Lunar New Year Evening

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, it was house visiting as usual. Well, it was my first time, but I went over to Gui's First Uncle house and we had delicious bee hoon, treasure pot, and Nian Gao. Por Por was very generous with me and she kept getting food that was healthy for me from the treasure pot (*Blush blush).




When lunch ended, Gui and I went over to my house and there my cousins were. We had some beers and snacks. Of course I could only limit myself to some snacks (and yea no beer huh). I really miss drinking - a "habit" probably built up during my year in Japan - give me Ume and sake anytime!

In the evening, both my in-laws, and my parents and sister went over to Desi Tulku's house. We had about an hour of prayer and then potluck dinner together. Thats a celebratory cheers picture for the Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year Guest: Desi Tulku

Desi Tulku (DT), pictured below is a Rinpoche. In Buddhism, he is one rank or level below Dalai Lama. He has been living in India. Due to his rank, he would probably be captured if he returned to Tibet.


This year's Lunar New Year was special as we invited DT back to our home to have Reunion Dinner with us. He was all alone, so we thought why not invite him home and get a dose of cultural exchange. For this year, it happens that the Tibetan's New Year falls on the exact same date as our Chinese's Lunar New Year which starts on Feb 14..hello Valentines Day!

For our Yu Sheng, we used smoked salmon since I really shouldn't be taking raw food - so I was glad I wouldn't be missing out on the tossing of the fish salad. Since it was DT's first attempt, mother-in-law explained the meaning of this dish (Yu) - which signifies abundance and prosperity.

We also ordered noodles from Ah Yat Abalone Restaurant, and noodles represent longevity. Of course, the Treasure Pot - which had whole abalones, dried oysters, prawns, fresh scallops, roast chicken, differeny type of mushrooms and Chinese cabbage. It makes a complete, satisfying and nutritious meal. (Hmm, but maybe less satisfying as we also had Treasure Pot - although freshly prepared - for the next consecutive four meals).

We took a one hour break after dinner, and then DT began making Dorma (offerings) in the kitchen. This was made from oat, butter, honey and water. Smells really good in the kitchen! but these are offerings for the Buddha, not meant to be eaten.

When DT finished preparing the Dorma, we went into our prayer room and chanted till it was Lunar New Year...well it was about half an hour of praying. It was a pleasant way to start the first day of Lunar New Year.

After the prayer session, we back to the living room and wanted to have something sweet (I guess its symbolic once again) - we had red bean soup, Pu-er tea, chestnuts and some dried longans. Had a quick chit chat and snacks and then went off to bed. Well, its important to look fresh to welcome the first day of Lunar New Year ain't it!

Its Official

Its official - David is not scared of dogs. Sunday morning, we decided to bring Bobby, whereas M brought David along to Botanic. Initially, David was looking at Bobby - very curious. It was probably David's first time seeing a dog.

After a while, David wanted to touch Bobby, but Papa M said "No". I told him, if you don't allow David to touch the dog - I have witnessed for myself kids at 4-5 years old being so scared of dogs, they scream your house roof down. Yea, we hosted a dinner once, and their two kids were screaming in our house....Having heard that incident, M tilted the stroller towards Bobby. I stroked it first, and then David followed. Stroke one, stroke two, stroke three..aha getting comfortable, he grabbed Bobby's skin and hair - ok, enough he has break through that psychological barrier, and we decided we have achieved our Sunday morning goal :) Soon after M took out a bottle of water to wash David's hand, which was the right thing to do since David is at the age where he puts his hands into his mouth often.

I know some of my friends will tell their kiddos - Dogs are our friends. So, I hope that my intentions and views are correct, and that Baby G and Bobby will get along great in time to come!

My Stay Home Workday

Thats bottle tree - a place we kinda accidentally drove to one of the weekends. M. was showing a good place to bring kiddos to in future when our kiddos are older. I was suprised to find such a location in Singapore. I thought all's developed (and lost). This was a nice suprise indeed. There were many kiddos there with their parents.

I caught a very slight cold, so have decided to stay home. Lets see, was it exciting and well-spent? Woke up, had breakfast, went on to the internet, lunch with Mr Gui at home, newspapers, and then I napped from 2:30pm - 5:30pm! Maybe I am really tired (or lazy)? Or I guess rest is the best way to recover from a cold. Frankly though, I can't wait to go back to work tomorrow. Its just me. I think I am not cut out to be a domestic goddess. Neither do I want to be the high-heeled and catty bespectacled lady climbing up the corporate ladder (and playing the political unethical game - which is unavoidable the more senior you move). So now, I am in a position I am currently thankful for. Flexibility in working hours, no long tedious hours, and more importantly a job scope I am interested in (oops Braxton Hicks as I am writing). Actually, I felt a bit lonely staying at home today even though Mr Gui was with me till noon time. Guess I need to be surrounded by a constant flow of people! My friend A. did mention that things (the mindset) might change once you have a kid - who knows!

I am still thinking about pain relief options. Epidural? My parents' generation of course objected as there are potential side effects. I however want a more peaceful delivery with Mr Gui by my side - rather than screaming hell and pulling someone's hair, or stratching Mr Gui's arms for example. Then again, should it be 100% pain-free or leaving a bit of pain to as to motivate myself to push? The other option is to go wait-and-see. But I know that a lot of ladies that opt for wait-and-see eventually end up with epidural. By that time when you really need strength to push, your energy is exhuasted during the earlier contractions - ok I still have about two months to think about this..

Mother-in-law just went to get two teeth crowning done today. She just told me that she was chanting the Medicine Buddha during the op. Apparently when the anesthesia wore off, she didn't feel pain - to the suprise of herself and the dentist. So, she told me to chant the Medicine Buddha too during the delivery. Here's a little understanding on the Medicine Buddha. Outwardly, he helps to overcome disease and the suffering caused by the disease. On a deeper inner level, he heals us by destroying the diseases of our mind. Practice to him ensures faster recovery from illnesses, the blessing of medicines, strength and clarity of the mind to bring peace into your heart. Strength, clarity and peace - isn't that what every preggy wants? Haha, interesting enough, I noticed that a number of my preggy friends turn even more religious when they are expecting. True enough, many things could be unexpected or out of one's control from a preggy to delivery process - I guess thats why many turn to one's religion for both support and blessing - and only wanting the best for their kiddo!