CNY 2009 Day 1

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Like every other year, the first day of CNY is to sleep in. Once everyone have enough sleep, then the day starts.

The girls got changed and they simply love their outfits. Went to my mom’s place, my in-laws place, my father in-law’s brother place, my mother in-law’s mother’s place, then got home close to midnight. Indeed it was a long day.

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Clié and Cleo were generally well behaved, however as kids are kids, their excitement do get the better of them at times.

My dear wife, wore a beautiful Kebaya, it looked great. I wonder what she will wear on the 2nd day of CNY.

The problem with Luck and Superstition

Warning
Religious content, don’t read if you don’t want to.

The Lunar New Year is here once again and many are going to different places to ask for blessings for good luck. Some are buying symbolic stuff in the hope that their luck will be better in the new year. I’ve no problem with humble people wanting the best for their family, but its another thing to be fixated on oneself and selfishly ask for prosperity. Being Christian, i’ve got a problem with “luck” and “superstition”.

According to Wikipedia’s Superstitions during the New Year period, there are some things people do for “Good Luck”, here are some examples:

  • Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
  • Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to ‘scare away’ ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
  • Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
  • The night before the new year, bathe yourself in pomelo leaves and some say that you will be healthy for the rest of the new year.

However, there are some about “Bad Luck” as well, here are some examples:

  • Getting a hair-cut in the first lunar month puts a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a hair-cut before the New Year’s Eve.
  • Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one’s own luck.
  • Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year.

But sorry, i’m Christian, i don’t believe in Luck. But then again unfortunately the world is unfortunately currently under the control of the evil one and the evil one likes to bind people with fears and uncertainties.

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” ~ 1 John 5:19

So how true are some of these superstition? Can we / should we even believe in superstition and subject ourselves to such unnecessary fear? Should we even believe there is such a thing as “Bad Luck”.

I think being human, we all want peace in our lives and thats fine as that makes us ask questions and seek answers in order to understand and attain true peace.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:32

But then again some Christians still practice some superstition out of respect for the elders, then again some practice Christianity out of respect for their elders as well. lol…

Anyway, my point is why subject ourselves to unnecessary believes and fears set by man, some of these believes are manipulated by the evil one under the disguise of good intention. So Christians, if you are reading this, go read Mark 7.

He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” ~ Mark 7:6-8

Here is wishing you a great lunar new year,  a year that you will finally make a difference to yourself and to others, a joyful, meaningful and purposeful year.

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thepan’s VW Jetta 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Centre Singapore
Volkswagen Centre Singapore

Some might know that we have bought a new car. We confirmed the order just after the whole $2 COE period where car showrooms were slashing prices like mad. I initially wanted the Touran Sport 1.4 TSI due to its technology and also its space, but my wife preferred the Jetta as it was an elegant sporty sedan and had almost the same specs as the Touran Sport which i wanted.

We got confirmation from Catherine from Volkswagen that we can collect our car on saturday 10 Jan 09 and trust me, the WHOLE family was excited, even the kids. Once we got there, we were brought to the delivery room to inspect our new car and to be briefed of all the nice technology that came with the car. Other then the TSI engine which we simple loved, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that it did not just come with DSG, but with 7 speed DSG. woot!

Catherine was the one who serviced us from the start when we walked into the showroom to try out the Touran Sport many months ago. She gave me a ring just 1 day after the $2 COE happened and her reminder made us have another look. That one visit made us finally own our very first Volkswagen.

Pearl looking very happy with the car
Pearl looking very happy with the car

The touch screen console, the on-board computer, the very well built interior. Its like falling in love. We were very pleased in the professional way Catherine walked us thru things we should take note of.

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While waiting for the paper work to get processed, Cleo and Clié entertained themselves at the kids corner with drawing and colouring activities. They look so cute.

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After driving our Jetta for one day, we are indeed very happy with its performance. The technology is simply wonderful. The way the TSI engine provides power and also the smooth gear transitions of the 7 speed DSG. Our car also recently won Oneshift’s Compact Sedan of the year for 2008 and we are very happy we made a good choice.

More photos. Enjoy.

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI

thepan's Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI
thepan's Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI

Of cause i had to blank out my number plate lah.