新年快樂 (Sun Nien Fai Lok) Happy Lunar New Year!
It's another start to a new year in the lunar calendar. It's also another new year being away from my family. This is the 3rd Lunar New Year that I've spent in Hawaii by myself. In 2009 I was in Maui, in 2010 and 2011 here in Oahu. Sigh...the choices I make in life. Can't believe the years are adding up!
I remember being home, my eyes would get watery and nasal congested from smelling the incense burning for days (Ancestor Worship beliefs of my parents and their parents). But the smell of food that mom makes for the occasion - shark fin soup, egg rolls, fried chicken, fried sweet potatoes, sticky rice, roast pig, and a whole lotta yummy special occasion eats - makes my mouth water. Major spring housecleaning, big family meals, incense burning, food offerings, wearing new clothes, collecting red envelopes, celebrating being a year older, being with family, the new years memories...how I miss it.
New year brings new everything. Every day should be that way! I'm blessed and thankful for the basics of life, family, friends (near and far), good health, conscience, morals, integrity, and positive attitude.
恭喜發財 (Gung Hay Fat Choy) Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth!
