A HOT CHINESE NEW YEAR

It's not just hot, it's scorching!
It's always the same come Chinese New Year, but somehow this particular year is really heaty. Blame it on the El Nino,the haze, the global warning.. or as some Chinese folks say, "aiyah, it's the Golden Tiger year mahhh..sure la hot!" Don't know about you, but with this terrible hot weather, I sure wish it's a cute and tame kitten year instead, hehehee.

I remember during my childhood days, we the children would look really smart in our red outfit as we gather at our ancestral home. It had to be red as the grannies would nag if we were to appear in dull colours, and heaven forbid, black. By noon, we were drenched in sweat and some of us would had changd in cooler and 'sexier' clothes after all the angpows had been collected. A shower meant taking turns to go to the dark and eerie bathroom at the back of the house and trying our luck scooping ice-cold water from the old and deep well. Imagine how glad we were when piped water was finally installed in the old wooden house, which unfortunately, has been sold and demolished to make way for development.

I was kept busy the whole week before Chinese New Year, with last minute shopping, books to mark and the usual paperwork at school. At the same time, making sure that my blood pressure remains under control as I definitely don't want to spent the festive season on the hospital bed. This year, I didn't spend much on festive food as getting things ready for baby's arrival is more important now.

We had a steamboat reunion dinner at the Radix Oriental Cuisine restaurant in Sg Petani last night, with both sets of our in-laws. Alhamdulillah we had good time although we arrived an hour late due to the traffic jam. The restaurant was packed with guests although only 2 tables were reserved by Chinese-Muslim families [including ours]. It seems that steamboat is gaining popularity among Malays too.

It's hot and dry outside. I'm staying indoors as much as I can this short holidays. It's terribly warm especially for me with my layers of extra pregnancy fat and being all covered up in tudung and socks, huhu. I've prepared some festive food for dinner, so it's going to be a cosy and blissful Chinese New Year 2010 for husband and I, insyaAllah. Next year, things will definitely be different with little baby.

Another plus point; my Mum is happy with the handbag and blouses I got for her this Chinese New Year. With her strict requirements [short sleeves, comfortable material, easy-t-button front buttons, able to hide her tummy, not too tight nor too loose] while I have to shop without taking her along, I had always wondered when I'd be able to please her with the annual special gifts, hehehee... alhamdulillah, I've passed this year :)

Have a lovely holiday and Happy Chinese New Year to all Chinese, Chindian and Chinlay friends and readers. Thanks for sending me sms greetings and e-cards.
Make sure you drink plenty of water to remain healthy and prosperous :)