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Today someone told me that I seemed more Chinese than American. Then, he said, "no offense." What the heck is that supposed to mean??

I don't think he meant it in the sense that being Chinese is a bad thing--heck, he's Chinese. But, rather, that I would take it that way. I don't know which part was more strange--him thinking I'm Chinese-y or him thinking that I'm anti Chinese-y.

So, this, naturally, got me thinking. What does it mean to be Chinese? What does it mean to be American? I don't really know much about either, but it seems to me that I'm not very "Chinese." (Not that being so would necessarily be a bad thing). I think the way I took it is that this kid was commenting on my "hard work and dedication." [This is pure speculation on my part.] Which brings me to an interesting point....people think I work a lot harder than I do. This isn't to say that I don't work hard, but it's definitely not "all work, no play." Sometimes, even, it feels like quite the opposite. Work, to me, is greuling and stressful. Strain and pain. But, I hardly ever feel that way. Maybe when I go to the gym. But even that gives me a strange sense of blissful satisfaction.

So, I don't know. I told him that we should discuss the matter more. Over a pot of dumplings perhaps. I'll volunteer to pick them up in Chinatown.

Well, depends on what message I'm trying to send. A big juicy hamburger might be better.