The Chinese New Year has come and this year it was met with even less hype and excitement than last year. Growing up does take the fun out of the CNY, as does the fact that the increasing affluence lets us enjoy all sorts of 'luxury' foodstuffs all through the year so we don't have to look forward to the CNY to get yummy food. It's sometimes tragic thinking about the past compared to the present. Though we get to enjoy good food and new clothes throughout the year, it takes the joy and satisfaction out of getting something. I listen to the stories of my mum, dad, aunts, uncles, and their life seemed so simple, so carefree, so enjoyable. Simple happiness and contentment with their life. Every little thing they got, they knew how to appreciate greatly. They waited for CNY every year so they could get to drink some soft drinks, eat some homemade cookies, splurge once in a while on new clothes and a wonderful reunion dinner. For us now, CNY doesn't mean much. When the previous generations used to look forward to buying new items and feasting in the past, the current generation enjoys those things too much, too frequently, such that getting those same items holds no special meaning. Probably the only thing that could matter more to us is that we get to visit our relatives and friends, receive red packets, gamble, and of course, the school holidays. Even those reasons are marred by the pile of homework sitting on the desk, the work that I am supposed to catch up on during the holidays but unfortunately haven't mustered up the motivation to touch. Also, for me, the relatives part isn't that special either because I have a very close family who gets together several times a month, either at our house, my grandma's house, or outside for a meal or an outing. I'm really grateful to have such a great family, where everyone loves each other, and wonderful relatives who dote on me and care for me. I really love my family more than anything else, and treasure the time I can spend with them. Today for CNY we spent some time visiting them at my grandma's house, and though it was fun, it didn't feel like a unique CNY experience in any way. Except maybe the gambling part, which was so fun cause we bet with such small amounts of money that we had a great time regardless of whether we won or lost. CNY may not hold any special meaning nowadays, but it still gives us some time off school to visit long lost friends or family, and spend some quality time with the people who matter to us. At the very least, it gives us free time to relax a little and do up some work. Oh, and of course, the pigging out on goodies (though that may not exactly be a good thing considering that my 'healthy eating' plan is getting ruined even more).

Then there are the occasional bouts of loneliness but I guess that can't be helped. And 'Do you know' by Enrique Iglesias is making me feel guilty..

But life is good =) Learn to be positive and contented with the good things you have in life. Bad things will happen to everyone. It's how you look at it that determines if you're happy or not.