Monday, January 31, 2005

Chinese New Year Blues

Chinese New Year Goodies



Although this won't be the first Chinese New Year I'll be away from my family ( it's only the second, though ), it doesn't get any easier. When I arrived in Winter 2003, I was still in awe over being in a new country, being with David at last and overwhelmed by the onslaught of new sights, sounds, experiences and yes, WINTER!

This year, having been "seasoned", I find myself aching for all things Malaysian. Especially now..when it's just a week or so away from Chinese New Year (CNY), which is probably the biggest Chinese cultural celebration anywhere. Abilene, having an Asian population of just 0.18%, is not the place to be if you're feeling the CNY blues...

Back home everything would be awashed in RED RED and more RED and streets would be decorated with chinese new year knick knacks and shophouses bustling with activity. This time every year, those that are back home already for big CNY reunion would be helping to decorate the house and maybe even preparing CNY cookies.

It's equivalent to the Christmas atmosphere over here and I miss it so much.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

*big hug* Letti! Are you and David going to do anything to celebrate it in Texas?

<"3 )~ http://www.techtrend.com/blog/taranicole

KEF said...

Stuffs are in RED RED RED...
Red packets
Red hair dyes
Red new "qipao" in which Malaysians call Cheongsam
Red pant, uhm doesn't sound right >.)
Red CNY underwear mentioned by Lynnee Ke ke ke ke ke keke

What else is not red?

Maybe I should get some of the CNY street decor to ease your homesickness... won't be home till end of this week ke ke~

Sarah said...

Aww sorry you are missing home so much. My sister moved to US from Britain and she misses our traditional welsh holidays as well, But you have to take it over there with you and make it your own little celebration. Hugs

sweetspirits said...

Hi Letti
Yeah do something special for CNY , keep ya mind busy may help a little :).

BTW , where did you and David meet?
cheers

Monica said...

I want to celebrate Chinese New Year!!!

It sounds so nice , I was just looking it up online!!!!!!

Have a big celebration there!!!!!!!!!!! go all out , its fun!!!!

Anonymous said...

OO lovely lovely background, I just noticed~ and yeah, damn those flags look alike! :) You can't really tell from far...

-anna

Anonymous said...

Hiya, Congratulations! Just read that you're planning for your wedding.
Yeah ... being away from home is especially hard during Chinese New Year. This is my fourth year away already. I just hope I can go back really soon.

Agnes
http://knittinginthevalley.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Would you feel better if I told you I bought you them fat chickies on my site? :D but a smaller set because mom said the big ones difficult to bring to US. But we have the big set at home. :D I also bought you other stuff..:)

Melinda said...

I do know how you feel, Letti. I've been in England for seven years now, and there are just some things that I still miss from living in Texas. The hardest holiday to be away from is Thanksgiving. And I miss a lot of the foods and sights and smells, but while I am aching to go back for a visit, I'm happy here like you sound happy to be where you are. :-)

Ant said...

Happy CNY to you.

Chris said...

Gong Hei Fatt Choy Letti ! (alternatively : Gong Xi Fa Cai) :)

Chris

Anonymous said...

sigh, u make me miss my mummy's home made cookies so badly!!! :'(

michelle
http://momo4ever.com

problogger said...

Gong Xi Fai Cai.

May you be healthy and happy always.

Ant said...

Thanks for the link to the CNY tunes. No, I'm not Chinese and although not my usual taste in music I will post a link to them in 8 days on WIAM as a festive 'nod'.

Ant

Anonymous said...

Next time you should come out to San Francisco!

-Charone
http://screwyou.thezeroboss.com

Fish Fish said...

Letti, I'll let you feel more of the CNY feeling soon. ;)

Jen said...

I know a little of what you're feeling. When I married a Canadian I didn't think it would be that different but the one day of teh year (the 4th of July) that was a big family time with tons of stuff going on is very different. Even on their own Canada Day it's just not the same attention put onto it.

I hope it gets easier for you, it's gotten easier for me over the past 6 years.

Anonymous said...

I can imagine how homesick you are. I hope it gets better for you...

I went to a junior college 40 miles out of Abilene. It was called Cisco Junior College. I spent lots of time in Abilene and I used to work at a club called the Stairs. I met my second love of my life there...

marcia
http://girlmsg.blogdrive.com/