Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Festivals. Show all posts

The CNY 2012 Log

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I'm not sure if it's the sign of age, or if visiting relatives/friends and engaging in conversations while binge eating on Chinese New Year goodies that caused this year's Chinese New Year to be particularly lethargic.

Maybe the brain's not used to bumming around for one week, or the stomach is working too hard because of all the Lou Hei, Steamboat, and New Year Goodies.

Well anyway, I thought I'd share my Chinese New Year happenings for this year.

20 January:
Did my first lou hei (chinese meaning of Prosperity Toss) with my paternal relatives and grandparents at Keng Eng Kee Seafood.

This time round, the BF managed to join us. I can't tell if his nervous or scared, because he gave me that cool, composed look throughout the dinner.

22 January: 
Celebrated Reunion Dinner with the BF's Paternal side.

Well last year's Reunion Dinner with them was indeed a nervous and anxious one for me. This year, I was more cool about it. Other than that, it was a delightful meal. Needless to say, the food was simply great.

23 January:
Headed to my paternal grandparents place as usual, followed by the rest of my grand-aunties.

After which, I joined the BF's side for more visitations. Like last year, it was a hectic day. But since we only get to do this once a year, it was worth it.
24 January:
Went to my maternal side for day 2 of visitation.

Here, I managed to talk to my grandmother; of whom I've never really had a conversation before. Suffice to say, it was a special moment for me because for the first time in my life, I felt as if I've really grown up.

And though my conversation with her didn't go beyond the nightmares she had, the pain that she went through in her recent operation, I sat there, listening to her every word intently.

Suddenly, I realized that though I don't know my grandmother that well, my heart oozed with love and care for her.

I know this might sound absurd but amongst the lively conversations, delicious delicacies and goodies, the short conversation with her was the highlight of my Chinese New Year. What's yours?


Possibly Related Posts:
CNY 2011 First Day
CNY 2011 Reunion Dinner
Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant
CNY 2010 Day Three
CNY 2010 Day Two


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Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.

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2011 passed by in a blink of an eye. In fact, all I could remember was January - when I got my Honda Steed VSE 400, February - when I celebrated my birthday, Valentine's day, and Chinese New Year, and the rest of the year was just a blur. Then before I knew it, Christmas came and shortly after, "TADA!" - Dear and I are celebrating New Year's Eve at our friends' place.

Well, putting aside the celebrative mood, New Year's Eve has always been one that strikes a chord. I often take this day to reflect on the milestones, achievements, and setbacks in 2011, before letting out an audible sigh in relief that regardless of the good times and (especially) the bad times, the year is over and there's much to hope for in 2012.

But in hindsight, 2011 was indeed a good year.

03 Jan: Bought Stevie, The Steed
19 Feb: Rode my Steed to Tanjung Sutera
26 Feb: Signed our HDB lease 
16 May: I got My MBA - I mean MacBook Air
29 Jul: The boyfriend gave me a Durian Surprise!
20 Aug: Conquered the roads at Mount Ophir
22 Nov: Completed my Degree and commenced the Day of Freedom

It is not to say that the whole year was smooth-sailing and a bed of roses. I had my fair share of hiccups, but I'm sure that these are noteworthy lessons for me to learn from.

And as I countdown the seconds before 2012 arrive, I'm just thankful and grateful to God for his provision, sustenance, and blessings throughout 2011.

With that.. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!


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The Season of Love & Food

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Ho Ho Ho Everyone!

This year, Christmas is not only a season of giving, it's also a season of love and commitment. And what better way to celebrate love and commitment than a wedding?

So in the morning, dear and I attended our friends solemnization ceremony, followed by their lunch banquet; all of which were held at Crowne Plaza Hotel.  

Ps: I was quite impressed to see a small table card on the banquet table saying "Join us in saying 'no' to shark fin soup". It's comforting to know that restaurants are taking part in an initiation to stop the killing of these sharks, just for their fins. Kudos Crowne Plaza Hotel!

After an afternoon of celebration and feasting, dear and I headed home first to rest, before commencing a night of parties and gatherings, which by the way, lasted till the wee hours of the morning.

