Today is the first day of the new Chinese year. This year is the year of the rat. My dad is born on the year of the rat. He’ll be 60(!) this year. I will be 25(!!) this year. All sorts of !!

Last year was the year of the pig and according to my mother it was not a very lucky year for us pigs so I was instructed to wear red knickers for the year to ward against evil. Let’s see what the year of the rat has in store for us piggies.

“The successes and prosperity from 2007’s Year of the Pig will roll over into 2008, and Pig’s will find it easy to build on a successful year. Romance is on the cards, and wedding bells could well be in the air, while the pig’s piggybank should swell to new levels.”
Taken from http://gohongkong.about.com/od/hongkongfestivals/a/CNYHoroscopes.htm

Here’s hoping that they’re right about my piggybank swelling to new levels!

Anyways. I’ve been trying to call my grandparents for the past 1/2hr. I’ve heard that phone lines between Hong Kong and China gets really loaded during these days. Those who can will make a pilgrimage to see their relatives to celebrate.

I had a discussion with my mom one day about Chinese New Year and seeing relatives and we agreed that it was best that we don’t live close to our relatives because it’s just a pain in the ass. I mean, think about it. It’s a bit like Christmas only worse.
You’re obligated to see relatives that you don’t see more than once a year. Not only that but you have to bring something with you to give to them. Especially since my generation is so far down the chain. The young ones have to go visit the elders and bring them gifts. Although I suppose it’s not completely crappy since the elders give us young’uns red envelopes.
For those of you who don’t know why a red envelope is so important, it’s important because instead of giving gifts, Chinese people give money sealed in these red envelopes.