Chinese New Year 2013

Just like previous year, we had a big feast on the Chinese New Year Eve. And again, we had three tables of these delicious foods. Thanks to our big chefs, my mother-in-law and eldest sister-in-law. You are the best!

After the reunion dinner, we chatted and laughed while having from tea to wine. (Oopss..this is not advisable to mix tea and wine together, a bad example). When it was past midnight, we played fire-crackers as a symbolic of a prosperity year ahead. This year, we had the "Kong Ming" lantern as an add-on. We wrote our wishes on the Kong Ming lantern and lit it to the sky.

We had our vegetarian breakfast at my mother-in-law's house the next morning before heading back to Pontian, Johor; my hometown. After six to eight hours of driving, finally we were home. We spent 4 days in Pontian. We spent most of our time chatting, laughing, eating and drinking for the past few days with my siblings and my parents. My youngest brother and my mum cooked delicious foods for us. We were so happy and I felt blessed to have them and being able to spend a few days with them happily.

We also had the opportunity to watch lion dance and dragon dance at one of the Karaoke Clubs in Pontian. There were 5 lions and 1 long dragon. The girls were overjoyed to watch it as this is their first time watching it at such a close distances.

My father bought us supper one night and I was amused by this food. It is called the nasi pulut apom balik. It is very very delicious. I personally found it very special and unique, and of course very delicious! I want to eat it again the next time I go back.

Time waits for no man. It was time to head back to Ipoh. Mum prepared some Chinese New Year cookies, Mandarin oranges and her homemade walnut cake for us to bring back. Mum also homemade the rice wine for my confinement after delivery. I really felt blessed to have such a lovely mum! I love you, mum!

Rich or Poor

I came across this article when I was teaching the students. And I would like to share this very meaningful article here in my blog. This is how the story goes.

One day the father of a very wealthy family took his son to the village to show him how the poor lived. They spent a couple of days and nights in one of the poorest houses in the area.

On their return to the city, the father asked the son, "How was the trip, son?"

"It was great, Father."

"Did you see how the poor lived?" said the father.

"Yes, I did, Father," said the son.

"So, tell me what you learned from the trip?" said the father.

"I realized that we have one dog but they have four dogs. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden but they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden but they have millions of stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front garden but they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on but they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants that serve us but they serve others. We buy our food but they grow theirs. We have walls to protect us but they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

"Thanks for showing me how poor we are, Father," added the son.

~The End~

Chinese New Year Preparation 2013

We decided to decorate our house "red and gold" this Chinese New Year. Still keeping these two golden lanterns from last year as they are still in good condition, moreover they were quite pricey too :P

Other than the lanterns, we hung some lights decoration too. We had small little Chinese lanterns and some pinky flower lights. It looks like a very elegant Victoria style necklace when we switched the lights on. Nice!

This year, we wanted to do something 3D on the gate. I bought the couplet and the two very cute big snakes from pasar pagi, altogether costed RM18 which I think it's a great bargain for me..hehe..Feeling a bit dull, I made a few 3D stars to add some spice to it. At first, I was thinking to hang the stars but hubby suggested to tie them on the gate. We are satisfied with the result, it is beautiful :)

This year, we bought some plants too. We bought some imported red anthuriums and spider lilies. They are lovely, really bright up my day.

Then, I tied some red ribbon on the bamboo tree which we bought last year too. Somehow, I feel that the bamboo trees are malnutrition. It should be lush green, I guess that we need to work more on taking care of it.

Lastly, a picture of my two little princesses, making noisy asking me to take a photo of them. Here, wish all of you Happy Chinese New Year! Cheers!