This is it?

So I have a co-worker, Xiao Li who is like no other... And I don't mean that in a good way.

Every time he creeps up on me, I know I am in for a memorable conversation, which makes this story come as no surprise...

The other day I am walking back to my building from lunch and what do you know, Xiao Li gallops up along side me.. We are walking in silence for about 10 seconds (I know he is figuring out the perfect way to start a conversation)...
XL: uhhh, Merrly (he can't pronounce Mer), have you seen the Michael Jackson movie?
Me: No, but I hear its really good. have you seen it?
XL: no, I don't like him.
Me: why (every other Chinese person I know loves MJ)? He was extremely talented!
XL: I don't like his face, he's too white!
Me: oh, that was because he had issues, he couldn't help it.

Then we walked inside in awkward silence... I'm not sure how he can be chinese and not only not like Michael Jackson but also to think someone is too white!

... About 20 minutes later Xiao Li's phone rings... What do you guess the ring tone is??? Well.. Heal The World, of course!

Aaaand...I'm left speechless

The age old question

When you are living abroad you become accustomed to meeting new people and answering the same 20 questions, time and time again...

Where are you from? What do you do here? How long have you been here? Etc..

Well.. Let me just fill you in now and keep you from guessing!

I am from Detroit, Michigan.. I work in the auto industry (duh, I'm from Detroit), designing car seat covers in addition to other things... This all sounds very exciting, I know, and in reality, you're right!

What makes my life so much better than all of yours is that I am (not including management) the only westerner among maybe 50+ Chinese co workers. I've tried to adapt and fit in but after a year at my job, I finally accepted that it will never happen.

So when I am not being taught key phrases in Shanghaihua (Shanghai local dialect) such as 'little brother and little sister sleep together' or 'your mom and dad are both country farmers', I like to go off in Chinglish tangents about anything they will allow.
(Side note, my Chinese isn't that good, but since I am basically albino and left handed, they let it slide)

To be continued....

The age old question

When you are living abroad you become accustomed to meeting new people and answering the same 20 questions, time and time again...

Where are you from? What do you do here? How long have you been here? Etc..

Well.. Let me just fill you in now and keep you from guessing!

I am from Detroit, Michigan.. I work in the auto industry (duh, I'm from Detroit), designing car seat covers in addition to other things... This all sounds very exciting, I know, and in reality, you're right!

What makes my life so much better than all of yours is that I am (not including management) the only westerner among maybe 50+ Chinese co workers. I've tried to adapt and fit in but after a year at my job, I finally accepted that it will never happen.

So when I am not being taught key phrases in Shanghaihua (Shanghai local dialect) such as 'little brother and little sister sleep together' or 'your mom and dad are both country farmers', I like to go off in Chinglish tangents about anything they will allow.
(Side note, my Chinese isn't that good, but since I am basically albino and left handed, they let it slide)

To be continued....

By the way...

I've been in Shanghai, CN for a little over 2 years... As old stories become relevant, you'll hear them.. Now move to the edge of your seats and wait for more!

Where to start....

After millions of positive reactions and praises to my colorful stories about living in China, I decided to create a blog so that you all can have a peek into my daily happenings in the PRC....

It isn't always pretty and I have a tendency to tell it like it is... So there will be little censoring when it comes to details and other commentary...


Oops, and sorry ahead of time!

Enjoy!