Chinese New Year 2009: Year of the Earth Ox

Well, this year my family decided to go somewhere else: Ipoh. It's a place one of my cousins live in, and we're pretty excited to celebrate this new year with somewhere different.

First off: Ipoh does have it's charm of its mountainous geographical area. (Seriously, it really feels really good with the hills reaching the clouds and my parents are literally excited about the sallow caves they spotted). We went to a cave temple there, and it was a Buddhist version of Batu Caves. And yes, It was crowded even for the new year's day where people supposed to be at home celebrating. Yea, my family included.

I can't believe I'm so damn freaking tired when I'm driving back, I'm overcoming it with loud music and humming them. Too bad, i had to pull up at the nearest R&R stop to ask my sister to continue the rest of the journey. So, Ipoh is farther than I thought it would be.

All in all, it was a great experience.

Christmas 2008

This year's Christmas was a slightly mellow one. However, surprises are still in store in my family.

*Presents are fewer this year. "Recession" is the key word. I don't blame anyone who didn't bring any presents. As I don't really ask for anything this year.

*My uncle just randomly buys gifts for everyone and he didn't label them. So it's really up to the recipient's choice to choose their present from him. Okay this is the first time I have to think long and hard to figure out what it is.

*My cousin-in-law's family is here to join in the fun. So Christmas this year is slightly more merrier this year.

*May I add I'm jealous that some of my friends are celebrating an actual white Christmas abroad?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tying the Knot

I attended my cousins wedding yesterday, and boy it was a ritual filled event, with all the subtle gestures and the games some of the guest played on the groom in order to welcome the bride. As it is a traditional Chinese wedding, there is also a tea ceremony to the older generation.

After all the rituals are done , it's time to get ready to attend the banquet dinner. THe dinner is fine and all. But the highlight of the night for me is -- I met my high school CLASSMATE on my way back! I can't believe my eyes! But I did say hi to him.

When I asked who is he related to, he said he's the groom's distant relative. (I assume he's the groom's second cousin or something). So what are we then? He shrugged his shoulders. I too have no idea what kind of relation we have until I had to figure it out myself. (2nd cousin in law? Depends how "distant" relative to my cousin in law.)

The world is really small, you know. And I started to believe the theory of everyone is 6 degrees separated is true.

Mother's Day!

Happy mother's day to all mothers everywhere!

Mom, Although I don't say it often, but I always love and respect you....

Cheers!

Generations

There is a new addition to the family: A new puppy! It's a 2-month old German Shepard, and my we decided to call him Rocky. (Though I strongly against it, since the name is too generic for a male German Shepard)

Cute, eh? Credit my sister for this picture.

Having him in the family really changed things around the house. More noise, chaos, barking and all. Since a lot of attention is diverted to the new needy pup, our current dog is starting to feel envious. Heh, Brownie, you are 10 years old now, and you don't really care if we called you unless we feed you. Now you want our attention back just as the good old days when you're a puppy yourself?

We will know someday Brownie may leave us and Rocky will become the apprentice for the guarding our home. Or maybe Brownie may decide to relax and let Rocky to do the job (You lazy bum!). It's kind of a generational shift. Guess life as dogs are almost like people. Eventually what you are doing right now will be taken over by someone else.

This is my sis and the old dog Brownie for my photography assignment. I still remember he refuse to cooperate when we were taking the picture.

People come and go, but life remains the same for a lot of people. We may have new technologies to help us make life easier, but life in other aspects is still the same: work, learn, make friends, fall in love, starting a family....

My parents are expecting us to bring home the bacon once after we graduate. Soon we'll be taking over dad for the earning money role. Life goes on, so live it to the fullest while doing the same old same old, people!