The Guitar

hobby

I have lots of different hobbies.

A 'hobby' is something that we enjoy doing, but is not necessary for survival.  Some examples of hobbies are skiing, playing video games, reading, playing music etc. Notice the following:

1. I don't have much time for my hobbies right now.
   
2. Fishing is one of my favorite hobbies.
   

play the guitar

I'm learning to play the guitar.

When you can use a guitar to make music we say you can 'play the guitar.' We can use 'play' as the verb for any instrument. Notice the following:

1. I didn't know that you played the piano.
   
2. He is learning to play the guitar, but isn't very good yet.
   

spent (two weeks)

I've probably spent a total of two weeks practicing.

If we 'spend' time doing something it means that we focus on that activity for a certain amount of time. We use 'spend' and the number of hours, days, weeks, etc., that we focused on something. Notice the following:

1. I spent almost two hours making dinner tonight.
   
2. He spent almost 5 years traveling after college.
   

jump right back

When I get back, I'll jump right back into practicing.

We use the phrase 'jump right back into' to show that we are beginning an activity again with the same intensity we used before. Notice the following:

1. I can't wait to jump right back into skiing when winter comes.
2. We can jump right back into our lessons when I get back from my trip.
   

way too hard

The beginning part is way too hard.

If something is 'way too hard' to do, the level is very difficult and we can't do it. It is above our ability. Notice the following:

1. This book is way too hard for me to read in Spanish.
2. This song is way too hard for me to play right now.