way - por ciertoBe that as it may - de ser así. Se dice antes de la segunda parte de la frase. No es una frase completa.To blow off some steam - quitarte la frustración por hacer algo como gritar, quejarse, pelear, etc.Better late than never - es mejor tarde que nuncaBeen there, done that - ya lo hice antesA know it all - un sabelotodoIn the first place - en primer lugarA handful - si algo es difícil de manejar o controlar, es "un handful"To break ground - abrir nuevos caminos, acercarse hacia la solución o respuestaNo offense - se dice para decir "no quiero ofender"

 

"A Good Band"

A: Hey, have you heard of Blindside?

B: Hmm... No. It doesn't ring a bell.

A: It's a band from Sweden, but they've been living and playing in the states for a while. So they sing in English.

B: That's interesting. Do you have any of their cds on hand for me to listen to?

A: Yeah. Here you go.  B: Wow, I can't even notice a Swedish accent. I would've never guessed that they were Swedish. I guess that just goes to show that there's more than meets the eye.  A: I know. They've picked up English really well. I might go see them in concert this year. Do you wanna go with me?

B: That'd be fun. I've never been to a concert before.

A: You seriously have never been to a concert? Now you have to go. Hold on. I'm going to look at their tour dates. Oh my gosh. B: What? A: They're not going to be in the area all this year.

B: Go figure.

 A: They're coming to New York in a few months, but that's out of the question.  B: Yeah. That's way too far away.

"A Good Band"A: Hey, have you heard of Blindside? Oye, ¿has escuchado de Blindside?B: Hmm... No. It doesn't ring a bell. Hmm... No. No me suena. A: It's a band from Sweden, but they've been living and playing in the states for a while. So they sing in English. Es un grupo de Suecia, pero han estado viviendo y tocando en los Estados Unidos por un tiempo. Así es que cantan en inglés. B: That's interesting. Do you have any of their cds on hand for me to listen to?Eso es interesante. ¿Tienes algunos de sus cds contigo para escuchar?A: Yeah. Here you go. Sí. Ten. B: Wow, I can't even notice a Swedish accent. I would've never guessed that they were Swedish. I guess that just goes to show that there's more than meets the eye. Wow, ni se nota el acento sueco. Nunca hubiera adivinado que eran suecos. Supongo que eso muestra que las apariencias engañan.  A: I know. They've picked up English really well. I might go see them in concert this year. Do you wanna go with me?Yo sé. Han aprendido inglés muy bien. Tal vez voy a ir a verlos en concierto este año. ¿Quieres ir conmigo?B: That'd be fun. I've never been to a concert before. Sería divertido. Nunca he ido a un concierto antes. A: You seriously have never been to a concert? Now you have to go. Hold on. I'm going to look at their tour dates. Oh my gosh.¿En serio nunca has ido a un concierto? Entonces tienes que ir. Espera. Voy a mirar sus fechas de conciertos. Dios mío.  B: What? ¿Qué?

 A: They're not going to be in the area all this year. No van a estar en la zona todo este año.

B: Go figure. Imagínate A: They're coming to New York in a few months, but that's out of the question.

Vienen a Nueva York en unos meses, pero eso no es una posibilidad.  B: Yeah. That's way too far away. Sí. Eso es demasiado lejos. "Gossip"

A: Hey Sherry, get over here. I got some juicy gossip for ya. B: Ohhhh, you know I love to hear that. A: So, a little bird told me that Gary was going to Japan for 3 months on business.  B: What? That's not juicy. Poor Christine... has to be all alone for 3 whole months. Well, at least absence makes the heart grow fonder.  A: I don't know. I think it's a disaster waiting to happen. A month is a bit much. If I was her, I'd give Gary a piece of my mind.

B: Well, maybe you're right. It is a long time to be away. Too bad Gary has to have that stupid job. It's a real pain in the neck.  A: Yeah. If Gary knew about the trip ahead of time, he could have asked someone else to go instead. I think this trip is a big deal. Their relationship is definitely at stake. B: Well, not necessarily. Some time apart could make their relationship stronger. You never know...What has gotten into us?  A: What do you mean?

B: All we ever do is gossip. Maybe we should take a look at ourselves instead of always talking about other people.

A: Well, yeah. That'd be better, but it wouldn't be as fun.

B: I know, but do you really want to grow up to be one of those old ladies who gossips all the time?

A: I guess not.

B: Besides, I wouldn't want other people gossiping about me. You know the saying..."As you sow, so shall you reap." 

Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación: It doesn't ring a bell - no me suena (familiar)On hand - si tienes algo "on hand," lo tienes contigo o lo llevas. También se puede decir en el contexto de tener cerca un restaurante, tienda, etc.

That just goes to show - una manera de decir, "eso enseña/muestra"There’s more than meets the eye - las apariencias engañanTo pick up something - en este contexto, significa "aprender." Puede significar "levantar algo del piso, mesa, etc"Go figure - En este contexto, quiere decir "Por supuesto"o "Imagínate" pero en una manera negativaTo be out of the question - no ser una posibilidad

"Gossip"

A: Hey Sherry, get over here. I got some juicy gossip for ya.Oye Sherry, vente para acá. Tengo unos chismes jugosos para ti.  B: Ohhhh, you know I love to hear that. Ohhhh, sabes que me encanta oír eso.  A: So, a little bird told me that Gary was going to Japan for 3 months on business. Bueno alguien me dijo que Gary iba a ir a Japón por 3 meses por negocios.  B: What? That's not juicy. Poor Christine... has to be all alone for 3 whole months. Well, at least absence makes the heart grow fonder. ¿Qué? Eso no es jugoso. Pobre Christine... tiene que estar sola por 3 meses enteros. Bueno, al menos la ausencia es al amor lo que el aire al fuego. A: I don't know. I think it's a disaster waiting to happen. A month is a bit much. If I was her, I'd give Gary a piece of my mind. No sé. Creo que va a ser un desastre. Un mes es bastante. Si yo fuera ella, le diría a Gary lo que pienso.

B: Well, maybe you're right. It is a long time to be away. Too bad Gary has to have that stupid job. It's a real pain in the neck. Bueno, tal vez tienes razón. Es mucho tiempo estar afuera. Que lastima que Gary tiene que tener ese trabajo estúpido. Es un gran dolor de muelas.  A: Yeah. If Gary knew about the trip ahead of time, he could have asked someone else to go instead. I think this trip is a big deal. Their relationship is definitely at stake.Sí. Si Gary sabia del viaje desde hace tiempo, hubiera pedido que otro fuera en vez de él. Pienso que este viaje es un gran lío. Su relación definitivamente está en peligro.  B: Well, not necessarily. Some time apart could make their relationship stronger. You never know...What has gotten into us? Bueno, no necesariamente. Algún tiempo separado podría fortalecer su relación. Uno nunca sabe...¿Qué mosca nos ha picado? 

A: What do you mean? ¿Qué quieres decir?

B: All we ever do is gossip. Maybe we should take a look at ourselves instead of always talking about other people. Todo lo que hacemos es chismosear. Tal vez deberíamos mirarnos nosotras mismas en vez de siempre hablar de otra gente.

A: Well, yeah. That'd be better, but it wouldn't be as fun. Pues, sí. Sería mejor, pero no tan divertido.

B: I know, but do you really want to grow up to be one of those old ladies who gossips all the time?Ya sé, ¿pero realmente quieres convertirte en una de esas viejas que chismosea todo el tiempo?

A: I guess not. Supongo que no.

B: Besides, I wouldn't want other people gossiping about me. You know the saying..."As you sow, so shall you reap."Además, no querría que otra gente chismoseara de mí. Conoces el dicho, "Lo que das te vuelve"

 

 Expresiones idiomáticas de la conversación: A little bird told me - una frase para decir "alguien me dijo" o “me contó un pajarito”Absence makes the heart grow fonder - cuando los novios/esposos están separados, empiezan a extrañarse y querer más al otro “la ausencia es al amor lo que el aire al fuego.”A disaster waiting to happen - los ingredientes de un desastre están, sólo hay que esperarA bit much - otra manera de decir "mucho" o "bastante"To give someone a piece of your mind - decir a alguien lo que piensas/opinas. Normalmente es cuando estás enojado con esa persona o no estás de acuerdoA pain in the neck - fastidioso o un dolor de muelas Ahead of time - antes de tiempoa big deal - un gran líoWhat has gotten into you? - ¿que te pasa? ¿qué mosca te ha picado? Se dice después de hacer algo malo que la persona hubiera sabido no hacer.

Chapter 1: Studying.

Tanya has been studying hard for an exam and vents her frustrations to Angela when she calls.

Tanya: Hello.

Angela: Hey Tanya, it’s Angela. What are you doing?

Tanya: I’ve been studying all day for my biology midterm tomorrow. I studied a lot yesterday too, 'cause I wanted to get a head start.

Angela: So you’ve probably covered a lot of ground by now, right?

Tanya: Yeah, I have, but I just realized that the guest lessons are going to be on the test, too. So I gotta start studying those now. But it’s not that bad. It’s better than going back to square one.

Angela: Whoa, that sounds like too much studying for me. I’d be sick and tired of it by now.

Tanya: I’m almost to that point. It feels like I’ve been studying 24/7, and I still have a lot to cover.

Angela: Well, I needed to…. Oh never mind. I don’t want to bug you.

Tanya: You needed to what?? Tell me.

Angela: It’s not a big deal.

Tanya: Come on, tell me. Don’t beat around the bush. I’m worn out from studying and need a break anyway.

Angela: Ok, if you insist. Sarah just scored 3 free tickets with VIP passes to the concert tonight.

Tanya: What?! I thought it was sold out for weeks! I really wanna go, but... This sucks. Now it’s going to be on my mind the whole time I’m trying to study.

Angela: Sorry! When I found out you were down to the wire studying for your test I wasn’t gonna tell you because you’d feel like you were missing out… But you insisted!  

Studying: Tanya has been studying hard for an exam and vents her frustrations to Angela when she calls. Estudiando: Tanya ha estado estudiando duramente para un examen y se desahoga con Angela cuando la llama.

Tanya: Hello. Hola.

Angela: Hey Tanya, it’s Angela. What are you doing?Hola Tanya, es Angela. ¿Qué estás haciendo?

Tanya: I’ve been studying all day for my biology midterm tomorrow. I studied a lot yesterday too, 'cause I wanted to get a head start. He estado estudiando todo el día para mi examen de biología mañana. Estudié mucho ayer también porque quería tomar ventaja.

Angela: So you’ve probably covered a lot of ground by now, right?Entonces probablemente hayas cubierto mucho trabajo hasta ahora, ¿verdad?

Tanya: Yeah, I have, but I just realized that the guest lessons are going to be on the test, too. So I gotta start studying those now. But it’s not that bad. It’s better than going back to square one. Sí, pero acabo de darme cuenta que las lecciones de las visitas van a estar en el examen también. Entonces tengo que empezar a estudiarlos ahora mismo. Pero no está tan mal. Es mejor que empezar de nuevo.

Angela: Whoa, that sounds like too much studying for me. I’d be sick and tired of it by now. Whoa, a mí me suena que es demasiado estudio. Yo estaría harta de ello ahora.

Tanya: I’m almost to that point. It feels like I’ve been studying 24/7, and I still have a lot to cover.Casi estoy a ese punto. Se siente como si hubiera estado estudiando cada minuto del día y aún tengo mucho que cubrir.

Angela: Well, I needed to…. Oh never mind. I don’t want to bug you.Pues necesito… Ah no importa. No te quiero molestar.

Tanya: You needed to what?? Tell me. ¿Necesitabas qué? Dime.

Angela: It’s not a big deal. No tiene importancia.

Tanya: Come on, tell me. Don’t beat around the bush. I’m worn out from studying and need a break anyway.Dale, dime. No andes con rodeos. Estoy agotada de estudiar y necesito un descanso de todas maneras.

Angela: Ok, if you insist. Sarah just scored 3 free tickets with VIP passes to the concert tonight. Bueno, ya que insistes. Sarah acaba de obtener 3 boletos gratis con pases VIP para el concierto de esta noche.

Tanya: What?! I thought it was sold out for weeks! I really wanna go, but... This sucks. Now it’s going to be on my mind the whole time I’m trying to study. ¡Qué! ¡Pensé que estuvo agotado desde hace semanas! Tengo muchas ganas de ir pero... ¡Qué mal! Ahora va a estar en mi mente todo el tiempo que esté tratando de estudiar.

Angela: Sorry! When I found out you were down to the wire studying for your test I wasn’t gonna tell you because you’d feel like you were missing out… But you insisted!¡Lo siento! Cuando me di cuenta que estabas sobre el límite de tiempo de estudiar para tu examen no iba a decirte nada porque te sentirías como si te estuvieras perdiendo de algo… ¡Pero insististe!

Studying

To get a head start: To begin doing something earlier than you need to, in order to be sure that it gets done on time.

To cover a lot of ground: To accomplish a large amount of a task or project.

To go back to square one: To return to the starting point of an activity or project.

To be sick and tired of doing something: To dislike some activity, thing, or person because of spending too much time with it. For example, if you ate nothing but apples for six months, you would be sick and tired of apples.

24/7 (Twenty four/seven): An expression literally meaning, "twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.” It’s also used as an exaggeration. For example: “He watches TV 24/7.”

To cover: To review information or accomplish tasks within a project or activity.

Never mind: This is said when someone wants another to ignore something. A similar expression is, "Don't worry about it."

To bug (someone): To annoy or bother.

Come on: This is said when someone wants another to agree to do what they want. It can also mean, “Hurry up!”

To beat around the bush: To attempt to get an answer without asking directly. This expression came from when hunters scared animals out of the bushes in order to catch them.

To be worn out: To feel tired physically, mentally, or in general. It is a milder version of the phrase, “to be wiped out.”

To insist: To desire for someone else to do something and strongly express that desire verbally. The expression, “If you insist,” is used immediately before complying to another’s wishes.

To score: To obtain, purchase, or receive something. It can also be used for getting something in a secretive way, such as illegal drugs.

VIP: The acronym for "Very Important Person." Many clubs, restaurants, and concerts have private sections exclusively for VIP guests.

To be sold out: To be unavailable for purchase due to having sold the last product.

To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It’s also used to describe something of low quality.

To be on your mind: To be thinking about something.

To be down to the wire: To be running out of time.

To miss out: To not be able to participate in an activity or (take advantage of an) opportunity.

To get a head start: To begin doing something earlier than you need to, in order to be sure that it gets done

on time Empezar a hacer algo más temprano de lo que necesitas para asegurarte que será cumplido a tiempo.

To cover a lot of ground: To accomplish a large amount of a task or project.Lograr terminar una cantidad grande de trabajo o proyecto.

To go back to square one: To return to the starting point of an activity or project.Regresar al principio de una actividad o un proyecto.

To be sick and tired of doing something: To dislike some activity, thing, or person because of spending too much time with it. For example, if you ate nothing but apples for six months, you would be sick and tired of apples.Detestar alguna actividad, cosa o persona por pasar demasiado tiempo con ello. Por ejemplo, si no comiste nada salvo manzanas por 6 meses, estarías sick and tired de manzanas.

24/7 (Twenty four/seven): An expression literally meaning, "twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.” It’s also used as an exaggeration. For example: “He watches TV 24/7.”Una expresión que literalmente significa, “veintecuatro hora al día, siete días de la semana.” Muchas veces se usa como una exageración. Por ejemplo: “Él mira la tele 24/7.”

To cover: To review information or accomplish tasks within a project or activity.Revisar información o realizar tareas dentro de un proyecto o una actividad.

Never mind: This is said when someone wants another to ignore something. A similar expression is, "Don't worry about it."Ésta se dice cuando alguien quiere que otro ignore algo. Una expresión parecida es, “Don’t worry about it.”

To bug (someone): To annoy or bother. Molestar a alguien.

Come on: This is said when someone wants another to agree to do what they want. It can also mean, “Hurry up!”Ésta se dice cuando alguien quiere que otro se ponga de acuerdo con lo que quiere. También se puede significar, “¡Apúrate!”

To beat around the bush: To attempt to get an answer without asking directly. This expression came from when hunters scared animals out of the bushes in order to catch them.Tratar de recibir una respuesta sin preguntar directamente. Esta expresión vino de cuando cazadores asustaban animales fuera de las malezas para atraparlos.

To be worn out: To feel tired physically, mentally, or in general. It is a milder version of the phrase, “to be wiped out.”Estar cansado físicamente, mental o ambos. Es una versión más leve de la frase, “to be wiped out.”

To insist: To desire for someone else to do something and strongly express that desire verbally. The expression, “If you insist,” is used immediately before complying to another’s wishes.Desear que otra persona haga algo y expresar ese deseo fuertemente con palabras. La expresión, “If you insist,” se usa inmediatamente antes de obedecer los deseos.

To score: To obtain, purchase, or receive something. It can also be used for getting something in a secretive way, such as illegal drugs.Obtener, comprar, o recibir algo. También se puede usar para conseguir algo en una manera secreta, así como las drogas ilegales.

VIP: The acronym for "Very Important Person." Many clubs, restaurants, and concerts have private sections exclusively for VIP guests.El acrónimo para “Very Important Person.” Muchos clubes, restaurantes y conciertos tienen secciones privadas exclusivamente para los visitantes VIP.

To be sold out: To be unavailable for purchase due to having sold the last product.No estar disponible para comprarse por haberse vendido ya el último producto.

To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It’s also used to describe something of low quality.Ser despreciable o molesto. También se usa para describir algo de calidad baja.

To be on your mind: To be thinking about something. Pensar en algo.

To be down to the wire: To be running out of time. Estar casi sobre el límite de tiempo.

To miss out: To not be able to participate in an activity or (take advantage of an) opportunity.No poder participar en una actividad o (aprovechar una) oportunidad.

Chapter 2: The Neighbors Chat

The Robinson’s have a family-owned store and Chris, their next door neighbor, comes over to have a look and chat.

Mr. Robinson: Hey Chris, I heard you were hired for the head coaching job on our football team. Congratulations!

Chris: Thanks. So far so good. You know this is my first head coaching job so I’m kind of in over my head right now with all the new responsibilities and such.

Mr. Robinson: Yeah, welcome to the club. You just gotta learn to stay on top of things.

Chris: Yeah, well I don’t even have it that bad. My friend from college coaches in Washington, and he just lost his starting quarterback to an injury. I’d have trouble keeping my chin up if that happened to me. Anyway, I wanted to see if you were selling any computers out here. I need a faster one so I can see up to the minute stats online.

Mr. Robinson: I have no idea. Jan!

Mrs. Robinson: What’s up, honey?

Mr. Robinson: Do we have any computers in the back?

Mrs. Robinson: Not today, but we should next week. An electronics store is going out of business and getting rid of everything but the kitchen sink. I’m going to check it out in a few days.

Chris: Sounds good. Keep me posted.

Mrs. Robinson: So how’s the team doing, Chris?

Chris: Well, we won our first game. Next week’s going to be a good match. The newspapers are saying it’s anyone’s call who will win. Did you see the first game?

Mrs. Robinson: No, I don’t follow football. It’s all Greek to me. I’ve tried to understand it before, but I just don’t get it.

Chris: Well, you two should come out and watch anyway. This next game’s gonna be neck and neck. It’s definitely not in the bag just yet. Hey, is Little Timmy trying to sell baseball cards to that guy?

Mrs. Robinson: Yep, he’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he?

Chris: Yeah, it seems like just yesterday he was running around in his birthday suit and now he’s doing business like his dad.

The Neighbors Chat: The Robinson’s have a family-owned store and Chris, their next door neighbor, comes over to have a look and chat.Los vecinos conversan: La familia Robinson tiene su propia tienda y Chris, su vecino de al lado, viene para echar un vistazo y conversar.

Mr. Robinson: Hey Chris, I heard you were hired for the head coaching job on our football team. Congratulations!Hola Chris. Oí que fuiste contratado como entrenador principal por nuestro equipo de fútbol americano. ¡Felicidades!

Chris: Thanks. So far so good. You know this is my first head coaching job so I’m kind of in over my head right now with all the new responsibilities and such. Gracias. Hasta ahora todo va bien. Sabes que es mi primer trabajo como entrenador principal entonces estoy medio abrumado ahora con todas las responsabilidades nuevas y demás.

Mr. Robinson: Yeah, welcome to the club. You just gotta learn to stay on top of things.Sí, bienvenido al club. Simplemente necesitas aprender a estar al tanto de todo.

Chris: Yeah, well I don’t even have it that bad. My friend from college coaches in Washington, and he just lost his starting quarterback to an injury. I’d have trouble keeping my chin up if that happened to me. Anyway, I wanted to see if you were selling any computers out here. I need a faster one so I can see up to the minute stats online.Sí, pues ni la tengo tan mal. Mi amigo de la Universidad, entrena en Washington y acaba de perder su primer quarterback por una herida. Me costaría ponerme contento si eso me pasara a mí. De todos modos, quería ver si vendías unas computadoras aquí. Necesito una más rápida para poder ver estadísticas en vivo.

Mr. Robinson: I have no idea. Jan! Ni idea. ¡Jan!

Mrs. Robinson: What’s up, honey? ¿Qué pasa, cariño?

Mr. Robinson: Do we have any computers in the back? ¿Tenemos unas computadoras atrás?

Mrs. Robinson: Not today, but we should next week. An electronics store is going out of business and getting rid of everything but the kitchen sink. I’m going to check it out in a few days. Hoy no, pero deberíamos tener la semana que viene. Una tienda electrónica se está cerrando por falta de vendas y está tirando casi todo. Voy a ver dentro de unos días.

Chris: Sounds good. Keep me posted. Suena bien. Avísame.

Mrs. Robinson: So how’s the team doing, Chris? ¿Entonces cómo está el equipo, Chris?

Chris: Well, we won our first game. Next week’s going to be a good match. The newspapers are saying it’s anyone’s call who will win. Did you see the first game?Pues, ganamos nuestro primer partido. Lo de la semana próxima va a ser un buen partido. Las periodistas están diciendo que cualquiera puede decidir quien ganará. ¿Viste el primer partido?

Mrs. Robinson: No, I don’t follow football. It’s all Greek to me. I’ve tried to understand it before, but I just don’t get it. No, no sigo de cerca el fútbol Americano. Es como chino. He tratado de entenderlo antes, pero simplemente no lo comprendo.

Chris: Well, you two should come out and watch anyway. This next game’s gonna be neck and neck. It’s definitely not in the bag just yet. Hey, is Little Timmy trying to sell baseball cards to that guy?Pues, ustedes dos deberían venir y mirar de todas maneras. Este partido de la semana que viene va a ser competitivo. Definitivamente no es seguro todavía. Oye, ¿Little Timmy está tratando de vender cartas de béisbol a ese tipo?

Mrs. Robinson: Yep, he’s a chip off the old block, isn’t he? Sí, es parecido a su padre, ¿no?

Chris: Yeah, it seems like just yesterday he was running around in his birthday suit and now he’s doing business like his dad. Sí, parece que justo ayer andaba corriendo desnudo y ahora está haciendo negocios como su papá.

The Neighbors Chat

Next door neighbor: A neighbor who lives in the house next to yours.

So far so good: Until this point, everything has gone well.

To be in over your head: To be stressed out and have so much to do that you feel trapped.

Welcome to the club: An expression welcoming someone that has recently come to be in the same position as you.

To stay on top of (something): To have control over something as it develops.

To have it: To be in a certain position, negative or positive, in life. One could say: "you have it good" or "you have it bad."

To keep your chin up: To keep a positive attitude when bad things are happening. The most popular use of this phrase is, “Keep your chin up,” which encourages someone to persevere in hard times.

Up to the minute: Constantly updated. This can be for sports scores, the stock market, prices of certain products, and many other things.

Stats: The abbreviation for statistics.

To have no idea: To have no knowledge about something.

What's up?: This phrase has several related meanings, all dependant on context: “How are you? What have you been doing recently? What's bothering you?”

Honey: A term of endearment between couples. It’s also used by adults when speaking to children. Similar terms are: "Sweetie" and "Darling."

In the back: In the back room of a building.

Everything but the kitchen sink: An expression meaning “everything.” It’s often used as an exaggeration.

To check (something) out: To look at something and get information about it. This is often done in order to verify information that one has received.

To keep someone posted: To keep someone else informed.

A good match: A competitive game.

To be anyone's call: To be unknown or of uncertain outcome in the future. There’s a 50/50 chance of either possible outcome to an event. "To be anyone's guess" is an identical idiom.

To follow (something): To keep oneself informed about a subject of interest.

It's all Greek to me: I don't understand it. It’s as hard for me to understand as a foreign language.

To get it: To understand something.

Neck and neck: Any type of contest that is very competitive and close. A similar phrase is: a good match.

In the bag: Something that is sure to go well.

A chip off the old block: A son following in his father’s actions, attitudes, and activities.

To be in your birthday suit: To be naked.

Next door neighbor: A neighbor who lives in the house next to yours.Un vecino que vive en la casa a lado de la tuya.  So far so good: Until this point, everything has gone well. Hasta ese punto, todo ha ido bien.  To be in over your head: To be stressed out and have so much to do that you feel trapped.Estar estresado y tener tanto que hacer que te sientes apresado. Welcome to the club: An expression welcoming someone that has recently come to be in the same position as you. Una expresión saludando alguien que recién ha venido de estar en la misma situación que tú.  To stay on top of (something): To have control over something as it develops.Tener control de algo como se desarrolla.  To have it: To be in a certain position, negative or positive, in life. One could say: "you have it good" or "you have it bad."Estar en una posición particular, negativa o positiva, en la vida. Uno podría decir: “You have it good" o "You have it bad." To keep your chin up: To keep a positive attitude when bad things are happening. The most popular use of this phrase is, “Keep your chin up,” which encourages someone to persevere in hard times. Mantener una actitud positiva cuando cosas malas están pasando. El uso más popular usa de esta frase es, “Keep your chin up,” la cual anima alguien a perseverar aún en tiempos difíciles.  Up to the minute: Constantly updated. This can be for sports scores, the stock market, prices of certain products, and many other things. Actualizada constantemente. Ésta se puede ser para las anotaciones de deportes, la bolsa de valores, precios de algunos productos y muchas otras cosas.  Stats: The abbreviation for statistics. La abreviación para estadísticas.  

