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***February Update***
Emi has a Chinese New Year E-card for you. Click here to view.
Erratum: I am now no longer the youngest descendent of N.T. Phang (see my Jan 31 blog). On January 29, my second cousin in Singapore Wen Ngoei and his wife had a baby boy. I'm sad to lose my status, but it had to happen some time. Congratulations to them!
Sunday, February 24
Lack of Sleep Contributes to Childhood Obesity
Seems like I need more material; there just isn't enough news about me in order to keep this blog fresh and updated several days a week. I'm growing and developing, but not that fast! However, there is plenty of news about the influences that affect me. So, from time to time, I will discuss articles that have an impact on my growth and development. Daddy helps me sort out the good science from the junk stuff, so I believe him that the data are valid.
Most of us are aware that childhood obesity is a huge problem - not just for those children, but for society. This not only affects Western cultures, but some Asian cultures such as Singapore. While much of the focus has rightly been on proper diet and exercise, another factor - sleep - has been shown with increasing evidence to be a factor that contributes to obesity in childhood. In the February 2008 issue of Obesity, published by the Obesity Society, Dr. Chen from Johns Hopkins and his colleagues did a meta-analysis (a review of many published studies) looking at this issue in children of all ages and indeed found that the risk of childhood obesity declined with increasing amounts of sleep. The risk of obesity was 92% greater in the group of children with the least amount of sleep compared to those with the most. You can read more about the report here.
This has implications for me as I grow up. For one, no sleepless nights cramming for exams during school days no matter what the pressure. However, for me right now, that means one thing. When Mommy and Daddy say bedtime, they mean it. For my own good!
An American Heart Association poster discussing the importance of preventing childhood obesity. More information from AHA on child obesity can be found here. The poster can be found here.
Saturday, February 23
My First Moments After Birth...On Video
Here it is - my first video posting! Right now the only way Daddy can do this is to upload a video on YouTube and then embed it below. But the important thing is that you can see this video; if you can, it will be considered a success. So put your feet up, relax for 57 seconds, and watch me in my first few moments after birth on August 29, 2007. Yes it's six-month old news, but the clip was the “test” that Daddy uploaded.
Tell me what you think! If I get positive feedback from you, I'll begin adding some video clips of me as I continue to grow in this new exciting world. Daddy still has a preference for photography, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, maybe a movie clip are words worth a thousand pictures. If my math is correct, that's a million.
Click on the play button to view the video. You can't see his face, but you can hear his voice and see the action of my respiratory therapist, George, as he clears all the gunk from my mouth to allow me to get a great start on this activity called life!
Friday, February 22
Total Lunar Eclipse
Our last chance to see a lunar eclipse for this decade was on Wednesday. Astronomers say there won't be another total eclipse of the moon until 2010. So Daddy rushed out to take photos and dragged Mommy out to see it. She went straight back to bed. Luckily, it was already 10 o'clock; I was asleep so Daddy didn't take me outside to watch it. It's just a reddened moon, right? *Yawn* Thanks for not waking me up. I'll see the pictures later.
Last total eclipse of the moon until 2010. Taken on Feb 20 at 10:27 pm EST using Nikon D40, 200mm F/5.6, 1 sec, ISO 800, all manual settings.
Thursday, February 21
No News–Just a Family Photo
Family photos don't come easy; it's usually Mommy or Daddy that takes the photo, so getting all three of us together is nothing short of a miracle unless we can find a friend who can take the picture for us. Below is the first family photo since Christmas, taken a couple of weeks ago on a cool day on the front porch of our home.
Answers to the February 18 blog: (L to R): Daniel Yeoh, David Yeoh, William Teh, Philip Yeoh, Simon Yeoh, and Ruth Yeoh (now Yap). With the exception of Ruth and David, who live in Loma Linda, CA and Philip, who lives in London, the others still live in Penang. All are working in the medical field.
Photo courtesy of Taylor's Daddy, Robert Thomson.
Wednesday, February 20
Down with the Stomach Flu
Monday was not a good day for me; it was the day that I started vomiting. Not sure exactly how I got it, but a schoolmate of mine had the symptoms earlier in the day. It worried Mommy because I wasn't able to hold anything down Monday night and she was concerned about dehydration. Finally, after taking in small amounts of Pedialyte, I was able to keep down liquids, and by Tuesday was able to tolerate breast milk again. Daddy also came down with the same symptoms that same evening, and he was still sick with fever on Tuesday. Luckily Mommy was spared. We're better now, and Daddy even prepared some chicken macaroni soup to help nurture the body and soul.
