In what will be a regular feature at rockets.com this season, Yao Ming checks in with another installment of his online journal, giving you insights into the Rockets rookie's first season in the NBA. Throughout the season Yao Ming will discuss his progress both on and off the court, including how he's adjusting to his new teammates, the city of Houston and a whole new culture.

(Translation by Eric Lee)

December 10, 2002 - Hello again everyone. I know it's been a while since I last wrote, but things have been a little busy as you might imagine. I will try to communicate with you more often in the future. I don't feel too bad right now, although I felt sick last night. I think it's just a cold, I'll be alright.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving; mine was pretty good. We were on the road in Seattle during that time. I don't really enjoy eating turkey, I prefer KFC.

I did see the new Harry Potter movie recently while we were on the road. I liked it but it was a little long. It helps to have some free time when I'm on the road because traveling is very tiring. I feel very tired a lot of times.

The last time I wrote I said I wanted to visit Chinatown in Houston. I still would really like to, but I just haven't had the time right now. Maybe this month, since we will be home most of the time. I am usually resting whenever I can get the chance. I also talked about getting my driver's license. I've been really busy and haven't had time to get that taken care of yet, but when I get a chance I would like to get it done soon. Just so many things to do.

RELATED ITEMS

November 8 Journal

I check out rockets.com from time to time when I'm at home. I am on the computer quite often. I chat with my friends and play computer games. But I don't get to chat as much as I would like because of the time zone differences. I really wish you the fans can give me some input on some good computer games to play. I really enjoy games such as Starcraft, Counterstrike, and Red Alert.

My parents are doing well. My father just went back to China but he will be returning shortly. My mother is adjusting to life here, she is still not used to it. But she has friends here that keep her company and take her out, so it makes it easier for her to live here. I think it helps that I get to see and talk to her often.

Some people have asked me questions about the arm band I wore in the Philly game. No it wasn't a fashion statement, I have a long scrape on my arm, so I had to cover it up. The cut is healing so after it heals, I will not be wearing it anymore.

Mengke Bateer and Yao Ming

I feel I'm getting comfortable with the other teammates, we have been working hard in practice. We played a really good game against Philly and were able to beat them by a large amount. Everyone has been pretty fun to hang around. Boki and I have hung out and we get along pretty well, but everyone is so young so it's fun to be around people the same age.

I got to talk to Mengke Bateer when the Spurs were in Houston last week. That was nice. I haven't had a chance to speak to Wang Zhi Zhi yet. But I will be seeing him this weekend, so we will talk then.

I'm still working on getting better and I'm happy the team is performing well. If you get a chance, please come out and see us play. I think we have an exciting time. Well, I'll write again soon.

Yao Ming