Category: All About Mum

My First Valentine

Last night, I had Valentine’s Day Dinner with my first Valentine. No, it is not of the romantic kind. It was with Mum. We are both recovering from a bad bout of flu. First, the sore throat wore us down. Next came the phlegm and itch in the throat. I am feeling much better now but Mum is still on antibiotics.

I received a very cute Valentine card from Wuan. It is a picture of a Bubblegum cartoon squeezing a heart balloon with the words: “I know a good thing when I squeeze it!” I really cannot imagine a guy my age would still find cards like this endearing. But then again, anything from Wuan is endearing. She takes pain to find just the right gift. Always!

Traditions That Bind

Finally found some time to update. I have been busy with relatives visiting for the Chinese New Year. Mum, being the eldest on her side of the family, usually gets visits from younger members of her clan who come to pay their respects. On the 3rd day, we had as many as 20 relatives cramming into our small apartment. It is traditions like this that keeps us connected where otherwise we would not have had the opportunity to meet at other times as we are each busy with our own commitments.

CNY Reunion 2003

From near and far they return, to ask for forgiveness and blessings from the elders. Around the dining table, they exchange humour, and are thankful for being able to spend this auspicious time together as a family; enjoying a hearty meal of home cooked dishes, pork, poultry and simmering soups. Chinese New Year eve is the time of family reunion dinners.

Today, my neighbour from Level 10, Soon Leong and his charming wife, invited Mum and me to their apartment for the Chinese New Year reunion lunch. They also invited Mr. Tan, another neighbour from Level 9. It was such a coincidence that all of us are from the Tan clan. The food was plentiful and scrumptious. We couldn’t ask for better neighbours.