Managing Happiness - Year of The Monkey.

My mum stayed over with us during this Chinese New Year because of the arrival of the lil one. If I've never told you guys before I am telling you now that I am actually a very big mummy's boy. I might look at the big tough guy with tattoos and doesn't care much but I'm actually a little bit of a gentle giant myself where I really care a lot for my immediate family. 

Chinese New Year was never easy for me when I was younger. Meeting relatives talking about things I do not care and listening to them showing off how much more they have on the plate than us, driving a bigger car or even as simple as having a better computer system at home that runs CS1.5 faster than mine. I guess I always felt inferior to my relatives. Maybe they did not go out to show off on purpose but I was envy with everything they had and I didn't. No doubt that I love my mum for how she takes care of us but a kid being a kid makes me question my parents, "Why are we not having as much as my relatives?" 

10mm Lens - making HDB looks big one click at a time.

The mum working hard to put food on the table. Both ways.

So I had this conversation with a friend the other day that "Money ain't everything in life". I mean that was what she was saying and I was quite surprised by my own reply because we ain't exactly very close friends and I replied saying "That's usually what one will say when you already have it." I thought I sounded a little too hard on hindsight. oops. But I guess I do feel a lot when it comes to childhood and money.

Yes, no doubt money can't solve every problem but the fact is that it CAN solve most problems. While on the other hand, not having money is the root of many problems as I experienced it myself when I was younger.

And here's something someone shared with me recently about how "money" can make a difference in one's childhood. No shit. it's real. Link

This is why I love having meals at home. Nobody is going to judge me for being socially unacceptable 

I started playing basketball at a new court these days, and because of this I got to make many new friends. They are nice kids age around 16 - 20, the age where you should be planning for your future but you don't. I love kids at this age because this is the age where you can actually talk sense to them and I think it is those age where I can relate to very easily. (but maybe if you asked them they will just find me preachy and annoying. I think not lah hor. Or rather I hope not.)

They have many questions about being an adult and some told me they can't wait to be an adult. They asked me questions about how much I earn, what I do, what I REALLY DO, (Because they don't believe that I'm a part time lecturer and also business owner, given how erm.. "young" I act when I'm with them.) how I become "successful", how long I've been dating before I got married, etc etc.  

Is Ohana everything?

Almost complete but never will be. Missing Kor and that's something that will never change.

I told the kids how I would change my life if I could. I would have put in more effort on my studies, in sports, and in fact in everything I do. I am not saying studies is everything and is the only way to success, but I must say, we are very fortunate to be born in Singapore where social mobility is not just a myth and yet I feel like I didn't fully make use for the opportunities that was available for me when I was a kid because of the lack of exposure. To make things worst, I was never committed in anything I do simply because... No, I've no good excuses actually. That was just who I was as a kid. 

Some of the kids told me that they feel like I am in a very good place. I mean, I have a wife, a kid, a roof over my head, a car, decent and stable income, more than happy family, and of course, good looks. (THEY SAID THAT! Or maybe they didn't. :p) They would be more than content to be in my shoes in years to come. Maybe you can call me greedy, maybe you would ask me to learn the act of being content but I feel like I can still do more for myself, my son, and even the society as a whole. So why do we stop just because we think we are "okay" instead of pushing ourselves to a greater heights when we are still able to?

人如果没有梦想，跟咸鱼有什么两样？

Once upon a time the babies of the families and now taking care of my lil one. It's so strange to see my lil sister being 24, niece being in Primary school when my greatest memory of them was actually the 1st time I met them as a baby in my arms.

I know we always believe that family and relationships should be above money but that doesn't means one have to give money just for family right? Why not win them all by balancing them as much as possible? Life doesn't always have to give right? I mean I know you can't be both fat and skinny at the same time but I don't see why can't we be a awesome individual as well as a loving son, responsible father, and a loyal country man. 

No harm making some random wishes for better health and future right? I mean we should all work hard but such practices do make us feel a little better about the new year no?

I have no idea how big corps CEO does it. Getting everything under their feet. I am sure they had their tough times that people don't see it. Like many of my friends always like to ask me how I actually juggle the new born, my businesses, my blog and my other 7908572132 social media platforms and hobbies. I do get a little jaded sometimes and wonder why must we do so much. Can we just forget everything and buy a little piece of land in Philippines and be a small time farmer? 

Well, I really don't think my life is that busy YET considering how I still have time for sleep and hobbies but I guess the secret is really to not sweat the small things and focus on bigger pictures. And also, I always compare up. I always look at how some of these people are doing more than me, achieving more than me, and you will realise that your life ain't that difficult after all. Look at how people that are taking care of themselves, family, upgrading themselves, voluntary work , and more. 

I know people always say "Don't compare lah." but if there's no comparison, there's no competition and when will improvement starts?  

The kids put up some GXFC choreography. 

No doubt, happiness is to each's own and there ain't no one size fit all solution. But the question is, are you truly happy or are you setting your expectations lower so as to not feel sad?

I started this post actually just to share my Chinese New Year pictures but it ended up becoming a little cheong hei. oops. I guess that's the very 1st syndrome of me becoming a preachy old man?

