Black Birds in a Pie

Since time-immemorial, family members gather together on the last day of the year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, for a grand feast.

It's called the reunion dinner.

Kanasai. I sound like I'm explaining Chinese cultures and traditions to a bunch of Caucasians.

But yesterday wasn't just any reunion dinner because cousin Elic is back from Australia!

Not only that, I've got people from 4 different nationalities under 1 roof of Malaysians.

The German (not Nazi, you racist) dude, Marcus.

FongSin's Algerian husband, Themeur, and their daughter, Aiya.

And their hyperactive son, Feris.

Super-duper-uper hot cousin, Woo (in white).

Just imagine: if I could study in NTU or NUS, he'll be fetching me in and out. Then he'll bring me shopping. BWAHAHAHA you Singaporean girls are gonna be so jealous.

The Australian is too skinny, very difficult to snap a picture of him.

He's the guy beside mommy.

By the way, the Australian (old enough to be my dad), Singaporean and German are still single. And I want to get more angpaus every CNY so...

You know what I mean. I hope they're reading this.

She's sooooooooooooooo cute ok!! Look at the shape of her mouth!! Look at her eyes!!

Why oh why am I a pure Chinese...

Tonight there'll be another dinner in Uncle's place, with more people (and wine and vodka).

The Singaporean and German are leaving tomorrow night, so there'll be another dinner.

The Australian will be leaving on Thursday, so I guess there'll be another dinner.

I'm gonna get so kanasai fat.

P/S: Someone I knew left yesterday morning. He's a friend of a friend. Can't say I know him, I didn't even know his name till today when I read one of his friends' blog.

It just reminded me of how fragile life could be.

I knew about his condition a few months ago. The news struck me like lightning on a bright spring morning and I just... cried.

I couldn't help it. Maybe it sounds stupid to you that I'm crying upon the death of someone I knew not even by name. Yet, such is the legacy he left to those who knew about him.

Found the link to his blog, every post amazed me. I stared at the screen numbly, like a wooden puppet. I saw strength and a personification of hope, a dream and a vista that he believes he could achieve and never stops believing.

Such is a person who will be remembered by those who heard of him. He didn't leave, he just started life permanently in the hearts of those who know and love him.

God bless you, dude.