Chinese New Year 2010

Gong xi fa cai to all !

It has been a real busy weeks and I just didn't have time to sit down to blog much. Time flies, we are into 3rd day of Chinese New Year celebration and soon we are on 15th day. This year I celebrated my new year in KL. In the past, I will spend some time preparing Chinese New Year especially the last week buying some stuff to cook, decorate and whatever. However, one week before the new year, I was away in Singapore and only spent the last two days before CNY in KL.

Despite being so busy, coping with work, family and friend visiting, I had a real good week spent with family. It is about bonding and getting to know each other better.

While I was in Singapore, in fact this is the first time I visited Singapore during the CNY. Drove around the Chinatown area, seen the decoration on the street and I actually felt the mood for CNY. I read an article in the newspaper while I was there, read about the God Protector based on the Chinese Horoscope. Somehow, I saw the temple by chance as we were going for an appointment and I decided to do some prayers. I found out my Protector and adopted it and hopeful for great blessing. It may sound a bit commercialised but I guess it happens everywhere nowadays.

It has been a wonderful week for me, did a lot for the family in a very special way. I sincerely hope the children are truly happy and feel more love than before. I am truly happy.

With metta to all, may all being have a wonderful year and success is awaiting for all in whatever you endeavored.

Lao Juak on Chap Goh Mey

It has been a great day for me both socially and spiritually.

Invited a few friends over to the house for lunch to rekindle old time and to "Lao Juak" for CNY. It is a pot luck party and we planned out the menu and I decided to cook my favourite salted veg toufu soup with noodles...yummy! It has been awhile since I have invited friends over and this is probably the very first one ever since I have so much personal problems to cope.  Hopefully with this "Lao Juak" gathering it will bring great stability to all.  It is all I asked for.   

Since it is Chap Goh Mey, many friends told me they have family dinner to attend, sometimes I wish my parents are near me too, and I can be like others reunion again on this special day, unfortunately my parents do not live near me, and being a mother myself, I will do my best to teach them as I don't want my children to forget the traditions, and in between work and family life, I have to ensure they enjoyed their CNY.  It is never easy..but I tried and they had a good CNY I think....lol !  The best I have heard so far is my baby girl Jolene could say clearly Gong Xi Fa Cai..in Mandarin !

As an adult, we have so many things to worry about, this CNY has been unique I find, first was the break away trip to refresh and recharge my energy, celebrated with my parents and sisters back home, and attended a few open house parties.  I feel so happy seeing the kids enjoying themself running about meeting new friends.  I know unfortunately my family is incomplete and the kids do not have a perfect family, but I am grateful that my children are independent and totally understanding and very considerate of my feelings.

Since this is the first 15th day of the first month..I went to the temple to chant.  It is always very calming whenever I chant and sometimes I wish I could have done better and I should be.  

When I chant, I feel it is an inner healing for me, and all my worries and fear will be wiped out through the chant..and I feel relief that through dhamma..I found the peace in me again.  Confident is all I need to face this challenging life..

My wish for this year is a smooth sailing journey in personal life and career wise...and for all of you too.

Happy Chinese Valentines Day and 元宵节！

The beginning of a rejuvenated Ox year !

I feel so good today..the first day of Chinese New Year !

In the past, yes I do feel good as always and keeping up with the traditions, as a mother and wife, there is a lot for me to prepare and be excited about the celebration.

However, this year, it is truly a rejuvenated new year !  Joining the holiday makers for a hearty breakfast, freshly blended fruit juices and excellent roti canai by an Indian chef, we adjourned to the beach front.  Breaking the traditions of giving out ang pow in the house, we had the ceremony by the beach with sea breeze blowing against our faces.

We rested by the pool and I fell asleep in my bikini while sun bathing.  And next we were ready for a quick lunch just before our spa therapy.   It is truly rejuvenating and exhilarating experience.  I find the 'Mandi Bunga' was truly meaningful especially on the first day of CNY.  The therapist will recite some suci phrases..eg.  Mandi for Happiness, Longevity, good luck and good health.   I just feel good after this ritual that things will be great for me.

First I had a facial and followed by a scalp treatment using all pure herbs and ingredient.  I feel really good to be back to basic and nothing chemical on my hair for once.

Then, it was my turn for the traditional massage and lastly the most exciting part of the treatment was the Rendam-Rendam supposedly good for woman.  It is a treatment contributing to wellness of the genital organs and firmness of vaginal muscles as the age......Well, it is normally done after childbirth and menstruation.   Typically living in the city, we find the natural healing method is too troublesome, and this afternoon, soaking myself in some herbal concoction in the open air bath tub, looking up at the clear blue sky accompanied by the sound of the wave ...hmmm, so relaxing.

And here comes the last part, seating on a hot stone..gosh, I have done many hot stone massages but never sat on one.  Well...hopefully it really works on me.

Not forgetting, we were served jamu drink to begin and to end the whole treatment session.

Though I couldn't feel the atmosphere of celebrating Chinese New Year, but I feel so relax and well rested.   Comparing to my recent working trip to Penang staying at another 5 star resort, I recalled I had a walk on the beach, but the feeling is totally different.  I was tensed and couldn't feel myself was actually in the resort.   Obviously, being away with my children and family and with my client do have a "big" different.

It is a great day for me...