Well, it's spring time. Oops, in Singapore, its summer all time round, not much differentiation in weather nor our plants, just a question, thunderstorm with lightning or showers over several areas or sunny across the whole island.
Not matter what; Dec/Jan/Feb is the time where our major ethnic group, Chinese get busy. Not that we are slack in other months just that these few months calls for a major exercise involving the old and young to clear their clutter from room, bake cookies, do new year shopping, decorate our house. After all, it’s Chinese New Year. I’m sure other ethnic celebration also calls for this exercise. Just that wet market, coffee shops dun close for 2 days…=)
As I recall from my younger days, there are a few “happening rituals” that I do:-
1. Queuing for BBQ Meat – I’m the avid “aeroplane” fan, still queuing all these years. The common question “Is that really that nice, what’s the difference?” Well, if you are still asking this question, I’m sorry to say that either your taste bud is not really working well, you are happy got anything to eat fellow, or you are simply not into BBQ meat that’s all.
2. Buying PJ – I used to get a new set of PJ for CNY. I still remembered that I get to wear the new set after my reunion dinner, washing dishes and bath. That stopped when I was in P1. P1 is a period where everything was no longer the same and I never understand why until I was much older and just realise that it make sense to me. Recalling this now still bring a sneer to me.
3. Going to Chinatown after dinner – much older = much crazier. I like to go there squeeze with mountains of people and step on their feet. Yes, crazy right. It could be me who is stepping on your toes. Lesson to learn – wear covered shoes lah.
4. Blackjack – covering the different shapes to determine when you wanna pass or take one more card is something I learnt to play after “masa-masa”. Think that environment cultivate me in liking mathematics and logic. Burst = even its 22 points (bloody idiot, just 1 point) also = Burst and pay money. If I’m the banker and more than 5 cards, smiles on everyone’s faces as its double and I’m sending all my regards to the parents, especially mothers and brothers.
5. Baking and Making of New Year goodies – well, baking is always an all year round event, just a question of what’s in the oven.
6. and many more….
This year, I’m making Pineapple Biscuits to relieve my childhood memories. I remember sneaking up to eat on the pineapple jam from the container. There are always shouts from Kitchen the next day, “why so little pineapple jam left, how to make the biscuits”. Well, it’s not only me who sneaked up, my 2 brothers as well; see that’s genetic makeup.
This year, I’m going to make luck fishes together with All Saints HG – volunteers for our residents – red packets are needed. That’s all for today, going to dig out all the red packets. See ya!
