When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray dog, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking’.

Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.

Happy Chinese New Year 2010

Except, only, that I manage to take a break from work, and spend some time with family and friends.

Perhaps it’s due to the fact that we are all grown ups now and the excitement for the celebration we once had as children have seemed to fade in time.

It’s odd. Because this is the first time in my generation, Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine’s Day this year. It’s supposed to not only be full of excitement and fire crackers, it’s supposed to be also full of Love.

Where is the Love ???

Even this Ah Pek doesn’t look like he’s excited.

Maybe he got less ang pau this year because his children’s bonuses all kena potong. Hmmm… Speaking of bonuses

Perhaps it could also be due to the economy. Despite government claims that we are out of the financial crisis, a chat with the local business owners will give you pretty much a conviction that what the government say is far from true.

This chinese druggy looks like he’s pek chek-ing with his ledgers.

And this stall owner shared with me how quiet the market is.

Anyhow, as an optimists, I believe the year of the Tiger will be better, and even if it’s going to turn out to be otherwise, well, we’ll just continue hoping that the year ahead will be, erm, better

So I wish each and every one of my readers and friends :

1. May this Chinese New Year brings harmony, peace to you and your family members. 团团圆圆！Just like this Furball flower.

2. May you be prosperous not only in health, but also in wealth. All year round.

3. May the God of Wealth accompany you everywhere, even to sleep!

4. May you be lucky and ong all year round!

5. And may you be surrounded by best of friends, relatives and “expensive people” (贵人)! Just like how this photo is packed with Lanterns!

Happy Chinese New Year!

P.S : Photos from Jalan Bunga Raya and Kee Ann Road, Malacca, Malaysia.