Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Goodbye 2015 and Hello 2016!
Because I'm boring and cannot think of a better title, I'm going to reuse the same one I used exactly one year ago. Haha!
So 2015...
was a fruitful year for me - especially so in terms of financial planning and career related areas.
WORK
It's my 3rd year and counting in this company and I foresee myself staying a few more years. My team went through some ups and downs this year, witnessing the departure of 2 analysts. We managed to hire one replacement before the year ends and I'm grateful for that - it's mad crazy without the 2 headcount.
Thanks to my wonderful bosses, I received more exposure this year - ranging from a cross-department training with the Finance team in Malaysia to fronting the team for a review in Australia all by myself. This helps to push myself out of the usual comfort zone and I had to hold my opinions in the boardroom. This year, I get to mentor the new hire as well.
In this aspect, I think I did fairly well for the year at work.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
I reckon I fare ALOT better in this area compared to 2014. I fell sick a grand total of two times in 2015 and that is a pretty good record for me. Cleaning up the diet probably helps a lot - with lesser processed food, limiting fried food to only once every 2 weeks and cutting back on sugary drinks. I could really do better in the sleep department though.
Maintaining my gym schedule does help as well. To ensure that I follow through my exercise regime, I usually plan them out 1 to 2 months in advance. But this also meant some of my social life were affected because I had to turn down last minute meetups.
Made an effort to visit my cousin more often at her skin clinic and get my eczema problem settled. I can safely say all that diligence paid off and even my old eczema scars are healing well.
I finally went for a dental appointment on the very last day of 2015 - not proud to admit that I haven't seen a dentist for the entire year. Gross!
All in all, this year made me realize that good health is never a given. Love and take care of body and in turn it will take care of you.
READING
I had the aim to finish 30 books in 2015 - failed terribly at it. I only managed to finish half that target. Totally blame it on mobile game apps on distracting me during commute instead of finishing my reading list.
This year my reading list was a little different from what I set out to read - which were mostly supposed to be entirely business finance based. I decided to have a more diverse reading list by introducing books relating to public speaking, emotions management and also workings of the brain.
Big thanks to my sister for subscribing to our national papers, now I make it a habit to read the papers daily and it certainly has helped me keep abreast of issues.
CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
2014 saw many of my close friends getting married, 2015 saw a lot of baby full month parties! Huifang had her baby boy Ethan, Shaun and Xinyi saw the arrival of baby Daniel, Lyna and her baby girl Maryann and my little cousin welcomed her second son.
My bro Yeow also got hitched this year. Happy year for all my friends!
I set out to be a better friend this year - I think I did okay. Mainly because none of my friends have disowned me yet. Haha!
I'm still not the patient sister or daughter I had envisioned myself to be so in this area I flopped terribly this year.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Achieved my saving goal for the year!
In matters of the heart, J and I have grown in the relationship despite being apart for most of the year. He made a lot of effort to come back whenever he could and I really appreciate that. We also made some significant steps in our relationship, one of which being the application for a Build-To-Order flat this year :) There's another one which I will speak of at a later date.
TRAVEL
I traveled a fair bit for work in 2015 - going to Malaysia twice, China and also Australia. All were fruitful trips where I learned a lot. Looking forward to more of such opportunities in 2016!
All my personal travels this year were made to Shanghai where I had 2 separate weeks of wonderful time with the boy.
For 2016...
It's another year of goals setting and getting closer to dreams!
WORK
I had a conversation with my bosses before 2015 wrapped up, that I crave for more responsibilities such as fronting my own portfolio and having the opportunities to hold my own in meetings with the high management. They have supported the notion and is willing to open up those routes for me.
Definitely looking forward to 2016 where I can achieve that few milestones that I've set for myself!
HEALTH AND FITNESS
I am fairly pleased with my health status in 2015 with a perfect A health screening report (according to the GP at least) and no eczema flare-ups. The only thing I can't seem to quit is milk tea and I want to cut back on that in 2016 - instead of daily, I want to cut it to thrice a week.
2015's diet worked for me (no withdrawal syndromes thank goodness) and it shows that I can really live with lesser fried food. I shall continue that into 2016 as well.
Going to the gym 3 times a week in 2015 was a good habit to keep and I aim to maintain that in 2016.
