Cock-a-doodle-doo! Gong Xi Fa Cai to one and all! Erika's husband asked the other day how we celebrate Chinese New Year. Basically, we visit our relatives and do a lot of eating. We make the house clean and presentable to welcome in the new year and the visitors. Our family has simplified a lot of the customs but essentially we must have (photos from left to right):
A) Lai See packets (Red envelopes containing lucky money) or Hong Bao (in Mandarin): For married people to give to single adults and children. Never leave home without them, they are more important than your credit card during the CNY period.
B) Flowers: Signify the arrival of spring, and the blooms symbolize a new start and growth for all in the family in the new year.
C) 8 treasure box: Containing sweets and other goodies with names that pun
or have lucky connotations. E.g. melon seeds, sweet lotus. To be
offered to the guests when they arrive in your house.

Got caught in the after work New Year Eve traffic last evening and I didn't mind a bit because I have needle and yarn with me. This's what I'm making, the Little Arrowhead Lace Socks designed by Nancy Bush.

And remember, old scores are to be settled before the New Year. I settled mine with the lace yarn last night. Eva couldn't locate her yarn but lent me her winder instead, which is even better. I really want to tackle my ball and see where's the problem. So it's all re-wound into a pullable ball, ready to be knitted again.
Here's the music meme, tagged by Knitties, Lyn.
1) Total amount of music files on your computer:
Zero.
2) The last CD you bought was:
Norah Jones. Come away with me.
3) What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
One of those children songs. My children hoard my hi-fi nowadays. Maybe it's time I learn how to download music files onto the laptop or MP3.
4) What are your five favorite songs and why they mean the most to you:
The wind is blowing (Leslie Cheung's Canto-pop hit) – Beautiful singing that touches your soul.
Amazing Grace - I'm not a Christian but I still love the beautiful lyrics and melody of this hymn. This is the song I sang for my junior college choir audition. If I haven't gotten into choir, I might not have met my husband. I met him after one of the choir events.
Kathleen Battle sings Mozart – The entire album helped me through the hormonal ups and downs of my two pregnancies. Whenever I'm high-strung, it works magic to un-wind me.
Have I told you lately (Rod Steward) – Husband (then boyfriend) was in Paris, I was in Singapore, the song was playing.
I'd Really Love to See You Tonight (England Dan and John Ford Cooley) – Whenever I hear this song, it brings back the nostalgia of missing my husband when he was studying in Paris.
5) What 3 people are you going to pass this baton to and why
Have a go, whoever love to play.