To end off this post, always remember, keep grinding and DO NOT stay in the comfort zone! Have a good year of the Monkey!

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What is Chinese New Year to you?

It's the time of the year that I hate the most again. Yup, you hear me right - Chinese New Year is the time of the year that I hate most. And if you missed it some years ago, here is a re-run and also maybe some additional points.

So what is Chinese New Year or the reunion dinner to you? A time to gather? A time to have fun, show off and what not? I guess I don't feel the importance of it because I do not really gather with my relatives and I only gather with my immediate family who is like something I do almost weekly, so it's really no big deal to me. Like how some like to put it, "if you love your partner, everyday is Valentine's day". So for me, everyday is reunion with the family.

Nothing beats spending time with these treasures of yours. 

Anyway, I got this few seconds of "fame" in a video done by NFC recently about reunion dinner:



That's me with no lines and just a few seconds of air time. HAHAHA. For that scene, we actually shoot like 4hours with multiple angles and a few lines but I guess this edited one makes sense, sending the message across in below 3 mins.

So what does this Chinese Tradition means to you? Something you enjoy? You treasure? Just a dinner? I am not too sure how many of us enjoy CNY but for me it's really not something that enjoyable.

I hate the feeling of rushing around and making small talks. Maybe it's because that's my job and I really rush around and do a lot of these small talks in daily lives and when it comes to a public holiday, I just wish to be in my boxers and sit in front of the TV with my beer, pizza and PS3.

I guess it also falls back onto how we were brought up and how the family help us to break the ice. My dad ain't someone who breaks the ice for us and thus I'm never really close to my relatives on my paternal end. My maternal relatives? I've no idea how we drifted apart either, we used to be closer and all but I guess me being the odd ball and the pain in the ass in the family did contribute to it. Maybe it's just me but I feel like I'm the one who is always different, the one who plays more, enjoy life and live on the edge. And they are all about being proper, work, being top of their food chain. Of course, they didn't say it in my face but that's how I feel most of the time. Sensitive? Maybe, but I guess that's just how it is now.

Getting married didn't make things easier, it's not exactly 2 head is better than one in this situation but rather more like too many chef spoils the soup. Who's tradition should we follow? Need to visit your mum's my mum's? Day one for husband's relatives? Day two for wife's relatives? But what if your in-laws want you back on certain day by certain time? I've no idea how people sort it out cause mine didn't went as smoothly as I wished it did during the planning stage but that being said, the visiting went pretty alright. (I guess, unless her relatives all hates me. LOL)

Anyway, I hope you are having a better Chinese New Year than I am! HUAT AHH!

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Limited Edition Taiwan Beer Giveaway!!

Chinese New Year is around the corner and it is the time of the year that you have been waiting and waiting for because that is the only time where your mum will allow you to drink beer at home with your friends but guess what? Your mum say she ain't gonna buy any beer this Chinese New Year and you went....

BO KOR LENG!

But says who you always have to buy your own beer during CNY? This Chinese New Year, the good people at Taiwan beer has launched a special 18 can Chinese New Year Promotion package that consist of all 6 different flavours! And the best part is that we are giving away 5 sets of them! (Stay Tuned to the end of article to find out more!)

Pretty or not? 

This special 18 cans package is a an exclusive coperate sales package. I would say it is really one of the best gift for your clients or even friends not just because the packaging is very nice but also because the beer are very nice and suitable for all (legal) ages!

Peek-a-boo.

However, you can now buy them at a special promotion price at $46 by quoting my blog URL – “Smithankyou.com”. You can either call them or drop them an email:

Email: enquire@familynfriends.com.sg
Tel: Karin Seah – 6269 7381/ 9272 1868

The Giveaway

NOBODY IS TAKING ANY OF MY BEER!

To beat the avengers win, all you have to do is follow the few simple steps below:

1) Like https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanBeerSG
2) Like https://www.facebook.com/smithankyou
3) Share the giveaway picture on the Facebook page and comment on it as not all shares can be seen due to privacy settings of the user profile.
4) Keep your fingers crossed and pray to be one of the 5 lucky winners!

Winner will be announced tomorrow (Monday, 27 Jan) at 1200hrs (That is 12pm aka lunch time). So what are you waiting for?? 

- Contest is open for readers staying in Singapore Only.

Mr.Smith, "Don't be Selfish boys, we still have more at home!" Hulk, "Beer, Never.. Enough.. Hulk.. MORE!!!

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Why I hate Chinese New Year - 2013

It's time of the year again to do a "Why I hate Chinese New Year" Post. Apparently being the very lazy blogger I am, I guess this post is considered the most consistent one already. More often my part 2 or part 3 of certain blogpost will never come and my Project 365 always ends at project 3.6.

Look at all those old angsty post:

CNY 08

And the most detailed CNY 2012

And two of the post that I actually sounded kinda happy;

CNY 10

HUAT AHH

CNY 09

Very tiny Natacia.

And now things just got a little worst i guess.  Adding onto CNY 2012's List.

12. I've shifted out

Although my mum is very angsty and all but I miss goofing around with the sister doing crazy silly things. Playing games, cards or whatever. Now that I've shifted out things are so different.

