新年快樂！

I've had a lovely beginning to the lunar new year, much more so than in the years past. I've been to chinatown 3 times in the past 2 wks, which is more than the number of times I've been there in 24years. Man, is it an interesting place! Was there at 1am on chu yi, thanks to Dale's crazy idea about searching out his friend in amongst the insane crowd. (you move at approximately 1m/min) There was an absolutely ridiculous amount of Taiwan mua chee on sale!! And though I'd told myself not to buy anymore, I ended up..er.. buying more. Including some jelly stuff, which, to my surprise, was delicious! Was also sucked into buying some super absorbent mega-sponges promoted by an extremely opportunistic salesman. Be assured that I will give an update on its efficacy. :)

It was different going to grandpa's place without grandma around. Though she hadn't been able to talk for the past few years, her presence and saccharine sweet smile were enough to fill the atmosphere with the love she always exuded. The air was thin and lacking her beautiful soul. Ah well, such is life. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, spirit to heaven, where I'll see her soon.

My last family visitation today was to a grandaunt's place. Her husband is debilitated, whilst her daughter has been polio-striken since childhood. But both her and her daughter are such icons of optimism and inspiration, forever cheerful, joyful, and never ceasing to praise the Lord for His goodness! Couldn't help comparing them to my other relatives, who, throughout the day, only cared for talk about wages, shopping, television shows and self-improvement.

I just want to learn how to give thanks like that, in all circumstances.