My 1st Chinese New Year’s in Taiwan

It’s been a blast (still going!). My Mandarin still sucks, but I’m definitely getting to practice it with my relatives. It’s so weird to see my cousins who I remember as babies and they’re all in high school now. It’s also strange that I never really got to know the cousins who are closer in age to me.

The past few nights I slept next to my grandma in her ol’ house in Nantou. It was a bit of a trip to be sleeping in the very same room that my mom and her six siblings shared growing up (it must’ve been quite a squeeze!). I guess what got to me more was the thought of when, if ever, I’ll get such a chance again. I picked up a sketchbook a few days ago (I used to draw a lot, but not in a long time)… so last night, while laying in bed next to my grandma, I had to sketch her real quick. If I had access to a scanner, I’d share. Maybe another time.

Anyway, to sum up my CNY experience so far… on my mom’s side, it’s very lively. All my mom’s siblings and the majority of their families got together all day today. Lotsa good food, lotsa mahjong, lotsa karaoke, and lotsa Skyping with those overseas who couldn’t make it. It was a bit chaotic, cuz’ there were so many people in one space. Oh, and of course… lotsa red envelopes (definitely great to be considered a kid still!). Oh, something else… I guess this was the first time in a very long time that all families were together for CNY (I was the representative for my mom). It’s funny… I think I’m having some “Joy Luck Club” moments. Puahaha.

I am definitely super blessed.