READING
I didn't get to stick with my 2015 reading goals but I want to give it a try again. This year round besides the usual business and financial planning books, I want to venture into different genres.
This year, the target remains at 30 books.
CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I realized as one gets older (big 30!), one starts to realize that it's more important that friends come in quality rather than quantity. 2015 was a year where I see myself getting closer to people who matters and that is something I am extremely grateful for. This year, I want to cherish those who matters.
Not the best child anyone ask for - with all that impatience and hot temper-ness. My parents are getting on in years and it's about time I wise up and stop being such a brat sometimes. This year, I want to manage my impatience towards my parents and be a more dutiful child.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Financially, I hope to achieve yet another saving goal I set myself.
In matters of the heart, I can't wait for the boy to be back for good in June! Meanwhile, maybe I will aim not to throw tantrums at him too often hahahahaha.
TRAVEL
Work related travels are not up to me so I can't make a resolution on that.
On a personal level, I will be flying to China at least one more time before the boy returns. In view of my saving goal, that is likely to be the only travel plan for the year!
Shall end this post with a quote that I want to use as my driver for 2016
Onwards to an amazing 2016 everyone!
I had a conversation with my bosses before 2015 wrapped up, that I crave for more responsibilities such as fronting my own portfolio and having the opportunities to hold my own in meetings with the high management. They have supported the notion and is willing to open up those routes for me.
Definitely looking forward to 2016 where I can achieve that few milestones that I've set for myself!
HEALTH AND FITNESS
I am fairly pleased with my health status in 2015 with a perfect A health screening report (according to the GP at least) and no eczema flare-ups. The only thing I can't seem to quit is milk tea and I want to cut back on that in 2016 - instead of daily, I want to cut it to thrice a week.
2015's diet worked for me (no withdrawal syndromes thank goodness) and it shows that I can really live with lesser fried food. I shall continue that into 2016 as well.
Going to the gym 3 times a week in 2015 was a good habit to keep and I aim to maintain that in 2016.
READING
I didn't get to stick with my 2015 reading goals but I want to give it a try again. This year round besides the usual business and financial planning books, I want to venture into different genres.
This year, the target remains at 30 books.
CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I realized as one gets older (big 30!), one starts to realize that it's more important that friends come in quality rather than quantity. 2015 was a year where I see myself getting closer to people who matters and that is something I am extremely grateful for. This year, I want to cherish those who matters.
Not the best child anyone ask for - with all that impatience and hot temper-ness. My parents are getting on in years and it's about time I wise up and stop being such a brat sometimes. This year, I want to manage my impatience towards my parents and be a more dutiful child.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Financially, I hope to achieve yet another saving goal I set myself.
In matters of the heart, I can't wait for the boy to be back for good in June! Meanwhile, maybe I will aim not to throw tantrums at him too often hahahahaha.
TRAVEL
Work related travels are not up to me so I can't make a resolution on that.
On a personal level, I will be flying to China at least one more time before the boy returns. In view of my saving goal, that is likely to be the only travel plan for the year!
Shall end this post with a quote that I want to use as my driver for 2016
Onwards to an amazing 2016 everyone!
Goodbye 2014 and Hello 2015!
I've not been the best person in keeping this blog updated - and for the daily readers who still bothered to pop by every now and then, I thank you immensely for showering this friend/stranger some of your precious time :)
Since this is the first post of 2015, I'll make it a cliched one - one that wraps up the previous year and talks about the next.
has been a very ordinary but beautiful year for me. Ordinary because there was no exceptional feat I did in 2014 that makes me want to jump up high and fist pump myself. Beautiful because many things happened that still makes me smile with my heart warm.
WORK
I started 2014 with a promotion at work. I've had switched a few jobs almost every other year in the first 3 to 4 years of my working life. This meant I never stayed long enough to be promoted within the firm although I've always left with glowing appraisals from my then bosses. This promotion definitely meant something to me. Covering additional responsibilities has helped me grow over the last year and I'm definitely looking forward to more growth opportunities in the coming years.
HEALTH and FITNESS
I still failed terribly at taking care of my health although I vowed to clean up my eating habits and exercise regime at the start of 2014. I fell sick a grand total of 6 times this year - 2 of which took almost 3 weeks to recover. Not the best sign for someone still in her 20s (albeit late)! The year ended with me sick and yes I counted down to 2015 with a nasty cough and running nose.