All in all, it was a great Christmas for both dear and I; being able to join in the joyous matrimony of our  friends, and to be able to gather with good friends and loved ones. I had fun. Really. And I hope that you guys had a lovely and heartwarming Christmas as well.

And with that, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!


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The Christmas Chill

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Unlike last year (and the previous years), this year's Christmas eve was different.

As it was raining most of the time, dear and I decided to spend our Christmas eve at home, with the warmth of each other's company, and the laughter from our jests.

At night, we went over to our friend's place for an impromptu dinner, followed by a late night movie of "The Holiday".

Not sure if it's the coming of age, but I'm really starting to enjoy having a quiet, slow, and relaxing Christmas, instead of one that is lined with programs and parties. Somehow, there is something meaningful and heartwarming in having intimate gatherings with my loved ones and close friends, as we enjoy a good-natured banter over a sumptuous spread.

Then again, that's just me - a young lady with an old spirit. I hope you guys enjoyed your Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!


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CNY 2011 First Day

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My typical Chinese New Year schedule for the first day would usually be as such:

10h00 or 11h00 - Arrive at Paternal Grandparents' place

13h00 or so - Arrive at 1st and 2nd Grand Aunties' place (nearby vicinity of the above), who stay in the same block and same level but different unit.

15h00 or so - Arrive at 3rd Grand Auntie's place

16h00 or so - Arrive at dear's place

This year, everything was much more packed and for the first time in years, I managed join dear for some of his family's visitation. Thus for this year's schedule:

11h00 - Arrived at Paternal Grandparents' place

12h30 or so - Arrived at 3rd Grand Auntie's place

14h00 or so - Arrived at 1st and 2nd Grand Aunties' place (nearby vicinity of the above), who stay in the same block and same level but different unit.

14h30 - Dear picked me up

14h45 - Arrived at Dear's paternal grandfather's place.

15h45 - Arrived at Dear's paternal grand auntie's place.

17h00 - Arrived back at Dear's paternal grandfather's place. Stayed for dinner while watching Inception.

With such a hectic schedule, you can imagine how tiring it can be at the end of the day. But since we only get to meet these people once a year during Chinese New Year, I guess it's worth it ain't it?


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CNY 2011 Reunion Dinner

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Instead of having reunion dinner with my maternal side on the eve of Chinese New Year, I had a chance to join dear with his paternal side this year.

Seeing his relatives and cousins for the first time, you bet I was excited, scared, and nervous! There I was trying to remember their names in the midst of conversations, and making sure I don't look like a klutz by doing something clumsy or embarrassing. Gosh it was a little stressful I must say!

But as the night went on, as we ate, I became more relaxed. I reckon that it must be the sumptuous spread that allayed my paranoia and "stress", or the hearty conversations I had with some of his cousins.

Regardless of which, I did enjoy myself thoroughly, and it was certainly nice to get to know dear's paternal side. And now with some kind of rapport established, I believe that the next few similar gatherings would be less tense and stressful for me. Ahhhhh!


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Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant

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A reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve of the Chinese New Year, during which family members get together to celebrate. And every year, I'd usually have reunion dinner on my paternal side a few days earlier; because well we can't possibly have 2 dinners (paternal and maternal) in one day right.
This year was no exception. The relatives in my Paternal side had their gathering at Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant - A small air conditioned restaurant situated beneath a block of flats (coffee shop style). But do not be deceived, they do serve some pretty tasty food. Doubt me? Read the reviews here at hungrygowhere.com

This time, dear also had the opportunity to join us and I must say, it is a good start. I'm not sure if he was nervous or awkward. Or Shy. But he seemed to have a good time with all the nice food while entertaining my cousin. I guess like myself, he enjoyed this reunion dinner too.


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The Gift Guide

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While opening my presents this year, I've come to realize that there are certain presents that appeal to me more than others.

And if you ever intend to get me a gift during Christmas, Birthdays, or anytime of the year, here's Grace's Gift Guide:
1. Plagues and Fake Awards

Despite knowing that these awards aren't real, receiving an award like the one shown above really does boost my morale and assures me that hey, I'm on the right track. Well, we all do need a bit of self loving and encouragement don't we?

