Cow xi fa cai!

L felt like he's been here forever even though it's just 2 weeks since he touched down. He was surprised to see me in my new hairdo and even more pleasantly surprised to see my bedroom and its new arrangements. The tropical heat of Spore wrapped around him like a warm wet embrace; he couldn't imagine experiencing winter and summer in 48 hours. We did the customary trip to the bustling Chinatown on CNY eve after sweating over his favourite steamboat with my family. Everyone was pleased to have him over; he's such a sweetie to warm up to.

On day uno of CNY, we spent all day at nonna - stuffing our faces with tidbits and bak kwa - then went to dad's side in the evening where over 60 relatives awaited. He was a bit petrified but mustered courage to say ciao to all. We also visited friends like Ad, F and M, and overdosed on steamboat, Chingay and snacks. Too much good food and soccer led to a bout of flu for him last weekend, and I eventually got the bug. Luigi is not resting a bit however and relentless with his resume posting. He also went to a casino school seminar and met the VP of the IR in person. I told him he needs to smooze and network in S'pore, especially with his fellow chao angmohs. And my cats. As you can see, they are starting to cosy up to him. Lol.

Anyway to cheer everyone up, here are the annual CNY responses from my amico Chris. Hilarious!

Wah you've put on weight ah?
- Yes, now we look like twins!
- Yes, I work as a counterweight on the Singapore Flyer.
- Yes, I've landed the starring role in The Little Nyonya sequel, The Enormous Nyonya.
- We all store fat differently - just because you put yours in your BRAIN doesn't mean I have to.
- What happened was I went for liposuction, but the doctor pushed the lever in the wrong direction.
- No, I'm just having an allergic reaction to your obnoxiously strong perfume.
- Actually, in Australia/USA/Europe, I'm considered small-sized.

Not married yet ah? This is the last year I'm giving you ang pow ah!

- You - you mean - you think I'm going to die before next CNY?? Why you so mean?? Everyone, she/he say I going to die one!!!
- Orr, you facing bankruptcy after the economic crisis is it? Poor thing.
- It...it will be tough coping with the loss of your annual $2, but I...I'll try.
- Yah married already, but we didn't invite you to the dinner cos everytime got family wedding you always turn up and eat a lot but give small small ang pow one.
- Wow thank you so much! With this wonderful $2, I can buy a bride and some camels from Yemen.
- When the SDU found out I was related to you they rejected my application to join lor.

Still got no girlfriend/boyfriend is it?

- Got. But not like I'm going to bring Condoleezza Rice to your tiny flat.
- Who needs romance when you have a Blackberry?
- Girlfriend got. But the Clean Up Joo Chiat committee sent her back to her home island.
- Yes, I'm dating this Nigerian businessman, we met over the Internet when he asked me to help him collect some funds from this really interesting scheme.