Fortunately, I managed to maintain my exercise regime right till budget season - before it all fell apart.
READING
My reading goals died mid way through the year - not proud of it either. I would love to blame it on the harsh work schedules but who am I kidding when folks like Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett reads voraciously even in their demanding roles.
CLOSE FRIENDS and FAMILY
Since this is the first post of 2015, I'll make it a cliched one - one that wraps up the previous year and talks about the next.
So 2014....
has been a very ordinary but beautiful year for me. Ordinary because there was no exceptional feat I did in 2014 that makes me want to jump up high and fist pump myself. Beautiful because many things happened that still makes me smile with my heart warm.
WORK
I started 2014 with a promotion at work. I've had switched a few jobs almost every other year in the first 3 to 4 years of my working life. This meant I never stayed long enough to be promoted within the firm although I've always left with glowing appraisals from my then bosses. This promotion definitely meant something to me. Covering additional responsibilities has helped me grow over the last year and I'm definitely looking forward to more growth opportunities in the coming years.
HEALTH and FITNESS
I still failed terribly at taking care of my health although I vowed to clean up my eating habits and exercise regime at the start of 2014. I fell sick a grand total of 6 times this year - 2 of which took almost 3 weeks to recover. Not the best sign for someone still in her 20s (albeit late)! The year ended with me sick and yes I counted down to 2015 with a nasty cough and running nose.
Fortunately, I managed to maintain my exercise regime right till budget season - before it all fell apart.
READING
My reading goals died mid way through the year - not proud of it either. I would love to blame it on the harsh work schedules but who am I kidding when folks like Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett reads voraciously even in their demanding roles.
CLOSE FRIENDS and FAMILY
2014 witnessed the marriage of many of my close ones - Joyce to her life-long friend Vincent, Huifang to her high school sweetheart Jerly, Pamela to her partner in crime James, my cousin Danny to his favourite lady Sofie and my little cousin Xinjuan to her best friend since middle school.
I still did not become the good daughter and sister that I wanted to be - I still had my fair share of tempers and lost patience on my parents more times than I should.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Thankfully, I kept to my saving goals. Probably a side product of getting closer to the big 30, I've become much more conscious of the insurance policies I buy (and what they cover). 2014 saw a surge in the number of meetings and emails exchange with my financial planner and I'm glad to say I closed off the year satisfied with my financial planning.
Attended a few finance classes this year and I'm glad to say there were so many great useful retirement planning advice I've taken away from the folks who were kind enough to share them.
Last and all, I met the new love of my life - albeit it's only 3 months old and he's far away in Shanghai for an 18-month long secondment, we are still doing fine.
TRAVELS
This year has been relatively mild (compared to my earlier career options) in travel, being only to Australia for work and Myanmar for leisure. Mild as they were, both were places that I've never been to until this year and both were beautiful in their own ways. I wished I traveled more on a personal/leisure basis but I have to keep an eye on my financial goals as well. Something has got to give sometimes I guess!
I still did not become the good daughter and sister that I wanted to be - I still had my fair share of tempers and lost patience on my parents more times than I should.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Thankfully, I kept to my saving goals. Probably a side product of getting closer to the big 30, I've become much more conscious of the insurance policies I buy (and what they cover). 2014 saw a surge in the number of meetings and emails exchange with my financial planner and I'm glad to say I closed off the year satisfied with my financial planning.
Attended a few finance classes this year and I'm glad to say there were so many great useful retirement planning advice I've taken away from the folks who were kind enough to share them.
Last and all, I met the new love of my life - albeit it's only 3 months old and he's far away in Shanghai for an 18-month long secondment, we are still doing fine.
TRAVELS
This year has been relatively mild (compared to my earlier career options) in travel, being only to Australia for work and Myanmar for leisure. Mild as they were, both were places that I've never been to until this year and both were beautiful in their own ways. I wished I traveled more on a personal/leisure basis but I have to keep an eye on my financial goals as well. Something has got to give sometimes I guess!
For 2015...