Anyway, the award shown above was given to me by dear this Christmas. To be honest, it thew me off guard because he usually (99% of the time) gets me functional and practical items such as new earphones, a speaker system, clothes, new shoes etc...

But knowing that he bought this unpractical and non functional item on his own accord as a gift to me really lights me up because I remember telling him how nice it is to receive an award from him. Well, it goes to show that he pays to attention to the things I say, and even action on it even though it's not his usual style or preference.

Kudos dear!

2. Anything Spongebob

Being a fan of Spongebob, anything that has Spongebob on it will definitely make me go googoo gaga! Like the Spongebob Uno Cards I've received from Zack and Jo, they can be used to play a few games of UNO with my close friends, and even add on to my Spongebob collection!

3. Anything musical

A friend gave me the above musical box for Christmas this year and I was intrigued when I first laid my eyes on it.

Being a musician, I was drawn to the intricate design of the gift, and was equally serenaded by the soothing Musical Box sound with the tune "What a Friend We Have In Jesus". It was just so interesting to observe the parts in the transparent box moving in as the song was being played.

4. Gift Vouchers, especially Coffee Vouchers

This year, I had quite a few Coffee Vouchers from my close friends, because I guess my love for coffee is pretty evident to all. But I do love these vouchers because I can use them to redeem my free mochas and frappes.

I also wouldn't mind other sorts of vouchers i.e. Taka vouchers, Jolli Bean vouchers, Robinsons vouchers etc.

As long as I can redeem something with these vouchers, I'm pretty much a happy lady.

..

So that's my gift guide this year. Who knows, my preferences might change again next year? But till then, I guess I certainly wouldn't mind any of the above mentioned for my birthday, valentine's day, or even Christmas!


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Merry Christmas 2010

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I know it's cliche to do this every year but hey - it's fun! Merry Christmas everyone!



Love,
Grace & Lionel


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Christmas Eve 2010

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Unlike the typical Christmas Eve, dear and I spent it with our friends - of whom one of them is a Christmas Baby.

So we decided to celebrate her birthday on Christmas Eve at Chili's.

Chili's Singapore
#02-23 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel : +65 6733-3317

Operating hours :
Mon - Thurs : 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri - Sat : 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sun : 11:00 am - 10:00 pm


Since Chili's did not allow reservations, we arrived earlier to queue. Fortunately, there wasn't much of a queue and we got seated in minutes.

Once we settled at our seats, I couldn't help but notice the decor of the restaurant - very Southwestern American style, with a bar right at the end of the restaurant.

We were seated near the bar, which I thought was a little rowdy if one was expecting conversations over dinner.

For starters, we ordered the Triple Play - A combo of our three favourite starters. Generous portions of our Chicken Crispers, Boneless Buffalo Wings and Southwestern Eggrolls with sauces for dipping.

I believe our friends ordered the Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers, and Monterey Chicken. Dear ordered the Southern Smokehouse Bacon Big Mouth Burger, whereas I ordered Guiltless Grilled Salmon.

I wasn't especially fond of my dinner, considering the fact that the salmon was dry and tough. Tasted a tad burnt as well, with the lack of a good tasty gravy to complement its taste. I had to rely on plenty of chili sauce to mask the dry and boring salmon taste.

Apart from that, I guess we all agreed that the portions at Chili's was pretty large. Dear ate finish all his food and had a big bulge in his stomach area.

After everyone has finished their dinner, we signaled for the staff to bring out the 'surprise birthday cake' that's made from one of their desserts - Molten Chocolate Cake.

Happy Birthday Jo!

After which, dear and I left for another Christmas Eve gathering at Weston & Christine's place.

It was indeed nice to celebrate Christmas with the people we love. There was plenty of laughter, chatter, and not forgetting the endless feasting.

I guess that's what makes Christmas one of the festivals that I always look forward to!


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Behind The Season

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With Christmas round the corner, everyone's in the holiday mood.

