So... it's Saturday, huh?

Ok.. so much for the Saturday fever... the heat is definitely gonna give me a fever soon... ehehehe... Anyhow, I'm still glad that it rained last nite (though the fact still remains that it was hot after the rain)... So, is anyone in the mood to parttieee??? Ok, fine.. I admit.. the heat is killing me... so is the burning smell... geez... M'SIANS!!!! QUIT THE POLLUTION MAN!!! *cough cough* *wheeezzz*
Hmm... so, it's Saturday evening... what do I do? I'm not out.. that's one thing for sure.. but I guess I'll do a little flashback on the week's event: "Chinese New Year", a celebration, a tradition to most chinese people. On the Eve of CNY (note that i'll be using the term CNY instead of Chinese New Year from now on), we had reunion dinner(s) to attend.. be it our families' or neighbours' or friends'. Then on the First, Second and Third Day, we went visiting to our relatives and friends home.. this process of visiting is known as "bai lin" in chinese. And of course, people came to visit my home as well.
So, what do we get while visiting people's houses? Well, here are the list of things that you should be getting (or expecting) while on a visit, and tips:-

1. Getting pats on your back while either being praised or appraised (eg: praised-"Oh my.. look at how much you've grown", appraised-"Hmm... you're shorter than your younger sister") Tip: none... i still can't think of any for the entire of my 23 years!!
2. Lunch, if you're lucky enough. Tip: I'd say, stick to the rule.. don't eat too much if you're gonna be shoved with more food or tit-bits later one. If they still force you, decline politely by saying you've gastroentrithis if you eat too much. If you don't wanna use the word 'gastroentrithis, then say you've got erm... erm.. I dunno... just say something!
3. Delicious tit-bits and drinks.. but when you've had too much of it and yet they are forcing you to more, it ain't delicious anymore. Tip: It's no harm eating them.. but then again, see tip #2 to avoid getting sick at the end of the day
4. Definitely the family talk.. it's either bragging about themselves or gossiping about someone or you.. and you can't possibly run away from it. Tip: Before you get down from your car, set your reminder alarm to ring in about 45minutes. If you still have more time left, just hold your patience (to show some respect) and when your alarm rings, quicky say 'Oh dear... I need to go and see another relative now. I've to do as many visits today cos I'll be leaving for Johor tmr! Thanks for your time and your lovely food.. it has been great catching up with you and your family'
5. Wait... wait... and if you're a bachelor, then it's got to be the ANGPAO (the mighty red packet that holds your fortune inside)... BUT, be warned not to open infront of anyone or you might be robbed... (ok, fine, i was lying.. though it could be true.. anyway, the fact is, you can't open it in front of them as this is what we call MANNERS) *p/s: If you're married, sad to say, you've got to be the one giving out ANPAOs to little kids and bachelors. Hey! Treat it like as though you're doing some charity, ok.. nyek nyek :P*

Ok, so, we've got the talks, the gossips, the food and the angpaos.. hmm... there's definitely something i missed out... OH YEAAAA!!!! How could I possibly miss it! ok.. here goes.. Despite all the hoo-s and the haa-s, what you get is to meet your families once again... besides, it's only once a year... so, don't you think it's worth to hear some bragging once in a while or get tortured for only like 45mins per family visit? I mean, it's not like you're gonna be meeting them everyday rite? Take that 45mins per visit and divide it by 365days (change it to minutes though)... it's worth it... worth it to see your families and friends again..

GONG XI FA CAI EVERYONE!!!