To have no idea: To have no knowledge about something. No tener conocimiento de algo.  

What's up?: This phrase has several related meanings, all dependant on context: “How are you? What have you been doing recently? What's bothering you?” La frase tiene varios sentidos relacionados, todo dependiente del contexto: “How are you? What have you been doing recently? What's bothering you?”  Honey: A term of endearment between couples. It’s also used by adults when speaking to children. Similar terms are: "Sweetie" and "Darling."Una expresión de cariño entre parejas. También se usa por adultos cuando están hablando a hijos. Temas similares son: "Sweetie" y "Darling."  In the back: In the back room of a building. En la habitación trasera de un edificio.  Everything but the kitchen sink: An expression meaning “everything.” It’s often used as an exaggeration. Una expresión que significa “todo.” Muchas veces se usa como una exageración.  To check (something) out: To look at something and get information about it. This is often done in order to verify information that one has received. Mirar algo y obtener información de ello. Muchas veces ésta se hace para verificar información que uno ha recibido.  To keep someone posted: To keep someone else informed. Mantener a alguien informado.  A good match: A competitive game. Un partido competitivo.  To be anyone's call: To be unknown or of uncertain outcome in the future. There’s a 50/50 chance of either possible outcome to an event. "To be anyone's guess" is an identical idiom. Ser desconocido o de resultado incierto en el futuro. Hay una chance 50/50 de cualquier resultado posible en un evento. “To be anyone’s guess” es una expresión idiomática idéntica.  To follow (something): To keep oneself informed about a subject of interest. Mantenerse informado de un sujeto de interés.  It's all Greek to me: I don't understand it. It’s as hard for me to understand as a foreign language. No lo comprendo. Para mí es tan difícil entender como un idioma extranjera.  To get it: To understand something. Comprender algo.

Neck and neck: Any type of contest that is very competitive and close. A similar phrase is: a good match.Cualquier tipo de concurso que es muy competitivo y cercana. Una frase similar es a good match.  

In the bag: Something that is sure to go well. Algo que es seguro que vaya bien.  A chip off the old block: A son following in his father’s actions, attitudes, and activities.Un hijo siguiendo las acciones de su padre, actitudes y actividades.

To be in your birthday suit: To be naked. Estar desnudo.

Chapter 3: Tension in the Home

Amy and Ben have been invited to dinner by another couple. They’re a little nervous, and are about to get picked up.

Ben: Amy, what do you think you’re doing?

Amy: What? I’m brushing my teeth. What does it look like I’m doing?

Ben: Well, cut it out. They’re about to get here and I can’t figure out how to program your new VCR. Get over here and help me.

Amy: Why? I don’t know how to work it any better than you.

Ben: I know, but two heads are better than one. Crap, what’s it doing?

Amy: You messed it up! Oh my gosh, you’re all thumbs!

Ben: I don’t get it… I pressed the right button, it should’ve worked.

Amy: Let’s just forget it. You can miss your show tonight. They’re a dime a dozen anyway.

Ben: That’s easy for you to say. I’m not throwing in the towel just yet.

Amy: Fine, just be ready on time. I’ll be right back.

Amy: Why are you brushing your teeth in front of the TV?

Ben: I’m killing two birds with one stone. I’ve almost got the show programmed to record.

Amy: Well, you’re dripping toothpaste on the floor.

Ben: Whoops! We can clean it up when we get back. Better late than never.

Amy: We? You mean you’ll clean it!

Ben: Oh, get over it. It’s not that big of a deal. Hey, they’re here to get us.

Amy: Come on, let’s hurry up and get out of here before they come in and see the floor.

Tension in the Home: Amy and Ben have been invited to dinner by another couple. They’re a little nervous, and are about to get picked up. Tensión en la casa: Amy y Ben han sido invitados a cenar por otra pareja. Éstán un poco nerviosos y están a punto de ser recogidos.

Ben: Amy, what do you think you’re doing? Amy, ¿qué piensas que estás haciendo?

Amy: What? I’m brushing my teeth. What does it look like I’m doing? ¿Qué? Me estoy cepillando los dientes. ¿Qué parece que estoy haciendo?

Ben: Well, cut it out. They’re about to get here and I can’t figure out how to program your new VCR. Get over here and help me.¡Pues, basta ya! Están por llegar aquí y no puedo averiguar como programar tu nueva video casetera. Ven aquí y ayúdame.

Amy: Why? I don’t know how to work it any better than you. ¿Por qué? No sé como operarla mejor que tú.

Ben: I know, but two heads are better than one. Crap, what’s it doing?Yo sé, pero dos cabezas son mejor que una. Uy, ¿qué está haciendo?

Amy: You messed it up! Oh my gosh, you’re all thumbs! ¡La arruinaste! ¡Ah, Dios mío, eres torpe!

Ben: I don’t get it… I pressed the right button, it should’ve worked.No comprendo… Empuje el botón correcto, debía haber funcionado.

Amy: Let’s just forget it. You can miss your show tonight. They’re a dime a dozen anyway. Olvidémoslo. Puedes perder tu show esta noche. Son un montón de todos modos.

Ben: That’s easy for you to say. I’m not throwing in the towel just yet. Eso es fácil de decir para ti. No voy a tirar la toalla todavía.

Amy: Fine, just be ready on time. I’ll be right back. Bien, solo ponte listo a tiempo. Ya regreso.

Amy: Why are you brushing your teeth in front of the TV? ¿Por qué te estás cepillando los dientes delante de la tele?

Ben: I’m killing two birds with one stone. I’ve almost got the show programmed to record.Estoy matando a dos pájaros de un tiro. Ya casi tengo el show programado.

Amy: Well, you’re dripping toothpaste on the floor. Pues, estás goteando pasta de dientes en el piso.

Ben: Whoops! We can clean it up when we get back. Better late than never. ¡Uy! Podemos limpiarlo cuando regresemos. Más vale tarde que nunca.

Amy: We? You mean you’ll clean it! ¿Nosotros? ¡Quieres decir que tú vas a limpiarlo!

Ben: Oh, get over it. It’s not that big of a deal. Hey, they’re here to get us.Ah, olvídalo. No es un problema tan grande. Oye, ya llegaron por nosotros.

Amy: Come on, let’s hurry up and get out of here before they come in and see the floor. Dale, hay que apurarnos y salirnos de aquí antes de que entren y vean.

Cut it out: This phrase commands someone to cease what they’re doing immediately. It’s usually

said in response to annoying behavior.

To figure (something) out: To understand or realize something.

Two heads are better than one: Two people attempting to accomplish something are more likely to succeed than one person alone.

Crap: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean: easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "This is a piece of crap."

To mess (something) up: To make a mistake with something and cause it to malfunction.

To be all thumbs: To be very clumsy and bad at using your hands.

To get it: To understand something.

A dime a dozen: Something that is cheaply made and easy to obtain.

That’s easy for you to say: It’s easy to comment on what you would do when you’re not in the situation yourself.

To throw in the towel: To give up and stop trying. To admit that you’re defeated. Taken from boxing in the 1800's, when the boxer's manager would throw the boxer's towel into the middle of the boxing ring as a signal of surrender.

To kill two birds with one stone: To receive two positive results from one action. It can also refer to doing two constructive things at the same time, which is also known as multi-tasking.

Whoops!: An exclamation and expression of surprise and regret for doing something wrong.

Better late than never: It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.

To get over (something): To recover from a certain negative feeling. To stop worrying about something. 

  Cut it out: This phrase commands someone to cease what they’re doing immediately. It’s usually said in response to annoying behavior. Ésta frase manda a que alguien cese lo que está haciendo inmediatamente. Usualmente se dice en respuesta a un comportamiento molesto.  To figure (something) out: To understand or realize something. Comprender o darse cuenta de algo  Two heads are better than one: Two people attempting to accomplish something are more likely to succeed than one person alone.Dos personas intentando lograr algo tienen más probabilidades de lograrlo que una persona sola.  Crap: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean: easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "This is a piece of crap."Ésta es una exclamación de frustración y también se puede usar para significar: facilmente quebrado, porquería y hecho baratamente. Por ejemplo, “esto es un pedazo de crap.”  To mess (something) up: To make a mistake with something and cause it to malfunction.Cometer un error con algo y causarle un mal funcionamiento.

To be all thumbs: To be very clumsy and bad at using your hands.Ser muy torpe y malo usando las manos.

To get it: To understand something. Comprender algo.

A dime a dozen: Something that is cheaply made and easy to obtain.Algo que es hecho baratamente y fácil de obtener.

That’s easy for you to say: It’s easy to comment on what you would do when you’re not in the situation yourself. Es fácil comentar lo que harías cuando tú mismo no estás en la situación.

To throw in the towel: To give up and stop trying. To admit that you’re defeated. Taken from boxing in the 1800's, when the boxer's manager would throw the boxer's towel into the middle of the boxing ring as a signal of surrender.Abandonar y dejar de intentarlo. Admitir que estás vencido. Tomado del boxeo en el 1800, cuando el gerente del boxeador tiraba la toalla del boxeador en la mitad del

cuadrilátero como una señal de rendición.

To kill two birds with one stone: To receive two positive results from one action. It can also refer to doing two constructive things at the same time, which is also known as multi-tasking. Recibir dos resultados positivos de una acción. También se puede referir a hacer dos cosas constructivas a la misma vez, lo cual es conocido como hacer tareas múltiples.

Whoops!: An exclamation and expression of surprise and regret for doing something wrong.Una exclamación y expresión de sorpresa y arrepentimiento por hacer algo equivocado.

Better late than never: It is better to do something late than not to do it at all. Es mejor hacer algo tarde que nunca hacerlo.

To get over (something): To recover from a certain negative feeling. To stop worrying about something.Recuperarse de un particular sentimiento malo. Dejar de preocuparse de algo.

Chapter 4: Shopping for Grandma. Michelle wants to find the perfect birthday present for her grandma, who’s been going through some trouble lately. She’s at the mall with her friend Jordan.

Michelle: Hey, guess what? My grandma turns 75 today.

Jordan: Whoa, she’s getting up there. Are you gonna call her and wish her happy birthday?

Michelle: No, I want to get her a present and go give it to her in person. Actions speak louder than words.

Jordan: I bet she’ll love that! She’ll feel like she’s on top of the world because her granddaughter went to so much trouble for her. Especially since she lives a couple hours away, right?

Michelle: Yeah, she does live kind of far away. I hope it means something to her, and she gets the message that someone out there still cares about her. For awhile after Grandpa died she was in the doghouse because a lot of our family blamed her for his death. They thought she didn’t take good enough care of him when he was sick. It really wasn’t her fault, though. So, ever since then she’s been keeping people at arm’s length. I don’t like seeing her like that. It’s been a bitter pill to swallow.

Jordan: So I guess she hasn’t been exactly wearing her heart on her sleeve recently. And I imagine she's a bit depressed, too.

Michelle: You got that right. Hopefully this will cheer her up.

Jordan: So what do you want to get her?

Michelle: Well, in a nutshell, something small and shiny. Hmm… like jewelry.

Jordan: I saw some jewelry stores over there. Let’s go look.

Michelle: All this jewelry is a little out of my price range… Oh, you know what just popped into my head? She has a thing for perfume.

Jordan: Great! They have a lot of it here.

Michelle: This one here’s definitely the cream of the crop, and it’s on sale, too. I’m not sure if she’d like this scent or not. Hopefully she will.

Jordan: Well, even if she doesn’t, it’s the thought that counts.

Michelle: I’ll take this one, Sir.

Clerk: Ok, that’ll be $38.91 please.

Michelle: Here’s my card.

Clerk: Thank you. Just sign here… Alright, you two have a good day.

Michelle: You too.   Shopping for Grandma: Michelle wants to find the perfect birthday present for her grandma, who’s been going through some trouble lately. She’s at the mall with her friend Jordan.Ir de compras para la abuela: Michelle quiere encontrar el regalo perfecto de cumpleaños para su abuela, quién ha estado pasando por algunos problemas últimamente. Está en la galería comercial con su amiga Jordan

Michelle: Hey, guess what? My grandma turns 75 today.Hola, ¿adivina qué? Mi abuela cumple 75 años hoy. Jordan: Whoa, she’s getting up there. Are you gonna call her and wish her happy birthday?Uy, tiene muchos años. ¿Vas a llamarla y desearle un feliz cumpleaños? Michelle: No, I want to get her a present and go give it to her in person. Actions speak louder than words.No, quiero conseguirle un regalo y dárselo en persona. Las acciones dicen más que las palabras.  Jordan: I bet she’ll love that! She’ll feel like she’s on top of the world because her granddaughter went to so much trouble for her. Especially since she lives a couple hours away, right?¡Apuesto que amará eso! Se sentirá muy contenta porque su nieta intentó hacer algo difícil por ella. Especialmente ya que vive a un par de horas de aquí, ¿verdad? 

Michelle: Yeah, she does live kind of far away. I hope it means something to her, and she gets the message that someone out there still cares about her. For awhile after Grandpa died she was in the doghouse because a lot of our family blamed her for his death. They thought she didn’t take good enough care of him when he was sick. It really wasn’t her fault, though. So, ever since then she’s been keeping people at arm’s length. I don’t like seeing her like that. It’s been a bitter pill to swallow. Sí, vive medio lejos de aquí. Espero que signifique algo para ella y comprenda que alguien todavía piensa en ella. Por un tiempo después de morir mi abuelo, ella tuvo muchos problemas porque mucha de nuestra familia echaba la culpa en ella por su muerte. Pensaron que no lo cuidó suficiente cuando estuvo enfermo. Aunque realmente no fue culpa suya. Entonces, no ha dejado a nadie acercarse a ella. No me gusta verla así. Ha sido difícil de aceptar.  Jordan: So I guess she hasn’t been exactly wearing her heart on her sleeve recently. And I imagine she's a bit depressed, too.Entonces me imagino que no ha estado demostrando mucha emoción o amor últimamente. Y me imagino que está un poco deprimida también.

Michelle: You got that right. Hopefully this will cheer her up. Tienes mucha razón. Ojála con esto se pusiera feliz.

Jordan: So what do you want to get her? ¿Entonces qué quieres comprarle?

Michelle: Well, in a nutshell, something small and shiny. Hmm… like jewelry.Pues, en síntesis, algo pequeño y brillante. Hmm… como joyas.

Jordan: I saw some jewelry stores over there. Let’s go look. Vi algunas tiendas de joyas allí. Vamos a mirar.

Michelle: All this jewelry is a little out of my price range… Oh, you know what just popped into my head? She has a thing for perfume. Todas de estas joyas están fuera de mi alcance… Ah, ¿sabes que acaba de entrar a mi mente? Ella le gustan los perfumes.

Jordan: Great! They have a lot of it here. ¡Fantástico! Tienen muchos aquí.

Michelle: This one here’s definitely the cream of the crop, and it’s on sale, too. I’m not sure if she’d like this scent or not. Hopefully she will.Este aquí definitivamente es lo mejor de su tipo y está rebajado, también. No estoy segura si le gustaría esta fragancia o no. Ojala que sí.

Jordan: Well, even if she doesn’t, it’s the thought that counts. Pues, incluso si no, la intención es lo que vale.

Michelle: I’ll take this one, Sir. Compro esto, Señor.

Clerk: Ok, that’ll be $38.91 please. Bueno, son $38.91 por favor.

Michelle: Here’s my card. Aquí tiene mi tarjeta de crédito.

Clerk: Thank you. Just sign here… Alright, you two have a good day.

Gracias. Solamente firme aquí… Bueno, Ustedes tengan un buen día.

Michelle: You too. Usted también.

Shopping for Grandma

To be getting up there: To be in the age group that is called "old." This can also be used in a joking way, as in: "Wow! You're ten years old, you're getting up there."

Actions speak louder than words: What you do is more important to another person than what you say.

To be on top of the world: To feel good emotionally or have financial success.

To go to so much trouble: To make a strong effort that is more than required or expected.

To get the message: To understand the reasons behind something.

To be in the doghouse: To be emotionally cut-off from a family member or partner for a time.

At arm's length: Making sure something is at a distance emotionally. Sometimes used of physically keeping someone at a distance.

A bitter pill to swallow: Something that is difficult to accept.

To wear your heart on your sleeve: To be emotionally available and vulnerable.

To cheer (someone) up: To make a sad person feel happy or to encourage someone after going through a tough situation.

In a nutshell: In its simplest form.

Price range: The amount of money that one has or is willing to spend on something.

To pop into your head: To start thinking about something without trying to.

To have a thing for: To like something or someone, often for some unknown qualities or reasons.

The cream of the crop: The best selection from a large group of similar objects, people or other things. Another phrase that means the same thing is: "the best of the best."

To be on sale: To be sold at a reduced price.

It's the thought that counts: Your thought and intention is appreciated more than what is actually done.To be getting up there: To be in the age group that is called "old." This can also be used in a joking way, as in: "Wow! You're ten years old, you're getting up there."Estar en el grupo de edad que se llama “viejo.” Ésta también se puede usar en una manera bromeada, como: “¡Guau! Tienes diez años, estás getting up there.” Actions speak louder than words: What you do is more important to another person than what you say.Lo que haces es más importante para otra persona que lo que dices.  To be on top of the world: To feel good emotionally or have financial success.Sentirse bien emocionalmente o tener éxito financiero.  To go to so much trouble: To make a strong effort that is more than required or expected.Hacer un gran esfuerzo que es más que lo que se requiere o se espera.  To get the message: To understand the reasons behind something.Comprender las razones detrás de algo.  To be in the doghouse: To be emotionally cut-off from a family member or partner for a time. Estar alejado emocionalmente de un miembro de la familia o un compañero.  At arm's length: Making sure something is at a distance emotionally. Sometimes used of physically keeping someone at a distance.Asegurándose de que algo está en una distancia emocional. A veces se usa en físicamente mantener a alguien a una distancia.  

A bitter pill to swallow: Something that is difficult to accept. Algo que es difícil de aceptar.  To wear your heart on your sleeve: To be emotionally available and vulnerable.Estar emocionalmente disponible y vulnerable.  To cheer (someone) up: To make a sad person feel happy or to encourage someone after going through a tough situation.Hacer a una persona triste sentirse feliz o animar a alguien después de pasar una situación dura.  In a nutshell: In its simplest form. En su forma más simple.  Price range: The amount of money that one has or is willing to spend on something.La cantidad de dinero que uno tiene o está dispuesto a gastar en algo.  To pop into your head: To start thinking about something without trying to.Empezar a pensar en algo sin intentarlo.  To have a thing for: To like something or someone, often for some unknown qualities or reasons.Gustar de algo o alguien, muchas veces por características o razones desconocidas The cream of the crop: The best selection from a large group of similar objects, people or other things. Another phrase that means the same thing is: "the best of the best."La mejor selección de un grupo grande de objetos similares, personas u otras cosas. Otra frase que quiere decir lo mismo es: “the best of the best.” To be on sale: To be sold at a reduced price. Estar vendido a un precio reducido.  It's the thought that counts: Your thought and intention is appreciated more than what is actually done.Tu pensamiento e intención son apreciados más que lo que al final has hecho.

Chapter 5: Court

Will, Rachel, and Michelle are chatting outside a coffee shop about current events.

Will: I’m glad we got to meet for coffee before heading off to work.

Rachel: Yeah, hopefully I won’t be too wound up from the caffeine for the rest of the day.

Will: Hey, did you hear about that trial on the news this morning?

Rachel: No, I missed it. Fill me in.

Will: Well, I only caught part of it, but this guy was caught red-handed while breaking and entering, and he just got a slap on the wrist!

Rachel: Really? Well, at least he didn’t get off scot-free.

Michelle: Hey guys! What are you up to?

Rachel: Not much. We just had coffee and Will was filling me in on the trial that was in the news this morning.

Michelle: Oh yeah, I saw that. He got off easy. I think they only gave him a couple months in jail and some community service.

Will: If I was the judge I would’ve come down hard on him.

Michelle: Maybe someone paid off the judge. That would explain why he went easy on him.

Rachel: I have to run. I’ll talk to you guys later.

Michelle: See you later.

Chapter 5: Court

Will:, Rachel, and Michelle are chatting outside a coffee shop about current events. Will, Rachel y Michelle están conversando sobre eventos recientes afuera de un café.

Will: I’m glad we got to meet for coffee before heading off to work.Me da gusto que nos hayamos podido juntar para tomar café antes de irnos al trabajo.

Rachel: Yeah, hopefully I won’t be too wound up from the caffeine for the rest of the day.Sí, ojalá que no me estimule por la cafeína el resto del día.

Will: Hey, did you hear about that trial on the news this morning?Oye, ¿oíste acerca de ese caso en las noticias esta mañana?

Rachel: No, I missed it. Fill me in. No, me lo perdí. Pónme al tanto.

Will: Well, I only caught part of it, but this guy was caught red-handed while breaking and entering, and he just got a slap on the wrist!Pues, yo sólo vi una parte, pero un tipo fue atrapado mientras estaba entrando a una propiedad para robar y solo recibió un castigo leve.

Rachel: Really? Well, at least he didn’t get off scot-free.¿De veras? Pues, por lo menos no salió completamente libre.

Michelle: Hey guys! What are you up to? ¡Hola muchachos! ¿Qué hay de nuevo?

Rachel: Not much. We just had coffee and Will was filling me in on the trial that was in the news this morning.No mucho. Acabamos de tomar un café y Will estaba contándome sobre el juicio que salió en las noticias esta mañana.

Michelle: Oh yeah, I saw that. He got off easy. I think they only gave him a couple months in jail and some community service. Ah sí, lo vi. Recibió un castigo leve. Pienso que solamente le dieron un par de meses en la cárcel y algún servicio comunitario.

Will: If I was the judge I would’ve come down hard on him. Si yo fuera el juez le hubiera dado un castigo duro.

Michelle: Maybe someone paid off the judge. That would explain why he went easy on him.A lo mejor alguien sobornó al juez. Eso explicaría por qué le dio un castigo leve.

Rachel: I have to run. I’ll talk to you guys later. Tengo que irme. Les hablo más tarde.

Michelle: See you later. Hasta luego.

Chapter 5: Court

To head off: To leave.

To be wound up: To have a lot of energy. It also can mean upset or quarrelsome.

To fill (someone) in: To give information to someone who lacks it.

To be caught red-handed: To be caught doing something wrong. When someone is “caught red-handed,” it’s as if he was seen committing a murder and has blood on his hands.

Breaking and entering: A legal term for entering a building illegally.

A slap on the wrist: A very mild and easy punishment.

To get off scot-free: To deserve punishment but receive none.

To be up to (something): To be occupied with or involved in something. This can be used as a simple question like, “What are you up to?” Or it can be used in an accusing way, such as “What are you up to? Nothing good I bet.”

To get off easy: To receive little punishment in proportion to a wrong done.

To come down hard on (someone): To punish more severely than what is required. A father can "come down hard" on his children when punishing them.

To pay off: To give money in order to gain favor or get a pardon in court. To bribe.

To go easy on (someone): To give a lesser punishment than the person deserves.

To have to run: To need to leave.

To head off: To leave. Irse

To be wound up: To have a lot of energy. It also can mean upset or quarrelsome.Tener mucha energía. También puede significar molesto o discutidor.

To fill (someone) in: To give information to someone who lacks it.Dar información a alguien quien le falta.

To be caught red-handed: To be caught doing something wrong. When someone is “caught red-handed,” it’s as if he was seen committing a murder and has blood on his hands.Ser atrapado haciendo algo malo. Cuando alguien está “caught red-handed,” es como si hubiera sido visto cometiendo un homicidio y tiene sangre en sus manos.

Breaking and entering: A legal term for entering a building illegally.Un término legal para entrar un edificio ilegalmente.

A slap on the wrist: A very mild and easy punishment.Un castigo muy leve y fácil.

To get off scot-free: To deserve punishment but receive none.Merecer un castigo pero no recibir ninguno.

To be up to (something): To be occupied with or involved in something. This can be used as a simple question like, “What are you up to?” Or it can be used in an accusing way, such as “What are you up to? Nothing good I bet.”Estar ocupado en algo. Esta se puede usa como una pregunta secilla como, “What are you up to?”O se puede usar en una manera acusadora como “What are you up to? Nothing good I bet.”

To get off easy: To receive little punishment in proportion to a wrong done.Recibir poco castigo en proporción a un mal hecho.

To come down hard on (someone): To punish more severely than what is required. A father can "come down hard" on his children when punishing them. Castigar más severamente que lo que se requiere. Un padre puede "come down hard" con sus niños cuando los castiga.

To pay off: To give money in order to gain favor or get a pardon in court. To bribe.Dar dinero para ganar un favor u obtener perdón en el corte. Sobornar.

To go easy on (someone): To give a lesser punishment than the person deserves.Dar un castigo menor del que merece la persona.

To have to run: To need to leave.Necesitar irse.

Chapter 6: Language Learning Tips

Joel just got back from a trip to Guatemala and is telling Jessie all about it.

Jessie: Hey Joel, what have you been up to?

Joel: Well, the last couple of days I’ve been unpacking and running errands. I just got back from a trip to Guatemala. It was a lot of fun and I miss it over there, but it’s good to be back. Whew, there’s no place like home.

Jessie: So why Guatemala? What were you doing over there?

Joel: I was studying Spanish at a school there. It’s not dirt cheap or anything, but it’s a pretty good deal. I heard about this city in Guatemala called Antigua and I checked it out. It turns out it’s a popular place in Latin America to study Spanish. So that’s where I went.

Jessie: So, how’d the school work? What kind of stuff did you do?

Joel: Well, I was there for 5 weeks. I had my own personal teacher, and I lived with a native family, too. So I had plenty of chances to practice my Spanish.

Jessie: Whoa, so you probably know Spanish like the back of your hand. Is it like second nature to you now?

Joel: Well, you’d think so. For the last two weeks I actually upped my lessons to 10 hours a day with 3 different teachers. At first, I was pretty exhausted, but my heart was in it and I was having fun, so I stuck with it. So after all that, my Spanish got a lot better, but I’d still like to be more fluent. I mean, you can’t expect to be completely fluent in only a few weeks or months. I’m getting close though. My Achilles’ heel is understanding people that speak with strong accents.

