A quick note before leaving for Shanghai again...

Hi Everyone!

I know its been months since I last posted. I didn't realize so many people read this thing! I haven't posted for a while because blogger has been blocked in China, and so far I haven't figured out how to get around it.

Anyways, I have been back in the States for about 2 months, and tonight is my final night in California where I am visiting my grandparents. This visit has been great because I can FINALLY speak to my grandparents in Chinese. Their Mandarin is not so good, and neither is mine but at least now they know the real Amanda - not just me through a translation of my dad. I think my grandpa is pretty proud of me for learning Mandarin. I overheard him bragging about me to the woman in the postoffice. Hehe.

Well, here goes another year in Shanghai. My original plan was just to stay a year, but after being there and enjoying myself so much... I realized that I wanted to spend more time there before coming back to the States. I plan to work more this year - teaching English is a pretty good job. I am also going to be studying Mandarin full time at Jiao Tong University. During that time I will also be applying to graduate school in the States.

Well, my dad is nagging to go... I will be in touch soon!