Happy Birthday to me! As much as I am happy to reach another milestone in life, it struck me that no matter how I refuse to acknowledge the fact that I can’t get any younger, the truth is, well. you know I know. Its not that I am feeling old, its just that I couldn’t get any younger, and I will not get any younger, except, perhaps Botox and plastic?

But I can’t afford that! The same me who loathed how I look when I was sixteen tells me that I actually prefer the 16 year old me right now. Argh! Man, I should just be less self critical.

Tsk! I shouldn’t be talking about things like that today!

On this special day I would like to thank everyone who has been there and cared for me, and accepted me for who I am. Thank you so much. I am glad that life has been a smooth ride and all of you make the ride more enjoyable and meaningful.

I don’t have a wishlist, because I feel that it is happier not expecting or wanting anything. But any gifts are welcomed.

I know it sounds like its a cheesy Oscar speech, but what the heck, so as long as I like it.

Many thanks for all the well wishers! I am glad that you remember my birthday.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I bet its a day where people go broke, what with all those marketing gimmicks. Its a Hallmark’s holiday anyway. That said, I am sure people will celebrate vdae in droves. Afterall, its always good to have a reason to splurge and gorge, I guess?

In the Lunar Calendar:

Its going to be the eighth going to ninth day of Chinese New Year. Its the night to Paii Thee Kong! (God of Sky Worship???) Sigh. I miss home.

Haven’t really had the time to update my blog before Chinese New Year, but I guess its not too late to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year right now! Happy Chinese New Year to you, you and you, may the year of Golden Rat brings to you many, many joy and happiness, and not forgetting wealth and health in abundance.

Its a pity that Chinese New Year holiday ended up so abruptly for me and for those who need to rush back for work last Sunday, and frankly speaking the holiday mood hung so heavily in the air that I shamelessly login and update my blog in the office, despite the danger of being spotted by colleagues, or worst, the boss.

Nevermind.

So how was everyone’s Chinese New Year?

While it holds true that most of us past adolescents will regard Chinese New Year disdainfully, or at least welcome the festivity with ulterior motives (read: food and RED PACKET) for me Chinese New Year is a happy occasion and I hope that it will always be. Call me a child at heart, but I still love the festivities, the reunion and sharing of joy and laughter.

And no, it has nothing to do with red packet and food, although I had a plenty of both.

Believe me, when all you look forward for Chinese New Year is your harvest of red packets, you are one sad person indeed. I still regard the giving and receiving of red packets as symbolic rather than monetary, because when you know the person who gives you the red packet actually gives you their hard earned money, you should really learn to appreciate rather to berate that the amount of the money contained inside is not up to your expectation. Maybe that explains why I loathe going visiting all over the places just to collect those red packets. Its just not me.

Foodwise, believe me that I will be bombarding Riceballz with all those chinese New Year goodies when I can find the time. This year round we had potluck for reunion dinner since my grandmother could no longer busy herself in the kitchen and restaurants are not worth the wait. It was quite fun cooking for reunion dinner, whereby my family brought two dishes to the table, and so did my aunt’s family, uncle’s family and grandparents, altogether the food was quite a spread that it had been made into potfuls of delicious “chapchai”s (leftover dishes boiled together with vegetables, tamarind pulp juice, dried chillies and “kai choy”, very tasty) day after. Prior to that, I actually managed to reach hometown earlier and baked like, four types of cookies, and two batches of cakes. Phew! Yes, I feel accomplished.

The sad thing was I had to return for work and send my sister to the airport on Sunday itself, and that cuts short my holiday. Thank God I started my journey to LCCT from Teluk Intan at 6 ish to 7 am, otherwise I will be caught in the jam and sis would have missed her flight. But thank God! we made it to the airport early, and after some coffee and headed back to Malacca around 11am, and traffic was already bumper-to-bumper with some accidents along the way.

Again, thank God I am safe.

First thing first: Happy 60th Birthday Uncle Khing!!! Best wishes and “year year got today, age age got this morning!”

While everyone else is planning on where they want to spend the last few minutes of year 2007 in, and with whom, here I am with a different kind of countdown: days to go when my exam finally finishes. That said, given I choice I would really wanted to join in the fun of ushering into the New Year, but with a heart and mind bogged down with the anxiety of the oncoming exam, I guess its best I try to pass my paper than to throw paper confetti when the clock struck twelve tonight.

2007 has been a memorable year and I hope that the coming 2008 be filled with more joy and laughter.

Here is for the outgoing year of 2007, and the incoming year of 2008. May you be healthy, and happy always. Remember, life is too short to be unhappy, and don’t forget our friends and family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

(Happy Be-Early New Year!!!)

Happy Christmas and Happy Holiday to all the peeps out there! Good luck for your finals, friends! Have a great year ahead!