Ni Hao, and .. is it too late to say "Xīn yī nián kuàilè!" ? I must tell you I have no experience (yet) in dealing with Chinese in the USA. I found a Chinese teacher here in Taiwan who told me she would be my partner in opening up a English school here. That was 3 months ago. I kept telling here our opening date should be July 2013. I haven't heard from her since. She won't return my messages. I know the Chinese don't need a lot of guarantees like we enjoy in the USA. Is this one example of how she's not feeling obligated in any way? I have been teaching here for years and poured my heart out to her with all my creative ideas - now, nothing. Give it to me straight. ChineseNovice