Year Of The Horse 2014

As we embark on a new year, may the Year of the Horse bring us all that we dream of, all that we aspire to achieve and love in all its many forms.

 

I for one will be welcoming the Chinese New Year with renewed faith and hope, grateful for all the good in my life and even better experiences to come. I shall leave the hurt and disappointments behind, and embrace the joy and happiness that the new year promises.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai and good health to all!

 

 

My Chinese New Year greeting for 2014.

Dad's 4th Anniversary

Today is the 4th anniversary of my Dad's passing. Time really flies come to think of it. This year, we are marking the occasion by simply having a vegetarian meal that my Mum cooked last night. I believe my cousin Kiat Ken in London will be having a drink in honour of my Dad as he does every year, from a bottle of either cognac or whiskey that my Dad gave him some years ago.

 

Come this time of year, I will be reminded of my Dad's teaching of having to maintain family ties and kinship as well as to keep traditions alive. Very apt indeed as Chinese New Year approaches.

 

Here's a photo taken during our last holiday together in Phnom Penh to celebrate his 68th birthday.

 

 

Photo shot in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Traditions

My mother's side of the extended family has a tradition of getting together just before Chinese New Year to make pineapple tarts and kuih kapit en masse. My cousins, aunts and uncles would show up and take turns, with a short break for a sumptuous lunch cooked by my mum.

 

My cousins Siew Yoong and San are trying to pass on this tradition to their sons, Tian and Jin. So they made the drive up from Singapore last Friday night, did the tarts and kuih kapit on Saturday, and then headed back down south with their share of the goodies on Sunday. That is what I call commitment to a cause. 

Well, a trip as such wouldn't be complete without visits to some of their favourite haunts for local food. I was happy to join them at Raju's as well as beef ball noodles in town. We can always find a reason to indulge. More indulgence to come when they come back again for Chinese New Year proper.


With Tian, Jin, Tai Yee and Auntie Nancy.

Making Time

A few industry colleagues recently asked me why I often respond with 'I am not interested' rather than 'I have no time' when approached to either undertake a certain venture or participate in a particular project. They claim that the latter is more of a polite way of turning down a proposal. I tend not to agree.

 

For me, one can always make time if one has interest. The 'I have no time' excuse is not one I readily accept. Whether in work or in my personal life, I always believe in prioritising. Everyone is busy, and everyone has their own time constraints to face. If there is interest, one will find a way to find the time. I certainly do.

 

So, I am honest when I say 'I am not keen', because if I am keen, time is never an issue with me.

 

 

Beautiful view from Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Nam in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Taking Stock

Sometimes it is a good thing to take some time out to reflect and consider the various routes that one can take when at a crossroads. A new year is a catalyst to take stock and decide if one is content with the status quo or if there is more to be achieved.

 

For some, the status quo is a good place to be; stable and comforting, no rocking boat to manouvre. For others, there is always room for growth and betterment.

 

I am of the latter camp. Whilst appreciating what I have in my life, both in career and on a personal basis, one can always work towards becoming a better person, be in improved relationships, attaining new experiences that life has to offer. Taking stock I am.

 

 

Photo of Tumon Bay in Guam.

1 January 2014

My wish for myself, my family and friends for this year is for all of us to be blessed with love in all its forms. Familial, platonic, romantic, and all those in between.

 

I embark on 2014 with a sense of optimism and hope, with faith as my strongest ally. Whether in work or personal relationships, the aspiration is for this year to be the most fulfilling yet. Add to that the desire for more travel and good food, the year ahead is poised to be an exciting and rewarding one.

 

Let us all have the faith to dream big, the courage and will to take the necessary steps to make those dreams a reality. May 2014 be the best that it can be. Happy New Year y'all!

 

 

Afternoon tea in Hoi An, Vietnam.