My Early Start: Learning Chinese

New Early Start Mandarin DVDs

It's been so long since I last posted!  We've been dealing with some system issues that had our website and emails down for days!  yikes!  We were certain that customers with huge orders were just not able to get to us! :)  Thankfully, as I write this post, the website is up, and some email accounts are working, and the rest will eventually be fixed.  Along with our technical issues, we also introduced our fifth Early Start Mandarin DVD!  The fifth volume is titled Sports and Games.  Bao Bei tries different sports and games to see what she likes.  DVD We obviously didn't make it in time for the Olympics.  Oh well, our consolation is that what's in the dvd is timeless and useful beyond the Olympics.  On the personal front, kids started school, so it's back to a crazy schedule of after school activities.  It's still a struggle to balance business and family.

Who to Cheer For, China or USA?

The other night, my husband and I were watching the men's gymnastics competition.  There were tense moments as members of both teams made mistakes.  My husband asked me who I was cheering for, China or USA.  It took me a few seconds before I could even start to answer, and all I could say was "it depends."  I think it's complicated. 

What I mean by that is I feel loyalty and patriotism to both countries.  Even though I've only visited China once, I guess roots run deep.  I was of course excited by the USA's performance, and it was like cheering for the underdog.  Then again, I really wanted Yang Wei, China's team captain to do well.  It was as if I can feel the pressure and burden he must be carrying from the people of China.  Then there's the pressure from his coach.  Imagine having your coach say that he was going to jump from the tallest building in Beijing if the performances were not satisfactory. Yikes! Also, I wanted them to win because the Olympics are on their home turf.

The young American team with every member experiencing their first Olympics must of had the time of their lives!  I was thrilled for them, especially Jonathan Horton.  I felt very proud of this amazing team, especially for them overcoming all the injuries, and proud that they represent the USA.  I think they definitely overcame much criticism and doubt to show what they are capable of.  So you see, it's a bit complicated.  I guess this is what it means to be a Chinese American.

Cooking with Kids: Learning about the future of Chinese cuisine

Last night, I went to an event at the Chinese Cultural Center in San Francisco. There was a great panel discussion about the future of Chinese cuisine. One of my favorite chefs, Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook, was there! He and the other panelists discussed their favorite Chinese dishes, things they don't like about Chinese-American food, and dishes they would love to see in Chinese restaurants in America.

I feel really inspired now to learn more and more about cooking Chinese food. Most of what we get today in Chinese restaurants in the United States is nothing like what you would find in China. I'm trying to figure out a way to attend Chef Martin Yan's Culinary Art Center in Shenzhen, China.

Please let me know where you have found the best Chinese food in North America, especially Hainan chicken.