Listening to Luca Lampariello speak Spanish, you think, “It’s true! It is possible for non-natives to sound 99.9% native-like!” But then the other half of your brain goes, “Well, duh — he’s a hyperpolyglot and knows all the tricks. Think of Arnold Schwarzenegger — he’s been in the U.S. for decades and still sounds like he’s chewing nuts with the shell on. He drags that heavy Austrian twang everywhere he goes."

So, what are the chances of me speaking decent English?

Hmm... Considering I’ve never set foot in the U.S. and I’m more of a “monoglot” than anything else — very slim, lady.

How often do you practice output?

Hardly ever.

So, what were you expecting?

I don't know, a miracle? But I write a lot. Does that count?

It depends. How often is "a lot"?

Almost everyday.

Did you notice any improvement? I mean in your spoken English.

Absolutely, but not in my pronunciation. However, I'm way more fluent and have a better understanding of the language.

So, what's the final conclusion?

That learning languages sucks?

Nooo... that if you want something, you have to get your butt moving and go for it. No one can do it for you.

Okay, I'll keep working. But if I don't see better results soon, I'm packing it in.