A quick blog moment. I started my Mandarin lessons, again. After a year break, I needed to put forth some sort of effort. I gave up on my Mandarin because I was doing so poorly. I have come to realize I am completely tone death, which would explain my lack of singing skills. Currently, I can count and ask, “Dou shao qian” = “How much”…very important market skills. Last night at dinner, I realize my four year old and I are on the same learning curve. She was naming the body parts in Mandarin…just what I had leaned at lesson.

I would like to comment on the language barrier that makes me laugh. When I can’t understand someone verbally, many Chinese will get a pen and paper…an interesting thought since speaking is not working. However, writing down the Chinese character isn’t going to get me any closer to understanding.