Macaroni chicken soup, recipe available upon request. Daddy's experimenting with food photography, inspired by the site www.rasamalaysia.com.
Monday, February 18
Who Are They?
Another photo from the archives that showed Mommy celebrating her first birthday in Penang. In those days, birthday parties were simpler: a cake, some snacks, and a few friends. The question is, who are the other six individuals in the photo? Email me with the answer!
Who were Mommy's friends that celebrated her first birthday with her? Stay tuned for the answer.
Sunday, February 17
Que Sera Sera
You didn't think I was old enough to appreciate Doris Day, huh? OK, Daddy told me about that song. The reason I bring this up is because of a situation that occurred just over a week ago: Daddy got laid off from his job. It shook him (and us) up quite a bit, but we are beginning to heal. We realize that losing his job was out of his control (que sera sera, whatever will be, will be) but he could control how he responded to the situation. And Daddy will look at this moment as an opportunity. Who knows, maybe we will look back at this event as the best thing that happened to him.
In the meantime, Daddy has more free time now. In addition to job hunting, he is becoming more domesticated as well. As Martha Stewart would say, that's a good thing.
I'm giving Daddy some moral support as he pulls weeds from the yard, a very therapeutic thing to do which also allows him to heal from the sting of being laid off.
Saturday, February 16
Sitting in Unusual Places
This is one of those “enjoy it while you can” moments, because soon what seems cute now and OK with my parents will become a no-no very soon. But for now, I can sit in my bébéPOD virtually anywhere. And it's good for my folks because I can now sit supervised, even in odd places. For example, Daddy and Mommy had a romantic dinner together on Valentine's Day. However, they didn't have the foresight to hire a baby sitter, so Daddy cooked Mommy dinner at home while I tagged along! But, with the bébéPOD, I can be right there where the action is, watching Daddy chop the veggies and watching them eat their romantic dinner from just inches away! And because I'm always in their sight, they get the warm feeling that I'm not doing anything naughty.
Top: Aroma of Emi: sitting on the counter amidst parsley, olive oil, garlic, and onions. Bottom: chaperoning my folks during their romantic valentine meal.
Friday, February 15
Labor of Love
My Aunt Vannee, who lives in the Chicago area, has a wonderful talent for knitting. Several weeks ago, she knit me a pink hooded shawl just in time for winter. Then, a few days ago, I received another gift from her: a three-dimensional purple animal blanket. They come in very handy on cold days, of which we have had a few earlier this week. I know it took a lot of time to make these for me; mommy calls it Vannee's labor of love. Thank you, Aunt Vannee.
Smothered with love from Aunt Vannee: in my pink shawl on a cold day, just after returning home from school (excuse my drooling), and in my blanket, complete with 3-D frogs, turtles, pigs, lions, dogs, and birds!
Wednesday, February 13
Amy & Emi: Little Valentine Friends
In case you forgot, Valentine's Day is almost here. Don't forget the chocolates, the roses, and . . . your friends! For my first Valentine's Day, I wanted to thank my friend Amy, who is two months younger than me, for giving me the Valentine's outfit seen below and in my Feb 5 entry. Great taste! Her mommy, Ariel, and my mommy work in the same department. Amy must also have liked what she got me, as she is seen wearing the same clothes herself. I hear that adult women have an issue if they are seen wearing the same outfit together, but I don't. We babies look great, no matter what we wear, and no matter if the same. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
My little friend Amy & I modeling “Love You“ outfits, just perfect for Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 12
My Very First Passport Photo
Getting a passport photo may not sound very exciting to you, but it is for me! It's the first step to being able to travel across the ocean to visit exotic lands, visit Por-por and my great-Yeh yeh's friends and relatives. We don't have a travel date set yet, but it will likely be within the next few months. Daddy did his own photography, did some minor background coloring and resizing using Adobe Photoshop Elements , and printed it on photo paper. Later today we head to the U.S. Post Office to formally apply. I really hope they accept this photo.
Why did we all of a sudden decide to travel overseas and get my passport picture? Hint: Daddy has a lot more time at home now. We'll discuss in a future blog.
According to the Passport Agency, the photograph must be exactly 2x2 in, the head must be centered within frame and be between 1 and 1 3/8 in tall, the eye height must be set between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 in from bottom of photo, must have full face, front view, natural expression, mouth closed on a white or off-white background. Whew!
