Preterite

Talking about what you have done once (completed) in the past we use the preterite

Esperé I waited (from the verb esperar…. to wait)

Me regalé I gave a gift (from the verb regalar…to give a gift)

Tuve I had (from the verb tener…to have.you will notice this is irregular.you will have to remember but will use it lots)

Miré I looked (from the verb mirar…… to look)

Acabé I finished (from the verb acabar…..to finish)

Have a look at my video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk7XtqLwADE&feature=related this might help