After watching some of Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose’s Random Show I became acutely interested in learning a new language. I’ve always wanted to travel to Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Thailand. 

A little family history: my great-grandfather was a missionary in Singapore and published the first educational geography book there. Pretty cool. He was also fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese. And this was pre-1950’s. My mom has even told me stories of him writing letters back to Asia when she was a little kid. Very cool. 

I’ve always been interested in seriously learning another language. I took Spanish in high school, but that skill set needs to be reactivated to say the least. 

Watching one of the Random Shows that was filmed in China was the push I needed. Tim Ferriss has claimed with the right approach anyone can learn a language with a periodized attack and strategy.

So here’s the goal: by June 1, 2011 I would like to be able to hold a conversation with a native Chinese speaker and not sound like a total idiot.

Why? Because I think prior to starting my first Copywriter job I’d like to take one last trip with my two oldest friends, Ryan & Drew. We’ve discussed a two week jaunt to China and Japan on the way back home. At least one of us has to be able to speak Chinese, right?