Happy Times

Tomorrow will be Chap Goh Mei, the 15th day of Chinese New Year. How time flies when one is having a good time. Family and friends, good food with great company, ang pows, lion dances and the sounds of firecrackers, the festivities have indeed been enjoyable and memorable.

 

As we slowly but surely settle back into work mode, it is time to harness the positive energy and launch ourselves into achieving our aspirations. For me personally, there is lots to do and lots to achieve. There are challenges to tackle. I feel motivated. I feel optimistic. I feel encouraged.

 

And when the aspirations have been attained, be sure to reward ourselves. A holiday with my staff beckons in March. Till then, it will be about working hard, working smart, and closing as many deals as we can.

 

 

On the 8th night of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year 2013 Feasting

When it comes to food, nothing beats the indulgence during Chinese New Year. Somehow, much of the festivities centre around wonderful meals. An abundance of mouth-watering, delicious food indeed.

 

What makes such meals thoroughly enjoyable is the company of family and friends. Surrounded by our loved ones and those close to our heart, we appreciate the experience of kinship and camaraderie during the lunar new year celebrations.

 

We have just passed the halfway mark of the 15-day festivities. There will be more food to come for sure!

 

 

Dinner menu at Johan's on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year 2013.

Chinese New Year 2013

Chinese New Year for me has always been about spending time with the extended family - nurturing family ties, feasting, having a good laugh, enjoying each other's company. The lead up to Chinese New Year and the first fifteen days of the lunar new year are much fun as my family throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the celebrations.

 

As most of my extended family - both from my Mum and Dad's sides of the family - are based in the Klang Valley, we are never too far from one another. We gather at every opportunity to eat and be merry.

What makes Chinese New Year so meaningful is the appreciation of family ties. Whether we choose to admit it or not, we all need family. We rely on them for support, for comfort, for love. To a certain extent, we seek their approval, and we value their acceptance. Most of all, we cherish the happy times that we spend together, creating memories that are to last a lifetime.


Photos of my extended family.

Chinese New Year Reunion Dinners

Chinese New Year reunion dinners were once family affairs traditionally but am glad that such dinners now encompass friends and colleagues as well. There is an air of festivity when friends and colleagues get together for a reunion meal as a prelude to the ones we have with our extended families. They set the stage for the upcoming celebrations and get us into the Chinese New Year mood.

 

I have been fortunate to have been invited to numerous reunion dinners in the lead up to the Year of the Snake. Good food and great company make one appreciate the relationships we have with one another and provide us with a sense of belonging.

 

May the Year of the Snake bring us success in all aspects of life, and most importantly remind us to cherish the family and friends that make our lives so meaningful.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Lim Han San, shot at Oversea Restaurant, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Chinese New Year 2013 Greetings

My wish for all in the Year of the Snake.

 

As the Year of the Snake takes flight, may it bring you prosperity and good fortune.

 

When receiving good fortune, may you find it in your hearts to share it with family, friends and all those in need.

 

What goes around comes around. May your good deeds then reward you with success on the career and business front, love, passion and romance, great friendships, good health and fulfillment in life.

 

May you find time to travel, seek new horizons and experience the simple pleasures that life offers.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

Kris

 

 

Take a balloon ride when in Cappadocia, Turkey.