Day 1, 2 & 3 of CNY

Edit: I regret that post below. So crude so I am contemplating deleting it. We'll see.

So this is a make-up post.

***

Continuation from my CNY. If possible, I'll just cram everything in here.

Traditionally, every first day of CNY, we all dress up and gather at my parents house with my grandma and all our relatives. Ama must have vegetarian dishes, but the rest of us kids eat whatever we want. Kids is used very loosely here. Kids refer to everyone else. Heheh.

Wore white this year on the first day. Bought the dress at Cotton On (its my new fav shop) but it has no size S. I grabbed M anyway cos I liked it so bad. But a bit regret. I altered the arm pits part but the dress hangs a bit loosely on me. Not as nice. Boo.

Anyway. I'm very lucky that my in-laws are so lax about CNY on their side of the family. Lucky for us cos I still get to spend time with my own family, with Cs by my side. 

First day of CNY means busy day ahead! The whole day basically consists of serving, pouring drinks, taking dirty plates to the back, eating in between serving, welcoming our friends who come, entertain mum and dad's friends and so on and so forth.

Ama and all the relatives and cousins and kids all come on the morning of the first day. Dad's office people and colleagues (I think) come as well. His friends mostly come on the fourth day. The fourth day is a repeat of the first day only 100 times busier. So we never get to go out visiting on the fourth day. 

Cs and Winnie. 

The other day at dinner, Winnie let out a huge burp and blew it at my mum. We all stared at her. It was at home, but it was then that I realized that Winnie already assumes Cs is part of the family. She acted as if it was so normal like she does that all the time. Well, she does but only at home lah. Hahah. 

We ordered catering plus mum cooked some food. Fried noodles were a success this year. The other dishes consists of: mix vege, taufu, honey lamb, butter prawn and hmm I'm missing something. What else ah? Prawns always finish first, no surprise. 

Don't like this photo but its the only one that shows off the back of my dress.

Winnie doesn't look her best here. Dunno why eyes so small. Probably not enough time with make up in the morning.

This is the new crown prince of the family. Hahaha once when we were inside the house, and when we heard Jerrick's car pull up, Cs' dad said: the prince is here, the prince is here! (in mandarin). He was referring to his grandson of course. Damn funny! 

Day 2!!

Cs' badminton buddies. SRC group.

I stole these two photos below off Facebook. Thanks Tan KF. :P

Why didn't anyone tell me to pull down my skirt?? Its like the elephant in the room on FB when no one comments on it. Hahah oh well. 

We were aiming to take the same photo at the same seats compared with 2 years ago. See how much we all changed.

I think it was a good idea. Two years difference but we all look more or less the same. 

That was my outfit. Black supposedly my lucky color. And yes I am trying too hard to find my angle here. Fail!

At the end of the night after everyone left. Very tired looking me. Cs' pimple says hi. It is still there on his face. So much for fast pimple vanisher. Cs told Winnie that his pimples go away super fast. Like within a day. And its true..by some miracle it did. But not this one. Hahah I just looked over to check.

Day 3!!

I am damn lazy. 

I'll just compile everything together now that I feel like talking. :D

First stop was to my parents house to pick up mum and Winnie and go to dad's friend's house to visit. Of all people, I met Mary there!! I asked her how did she know them? She said through gym. Heheh come to think of it, this is the second time I met a colleague at Uncle Johnny's house.

After a good night's sleep, I look much better on the 3rd day than the 2nd. 

I like this photo. Might make it Cs' profile pic. HAHAH. What what? So he can look at me what. Wrong is it?

Anyway. We didn't stay long cos we had to go for Cs' friend's house for a Kuching High gathering. 

Rainbow shot taken by Tan KF. Not me.

Did I mention that I'm not a fan of steamboats? Heheh I didn't eat much anyway cos we already ate at Uncle Johnny's place. Plus we had to leave early to go to Alvin's place cos it was his daughter's birthday cum gathering. 