Jessie: Well yeah, you can’t expect to speak it as well as people who have been speaking it their whole life. I was taking a Spanish class a couple of years ago. I didn’t like it at first. It really got under my skin. I think it was because I was slacking off. I even blew off a lot of classes. I wasn’t the best student. But once I started actually applying myself and doing the work, I started liking it. I guess I shouldn’t have been so quick to jump to conclusions about Spanish and decide I didn’t like it.

Joel: Yeah, I actually didn’t enjoy it that much while I took it in college either. But later on after I was done with it in class, I started studying it on my own for fun.

Jessie: The thing that helped me the most was reading books in Spanish. If you choose a type of book you already like, it’s even better. There were a lot of good books out there, but none of them come to mind. Gosh, they’re on the tip of my tongue but I can’t remember them! It’s been a long time since I’ve read any of them.

Joel: I didn’t know you took Spanish… We should practice! ¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana?

Jessie: No, no! I’m so rusty! I don’t want to practice with you right now. I wish I could’ve studied Spanish abroad like that, but I wasn’t that interested in it when I was younger. Now, if I had the chance I’d do it in a heartbeat. But I’m so busy with work now I doubt I’ll ever get the chance. Only time will tell.

Joel: Well, you should at least practice here when you can. It’s like they say, practice makes perfect. If you come across someone speaking Spanish, just tell them you’re learning Spanish and would like to practice with them for a few minutes. Most people will be more than happy to talk to you. And you won’t have to bend over backwards to find anyone either. There’s lots of Spanish speakers here in Texas. Well anyway, I got to get going. I’ll see you later, but next time I see you, you have to speak in Spanish.

Jessie: Ok, we’ll see about that. Bye.

Language learning tips: Joel just got back from a trip to Guatemala and is telling Jessie all about it.Consejos para aprender idiomas: Joel acaba de regresar de un viaje de Guatemala y está contándole a Jessie sobre cómo la pasó.

Jessie: Hey Joel, what have you been up to? Hola Joel, ¿qué has hecho últimamente? 

Joel: Well, the last couple of days I’ve been unpacking and running errands. I just got back from a trip to Guatemala. It was a lot of fun and I miss it over there, but it’s good to be back. Whew, there’s no place like home.Pues, los últimos días he estado deshaciendo las maletas y haciendo mandados. Acabo de regresar de un viaje de Guatemala. Fue muy divertido y lo extraño, pero es bueno estar de regreso. Uy, no hay nada como el hogar.

Jessie: So why Guatemala? What were you doing over there?¿Entonces por qué Guatemala? ¿Qué estabas haciendo allí?

Joel: I was studying Spanish at a school there. It’s not dirt cheap or anything, but it’s a pretty good deal. I heard about this city in Guatemala called Antigua and I checked it out. It turns out it’s a popular place in Latin America to study Spanish. So that’s where I went.Estaba estudiando español en una escuela allí. No es baratísimo o algo así, pero es un buen precio. Oí de una ciudad en Guatemala que se llama Antigua y la investigué. Salió que es un lugar popular en Latinoamérica para estudiar el español. Así que allí es adonde fui.

Jessie: So, how’d the school work? What kind of stuff did you do?Entonces, ¿cómo funcionó la escuela? ¿Qué tipo de cosas hiciste?

Joel: Well, I was there for 5 weeks. I had my own personal teacher, and I lived with a native family, too. So I had plenty of chances to practice my Spanish. Pues, estuve allí por 5 semanas. Tuve mi propia maestra y viví con una familia nativa también. Así que tuve muchas oportunidades de practicar mi español.

Jessie: Whoa, so you probably know Spanish like the back of your hand. Is it like second nature to you now?Uy, entonces probablemente conoces el español como l a palma de tu mano. ¿Es como instintivo para ti ahora?

Joel: Well, you’d think so. For the last two weeks I actually upped my lessons to 10 hours a day with 3 different teachers. At first, I was pretty exhausted, but my heart was in it and I was having fun, so I stuck with it. So after all that, my Spanish got a lot better, but I’d still like to be more fluent. I mean, you can’t expect to be completely fluent in only a few weeks or months. I’m getting close though. My Achilles’ heel is understanding people that speak with strong accents.

Pues, eso pensarías. Por las últimas dos semanas, actualmente aumenté mis lecciones a 10 horas cada día con 3 maestras diferentes. Al principio, estaba agotado, pero tenía muchas ganas y me divertía, entonces seguí haciéndolo. Después de eso, mi español mejoró mucho, pero aún me gustaría hablar con más fluidez. O sea, no puedes esperar hablar perfectamente en sólo algunas semanas o unos meses. Pero me estoy acercando. Mi área más débil es entender hablantes con acentos fuertes.

Jessie: Well yeah, you can’t expect to speak it as well as people who have been speaking it their whole life. I was taking a Spanish class a couple of years ago. I didn’t like it at first. It really got under my skin. I think it was because I was slacking off. I even blew off a lot of classes. I wasn’t the best student. But once I started actually applying myself and doing the work, I started liking it. I guess I shouldn’t have been so quick to jump to conclusions about Spanish and decide I didn’t like it.

Pues sí, no puedes esperar hablarlo tan bien como las personas que lo han hablado todas sus vidas. Estuve asistiendo a una clase de español hace un par de años. No me gustó al principio. Realmente me puso molesta. Creo que fue porque estaba siendo perezosa. Incluso falté muchas clases. No fui la mejor estudiante. Pero cuando empecé a aplicarme y hacer el trabajo me empezó a gustar. Supongo que no debí haber sacado conclusiones apresuradas del español y decidido que no me gustaba.

Joel: Yeah, I actually didn’t enjoy it that much while I took it in college either. But later on after I was done with it in class, I started studying it on my own for fun. Sí, por cierto tampoco lo disfruté mucho cuando lo tuve en la Universidad. Pero más tarde después de terminar las clases, empecé a estudiarlo yo mismo por diversión.

Jessie: The thing that helped me the most was reading books in Spanish. If you choose a type of book you already like, it’s even better. There were a lot of good books out there, but none of them come to mind. Gosh, they’re on the tip of my tongue but I can’t remember them! It’s been a long time since I’ve read any of them. La cosa que más me ayudó fue leer libros en español. Si eliges un tipo de libro que ya te gusta, es aún mejor. Había muchos libros buenos, pero ninguno viene a mi mente. Uy, están en la punta de mi lengua, ¡pero no me puedo acordar de ellos! Ha pasado mucho tiempo desde que los he leído.

Joel: I didn’t know you took Spanish… We should practice! ¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana? No sabía que tuviste español… ¡Deberíamos practicar! ¿Qué vas a hacer este fin de semana?

Jessie: No, no! I’m so rusty! I don’t want to practice with you right now. I wish I could’ve studied Spanish abroad like that, but I wasn’t that interested in it when I was younger. Now, if I had the chance I’d do it in a heartbeat. But I’m so busy with work now I doubt I’ll ever get the chance. Only time will tell.

¡No, no! Estoy fuera de práctica. No quiero practicar contigo ahora mismo. Quisiera haber podido estudiar español en el extranjero así, pero no me interesaba cuando era más joven. Ahora, si tuviera la oportunidad lo haría sin dudarlo. Pero estoy tan ocupada con el trabajo ahora que pienso que nunca tendré la oportunidad. Solo el tiempo dirá.

Joel: Well, you should at least practice here when you can. It’s like they say, practice makes perfect. If you come across someone speaking Spanish, just tell them you’re learning Spanish and would like to practice with them for a few minutes. Most people will be more than happy to talk to you. And you won’t have to bend over backwards to find anyone either. There’s lots of Spanish speakers here in Texas. Well anyway, I got to get going. I’ll see you later, but next time I see you, you have to speak in Spanish.

Pues, deberías por lo menos practicar aquí cuando puedas. Es como se dice, la práctica hace la perfección. Si encuentras alguien hablando español, simplemente dile que estás aprendiendo español y te gustaría practicar con él por unos minutos. La mayor parte de la gente le daría gusto hablar contigo. Y no tendrás que esforzarte para encontrar a alguien. Hay muchos hablantes de español aquí en Texas. Bueno, de todos modos, tengo que irme. Te veo luego, pero la próxima vez que te vea, tienes que hablar en español.

Jessie: Ok, we’ll see about that. Bye. Bueno, vamos a ver. Adiós.

Language Learning Tips

To be up to (something): To be involved with something. This can be used as a simple question: "What are you up to?" Or it can be used in an accusing way: "What are you up to? Nothing good I bet."

To run errands: To go somewhere and do various tasks.

There's no place like home: This expresses the good and peaceful feeling that you have in the comfort and security of your own home. This is commonly said upon arriving home after a trip.

Dirt cheap: This just means very cheap.

To check (something) out: To look at something and get information about it. This is often done in order to verify information that one has received.

To know (something) like the back of your hand: To be very familiar with something. To know something like an expert.

To be second nature: To be so easy to do that one doesn't have to think about how to do it.

To up (something): To increase the number or intensity of something.

My heart was in it: When someone has a desire to do something, their heart is “in it.”

To stick with (something): To continue doing something without quitting.

Achilles' heel: The weakest or most vulnerable part of something.

To get under (one's) skin: To annoy, often to the point of anger. For example: “Angela is annoyed by lazy co-workers. They “get under her skin.”"

To slack off: To be lazy or procrastinate in a job, project, or activity.

To blow off: To skip an activity.

To apply oneself: To try hard in doing something.

To jump to conclusions: To make a decision or form an opinion about something before all the possibilities are considered.

To come to mind: To enter one’s mind. To become aware of ideas or random thoughts that are in one's mind.

Gosh: An exclamation of surprise or slight frustration. It’s also a euphemism for "God!" and it’s a synonym of "Golly."

It’s on the tip of my tongue: Another way of saying this is, “I know this, but I just can’t think of it right now.” To know something but not be able to think of its name. To not be able to think of the correct words for something. This is usually said when someone can’t remember a name.

To be rusty: To have experience in doing something, but let the skill which was gained deteriorate with lack of practice. To be worse at doing something through negligence than you were able to do before.

To do in a heartbeat: To do something as quickly as you can. To have already made the decision in your mind, and be ready to do it when the opportunity comes.

Only time will tell: Something will only be known as time goes by and the results are revealed.

Practice makes perfect: Consistently practicing a skill will continually improve that skill.

To come across: To find out information about something. To discover something about a subject, usually by accident. Another idiom similar in meaning is, "to stumble over" meaning to find out by accident.

To bend over backwards: To do things that are difficult and unreasonable; usually to get some result. One can also bend over backwards for another person.

Language Learning Tips

To be up to (something): To be involved with something. This can be used as a simple question: "What are you up to?" Or it can be used in an accusing way: "What are you up to? Nothing good I bet." Estar ocupado en algo. Esta se puede usa como una pregunta secilla como, “What are you up to?”O se puede usar en una manera acusadora como “What are you up to? Nothing good I bet.” To run errands: To go somewhere and do various tasks. Ir algún lado y hacer varias cosas.  There's no place like home: This expresses the good and peaceful feeling that you have in the comfort and security of your own home. This is commonly said upon arriving home after a trip.Ésta expresa el bueno y tranquilo sentimiento que tienes en la comodidad y seguridad de tu propia casa. Ésta comúnmente se dice al llegar al hogar después de un viaje.  Dirt cheap: This just means very cheap. Ésta simplemente significa muy barato.  To check (something) out: To look at something and get information about it. This is often done in order to verify information that one has received. Mirar algo y obtener información de ello. Ésto muchas veces se hace para verificar información que uno ha recibido.  To know (something) like the back of your hand: To be very familiar with something. To know something like an expert. Conocer algo muy bien. Conocer algo como un experto.  To be second nature: To be so easy to do that one doesn't have to think about how to do it.Ser tan fácil de hacer que uno no tiene que pensar en cómo hacerlo.  To up (something): To increase the number or intensity of something.Aumentar el número o intensidad de algo.  My heart was in it: When someone has a desire to do something, their heart is “in it.”Cuando alguien tiene un deseo hacer algo, su corazón está “in it.”  To stick with (something): To continue doing something without quitting.Seguir haciendo algo sin cesar.  Achilles' heel: The weakest or most vulnerable part of something.“El talón de Aquiles.” La parte más débil o más vulnerable de algo.  To get under (one's) skin: To annoy, often to the point of anger. For example: “Angela is annoyed by lazy co-workers. They “get under her skin.”"Molestarse, muchas veces al punto de ira. Por ejemplo: “Angela está molesta por los colaboradores perezosos. Ellos “get under her skin.” To slack off: To be lazy or procrastinate in a job, project, or activity. Estar perezoso o postergar en un trabajo, proyecto o actividad.  To blow off: To skip an activity. Faltar a una actividad.  To apply oneself: To try hard in doing something. Intentar duramente hacer algo.  To jump to conclusions: To make a decision or form an opinion about something before all the possibilities are considered.

Tomar una decisión o formar una opinión sobre algo antes de considerar todas las posibilidades.  To come to mind: To enter one’s mind. To become aware of ideas or random thoughts that are in one's mind. Entrar en la mente de uno. Volverse consciente de ideas o varios pensamientos que están en su mente.  Gosh: An exclamation of surprise or slight frustration. It’s also a euphemism for "God!" and it’s a synonym of "Golly."Una exclamación de sorpresa o pequeña frustración. También es una eufemismo por “God!” y es un sinónimo de “Golly.”  It’s on the tip of my tongue: Another way of saying this is, “I know this, but I just can’t think of it right now.” To know something but not be able to think of its name. To not be able to think of the correct words for something. This is usually said when someone can’t remember a name.“Está en la punta de mi lengua.” Otra manera de decir esta es, “Yo sé esto, pero es que no puedo pensar de ello ahora mismo.” Saber algo pero no poder pensar su nombre. No poder pensar las palabras correctas para algo. Usualmente se dice cuando alguien no puede recordarse un nombre.  To be rusty: To have experience in doing something, but let the skill which was gained deteriorate with lack of practice. To be worse at doing something through negligence than you were able to do before.Tener experiencia en hacer algo, pero dejar que la habilidad que pierda o se deteriore con la falta de práctica. Haber empeorado en hacer algo por negligencia ya que lo que podías hacer anteriormente.  To do in a heartbeat: To do something as quickly as you can. To have already made the decision in your mind, and be ready to do it when the opportunity comes.Hacer algo tan rápido como puedes. Ya haber tomado la decisión en tu mente y estar listo para hacerla cuando llegue la oportunidad.  Only time will tell: Something will only be known as time goes by and the results are revealed.Algo solamente será conocido cuando pase el tiempo y los resultados sean revelados.  Practice makes perfect: Consistently practicing a skill will continually improve that skill. Sistemáticamente mejorar practicando una habilidad que continuamente mejorara esa habilidad.  To come across: To find out information about something. To discover something about a subject, usually by accident. Another idiom similar in meaning is, "to stumble over" meaning to find out by accident.Encontrar información de algo. Descubrir algo de un sujeto, usualmente por accidente. Otra expresión idiomática similar en sentido es, “to stumble over” significando encontrar por accidente.  To bend over backwards: To do things that are difficult and unreasonable; usually to get some result. One can also bend over backwards for another person. Hacer cosas que son difíciles y sin razón, usualmente para obtener algún resultado. Uno también puede bend over backwards para otra persona.

Chapter 7: Cheating: Pam talks to her friend Angela about her project that’s overdue and tries to convince her to cheat.

Angela: Hello?

Pam: Hey, what are you doing?

Angela: Not much. Dan and Courtney invited me to grab a bite to eat with them, but I didn’t want to be the third wheel so I didn’t go.

Pam: Do you wanna come over for a little while? I’ve been under the gun working on a project all day and I need to kick back and relax for a little bit.

Angela: Ok, sure. I’ll be right over. See you in a minute.

Pam: Hey, you don’t drink beer do you?

Angela: No, I can’t stand beer.

Pam: Yeah, I used to hate it too, but I acquired a taste for it after drinking it a few times. Now it helps me relax.

Angela: Well, to each his own, I guess.

Pam: Let’s go watch TV. My favorite show’s on.

Angela: Well, I should go. I don’t want to distract you from finishing your project.

Pam: Wait, do you think you could help me with it?

Angela: I’d like to help you, but you’re kind of putting me out on a limb here; since the teacher specifically said we couldn’t have any help.

Pam: Well, can you at least give me some advice?

Angela: Well, it’s kind of a gray area, but ok. Let me see what you’re doing. First off, you’re cutting corners by not citing your references. That’s just going to make it harder later on. So you may as well cite them as you go.

Pam: Look, what should I do about this?

Angela: That’s a good example of what the teacher said not to get help with.

Pam: Come on, Angela, I’ve been working hard on this. It’s not like I’m a couch potato and I’ve been slacking off or something. Please… I only ask you for favors once in a blue moon.

Angela: Sorry, I already told you no. You’re barking up the wrong tree.

Pam: Ok, so you’re going to stand your ground. It’s just that I really need an A on this paper.

Angela: The ends don’t justify the means, Pam. Besides, the whole point of this assignment is so the professor can see our true writing ability.

Pam: Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll stick with it and get it done tonight. I may have to pull an all-nighter, though.

Angela: Whatever it takes. You can handle it. See you in class tomorrow.

Chapter 7Cheating: Pam talks to her friend Angela about her project that’s overdue and tries to convince her to cheat. Hacer trampa: Pam habla con su amiga Angela sobre su proyecto que está atrasado y trata de convencerla para hacer trampa.

Angela: Hello? Hola

Pam: Hey, what are you doing? Hola, ¿qué haces?

Angela: Not much. Dan and Courtney invited me to grab a bite to eat with them, but I didn’t want to be the third wheel so I didn’t go. No mucho. Dan y Courtney me invitaron a comer algo con ellos, pero no quería estar en el medio entonces no fui.

Pam: Do you wanna come over for a little while? I’ve been under the gun working on a project all day and I need to kick back and relax for a little bit. Oye, ¿quieres venir aquí por un rato? He estado bajo la presión de trabajar en un proyecto todo el día y necesito descansar y relajarme por un ratito.  Angela: Ok, sure. I’ll be right over. See you in a minute.Claro. Ya llego. Te veo en un minuto.  Pam: Hey, you don’t drink beer do you?Oye, ¿no tomas cerveza verdad?

Angela: No, I can’t stand beer. No, no puedo soportar la cerveza.

Pam: Yeah, I used to hate it too, but I acquired a taste for it after drinking it a few times. Now it helps me relax. Sí, la odiaba también, pero le tomé el gusto después de probarla unas veces. Ahora me ayuda a relajarme.

Angela: Well, to each his own, I guess. Pues, cada quien, supongo. Pam: Let’s go watch TV. My favorite show’s on.Vamos a mirar la tele. Mi programa favorito ya empezó.

Angela: Well, I should go. I don’t want to distract you from finishing your project.Pues, debo irme. No quiero distraerte de cumplir tu proyecto.  Pam: Wait, do you think you could help me with it?

Espera, ¿piensas que podrías ayudarme a hacerlo?

Angela: I’d like to help you, but you’re kind of putting me out on a limb here; since the teacher specifically said we couldn’t have any help. Me gustaría ayudarte, pero me estás comprometiendo, ya que el maestro específicamente dijo que no podríamos tener ninguna ayuda.

Pam: Well, can you at least give me some advice?Pues, ¿puedes por lo menos darme algún consejo?

Angela: Well, it’s kind of a gray area, but ok. Let me see what you’re doing. First off, you’re cutting corners by not citing your references. That’s just going to make it harder later on. So you may as well cite them as you go. Pues, no es muy seguro pero está bien. Déjame ver qué estás haciendo. Primero, estás haciendo atajos por no citar tus referencias. Solamente va a hacerlo más difícil más tarde. Entonces deberías citarlas como vas.

Pam: Look, what should I do about this?Fíjate, ¿Qué debo hacer con esto?

Angela: That’s a good example of what the teacher said not to get help with. Esto es un buen ejemplo sobre lo que el maestro dijo que no debíamos tener ayuda

Pam: Come on, Angela, I’ve been working hard on this. It’s not like I’m a couch potato and I’ve been slacking off or something. Please… I only ask you for favors once in a blue moon. Dale, Angela. He estado trabajando duramente en esto. No es como soy una perezosa y he estado holgazaneando o algo así. Por favor… solamente te pido favores en muy raras ocasiones.

Angela: Sorry, I already told you no. You’re barking up the wrong tree. Lo siento, ya te dije que no. Estás intentando algo que no va a pasar

Pam: Ok, so you’re going to stand your ground. It’s just that I really need an A on this paper.Bueno, entonces vas a mantenerte en tu postura. Es que realmente necesito un A en este ensayo.

Angela: The ends don’t justify the means, Pam. Besides, the whole point of this assignment is so the professor can see our true writing ability. Los fines no justifican los medios, Pam. Además, la meta de esta tarea es que el profesor puede ver nuestra verdadera habilidad de escribir.

Pam: Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll stick with it and get it done tonight. I may have to pull an all-nighter, though.Pues, supongo que tienes razón. Perseveraré y lo terminaré esta noche. Aunque tal vez tendré que hacerlo toda la noche sin dormir.

Angela: Whatever it takes. You can handle it. See you in class tomorrow. Haz lo que tengas que hacer. Puedes manejarlo. Te veo en clase mañana.

Chapter 7 Cheating:

To grab a bite to eat: To find something to eat. This phrase often refers to eating a quick and easy meal.

The third wheel: The extra, unneeded person in a group with two others. The others are often in a romantic relationship.

To be under the gun: To be in a very busy and pressured position. Often with a time limit.

To kick back and relax: To calm down and rest.

To not be able to stand (something): To not be able to bear or endure something that bothers you or that you dislike.

To acquire a taste for (something): To become accustomed to something by experiencing it, and to start liking it.

To each his own: Every person has a right to enjoy what he wants to enjoy.

Out on a limb: Being in a vulnerable or risky situation.

A gray area: Something unsure, in doubt, or that has no defined boundaries.

To cut corners: To do things in a lazy and simplified way in order to make something easier and faster. To take a shortcut.

A couch potato: A lazy person who doesn't exercise, work or do anything productive.

To slack off: To procrastinate and be lazy.

Once in a blue moon: Very rarely or not at all.

To bark up the wrong tree: To be focused on something that shouldn’t be focused on.

To stand your ground: To be strong in conviction and not give in to arguments. This phrase can also mean to not give up or show fear.

The end justifies the means: The philosophy that one can get something accomplished with deception and other unethical ways; as long as the outcome is for the good.

To stick with it: To continue doing something without quitting.

To pull an all-nighter: To stay up all night long doing something.

Whatever it takes: Whatever is necessary to accomplish what needs to be done.

To be able to handle (something): To be able to do something.

Chapter 7 Cheating:

To grab a bite to eat: To find something to eat. This phrase often refers to eating a quick and easy meal.Encontrar algo que comer. Esta frase muchas veces se refiere a comer una comida rápida y fácil (de preparar) The third wheel: The extra, unneeded person in a group with two others. The others are often in a romantic relationship.La persona extra e innecesaria en un grupo con dos otros. Los otros muchas veces están en una relación romántica.  To be under the gun: To be in a very busy and pressured position. Often with a time limit.Estar en una posición muy ocupada y presionada. Muchas veces con un límite de tiempo.  To kick back and relax: To calm down and rest.Calmarse y descansar.  To not be able to stand (something): To not be able to bear or endure something that bothers you or that you dislike.No poder aguantar o soportar algo que te molesta o que detestas.  To acquire a taste for (something): To become accustomed to something by experiencing it, and to start liking it.Acostumbrarse a algo por pasarlo y empezar a gustarle.  To each his own: Every person has a right to enjoy what he wants to enjoy.Cada persona tiene derecho de disfrutar lo que quiere disfrutar. Out on a limb: Being in a vulnerable or risky situation. Estar en una situación riesgosa o vulnerable.  A gray area: Something unsure, in doubt, or that has no defined boundaries.Algo inseguro, en duda o que no tiene límites definidos.  To cut corners: To do things in a lazy and simplified way in order to make something easier and faster. To take a shortcut.Hacer cosas en una manera perezosa y sencilla para hacer algo más fácil y más rápido.

 A couch potato: A lazy person who doesn't exercise, work or do anything productive.Una persona perezosa quien no hace ejercicio, trabaja o hace nada productivo.  To slack off: To procrastinate and be lazy.Holgazanear y ser perezoso.  Once in a blue moon: Very rarely or not at all. Muy rara vez o para nada.  To bark up the wrong tree: To be focused on something that shouldn’t be focused on. Estar enfocado en algo en que no debe estar enfocado.  To stand your ground: To be strong in conviction and not give in to arguments. This phrase can also mean to not give up or show fear.Ser fuerte en convicción y no rendirse en discusiones. Esta frase también puede significar no abandonar o mostrar miedo.  The end justifies the means: The philosophy that one can get something accomplished with deception and other unethical ways; as long as the outcome is for the good.La filosofía que uno puede lograr algo con trampas y otras maneras inmorales; siempre que el resultado sea para bien.  To stick with it: To continue doing something without quitting.Seguir haciendo algo sin abandonar.  To pull an all-nighter: To stay up all night long doing something.Estar despierto toda la noche haciendo algo.  Whatever it takes: Whatever is necessary to accomplish what needs to be done.Lo que sea necesario para lograr lo que necesite estar hecho.  To be able to handle (something): To be able to do something. Poder hacer algo.

Chapter 8: The Weight Room: Two friends discuss weight-lifting.

Doug: Dang, your workout looks pretty tough, Why do you work so hard? You got a chip on your shoulder or something?

Steven: No, I’m not out to prove anything. I just like working-out hard. No pain, no gain.

Doug: Well, all I can say is my workout looks like a piece of cake compared to yours. I should probably make my workouts harder.

Steven: Good idea, but don’t add too much too fast. You don’t wanna bite off more than you can chew.

Doug: Yeah I know. Hey can you spot me for a minute? It’s better safe than sorry.

Steven: Sure.

Doug: Man, that was tough. I’m wiped out.

Steven: Yeah, you may wanna take it easy the rest of the day and rest.

Doug: Will do, see you next time.

 

The Weight Room: Two friends discuss weight-lifting.La habitación de pesas: Dos amigos discuten sobre levantar pesas

Doug: Dang, your workout looks pretty tough, Why do you work so hard? You got a chip on your shoulder or something?Tu rutina se ve bastante difícil. ¿Por qué trabajas tan duro? ¿Tienes un deseo de demostrar algo?