Monday, February 11
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Mommy just received some pictures in the mail sent from Por-por in Malaysia. The contents? Photos taken when Mommy was my age. Let me tell you, I am now convinced I am not adopted!
Mommy, 1973; and me, 2008.
Sunday, February 10
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Gong xi fai cai! or “Wishing you prosperity!” We are now several days into the Year of the Rat. Celebrations began on New Year's Eve (Feb 6), when we went to Yi-por's home for a hotpot dinner, a traditional meal where uncooked meats and vegetables are cooked in a boiling soup broth. The next day, Mommy dressed me up in a traditional, slightly oversized red outfit for New Year's and took me to Yi-por's place to wish her prosperity and collect a red packet for myself. We also gave oranges, a traditional New Year's gift, because the Chinese words for oranges and tangerines sound similar to the words for wealth and luck, respectively. Then on Friday evening, we had friends over for a New Year dinner. Lots of wonderful food was eaten–food that I can only imagine tastes wonderful, but that I will need to wait for. Teeth, where are you. . . I'm waiting.
From top: (1) With a red outfit, hong bao, and tangerines, all symbols to celebrate good fortune and luck for the New Year. (2) With Yi-por taken in her sunroom. (3) At home now, receiving the lucky red packet from Great-aunty Paz. Holding me is San, Yi-por's niece who came with her hubby, Duncan (in background) all the way from the UK to visit.
February 6, 2008
Emily’s Secret
Victoria has her secret; I have mine.
I'm modeling a Gold Bell label blue cotton dress size M, given to me by Mrs. Sheila Lu.
February 5, 2008
Sitting on My Own. Temporarily, that is . . .
Got my own chair called the bébéPOD, designed to help me sit on my own. It's soft and comfy, and does what it is supposed to, which is to help me sit like a real person! At least for a minute or so, after which I get a bit tired and start slipping. But it's real progress. No longer am I content with only passively supported activties! I'm spending a bit less time in the swing and enjoying more active upright activities like what you're witnessing now. Who knows what's next? Crawling? Walking? My folks say not so fast.
After sitting on my own in the bébéPOD, I started to slip, but can use my hand to help keep me balanced. -Nikon D40, 50mm fixed, f/2, 1/50s, 800 ISO, no flash, manual everything.
February 2, 2008
Who
is Remy?
Some of you inquired, “who is the Remy character pictured with me in my Chinese New Year e-card?” First, I confess, I haven't seen him in the movie yet, but as a rat, he fits in with the theme of this Chinese New Year. But the answer is, although not as well known as Mickey Mouse, Remy's the protagonist of the Disney-Pixar animated movie, Ratatouille, released last year. In the movie, he's a rat from the inner city with a keen sense of smell who possesses amazing gourmet cooking abilities. My parents saw the movie and were entertained. So, although I'm not endorsing any product or movie, just wanted you to know in case you didn't.
February 1, 2008
The Chinese Calendar
Happy February! The moon is waning, and the new moon on February 7 heralds an important annual event for billions of Chinese around the world: the start of the Chinese New Year. This traditional holiday is the most important holiday in China, as well as much of Asia. Schools and many businesses are closed for three or more days and traveling is a nightmare as people rush to be with their families in their ancestral homes. Traditional red packets are given out to the younger generation that contain newly printed money and of course there's always the great food. Firecrackers and parades also dominate the festive landscape.
Some aspects of the Chinese calendar are easily predictable, others more complicated. The Chinese zodiac consist of 12 animals that repeat, not surprisingly, every 12 years. While 2007, my birth year, was the Year of the Pig, 2008 is the Year of the Rat. The Chinese calendar, a hybrid lunar-solar calendar, begins each of its 12 months on the new moon. However, in order to adjust the monthly lunar cycles to the solar year (the period where the earth makes exactly one revolution around the sun), a leap month needs to be inserted every two or three years. That's right – leap month. Oh, and the actual leap month varies from year to year; one year it will be between the 2nd and 3rd month, the next will be between the 7th and 8th month, etc. Generally one has to wait 17 years until the leap month repeats itself in the same place. (And you thought February 29 was bad!) Furthermore, the rules for calculating which new moon begins the New Year, well, let's just say very few people understand its complexity. I believe whatever the experts say.
So, what will I do to celebrate the New Year? That's a good question. Stay tuned.
For Chinese New Year, the traditional hong bao, or red packet, is an envelope containing money given to the younger generations from their parents and grandparents. The currency pictured above is from Taiwan. I may not appreciate the hong bao now, but I might in a few years.
