As it appears, the new year is already flying by. I barely had time to catch my breath after christmas and it's already February. Christmas was crazy, to say the least. Nate and I threw 4 Christmas parties and then went to a few. I don't know how I made it, but it's over... and I'm glad. I was glad for it, but am also glad that it's over.

And then, my cousins from Singapore arrived for a visit. Again, total chaos. The worst thing was the weather. Two weeks of rainy dreary weather. I felt terrible that my guests had to see SF in her poorest weather. There was some fun traipsing about in the rain... and then there were some days where we couldn't help but think, what were we thinking going out in this rain? On the day that Napa Valley flooded (hasn't flooded in the last 40 years), we went to Napa Valley. I must say, the vineyards saw roaring business because it was just too comfortable to step out into the rain once you were in a warm building where they let you try wine for a minimal amount. At some point, we felt bad and just had to buy the damn bottle. Driving home in the massive downpour was no fun. It was dark, and we had to take some roundabout detour since the main thoroughfare to SF was flooded. Never felt so scared driving in my life. I had no idea where I was going, save for the little orange signs that said "Detour This Way".

Chinese New Year was a hoot this year since I flew home to Singapore for it. The good thing was, my brother and another boy cousin brought their girlfriends home to "pai nien"... which I suppose loosely translated means visit. That distracted the aunts and irritating relatives who ask annually, "Why not married yet? I don't want to keep giving ang pow to you". Stingy pokers... I think I shall stay unmarried for the extra ang pow income during this time of year. If you don't know the tradition, married people have to give children and single people money when they "pai nien". I think it's my God-given tax break... married people get too many perks already.

Valentine's is tomorrow. I shall be spending it with a bunch of choir folks in preparation for Ash Wednesday. Fun! I shall be making chocolate coated strawberries tonight for all of us. Nate will be there... conducting the choir- hopefully some quiet time after.