Tag Archives: chinese

Everyday Expressions

When I first went to Yantai, I imagined I’d come home and slip effortlessly into fluent Mandarin to quote ancient Chinese wisdom. Fortunately for people who have to put up with me, that didn’t happen. A few characters have somehow … Continue reading

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A Different Lens

Last night Stick and I hung pictures in our new apartment, which really means that I framed some of our China photos and artwork, arranged them artistically on the floor and told him I wanted them like that, only on … Continue reading

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American Mei You

I planned to write a post about starting a job today, teaching SAT prep. Towards the end of the job interview, when we were talking about where to park and what time to arrive, the main teacher (I’m the assistant) … Continue reading

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Thoughts On Twitter

I’ve heard that blogging breaks the barriers between Author and Audience. Well, Twitter breaks the barrier between blogger and commenter. It’s group instant messaging or microblogging for your phone or on the web. Whenever Stick’s dad asks me about a … Continue reading

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New Jersey Ninjas

The other day, Stick saw my throwing-star picture and called me “the worst ninja ever”. Turns out, I’m not even the worst ninja in Essex county. CLIFTON — Two “modern day Ninjas” calling themselves Shinobi Warriors on a quest to … Continue reading

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Meme Sheep #080808

There’s a Chinese Twitter meme going around now, Twitter users — I’m supposed to say “Twitterati” and not “Twits” — are adding #080808 to their icons and tweets. David Feng explains more on CNReviews, and Ryan has a collection of … Continue reading

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USA Today On Pre-Olympics Security, Regulations, Visas

I’m quoted in USA Today, in an article about the pre-Olympic security measures and visa restrictions. The article talks to disappointed Beijingers — Chinese residents, long-term ex-pats and tourists — about their pre-Olympic experiences. It’s worth reading, although it’s a … Continue reading

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Southern Attempt

Stick was hired by as a playtester! It’s a great situation for him, sure, it’s not actually sitting at home playing WarCraft all day but it’s close. The job’s in Raleigh, so now we’re going to be southerners! Waffle House and … Continue reading

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Marco Polo

Stick and I took our niece Isabel to the pool today. We played a pick-up game of Marco Polo, with some neighborhood kids, and watched a hundred thousand times as Isabel’s cried “Watch this! Look at me!” It was fantastic, … Continue reading

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Game Connection, Waffle House

When I first visited Raleigh, for Stick’s brother’s wedding, I found slow southern chattiness surprising, but I’m really enjoying it right now. I’m so proud of my Chinese skills but really I’ve just mastered the simplest essentials, I can’t really … Continue reading

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