Steven: No, I’m not out to prove anything. I just like working-out hard. No pain, no gain.No, no estoy aquí para probar nada. Sólo es que me gusta entrenar bien duro. Si no hay dolor, no hay ganancias.

Doug: Well, all I can say is my workout looks like a piece of cake compared to yours. I should probably make my workouts harder.Pues, lo único que puedo decir es que mi rutina se ve muy fácil comparada con la tuya. Probablemente deba hacer mis rutinas más difíciles.

Steven: Good idea, but don’t add too much too fast. You don’t wanna bite off more than you can chew. Buena idea, pero no agregues demasiado muy rápido. No quieras morder más que lo que puedes masticar.

Doug: Yeah I know. Hey can you spot me for a minute? It’s better safe than sorry.Ya lo sé. ¿Oye me puedes cuidar por un minuto? Mejor estar a salvo que arrepentirse.

Steven: Sure: Claro

Doug: Man, that was tough. I’m wiped out. Uy, fue difícil. Estoy agotado.

Steven: Yeah, you may wanna take it easy the rest of the day and rest.Sí, deberías tomar con calma el resto del día y descansar.  Doug: Will do, see you next time.Lo haré, nos vemos la próxima.

The Weight-room: Two friends discuss weight-lifting.

Dang: A euphemism for "damn,” which means cursed.

To have a chip on your shoulder: To feel that you have to prove yourself, whether in a specific activity or a general area of life.

No pain, no gain: An expression meaning if you don't work hard, you won't accomplish much. It’s often used with respect to sports and exercise.

A piece of cake: This refers to an activity that is very easy to do. It’s identical in meaning to "as easy as pie."

To bite off more than you can chew: To commit to doing more than you’re able to do.

To spot: A weightlifting term which refers to watching a person lift weights and being ready to assist that person if needed.

Better safe than sorry: It's better to take precautions, even if they seem excessive, rather than for something bad to happen.

To be wiped out: To be extremely tired physically, mentally, or both.

To take it easy: To relax and rest for a while.

Will do: This can mean that one understands, is in agreement, and will do something.

 The Weight-room: Two friends discuss weight-lifting.

Dang: A euphemism for "damn,” which means cursed. Un eufemismo para “damn,” cual significa maldito.

To have a chip on your shoulder: To feel that you have to prove yourself, whether in a specific activity or a general area of life.Sentir que tienes que ponerte a prueba, puede ser en una actividad específica o un área general de la vida.

No pain, no gain: An expression meaning if you don't work hard, you won't accomplish much. It’s often used with respect to sports and exercise. Una expresión significando si no trabajas duro, no vas a lograr mucho. Muchas veces se usa con respeto a los deportes y el ejercicio.

A piece of cake: This refers to an activity that is very easy to do. It’s identical in meaning to "as easy as pie."”Es pan comido.” Se refiere a una actividad que es muy fácil hacer. Es idéntica en sentido a “as easy as pie.”

To bite off more than you can chew: To commit to doing more than you’re able to do.Comprometerse a hacer más de lo que puedes hacer.

To spot: A weightlifting term which refers to watching a person lift weights and being ready to assist that person if needed.Un término relativo a levantar pesas que se refiere a mirar (para cuidar) una persona que está levantando pesas y estar listo para ayudarla si es necesario.

Better safe than sorry: It's better to take precautions, even if they seem excessive, rather than for something bad to happen.”Mejor prevenir que curar.” Es mejor tomar precauciones, aún si aparecen excesivas, antes que algo malo pase.

To be wiped out: To be extremely tired physically, mentally, or both.Estar muy cansado físicamente, mentalmente o ambas.

To take it easy: To relax and rest for a while.Relejarse y descansar por un rato.

Will do: This can mean that one understands, is in agreement, and will do something.Esta puede significar que uno entiende, está de acuerdo y hará algo.

Chapter 9: The Movies. Two friends decide to go see a movie.

Jessica: Hey, you wanna go see a movie? There’s this new one I wanted to see. It’s one of those from rags to riches movies. This guy is living in poverty and depression, and he overcomes a bunch of obstacles.

Erica: Yeah! I was just thinking the same thing.

Jessica: Great minds think alike.

Erica: So what kind of obstacles does he overcome?

Jessica: I’m not sure 'cause I haven’t seen it, but I think he was an alcoholic and quit cold turkey. I’m sure there’s a lot of other stuff. He was hanging out with a lot of bad influences too. So he had to burn all of those bridges. Well, it’s about to start and we’re running late, so let’s go.

Erica: Ok, but I’m thirsty. Do you have any cokes inside? I’m just gonna grab one for the road.

Jessica: Crap! We’re late. Let’s hurry to the ticket counter.

Erica: Ah man, they’re sold out.

Jason: Jessica? Is that you?

Jessica: Umm... Yeah. Do I know you?

Jason: It’s me, Jason. We met at a concert a couple years ago.

Jessica: Oh yeah! Jason, how are you? Wow, it’s a small world. I never thought I’d run into you again.

Jason: So what are you guys here to see?

Jessica: We were going to see that one with Neil Adler that looks really good in the previews.

Jason: Oh, I saw that one already. Yeah it looks good in the previews, but it’s not that great.

Jessica: That sucks. Well, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Oh, I totally forgot - Jason, this is my friend Erica.

Jason: Nice to meet you, Erica.

Erica: Nice to meet you, too. So, what are you gonna see?

Jason: Well, I’ve heard by word of mouth that Tomorrow’s Surprise is pretty good. You guys want to join me?

Erica and Jessica: Sure.

Jason: I’m just going to get some popcorn. Be right back.

Jessica: Yeah me too, hold up. You getting anything, Erica?

Erica: No, I shouldn’t… Well, I’ll regret it later if I don’t. Fine, if you can’t beat them, join them.

Jessica: Do you think it’ll make you fat or something? You’re already so skinny.

Erica: I don’t know, I still want to lose a little more weight.

Jessica; Well, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

  

The movies: Two friends decide to go see a movie.Las películas: Dos amigas deciden ir a ver una película.

 Jessica: Hey, you wanna go see a movie? There’s this new one I wanted to see. It’s one of those from rags to riches movies. This guy is living in poverty and depression, and he overcomes a bunch of obstacles. Oye, ¿quieres ir a ver una película? Hay una nueva que quería ver. Es una esas en que las situaciones malas que cambian para ser mejores. Este tipo está viviendo en la pobreza y la depresión y vence muchos obstáculos.  Erica: Yeah! I was just thinking the same thing. ¡Sí! Justo estaba pensando lo mismo.  Jessica: Great minds think alike. Grandes mentes piensan lo mismo.  Erica: So what kind of obstacles does he overcome? ¿Entonces qué tipo de obstáculos vence? Jessica: I’m not sure 'cause I haven’t seen it, but I think he was an alcoholic and quit cold turkey. I’m sure there’s a lot of other stuff. He was hanging out with a lot of bad influences too. So he had to burn all of those bridges. Well, it’s about to start and we’re running late, so let’s go. No estoy segura porque no la he visto, pero pienso que era un alcohólico y dejó de tomar a fuerza de voluntad propia. Estoy segura que hay muchas otras cosas. Estaba pasando el tiempo con malas influencias también. Así que tuvo que dejar esas relaciones. Pues, está por empezar y vamos a llegar tarde entonces vayámonos.  Erica: Ok, but I’m thirsty. Do you have any cokes inside? I’m just gonna grab one for the road. Bueno, pero tengo sed. ¿Tienes unos refrescos dentro de la casa? Solo voy a agarrar uno para tomar en el camino.  Jessica: Crap! We’re late. Let’s hurry to the ticket counter.¡Demonios! Llegamos tarde. Hay que apurarnos hacia la boletería.  Erica: Ah man, they’re sold out. Uy, están agotados.  Jason: Jessica? Is that you? ¿Jessica? ¿Eres tú? Jessica: Umm... Yeah. Do I know you? Pues… sí. ¿Te conozco? Jason: It’s me, Jason. We met at a concert a couple years ago.Soy yo, Jason. Nos conocimos en un concierto desde un par de años.  Jessica: Oh yeah! Jason, how are you? Wow, it’s a small world. I never thought I’d run into you again.

¡Claro! Jason, ¿como estás? Guau, qué pequeño es el mundo. Nunca pensé que te encontraría otra vez.  Jason: So what are you guys here to see? ¿Entonces chicos qué vienen a ver aquí? Jessica: We were going to see that one with Neil Adler that looks really good in the previews.Íbamos a ver esa con Neil Adler que se ve muy buena en los preestrenos.  Jason: Oh, I saw that one already. Yeah it looks good in the previews, but it’s not that great. Ah, ya vi esa. Sí se ve buena en los preestrenos, pero no es tan buena.  Jessica: That sucks. Well, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Oh, I totally forgot - Jason, this is my friend Erica.Qué mal. Pues, no puedes juzgar algo sin conocerlo. Ah, se me olvidó completamente – Jason, esta es mi amiga, Erica.  Jason: Nice to meet you, Erica. Mucho gusto, Erica.  Erica: Nice to meet you, too. So, what are you gonna see?Mucho gusto, también. Entonces, ¿qué van a ver? Jason: Well, I’ve heard by word of mouth that Tomorrow’s Surprise is pretty good. You guys want to join me?Pues, he oído de boca en boca que Tomorrow’s Surprise es bastante buena. ¿Ustedes quieren venir conmigo? Erica and Jessica: Sure. Claro. Jason: I’m just going to get some popcorn. Be right back.Solo voy a buscar unas palomitas. Ya regreso.  Jessica: Yeah me too, hold up. You getting anything, Erica?Yo también, espera. ¿Compras algo, Erica? Erica: No, I shouldn’t… Well, I’ll regret it later if I don’t. Fine, if you can’t beat them, join them. No, no debo… Pues, me voy a arrepentir más tarde si no lo hago. Bien, si no les puedes ganar, úneteles.  Jessica: Do you think it’ll make you fat or something? You’re already so skinny.¿Piensas que va a ponerte gorda o algo? Ya eres tan flaca.  Erica: I don’t know, I still want to lose a little more weight. No sé, aún quiero perder un poco de peso.  Jessica; Well, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. Pues, supongo que el pasto siempre es más verde del otro lado.

The Movies. Two friends decide to go see a movie.From rags to riches: A person going from poverty to wealth and success.

A bunch of (something): A large amount.

Great minds think alike: An expression, mostly between friends, meaning something like; "Wow, we have the same preference for this. It must be right… and we both must be smart!"

Cold turkey: To immediately stop any addictive activity.

To hang out with: To be in a social setting with people. To be around friends talking and doing nothing in particular.

To burn bridges: To separate from a person or thing.

To run late: To be late. This phrase is often used when someone is late for an activity and must hurry to arrive there on time.

One for the road: Something, usually a food or drink, that is taken in the car.

Crap!: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "this is a piece of crap."

To be sold out: To be unavailable for purchase due to having sold the last product.

It's a small world: This is said when someone unexpectedly sees an acquaintance at various places. It’s also said when someone realizes he has a mutual acquaintance with someone else.

To run into (someone): To encounter an acquaintance by chance.

Guys: This can be used to address a group of men, women, or both.

To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It’s also used to describe something of low quality.

You can't judge a book by its cover: You can’t always tell the quality of something or someone from looking at what is merely visible.

By word of mouth: Reported from person to person orally. Something recommended or discouraged according to others' opinions.

To hold up: To wait. It’s most often used as a command. This phrase can also refer to how something is doing. For example, “It’s holding up well.” Or, “How are you holding up?”

If you can't beat them, join them: If one is attempting to be different from a group, and can't persuade them to his point of view; then he decides to do as they do.

To lose weight: To decrease the weight of your body.

The grass is always greener on the other side: Anything that one desires and doesn't possess seems to be better than what he already has.

The Movies. Two friends decide to go see a movie.

From rags to riches: A person going from poverty to wealth and success.Una persona yendo de la pobreza a la riqueza y éxito.  A bunch of (something): A large amount.Una cantidad grande. Great minds think alike: An expression, mostly between friends, meaning something like; "Wow, we have the same preference for this. It must be right… and we both must be smart!"Una expresión, mayormente entre amigos, significando algo como: “Guau, tenemos las mismas preferencias sobre esto. Tiene que ser cierto... y los dos tenemos que ser brillantes!” Cold turkey: To immediately stop any addictive activity.Inmediatamente cesar cualquiera actividad adictiva.  To hang out with: To be in a social setting with people. To be around friends talking and doing nothing in particular.Estar en un marco social con gente. Estar alrededor de amigos hablando y haciendo nada en particular.  To burn bridges: To separate from a person or thing.Alejarse de una persona o cosa. To run late: To be late. This phrase is often used when someone is late for an activity and must hurry to arrive there on time.Tardar. Ésta frase muchas veces se usa cuando alguien tarda para una actividad y tiene que apurarse para llegar allí a tiempo.  One for the road: Something, usually a food or drink, that is taken in the car.Algo, usualmente una comida o bebida, que se toma en el coche.  

Crap!: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "this is a piece of crap."Ésta es una exclamación de frustración y también se puede usar para significar: facilmente quebrado, porquería y hecho baratamente. Por ejemplo, “esto es un pedazo de crap.”  To be sold out: To be unavailable for purchase due to having sold the last product.No estar disponible para comprarse por haberse vendido ya el último producto. It's a small world: This is said when someone unexpectedly sees an acquaintance at various places. It’s also said when someone realizes he has a mutual acquaintance with someone else. Ésta se dice cuando alguien ve un conocido de forma imprevista en varios lugares. También se dice cuando alguien se da cuenta que tiene un conocido compartido con otra persona.  To run into (someone): To encounter an acquaintance by chance.Encontrar un conocido por causalidad.  

Guys: This can be used to address a group of men, women, or both. Ésta se puede usar llamar un grupo de hombres, mujeres o ambos.  To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It’s also used to describe something of low quality.Ser despreciable o molesto. También se usa para describir algo de calidad baja. You can't judge a book by its cover: You can’t always tell the quality of something or someone from looking at what is merely visible.No puedes siempre ver la calidad de algo o alguien por mirar lo que simplemente es visible.  By word of mouth: Reported from person to person orally. Something recommended or discouraged according to others' opinions.Reportado de persona a persona verbalmente. Algo recomendable o desvalorizado según las opiniones de otros.  To hold up: To wait. It’s most often used as a command. This phrase can also refer to how something is doing. For example, “It’s holding up well.” Or, “How are you holding up?” Esperar. Muchas veces se usa como un mandato. Ésta frase se puede referir a cómo algo está. Por ejemplo, “It’s holding up well.” O, “How are you holding up?”  If you can't beat them, join them: If one is attempting to be different from a group, and can't persuade them to his point of view; then he decides to do as they do.Si uno está tratando de ser distinto de un grupo y no puede convencerles a su punto de vista, entonces decide hacer lo mismo que hacen.  To lose weight: To decrease the weight of your body. “Perder peso.” Bajar el peso de tu cuerpo.

 The grass is always greener on the other side: Anything that one desires and doesn't possess seems to be better than what he already has.Cualquier cosa que uno desea y no posee parece mejor que lo que ya tiene.

Chapter 10: The Restaurant: Two friends meet up for lunch

Joel: Hey man, sorry I’m late

Andy: Oh, it’s cool. I just got here a few minutes ago.

Joel: Let’s go find a table. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.

Andy: So, how are the kids doing? I haven’t seen them in ages.

Joel: They’re alright. They’re both teenagers now. Last week was Tim’s birthday and he got a lot of money from his grandparents, and it’s like he had a hole in his pocket or something; so he’s spent most of it already. He’s almost broke now. I’m trying to teach him that money doesn’t grow on trees. I guess he’ll have to figure it out on his own, you know.

Waitress: Excuse me boys, are ya’ll ready to order?

Andy: Yeah, I’ll have a hamburger, and some water.

Waitress: And for you Sir?

Joel: I’ll take a cheeseburger, and a beer.

Andy: Hmm…you know what, I changed my mind. I’ll take a beer too instead of the water.

Waitress: Ok, I’ll be right back.

Andy: About your son, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. It’s better that he learns his lesson about money now while he’s young instead of screwing up big-time when he’s an adult.

Joel: Yeah, I’m going to keep an eye on him and try to teach him some good money habits. I don’t want to shove it down his throat though. Maybe I’ll talk him into reading a book about investments or something along those lines. What about your daughter Stephanie, what’s she been up to?

Andy: Well, for awhile she was on the fence about whether or not to go back to college, but she finally decided to go, and in the nick of time too. She got their last available scholarship!

Joel: Whoa that’s great! Is she gonna work too?

Andy: Yeah, she’s still going to work part-time. Man, she’s gonna have a lot on her plate.

Joel: Yeah, she’s really going to have to get down to business and work hard when school starts.

Waitress: Here you go boys, enjoy your meal.

Andy: Man that hamburger hit the spot. Don’t worry about the bill, I’ll get it.

Joel: Whoa, that’s so unlike you. No, it’s ok, I’ll at least chip in for my half.

Andy: Ok.

The Restaurant: Two friends meet up for lunch El Restaurante: Dos amigos se encuentran para almorzar.

Joel: Hey man, sorry I’m late Hola hermano, discúlpame por llegar tarde.

Andy: Oh, it’s cool. I just got here a few minutes ago. No hay problema. Acabo de llegar hace unos minutos.

Joel: Let’s go find a table. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.Vamos a buscar una mesa. Tengo tanta hambre que podría comer una caballo.

Andy: So, how are the kids doing? I haven’t seen them in ages.¿Entonces cómo están los niños? No los he visto en mucho tiempo.

Joel: They’re alright. They’re both teenagers now. Last week was Tim’s birthday and he got a lot of money from his grandparents, and it’s like he had a hole in his pocket or something; so he’s spent most of it already. He’s almost broke now. I’m trying to teach him that money doesn’t grow on trees. I guess he’ll have to figure it out on his own, you know.

Están bien. Los dos son adolescentes ahora. La semana pasada fue el cumpleaños de Tim y recibió mucho dinero de sus abuelos y es como si tuviera un deseo

incontrolable de gastar, entonces por lo que ya gastó la mayor parte de ello. Está casi quebrado ahora. Estoy tratando de enseñarle que el dinero no se gana fácilmente. Supongo que tendrá que darse cuenta por sí mismo, ¿sabes?

Waitress: Excuse me boys, are ya’ll ready to order? Mesera: Disculpen muchachos, ¿están listos para pedir?

Andy: Yeah, I’ll have a hamburger, and some water. Sí, pediré una hamburguesa y un agua.

Waitress: And for you Sir? Mesera: ¿Y para Ud. Señor?

Joel: I’ll take a cheeseburger, and a beer. Comeré una hamburguesa con queso y una cerveza.

Andy: Hmm…you know what, I changed my mind. I’ll take a beer too instead of the water. Hmm… sabes qué, Cambié de idea. Tomaré una cerveza también en vez de agua.

Waitress: Ok, I’ll be right back. Mesera: Bueno, ya regreso.

Andy: About your son, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. It’s better that he learns his lesson about money now while he’s young instead of screwing up big-time when he’s an adult.

Con respeto de tu hijo, tal vez sea una bendición encubierta. Es mejor que él aprenda su lección con el dinero ahora mientras es joven en vez de fallar gravemente cuando sea un adulto.

Joel: Yeah, I’m going to keep an eye on him and try to teach him some good money habits. I don’t want to shove it down his throat though. Maybe I’ll talk him into reading a book about investments or something along those lines. What about your daughter Stephanie, what’s she been up to?

Sí, lo voy a vigilar bien y tratar de enseñarle algunos buenos hábitos sobre el dinero. Aunque no le quiero forzar a hacerlo. Quizás le sugiera sobre leer un libro de inversiones o algo así. ¿Qué hay de tu hija Stephanie, ¿qué ha hecho?

Andy: Well, for awhile she was on the fence about whether or not to go back to college, but she finally decided to go, and in the nick of time too. She got their last available scholarship!

Pues por un rato ella estuvo indecisa en regresarse o no a la universidad, pero por fin decidió ir y en la hora perfecta. ¡Recibió la última beca disponible!

Joel: Whoa that’s great! Is she gonna work too? ¡Whoa eso es fantástico! ¿Va a trabajar también?

Andy: Yeah, she’s still going to work part-time. Man, she’s gonna have a lot on her plate. Sí, aún está yendo a trabajar a tiempo parcial. Hombre, va a tener mucho que hacer.

Joel: Yeah, she’s really going to have to get down to business and work hard when school starts. Sí realmente tendrá que ponerse seria y trabajar duro cuando empiece la escuela.

Waitress: Here you go boys, enjoy your meal. Mesera: Aquí tienen muchachos, disfruten su comida.

Andy: Man that hamburger hit the spot. Don’t worry about the bill, I’ll get it. Hombre esa hamburguesa me dejó satisfecho. No te preocupes por la cuenta. Yo la pago.

Joel: Whoa, that’s so unlike you. No, it’s ok, I’ll at least chip in for my half.Whoa, no eres así. No, está bien. Por lo menos pago por la mitad mía.

Andy: Ok. Está bien (No tengo ningún problema con eso).

Chapter 10: The Restaurant: Two friends meet up for lunch

Hungry enough to eat a horse: To feel hungry enough to eat a lot of food.

(In) ages: A very long time.

To have a hole in your pocket: To be bad at saving money.

To be broke: To not have any money. It can be said of someone if they literally have no money or very little money.

Money doesn't grow on trees: The idea is that money is not received without hard work. It doesn't grow for free on trees, like fruit.

To figure it out: To understand or realize something.

To change your mind: To choose something other than what you originally decided. A blessing in disguise: Something good that comes to pass from a bad situation.

Or, something that appears bad but actually is good.

To learn your lesson: To observe what has happened from making a bad decision, and to learn how to act in the future.

To screw up: To make a mistake.

Big time: An adverb meaning a lot of something.

To keep an eye on: To consistently watch and/or be suspicious of someone or something. This can also be done to protect it.

To shove down (someone else's) throat: To force someone to accept something without paying attention to their feelings about it.

To talk (someone) into (something): To speak to someone and convince them to do what you want them to do. It’s usually done by showing the benefits of accepting their point of view.

Something along those lines: Something in a similar category to what was specifically mentioned. As in, "Get me a Sprite, or something along those lines." Meaning, "Get me a Sprite, or another similar type of lemon/lime soda."

To be on the fence: To be undecided and neutral, not choosing sides. Figuratively it refers to someone sitting on a wooden fence with one leg hanging on each side.

In the nick of time: Something completed at the last minute before the end of a time limit.

To have a lot on your plate: To have a lot of things to do. It comes from the American idea that you should finish all of the food on your plate.

To get down to business: To start concentrating on working single-mindedly to finish a goal. It’s usually used when a person has had time to relax, and now must complete their project.

To hit the spot: To satisfy your cravings at a particular moment in time. If something “hits the spot,” it satisfies your desires at that time.

To chip in: To contribute to paying for something. Or, to assist in some other way.

Chapter 10: The Restaurant: Two friends meet up for lunch

Hungry enough to eat a horse: To feel hungry enough to eat a lot of food.Sentir que tienes suficiente hambre para comer mucha comida.  (In) ages: A very long time. Mucho tiempo. To have a hole in your pocket: To be bad at saving money. Ser malo en guardar el dinero.  To be broke: To not have any money. It can be said of someone if they literally have no money or very little money.”Estar en bancarrota.” No tener ningún dinero. Se puede decir de alguien si literalmente no tiene ningún dinero o muy poco dinero.  

Money doesn't grow on trees: The idea is that money is not received without hard work. It doesn't grow for free on trees, like fruit.La idea es que el dinero no se recibe sin trabajo duro. No crece gratis en los árboles como fruta.  To figure it out: To understand or realize something. Comprender o darse cuenta de algo.  To change your mind: To choose something other than what you originally decided.Elegir algo diferente a lo que decidiste inicialmente.  A blessing in disguise: Something good that comes to pass from a bad situation.Or, something that appears bad but actually is good.Algo bueno que viene pasar de una situación mala. O algo que aparece malo pero que sin embargo es bueno.  To learn your lesson: To observe what has happened from making a bad decision, and to learn how to act in the future.Observar lo que ha pasado tras cometer una decisión mala y aprender cómo actuar en el futuro.  To screw up: To make a mistake. Cometer un error. Big time: An adverb meaning a lot of something. Un adverbio que significa mucho de algo. To keep an eye on: To consistently watch and/or be suspicious of someone or something. This can also be done to protect it.Sistemáticamente mirar y/o sospechar de alguien o algo. También se puede hacer para protegerlo.  To shove down (someone else's) throat: To force someone to accept something without paying attention to their feelings about it.Forzar a alguien a aceptar algo sin poner atención a sus sentimientos acerca de ello. To talk (someone) into (something): To speak to someone and convince them to do what you want them to do. It’s usually done by showing the benefits of accepting their point of view. Hablar con alguien y convencerlo de hacer lo que quiera que haga. Usualmente se hace para demostrar los beneficios de aceptar su punto de vista.

Something along those lines: Something in a similar category to what was specifically mentioned. As in, "Get me a Sprite, or something along those lines." Meaning, "Get me a Sprite, or another similar type of lemon/lime soda."Algo en una categoría parecida a lo que fue mencionado específicamente. Tal como “Tráeme un Sprite, o something along those lines.” Significando, “Tráeme una Sprite, u otro tipo similar de refresco de sabor lima-limón.”

To be on the fence: To be undecided and neutral, not choosing sides. Figuratively it refers to someone sitting on a wooden fence with one leg hanging on each side.

“Ser imparcial.” Estar indeciso y neutro, no elegir ningún lado. Figurativamente se refiere a alguien sentado en una tapia de madera con una pierna colgada en cada lado.

In the nick of time: Something completed at the last minute before the end of a time limit.Algo cumplido en el último segundo antes del final de un límite de tiempo.

To have a lot on your plate: To have a lot of things to do. It comes from the American idea that you should finish all of the food on your plate. Tener muchas cosas que hacer. Viene de la idea americana que debes terminar toda la comida en tu plato.

