I was googling my frustrations with the language when I found your blog. I am married to a Bulgarian in the States and most gatherings with his friends feel as if I am in Bulgaria, as he has found a large group of Bulgarians which have become his 'family' here. We have two young children in our three short years of marriage and I have been trying sooo hard to learn the language. My toddler speaks more than I do, however, I do feel as if I understand more and more.  I learned more when my in laws came to live with us for four months and I also went to Bulgaria for a couple months as well.  I pretty much have the alphabet down but all I really want is to partake in conversation or at least follow the conversation at our gatherings. We will be visiting Bulgaria again soon and I hate trying to stumble through a simple conversation with my mother in law...I have the Pons system to learn but I find it difficult. So far, children books and the like have helped me more than anything, do you have any suggestions for studying on your own? Bravo to you for living there and being able to ask shop keepers about their items! It is a lovely country just a really difficult language! :)