CNY 2020 through Facebook

It's only been two weeks back at work and I'm already drowning in shit. The moral of the story is—stay off-work for as long as you can unless you really love what you do but sigh. Based on my financial projections, I need to slog for at least four years more before I can contemplate easing off on the work front (e.g. doing it on part-time basis). So I'll stop whingeing now as that's just going to be a never-ending process and move on to my next series of posts in which I'll share what happened during my almost two-month long break. I can also use these as a chance to think back fondly on those carefree days when work was a million light years away.

First up, the pictures below give an idea of how I spent my Year of the Rat/Mouse, which was mostly a family affair i.e. just the way I wanted it to be. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the next Chinese New Year but I know I'll definitely be back between the next one and the one after that.

 Paying respect to my Papa and offering him his favourite dishes. I'm so glad I have the chance this year to uphold this Lunar New Year family tradition.

Everything is bigger and better when I'm back for reunion dinner. Here's some top-grade seafood that Mummy will soon perform her magic with! #SizeQueen #MummyIsTheBest

Apparently as a horse in this new lunar year I'll 冲太岁 (clash with Grand Duke Jupiter) and so all zodiac predictions are pretty much the same across various sources. Do I believe in all this? Not a single bit.

I think this year Mummy went a little crazy with getting CNY ornaments, in addition to the 迎春接福 banner (挥春) I got from KL. Like the Western tradition of decorating Christmas trees, this is ours, and it's equally meaningful and fun!

Put together over 2 weeks starting from food-shopping, all of Mummy's hard work culminated in this most scrumptious banquet and I could feel her love in every bite. This reunion dinner has made my trip back home. I love you Mummy! #BestChefInTheWorld #CNY2020

Free samples of CNY goodies of every kind almost literally shoved into your mouth by the sales assistants (you don't even need to ask). One round and now I'm full. #FreeSamplesAsLunch

Here's the Chinese version of the Christmas tree we have. Guess which one I like better? The Western or Chinese version? Happy 2nd day everyone! #TimeToPigOutOnCNYGoodies #年初二 #HappyAustraliaDayToThoseBackInOz

Banquet number 2 on the 2nd day of CNY. Apparently Mum still has even more love (and energy) to give! #BlissAndBlessed #FamilyReunion #FatDieUs

This pic is getting viral on Facebook (pun intended). If they were to go out of stock, they'd truly be the preferred red packet-filler this festive season. #GiftOfProtection #DoYourPart #StaySafe

For those who haven't tried lo hei, you should as it's great fun. How often in your adult life do you get to play with your food legitimately and then eat it? Today we had vegan lo hei and valuable family-bonding time, not like last year when I could only join in the action via video chat from faraway Melbourne.

Another first for me. Praying to 太岁 to ward off the ill effects of 犯太岁 as a Horse. Apparently you need to come back again before the end of the year but you can have someone do that in your place (i.e. would have to be Mum as I'll not be in Singapore). #DoesNotMakeSense #TempleMoneyMakingExercise #JustInForTheExperience