To get down to business: To start concentrating on working single-mindedly to finish a goal. It’s usually used when a person has had time to relax, and now must complete their project.Empezar a concentrarse en trabajar decidido a cumplir una meta. Usualmente se usa cuando una persona haya tenido tiempo para relajarse y ahora tiene que cumplir su proyecto.

To hit the spot: To satisfy your cravings at a particular moment in time. If something “hits the spot,” it satisfies your desires at that time.Satisfacer los antojos en un momento particular. Si algo “hits the spot,” satisface tus deseos en ese momento.

To chip in: To contribute to paying for something. Or, to assist in some other way.Contribuir al pagar por algo. O asistir por otro medio.

Chapter 11: Surprise Birthday Party

Sherry is planning a surprise birthday party for her sister and she feels stressed out. So she’s acting bossy to all her friends who are there helping her prepare.

Sherry: Ok everyone, I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page. This is a surprise party, so keep your lips sealed and don’t let the cat out of the bag. I already have everything planned out how I want it, so don’t do anything unless I give you the green light first. Ok, let’s get started. I’ve given each one of you a paper with your assignments.

Bubba: This says to use a blue marker, but it doesn’t work. Should I run out to the store and get another one?

Sherry: Have you lost your mind? We’re working against the clock. We don’t have time for that. Just use a black marker.

Bubba: Golly, I wish she’d get off my back. She said not to do anything without getting her permission first.

Sarah: Don’t worry about it. She must’ve gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Plus, I think she’s got bigger fish to fry than making a trip to the store for a marker.

Bubba: Well, I don’t care. I’m leaving.

Sarah: You’re going to sneak out?

Bubba: No way. Not a chance. She’d whip my butt if she found out I left without telling her. I’ll just make up an excuse why I have to leave.

Bubba: Hey Sherry, I need to leave.

Sherry: Over my dead body! We still have a ton to do.

Bubba: It’s just that I forgot I have to pick up my… friend from soccer practice.

Sherry: Well, I guess that’s a good excuse. You’re off the hook. But look, since you’re leaving, zip your lips about the party.

Bubba: Don’t worry so much. My lips are sealed.

Sherry: (To herself) What was Bubba doing? This poster looks horrible. We’ll have to start from scratch. Hey Sarah, can you finish this for Bubba? We’re almost out of time, so can you just cover up the mess he made on it. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

Sarah: Ok, I’ll get on it.

Sherry: Ok everyone, this is the moment of truth. She’s about to come in. After she opens the door, everyone yell, “Happy Birthday!”

Chapter 11:  Surprise Birthday Party: Sherry is planning a surprise birthday party for her sister and she feels stressed out. So she’s acting bossy to all her friends who are there helping her prepare.

Fiesta de cumpleaños sorpresa: Sherry está planeando una fiesta de cumpleaños sorpresa para su hermana y se siente estresada. Entonces se comporta mandona con sus amigos quienes están allí ayudándola a preparar todo.

Sherry: Ok everyone, I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page. This is a surprise party, so keep your lips sealed and don’t let the cat out of the bag. I already have everything planned out how I want it, so don’t do anything unless I give you the green light first. Ok, let’s get started. I’ve given each one of you a paper with your assignments.

Bueno todos, solo quiero asegurarme que estamos de acuerdo. Esta es una fiesta sorpresa, así que cállense y no cuenten el secreto. Ya tengo todo planeado como lo quiero, entonces no hagan nada al menos que les dé permiso primero. Bueno, empecemos. Le he dado a cada uno de ustedes un papel con tus tareas.  Bubba: This says to use a blue marker, but it doesn’t work. Should I run out to the store and get another one?Esto dice usar un marcador azul, pero no funciona. ¿Debo ir a la tienda y conseguir otro?

Sherry: Have you lost your mind? We’re working against the clock. We don’t have time for that. Just use a black marker. ¿Has perdido la cabeza? Estamos trabajando contra el reloj. No tenemos tiempo para eso. Sólo usa un marcador negro.  Bubba: Golly, I wish she’d get off my back. She said not to do anything without getting her permission first. Dios mío, quisiera que me tratara más amable. Dijo que no hagamos nada sin tener su autorización primero.  Sarah: Don’t worry about it. She must’ve gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Plus, I think she’s got bigger fish to fry than making a trip to the store for a marker.No te preocupes. De seguro se levantó del lado equivocado de la cama esta mañana. Además, creo que tiene cosas más importantes en qué pensar que hacer un viajecito a la tienda por un marcador.  Bubba: Well, I don’t care. I’m leaving. Pues, no me importa. Me voy.  Sarah: You’re going to sneak out? ¿Vas a salir sin que se den cuenta? Bubba: No way. Not a chance. She’d whip my butt if she found out I left without telling her. I’ll just make up an excuse why I have to leave. De ninguna manera. Ni de chiste. Realmente me castigaría si se diera cuenta que me fui sin avisarle. Solo inventaré una excusa sobre por qué me tengo que ir.  

Bubba: Hey Sherry, I need to leave. Oye Sherry, me tengo que ir.

 Sherry: Over my dead body! We still have a ton to do. ¡De ninguna manera! Aún tenemos mucho que hacer.  Bubba: It’s just that I forgot I have to pick up my… friend from soccer practice.Es que me olvidé de que tengo que recoger a mi… amigo de la práctica de fútbol.  Sherry: Well, I guess that’s a good excuse. You’re off the hook. But look, since you’re leaving, zip your lips about the party. Pues, supongo que es una buena excusa. Estás libre. Pero mira, ya que te vas, cierra la boca acerca de la fiesta.  Bubba: Don’t worry so much. My lips are sealed. No te preocupes tanto. No voy a decir nada.  Sherry: (To herself) What was Bubba doing? This poster looks horrible. We’ll have to start from scratch. Hey Sarah, can you finish this for Bubba? We’re almost out of time, so can you just cover up the mess he made on it. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

(A si mismo) ¿Qué hacía Bubba? Este poster se ve horrible. Tendremos que empezar de nuevo. Oye Sarah, ¿puedes terminar esto por Bubba? Casi se nos termina el tiempo, entonces puedes solamente cubrir el desorden que hizo Bubba encima del poster. Lo que no saben no les va a lastimar.  Sarah: Ok, I’ll get on it. Bueno, yo lo hago.  Sherry: Ok everyone, this is the moment of truth. She’s about to come in. After she opens the door, everyone yell, “Happy Birthday!”Ok todos, éste es el momento de la verdad. Ella está por entrar. Después de abrir la puerta, todos griten, “¡Feliz cumpleaños!”

Chapter 11: Surprise Birthday Party

To be stressed out: To be in a very difficult and pressured situation and feel stress and anxiety as a result.

To be bossy: To act like you’re in charge in a controlling, jealous and annoying way.

On the same page: When two or more people are aware of what’s going on or being discussed.

To keep your lips sealed: To not speak about a certain subject near other people who aren't supposed to know about it.

To let the cat out of the bag: To tell the secret that is supposed to be kept quiet. This can be done either on purpose or accidentally.

To give the green light: To give permission to proceed. This is done by the person in authority.

To run out: To leave and go somewhere in order to do something. One can run out in order to do errands. It can also be used to mean abandon. For example, when a father runs out on his family.

To lose (one's) mind: When someone has lost their mind, they are not thinking clearly and may do stupid or crazy things.

To work against the clock: To be in a situation where one must complete a project within a limited amount of time.

Golly: An exclamation of surprise or slight frustration. It’s also a euphemism for "God!" and it’s a synonym of "Gosh."

To get off (someone's) back: To stop concentrating unfairly on another’s faults. To stop criticizing someone.

To get off on the wrong side of the bed: To be in a bad mood since awakening in the morning.

To have bigger fish to fry: To have more important things to do. To be more concerned and preoccupied with something else that is more important.

To sneak out: To leave a place or situation without asking permission or being noticed.

No way: Not at all. That's not my intention.

Not a chance: There’s no chance that will happen.

To whip (someone's) butt: To punish. This is often used in a joking way among friends. It also can be used in reference to being defeated in a fight.

Over my dead body: I won’t allow you to do that.

To be off the hook: To be freed from any specific obligation.

To zip your lips: To stop yourself from speaking about a subject.

To have your lips sealed: To not speak of a certain subject near other people who aren't supposed to know about it.

To start from scratch: To begin something from the very beginning. To begin making anything from its most basic parts.

To be out of time: There’s no more time available.

What (someone) doesn't know won't hurt them: Someone doesn't have to know all the details about how something came to be the way it is. This is usually said to justify doing something incorrectly.

To get on (something): To start doing something in order to complete it.

The moment of truth: The time that one finds out the truth about someone or something. 

Chapter 11: Surprise Birthday Party

To be stressed out: To be in a very difficult and pressured situation and feel stress and anxiety as a result.Estar en una situación muy difícil y presionada y sentir estrés y ansiedad como resultado.  To be bossy: To act like you’re in charge in a controlling, jealous and annoying way.Actuar como si estás encargado en una manera controladora, celosa y molesta.  On the same page: When two or more people are aware of what’s going on or being discussed.Cuando dos o más personas están conscientes de lo que está pasando o se está discutiendo.  To keep your lips sealed: To not speak about a certain subject near other people who aren't supposed to know about it.No hablar de un sujeto alrededor de otra gente quien se supone no de saber de ello.  To let the cat out of the bag: To tell the secret that is supposed to be kept quiet. This can be done either on purpose or accidentally. Decir el secreto que se supone mantenerse callado. Esto se puede hacer a propósito o accidentalmente.  To give the green light: To give permission to proceed. This is done by the person in authority.Dar permiso a proceder. Ésta se hace por la persona en autoridad.  To run out: To leave and go somewhere in order to do something. One can run out in order to do errands. It can also be used to mean abandon. For example, when a father runs out on his family. Salir e ir a algún lado para hacer algo. Uno puede run out para hacer mandatos. También se puede usar para significar abandono. Por ejemplo, cuando un padre runs out en su familia.  To lose (one's) mind: When someone has lost their mind, they are not thinking clearly and may do stupid or crazy things.Cuando alguien ha lost their mind, no está pensando claramente y tal vez hace cosas estúpidas o locas.  To work against the clock: To be in a situation where one must complete a project within a limited amount of time.Estar en una situación donde uno tiene que cumplir un proyecto dentro de una cantidad de tiempo limitado. Golly: An exclamation of surprise or slight frustration. It’s also a euphemism for "God!" and it’s a synonym of "Gosh."Una exclamación de sorpresa o pequeña frustración. También es un eufemismo por “God!” y es un sinónimo de “Gosh.”  To get off (someone's) back: To stop concentrating unfairly on another’s faults. To stop criticizing someone. Dejar de concentrarse injustamente en las faltas de otros. Dejar de criticar a alguien.  To get off on the wrong side of the bed: To be in a bad mood since awakening in the morning.Estar de mal humor desde que se despierta- sounds so much better) en la mañana.  To have bigger fish to fry: To have more important things to do. To be more concerned and preoccupied with something else that is more important.

Tener cosas más importantes para hacer. Estar más afectado y preocupado por otra cosa que es más importante.  To sneak out: To leave a place or situation without asking permission or being noticed.Abandonar un lugar o situación sin pedir permiso o ser notado.  No way: Not at all. That's not my intention.Para nada. Eso no es mi intención.  Not a chance: There’s no chance that will happen.No es probable que pasara.  To whip (someone's) butt: To punish. This is often used in a joking way among friends. It also can be used in reference to being defeated in a fight.Castigar. Muchas veces se usa en una manera bromeada entre amigos. También se puede usarse en referencia a ser derrotado en una lucha.  Over my dead body: I won’t allow you to do that.“Sobre mi cadáver.” No te permito hacer eso.  

To be off the hook: To be freed from any specific obligation.Estar librado de cualquier obligación especifica.  To zip your lips: To stop yourself from speaking about a subject.Prevenirte de hablar sobre un tema.  To have your lips sealed: To not speak of a certain subject near other people who aren't supposed to know about it.No hablar de un sujeto alrededor de otra gente quien se supone no saber de ello.  

To start from scratch: To begin something from the very beginning. To begin making anything from its most basic parts.Empezar algo desde el principio. Empezar a hacer algo de sus partes más básicas.  To be out of time: There’s no more time available.No hay más tiempo disponible.  What (someone) doesn't know won't hurt them: Someone doesn't have to know all the details about how something came to be the way it is. This is usually said to justify doing something incorrectly.”Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” Alguien no tiene que saber todos los detalles de como algo volvió a ser. Muchas veces ésto se dice para justificar el hacer algo incorrectamente.  To get on (something): To start doing something in order to complete it.Empezar a hacer algo para cumplirlo.  The moment of truth: The time that one finds out the truth about someone or something.El momento en que uno encuentra la verdad de alguien o algo

Chapter 12: Stage Fright

Jenny is supposed to perform before an audience, but she’s late and isn’t coming out. She is backstage and nervous about her upcoming performance.

Stage Worker: Ma’am, you can’t come back here. This area is off limits.

Sue: I’m sorry sir. It’s just… The thing is, Jenny is my best friend. Just let me talk to her. I know I can get her to come out. Otherwise they’ll have to call off the performance.

Stage Worker: Fine, see what you can do, but hurry.

Sue: Jenny, what’s on your mind? Why don’t you wanna go onstage?

Jenny: Oh, I just have butterflies in my stomach. I’ve never been this nervous before.

Sue: Well, I guess that’s just how the cookie crumbles. Pretty much everyone gets nervous before performing. So you just gotta suck it up and get out there.

Jenny: Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before. But it’s easier said than done.

Sue: I know. I’ve been there before. But there’s no time to lose. You need to get out there. The audience is losing their patience.

Jenny: Ok, I’m going.

Sue: Break a leg!

Chapter 12: Stage Fright: Jenny is supposed to perform before an audience, but she’s late and isn’t coming out. She is backstage and nervous about her upcoming performance.

Miedo escénico: Se supone que Jenny tiene que actuar delante de una audiencia, pero se tarda y no sale. Está detrás de la escena y nerviosa por su obra teatral que viene.

Stage Worker: Ma’am, you can’t come back here. This area is off limits. Señora, no puede venir aquí. Esta zona está restringida.

Sue: I’m sorry sir. It’s just… The thing is, Jenny is my best friend. Just let me talk to her. I know I can get her to come out. Otherwise they’ll have to call off the performance. Discupe señor. Es que… La cosa es que, Jenny es mi mejor amiga. Solo permítame hablar con ella. Yo sé que puedo hacerla salir. De otra manera tendrán que cancelar la obra.

Stage Worker: Fine, see what you can do, but hurry. Bien, vea lo que puede hacer, pero apúrese.

Sue: Jenny, what’s on your mind? Why don’t you wanna go onstage?

Jenny, ¿en qué estás pensando? ¿Por qué no quieres salir al escenario?

Jenny: Oh, I just have butterflies in my stomach. I’ve never been this nervous before. Ah, es que estoy nerviosa. Nunca he estado tan nerviosa antes.

Sue: Well, I guess that’s just how the cookie crumbles. Pretty much everyone gets nervous before performing. So you just gotta suck it up and get out there.Pues, supongo que así es la vida. Casi todo el mundo se pone nervioso antes de actuar. Simplemente tienes que aguantarte y salir.

Jenny: Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before. But it’s easier said than done.Claro, he oído todo de eso antes. Pero es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo.

Sue: I know. I’ve been there before. But there’s no time to lose. You need to get out there. The audience is losing their patience. Sí, yo sé. He estado en esta situación antes. Pero no hay tiempo que perder. Necesitas salir ahí. El público está perdiendo la paciencia.

Jenny: Ok, I’m going. Bueno, me voy.

Sue: Break a leg! ¡Qué tengas suerte!

Chapter 12: Stage Fright

To be off limits: A physical place is “off limits” if you are not allowed to enter. A word or topic of conversation can also be “off limits.”

The thing is: This phrase often precedes an explanation or a reason for not doing something. Other similar expressions are: "The reason is that..." or "The problem is that..."

To call off: To cancel or stop an activity.

To be on your mind: To be thinking about something.

To have butterflies in your stomach: To be nervously awaiting something and to feel sick in the stomach from anxiety.

That’s how the cookie crumbles: How things come to be by chance in life. Perhaps it’s based on sharing a single cookie; which doesn't break into even pieces, but crumbles into many different sized pieces. Some get a good piece, and some get a little piece.

To suck it up: To bear the hardships of doing something when it’s difficult or when you don’t feel like it. “Suck it up” can be said to help motivate someone to persevere in such a situation.

I’ve heard it all before: One says this when they’re already familiar with what they’re being told, and feel they don’t need to hear it again.

That’s easier said than done: That’s easy to talk about but hard to actually do.

I’ve been there before: I’ve been in that situation before, and I know what it’s like.

There's no time to lose: There’s no time to waste.

To lose your patience: To become bothered or angry to the point of frustration. To no longer have patience.

Break a leg: An acting and theatrical term meaning "good luck." Some believe it came from a period of time when telling someone "Good luck" was believed to bring about the opposite effect, bad luck. Because of this belief, they said, “Break a leg” in order to wish good luck to an actor.

Chapter 12: Stage Fright

To be off limits: A physical place is “off limits” if you are not allowed to enter. A word or topic of conversation can also be “off limits.”

Un lugar físico está “off-limits” si no te está permitido entrar. Una palabra o un tema de conversación también se pueden estar “off-limits.”

The thing is: This phrase often precedes an explanation or a reason for not doing something. Other similar expressions are: "The reason is that..." or "The problem is that..."

Esta frase muchas veces precede una explicación o una razón por no hacer algo. Otras expresiones parecidas son: "The reason is that..." o "The problem is that..."

To call off: To cancel or stop an activity. Cancelar o parar una actividad.

To be on your mind: To be thinking about something. Estar pensando en algo.

To have butterflies in your stomach: To be nervously awaiting something and to feel sick in the stomach from anxiety.Estar esperando algo nerviosamente y sentirse enfermo en el estómago por ansiedad.

That’s how the cookie crumbles: How things come to be by chance in life. Perhaps it’s based on sharing a single cookie; which doesn't break into even pieces, but crumbles into many different sized pieces. Some get a good piece, and some get a little piece.

Como las cosas pasan por causalidad en la vida. Quizás está basada en compartir una galleta, cual no se quiebra en pedazos iguales, sino se desmigaja en muchos pedazos de tamaños diferentes. Algunos tienen un pedazo bueno y algunos tienen un pedazo pequeño.

To suck it up: To bear the hardships of doing something when it’s difficult or when you don’t feel like it. “Suck it up” can be said to help motivate someone to persevere in such a situation. Aguantar las dificultades de hacer algo cuando sea difícil o cuando no tengas ganas. “Suck it up” se puede decir para ayudar a animar alguien de perseverar en una situación así.

I’ve heard it all before: One says this when they’re already familiar with what they’re being told, and feel they don’t need to hear it again. Uno dice ésta cuando ya conoce lo que se está escuchando y siente que no necesita oírla de nuevo.

That’s easier said than done: That’s easy to talk about but hard to actually do.Eso es fácil de hablar pero difícil de hacer en realidad.

I’ve been there before: I’ve been in that situation before, and I know what it’s like. He estado en esa situación antes y sé como es.

There's no time to lose: There’s no time to waste. No hay tiempo que perder.

To lose your patience: To become bothered or angry to the point of frustration. To no longer have patience.“Perder la paciencia.” Tornarse molesto o enojado hasta el punto de frustración. Ya no tener paciencia.

Break a leg: An acting and theatrical term meaning "good luck." Some believe it came from a period of time when telling someone "Good luck" was believed to bring about the opposite effect, bad luck. Because of this belief, they said, “Break a leg” in order to wish good luck to an actor.

Un término teatral significando “buena suerte.” Algunos creen que vino de un periodo de la historia cuando se creía que diciéndole a alguien “buena suerte” traía el efecto opuesto, mala suerte. Por esta creencia, dijeron, “Break a leg” para desearle buena suerte a un actor.

Chapter 13: Complaining

Mark complains to his friend Jim about his job.

Jim: Hey Mark, how’s it hanging?

Mark: Not so good. I have a ton of work to do.

Jim: Well, can I give you a hand?

Mark: No, but thanks. It’s all stuff I have to do by myself. I feel like I’m in over my head. I’ve been working so hard over there, and it doesn’t seem like it’s bearing any fruit!

Jim: That sucks. You going to call it quits?

Mark: No, I can’t. I gotta bring home the bacon. My family’s counting on me. I mean, it’s tough, but I can stand the workload. I just hate how the boss treats me.

Jim: Like what? What kind of stuff does he do?

Mark: Well, first off, he won’t ever give me a break. One day I didn’t get there at 8 AM sharp and he just flipped and started chewing me out. He always has to go by the book, which is fine, but he could at least show a little mercy when someone screws up. After all, we’re all only human.

Jim: Yeah, we’re all in the same boat.

Mark: Sometimes I really want to give him a piece of my mind. But I can’t, I know he’d fire me.

Jim: You definitely don’t wanna add fuel to the fire. Why don’t you try giving him the benefit of the doubt? You never know what’s been going on in his life. Maybe he just went through a tragedy and is just trying to get back on his feet.

Mark: So you think I should cut him some slack, huh? Well it might be the only choice I have.

I just wish he’d be nice once in a while, you know.

Jim: Well hey, my boss said there’s a new position up for grabs. If you’re interested, I can put in a good word for you.

Mark: So, let me get this straight. You’re saying I could come work with you? You’re not pulling my leg are you?

Jim: Nah, I wouldn’t do that. I’ll talk to my boss tomorrow and see if we can get you an interview. He’s a pretty cool guy. I think you two would hit it off.

Chapter 13 Complaining: Mark complains to his friend Jim about his job. Quejarse: Mark se queja de su trabajo con su amigo Jim.

Jim: Hey Mark, how’s it hanging? Hola Mark, ¿como estás?

Mark: Not so good. I have a ton of work to do. No muy bien. Tengo mucho trabajo que hacer.

Jim: Well, can I give you a hand? Pues, ¿te puedo dar una mano?

Mark: No, but thanks. It’s all stuff I have to do by myself. I feel like I’m in over my head. I’ve been working so hard over there, and it doesn’t seem like it’s bearing any fruit!

No, pero gracias. Todas son cosas que tengo que hacer yo mismo. Me siento abrumado. He estado trabajando tan duro allí y no parece que esté obteniendo resultados.

Jim: That sucks. You going to call it quits? ¡Qué mal! ¿Vas a darte por vencido?

Mark: No, I can’t. I gotta bring home the bacon. My family’s counting on me. I mean, it’s tough, but I can stand the workload. I just hate how the boss treats me.

No, no puedo. Tengo que ganar dinero. Mi familia cuenta conmigo. O sea, es duro, pero puedo soportar los mandatos. Más que nada odio como me trata el jefe.

Jim: Like what? What kind of stuff does he do? ¿Como qué? ¿Qué tipo de cosas hace él?

Mark: Well, first off, he won’t ever give me a break. One day I didn’t get there at 8 AM sharp and he just flipped and started chewing me out. He always has to go by the book, which is fine, but he could at least show a little mercy when someone screws up. After all, we’re all only human.Pues, primero, no me da tregua. Un día no llegué a las 8 AM en punto y se puso loco y empezó a gritarme. Siempre tiene que seguir las reglas estrictamente, lo cual está bien, pero podría por lo menos mostrar un poco de piedad cuando una persona falla. Después de todo, solamente somos humanos.

Jim: Yeah, we’re all in the same boat. Sí, todo el mundo está en la misma situación.

Mark: Sometimes I really want to give him a piece of my mind. But I can’t, I know he’d fire me.A veces tengo muchas ganas de decirle lo que pienso. Pero no puedo, sé que me despediría del trabajo.

Jim: You definitely don’t wanna add fuel to the fire. Why don’t you try giving him the benefit of the doubt? You never know what’s been going on in his life. Maybe he just went through a tragedy and is just trying to get back on his feet.

Definitivamente no querrás empeorar la situación. ¿Por qué no tratas de darle el beneficio de la duda? Nunca sabes lo que pasa en su vida. A lo mejor acaba de pasar una tragedia y solo está tratando de volver a la normalidad.

Mark: So you think I should cut him some slack, huh? Well it might be the only choice I have. I just wish he’d be nice once in a while, you know. ¿Entonces piensas que debo ser menos duro con él? Pues tal vez es la única opción que tengo. Solo quisiera que él fuera amable de vez en cuando, ¿sabes?

Jim: Well hey, my boss said there’s a new position up for grabs. If you’re interested, I can put in a good word for you. Pues oye, mi patrón dijo que hay una posición nueva disponible. Si estás interesado, puedo decir cosas buenas de ti.

Mark: So, let me get this straight. You’re saying I could come work with you? You’re not pulling my leg are you?Entonces, déjame entender esto. Estás diciendo que yo podría trabajar contigo? ¿No me estás bromeando, verdad?

Jim: Nah, I wouldn’t do that. I’ll talk to my boss tomorrow and see if we can get you an interview. He’s a pretty cool guy. I think you two would hit it off. Claro que no, no haría eso. Hablaré con mi jefe mañana y veremos si podremos darte una entrevista. Es un tipo genial. Pienso que se llevarían bien.

Chapter 13 Complaining

How's it hanging?: (It is said from one man to another man) This is the same as asking, "How are things in your life?" Another similar expression is, "how's it going?"

To give (someone) a hand: To help someone.

To be in over your head: To be stressed out and have so much to do that you feel trapped.

To bear fruit: To be productive and produce benefits.

To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It can also refer to something of low quality.

To call it quits: To cease an activity.

To bring home the bacon: To provide food and other necessities for one's family by having a job.

To be able to stand it: To be able to bare, handle, or tolerate something. Another related idiom is "to be able to take it."

To give (someone) a break: To be lenient with someone. It’s based on the idea that small mistakes happen, and you shouldn't judge someone else for every little mistake. Another usage is "Give me a break!" usually said after something unbelievable has been said or has happened. It means something like, "I don't believe that! How is that possible?"

Sharp: When related to time, it means "exactly on time." Another similar idiom in reference to time is; "on the dot."

To flip: To get upset, seemingly for no reason. It can also mean to go crazy.

To chew (someone) out: To speak harshly to someone who did something wrong. It’s usually done to correct them and to vent your feelings.

