Chinese New Year 2008

Every year, my family would try to come back to Malaysia, staying in Subang Jaya. The reason is simple - an opportunity to visit the old folks (my mother in Bentong and my mother-in-law in Subang Jaya) and to stay in contact with relatives and friends. This is a time where my daughter, Claudine would stay with her aunty and her cousin, Kian, and play with Michelle. Each year the family will have a reunion dinner, and it is a reminder of our blessings and fortune to be able to eat, drink and be merry.

Every year, either on the 1st or 2nd of the Lunar New Year, we would go back to visit my mother who is now 88, and thank god, that she is strong, and get about from 5:00 am to prepare lunch for her visiting sons and grand children. It is yet another good fortune to see her in such a healthy condition. I will always buy back some nuitritional products for her good health. This is never forgetting that she needs money to keep up this wonderful retirement of hers.

Living a good life is a simple principle in life - detaching one from the material trappings, which drive the world of consumption, forcing the good earth to fight back. If ever, I learned one thing from Zen is about simplicity, and it is a hard lesson to learn and follow.

May all of you have a great life, filled with meaningful joy and love for your family and loved ones.

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