Some take this time to clear leave and go on a vacation with friends and relatives, others roam the shopping malls to buy gifts to give away, and the rest just sit back, relax, and soak themselves in the Christmas cheer.

Indeed, Christmas is probably the festive season which everyone looks forward to. Somehow, there is something spectacular and special about this season. While some might give reasons such as end of year bonuses, clearing of long leaves etc that makes this season one which most anticipate, I guess for believers like myself, it's the message behind Christmas that truly makes Christmas special:




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CNY 2010 Day Three

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Usually on the third day of Chinese New Year, dear and I would be doing house visitations at our church mates or our friends house.

This year was no exception. But what made it more interesting was that dear, myself, and our friends visited the River Ang Pao at night. For dear and I, it was our first time, and we honestly didn't know what to expect.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a small amusement park and a huge crowd of people, Walking further, we soon found ourselves by the riverside with lots of chinese exhibitions and stalls selling souveniers, merchandise, and food.

Though dear and I do not like crowds, we manage to enjoy ourselves and experience the mood of Chinese New Year.

Anyhow, the exhibitions are pretty much about the twelve chinese zodiac, which was already all too familiar to me.

What made me interested and intrigued was that the new amusement park "game" (as shown from above) consists of children situated in inflatable balls and rolling about the water. Very interesting!

Well, it certainly was a good and memorable experience at River Ang Bao!


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CNY 2010 Day Two

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This year, unlike other years, dear and I were invited to our boss's place for Chinese New Year. So after a quick dinner at my grandma's place, we rushed over to their place and arrived at about close to 9:00PM

There you go! Aren't they a loving couple? Hehehe! That's boss and lady boss.

The other adults, who are close friends of my boss's family were hooked onto Wii Golf. Haha! They are a funny bunch of people.

Took a group shot before the Lou Hei started. For those who don't know what Lou Hei means, here's a definition from Wiki:

Yusheng , yee sang or yuu sahng (simplified Chinese: 鱼生; pinyin: yúshēng), also known as lo hei (Cantonese for 撈起 or 捞起) is a Teochew-style raw fish salad. It usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon), mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Yusheng literally means "raw fish" but since "fish (鱼)" is commonly conflated with its homophone "abundance (余)", Yúshēng (鱼生) is interpreted as a homophone for Yúshēng (余升) meaning an increase in abundance. Therefore, yusheng is considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

As usual, I was more interested in taking pictures than doing the lou hei itself.

But it does make me wonder though. What happens when my generation grows up. Will we still practice such traditions? Will we know what words to say during lou hei?


Hmm. It's quite a thought provoking Chinese New Year this year.


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CNY 2010 Day One

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Each year on the first day of Chinese New Year, we will visit the same places, see the same faces, and ask the same questions.

For the young, it will be "How old are you? What school are you in? How are your grades?"

For the young adults, it will be "Got boyfriend or girlfriend or not? When getting married? What you working as now?"

For the adults "Wah! Your kids so big already!".. etc..

Hmmm. It does make me think, why can't we go beyond these questions, and ask questions that reveal more about ourselves, resulting in a better rapport and understanding of each other lives.


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GONG XI FA CAI!

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Online CNY Shopping

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In view of Chinese New Year, most would begin to do their new year shopping for clothes, chinese year goodies, bag and accessories, as well as all sort of things.

I am no exception. Following my previous post on how I couldn't find any Chinese New Year top, I decided to try on my luck on ebay this year.
So on Monday, I began to search on ebay for what I have in mind, and within a few clicks and some email correspondences with the seller, I bought the item in trust that well, the seller would keep her end of the deal.

After 2 days (on Wednesday), which so happened to be my birthday, I found this parcel on my desk.:


With all the suppressed excitement, I tore open the package and saw the item within:

It was actually what I was looking for! I tried it on, and boy it fits! Could have been even more body hugging though, but Mom warned me about the likelihood of gaining weight during Chinese New Year, which made me drop the idea of alteration.

