PICTURES ARE UP!!!

These are only about half. My friend Katie and I were alternating days of bringing our cameras until we realized that Katie's camera wouldn't upload onto my computer. Also, only expect massive photo uploads. It takes forever to upload photos here (yay developing country internet!), so I'll do them when I have a lot and a lot of time. Also, I finally had a chance to post something I wrote this weekend, so check that bad boy out.

In Teresa (is that my name? It's been a month since someone called me that...), let's try that again, in MeiLi news, my Chinese is getting really good. I speak quickly, utilize grammar, and since my classes aren't challenging, I'm using my free time to read HaLi BouTa (Harry Potter for you PinYin impaired). Today, both my teachers commented that I was "hen lihai, zhunbei feichang hao!" (very intense (skillful, into it), and very well prepared). It's started to feel like I don't have enough time here. I'm getting good. I can talk. I can understand so much. Everyday I learn new words (latest editions to my lexicon are loutou (camel), chaozhi (napkin), shamu (desert), and the 100 or so new words in my books). I think I live in a state of near boredom in the States, but now it's like being 3 again...everything is a learning experience. And I want time to soak it up, to get everything. If only Microsoft would get their Beijing internships page up...

Oh yeah, I'm way into internships right now. Because I'm terrified of losing everything I've got here. So I'm looking hard for any internship that will allow me to utilize Chinese, whether here or in Seattle. Like I said, Microsoft's site isn't working (oh, the irony! and ps it's not the Great Firewall, it's broken links), but I'm looking into a promising one at Expeditors International that I am really qualified for. If you hear of any, let me know!

And in more epiphany news, I want a business minor. Rather, I would love to go to the UW and get a double in Chinese and Marketing/International Business (which are one dept.), because while looking at internships I've found that marketing really appeals to me. I've been leaning business for a while, but I didn't know exactly WHAT with business I wanted (kinda a big field...), but seriously, MARKETING. I mean, think about it, what was always my strogest suit in speech? Oratory. Persuasion. I like to use words to get people to think or feel a certain way, which IS marketing. Plus, I'm good with colors and design and all that. And if I feel I want to go into law post baccs, it's a perfect segway. I'll be one of those lawyers that convinces you that the lead in Chinese paint is perfectly fine. And you'll believe me, oh yes you will.

Plus, I could work in China helping companies translate their slogans. No more "DengShi, the world in your finger" (at your fingertips?) Or "Attention! Your Head!" (My favorite subway sign). Which is too bad, that stuff's one of the best parts about being here. But anyways, that's a huge market right now, and a marketing degree would help me get into that.

Basically, I don't feel like myself anymore. No, that's not true, I'm still me. But I feel like the butterfly must feel looking in the mirror. You're you, but you're no caterpillar anymore. And I don't like my reflection. I need a change...a makeover. Because seriously, I'm really different.