Chinese New Year

I am a terrible blogger, but once in a while I feel the need to write down my thoughts... Usually I'm lazy and reach for Twitter, but this time 140 characters doesn't quite cut it, so I'm pulling out the big guns...

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!

 Our Lion Dance for Celebrasia 2008; Photo courtesy Kurt Qing