It's always nice to start the new year knowing what you fell short of last year and why you need to improve this year :)
WORK
Now that I have spent exactly a year in my new (or not so new) role, I'm motivated to learn more and move on to the next level. The feedback session with my direct report late last year fueled my hunger to build necessary experiences and skill set in order to move up the ladder. I need to work harder this year to not let him, and most importantly, myself, down.
This year, I want to be able to manage junior staff better and be able to hold my opinions better in a boardroom.
HEALTH and FITNESS
2014 ended on a tough reminder to myself that health is so so important. Over the last one year I can feel my health deteriorate - frequent bouts of flu and a much longer time to recover. I came back from Myanmar with a deep chest cough that witnessed the come back of my asthma. I haven't had that since I was 15 years old! Determined to steer my health back on track, I've visited 2 sinsehs, 1 who has helped me with my eczema 4 years back and the other one recommended by a good friend of mine. Both commented that my diet and lifestyle need to change - more fresh food, no fried food and minimal late nights.
This year, I will clean up my diet (fried food free for the last 1 week and counting!) and be the obedient patient that my Chinese sinseh needs me to be. Exercise regime will resume when this bout of cough is over so my health and fitness level can be back on track. This body - will after all be the one and only place I have to live in - I might as well make it a good place to be.
READING
Since last year, I've kept my readings to strictly non-fiction books - mostly business and finance based. This trend is likely to be here to stay, especially with friends sending in lists of books to read from Business Insider, Inc. Com, Forbes and Stanford School of Business! I've kick started the year with Peter Lynch's Beating the Street. I'm only into the first chapter and I'm enjoying it so far.
This year, I aim to finish 30 books.
CLOSE FRIENDS and FAMILY
I've come to realized some of my close friends are afraid of asking me for favours because they were afraid I would be busy - when Huifang got married, she said it took her courage to ask me to be her emcee whereas I was exhilarated to be able to host her wedding with my (and also her) bestie, Wendy. She mentioned that she knew I was busy with work (mostly) and was afraid I would turn her down. Then it dawned to me, while I've always thought I was a great friend, I actually wasn't. I was always preoccupied with work and my dear friends have thought themselves as burdens sometimes if they were to reach out to me.
What a terrible friend I've been.
The same rings true for my parents - both of whom have always hesitated to trouble me because I was mostly impatient with their request for help relating to electronic gadgets and other administrative matters (both do not speak or read English).
What a terrible child I've been.
This year, I still want to be a more patient daughter and sister to my family. I want to be more generous with my parents - in both monetary terms and love. I also want to be a more understanding friend who can listen better and be there for my friends whenever they need me most.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Financially, I want to be able to maintain my saving habits and reach my desired financial goals. I will be more disciplined and focused in driving and reaching these milestones.
In terms of relationships, I want to be a better girlfriend to J. He's been a great (and bigger) guy so far, coping well with my weird temper and always putting me first in his plans (be it now or future). Now that we are miles apart due to his 18-month secondment in Shanghai, I've learned to cherish time with him more. Although we video-chat every single night, it doesn't lessen the lack of his presence here in Singapore. I definitely still miss having meals with him just across the table or just holding his hand and walking down streets.
TRAVELS
I foresee slightly more personal travels to Shanghai this year just because J is now there and it's not possible that he flies back all the time. Had plans to hike Mount Rinjali in May but that is likely to clash with the original schedule that was set aside to visit J in Shanghai. Anyhow, we will work these timings out ;-)
And here's my favourite quote of the year to wrap up this post:
WORK
Now that I have spent exactly a year in my new (or not so new) role, I'm motivated to learn more and move on to the next level. The feedback session with my direct report late last year fueled my hunger to build necessary experiences and skill set in order to move up the ladder. I need to work harder this year to not let him, and most importantly, myself, down.
This year, I want to be able to manage junior staff better and be able to hold my opinions better in a boardroom.
HEALTH and FITNESS
2014 ended on a tough reminder to myself that health is so so important. Over the last one year I can feel my health deteriorate - frequent bouts of flu and a much longer time to recover. I came back from Myanmar with a deep chest cough that witnessed the come back of my asthma. I haven't had that since I was 15 years old! Determined to steer my health back on track, I've visited 2 sinsehs, 1 who has helped me with my eczema 4 years back and the other one recommended by a good friend of mine. Both commented that my diet and lifestyle need to change - more fresh food, no fried food and minimal late nights.
