New Year

New Year eve was typical. Not downright boring but that’s just how it is for our family every year. Dad and mom would prepare some food which we would bring over grandma’s place few minutes away from ours. This is because dear grandma would only commute to the church on Sundays and their lot is the clan’s empire and ‘White House’. We would eat dinner as soon as the table is set and grace is said then keep ourselves busy with anything (equals the tube or chitchat) while waiting for the midnight bang. This year, were two Angelina Jolie films.

The elderly folks weren’t even enthusiastic for photo ops so we – the Youngblood – just took this souvenir shot in the bedroom. However, total attendance was 8.



The clock struck 12 and we all rushed outside to check the fireworks-lit sky of 2009.




Nothing impressive with the photos, I know. Two things: the resolution of my phone’s camera and the city ordinance that banned selling and purchase of firecrackers. This was the first time the local government issued the ordinance. As expected, it couldn’t make a tradition obsolete but neither did it fail. Not the smallest firecracker or sparklers were sold in the public market. The few ones we saw in residential areas were most likely purchased from neighboring towns. Good enough my employer hosts a countdown annually hence the citizens who want to could watch a fireworks display by the bay in the Freeport.

The celebration may have been a little somber but at least pyrotechnic residues scattered on the streets as well as firecracker-related emergencies were significantly reduced.

I just wish that the New Year brings a lot of good things as interesting as spectacular fireworks and flamboyant confetti. Besides, it’s the year of the Ox; my Chinese sign.