Author: Calvin Peng

Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!  It’s my first Chinese New Year and the reign of the cow zodiac is over for another 12 years.

If I could, I would put my hands together and say, “恭喜發財, 紅包拿來” (gong xi fa cai, hong bao na lai), which means, “Wishing you a prosperous year, now may I have a red envelope?”

Mommy & Daddy received two red envelopes people gave to me…totaling  $21!  Haha!  It’s really the thought that counts and Mommy & Daddy are appreciative that I even got any red envelopes considering we are in the U.S.  Mommy & Daddy have put all of my cash gifts (including all those I got from my birth)  into a separate account just for me so that one day, if I behave, I can use it for a wise purchase.

I also got a 棉襖 (traditional Chinese brocade jacket) from Auntie Ching-Chun and a pseudo-silk outfit from one of Daddy’s friends.  Too bad both outfits are too big for me, so I’ll have to debut them next year.

Chinese New Year also happens to fall on Valentine’s Day this year.  Valentine’s Day is was particularly unromantic this year for Mommy & Daddy, in part because I’m in the picture.  However, Daddy did come to the temple with us on New Year’s Day.  (Mommy was quite happy about this!)  Mommy & Daddy also snuck away today for a “date” to see “Avatar” in IMAX 3D while I was at home with the nanny.  Yes, Mommy & Daddy are a little bit behind in seeing this award-winning movie, but better late than never.  Mommy wasn’t too impressed with the storyline, but the beautiful scenery on Pandora was just mesmerizing (especially in 3D)!