These are all taken using a self timer. Not bad eyy. Everyone were very talkative and happy that day. Too bad we had to leave early. It was good for them to catch up like that.

That's Alvin on the photo. Very realistic actually. Heheh. So much leftover food. That's the problem with CNY. Waay too much leftover food all the time. We estimate how many people there are and how much food to prepare but most people are so full from eating the whole day. Us included. That's why.

I'm getting a bit tired. I'll talk more next time.

Night.

Random

Hello. Every time I want to update, I think of all the things I have not talked about (in my blog) and it sort of overwhelms me. My blog seems empty of my personal life these days.

In reality, I have been sick. Really sick. I'm fighting a headache to write this actually. Mehh..I'll go to the doctor again later.

I have also been busy. Really busy. My best friend and her husband are here in Kuching so we have been going out a lot these days. 

I want so badly to write a proper post. One post for Shirley and one post for her wedding, a few posts for CNY. 

But this one will have to do for now. 

Typing in short clipped sentences makes it easier.

I realize that Kuching seriously lack in the "western food" department. If  we were in KL, different story.

But we are here. So we go to Alfresco, Damai Central, Porkies, and where else? Been drinking a lot lately too. First it was CNY then it was catching up with friends and going clubbing. 

Never thought I would say this but I'm kinda sick of all that alcohol. This is where people go: OMG really? Fuck you and your self righteousness.

Its like when mum twisted her ankle. People are asking: you drink too much and fell issit?? When we say no, they whisper behind her back and say she did anyway. Fuck you all.

Pardon my french. 

Sorry. Its the headache talking.

Bye

Reunion Dinner Post

Helloooo. I finally have time to sit down and blog. I spent yesterday and today afternoon recuperating from the past week. It has been soo hectic. Non stop activities. I went out last night some more, and tonight there was a family dinner. Just got back. 

Can't believe the 10 days breaks is over. Nooo.. Back to reality. CNY is almost over for another year. Ahh..actually I need to return to reality. All day eating, drinking, and then sleeping late is bad for the health. Speaking of, guess who is sick again?

Got that right. Cs and I are having sore throats together AGAIN. We always get sick together. We need more rest! So yeah. Back to work and back to routine life might be better for us.

Anyway. Start from the beginning. These are from 30 night (the day/night before the 1st day of CNY). Its a day where we have reunion dinner with the family and relatives. 

My family have reunion dinner at home and our relatives and grandma all come over to have dinner together. Cs' family just have dinner themselves. I think actually a lot of family just eat together, and not with all the relatives.

But my dad is really big on eating together. I think my grandpa started the trend. He loved gatherings too. When we were little, we can't watch tv or read books, or do anything while eating together. We have to sit at the same table and eat together. Cs' family don't - they eat watching tv, or not together at all. I find this weird. But then, not all families are the same. 

Start with a few photos of me first. In case you missed me. Heh.

Reunion dinner outfit. :) This is my new uniform.

The reason why I was taking photos of myself in the car was because Cs was sweeping the car park. Some leaves and newspapers got blown into the car park, so we had to sweep it. 

By the time we come home, it would be after midnight and you can't sweep the floors on the first day of CNY. Its tradition. Supposedly you're sweeping away your luck or money. Something like that. 

This year, I had reunion dinner with Cs' family. After that, we headed to my house for another reunion dinner and stayed there till past midnight.

You see the leeks on the far right? We Chinese have to eat that every reunion dinner cos its supposed to bring you money. Something like that. Another tradition. I don't mind. I think it tastes good. :)

We had steamboat/hot pot too. Cs' father loves steamboats. Every occasion we have, we will eat it. My dad loves it too. Haih is this a guy thing? Cos I hate steamboats. I'm sorry. My family all know I hate it. Hehehe. But I have to go along whenever someone wants to eat.

