We definitely had some weekend shenanigans around these parts this weekend.

It was Chinese New Year so we had some festivities to take part in this weekend. It was especially fun since it was our first one as married couple. Friday night, we went to the in-laws for some New Year's dinner. Sadly, I forgot to take any pictures. Blogger fail. But we munched on traditional Chinese cuisine of long noodles, chicken, sticky rice and had some Chinese treats.

Saturday was the day we gathered with the extended family.As soon as we walked in the door, we were met with the younger cousins all ready for their red envelopes!

As I said, it is special when it is your first year handing out the red envelopes.

Then, it was time for one of the younger cousins, basketball games. He had the whole family cheering him on as he made 2 baskets, a few assists and a couple of rebounds. Definitely, a fun moment we shared.

After that, we made the trip to Chinatown in Philly to celebrate an uncle's birthday. And here is where the truly priceless family moment is created. We had gone through a couple of dishes, had a few drinks when a fireman comes running yelling, "Everyone out! Gas leak! Get out now!" Cue 31 people rushing towards a very small staircase trying to get out.

Turns out, the gas leak was only a few houses down, convenient next to the parking garage where our car was parked. So we walked a couple blocks just to be safe. Took refuge in a condo building where 2 cousins used to live. And snapped a pic so we would never forget this special family moment.

I'm telling ya, you can't make these things up and make the best memories.

And because I just think she's absolutely amazing, you must watch Carrie Underwood sing a medley of her own songs. Oh, and those legs.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Gung hay fat choy my friends! or Happy New Chinese New Year!

 It is time to start the 15 day celebration of the Chinese New Year, that is deep rooted in traditions, families and meant to bring about a lot of good fortune for your new year.

The Chinese New Year is a celebration I am still learning about but it will be important for me to continue to learn as to be able to teach my kids.

And if you are curious about just what we do for Chinese New year, let me tell you what I have learned that past few years about Chinese New Year, the "New Year" part is a little different than what we think of when we hear New Year.

1. Deep rooted traditions

The Chinese New Year has a lot of traditions that go with it that typical New Year does not. Traditionally, the new year is meant for cleanliness. You are supposed to clean your house before the new year to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. Getting your hair cut and wearing a new outfit is a way to start the new year off the right way.



Red is a good luck color that can be seen in all aspects of Chinese New Year. Typically, you start off the New year with a fresh outfit that contains some sort of red in it. Decorations are a very big part of Chinese New Year and always contain bright red colors. The accompaning gold in many decorations, is meant for wealth and prosperity.

2. Lucky Red Envelopes

Red envelopes are passed out to unmarried individuals from married individuals to pass on our wealth and good fortune that us elders have. There are two envelopes for each person, representing the husband and wife, that contain an even amount of money. Odd amounts are considered bad luck. The wife then hands them out to the juniors. It is said these bring good luck and fortune for the coming year. This is the first year me and Brian are married and get to give out the red envelopes!

3. The Calendar

The Chinese calendar is represented by a cycle of 12 years that repeats. Unlike our consistent number counting years. The years are: the rat,ox,tiger, rabbit, dragon, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and boar, in that order. Every year, you usher in  a new "year of the ___." This year is the year of the horse. Each animal has a representation of what it will bring in the coming year. And if you were born in that animal's year, it is said to be your year and will be a year of good luck.

4. Less drinking, more eating

It's basically a large Chinese feast full of good luck foods. And yes, you are expected to eat it all to bring yourself the good luck and fortune for the coming year. This includes rice, chicken, fish, long noodles, dumplings and many other traditional Chinese foods.

5. No resolutions

It is not about changing yourself, it's about bringing good luck, prosperity and fortune into your new year. These are brought into your new year by following some of these traditional customs. Others can include, not buying shoes for the whole 15 days of the Chinese New Year. 


This is one of the great things about sharing diferent cultures. I get to learn all these traditions and pass them on to my kids. As Brian gets to learn all about some of my families traditions for other holidays.