Emi has a Chinese New Year E-card for you. Click here to view.
Erratum: I am now no longer the youngest descendent of N.T. Phang (see my Jan 31 blog). On January 29, my second cousin in Singapore Wen Ngoei and his wife had a baby boy. I'm sad to lose my status, but it had to happen some time. Congratulations to them!
Sunday, February 24
Lack of Sleep Contributes to Childhood Obesity
Seems like I need more material; there just isn't enough news about me in order to keep this blog fresh and updated several days a week. I'm growing and developing, but not that fast! However, there is plenty of news about the influences that affect me. So, from time to time, I will discuss articles that have an impact on my growth and development. Daddy helps me sort out the good science from the junk stuff, so I believe him that the data are valid.
Most of us are aware that childhood obesity is a huge problem - not just for those children, but for society. This not only affects Western cultures, but some Asian cultures such as Singapore. While much of the focus has rightly been on proper diet and exercise, another factor - sleep - has been shown with increasing evidence to be a factor that contributes to obesity in childhood. In the February 2008 issue of Obesity, published by the Obesity Society, Dr. Chen from Johns Hopkins and his colleagues did a meta-analysis (a review of many published studies) looking at this issue in children of all ages and indeed found that the risk of childhood obesity declined with increasing amounts of sleep. The risk of obesity was 92% greater in the group of children with the least amount of sleep compared to those with the most. You can read more about the report here.
This has implications for me as I grow up. For one, no sleepless nights cramming for exams during school days no matter what the pressure. However, for me right now, that means one thing. When Mommy and Daddy say bedtime, they mean it. For my own good!
An American Heart Association poster discussing the importance of preventing childhood obesity. More information from AHA on child obesity can be found here. The poster can be found here.
Saturday, February 23
My First Moments After Birth...On Video
Here it is - my first video posting! Right now the only way Daddy can do this is to upload a video on YouTube and then embed it below. But the important thing is that you can see this video; if you can, it will be considered a success. So put your feet up, relax for 57 seconds, and watch me in my first few moments after birth on August 29, 2007. Yes it's six-month old news, but the clip was the “test” that Daddy uploaded.
Tell me what you think! If I get positive feedback from you, I'll begin adding some video clips of me as I continue to grow in this new exciting world. Daddy still has a preference for photography, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, maybe a movie clip are words worth a thousand pictures. If my math is correct, that's a million.
Click on the play button to view the video. You can't see his face, but you can hear his voice and see the action of my respiratory therapist, George, as he clears all the gunk from my mouth to allow me to get a great start on this activity called life!
Friday, February 22
Total Lunar Eclipse
Our last chance to see a lunar eclipse for this decade was on Wednesday. Astronomers say there won't be another total eclipse of the moon until 2010. So Daddy rushed out to take photos and dragged Mommy out to see it. She went straight back to bed. Luckily, it was already 10 o'clock; I was asleep so Daddy didn't take me outside to watch it. It's just a reddened moon, right? *Yawn* Thanks for not waking me up. I'll see the pictures later.
Last total eclipse of the moon until 2010. Taken on Feb 20 at 10:27 pm EST using Nikon D40, 200mm F/5.6, 1 sec, ISO 800, all manual settings.
Thursday, February 21
No News–Just a Family Photo
Family photos don't come easy; it's usually Mommy or Daddy that takes the photo, so getting all three of us together is nothing short of a miracle unless we can find a friend who can take the picture for us. Below is the first family photo since Christmas, taken a couple of weeks ago on a cool day on the front porch of our home.
Answers to the February 18 blog: (L to R): Daniel Yeoh, David Yeoh, William Teh, Philip Yeoh, Simon Yeoh, and Ruth Yeoh (now Yap). With the exception of Ruth and David, who live in Loma Linda, CA and Philip, who lives in London, the others still live in Penang. All are working in the medical field.
Photo courtesy of Taylor's Daddy, Robert Thomson.
Wednesday, February 20
Down with the Stomach Flu
Monday was not a good day for me; it was the day that I started vomiting. Not sure exactly how I got it, but a schoolmate of mine had the symptoms earlier in the day. It worried Mommy because I wasn't able to hold anything down Monday night and she was concerned about dehydration. Finally, after taking in small amounts of Pedialyte, I was able to keep down liquids, and by Tuesday was able to tolerate breast milk again. Daddy also came down with the same symptoms that same evening, and he was still sick with fever on Tuesday. Luckily Mommy was spared. We're better now, and Daddy even prepared some chicken macaroni soup to help nurture the body and soul.