This year, I will clean up my diet (fried food free for the last 1 week and counting!) and be the obedient patient that my Chinese sinseh needs me to be. Exercise regime will resume when this bout of cough is over so my health and fitness level can be back on track. This body - will after all be the one and only place I have to live in - I might as well make it a good place to be.
READING
Since last year, I've kept my readings to strictly non-fiction books - mostly business and finance based. This trend is likely to be here to stay, especially with friends sending in lists of books to read from Business Insider, Inc. Com, Forbes and Stanford School of Business! I've kick started the year with Peter Lynch's Beating the Street. I'm only into the first chapter and I'm enjoying it so far.
This year, I aim to finish 30 books.
CLOSE FRIENDS and FAMILY
I've come to realized some of my close friends are afraid of asking me for favours because they were afraid I would be busy - when Huifang got married, she said it took her courage to ask me to be her emcee whereas I was exhilarated to be able to host her wedding with my (and also her) bestie, Wendy. She mentioned that she knew I was busy with work (mostly) and was afraid I would turn her down. Then it dawned to me, while I've always thought I was a great friend, I actually wasn't. I was always preoccupied with work and my dear friends have thought themselves as burdens sometimes if they were to reach out to me.
What a terrible friend I've been.
The same rings true for my parents - both of whom have always hesitated to trouble me because I was mostly impatient with their request for help relating to electronic gadgets and other administrative matters (both do not speak or read English).
What a terrible child I've been.
This year, I still want to be a more patient daughter and sister to my family. I want to be more generous with my parents - in both monetary terms and love. I also want to be a more understanding friend who can listen better and be there for my friends whenever they need me most.
OTHER PERSONAL STUFF
Financially, I want to be able to maintain my saving habits and reach my desired financial goals. I will be more disciplined and focused in driving and reaching these milestones.
In terms of relationships, I want to be a better girlfriend to J. He's been a great (and bigger) guy so far, coping well with my weird temper and always putting me first in his plans (be it now or future). Now that we are miles apart due to his 18-month secondment in Shanghai, I've learned to cherish time with him more. Although we video-chat every single night, it doesn't lessen the lack of his presence here in Singapore. I definitely still miss having meals with him just across the table or just holding his hand and walking down streets.
TRAVELS
I foresee slightly more personal travels to Shanghai this year just because J is now there and it's not possible that he flies back all the time. Had plans to hike Mount Rinjali in May but that is likely to clash with the original schedule that was set aside to visit J in Shanghai. Anyhow, we will work these timings out ;-)
And here's my favourite quote of the year to wrap up this post:
Don't wait for inspiration. Be the inspiration.
HELLO 2015! Wishing you all a great year ahead as well!
Chinese New Year 2013!
Finally, there's some time on hand for an update! Warning: it's going to be a long post.
The CNY (Chinese New Year) period this year was unexpectedly filled with heavy showers. It was pouring day in day out and it made travelling around really tough. Nonetheless, hope it didn't dampen anyone's festive mood! It sure didn't dampen mine ;-)
Chinese culture has always centred upon the value of togetherness as a family so evidently the reunion dinner is one of the most important meals of CNY. It usually takes place on the night of the eve where family/families (each household has their own traditions) gather together for a hearty meal and countdown. That pretty much explains the massive movement of humans in China during this period as everyone rushes back to the hometown with massive amount of presents, food and goodies for the family and relatives. It signifies reconnection with the loved ones.
My family used to make massive affairs out of the reunion dinner where our house will be packed to the brim with 30 over relatives of ours. My dad comes from a large family of 6 kids from the first mum and about another 5 from the second mum, so you can probably imagine. As my cousins grow up and have their own families as well, we started to downsize the gathering on CNY eve so it's not taxing on my mum who does most of the cooking.
As Hainanese, chicken rice and chicken is most probably a must, together with Hainan mixed vegetables. The rest are just fried stuff that we kiddos love to eat. Hahaha
Just in case there are readers from foreign countries/cultures, this is how a typical ang bao looks like. Ang bao (which means red packet in Hokkien) is usually given by married couples to single relatives. So for example if my younger cousin is married (and I'm not), she/he will have to give it to me. Hahaha. Depending on preference, we kiddos give it to our parents as well, as a form of good luck. It usually comes with money inside as sort of a blessing.
