Apparently there is a right way and a wrong way to use chopsticks, and then there is my way.  Last night while enjoying a wonderful meal with my Ball State University comrades, I discovered that I am not using chopsticks correctly.  Now mind you, I have been in China for five days and believe me have not missed a meal, but my performance with chopsticks caused a great deal of laughter among the wait staff at the hotel restaurant.  It seems that I am so bad with the chopsticks that that same wait staff, after watching me struggle for quite some time, hurried to the kitchen of the restaurant and brought forks back to our table.   Xie, xie (Shi shi) I responded but determined to conquer all, I continued on with the chopsticks and my meal.  While I am far from an expert, I’m doing ok, and doubt that it will deter me from finishing a meal.  By the way, the food is great here!