Macaroni chicken soup, recipe available upon request. Daddy's experimenting with food photography, inspired by the site www.rasamalaysia.com.
Monday, February 18
Who Are They?
Another photo from the archives that showed Mommy celebrating her first birthday in Penang. In those days, birthday parties were simpler: a cake, some snacks, and a few friends. The question is, who are the other six individuals in the photo? Email me with the answer!
Who were Mommy's friends that celebrated her first birthday with her? Stay tuned for the answer.
Sunday, February 17
Que Sera Sera
You didn't think I was old enough to appreciate Doris Day, huh? OK, Daddy told me about that song. The reason I bring this up is because of a situation that occurred just over a week ago: Daddy got laid off from his job. It shook him (and us) up quite a bit, but we are beginning to heal. We realize that losing his job was out of his control (que sera sera, whatever will be, will be) but he could control how he responded to the situation. And Daddy will look at this moment as an opportunity. Who knows, maybe we will look back at this event as the best thing that happened to him.
In the meantime, Daddy has more free time now. In addition to job hunting, he is becoming more domesticated as well. As Martha Stewart would say, that's a good thing.
I'm giving Daddy some moral support as he pulls weeds from the yard, a very therapeutic thing to do which also allows him to heal from the sting of being laid off.
Saturday, February 16
Sitting in Unusual Places
This is one of those “enjoy it while you can” moments, because soon what seems cute now and OK with my parents will become a no-no very soon. But for now, I can sit in my bébéPOD virtually anywhere. And it's good for my folks because I can now sit supervised, even in odd places. For example, Daddy and Mommy had a romantic dinner together on Valentine's Day. However, they didn't have the foresight to hire a baby sitter, so Daddy cooked Mommy dinner at home while I tagged along! But, with the bébéPOD, I can be right there where the action is, watching Daddy chop the veggies and watching them eat their romantic dinner from just inches away! And because I'm always in their sight, they get the warm feeling that I'm not doing anything naughty.
Top: Aroma of Emi: sitting on the counter amidst parsley, olive oil, garlic, and onions. Bottom: chaperoning my folks during their romantic valentine meal.
Friday, February 15
Labor of Love
My Aunt Vannee, who lives in the Chicago area, has a wonderful talent for knitting. Several weeks ago, she knit me a pink hooded shawl just in time for winter. Then, a few days ago, I received another gift from her: a three-dimensional purple animal blanket. They come in very handy on cold days, of which we have had a few earlier this week. I know it took a lot of time to make these for me; mommy calls it Vannee's labor of love. Thank you, Aunt Vannee.
Smothered with love from Aunt Vannee: in my pink shawl on a cold day, just after returning home from school (excuse my drooling), and in my blanket, complete with 3-D frogs, turtles, pigs, lions, dogs, and birds!
Wednesday, February 13
Amy & Emi: Little Valentine Friends
In case you forgot, Valentine's Day is almost here. Don't forget the chocolates, the roses, and . . . your friends! For my first Valentine's Day, I wanted to thank my friend Amy, who is two months younger than me, for giving me the Valentine's outfit seen below and in my Feb 5 entry. Great taste! Her mommy, Ariel, and my mommy work in the same department. Amy must also have liked what she got me, as she is seen wearing the same clothes herself. I hear that adult women have an issue if they are seen wearing the same outfit together, but I don't. We babies look great, no matter what we wear, and no matter if the same. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
My little friend Amy & I modeling “Love You“ outfits, just perfect for Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 12
My Very First Passport Photo
Getting a passport photo may not sound very exciting to you, but it is for me! It's the first step to being able to travel across the ocean to visit exotic lands, visit Por-por and my great-Yeh yeh's friends and relatives. We don't have a travel date set yet, but it will likely be within the next few months. Daddy did his own photography, did some minor background coloring and resizing using Adobe Photoshop Elements , and printed it on photo paper. Later today we head to the U.S. Post Office to formally apply. I really hope they accept this photo.
Why did we all of a sudden decide to travel overseas and get my passport picture? Hint: Daddy has a lot more time at home now. We'll discuss in a future blog.
According to the Passport Agency, the photograph must be exactly 2x2 in, the head must be centered within frame and be between 1 and 1 3/8 in tall, the eye height must be set between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 in from bottom of photo, must have full face, front view, natural expression, mouth closed on a white or off-white background. Whew!
Monday, February 11
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Mommy just received some pictures in the mail sent from Por-por in Malaysia. The contents? Photos taken when Mommy was my age. Let me tell you, I am now convinced I am not adopted!