My cousin and his family. Super love this pair of siblings because they are such a friendly bunch and it's amazing how they look out and take care of each other. I mean I probably fought with my sister day in day out till we were post teenagers and we still do. Hahaha.
Super mischievous and always refuse to take a proper photo unless his dad (my uncle) made him do so:
"Smile showing your teeth, Chris":
"I want to play games":
He loves meddling with our phones and cameras and this is his shot of me using my Nikon V1:
"Smile with your eyes open, Chris":
"Take a photo with me, Chris":
Uncle and his family:
The CNY (Chinese New Year) period this year was unexpectedly filled with heavy showers. It was pouring day in day out and it made travelling around really tough. Nonetheless, hope it didn't dampen anyone's festive mood! It sure didn't dampen mine ;-)
Chinese culture has always centred upon the value of togetherness as a family so evidently the reunion dinner is one of the most important meals of CNY. It usually takes place on the night of the eve where family/families (each household has their own traditions) gather together for a hearty meal and countdown. That pretty much explains the massive movement of humans in China during this period as everyone rushes back to the hometown with massive amount of presents, food and goodies for the family and relatives. It signifies reconnection with the loved ones.
My family used to make massive affairs out of the reunion dinner where our house will be packed to the brim with 30 over relatives of ours. My dad comes from a large family of 6 kids from the first mum and about another 5 from the second mum, so you can probably imagine. As my cousins grow up and have their own families as well, we started to downsize the gathering on CNY eve so it's not taxing on my mum who does most of the cooking.
As Hainanese, chicken rice and chicken is most probably a must, together with Hainan mixed vegetables. The rest are just fried stuff that we kiddos love to eat. Hahaha
We ended the night with CNY celebratory programs and re-runs of Stephen Chow's lame movies. Trust me, it doesn't feel like it's CNY when you don't watch his movies! Hahaha.
DAY 1!!
Day 1 of this festive period usually involves visiting the most senior relatives from your dad's side. So we started off with our Grandaunt (who's the sister-in-law of my paternal grandfather). She's already mid 90s!
We started taking random photos of ourselves while waiting for my uncle to arrive:
Cheongsam from was Intoxiquette
I never knew I was THIS pale until my sister pointed out I'm the same shade as my nude heels (got them from Geox - super comfy!). Guess I'll need a tan soon.
Just in case there are readers from foreign countries/cultures, this is how a typical ang bao looks like. Ang bao (which means red packet in Hokkien) is usually given by married couples to single relatives. So for example if my younger cousin is married (and I'm not), she/he will have to give it to me. Hahaha. Depending on preference, we kiddos give it to our parents as well, as a form of good luck. It usually comes with money inside as sort of a blessing.
Camwhoring at home while waiting for the next visiting. Don't mind the mess in the background. It's still a little messy AFTER all that spring cleaning. Don't ask me why.
Then it's off to my Aunt's place to steamboat! She's one of the favourite persons to visit because of the amazing ingredients she always prepare for us. Hahahaha.
My cousin and his family. Super love this pair of siblings because they are such a friendly bunch and it's amazing how they look out and take care of each other. I mean I probably fought with my sister day in day out till we were post teenagers and we still do. Hahaha.
It's been soooooooo long since a baby appeared in our CNY gathering. Age range for the cousins on my dad's side of the family is pretty wide. The eldest cousin is 24 years older than me (which means in her 50s) and the youngest one is probably in upper primary (around 10-12 years old). So you can split us up into 3 categories where you have the much older ones, the middle ones (like my sister and I and some cousins within the 2-3 years age gap who have worked a a few years) and the little ones who are still schooling.
The older ones are all married with kids. My eldest niece is going university next year! :O The horror I swear. Hahaha. Among the middle category, only Kelvin is married. Hahaha. That's why we all counted on him to bring a baby into the extended family. Hahahaha. So so he did - presenting to you, the newest addition to the family, Isabelle!
We usually end the night pretty late on Day 1 as the kids snacked too much and the adults talk late into the night catching up with each other. This year, due to the addition of the baby, we decided to cut the night short so everyone could go home and rest.
DAY 2!