To go by the book: To follow the rules exactly, without compromise.

To screw up: To make a mistake.

We're only human: This is used as an explanation for making a mistake. The logic is; all humans make some mistakes. Therefore, don't judge others when they make a mistake.

We're all in the same boat: We are all in the same position.

To give someone a piece of your mind: To honestly tell someone what you think about them or about what they’re doing. It’s usually done with a confrontational attitude.

To fire: To permanently dismiss someone from their job.

To add fuel to the fire: To worsen or intensify a bad situation.

To give the benefit of the doubt: To recognize that you don't know others’ motives or reasons behind their actions. Thus, you withhold judgment, assuming they may have a good reason for their actions.

To get back on your feet: To start functioning normally again after some type of problem or trauma.

To cut (someone) some slack: To be lenient with someone.

To be up for grabs: To be available and ready to be taken.

To put in a good word for (someone): To tell someone of the good qualities of another person in order to make them look better. It’s usually spoken by telling the truth, but maybe with some exaggeration. This is most effective when the speaker is respected by the listener.

Let me get this straight: People say this when they want to consider all the facts and make sure they understand what they are hearing.

To pull somebody’s leg: To joke with someone by saying something that isn’t true. It’s taken from the 1800's when canes were popular to carry. A way to play a joke on someone else was to trip him by hooking his leg with your cane.

To hit it off: To become friends quickly because of good chemistry.

Chapter 13 Complaining

How's it hanging?: (It is said from one man to another man) This is the same as asking, "How are things in your life?" Another similar expression is, "how's it going?"

(Se dice de un hombre al otro hombre) Es lo mismo que preguntar, “Como están las cosas en tu vida?” Otra expresión similar es, “cómo te va?”

To give (someone) a hand: To help someone. Ayudar a alguien.

To be in over your head: To be stressed out and have so much to do that you feel trapped.Estar estresado y tener tanto que hacer que te sientes apresado.

To bear fruit: To be productive and produce benefits. Ser productivo y producir beneficios.

To suck: To be contemptible or annoying. It can also refer to something of low quality.Ser despreciable o molesto. También se usa para describir algo de calidad baja.

To call it quits: To cease an activity. Cesar una actividad.

To bring home the bacon: To provide food and other necessities for one's family by having a job. Proveer comida y otras necesidades para la familia por tener un trabajo.

To be able to stand it: To be able to bare, handle, or tolerate something. Another related idiom is "to be able to take it."Poder aguantar, manejar o soportar algo. Otra expresión idiomática parecida es "to be able to take it."

To give (someone) a break: To be lenient with someone. It’s based on the idea that small mistakes happen, and you shouldn't judge someone else for every little

mistake. Another usage is "Give me a break!" usually said after something unbelievable has been said or has happened. It means something like, "I don't believe that! How is that possible?"

Portarse indulgente con alguien. Está basada en la idea que errores pequeños pasan y no debes juzgar al otro por cada error pequeño. Otra usada es "Give me a break!” usualmente se dice después de que algo increíble ha habido pasado. Significa algo como, “No creo eso! ¿Cómo es eso posible?”

Sharp: When related to time, it means "exactly on time." Another similar idiom in reference to time is; "on the dot."

Cuando tiene que ver con el tiempo, significa “exactamente en punto.” Otra expresión similar con respeto de tiempo es “on the dot.”

To flip: To get upset, seemingly for no reason. It can also mean to go crazy. Enojarse, aparentemente, sin ninguna razón. También puede significar volverse loco.

To chew (someone) out: To speak harshly to someone who did something wrong. It’s usually done to correct them and to vent your feelings. Hablar seriamente con alguien que hizo algo equivocado. Usualmente se hace para corregirlo y desahogar tus sentimientos.

To go by the book: To follow the rules exactly, without compromise. Seguir las reglas exactamente, sin concesiones.

To screw up: To make a mistake. Cometer un error.

We're only human: This is used as an explanation for making a mistake. The logic is; all humans make some mistakes. Therefore, don't judge others when they make a mistake.

Ésta se usa como una explicación por cometer un error. Lo lógico es que todos los humanos cometen errores. Por lo tanto, no juzgues a otros cuando cometen errores.

We're all in the same boat: We are all in the same position. Nosotros estamos en la misma situación.

To give someone a piece of your mind: To honestly tell someone what you think about them or about what they’re doing. It’s usually done with a confrontational attitude.

Honestamente decirle a alguien lo que se piensa de él o de lo que está haciendo. Usualmente se hace con una actitud confrontativa.

To fire: To permanently dismiss someone from their job. Definitivamente despedir alguien de su trabajo.

To add fuel to the fire: To worsen or intensify a bad situation. Empeorar o intensificar una situación mala.

To give the benefit of the doubt: To recognize that you don't know others’ motives or reasons behind their actions. Thus, you withhold judgment, assuming they may have a good reason for their actions.

Reconocer que no sabes los motivos de otros o las razones detrás de sus acciones. Así, contienes tus juicios, asumiendo que tal vez tiene razones buenas paras sus acciones.

To get back on your feet: To start functioning normally again after some type of problem or trauma. Empezar a funcionar normalmente de vuelta después de algún tipo de problema o trauma.

To cut (someone) some slack: To be lenient with someone. Comportarse indulgentemente con alguien.

To be up for grabs: To be available and ready to be taken. Estar disponible y listo para ser tomado.

To put in a good word for (someone): To tell someone of the good qualities of another person in order to make them look better. It’s usually spoken by telling the truth, but maybe with some exaggeration. This is most effective when the speaker is respected by the listener.

Decirle a alguien sobre las características buenas de otra persona para hacerle verse mejor. Usualmente se habla para decir la verdad, pero quizás con alguna exageración. Esto es lo más efectivo cuando el hablante es respetado por el escuchante.

Let me get this straight: People say this when they want to consider all the facts and make sure they understand what they are hearing.

La gente dice esto cuando quieren considerar todos los hechos y asegurarse de que entienden lo que están escuchando.

To pull somebody’s leg: To joke with someone by saying something that isn’t true. It’s taken from the 1800's when canes were popular to carry. A way to play a joke on someone else was to trip him by hooking his leg with your cane.

Burlarse de alguien por decir algo que no es verdad. Se tomó de los 1800s cuando los bastones eran comunes de llevar. Una manera de burlarse de alguien era atropellarlo enganchando su pierna con tu bastón.

To hit it off: To become friends quickly because of good chemistry. Volverse buenos amigos rápidamente por buena química.

Chapter 14: Job Interview

Mark finally goes in for his interview with Kelso.

Kelso: Mark! What’s up buddy?

Mark: Hello, how are you? You’re Kelso right?

Kelso: You got that right. How’s it goin’?

Mark: Pretty good… A little surprised, I didn’t expect you to be so… relaxed.

Kelso: Well that’s how we roll around here. Ok, we like to have fun here, but it’s still work. It’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg. I just expect you to do your job. It’s pretty simple. Now while I do call the shots, I still consider us all equals. Ok, look, I’ve been around the block. I’ve worked under lots of bosses in a lot of companies and I know how some employees can be. They’ll mess around all day pretending to be working and then tell the boss they couldn’t finish the work on time.

Mark: So what kind of disciplinary action do you take?

Kelso: Oh, I don’t do anything. But you know what always seems to happen to the people I catch red-handed doing this? Just by chance, their paycheck happens to come late. It’s like there’s a screw up at headquarters or something. But needless to say, this usually teaches them their lesson and the next project comes in right on time. It’s good for people to get a taste of their own medecine

Mark: I guess you reap what you sow, huh?

Kelso: Ok, enough about me and the company. Let’s get the ball rolling and talk about you. After all, this is your interview. Jim tells me good things about you. It sounds like you’ve got a tough boss at your current job, who’s overworking you. Now, looking at your resume, experience, and what Jim has told me about you, you’re overqualified for the position here. I’m willing to hire you here on the spot. Here’s the pros and cons of the position. It’s simple. The pay is less than your current job, but the workload and stress level will be way less. You gotta take the good with the bad. You know, I bet working here would be as easy as pie for you compared to your job now. Plus, when higher positions open up, you can always apply for them. So this company has a real chance for advancement.

Mark: Ok. Thank you, Sir. It’s kind of a big decision for me. I’ll sleep on it and get back to you tomorrow with my answer.

Kelso: Alright, the ball’s in your court now. We’ll talk tomorrow.

Chapter 14 Interview: Mark finally goes in for his interview with Kelso.Mark finalmente va para su entrevista con Kelso.

Kelso: Mark! What’s up buddy? ! Mark! ¿Qué tal amigo?

Mark: Hello, how are you? You’re Kelso right? Hola, ¿como está? ¿Ud. es Kelso verdad?

Kelso: You got that right. How’s it goin’? Claro que sí. ¿Como te va?

Mark: Pretty good… A little surprised, I didn’t expect you to be so… relaxed.Bien… Un poco sorprendido. No esperé que fueras tan… relajado.

Kelso: Well that’s how we roll around here. Ok, we like to have fun here, but it’s still work. It’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg. I just expect you to do your job. It’s pretty simple. Now while I do call the shots, I still consider us all equals. Ok, look, I’ve been around the block. I’ve worked under lots of bosses in a lot of companies and I know how some employees can be. They’ll mess around all day pretending to be working and then tell the boss they couldn’t finish the work on time.

Pues eso así es como somos aquí. Bueno, nos gusta divertirnos aquí, pero aún es trabajo. No te va a costar demasiado. Simplemente espero que hagas tu propio trabajo. Es sencillo. Mientras yo tenga poder de decidir, veo a todos como iguales. Bueno, mira, he estado en muchos lugares. He trabajado debajo de muchos jefes en muchas compañías y sé como algunos de los empleados pueden ser. Pasarán todo el

día fingiendo trabajar y luego le dirán al jefe que no pudieron terminar su trabajo a tiempo.

Mark: So what kind of disciplinary action do you take? ¿Entonces qué tipo de medidas disciplinarias tomas?

Kelso: Oh, I don’t do anything. But you know what always seems to happen to the people I catch red-handed doing this? Just by chance, their paycheck happens to come late. It’s like there’s a screw up at headquarters or something. But needless to say, this usually teaches them their lesson and the next project comes in right on time. It’s good for people to get a taste of their own medicine.

Ah, no hago nada. ¿Pero sabes que siempre suele pasar a las personas que atrapo con las manos en la masa haciendo esto? Por causalidad, su cheque llega tarde. Es como si hubiera una equivocación en la oficina central o algo así. Pero obviamente, ésto suele enseñarles y el próximo proyecto llega exactamente a tiempo. Es bueno darles una probada de su medicina.

Mark: I guess you reap what you sow, huh? Supongo que obtienes los resultados buenos y malos de lo que haces, ¿verdad?

Kelso: Ok, enough about me and the company. Let’s get the ball rolling and talk about you. After all, this is your interview. Jim tells me good things about you. It sounds like you’ve got a tough boss at your current job, who’s overworking you. Now, looking at your resume, experience, and what Jim has told me about you, you’re overqualified for the position here. I’m willing to hire you here on the spot. Here’s the pros and cons of the position. It’s simple. The pay is less than your current job, but the workload and stress level will be way less. You gotta take the good with the bad. You know, I bet working here would be as easy as pie for you compared to your job now. Plus, when higher positions open up, you can always apply for them. So this company has a real chance for advancement.

Bueno, basta ya de mí y la compañía. Vamos a empezar y hablar de ti. Después de todo, esta es tu entrevista. Jim me dice cosas buenas de ti. Suena como que tienes un jefe duro en tu trabajo actual, que te hace trabajar demasiado. Ahora, mirando tu resumen, experiencia y lo que me ha dicho Jim de ti, eres sobre calificado para esta posición aquí. Estoy dispuesto a contratarte ahora mismo. Aquí tienes lo bueno y lo malo de la posición. Es sencillo. El pago es menor que el de tu trabajo actual, pero los oficios y nivel de estrés serán mucho menos. Tienes que aceptar lo bueno con lo malo. Sabes, apuesto a que trabajar aquí sería muy fácil para ti comparado a tu trabajo actual. Además, cuando haya mejores posiciones mejores estén disponibles, siempre podrás aspirar a ellas. Esta compañía brinda una oportunidad buena para ascender.

Mark: Ok. Thank you, Sir. It’s kind of a big decision for me. I’ll sleep on it and get back to you tomorrow with my answer.

Bueno. Gracias, Señor. Es una decisión grande para mí. Voy a pensarlo y le volveré mañana con mi respuesta.

Kelso: Alright, the ball’s in your court now. We’ll talk tomorrow.Bien, es tu turno de decidir ahora. Nos hablamos mañana.

Chapter 14 Job Interview

That’s how we roll: That’s how we are and how we act.

To cost an arm and a leg: To be very expensive or difficult. Often used of a product that is extremely expensive, or that is an unreasonable request.

To call the shots: To be in authority and be able to tell others what to do. Another common phrase is, "to be in charge."

To have been around the block: To have experience with something and know how it works.

To mess around: To waste time doing other than what is supposed to be done. Another identical idiom is: "to fool around." They both have to do with wasting time.

To catch red - handed: To find out that a person is doing something wrong by catching them while they are doing it. Originally, the word picture for this phrase was: A man was murdered and the murderer was found with blood on his hands, which proved him guilty.

To screw up: To make a mistake.

Needless to say: Obviously. Something that’s already known and doesn’t require an explanation.

To teach (someone) their lesson: To punish someone for wrong behavior, hoping to keep them from doing it again. This is often done to get revenge.

To get a taste of your own medicine: To receive back the same bad treatment or behavior that you gave to others.

You reap what you sow: You receive according to what you give. Another idiom that could be used in place of this that’s used in a negative way is: to get a taste of your own medicine.

To get the ball rolling: To start something and expect it to continue. Another idiom which has the same meaning is: "to get things going."

On the spot: At a specific time and a specific place.

Pros and cons: The positive and negative characteristics of something. Another idiomatic phrase meaning the same thing is, "the positives and negatives."

To take the good with the bad: To accept the good things and the bad things of something. Nothing is perfect. Therefore, we must accept that there are negative aspects to everything.

To be easy as pie: To be very easy to do. An expression identical in meaning is, it's a piece of cake.

To sleep on it: To spend the rest of the day making a decision and informing someone of the decision by the following day.

To get back to (someone): To respond to a question after a delay.

The ball's in your court: It’s your turn to make the next decision. This phrase is taken from tennis. If the tennis ball is on your side of the court, it's your turn to hit it.

Chapter 14 Job Interview

That’s how we roll: That’s how we are and how we act. Así es como somos y como actuamos.  To cost an arm and a leg: To be very expensive or difficult. Often used of a product that is extremely expensive, or that is an unreasonable request. Ser muy caro o difícil. Muchas veces se usa para un producto que es sumamente caro, o que es un pedido desrazonable.  To call the shots: To be in authority and be able to tell others what to do. Another common phrase is, "to be in charge." Ser autoridad y poder decir a los otros qué hacer. Otra frase común es, “to be in charge.”  To have been around the block: To have experience with something and know how it works.

Tener experiencia con algo y saber cómo funciona.  To mess around: To waste time doing other than what is supposed to be done. Another identical idiom is: "to fool around." They both have to do with wasting time. Perder tiempo en hacer más de lo que se supone que debe ser hecho. Otra expresión idiomática es: “to fool around.” Ambos tienen que ver con perder tiempo.  To catch red - handed: To find out that a person is doing something wrong by catching them while they are doing it. Originally, the word picture for this phrase was: A man was murdered and the murderer was found with blood on his hands, which proved him guilty.Encontrar que una persona está haciendo algo equivocado por atraparla mientras está haciéndolo. Originalmente, la descripción visual para esta frase fue: Un hombre fue asesinado y el asesino fue encontrado con sangre en sus manos, lo cual lo probó culpable.  To screw up: To make a mistake. Cometer un error.  Needless to say: Obviously. Something that’s already known and doesn’t require an explanation. Obviamente. Algo que ya está sabido y no se requiere otra explicación.  To teach (someone) their lesson: To punish someone for wrong behavior, hoping to keep them from doing it again. This is often done to get revenge. Castigar a alguien por mal comportamiento, esperando prevenirle de hacerlo de nuevo. Muchas veces ésto se hace para vengar.  

To get a taste of your own medicine: To receive back the same bad treatment or behavior that you gave to others. Recibir de vuelta el mismo mal trato o conducta que diste a otros.  

You reap what you sow: You receive according to what you give. Another idiom that could be used in place of this that’s used in a negative way is: to get a taste of your own medicine.Recibes según lo que das. Otra expresión idiomática que se podría usar en lugar de esta que se usa en una manera negativa es: to get a taste of your own medicine. To get the ball rolling: To start something and expect it to continue. Another idiom which has the same meaning is: "to get things going."Empezar algo y esperar que siga. Otra expresión idiomática que tiene lo mismo sentido es: "to get things going.” On the spot: At a specific time and a specific place. A un tiempo especifico y un lugar especifico.  Pros and cons: The positive and negative characteristics of something. Another idiomatic phrase meaning the same thing is, "the positives and negatives."

Las características positivas y negativas de algo. Otra frase idiomática significando lo mismo es, “the positives and the negatives.”  To take the good with the bad: To accept the good things and the bad things of something. Nothing is perfect. Therefore, we must accept that there are negative aspects to everything. Aceptar las cosas buenas y las cosas malas de algo. Nada es perfecto. Por lo tanto, hay que aceptar que hay aspectos negativos en todo.  To be easy as pie: To be very easy to do. An expression identical in meaning is, it's a piece of cake.Ser muy fácil de hacer. Una expresión idéntica en sentido es, it’s a piece of cake.  To sleep on it: To spend the rest of the day making a decision and informing someone of the decision by the following day. Pasar el resto del día tomando una decisión e informarle a alguien de la decisión al día siguiente.  To get back to (someone): To respond to a question after a delay. Responder a una pregunta después de una demora.  The ball's in your court: It’s your turn to make the next decision. This phrase is taken from tennis. If the tennis ball is on your side of the court, it's your turn to hit it.Es tu turno de hacer la próxima decisión. Esta frase es tomada del tenis. Si la pelota de tenis está en tu lado de la cancha, es tu turno golpearla.

Chapter 15: Gambling Addiction

Angela tries to stop her friend from gambling online.

Angela: Are you gambling again?

Emily: Umm… yeah. Ooh, I’ll win this next one for sure. It’ll be like taking candy from a baby.

Angela: You know how I feel about gambling. It’s too risky. You may win for awhile, but the bottom line is that you’re going to lose eventually.

Emily: Well, risky games just aren’t your cup of tea. But I like them. They give me a rush… Whew, that was close. They bought my bluff. Those bluffs are my bread and butter.

Angela: That’s great, but stop trying to milk it for all it’s worth, and quit while you’re ahead. Eventually someone’s going to call your bluff.

Emily: Hey, cut it out! I’m trying to focus.

Emily: Crap! I just lost all my winnings from today and some!

Angela: I don’t like to keep bringing this up, but you should probably cut your losses and call it a day.

Emily: Just one more time. I need to break even.

Angela: FYI, every time you win someone else is losing money. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Emily: Lost again…

Angela: That’s too bad, but hey, I was trying to talk you out of it. Come on, let’s go get a bite to eat. My treat.  

Chapter 15: Gambling Addiction: Angela tries to stop her friend from gambling online.Adición de apostar: Angela trata de parar su amiga de apostar en línea.  Angela: Are you gambling again? ¿Estás apostando de nuevo? Emily: Umm… yeah. Ooh, I’ll win this next one for sure. It’ll be like taking candy from a baby.Umm… sí. Uy, ganaré esta que viene por seguro. Será demasiado fácil. Angela: You know how I feel about gambling. It’s too risky. You may win for awhile, but the bottom line is that you’re going to lose eventually. Sabes como pienso acerca de apostar. Es demasiado riesgoso. Puedes ganar por un rato, pero al final vas a perder.  Emily: Well, risky games just aren’t your cup of tea. But I like them. They give me a rush… Whew, that was close. They bought my bluff. Those bluffs are my bread and butter. Pues, juegos riesgosos no son tu placer. Pero a mí me gustan. Me dan una emoción… Uy, eso estuvo cerca. Creyeron mi trampa. Esas trampas son mis esenciales.

 Angela: That’s great, but stop trying to milk it for all it’s worth, and quit while you’re ahead. Eventually someone’s going to call your bluff. Qué bien, pero deja de tratar de ganar todo lo posible y abandonar mientras estás ganando. Al final alguien te va a descubrir. Emily: Hey, cut it out! I’m trying to focus. ¡Oye, basta ya! Estoy tratando de concentrarme.  Emily: Crap! I just lost all my winnings from today and some!¡Ay! Acabo de perder todas mis ganancias de hoy y más.  Angela: I don’t like to keep bringing this up, but you should probably cut your losses and call it a day.No me gusta seguir hablando de esto pero deberías de parar y dejar todo por hoy.  Emily: Just one more time. I need to break even. Solo un minuto más. Necesito estar a mano.  Angela: FYI, every time you win someone else is losing money. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Para tu información, cada vez que ganas, alguien más está perdiendo dinero. Nada en la vida es gratis.  Emily: Lost again… Perdí otra vez…  Angela: That’s too bad, but hey, I was trying to talk you out of it. Come on, let’s go get a bite to eat. My treat. Qué lástima, pero oye, estaba tratando de convencerte de parar. Dale, vamos a comer algo. Te invito.

Chapter 15: Gambling Addiction It’s like taking candy from a baby: It’s really easy to do. The bottom line: The ultimate outcome. Not (your) cup of tea: Something that you don’t like. To get a rush: To become excited and energetic.  To buy it: To accept something as true based on believing another person. To bluff: To give a false appearance of strength. This is done in hope that the opponent will give up because of your apparent strength. Bread and butter: Something that is most often used or relied upon.  To milk (something) for all it's worth: To take all that you can from something; usually to the point of destroying your ability to use it. 

To quit while you’re ahead: To cease a risky activity while you are doing well, before your good luck turns bad. To call a bluff: To disbelieve your opponents' brave stance and test them by attacking it.

Cut it out: This phrase commands someone to cease what they’re doing immediately. It’s usually said in response to annoying behavior. Crap: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean: easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "This is a piece of crap." And then some: To add even more to something that was gained or lost. A phrase having the same general meaning is: "and on top of that." To bring (something) up: To mention something, often negative, and expect to address it. To cut your losses: To leave a losing situation before you lose even more. To call it a day: To stop working or doing some activity for the rest of the day. To break even: To end up with the same amount of something as you started with. F.Y.I: This is the acronym of: For Your Information. There's no such thing as a free lunch: No matter what, nothing in life is free. Everything that appears free always costs somebody something; either time, energy, or money. That's too bad: That’s unfortunate. This phrase is often used in a sarcastic way.

To talk (someone) out of something: To convince someone not to do something by using logic and showing them the consequences of their action. A bite to eat: Some food. My treat: I will pay for you. Another way to say this is: "I'm buying."  Chapter 15: Gambling Addiction

It’s like taking candy from a baby: It’s really easy to do. Es muy fácil de hacer. The bottom line: The ultimate outcome. El resultado final.  Not (your) cup of tea: Something that you don’t like. Algo que no te gusta.  To get a rush: To become excited and energetic. Ponerse emocionado y energético.  To buy it: To accept something as true based on believing another person.Creer algo como cierto basado en la confianza a otra persona.  To bluff: To give a false appearance of strength. This is done in hope that the opponent will give up because of your apparent strength.

Dar una apariencia falsa de fortaleza. Ésta se hace en espera a que el opositor abandonara por tu fortaleza aparente.  Bread and butter: Something that is most often used or relied upon. Algo que mayormente se usa o se cuenta con.  To milk (something) for all it's worth: To take all that you can from something; usually to the point of destroying your ability to use it.Tomar todo lo que puedes de algo; usualmente al borde de destruir tu habilidad de utilizarlo.  To quit while you’re ahead: To cease a risky activity while you are doing well, before your good luck turns bad.Cesar una actividad riesgosa mientras estás haciendo bien, antes de que tu buena suerte se vuelva mala.

To call a bluff: To disbelieve your opponents' brave stance and test them by attacking it.No creer la postura valiente de tu opositor y probarlo atacándolo.

Cut it out: This phrase commands someone to cease what they’re doing immediately. It’s usually said in response to annoying behavior.

Ésta frase manda a alguien a cesar de lo que está haciendo inmediatamente. Usualmente se dice en respuesta a un comportamiento molesto.  Crap: This is an exclamation of frustration and can also be used to mean: easily broken, junky, and cheaply made. For example: "This is a piece of crap."

Ésta es una exclamación de frustración y también se puede usar para significar: facilmente quebrado, porquería y hecho baratamente. Por ejemplo, “esto es un pedazo de crap.”  

And then some: To add even more to something that was gained or lost. A phrase having the same general meaning is: "and on top of that."

Añadir incluso más a algo que fue ganado o perdido. Una frase teniendo el mismo sentido general es: “and on top of that.”

To bring (something) up: To mention something, often negative, and expect to address it.Mencionar algo, muchas veces negativa y esperar abordarlo.  To cut your losses: To leave a losing situation before you lose even more.Retirarse de una situación perdida antes de que pierdas aún más.  To call it a day: To stop working or doing some activity for the rest of the day.Dejar de trabajar o hacer alguna actividad por el resto del día.  To break even: To end up with the same amount of something as you started with.

Encontrarse con la misma cantidad de algo que cuando empezaste.  F.Y.I: This is the acronym of: For Your Information.Ésta es un acrónimo de: Para tu información.  There's no such thing as a free lunch: No matter what, nothing in life is free. Everything that appears free always costs somebody something; either time, energy, or money.

A pesar de cualquier cosa, nada en la vida es gratis. Todo lo que parece gratis siempre cuesta a alguien algo; incluso tiempo, energía o dinero.  That's too bad: That’s unfortunate. This phrase is often used in a sarcastic way.Eso es un infortunio. Esta frase muchas veces se usa en una manera sarcástica.  To talk (someone) out of something: To convince someone not to do something by using logic and showing them the consequences of their action.Convencer a alguien de no hacer algo usando la lógica y mostrarles las consecuencias de su acción.  A bite to eat: Some food. Algo de comida. My treat: I will pay for you. Another way to say this is: "I'm buying."Pago por ti. Otra manera de decir ésta es: “I’m buying.”