13. I'm Married.

It has nothing to do with getting any red packet but the fact that we are now 1 person. We have to plan our outings/visiting. 1st day to your mum place, 2nd day to where and there's always some culture difference. Call me a MCP all you want but I say daughter has to follow the guy's tradition and that's how it works no? What's some of your post marriage CNY practice?

14. Now that you are no longer with us.

:(

We had some really good times together. And now that You are gone, things are different. Things will never ever be the same. Without Your voice and Your cheekiness. Without You flicking yu sang all over, without You fighting for the last piece of keropok of Yu sang. For the very first time in Natacia's life, I scolded her. I never thought I need to take up the role of disciplining lil Nat Nat. I thought I always should be the uncle that teach them all the vice. Neither do I know what got into me that I just thought I needed to tell her off for something she did wrongly. something that You would have scolded her for as well. but I made her cried instead.

Crying Baby Girl.

I was very worried that she would hate me for that but kids being kids we were laughing shortly after and their laughter made this reunion dinner easier for me n everyone else. Thank you Kor n Jie for the 3 lil ones. I hope You r having a good party in heaven. Hope they have Your Favorite roast pork and Starbucks. Miss You Kor.

 Until next time... until the next time... we will Lou Hei together again. 

 

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The Reasons Why I Hate Chinese New Year.

If there is such a thing as the Chinese New Year Grinch, I might be one of the best representation of it in a fat ugly human form.

I know I am a bummer or a killjoy when it comes to CNY but seriously I think CNY is more like a killjoy and bummer to my life. It screws my life up in too many ways and causes too many inconvenience if you ask me.

Not in any order of why I hate CNY but below is a list.

1. The Freaking Relatives. 
- This is the ONLY time of the year that you probably meet them every year.You have to start ridiculous topics to kill the awkward silence. You have to act like you are even interested in anyone's life and what they are doing. You have to go through long hours of chat and listen to how your aunt or cousins show off how awesome their life is and probably the fact that I have nothing to show off other than my big belly makes me really angsty during visits. Irritating questions such as when are you getting married, what degree you have and what car you drive piss me off too. Some people will tell me that ang baos is like a pay and just take it easy but I will go to the extend of "You may take your ang bao back and just leave me alone" That is how much I hate meeting these irrelevant people of my life. I choose my friends and people around me and sad to say I am not given a choice to share my last name and my bloodline.

2. All the freaking shops are close! 
- They give you 2 freaking days off work and ZERO entertainment. Every other place is closed and what can we do? Even getting breakfast is super irritating. Only Macdonalds' right!

3. Long Queue at the Cinema.
- One of the very few entertainment left and it is always long queue!

4. Every freaking thing is EXPENSIVE! 
- Those shops that are not closed and not long queue are all EXPENSIVE! Freaking price hike by 20-30%? Are you freaking kidding me? I know you sacrifice your CNY but hello? I can sacrifice my CNY too you know?

5."Let's talk after CNY".
- Being a business owner, it sucks to get 860498621983124 E-mails and call from clients telling you to talk only after CNY. Than? I stone in front of my business for the past 2 weeks! Damn you stably paid workers!

6. Auto Out of Office replies.
- This is just as good as point no.5 but when i say just as good I meant just as bad. Y U PEOPLE NO WORK!!

7. Buying of new clothes.
- I dunno why we must buy new clothes. Like really, I like to buy clothes as and well I like and not buy during CNY. I am a plus size and it's not easy to hunt for something. and this also reminds me that my pants size just got larger again.

8. Spring Cleaning.
- Seriously? Spring Cleaning? Why must we clean those awkward places that nobody ever sees? Throw away old things? But I am a freaking hoarder lah!

9. It's not Sexy at all.
- You know how people will have higher sex drive during festives like V.day, X'mas, 1st Jan New year, thanks giving and even days such as st pats day or halloween where people will party, drink and then make love? When was the last time you have some passionate and hot sex because it's CNY? "Hey! Thanks for visiting, wanna have sex?"

10. Difficult to travel around.
- What is worst than this? Packed SBS buses, expensive taxi fare, highly possible failing trains and expensive car rental. Even buying a car is no joke, Expensive COE. Basically it's freaking irritating to travel during CNY? Can someone make a teleporter already?

11. FUCK UP TV PROGRAMS
- Dear Mediacorpse, can buy better shows? Can air better shows? I seriously hate all those "special" programs. Freaking lousy and retarded.But I must say 2012 ain't too bad a year cause got Ip Man 1 and 2!

So... ya.. I really hates CNY in all ways. So, I am very sorry if I do not paste any happy new year message, I did not reply any happy CNY text or anything. I know CNY means a lot to many chinese friends and it has a great history and what not. I do agree that it is important to a certain level but I can't deny my negative feelings towards CNY. I do not know how this happen but it is like this for me. I am not sure if it is because how westernize I have become over the years or because of the environment I am living in but I do not like it. In fact I never like it since I was young, or do I use to? Anyway, I hope I didn't pass any negative vibe to you and I still hope you guys have a good celebration in which ever way that can make you guys happy!

Dear CNY, Thanks but No thanks!

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