28th January 2006 - Day 103

Being a Saturday, I wanted to sleep in later this morning. Somehow, I felt something was not right.

It's Chinese New Year Eve.

In the past, I would know that it's going to be Chinese New Year soon. The familiar tunes would be heard almost everywhere one goes. The decorations going up. A special section allocated to Chinese New Year goodies in the supermarket.

Well, not here. It just feels like any other Saturday. The Chinese students here all seems to be quietly doing their own preparations.

I did a through spring cleaning for my room and put everything back into order, even though the last cleaning session was not too long ago.

I met Autumn for lunch at Die Kippe and we went to the Stadtmitte for a walk.

It sounds absurd, but we actually went to buy mandarin oranges. Just to get into the mood of Chinese New Year.

When I got back here, I wasted no time and went for a shower. After which, I threw in all the dirty clothings into the washing machine. It just didn't feel good with dirty clothings lying around to recieve the Year of the Fire Dog.

Habits are hard to change. It has been done for all Chinese New Years throughout my life. This is the first time I am spending Chinese New Year away from home. I am quite surprised that I actually did all these things to welcome the New Year.

I even harboured the thought of cooking a pot of rice and leaving it overnight!

Much as I want to make everything as similar as possible to my past experiences, there's always something different.

For example, no reunion dinner.

I like going for reunion dinner. And the time after that when I sprout nonsense with my cousins. Then going home after that, sitting on the sofa, and get mesmorized by the variety programs on television.

Ok. I admit. I just like it that it's going to be a 2 day public holiday.

But really, you'll feel the mood for Chinese New Year, if you allow yourself to.

Somehow, people around me all seem...different. I believe this is due to the effect of making myself aware that Chinese New Year is coming. Just look at how many times I've typed "Chinese New Year"!

According to various sources, people have said that this is not a good year for people born in the year of Dog.

Despite general consensus, I say this year will be a wonderful one. Let's take a closer look at the various aspects.

General:
On the whole, this will be a lucky year for you. Lots of good ideas will be generated.

Health:
Very good. No problems or whatsoever with health, on the basis that you exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Sleep is not important.

Finance:
Dabbling in investment instruments such as 4D, Toto, and Big Sweep (or any equivalent) might make you a winner! What are you waiting for?!

Romance:
You will be happy with your partner. If you have none, you will be happy with yourself.

Career:
Keep quiet. Watch and learn.

Studies:
No pain, no gain. But gain doesn't always come with pain. Consider reading something in your native language.

Bonus:
Lady Luck is smiling on you. Please go to your nearest betting station if you see any numbers in the following character.

What numbers shall it be?

What? You can't see anything? Lady Luck is generous today. One more chance!

Do you see it now?

It cannot be! What do you mean you don't see anything?! Ok. Last chance! Look carefully!

It's so obvious now...

So, wishing all a happy and prosperous Year of the Dog!