 Its just that you get so full so fast from eating fish balls, meat balls hot dog, prawns, and the smell lingers on your hair, your clothes. The whole house smells like steamboat. And the cleaning up is a bitch. Ok, maybe I don't clean everything up, but just looking at the mess makes me feel sorry for Eli. This is my house. At Cs' house, its not as messy. My dad is much more particular about food, and he's messy. Heheheh I still love you daddy. 

Ever since Nathan came into the family, every gathering we have, all of us are cooing at him, taking turns to carry him. Everyone seem to revolve around him and its easy to see why. He is super easy. He doesn't cry much. He just sort of grunts a bit if he's uncomfortable but that's it. So cute too. 

During the first day of CNY, they brought Nathan over and my dad carried him the most. He was holding Nathan walking around and talking to people while carrying him. Nathan is so easy to love. I hope my future kid is like that too.

Anyway. Back to reunion dinner. This was at my parents house.

Normally after the reunion dinner at home, we drink whiskey water, and catch up with the relatives. All of us gather round the table and talk, or we gamble. This year we played 21. Cs was the banker, with dad sponsoring him. By about 1030 pm, my dad actually went off to bed already and woke up again at about 1130pm. His whole face was red already. Hahah..

Cs was quite unlucky that day. He lost all of his money. Hahah at least everyone else were happy cos everyone else won.

After dinner the fireworks would start around the neighbor hood. But we only start putting the fireworks at midnight. 

Every year, dad tries to outdo himself. When I walked into Kevin's place and saw all the boxes in the living room, I went woooahhh.. 

This is a ritual every year at 12 am at almost every house in Kuching. At 12am, it would seem like World War 3. Fireworks everywhere! I love it. The atmosphere. Everyone is admiring, taking photos, looking at the sky. This year it was slightly drizzling so we all stayed in the car park while the men did the work. Hehe.

My job was photographer. Sucks sometimes to be the photographer. I take photo after photo and don't get to enjoy the fireworks like everyone else. Ok maybe the guys have it worse. They have to carry heavy boxes in the rain.

Our cousins always stay till midnight with us all to watch the fireworks. Its like this every year. Now that I'm married, Cs' family seems so different from mine. They always go on vacations during CNY and I always dread that I won't be able to eat reunion dinner with my family, or help out on the first day.

But after this year, I'm actually glad that we are going somewhere for CNY next year. Tickets booked already. Kiasu. Hahahha but I'm not complaining! :)

Took me many many tries to get awesome shots. I'm not a good photographer and I know nuts about the settings. I don't bother most of the time.

I had to stand really close in the drizzling rain, trying to protect my camera, and being careful in case the fireworks explode wrongly. It happened a few times before. We got a few scares. And I got many debris on my face and even in my eyes. Standing too close - bad idea. By the end of the night, my camera got a bit crazy. I think it was too loud or something but I was scared and quickly turned it off.

I have many shots like these. Failed attempts. Heheh.

Aftermath.

I'll continue with the other days next time.

Its time to sleep. Nite.

Today is the 2nd day of CNY..

..and I am exhausted beyond words. My back aches, my shoulder hurts, my knee hurts, I feel bloated, I'm sick of cny food already and catered food.

I miss maggi mee.

I have chipped nail polish on all fingers! Major faux pas.

I can't believe it's the 2nd day only. It feels like the 5th already.

On the other hand, I also feel blessed and unbelievably lucky. Won't elaborate but I have nothing to complain.

Btw I managed to get "ngo liong" (5 cards below 21) playing blackjack. Kinda lucky eh? Heheh..

Gotta hit the sack. Nite.

Happy Chinese New Year

It's the year of the snake!! These are fireworks photos from last night. I spent the day helping out at my parents place and then visiting friends houses.

Eating a lot, drinking since noon and gambling too.

It's a festive season! Update next time. :)

Tian Yan Mi Yu - Amei (Cos its on repeat now)

Opened my Drafts (there are about 100+ posts in there. Procrastinator, I know), and selected this.

Sorry for the very lame edit. Was testing out new app. My hair is much longer, my phone case has changed, my hair color has changed, but everything else is the same now.

