CNY 2008

Yay! Chinese New Year is here. When I was young, I always looked forward to CNY because the whole extended family will be back (as I live in the ancestral home) and we get to catch up with everyone. There'll be gambling, eating, chatting, more eating, fireworks, late nights, gossips and even more eating...

For the past few years however, I have not bought anything new to wear during Chinese New Year. I just couldn't be bothered. This year however, I was so into the festive mood that I went to buy a cheong sam (traditional Chinese costume for ladies) to wear on the 1st day. I even bought one each for my sisters. I also bought bak kwa (barbecued sliced pork) *oh yummy* and some other goodies for sinful indulgence.

CNY could have been better. Here's why:

1. My grandmother is no longer with us and this will be the first CNY without her.
2. My cousin Alvin is in hospital because of a foot infection.
3. Not everyone will be coming home for CNY. At this point, only about 5 families.
4. All my uncles/ aunties (parents included) have become Christians/ Catholics so we would no longer carry out certain CNY traditions like burning incense paper, praying to the Gods and elders etc.

But this year, my cousin Ah Ti and her fiance and also Cara's boyfriend, Dave will be joining us for CNY. I guess you win some and lose some so I'll just enjoy it and here's a Happy Chinese New Year to all of you...