Dear Diary,
After one round, we have returned to where we started on the axis, and back at January. It feels like such a short month, probably because of all the busy-ness setting in. Work - the pros, the cons, the usual - I could do with a little less merry-making to trade for emotionally-stable heads. Just saying.
The side business - new collaborations and opportunities have popped up so I shall set aside time to focus. Interest - food reviews are significantly reduced as I clear out the drafts and attend lesser invites or non-invited meals. I need to get started on the new book ideas before time races ahead of me. I need to remember that the only reason I'd started the food blog was because I was trying to garner readers for my writings - but I guess the reason was subsequently forgotten as I made more foodie friends over the enjoyment of good food.
The drinking, feasting, shopping and gifting have not ceased since November 2014 (when Thanksgiving flowed into Christmas). Lunar New Year is around the corner, especially early for this year, so there has been visits to Chinatown for ambience and buying stuff, as well as shopping for Chinese New Year's clothes and snacks.
Chinese New Year lunches have been commencing at work with company, clients, suppliers etc, as well as first round of Reunion dinner over the weekend. The latter was a gathering of immediate family members, with the Mom, bro and wife, mon beau and I, with dad in spirit. I love these authentic, conventional Cantonese fare for CNY, lovingly prepared by the mom - especially the dish made up of shitake mushrooms, abalone, dried oysters, black moss (fa cai), sea cucumber etc. Each item is a symbolic of a good blessing, i.e. fortune.
Supposed to get started on the Spring Cleaning, but this year it weighs heavier on me. It is not just about tossing out some old stuff for the upcoming New Year, wiping the dust away and monitoring the part-time domestic helpers. It is about throwing away bits and pieces of my memory, because I will be moving to mon beau's in April..... it is about removing a lot of beloved possessions from my childhood, even if these are things I seldom bother to look at or use. Ahhhh, I am being sentimental here... I am just not looking forward to the spring cleaning this year.
Just like how I just kissed my beloved Blackberry phones goodbye, after 8 years of being loyal to them. It was a tough choice deciding between continuing with Blackberry, or switching. And then when I made the choice to switch, which brand? Ultimately I discover that all phones are similar anyway.
This month is ..... a month of celebration? I am not kidding when I look back and realise that every week, there is a celebratory event. First weekend - good friend's baby's 1st year birthday. Second weekend - longtime friend's church wedding. Third weekend - one of the beastie's baby's 1st year birthday. Fourth weekend - a dear friend's baby shower. And just this weekend alone, our family's Reunion dinner.
Am I "pantang" (superstitious) about attending other happy events because my wedding is in April? No. To me, energies and thoughts are very important- I believe that as long as the guests we invite all come with happy, well-wishing mindsets and thoughts, it is enough to generate good vibes and happenings.
Media Invites:
Alati Greek Divine Cuisine @ Amoy Street
Dinner at Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central
Logging off now to get busy. Thank you for gracing this blog again, and have a good start to February 2016, mon chere! *kisses*
