Festive Season 2015

This festive season has been a whirlwind of activities, mostly of the eating kind though, with the extended family and close friends. Communion over food makes such gatherings more meaningful, enhancing the festivities with a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

 

As the year draws to a close, I am grateful for many things. A relatively good year in terms of business and career. Friendships that have been nurtured and strengthened. Even closer family ties. Some travel. Strength of character when overcoming challenges.

 

Most of all, I think I have over the past year, become more comfortable in seeing life in a wider perspective. And perhaps have even taken to embracing the adage que sera sera. Let's see what 2016 has in store.

 

 

Christmas decor and presents.

Christmas 2013

As always, Christmas is a time to appreciate the loved ones in our lives. Celebrating the festive occasion with extended family and friends is a way of renewing and strengthening the bonds that exist. However, this Christmas has also brought me new lessons in life, in particular the necessity of patience and sacrifice for the better good.

 

Instant gratification is what I am used to. Decisive by nature, I seek resolutions and take swift action when the need arises. I always focus on the outcome, and a quick one at that. Of late, I have come to the realisation that some things cannot be rushed and whilst contrary to my nature, I am taking a back seat. I will do what I think is necessary, but shall let the future unfold. As a good friend told me, que sera sera.

 

So this Christmas, I am thankful for the kind thoughts of my family and friends, appreciative of the words of wisdom that have been shared, grateful for the company of my closest friends. May the spirit of Christmas - peace, love and joy - be yours throughout the year ahead and much, much more.

 

 

Christmas decorations in Bali, Indonesia.

Love Actually

A few days ago marked the 10th anniversary of the release of 'Love Actually', one of my favourite movies of all time. I probably stumbled upon it a couple of years after its release but have since been watching it every now and then, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I sometimes just watch clips of scenes that I find especially endearing and moving, many of which are available on YouTube.

 

For the many reasons why I love this movie (see my previous post http://krisfingeronthepulse.blogspot.com/2009/12/movie-at-christmas.html), it is the life-affirming nature of its various storylines that make it such a feel-good watch.

 

Come this festive season, I am certain to re-visit this perennial favourite, and will take with me the many lessons that one ought to reinforce in one's life.

 

 

Love Actually.

Annual Christmas Party

My decades-long friends, Cordelia and Ken Bin host an annual Christmas party and I am fortunate enough to have attended almost every single one of them. I think I've only missed one or two all these years.

Cord and Bin are great party hosts and we always have a terrific time. For many years, the celebrations were held at their home. Recent years however have seen their cafe - The Olive Tree Cafe at Damansara Intan - be the venue. Personally, I prefer the former. Somehow a house party feels more intimate, cosy and warm. Next year perhaps?

In any case, there is always great food, lovely decor and thoughtful gifts. The Christmas spirit is definitely evident!

Bin, Cord, YM and I.

Festive Mood

I am well and truly in a festive mood. My festive season kicked off with a big dinner with good friends last night. With the recently relaunced The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur all the rage, my friends arranged for a Christmas party over buffet dinner at Contango. It was a fab party as always and a great way to start the year end celebrations.

For me, the festive season revolves around family and friends. Every year, I pause to give thanks for the relationships that make my life meaningful. Enjoying each other's company over meals is a common occurence this time of year, and fortunately for me, I am never short of invitations. This I truly appreciate and am grateful for.

This being the season of giving also encourages us to give graciously. There is no better experience than having a recipient of a gift appreciate one's gesture. My presents for family and friends plus those for gift exchanges during parties are ready. Here's to wonderful celebrations.

Photo of presents ready for gift exchange, courtesy of Lim Han San.

Season's Greetings

It's that time of the year again! Christmas is approaching and the new year is just round the corner.

May you wear many hats this festive season and the year ahead ...

A loving companion,

A filial child,

A good friend,

An astute entrepreneur,

An honourable employee,

A food aficionado,

A health enthusiast,

A world traveler,

A giver of gifts,

A compassionate soul.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Photo shot in Hoi An, Vietnam. Do visit the store near the river, in the pedestrian only part of town.