In Chinese traditions, the second day of CNY signifies going home to parents (if you are a married woman) for visitation. So we started the morning at my maternal granny's place.
It's hard for people who are not familiar with a mirrorless camera to help take a proper photo :( Think I'll bring the powershot for next year's gathering! :D
Dress from Love, Bonito!
Some old school photos
It's amazing how time just passed us by and most of those kiddos sitting on the floor are now full grown adults and some are already parents!
Post-granny's place is my uncle (dad's side)'s place. It's usually the most massive gathering we have during this period - involving around 15-20 families at least.
Just to give you an idea how many people we have on this side of the family, here you go:
This was a gathering we had at my cousin's restaurant at M Hotel to celebrate my uncle and aunt's wedding anniversary about 2 years back. Photographer had a hard time fitting all of us in. Haha.
This is my uncle with his family - he has 4 daughters and all of them are married with kids of their own:
This is the household that involves the highest number of ang bao exchanges and it drives most of the givers crazy because it's so confusing!
Situation is usually made worse when kids grow up really fast and you almost can't recognize them if you only see them once a year.
Mixture of cousins and nephews/nieces - they are almost always on the same age group (kids of the older cousins and the younger category cousins), it's most of the time mind boggling trying to remember everyone. Hahaha.
Niece and nephews: The little girl shares the same birthday as me! Hahaha well of course with 20 years of age gap inbetween. Hahahaha.
Nephews:
Cousins. They are my neighbours too! Hahaha
Cousin and nephew: Probably the most musically talented folks within the clan. One's a co-owner of Timbre Group who's a musician himself and my nephew who writes his own songs and recently just won 2nd prize (with Mr Popular to boot!) at a teenage model competition! Sooooo proud of them!
Bunch of nieces and nephews in the games room:
Cousin-in-law (mum of Isabelle) and cousin:
Cousin and sister:
Hugeee bunch of nieces/nephews and it's not even the full team yet!:
We ended the session at around late afternoon with our tummies full of yummies and bags full of money. I'm kidding, blessings :)
While my parents headed over to my Granduncle's place (which is yet another gathering that involves at least over 10-15 families), I paid a visit to 2 of my friend's homes where I was introduced Ban Luck (which is Black Jack) to Inbetween. I've never been much of a gambler so all these CNY games are relatively new to me. Haha. And no thank god didn't lose any money.
DAY 3!
Very seldom do our visitings last till Day 3 since public holiday usually last only till Day 2 in Singapore (China has it for the full 15 days if I remember correctly). Since Day 1 lands on a Sunday this year, Day 3 (Tuesday) becomes a public holiday!
We popped by my grandaunt's place (my mum's aunt) for lunch. My sister and I are big fans of her cooking. Probably more so on my side since she took care of me when I was a kid. Chicken is a must-have for the Hainanese! Hahaha
The age group is a little inverse for my mum's side of the relatives. I have uncles who are 5 years older than me and cousins who still in pre-school. Imagine the confusion when I go visiting every year!
My cousin - Chris. He's my favourite! Mainly because I am biased and have a soft spot for those big round eyes of his. Hahahaha. This little half-Thai boy is already 6 this year!
This is my youngest uncle (the younger bro of above-mentioned uncle). Totally can't tell he's already in his 30s. Hahaha.
"I want to play games":
He loves meddling with our phones and cameras and this is his shot of me using my Nikon V1:
"Smile with your eyes open, Chris":
"Take a photo with me, Chris":
Super cheeky! Hahaha. We always tell his dad he's going to grow up to be a heart-breaker. Hahaha. We'll see.
Chris with his mum:
Uncle and his family:
Kangcheng is now 18 months old! To think he was still a baby who needs to be carried around last year, this year he is a running terror now! Hahahaha.
Love it how he go "Happy New Year! Bao bao bao bao bao.." with his hands reaching out to ask for red packets. Hahaha. Super adorable.
Some people love Chinese New Year, some people don't. I happen to be the former. I aim to be more involved in these family gatherings moving forward! Like what my mum said, it's up to the next generation to upkeep the traditions to ensure all our cousins, kids, nephews/nieces grow up close to each other.
Happy Chinese New Year to all! Can't believe 2 weeks of awesomeness is going to end tomorrow!
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