V

Chapter 16: Relationships

Tim and Sean, old friends from back in college, run into each other and catch up on things.

Sean: Tim, what’s new? Long time no see.

Tim: Whoa, hey man! What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here. I haven’t seen you since college.

Sean: Yeah, it’s been awhile. Hey do you remember Phil and Jessica? Last night Phil popped the question.

Tim: Wow, so he already asked for her hand in marriage. When are they getting married?

Sean: They’re gettin’ hitched in April. I hung out with them last night. They really get along well together… It’s like they were made for each other.

Tim: I’m glad they’re good together. A lot of couples seem to start off quickly from a crush, and then out of the blue one of them gets dumped. But it sounds like Phil and Jess are the real deal.

Sean: While we’re talking about relationships, why don’t you catch me up on what’s been going on with you.

Tim: Well I’ve been going out with someone for a few months now, but we’re still a ways away from tying the knot.

Sean: Yeah, you don’t want to rush those things. It’s better to get all the skeletons out of the closet before getting married.

Tim: That’s true, but I’m not too worried about it. I’ve known her for a long time as a friend before we started going out.

Sean: Oh, I see. So it wasn’t love at first sight, huh?

Tim: No, not really. We kind of gradually went from being friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. It wasn’t like I suddenly fell head over heels for her or something like that. But things are going well between us. It’s been smooth sailing so far.

Sean: Awesome, I’m glad to hear that. Hey, I gotta go. It was great running into you and catching up on things.

Tim: It sure was, drop me a line sometime.

Chapter 16 Relationships: Tim and Sean, old friends from back in college, run into each other and catch up on things. Las relaciones: Tim y Sean, viejos amigos viejos desde la universidad, se encuentran y se hablan sobre cosas que han sucedido.  Sean: Tim, what’s new? Long time no see.Tim, ¿qué hay de nuevo? Tanto tiempo. Tim: Whoa, hey man! What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here. I haven’t seen you since college.¡Whoa, hola amigo! ¡Qué sorpresa! No esperaba verte aquí. No te he visto desde la universidad.  Sean: Yeah, it’s been awhile. Hey do you remember Phil and Jessica? Last night Phil popped the question.Sí ha pasado mucho tiempo. Oye, ¿te acuerdas de Phil y Jessica? Anoche Phil le propuso matrimonio.  

Tim: Wow, so he already asked for her hand in marriage. When are they getting married?Guau, entonces ya le pidió la mano en matrimonio. ¿Cuándo se casan? Sean: They’re gettin’ hitched in April. I hung out with them last night. They really get along well together… It’s like they were made for each other. Ellos van a casarse en abril. Pasé un tiempo con ellos anoche. Ellos tienen mucha química…. Es como si fueran hechos el uno para el otro.  Tim: I’m glad they’re good together. A lot of couples seem to start off quickly from a crush, and then out of the blue one of them gets dumped. But it sounds like Phil and Jess are the real deal. Me alegra que tengan química. Muchas parejas parecen comenzar a gustarse rápidamente y de repente uno le corta al otro. Pero suena como que Phil y Jess van en serio.  Sean: While we’re talking about relationships, why don’t you catch me up on what’s been going on with you.Mientras estamos hablando de las relaciones, ¿por qué no me cuentas cómo te ha ido?

Tim: Well I’ve been going out with someone for a few months now, but we’re still a ways away from tying the knot. Pues he estado saliendo con alguien por algunos meses, pero aún estamos lejos de casarnos.

Sean: Yeah, you don’t want to rush those things. It’s better to get all the skeletons out of the closet before getting married. Claro, no quieres apurar esas cosas. Es mejor sacar los esqueletos fuera del armario antes de casarse.

Tim: That’s true, but I’m not too worried about it. I’ve known her for a long time as a friend before we started going out. Es cierto, pero no estoy muy preocupado por eso. La he conocido hace mucho tiempo como amiga antes de empezar a salir con ella.  Sean: Oh, I see. So it wasn’t love at first sight, huh? Ah ya veo. Entonces no fue amor a primera vista, verdad?  Tim: No, not really. We kind of gradually went from being friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. It wasn’t like I suddenly fell head over heels for her or something like that. But things are going well between us. It’s been smooth sailing so far. Realmente no. Gradualmente fuimos de ser amigos a ser novios. No fue como si de repente estuviera loco por ella o algo así. Pero las cosas andan bien entre nosotros. Ha sido fácil hasta ahora. Sean: Awesome, I’m glad to hear that. Hey, I gotta go. It was great running into you and catching up on things.Qué bueno, estoy contento de oír eso. Oye, me tengo que ir. Fue un placer encontrarte por casualidad y ponernos al día.  Tim: It sure was, drop me a line sometime.Claro que sí, llámame por teléfono alguna vez.

Chapter 16 Relationships

To run into someone: To encounter an acquaintance by chance.

To Catch up: To find out what is new and different in a friend's life since you last saw that friend.

Long time no see: This is a shortening of: "A lot of time has passed without seeing you."

To pop the question: To ask the question, "Will you marry me?" It’s usually done as a surprise.

To ask for her hand in marriage: To propose to a woman.

To get hitched: To get married. This phrase is taken from the practice of connecting two work animals together to pull a wagon more easily.

To hang out: To spend time with someone. To be around friends simply talking and doing nothing in particular.

To get along: To be friendly and have a good relationship with someone else.

Made for each other: The two people are almost perfect together, as if one was made for the other.

They're good together: This usually means that a couple looks and acts in a way that shows they are a good pair.

A crush: A crush can range from liking someone secretly to having a mild obsession with them.

Out of the blue: To happen suddenly without any warning.

To dump: To break up with one’s boyfriend or girlfriend.

The real deal: Something that is going to last, or more generally, that is of high quality.

To catch (someone) up: To inform someone about the latest news or information. A similar phrase is: "to bring someone up to speed."

To tie the knot: To get married. It possibly comes from the idea of soul mates found in Egyptian mythology.

To get the skeletons out of the closet: To find out all the secrets that might affect a relationship.

Love at first sight: When people meet for the first time, and one or both of them feel like they are in love immediately.

To fall head over heels: To become completely enamored by another person.

Smooth sailing: When everything in a situation is easy and without troubles.

To drop (someone) a line: To call someone on the phone.

Chapter 16 Relationships

To run into someone: To encounter an acquaintance by chance.Encontrar a un conocido por causalidad.

To Catch up: To find out what is new and different in a friend's life since you last saw that friend.Encontrar qué hay de nuevo y diferente en la vida de un amigo desde la última vez que viste a ese amigo.

Long time no see: This is a shortening of: "A lot of time has passed without seeing you."Esta es una versión corta de: “Ha pasado mucho tiempo sin verte.”

To pop the question: To ask the question, "Will you marry me?" It’s usually done as a surprise.Hacer la pregunta, “¿Te vas a casar conmigo?” Usualmente se hace como una sorpresa.

To ask for her hand in marriage: To propose to a woman.”Pedir la mano en matrimonio.” Proponerse a una mujer.

To get hitched: To get married. This phrase is taken from the practice of connecting two work animals together to pull a wagon more easily.Casarse. Esta frase se toma de la práctica de conectar dos animales de trabajo para tirar un carro más fácilmente.

To hang out: To spend time with someone. To be around friends simply talking and doing nothing in particular.Pasar tiempo con alguien. Estar alrededor de amigos simplemente conversando y no haciendo nada en particular.

To get along: To be friendly and have a good relationship with someone else.Ser amigable y tener una buena relación con otra persona.

Made for each other: The two people are almost perfect together, as if one was made for the other.Las dos personas son casi perfectas juntas, como si uno fuera hecho para el otro.

They're good together: This usually means that a couple looks and acts in a way that shows they are a good pair.Esto usualmente significa que una pareja se ve y actúa de un modo que demuestra que son un buen par.

A crush: A crush can range from liking someone secretly to having a mild obsession with them. Un “crush” puede significar desde gustar de alguien en secreto a tener una obsesión pequeña hacia la persona.

Out of the blue: To happen suddenly without any warning. Suceder de repente sin ningún aviso.

To dump: To break up with one’s boyfriend or girlfriend. Romper con un novio o novia.

The real deal: Something that is going to last, or more generally, that is of high quality.Algo que va a durar, o generalmente, algo que tiene buena calidad.

To catch (someone) up: To inform someone about the latest news or information. A similar phrase is: "to bring someone up to speed."Informar a alguien sobre las últimas noticias o información. Una frase parecida es: “to bring up to speed.”

To tie the knot: To get married. It possibly comes from the idea of soul mates found in Egyptian mythology.Casarse. Posible viene de la idea de almas gemelas en mitología egipcia.

To get the skeletons out of the closet: To find out all the secrets that might affect a relationship. ”Quitar los esqueletos del armario.” Encontrar todos los secretos que posiblemente afectarían una relación.

Love at first sight: When people meet for the first time, and one or both of them feel like they are in love immediately. ”Amor a primera vista.” Cuando gente se encuentra por la primera vez y uno o ambos sienten que se enamoran inmediatamente.

To fall head over heels: To become completely enamored by another person. Enamorarse completamente de otra persona.

Smooth sailing: When everything in a situation is easy and without troubles.Cuando todo en una situación es fácil y sin problemas.

To drop (someone) a line: To call someone on the phone. Llamar alguien por teléfono.

Chapter 17: The Presentation. The Presentation: Juliet and Denise go over their business presentation. La presentación: Juliet y Denise revisan su presentación de negocios.

Juliet: Ok, so we already know all the information by heart. Now we just need to decide how we’re going to deliver it.Bueno, entonces ya sabemos toda la información de memoria. Ahora sólo necesitamos decidir como vamos a presentarla.

Denise: Well, they say that about 90% of communication is nonverbal. So I think we should try to be animated. If nothing else, it’ll keep the uninterested people from being bored out of their minds. Pues, se dice que alrededor de 90% de la comunicación no es verbal. Entonces creo que debemos tratar de estar animadas. Si no hay nada más, lograría la atención de las personas que no están interesadas.

Juliet: You’re right. We also need to remember to get a feel for how the audience thinks so we can meet them where they’re at. Tienes razón. También necesitamos recordar observar cómo piensa la audiencia para que podamos entender su posición.

Denise: Yeah, we definitely don’t want to go against the grain. But we don’t want to beat a dead horse either. If the audience accepts our point, we can move on to the next thing. Sí, definitivamente no queremos empezar en mal camino. Pero tampoco queremos repetir la misma cosa. Si la audiencia acepta nuestro punto, podemos avanzar a lo siguiente.

Juliet: Oh, by the way, that proposition you sent me earlier is really good. But I think we should have a backup just in case. We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket. Ah, por cierto, esa propuesta que me mandaste antes es muy buena. Pero pienso que debemos tener una copia de seguridad por si acaso. No queremos depender de solamente una cosa.

Denise: Ok, that’s a good idea. Oh yeah, before I forget... Remember that your section about the upcoming lay-offs is a sensitive topic to a lot of people. They’re already on pins and needles about the economy right now. So just be careful what you say and don’t put your foot in your mouth and offend someone. Ok, esa es una buena idea. Por cierto, antes de olvidarme…. Te acuerdas que tu sección de los próximos despidos es un tema delicado para mucha gente. Ya están nerviosos por la economía ahora. Entonces ten cuidado de lo que dices y no metas la pata. No sería bueno ofender a nadie.

Juliet: Ok, I’ll try. But I can’t help it if someone gets offended. I don’t want to be the one blamed if it happens. We both wrote that section, so we’re both responsible. It takes two to tango. You know that.Bueno, trataré. Pero no puedo controlar si alguien se ofende. No quiero ser la culpable si pasa. Nosotras dos escribimos esa sección, así que nosotras dos somos responsables. Se necesitan dos para bailar. Tú sabes eso.

Denise: Yeah, I know. I wouldn’t just throw all the blame on you. Ok, so right after that section we can get into how they can make their products sell like hotcakes. This will really be a win-win situation for all of us, since when they sell their product, we make some cold hard cash, too. Ya sé. Yo no te echaría toda la culpa. Bueno, entonces inmediatamente después de esa sección podemos abordar sobre cómo pueden hacer que sus productos se vendan muy rápidamente. Esto realmente será una situación en que los dos pueden ganar, ya que cuando vendan su producto, nosotras también ganamos efectivo.

Juliet: And then for the icing on the cake, we can show them the secret of cutting a deal with the manufacturer, and even how to get them to meet you halfway when they start playing hardball. Y luego para poner azúcar arriba podemos demostrarles el secreto de hacer un trato con el fabricante e incluso cómo llegar a un acuerdo cuando no quieren negociar.

Denise: Sounds like we’re going to have one great presentation. It really seems like the sky’s the limit. The only thing is that it’ll be a lot of information for them to swallow. So we should give them our contact info if they have any questions later on after we leave. Suena como vamos a tener una gran presentación. Realmente parece que no hay límite. Lo único es que será mucha información para entender. Entonces debemos darles nuestra información de contacto si tienen algunas preguntas más tarde después de irnos.

Juliet: So far, not that many people have RSVP'd. What if we don’t have a good turnout? Hasta ahora, no mucha gente ha reservado una sede. ¿Qué hay si no tenemos una concurrencia buena?

Denise: No skin off my nose. We can just advertise better for the next one. Hey, did they ever tell us if we can provide refreshments?No me lastima. Simplemente podemos hacer publicidad mejor para la próxima. Oye, ¿nos avisaron si podemos dar refrescos?

Juliet: No, not yet. The jury’s still out. No, todavía no. Aún están indecisos.

Denise: I hope we can. There’s a lot of info to cover, and once we get down to the facts, people are going to need a drink or something. Espero que podamos. Hay mucha información que cubrir y cuando digamos toda la información, necesitarán un refresco o algo.

Chapter 17: The Presentation. Juliet and Denise go over their business presentation.

Juliet: Ok, so we already know all the information by heart. Now we just need to decide how we’re going to deliver it.

Denise: Well, they say that about 90% of communication is nonverbal. So I think we should try to be animated. If nothing else, it’ll keep the uninterested people from being bored out of their minds.

Juliet: You’re right. We also need to remember to get a feel for how the audience thinks so we can meet them where they’re at.

Denise: Yeah, we definitely don’t want to go against the grain. But we don’t want to beat a dead horse either. If the audience accepts our point, we can move on to the next thing.

Juliet: Oh, by the way, that proposition you sent me earlier is really good. But I think we should have a backup just in case. We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket.

Denise: Ok, that’s a good idea. Oh yeah, before I forget... Remember that your section about the upcoming lay-offs is a sensitive topic to a lot of people. They’re already on pins and needles about the economy right now. So just be careful what you say and don’t put your foot in your mouth and offend someone.

Juliet: Ok, I’ll try. But I can’t help it if someone gets offended. I don’t want to be the one blamed if it happens. We both wrote that section, so we’re both responsible. It takes two to tango. You know that.

Denise: Yeah, I know. I wouldn’t just throw all the blame on you. Ok, so right after that section we can get into how they can make their products sell like hotcakes. This will really be a win-win situation for all of us, since when they sell their product, we make some cold hard cash, too.

Juliet: And then for the icing on the cake, we can show them the secret of cutting a deal with the manufacturer, and even how to get them to meet you halfway when they start playing hardball.

Denise: Sounds like we’re going to have one great presentation. It really seems like the sky’s the limit. The only thing is that it’ll be a lot of information for them to swallow. So we should give them our contact info if they have any questions later on after we leave.

Juliet: So far, not that many people have RSVP'd. What if we don’t have a good turnout?

Denise: No skin off my nose. We can just advertise better for the next one. Hey, did they ever tell us if we can provide refreshments?

Juliet: No, not yet. The jury’s still out.

Denise: I hope we can. There’s a lot of info to cover, and once we get down to the facts, people are going to need a drink or something.  

Chapter 17: The Presentation.  To know (something) by heart: To have something completely memorized or to know all there is to know about it. To be bored out of your mind: To be extremely tired of a boring subject and not be able to pay attention to it. To be really bored. To get a feel for (something): To get used to how something behaves or works. To meet (someone) where they're at: To relate to someone based on what they understand, believe, or hold in high regard. To go against the grain: To oppose a person's natural feelings, likes, and dislikes. To annoy or trouble someone. To beat a dead horse: To continue doing something when it no longer needs to be done. To move on: To continue on in a set path. To continue to the next step. To put all of your eggs in one basket: To risk being wrong by putting all of your trust in one way.  To lay off: To dismiss someone from work because of the company's or the economy's financial problems. To be on pins and needles: To be very nervous and expecting some bad thing to happen at any time. To put your foot in your mouth: To say something offensive to others or embarrassing to yourself. To say something that shouldn’t be said.  To be able to help it: To be able to control your actions within a certain situation. It takes two to tango: Two people are equally responsible for a certain situation.  To sell like hotcakes: To sell very quickly and almost without effort. 

A win-win situation: A situation where all people involved get a benefit from it. Cold, hard cash: Money that’s in your hand, ready to be spent on anything. Icing on the cake: A bonus. To cut a deal: To make an agreement. To meet (someone) halfway: To compromise. To give someone what they want in order to get what you want from them. To play hardball: To be difficult to make a deal with. To be stubborn. The sky's the limit: There is no boundary to how far something can go.  To swallow: To accept and understand fully. This phrase is also used in a more negative way, as in: "Did you get them to swallow it?" meaning, "Did you get them to believe the lie?" So far: Until now.  RSVP: An acronym taken from the French phrase which means "please reply." It’s normally used in the context of parties and events. A turnout: The amount of people attending an event.  No skin off my nose: I don’t care because it doesn’t affect me.  The jury's still out: The decision is not yet made by those who can make it. To get down to the facts: To begin discussing the important points of something.

Chapter 17: The Presentation.

To know (something) by heart: To have something completely memorized or to know all there is to know about it.Tener algo completamente memorizado o saber todo lo que hay sobre ello.  To be bored out of your mind: To be extremely tired of a boring subject and not be able to pay attention to it. To be really bored.Estar sumamente cansado de un proyecto aburrido y no poder ponerle atención a ello. Estar realmente aburrido.  To get a feel for (something): To get used to how something behaves or works.Acostumbrarse a cómo algo actúa o funciona.  To meet (someone) where they're at: To relate to someone based on what they understand, believe, or hold in high regard.Entenderse con alguien según lo que piensa, cree o tiene en alta estima.  To go against the grain: To oppose a person's natural feelings, likes, and dislikes. To annoy or trouble someone.Estar en contra de los sentimientos naturales de alguien, sus gustos y disgustos. Molestar o causar problemas a alguien.  To beat a dead horse: To continue doing something when it no longer needs to be done.Seguir haciendo algo cuando ya no necesita ser hecho.  To move on: To continue on in a set path. To continue to the next step.Seguir en un camino decidido. Seguir al paso próximo.  To put all of your eggs in one basket: To risk being wrong by putting all of your trust in one way. Arriesgar el estar equivocado por poner toda tu confianza en un solo modo.  To lay off: To dismiss someone from work because of the company's or the economy's financial problems.Despedir a alguien del trabajo por los problemas financieros de la compañía o la economía.  To be on pins and needles: To be very nervous and expecting some bad thing to happen at any time.Estar muy nervioso y esperando a alguna cosa mala que pase a cualquier momento.  

To put your foot in your mouth: To say something offensive to others or embarrassing to yourself. To say something that shouldn’t be said. Decir algo ofensivo a otros o que te da vergüenza a ti. Decir algo que no debe ser dicho.  To be able to help it: To be able to control your actions within a certain situation.Poder controlar tus acciones dentro de una situación.  

It takes two to tango: Two people are equally responsible for a certain situation. Dos personas son igualmente responsables por una situación.  To sell like hotcakes: To sell very quickly and almost without effort.Vender muy rápido y casi sin esfuerzo.  A win-win situation: A situation where all people involved get a benefit from it.Una situación en donde toda la gente involucrada obtiene un beneficio de ella.  Cold, hard cash: Money that’s in your hand, ready to be spent on anything.Dinero (efectivo) que está en tu mano, listo para ser gastado en algo.  Icing on the cake: A bonus. Un plus.  To cut a deal: To make an agreement. Hacer un contrato.  To meet (someone) halfway: To compromise. To give someone what they want in order to get what you want from them.Llegar a un acuerdo. Dar a alguien lo que quiere para obtener lo que quieras de ello.  To play hardball: To be difficult to make a deal with. To be stubborn.Ser difícil de hacer un trato. Ser terco.  The sky's the limit: There is no boundary to how far something can go. No hay un límite de cuán lejos algo puede ir.  To swallow: To accept and understand fully. This phrase is also used in a more negative way, as in: "Did you get them to swallow it?" meaning, "Did you get them to believe the lie?"Aceptar y comprender completamente. Esta frase también se usa en una manera más negativa, como: “Did you get them to swallow it?” significando “Lograste hacerlos creer la mentira?” So far: Until now. Hasta ahora.  RSVP: An acronym taken from the French phrase which means "please reply." It’s normally used in the context of parties and events.Un acrónimo tomado de la frase francés cual significa “por favor responda.” Normalmente se usa en el contexto de las fiestas y los eventos.  A turnout: The amount of people attending an event. La cantidad de personas asistiendo un evento.

 No skin off my nose: I don’t care because it doesn’t affect me. No me importa porque no me afecta.  The jury's still out: The decision is not yet made by those who can make it.La decisión aún no está tomada por los que pueden hacerla.  To get down to the facts: To begin discussing the important points of something.Empezar discutiendo los puntos importantes de algo.

Chapter 18: Office Meeting

Kelso, the office manager, speaks to his employees and catches them up on their goals for the new term.

Kelso: Hello everyone, please lend me your ears for a few minutes. First off, I just want to congratulate everyone for all your hard work lately. It has really paid off, which is why our sales have skyrocketed. I’ll open things up for questions and comments in a minute, but right now I’d like to go over some announcements. We’re having our annual party next Saturday night to recognize the top salesmen in the firm. There will be music and refreshments. So we need to know beforehand if you will be coming. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by signing your name on the sheet that’s being passed around. Now, for the next order of business. Abel had to take some time off for personal reasons. Now I need someone to fill his shoes. Bear in mind that his position is rather difficult, so you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and work hard. I’d prefer any volunteers to have at least a years worth of experience in sales under their belt. So, do I have any volunteers? Yes, Toni.

Toni: Well, losing Abel is definitely a setback, but I think I can pick up the slack and fill in for him until he comes back. You won’t even notice he’s gone.

Kelso: Thanks Toni. You’ve been a pretty good worker here, and I bet you can pull this off.

Debbie: I have a question… Who’s in charge of the decorations for the party?

Kelso: We’re going to discuss it after the meeting. If you’d like to have a say, stick around until the meeting’s over and we’ll go over some of the options. If that’s all the questions, let’s wrap it up and I’ll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone.

Chapter 18 Office Meeting: Kelso, the office manager, speaks to his employees and catches them up on their goals for the new term.La junta de la oficina: Kelso, el gerente, habla con sus trabajadores y les dice sobre sus metas para el nuevo periodo.  Kelso: Hello everyone, please lend me your ears for a few minutes. First off, I just want to congratulate everyone for all your hard work lately. It has really paid off, which is why our sales have skyrocketed. I’ll open things up for questions and comments in a minute, but right now I’d like to go over some announcements. We’re having our annual party next Saturday night to recognize the top salesmen in the firm. There will be music and refreshments. So we need to know beforehand if you will be coming. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by signing your name on the sheet that’s being passed around. Now, for the next order of business. Abel had to take some time off for personal reasons. Now I need someone to fill his shoes. Bear in mind that his position is rather difficult, so you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and work hard. I’d prefer any volunteers to have at least a years worth of experience in sales under their belt. So, do I have any volunteers? Yes, Toni.

Hola a todos, por favor escúchenme por algunos minutos. Primero, quiero felicitarlos a todos por haber trabajado mucho últimamente. Valió la pena, y por eso nuestras ventas han subido mucho. Les daré tiempo para preguntas y comentarios en un minuto, pero ahora mismo me gustaría abordar algunos anuncios. Vamos a tener nuestra fiesta anual el sábado que viene para reconocer al mejor vendedor de la compañía. Habrá música y refrescos. Así que necesitamos saber por anticipado si van a venir. Si planean asistir, por favor avísennos para anotar su nombre en el papel que se está pasando. Ahora vamos a lo siguiente. Abel tuvo que pedir licencia por asuntos personales. Ahora necesito que alguien haga sus oficios. Tomen en cuenta que su posición es bastante difícil, así que tendrán que subirse las mangas y trabajar duramente. Preferiría que los voluntarios tengan por lo menos un año de experiencia en ventas en su haber. Entonces, ¿hay algún voluntario? Sí, Toni.  Toni: Well, losing Abel is definitely a setback, but I think I can pick up the slack and fill in for him until he comes back. You won’t even notice he’s gone. Pues, perder a Abel es definitivamente un contratiempo, pero pienso que puedo compensarlo y hacer su trabajo hasta que regrese. Ni notarán que se ha ido.  

Kelso: Thanks Toni. You’ve been a pretty good worker here, and I bet you can pull this off.Gracias Toni. Has sido una buena trabajadora aquí y apuesto que lo puedes lograr.  Debbie: I have a question… Who’s in charge of the decorations for the party? Tengo una pregunta. ¿Quién se encarga de las decoraciones de la fiesta? Kelso: We’re going to discuss it after the meeting. If you’d like to have a say, stick around until the meeting’s over and we’ll go over some of the options. If that’s all the questions, let’s wrap it up and I’ll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone. Vamos a discutirlo después de la junta. Si te gustaría contribuir a la decisión, espera hasta que la junta se termine y revisaremos todas las opciones. Si esas son todas las preguntas, terminemos y los veo el lunes. Que todos tengan un buen fin de semana.

Chapter 18 Office Meeting:

Lend me your ears: This is a way of saying, “Listen and pay attention to what I am going to say.”

To pay off: To receive the benefits of a productive action.

To skyrocket: To increase rapidly. This phrase is often used in a business context, relating to quantity or price.

To open things up: To enable other people to speak within a group or to get started in an activity. It’s done by a person in authority.

To go over (something): To review or examine something in order to become acquainted with it.

