No Black Friday here

I have had so many people wish me a Happy Thanksgiving day that I thought perhaps the stores would have "day after" Thanksgiving sales here too.  So, last Friday I decided to go to the nearest western style shopping mall and check the sales.  It was a disappointing no sales day. Not even at the recently opened Gap. (It's American, come on!) I would think stores here would take any reason for a sale but perhaps "Thanksgiving Day" is not as widely known here as I thought.  I did over hear a conversation while I was out shopping that made me chuckle.  A man said to the woman carrying several large bags next to him: "下次你来不买衣服"（xiaci ni lai bu mai yifu) which means: "Next time you come, don't buy clothes"  Haha.  Must have been a husband and wife.  It felt good to hear it and understand it at the same time.  Many times I have to think about what was said before I can comprehend the meaning.  When it comes to shopping however, I can usually understand the conversation.  (Not really surprising that my best vocab. is about clothing.)  I am quite familiar with the terms: 好看(Hao kan)=looks good, 太小(tai xiao)=too small, 便宜(pian yi)=cheap, and of course you need to know how to say "too expensive!"=太贵(tai gui!)  Its funny how many other terms you can pick up just by listening and asking.  I've learned to ask people the names of things I don't know and then repeat it a couple times with their help.  It not only helps my pronunciation but it also helps me to remember it.  For any of you chinese learners that read my blog I encourage you to use any new words you learn immediately and frequently.  I live here and I still forget how to say stuff I've learned in the recent past.  The only way I keep it is if I take every opportunity to use it.  加油! (jia you)=Keep up the good effort!