Yesterday was Celebrasia at Northwestern, something that has been a highlight of sorts during a school year. I remember the work that I would put in both as a CSA member and with the Lion Dance group that I led. Spending the evening at home and seeing all of the excited posts on Facebook certainly made it hard to not feel nostalgic. Was it a mistake to decide to miss it this year? perhaps
I think what makes this year the most different, however, is the way that I feel so uninvolved with New Years in general. This will be the first Chinese New Year season in eleven years where I am not actively involved in performing and spreading the cheer. The first year that I am not spending hours planning, practicing my routine, locked up in front of a computer furiously editing a skit, or making final checks in the wiring of the Lions' eyes. This realization didn't really sink in until last night, when I went to Milpitas Square for dinner and saw some kids waiting outside of a restaurant, fully decked out in their Lion leggings and Happy Buddha costume and warming up to do a lion dance through a restaurant. Right then, I felt the most homesick and separated from the friends and family that are far away now.
I realize that CNY isn't here till Wednesday night, so maybe there's still time to do something. (I think I need to find some firecrackers, NOW! :P ) In the mean time, I wish everyone a wonderful Spring Festival-- 恭喜发财!
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| Our Lion Dance for Celebrasia 2008; Photo courtesy Kurt Qing |
