Pre-CNY Family Dinner

Remember the time my paternal family used to gather at the "old house" for Chinese New Year. My dad's generation were heavily indoctrinated with the fact that every individual must come under one roof to show the sign of unity among the family members. Therefore, every year without fail, all my relatives would travel home to meet up in this "old house".

The house stood there for 50 years and in the year between 2003-04, the local government decided to take over the land for development of new housing estate. The "old house's" life has finally succumbed under the force of a bulldozer.

I always thought that this custom will end like this since both my paternal grandparents have passed away and also the loss of venue for us to meet up. But, somehow, my second uncle managed to come out with a plan, which is a pre-Chinese New Year dinner. Since we can no longer meet at a proper venue, we have chosen to meet in the form of dinner instead. And this is the function which I have just come back from.

There is a strange feeling as i haven't seen my cousins for years. We have a lot to share among ourselves but just did not know where to start. To my surprise, some of my cousins, nephews and nieces, who were once cute and tiny have all grown up. These 4 years have taken the longest time in my life. What else do I missed when I was away?

Cousins are all doing good despite of the economic turmoil. I guess I am the only who got affected so far. Majority of them are pursuing the "sales" track. What amazed me is, they have changed to become more mature in their thoughts than before they entered into this field. Even the cousin who always claimed to not have the brain to study also speaks like a sales person now. I think he has emulated me. Man....he is just a High School Certificate holder and look what his job has changed him. Well, after all I am glad that everyone is still healthy and vibrant as they were before. Praise God.

Time was indeed short to allow more sharing. However, I really enjoy the night over the craziness and high-spiritness of my relatives. I am looking forward for more gathering like this.