O mai gad!! Is it Christmas still?? That's how long it was in my folder. Heh. Sorry.

I like this cos we are so happy together. Those rare times when we are in the pub ignoring everyone else (sorry) cos we're stuck to each other like that. Sorry.

Another rare moment when he sang!! He sings but not often in front of my parents. Haha..I think I forced him to.

Winnie looks like she don't have make up on. It seems to be opposite with us always. Just that day we went to Planet again and she had looked fabulous with full make up on, whereas I came from work with specs, oily face etc.

When I saw her coming down the stairs, I think I went: waaa...fuck u!! (Cos she knew I looked like shit) And then I proceeded to try and dirty her face. HAHAH. Evil. This is what sisters do, no?

I like this. Cheap and good.

This is rare too. One night when I went straight from work too. Played pool with Naushad - Winnie's best friend. It was fun. The last time I played must have been years ago. Was it during college days?

I have not been taking much photos recently..blame my iPhone. Lousy. I have to depend on Winnie's phone when we go out together. Blame me too cos I always look like shit these days. Damn.

Anyway. Change of topic.

It is the last working day today. Happy me!! Jam like hell everywhere though. I guess everyone is on leave or last minute buying stuff, or people are all back from overseas. 

****

I'm trying to decide whether to over night in Hakone or not. Anyone got tips for me? A bit fed up researching my Japan trip. I want to go to Yunessun and Owdukani for those black eggs. I want a full onsen experience, naked be it. I want a private onsen in the room. I found one for RM 600++ Not too bad considering, but its the bus taking going there that has got me worried. 

Owakudani

The good ones with the modern facilities and awesome location can go up to 1k - 2k. Forget it. The cheap ones look dodgy or are too far out of the way or in the middle of nowhere. Kill me now. It is so so hard trying to find a place to stay.

These black eggs are said to increase your life by 7 years. Heh..they are normal chicken eggs that are cooked on site in the boiling hot water and it turns black due to a chemical reaction to the sulphurous water.

Researching for Japan has to be the worst! On one hand, I want to be totally prepared..I want to have my itinerary totally planned out, and on the other hand, I'm afraid I will be too stressed out worrying about this that I might not end up enjoying my trip.

OK..I don't think I'll be that stressed out. Only now. But knowing me, once I reach there, we would be like: fuck it. Cancel that out, and that, oh and that too. Let's just take the taxi once. How expensive could it be? And so on and so forth. Hahah..

Anyway..enough of that. I'll find a way. First I have to deal with my visa though.

***

I feel like I haven't talked about Cs much these days. That day I was looking for my phone. His phone's battery goes down very fast. So he told me: my phone is the easiest to look for. Just see where the charger is, my phone would be there. 

I burst out laughing. Stupid! Hahahha idiot..not funny. Its true. He has a charger upstairs and downstairs, and at his office, and he has a portable one to use in the car. It is always plugged in. A bit wtf. Time for a change. He's using HTC Sensation. Don't buy it.

My iPhone 4 - I only need to charge it once a day, for like one hour and it can last me a whole day. Pfft. Winnie and Cs don't understand why. Its easy. I don't play games much, or chat on whatsapp nonstop, nor do I keep taking photos of myself. Yeahh. :)

Does that mean mum's phone's battery can last a week? HAHAH. She doesn't use it!! She hardly does anything. 

Her iPad batteries definitely goes down wayyy faster. Mum uses her ipad ALL the time. In the kitchen while she's cooking; she puts it on the floor when she feeds Cherrie; she brings it to the saloon, she would bring it to facial if she can open her eyes, or she would bring it in the car to use if she can drive at the same time. That is how hooked my mum is. 

Is it wrong that I'm a bit jealous? Hahah. Of what I'm not sure. Hehe.

Cs is sick of A-mei but I'm not yet. I played it non-stop on repeat last night, and tonight. Poor baby. 

How?