Trip With Godparents

I try to go on an annual holiday with my godparents. Actually we missed last year but were in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas in 2010. This time round, we headed to Seoul, right smack in winter no less. I normally don't go on winter holidays despite having spent four years in Adelaide, South Australia and almost two in Le Bouveret and Leysin, Switzerland. I very much prefer the warmth of summer. But this holiday was planned last year and coincided with my godparents' trip from Adelaide, so headed to Seoul we did, with bags filled to the brim with warm clothing.

Seoul was cold! Temperatures rarely above freezing did not prevent us from seeing the sights and shopping the streets. We even made it to the demilitarised zone for a half day look see. When faced with freezing weather, one takes the opportunity to indulge in food. Street food, family run restaurants, cafes, tea houses, intimate joints to more fanciful establishments, we made it a point to sample as much Korean cuisine as we could, some we enjoyed more, others less, but nevertheless all interesting experiences.

I had actually been to Seoul before in the warmer months and whilst I am no fan of the cold, it did give me an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Barren trees, frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, remnants of snow, Koreans and visitors alike dressed in winter finery, all made for a different Seoul, but one that still warms the heart and urges a return visit in the future.

Photo of mum and my godparents at Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea.

Annual Christmas Party

My friends Ken Bin and Cordelia host a Christmas party every year, some years at their home, more recently at their cafe The Olive Tree in Petaling Jaya. I always enjoy this annual ritual. I get to re-connect with their extended family and also celebrate the festivities with our friends Yean Mun and David who are also perenially on the guest list.

This year was no different and we gathered at The Olive Tree on Tuesday evening. I was a tad late as I had a staff birthday dinner to attend first but still had a wonderful time nevertheless. It is always meaningful to enjoy the Christmas season amongst good friends. My friendships with Ken Bin and David began in 1988 at Immanuel College, with Cordelia and Yean Mun in 1989 at The Flinders University Of South Australia. That's more than two decades and whilst our busy schedules have resulted in us meeting less frequently, we still make the effort for birthdays, Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Among all of us, Cordelia does best when it comes to wrapping gifts and decorating the home. I always look forward to Christmas parties at her home. Great food enhanced by beautiful table settings, thematic decor creating a festive ambience. A smaller, more intimate crowd. Next year perhaps.

Photo of me, Mei Lin, Yean Mun, Cordelia, David and Ken Bin at The Olive Tree in Petaling Jaya.

Christmas Greetings

My festive greetings to my family, friends and industry colleagues this year ...

As Christmas draws near and the New Year beckons, I wish you many journeys in the year ahead!

Smooth sailing careers ...

Vacations every now and then ...

Reunions with loved ones ...

Weekend jaunts to rejuvenate ...

Trips of a lifetime ...

Voyages across continents ...

Here's also to a year of good health, great fortune and much happiness.

Photo of Lake Phewa in Pokhara, Nepal.

Christmas Mood

I am finally in the mood for Christmas. I've been so busy of late due to the peak wedding season that I haven't felt the Christmas spirit like in years past. Well, after attending Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur's Christmas tree lighting last evening, I am truly in a festive mood. All it took was some egg nog, a few carols by the children of the Lighthouse Children Welfare Home, two servings of stuffed turkey with cranberry sauce, a big, huge, beautifully decorated tree and of course good company.

In keeping with the spirit of giving, and because I can be a prolific shopper on occasion, I hit the shops after dinner this evening and did some inspired Christmas shopping. I am keeping things simple this year. Practical, affordable gifts. I am still waiting for delivery of another batch of gifts which I ordered earlier and when they arrive, I'll be ready for the gift giving. I would confess however that I am terrible at gift wrapping. Fortunately, I have help in that department.

A large extended family plus a small circle of close friends mean that my shopping list can be pretty long. Still, I find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience, although I admit to stressing out those who assist me in wrapping by sometimes leaving things to the last minute. I hope to be better prepared this year. So far, so good. I'll just have to chase for the remaining order to be delivered soon!

Photo of the choir from the Lighthouse Children Welfare Home at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur.

Mixed?

I've been asked this question twice in the last few days, 'Are you mixed?' One a client, another a new acquaintance. 'Not that I know of' is my answer. I find this quite funny. This always happens to me too when I visit Bali. The locals always ask if I am Japanese.

The only possible reason that I can think of as to why some may think that I am of mixed parentage is perhaps of my tan. I've been swimming a lot lately in preparation for the Bali triathlon, and I often do so during lunch time under the blazing sun. Similarly when on holiday in Bali, I am usually red as a lobster.

