So far...

Welcome to my blog! I don't have the slightest idea how to do a blog, so we'll see how this goes :)

The primary reason I am starting this is not because I think my life is so intrinsically interesting that the Average Joe will want to read about my musings, but because in about 2 months (56 days to be exact) I am headed to China to teach English and I figure this is a good way to "stay in touch" with many people simultaneously.

"But, Leslie," some have inquired, "teaching English? wasn't your degree in Marketing?" Well, yes, it was. But I visited China last winter for an international business class and after talking with some of the professors at a university we stayed at, I learned that you could teach English in China without an English or education degree. Yay.

Ever since that trip, I have pursued this idea and thankfully got a job as an English teacher in March.

I am excited to go, but I have a lot to learn before I head off across the sea. Some of my goals before leaving include:

1. Learn how to say more than "You are very handsome" in Mandarin.
2. Learn how to prepare 4 meals that don't include cheese, milk, chocolate, or peanut butter since I hear these ingredients are scarce. (and why 4 meals? I don't know, but I'm banking on not having a lot of variety in my diet.)
3. Read all I can about Chinese history and culture! I've read several novels over the years about ancient and modern China and I am quite intrigued to learn more!
4. Periodically inhale exhaust from my car to get my lungs used to car pollution so it won't be as much of a shock for them when I arrive.

I think those are most of them :) Anyway, I hope everyone has a stellar week! And maybe I'll figure out more about how to do this thing by the next blog entry.

Blessings,
Leslie