Gong Xi Fa Cai, hong pau na lai!

Jessie jots...

Days after Obama have officially took the oath and become the President of United States, there are still news all over about him... and his wife... and his kids.... and what kind of dog he's going to have. I mean come on people, enough already! Get to work! Well but then again, we can't really blame the Americans for being too excited after the eight years slump. Maybe I should stop writing about the Obamas too? Yes it's getting annoying.

On a side note, Chinese New Year is around the corner. This year will be my 7th year celebrating new year the non-traditional way - with that said, no ang pows (red packet), no fireworks, no special CNY food and no family time. All these years, it has been just Yew Wai and I celebrating CNY ourselves, even smaller scale than what we had for Christmas. Usually, I'll cook something special, something we don't normally have on a regular basis, like a roast duck or kiam chai soup just for the heck of it. We would call home on first day of CNY and let the voices of home fill our hearts' emptiness.

I'm sure my parents felt the same way. Two daughters out of the way, leaving two empty-nesters at home must have give them more freedom to do whatever they want but I believe they secretly long for days when we kids give them the obligation as parents.

Siew: You're not eating the cake are you?

Me: No no... I'm full. But why are you laughing?

Siew: I think Mom's cake is too small for you.

I was suppose to be back for CNY but have decided to change my arrival date to Penang for the fact that the price in air fare has dropped dramatically and also, that my folks and I decided it is best for me to attend my sister's graduation in St. Cloud.

So yes, I'll be going back to my home state! I can't believe I get to visit. Ah my home state, that's where I grew up and that's how I learn everything the American way. I will never forget you Minnesota! You have a special place in my heart - with all that snow!

Because of the convocation and because I have to help my sister pack and sell her stuff away, I won't have a lot of spare time to meet my good old friends. 3 days 2 nights in St. Cloud, back to LA for a week to pack my stuff along with Hushby's, and off we go to Malaysia.

With that being said, I changed my arrival in Malaysia from March to May 23rd. I can't wait! Can't wait to see you people... well whoever is looking forward to see me, and not the presents OK? Hmmm I know Siew would do otherwise.

Gosh, I can already feel the expectations from people back home even before I manage to share the news. I think with me being more visible online, long lost friends, friends of friends, parents friends and parents friends son/daughter knew I'm going back and are as excited to see me. I'm touched by the amount of love and respect given to the Chiang family. I'm equally as touched by people who remember me and are willing to entertain all that cooped up energy! My hope is that they will only feel the same amount of love and respect when I see them.

Maybe we can celebrate Chinese New Year in May? Yes I'm that desperate.

Anyway...

To all my friends and to readers of Jessie Jots...

Happy Chinese New Year!!! May you and your family be blessed with the best of wealth, health and good luck in this "neu" (cow) year!!