Cute Butt Boy once told me I looked like a superhero because I have the v-taper going on.

Anyhow, this v-taper has always put a damper on fitted clothes shopping. Often clothes are too tight for me around my chest and under the armpits. If it fits right in the chest, it's too big everywhere else. And if I go up a size, it will fit in the chest, but be too big for me everywhere else.

Yesterday, Air called to say she found a dress she liked for her bridesmaids. She asked me what my size was. Anyway, I ended up going to another branch of the store to try it on. The dress was kind of a bad fit for me, sizewise. The cut was okay.  I think she is going for a spaghetti strapped look. With my broad shoulders, I really should use a wider strap :-/ And I hate strapless.

Mr. Nick and I went snowshoeing yesterday. It was good! But I was sad I missed out on the Chinese New Year festivities. I couldn't say no to him. :'( And then we went to my mom's for Chinese New Year dinner.

I'm not sure how I can make the experience of Chinese gatherings for Mr. Nick a little more pleasant. Because I understand the language, and I am participating in conversations, it slips my mind that Mr. Nick has no idea what everyone else is saying. I think that is something he will have to get used to?? I have (white) male friends who experience the same thing, and I always remember my (white) uncle's look of confusion during family dinners.

It wasn't that Mr. Nick was ignored; everyone still tried to include him in the conversation where possible. But he still didn't feel quite comfortable when everyone else was talking and laughing. I can sort of relate but not quite. Often I'm the only Chinese person somewhere.

And the whole eating thing. A lot of whities I've encountered are fearful of trying (new) Chinese foods. I'm usually disappointed when they don't even want to try something, and they're just like "ew, gross". Or they're uncomfortable following culturally-universal eating habits.

Same goes for the reverse though. One night when I was out for dinner with Mr. Nick and I couldn't help but notice how this (Chinese) girl was eating her fettucine. Instead of using a fork and spoon, she took the noodles with her fork and bit them, letting the noodles fall out of mouth back onto her plate. I don't even feel comfortable doing that in a Chinese noodle house. I guess that's why my relatives say I eat really politely. *L* And I guess these things are typical when people aren't aware of regular etiquette.

One day my coworker asked me if I chewed with my mouth open and asked me if it was cultural. Not that I chew with my open or try to talk with my mouth full, but it is common and accepted to chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full in Chinese culture. I don't find it gross to see people talk and chew though.