Whatever the case may be, I am Malaysian first, of Chinese origin second.

Photo shot in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam last Christmas.

Recycling

Due to the influence of my cousin San, we are all, well some of us anyways, trying to be a bit more environmentally conscious. This past Christmas, I received a nice gift of decadent, calorie-inducing goodies, beautifully presented in a chest-like box and I suggested to my mum to make use of the chest this Chinese New Year as well.

With the Poinsettia, a symbol of Christmas still in place, my mum added to the chest mandarin oranges, eight gold nuggets and an angpow. I thought it looked pretty good, a well-executed recycling job.

As the world faces climate change and endures the resultant natural disasters, perhaps we should all play a small role in negating its effects. We have to start somewhere, and any little effort, when added up together, may just help us along the way.

Prosperity box during Chinese New Year.

Saigon

I am spending this Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, or as the locals still affec-tionately call it, Saigon. It is indeed a bustling city, in fact, bustling does not even begin to describe this metropolis in the south of Vietnam.

The first thing one has to learn when in Saigon is how to cross the street. The sheer number of motorcycles as well as a myriad of other vehicles make it a challenge and it is definitely not for the faint hearted. Once such a skill is mastered however, Saigon is pretty easy to navigate, in particular District 1, where most of the pertinent historical and architectural monuments are located as well as shopping, cafes and restaurants. Even a casino, not that I gamble.

Having been in the city only a day and a half, there is lots more to explore and experience, and even much more to sample with regards to food. There is certainly a buzz here in Saigon, and I hear that Christmas Eve will see jam-packed streets in District 1. That's something to look forward to this evening.

Photo of Rex Hotel and the traffic at the intersection in front of the property, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Selamat Hari Raya

My wish this Hari Raya is firstly for all to be safe on the roads and secondly for all Malaysians to be as one. These are lofty aspirations, easier said than done, but I shall keep the faith that they are possible to achieve, hopefully sooner rather than later.

I always feel that come Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, it is time for renewal. Time to shed the wounds of the past and start afresh. To look forward to better things ahead. To see what life has in store for us. A new chapter so to speak.

Selamat Hari Raya to all!

Photo shot in the beautiful Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey when I visited in April this year.

2nd Anniversary - Grandfather

Today is the 2nd anniversary of my grandfather, Ah Yei's passing. The extended family gathered at the family home in SEA Park and celebrated his life over dinner.

You see, my grandfather was a great cook. We would often get to savour an average of 8 to 10 dishes when we celebrated Chinese festivals, all lovingly prepared for the entire clan. Many years ago, back in 2001 I think, my sister, mum and I compiled a book of all the recipes we loved, many of which were my grandfather's, and gave them away as Christmas presents to those who loved to cook in my family. We still refer to this recipe book every now and then, more so when parties approach.

My grandfather was such an accomplished chef that my aunts and mum, themselves wonderful cooks, have not been able to reproduce some of his more complex dishes. We often reminisce about his cooking and how much joy it brought to us all, especially when we gather for 'makan'.

Photo of my paternal grandfather shot by my sister Suk Harn.

Christmas Spirit

I think I am finally in the mood for Christmas. Having completed the last major event of the year yesterday, I am slowly getting into the festive spirit. 'Winter Solstice Festival' dinner with extended family tomorrow night; Cordelia and Ken Bin's annual Christmas party on Wednesday for starters.

Speaking of the latter, I think I have been invited every year since we all met at uni. That's a lot of Christmas parties but I always enjoy going come this time of year. Both Cord and Bin are extremely creative - food-wise, decor-wise, entertainment and amusement-wise - and I very much look forward to their Christmas celebrations. Having been friends for such a long time, I know their family pretty well, so it's always nice to fit in easily at such parties.

One admission though, I haven't been that enthusiastic at Christmas shopping this time round. Due to many personal reasons, I haven't been that 'gung-ho' in shopping for presents this year. I have my sister to thank for dragging me to the shops and getting it done, even more so when both she and my Mum willingly agreed to wrap the presents for me as in previous years. So, the gifts are ready, the party invites received, the only thing left for me to do is to really get myself into the festive spirit!

Photo shot at Sunway Hotel Resort & Spa.