Happy new year to you, Ronn. A good way to do it is to start small, checking out some language sites and picking out vocabulary words. That's how I'm having to do it with Hindi, and I'm still really slow with it ... Posted by: George on January 22, 2004 05:17 PM

i've been trying to learn mandarin for years and it's hard, man! Posted by: no milk on January 22, 2004 05:41 PM

George & Paul: Happy New Year! I have a co-worker that says Hindi is easier than Mandarin, but I need to at least try. Thought I was smart, getting a comprehensive self-study kit that included a book, dictionary and audio CDs to learn Chinese. Had a wide ass smile on my face as I was showing off to my baby. He pointed out to me that I bought the Cantonese version. LOL Recently bought a different version that only includes audio CDs to learn Mandarin and I'll begin this weekend. I want to recite a short, simple poem to him by Valentine's Day. *fingers crossed* Posted by: ronn on January 22, 2004 08:58 PM

Happy monkeys, Ronn! And just throw yourself into the strange foods! They're delicious! Posted by: PatCH on January 22, 2004 11:25 PM

Oh, Ronn ... your man is so lucky to have such a romantic husband! What are you guys doing to celebrate the New Year? Posted by: Donald on January 23, 2004 01:53 AM

PatCH: Most certainly. I was disapointed to attend a lunch/meeting and have the same old boring, Westernized versions of Chinese food I see every day. Have to make it out to BKlyn's Chinatown one of these weekends. Donald: Unfortunately, between a very busy period at work for me and the beginning of the semester for him, we are waiting till Sunday to do something together. Of course, CNY is usually celebrated for about 10 days. I may stop by his place and see if his mama cooks some of her delicious noodles and pig intestines --AKA Chinese Chitt'lins! LOL Posted by: ronn on January 23, 2004 08:34 PM