I know what some of you guys are thinking. It looks traditional, non trendy, and probably a bit "aunty" right? Well, I do believe that since Chinese New Year comes once a year only, I don't mind wearing something a bit more traditional but fashionably acceptable for my age.

So viola~ there you go! My first Chinese New Year online shopping was a success! Can't wait to put it on now!


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Christmas Eve '09

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For me, Christmas eves are usually the busiest time of the Christmas season.

First is the gift wrapping which usually extends through the night, followed by a Christmas Eve Service in church where there are either performances, or a short message, and then hanging out with the youths till late at night.


This year, however, I resolved to spend less time on gift wrapping so that I can get more sleep. So I tied little nice ribbons around each presents instead.


I didn't get dear anything this year, and vice versa. I guess we were both swamped with work and CCIS preparation that we had no time to shop.

Fortunately there isn't anything that we particularly want or need. However, I do know that dear has always wanted a particular model of GPS and since I had no money to buy it, I decided to print a mock up of the GPS he wants and stick it on his bike as a Christmas present.

HAHA it's the thought that counts.. right?


So by night, our Christmas Eve Service commenced. Our youths usually start giving out Christmas presents during this time.


This year we had our dinner before the Service started. I kinda like this arrangement better.


A picture of us looking cheery this Christmas. Merry Christmas dear! :D


Last but not least, a group picture of our Detonate youths this Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!


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Merry Christmas 2009

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As Christmas is round the corner (in fact it's 2 days away), dear and I would like to wish all our friends and family a Blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!~


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CCIS 221209

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5:00pm - We reached Wisma Atria. As usual, we unloaded the equipments from the cars and waited for instruction.



5:30pm - The sky started looking gloomy. Soon it was drizzling and we were worried. But our faith was stronger; we believed that the drizzle will stop.



6:15pm - True to our belief, it stopped raining! Without further ado, we started to set up for our performance.



7:00pm - Our first performance started. The crowd and atmosphere was different this time round. But we were more relaxed - which was a good thing.



7:15pm - By now the crowd began to grow. Spotted some church members who came down to support. Thank you everyone! Your support really meant so much to us!



7:55pm - Before our second performance, the Detonate Band took a quick group shot. I know what you're thinking but no, we aren't from Singtel.



8:00pm - Our second performance finally started. We were excited that it would be over in a jiffy. I'm not sure about the rest, but at this moment of time, my mind was thinking of where to eat next.



8:15pm (or somewhere around that time) - We spotted someone waving a Detonate banner spontaneously.



8:16pm - On closer look, it was Jaslyn who was waving the Detonate banner continuously. I was touched by her effort and support. Morale was definitely boosted a hundred times more.



Well, I am glad that CCIS is finally over. But at this moment of time, I'd like to thank the Detonate Band for dedicating their time, effort, and committing their heart and soul in this performance.

We did great! :)


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CCIS 201209

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CCIS - an abbreviation for Celebrating Christmas in Singapore, is an annual event that aims to share the real meaning of Christmas – The Birth of Jesus Christ.

It is a voluntary event, where many church groups or other performance groups present an item be it a dance, songs, or skit etc.

For CCIS this year, our detonate band presented a performance of Christmas Carols in hope to spread the Christmas cheer and share the reason of the season as well.




The band - (From left to right) Alex, Ken, Esther, Pastor Alfred, Pastor Joyce, Michelle, Myself, Dear, Zen



Since the 2 performance groups before us backed out, we went to our performance venue - TANGS to set up earlier.



I must clarify, that this isn't a smug look haha. In fact I was pretty overwhelmed by the crowd, and of course, the butterflies in my stomach.



A jamming session before our performance start. Loved how the TANGS backdrop and decor made everything so glam.



Finally, it was time to perform! So exciting! So many people! WOW!



At this time, I would really like to thank the church members and friends who came to support us. Your "RARAH-NESS", singing, and mild dancing really boosted our morale. Thank you!



Here's dear and I, battered with exhaustion but beaming with glee because it was quite a success considering the fact that this was our band's first public performance.

Any how, we will be performing on Tuesday (22nd December 2009) at 7:30pm outside Wisma Atria! Do drop by and support us!


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