Mommy, 1973; and me, 2008.
Sunday, February 10
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Gong xi fai cai! or “Wishing you prosperity!” We are now several days into the Year of the Rat. Celebrations began on New Year's Eve (Feb 6), when we went to Yi-por's home for a hotpot dinner, a traditional meal where uncooked meats and vegetables are cooked in a boiling soup broth. The next day, Mommy dressed me up in a traditional, slightly oversized red outfit for New Year's and took me to Yi-por's place to wish her prosperity and collect a red packet for myself. We also gave oranges, a traditional New Year's gift, because the Chinese words for oranges and tangerines sound similar to the words for wealth and luck, respectively. Then on Friday evening, we had friends over for a New Year dinner. Lots of wonderful food was eaten–food that I can only imagine tastes wonderful, but that I will need to wait for. Teeth, where are you. . . I'm waiting.
From top: (1) With a red outfit, hong bao, and tangerines, all symbols to celebrate good fortune and luck for the New Year. (2) With Yi-por taken in her sunroom. (3) At home now, receiving the lucky red packet from Great-aunty Paz. Holding me is San, Yi-por's niece who came with her hubby, Duncan (in background) all the way from the UK to visit.
February 6, 2008
Emily’s Secret
Victoria has her secret; I have mine.
I'm modeling a Gold Bell label blue cotton dress size M, given to me by Mrs. Sheila Lu.
February 5, 2008
Sitting on My Own. Temporarily, that is . . .
Got my own chair called the bébéPOD, designed to help me sit on my own. It's soft and comfy, and does what it is supposed to, which is to help me sit like a real person! At least for a minute or so, after which I get a bit tired and start slipping. But it's real progress. No longer am I content with only passively supported activties! I'm spending a bit less time in the swing and enjoying more active upright activities like what you're witnessing now. Who knows what's next? Crawling? Walking? My folks say not so fast.
After sitting on my own in the bébéPOD, I started to slip, but can use my hand to help keep me balanced. -Nikon D40, 50mm fixed, f/2, 1/50s, 800 ISO, no flash, manual everything.
February 2, 2008
Who
is Remy?Some of you inquired, “who is the Remy character pictured with me in my Chinese New Year e-card?” First, I confess, I haven't seen him in the movie yet, but as a rat, he fits in with the theme of this Chinese New Year. But the answer is, although not as well known as Mickey Mouse, Remy's the protagonist of the Disney-Pixar animated movie, Ratatouille, released last year. In the movie, he's a rat from the inner city with a keen sense of smell who possesses amazing gourmet cooking abilities. My parents saw the movie and were entertained. So, although I'm not endorsing any product or movie, just wanted you to know in case you didn't.
February 1, 2008
The Chinese Calendar
Happy February! The moon is waning, and the new moon on February 7 heralds an important annual event for billions of Chinese around the world: the start of the Chinese New Year. This traditional holiday is the most important holiday in China, as well as much of Asia. Schools and many businesses are closed for three or more days and traveling is a nightmare as people rush to be with their families in their ancestral homes. Traditional red packets are given out to the younger generation that contain newly printed money and of course there's always the great food. Firecrackers and parades also dominate the festive landscape.
Some aspects of the Chinese calendar are easily predictable, others more complicated. The Chinese zodiac consist of 12 animals that repeat, not surprisingly, every 12 years. While 2007, my birth year, was the Year of the Pig, 2008 is the Year of the Rat. The Chinese calendar, a hybrid lunar-solar calendar, begins each of its 12 months on the new moon. However, in order to adjust the monthly lunar cycles to the solar year (the period where the earth makes exactly one revolution around the sun), a leap month needs to be inserted every two or three years. That's right – leap month. Oh, and the actual leap month varies from year to year; one year it will be between the 2nd and 3rd month, the next will be between the 7th and 8th month, etc. Generally one has to wait 17 years until the leap month repeats itself in the same place. (And you thought February 29 was bad!) Furthermore, the rules for calculating which new moon begins the New Year, well, let's just say very few people understand its complexity. I believe whatever the experts say.
So, what will I do to celebrate the New Year? That's a good question. Stay tuned.
For Chinese New Year, the traditional hong bao, or red packet, is an envelope containing money given to the younger generations from their parents and grandparents. The currency pictured above is from Taiwan. I may not appreciate the hong bao now, but I might in a few years.
(c) 2007-2008 Vincent Hsu
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