RSVP: An acronym taken from the French phrase which means, "Please reply." It’s normally used in the context of parties and events.

To pass around: To pass an object from one person to another within a group.

To take time off: To cease and get away from an activity, usually a job, for a period of time.

To fill (someone's) shoes: To take the place of someone by fulfilling their previous role. It can range from one day’s work, to replacing a father figure.

To bear in mind: To think about some fact and use your awareness of it to affect your actions. A similar expression is "to keep in the back of your mind."

To roll up your sleeves: To prepare yourself for hard work.

Under your belt: Your level of experience in something is what you have under your belt.

A setback: A delay in the completion of a goal.

To pick up the slack: To keep a project productive by helping to fill the role of an absent worker. Think about carrying a large, heavy carpet. Multiple people are holding the edges, but suddenly one of them has to leave. Now there is an edge sagging... So one of the others must compensate.

To fill in for (someone): To temporarily take the place of someone by fulfilling their previous role. This differs from filling someone’s shoes in that it is more temporary.

To pull (something) off: To succeed in something.

Go ahead: This imperative is used to give permission to someone.

To have a say: To be able to contribute to a decision.

To stick around: To stay in the same place for a longer period of time.

To wrap it up: To complete a discussion, project, or other activity.

Chapter 18 Office Meeting:

Lend me your ears: This is a way of saying, “Listen and pay attention to what I am going to say.”Esto es una manera decir, “Escuchen y pongan atención a lo que estoy a punto de decir.”

To pay off: To receive the benefits of a productive action. Recibir los beneficios de una acción productiva.

To skyrocket: To increase rapidly. This phrase is often used in a business context, relating to quantity or price.Aumentar rápidamente. Esta frase muchas veces se usa en un contexto de negocios, asociando a cantidad o precio.

To open things up: To enable other people to speak within a group or to get started in an activity. It’s done by a person in authority. Autorizar a otra gente a hablar dentro de un grupo o empezar una actividad. Es hecho por una persona con autoridad.

To go over (something): To review or examine something in order to become acquainted with it.Revisar o examinar algo para conocerlo mejor.

RSVP: An acronym taken from the French phrase which means, "Please reply." It’s normally used in the context of parties and events.Un acrónimo tomado de la frase francesa que significa, “Por favor responde.”

To pass around: To pass an object from one person to another within a group.Pasar un objeto de una persona a otra dentro de un grupo.

To take time off: To cease and get away from an activity, usually a job, for a period of time. Cesar y retirarse de una actividad, usualmente un trabajo, por un tiempo.

To fill (someone's) shoes: To take the place of someone by fulfilling their previous role. It can range from one day’s work, to replacing a father figure. Tomar el puesto de alguien para realizar su función previa. Se puede entender por un día de trabajo, hasta incluso reponer una figura paterna.

To bear in mind: To think about some fact and use your awareness of it to affect your actions. A similar expression is "to keep in the back of your mind."Pensar en algún dato y usar tu conocimiento de ello para afectar tus acciones. Una expresión parecida es “to keep in the back of your mind.”

To roll up your sleeves: To prepare yourself for hard work. ”Arremangarse.” Prepararse para un trabajo duro.

Under your belt: Your level of experience in something is what you have under your belt. Tu nivel de experiencia en algo es lo que tienes under your belt.

A setback: A delay in the completion of a goal. Una demora en el cumplimiento de una meta.

To pick up the slack: To keep a project productive by helping to fill the role of an absent worker. Think about carrying a large, heavy carpet. Multiple people are holding the edges, but suddenly one of them has to leave. Now there is an edge sagging... So one of the others must compensate. Mantener un proyecto productivo por ayudar a llenar la función de un trabajador ausente. Piensa en llevar una alfombra larga y pesada. Varias personas están agarrando los bordes, pero de repente uno tiene que irse. Ahora hay un borde torciéndose... Entonces uno de los demás tiene que compensar.

To fill in for (someone): To temporarily take the place of someone by fulfilling their previous role. This differs from filling someone’s shoes in that it is more temporary.

Temporalmente tomar el puesto de alguien para realizar su función previa. Esto difiere de filling someone’s shoes ya que es más temporal.

To pull (something) off: To succeed in something. Lograr realizar algo.

Go ahead: This imperative is used to give permission to someone. Este imperativo se usa para dar permiso a alguien.

To have a say: To be able to contribute to a decision. Poder contribuir a una decisión.

To stick around: To stay in the same place for a longer period of time.Quedarse en el mismo lugar por un largo período de tiempo.

To wrap it up: To complete a discussion, project, or other activity.Terminar una discusión, proyecto u otra actividad.

Chapter 19: The Suspicious Man

As two friends are walking in their neighborhood and talking, they notice a strange man.

Dillon: Hey, this morning I saw some guy out and about the neighborhood. It looked like he was snooping around some of the houses.

Corey: Hmm… that sounds kind of fishy. Let’s see if he’s still out there.

Dillon: There he is, right over there.

Corey: Where? I don’t see anyone.

Dillon: He's right there. Man, you’re blind as a bat!

Corey: Oh, I see him now.

Dillon: I wonder what he’s doing. Man, the neighborhood would be on pins and needles if they knew he was out here.

Corey: Calm down. It’s probably all in your mind. I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation.

Dillon: This guy’s up to something. Hmm… I’m going to get to the bottom of this.

Corey: What do you have up your sleeve?

Dillon: I don’t know. But this guy’s up to no good. You can take that to the bank. Somebody should do something.

Corey: So, are you gonna practice what you preach and do something about it?

Dillon: Yeah, I’m going over there. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll give him a black eye if I have to.

Corey: That’s not such a great idea. He’s a lot bigger than you.

Dillon: Oh come on. I could eat him for breakfast.

Corey: Ok then. I got your back. Let’s go.

Chapter 19 The Suspicious Man: As two friends are walking in their neighborhood and talking, they notice a strange man. El hombre sospechoso: Mientras dos amigos están caminando en su vecindario y hablando, notan a un tipo extraño.  Dillon: Hey, this morning I saw some guy out and about the neighborhood. It looked like he was snooping around some of the houses. Oye, esta mañana vi a un tipo por el vecindario. Se pareció como si estuviera mirando algunas casas.  Corey: Hmm… that sounds kind of fishy. Let’s see if he’s still out there.Hmm… suena medio sospechoso. Veamos si aún está fuera. Dillon: There he is, right over there. Allí está, justo allí.  Corey: Where? I don’t see anyone. ¿Dónde? No veo nadie.  Dillon: He's right there. Man, you’re blind as a bat! Está justo allí. ¡Uy, eres tan ciego como un murciélago. Corey: Oh, I see him now. Ah, lo veo ahora.  Dillon: I wonder what he’s doing. Man, the neighborhood would be on pins and needles if they knew he was out here.

Me pregunto qué está haciendo. Uy, la gente del vecindario estaría nerviosa si supiera que está aquí.  Corey: Calm down. It’s probably all in your mind. I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation. Tranquilo. Es probablemente sólo tu imaginación. Estoy seguro que hay una explicación buena.  Dillon: This guy’s up to something. Hmm… I’m going to get to the bottom of this. Este tipo planea algo. Hmm… voy a llegar al fondo de esto. Corey: What do you have up your sleeve? ¿Qué truco tienes debajo de la manga? Dillon: I don’t know. But this guy’s up to no good. You can take that to the bank. Somebody should do something.No lo sé. Pero este tipo no está haciendo nada bueno. Puedes contar con eso. Alguien debería hacer algo.  Corey: So, are you gonna practice what you preach and do something about it?Entonces, ¿vas a predicar con el ejemplo y hacer algo? Dillon: Yeah, I’m going over there. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll give him a black eye if I have to. Sí, voy allí. En tiempos desesperados hay que tomar medidas desesperadas. Le dejo el ojo morado si es necesario.  Corey: That’s not such a great idea. He’s a lot bigger than you.Eso no es buena idea. Él es mucho más grande que tú.  Dillon: Oh come on. I could eat him for breakfast. Ah dale. Podría conquistarlo fácilmente.  Corey: Ok then. I got your back. Let’s go. Bueno. Te cuido. Vamos.

Chapter 19The Suspicious Man: To be out and about: To be active and moving around in a certain place.  To snoop around: To search for something in a secretive way. A phrase meaning the same thing is: "to sneak around." To be fishy: To seem suspicious or strange. To be blind as a bat: To not see very well. This expression is often used as an exaggeration. To be on pins and needles: To be nervous and expecting a bad thing to happen soon. To be all in your mind: To imagine something is true when you have no real foundation for this belief.  He’s up to something: He’s doing something in a suspicious way. “To be up to something” can also have the general meaning of simply being involved in

something. For example, “What have you been up to?” To get to the bottom of (something): To discover the cause of something. To solve a mystery. To have something up (your) sleeve: To have a trick or plan that you’re ready to use. This phrase can also mean: "To have a hidden motive or desire." This originally referred to cheating in poker when the cheater would hide an ace in his sleeve. To be up to no good: To be involved in doing something that is disapproved of.Estar involucrado en hacer algo que está desaprobado.  You can take that to the bank: You can be sure that will happen. The phrase: “You can bet on that” means the same thing. Practice what you preach: To apply your own words or practical advice to your life as an example.  Desperate times call for desperate measures: When things happen that require immediate action; it should be done, even if it seems extreme. A black eye: An eye with a bruise around it. To eat (someone) for breakfast: To defeat someone without any trouble or difficulty. To have (someone's) back: To serve as another's aide in a fight, project, or argument.  

Chapter 19The Suspicious Man:

To be out and about: To be active and moving around in a certain place. Estar activo y moviéndose en un lugar.

To snoop around: To search for something in a secretive way. A phrase meaning the same thing is: "to sneak around."Buscar algo en una manera secreta. Una frase significando lo mismo es: “to sneak around.” To be fishy: To seem suspicious or strange. Parecer sospechoso o extraño.  To be blind as a bat: To not see very well. This expression is often used as an exaggeration.No poder ver muy bien. Ésta expresión muchas veces se usa como una exageración.  To be on pins and needles: To be nervous and expecting a bad thing to happen soon.Estar nervioso y esperando una cosa mala pasar pronto. To be all in your mind: To imagine something is true when you have no real foundation for this belief. Imaginar que algo es verdad cuando no tienes fundamento real para esta creencia.  

He’s up to something: He’s doing something in a suspicious way. “To be up to something” can also have the general meaning of simply being involved in something. For example, “What have you been up to?”Él está haciendo algo en una manera sospechosa. “To be up to something” también se puede tener el sentido general de simplemente estar involucrado en algo. Por ejemplo, “What have you been up to?” To get to the bottom of (something): To discover the cause of something. To solve a mystery.Descubrir la causa de algo. Resolver un misterio.  To have something up (your) sleeve: To have a trick or plan that you’re ready to use. This phrase can also mean: "To have a hidden motive or desire." This originally referred to cheating in poker when the cheater would hide an ace in his sleeve.Tener un truco o plan que estás listo para utilizar. Ésta frase también puede significar, “Tener un motivo o deseo escondido.” Originalmente ésta se refiere a engañar en póquer cuando el engañador ocultó un as en su manga.  To be up to no good: To be involved in doing something that is disapproved of.Estar involucrado en hacer algo que está desaprobado.  You can take that to the bank: You can be sure that will happen. The phrase: “You can bet on that” means the same thing.Puedes estar seguro que eso pasará. La frase, “You can bet on that” significa lo mismo.  Practice what you preach: To apply your own words or practical advice to your life as an example. Aplicar tus propias palabras o consejo práctico a tu vida como un ejemplo.  Desperate times call for desperate measures: When things happen that require immediate action; it should be done, even if it seems extreme.Cuando las cosas que pasan requieren acción inmediata; se debe hacer, incluso si parece extremo.  A black eye: An eye with a bruise around it.Un ojo con un moretón alrededor del mismo.  To eat (someone) for breakfast: To defeat someone without any trouble or difficulty.Conquistar a alguien sin ningún problema o dificultad.  To have (someone's) back: To serve as another's aide in a fight, project, or argument. Asistir como ayudante de otro en una lucha, proyecto o discusión.

Chapter 20: Current Events

Christy is a radio talk show host and begins taking callers to discuss current events.

Christy: Ok, we’re back. The lines are open, so call now with your questions. Ok, we have our first caller – you’re on the air.

Curtis: Hi, I’m Curtis. It seems like lately the media has been watering down all the events in the Middle East. So do you have the inside scoop of what’s been going on over there lately?

Christy: Good question Curtis. I don’t have any secret information to tell you, and even if I did, I’d be guarding my tongue anyway. When you read between the lines, you can tell there’s a lot going on over there that we don’t know about. I’m sure that

a lot of what’s happening is off the record. Sorry I couldn’t shed more light on that but we need to move onto the next caller – you’re on the air.

Christy: Are you there? Cat got your tongue?

Johanna: Sorry, my connection was messed up for a second. I’m Johanna, by the way. After being in office for a couple years, the mayor was finally starting to rebuild this city. But after he died of a heart-attack, it seems like we’re back to the drawing board. The new mayor is a great guy and all, but he’s too young and inexperienced to be mayor. The position just seems out of his league. His current strategies don’t look very good, and it seems the odds are against him to succeed. I’m curious what your opinion is on the situation and what you think will happen down the road.

Christy: You’re preaching to the choir. I completely agree with you. I was one of the first to protest him being the replacement because of his inexperience. While he’s not in the same league as his predecessor, I think his heart’s in the right place. When we look at all the problems in the city and get to the heart of them, we can see they’re not his fault. But you can bet that his back’s up against the wall trying to fix them. I don’t think he’ll pass with flying colors, but I think he’ll get better as time goes on. Good question. Ok, our last caller - you’re on the air.

Stewie: First off, I just wanted to add that we were spoiled with our previous mayor. He was the best of both worlds – he had a good heart with the wisdom and experience to go along with it. Anyway, I just wanted you to comment on the recent downfall of these major corporations that we’ve been seeing lately.

Christy: Well, it has seemed like many of them started having trouble at the same time. When it rains, it pours. I can’t speak for all the corporations, but it seems like some of them were trying to have their cake and eat it too. Certain CEOs wanted the benefits of a big business and big money without the responsibility to maintain it properly and care for their workers and investors in the company. And as we’ve seen with some of these corporations, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. That’s it for today, thanks for tuning in.

Chapter 20 Current Events: Christy is a radio talk show host and begins taking callers to discuss current events. Eventos recientes: Christy es una presentadora de un programa de entrevistas de radio y empieza a tomar llamantes para discutir sobre eventos recientes. Christy: Ok, we’re back. The lines are open, so call now with your questions. Ok, we have our first caller – you’re on the air.Bueno, ya regresamos. Las líneas están abiertas, así que llamen ahora con tus preguntas. Bueno, tenemos nuestro primer llamante – estás en línea.  

Curtis: Hi, I’m Curtis. It seems like lately the media has been watering down all the events in the Middle East. So do you have the inside scoop of what’s been going on over there lately?Hola, me llamo Curtis. Parece que últimamente la prensa ha estado restándole importancia a los eventos en el Oriente Medio. ¿Entonces tienes la información privilegiada de lo que ha estado pasando allí últimamente? Christy: Good question Curtis. I don’t have any secret information to tell you, and even if I did, I’d be guarding my tongue anyway. When you read between the lines, you can tell there’s a lot going on over there that we don’t know about. I’m sure that a lot of what’s happening is off the record. Sorry I couldn’t shed more light on that but we need to move onto the next caller – you’re on the air. Buen pregunta, Curtis. No tengo ninguna información secreta para decirte y aún así, no te diría nada de todos modos. Cuando leas minuciosamente, puedes ver que hay mucho pasando allí de lo que no sabemos nada. Estoy segura de que mucho de lo que está pasando es extraoficial. Lo siento que te haya podido informarte más sobre eso pero necesitamos continuar con la próxima llamante – estás en línea.  Christy: Are you there? Cat got your tongue? ¿Estás? ¿Tienes miedo de hablar? Johanna: Sorry, my connection was messed up for a second. I’m Johanna, by the way. After being in office for a couple years, the mayor was finally starting to rebuild this city. But after he died of a heart-attack, it seems like we’re back to the drawing board. The new mayor is a great guy and all, but he’s too young and inexperienced to be mayor. The position just seems out of his league. His current strategies don’t look very good, and it seems the odds are against him to succeed. I’m curious what your opinion is on the situation and what you think will happen down the road. Lo siento, mi conexión estuvo mala por un segundo. Soy Johanna, por cierto. Después de estar en la oficina por un par de años, el alcalde finalmente estaba empezando a reconstruir esta ciudad. Pero después de morirse de un infarto, parece que regresamos al principio de nuevo. El alcalde nuevo es un buen tipo, pero es demasiado joven y no tiene suficiente experiencia para ser el alcalde. La posición parece ser mucho para él. Sus estrategias recientes no se ven muy buenas y parece que no es probable que sea exitoso. Estoy curiosa sobre cuál es tu opinión de la situación y qué piensas que pasará en adelante.  

Christy: You’re preaching to the choir. I completely agree with you. I was one of the first to protest him being the replacement because of his inexperience. While he’s not in the same league as his predecessor, I think his heart’s in the right place. When we look at all the problems in the city and get to the heart of them, we can see they’re not his fault. But you can bet that his back’s up against the wall trying to fix them. I don’t think he’ll pass with flying colors, but I think he’ll get better as time goes on. Good question. Ok, our last caller - you’re on the air.Tú estás intentando convencer a la multitud. Estoy completamente de acuerdo contigo. Era una de las primeras en protestar el hecho de ser el reemplazo por su falta de experiencia. Aunque no esta en la misma clasificación, creo que sus intenciones son buenas. Cuando miremos todos los problemas en la ciudad y entendemos las causas, podemos ver que no es culpa suya. Pero puedes apostar que

tiene mucha presión para tratar de arreglarlos. No pienso que pasará el examen perfectamente, pero creo que mejorará con el correr del tiempo. Buena pregunta. Bueno, nuestro último llamante – estás en línea. Stewie: First off, I just wanted to add that we were spoiled with our previous mayor. He was the best of both worlds – he had a good heart with the wisdom and experience to go along with it. Anyway, I just wanted you to comment on the recent downfall of these major corporations that we’ve been seeing lately.Primero, quería agregar que estábamos mimados con nuestro alcalde anterior. Era lo mejor de ambos mundos - tuvo intenciones buenas con la sabiduría y la experiencia para acompañar. De todos modos, solamente quería comentar de la reciente ruina de esas grandes corporaciones que hemos estando viendo últimamente.  Christy: Well, it has seemed like many of them started having trouble at the same time. When it rains, it pours. I can’t speak for all the corporations, but it seems like some of them were trying to have their cake and eat it too. Certain CEOs wanted the benefits of a big business and big money without the responsibility to maintain it properly and care for their workers and investors in the company. And as we’ve seen with some of these corporations, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. That’s it for today, thanks for tuning in. Pues, ha parecido que muchas de ellas empezaron estar en problemas a la misma vez. Los problemas siempre vienen juntos. No puedo hablar por todas las corporaciones, pero parece que algunas de ellas estaban tratando de tener lo bueno sin las consecuencias. Algunas CEO querían los beneficios de un negocio grande y mucho dinero sin la responsabilidad de mantenerlo lo correctamente y cuidar a los trabajadores y a las inversionistas de la compañía. Y como hemos visto con otras de las corporaciones, cuanto más grandes caen más duramente. Eso es todo por hoy, gracias por sintonizarnos.

Chapter 20 Current Events:

To be on the air: To be broadcasted live by radio waves, television, or some other live communication.

To water down: To attempt to make something simple to understand; but in doing so making it incomplete by taking away necessary information.

To have the inside scoop: To have information that is not easily available to the public.

To guard your tongue: To make sure that you don’t say what shouldn't be said.

To read between the lines: To pay attention to everything that has to do with a subject, especially listening to what people aren't saying about it.

To be off the record: Not recorded, official, or to be used legally in any way.

To shed light: To make more information known and to make something more understandable.

Cat got your tongue?: “Are you not able to think of anything to say?” Another similar phrase is: "Are you tongue-tied?"

To be messed up: To be broken or not functioning correctly.

Back to the drawing board: To start over again.

Out of (someone’s) league: Someone has a higher or lower social status than you. Here are two common examples: “I’m out of her league,” meaning “My status is higher than hers.” “She’s out of my league,” meaning “She has a higher status than me.”

The odds are against you: The chances that you will succeed are very doubtful. The obstacles that are in your way are hard to defeat.

Down the road: Later on in time, when something is more developed.

To preach to the choir: To push your viewpoints on others who already agree with you.

To be in the same league: To have the same social status as another.

Your heart is in the right place: You have good intentions.

To get to the heart of (something): To find the reason for something. Another phrase with the same meaning is: "To get to the bottom of something."

You can bet on it: It’s certain to happen.

(One's) back is up against the wall: One feels trapped and helpless and has no alternate choices.

To pass with flying colors: To complete some type of test or difficult situation with success.

To be spoiled: To be used to getting your own way because of favoritism shown towards you.

The best of both worlds: Something that contains the best and most desired in two separate subjects.

To have a good heart: To be kind and seek the best for people.

To go along with it: This phrase has one of two meanings: 1) To accompany something as a benefit and bonus. 2) To agree to participate in something.

When it rains, it pours: When something of a certain nature happens, good or bad, more of that same thing will be added.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too: You can’t expect to have all the benefits of something without the drawbacks.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall: If something is very large, important and has a lot of influence; and it comes to an end, a lot of trouble will be caused. Also, this phrase could be used to give hope that something big can be defeated - and will be completely destroyed when it falls.

To tune in: To find and listen to a radio station or a television channel. To pay attention to something.  

Chapter 20 Current Events:

To be on the air: To be broadcasted live by radio waves, television, or some other live communication.

Ser transmitido en vivo por las ondas de radio, la tele o alguna otra comunicación en vivo.

To water down: To attempt to make something simple to understand; but in doing so making it incomplete by taking away necessary information.Tratar de hacer algo más simple de entender; pero haciéndolo incompleto por haberle quitado información necesaria.

To have the inside scoop: To have information that is not easily available to the public.Tener información que no es fácilmente disponible al público.

To guard your tongue: To make sure that you don’t say what shouldn't be said.Verificar que no digas lo que no debe ser dicho.

To read between the lines: To pay attention to everything that has to do with a subject, especially listening to what people aren't saying about it. Poner atención a todo que tiene que ver con un sujeto, especialmente escuchar lo que la gente no están diciendo de ello.

To be off the record: Not recorded, official, or to be used legally in any way. No grabado, ni oficial ni para ser usado legalmente de ninguna manera.

To shed light: To make more information known and to make something more understandable.Hacer conocida más información y hacer algo más comprensible.

Cat got your tongue?: “Are you not able to think of anything to say?” Another similar phrase is: "Are you tongue-tied?"“¿Te comieron la lengua los ratones?” ¿No puedes pensar en algo que decir? Otra frase similar es: “Are you tongue-tied?”

To be messed up: To be broken or not functioning correctly. Estar roto o no funcionando correctamente.  Back to the drawing board: To start over again. Empezar de nuevo.

Out of (someone’s) league: Someone has a higher or lower social status than you. Here are two common examples: “I’m out of her league,” meaning “My status is higher than hers.” “She’s out of my league,” meaning “She has a higher status than me.”Alguien tiene una posición social más alta o más baja que tú. Aquí tienes dos ejemplos comunes: “I’m out of her league,” significando “Mi posición está más alta que la suya.” “She’s out of my league,” significando “Ella tiene una posición más alta que yo.”

The odds are against you: The chances that you will succeed are very doubtful. The obstacles that are in your way are hard to defeat. Las probabilidades de que triunfarás son muy dudables. Los obstáculos que están en tu camino son difíciles de vencer.

Down the road: Later on in time, when something is more developed.Más adelante en tiempo, cuando algo está más desarrollado.

To preach to the choir: To push your viewpoints on others who already agree with you.Esforzar tus puntos de vista en otros quienes ya están en acuerdo contigo.

To be in the same league: To have the same social status as another.Tener la misma posición social que otro.

Your heart is in the right place: You have good intentions. Tienes intenciones buenas.

To get to the heart of (something): To find the reason for something. Another phrase with the same meaning is: "To get to the bottom of something."Descubrir la razón de algo. Otra frase con el mismo sentido es: “To get to the bottom of something.”

You can bet on it: It’s certain to happen. Es seguro que pasará.

(One's) back is up against the wall: One feels trapped and helpless and has no alternate choices.Uno siente apresado e indefenso y tiene ninguna otra alternativa.

To pass with flying colors: To complete some type of test or difficult situation with

success. Terminar algún tipo de examen o situación difícil con éxito.

To be spoiled: To be used to getting your own way because of favoritism shown towards you. Estar acostumbrado a tener lo que quieras por las muestras de favoritismo que se te ha dado.

The best of both worlds: Something that contains the best and most desired in two separate subjects. Algo que tiene lo mejor y lo más deseado en dos sujetos separados.

To have a good heart: To be kind and seek the best for people.Ser amable y buscar lo mejor para la gente.

To go along with it: This phrase has one of two meanings: 1) To accompany something as a benefit and bonus. 2) To agree to participate in something.Ésta frase tiene uno de dos sentidos: 1) Acompañar algo como un beneficio y plus. 2) Estar de acuerdo en participar en algo.

When it rains, it pours: When something of a certain nature happens, good or bad, more of that same thing will be added.Cuando algo de una cierta naturaleza pasa, bueno o malo, más de la misma cosa se aumentará.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too: You can’t expect to have all the benefits of something without the drawbacks. No puedes esperar tener todos los beneficios de algo sin las desventajas.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall: If something is very large, important and has a lot of influence; and it comes to an end, a lot of trouble will be caused. Also, this phrase could be used to give hope that something big can be defeated - and will be completely destroyed when it falls. Si algo es muy grande, importante y tiene mucha influencia; y se termina, muchos problemas vendrán como un resultado. También, esta frase se podría usar para dar esperanza de que algo grande pueda ser vencido – y se destruya completamente cuando se caiga.  To tune in: To find and listen to a radio station or a television channel. To pay attention to something. “Sintonizar.” Encontrar y escuchar una estación de radio o un canal de la tele. Poner atención a algo.