That means, “Happy New Year” in Cantonese. This is the month of Chinese New Year, a time for feasting and family. This is the Year of the Tiger.
Both this weekend and next are a whirlwind of New Year’s Dinners and banquets. The food is amazing and the traditions are heavy with meaning and symbolism. I take all this stuff for granted, but I thought you might like a glimpse into my world.
Given the importance of food in Chinese culture, it is not surprising that food plays a major role in Chinese New Year celebrations. “Lucky” foods are served through the two week Chinese New Year celebrations.
A formal banquet will have nine different courses. The word for nine sounds like the word for long lasting and represents wishes for a long life. We start with platter of five different cured meats known as “the five blessings of the new year,” referring to longevity, riches, peace, wisdom and virtue.
Every dish that follows has some reference to health, wealth, long life and family. For example, the chicken is served whole with both head and tail to symbolize family togetherness. Tradition says the youngest must eat the head and the eldest eats the tail- or so says my big brother who may, or may not, have been messing with the rest of us.
Noodles represent a long life; an old superstition says that it’s bad luck to cut them. The Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like rising fortune, so it is very common to serve lettuce. Tangerines and oranges are passed out freely as those words sound like luck and wealth, respectively. The word for fish, “Yu,” sounds like the words both for wish and abundance. As a result, on New Year’s Eve it is customary to serve a fish at the end of the evening meal, symbolizing a wish for abundance in the coming year. For added symbolism, the fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year. You don’t want to know what Elder Brother made us do with the head and tail.
At the formal Banquet it is common to see a Chinese Lion Dance performance as it is thought the Lions bring good luck and ward off the evil spirits. It is a colorful, raucous, and utterly joyful thing to behold.
The family celebration is no less delicious or joyful. This year my Mother is having food brought in because feeding the 26 members of my immediate family is a huge amount of work. (Master Chef in Chinatown if you are curious). I lost count of how many dishes Mother ordered, but it was divine. I brought tangerines from my tree, a sister in law brought the assorted candied “stuff” (ginger, lotus root, young coconut, lotus seeds and a few un-named and vaguely suspicious “things”. We ascribe to the “eat it now, ask what it is…never” rule).
After we are too stuffed to move, the eldest nieces move all the chairs into a huge semi circle and Number One Daughter-In-Law prepares the sweetened tea. Aunties and Uncles arrange themselves in the chairs in order of age and the cousins serve tea to each elder with a solemn “Gung Hay Fat Choy”. The elder sips the tea and gives the youth a red envelope stuffed with good luck money. There are 12 Uncles and Aunties plus my mom. How happy are the cousins after this little ritual?
So, Gung Hay Fat Choy to you and yours. May 2010 be filled with luck, prosperity and good health.
Spring is definitely here in Glendale. The days are getting longer, the weather is beyond gorgeous and homeowners and renters alike are starting to think- maybe I should change my residence.
Out, amongst my peeps, the common questions is “What improvements should I make?”. the underlying question is generally, “If I spend x on y, will I get that money back or even turn a profit when I sell?”
My first question is always, “When do you think you are going to sell?”. If it is more than 5 years I believe the improvement is less for profit and more for personal enjoyment.
However, if selling is more imminent, say in 2 years or less, I have strong opinions on what makes money and what does not.
Big ticket items, major kitchen remodel, bath remodel and room additions ,are neutral to a small loss. In most cases you will get the money back for the improvement, but no more. Factor in the pain, suffering and the cost of the money to do the improvement and it is a loss. However, these improvements can really add to your enjoyment over the next couple of years. If you really want them, go for it. Pools, however, are a no-no.
Major mechanical upgrades such as copper plumbing, central heat and air, roof or a new electrical panel are a tougher call, but in general these are, also, not profit makers. If one of these systems is working but on the verge of failure, it is probably better to plan to give a credit to the buyer.
Profit makers are the flash and sizzle. Paint will always make money. Always. “Soft” landscape will nearly always make money. Updates such as new bathroom vanities and hardware, new interior doors and switch plates, new flooring and counter tops are more of a pain, but profitable.
The number one profit maker of all time is to hire a professional home stager. A stager will advise you on the best possible colors for paint. There is a reason that consumer products companies pay missions of dollars for color consultants- color is a major part of a products appeal. You should do the same. A good stager can also advise on the most cost efficient way to update the look and feel of your home. And, when it is time to sell, a stager will help you de-clutter and accessorize your home to get that WOW appeal.
If you are thinking about home improvements and would like some advice, now is the time to talk. Call me and I am happy to chat with you about your particular needs and help you craft a plan that works!
I am a native of Urban LA. The concrete jungle is my habitat and Hollywood has always been my backyard. This is fact, and yet I managed to live a sheltered, small town existence. My idea of living dangerously was cutting 4th period French class at John Marshall High (on the edge of Hollywood) and going to Dupar’s in Glendale for a pot pie.
On President’s Day I hit the mean streets of Downtown LA for a bit of a walk about with my friend Tracy. You can read her well researched blog post here. We are training for our trip to Machu Pichu later this year and Tracy found a website listing a 44 mile stair hike starting from historic Angel’s Flight and winding up in Silver Lake. We did the first leg of the route, about 5 miles, and over 1000 steps, starting at Pershing Square and winding up above the Belmont Learning Complex. Along the way we saw typical tourist sights (Disney Hall), fabulous architecture, residential neighborhoods, both sordid and fab, a stunning new park and, everywhere, the most interesting people on the planet. When I was a kid, Downtown was simply not a place for “nice girls” and I had no idea that Urban LA could be this cool.
We started the adventure with a ride on the Metro Gold Line from Highland Park to Union Station and then on to Pershing Square. Many stairs, many people (none of them scary), very clean and convenient.
The bulk of our walk about was around the Central Library and the sculpture, architecture and water features were amazing. then we headed North into unknown (to me) territory.
Everyone knows the famed (or cursed) Belmont Learning Complex- it is the green and yellow building off to your right as you speed down the 110 Freeway toward Downtown. What you don’t know is that Vista Hermosa Park is on the other side. This is the first new park in this area in over 100 years. The Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy manages this as a project and it is filled with fabulous native plants, magical little nooks, sweeping open spaces and some of the most glorious Downtown views, ever.
Heading toward the edge of Echo Park we saw colorful houses and colorful people. We saw a quirky and wonderful pocket park that had mosaic walls, a meditation circle and a lovely alter (Lady of Guadalupe?). It was just one of those delightful surprises that take your breath away.
After all that walking and climbing we were famished… but the Gold Line goes right through Chinatown!!! This is MY hood, so I treated Tracy to a nice bit of Dim Sum. Gung Hay Fat Choy!! (Happy New Year)
Did everyone have a pleasant President’s Holiday yesterday? I sure did, and I will tell you all about my adventure… tomorrow.
Today I want to tell you about a deal so hot it’ll burn your eyeballs. (just kidding, dear chilluns, just kidding)
1415 N. Brand Unit #B- this is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath nearly 1200 sf condo, located at the top of Brand Blvd. The unit features hardwood floors, spacious and bright rooms, private front AND back patios, inside laundry and a private, enclosed, garage. All of this is offered for the paltry price of $335,000!
And that’s not all. (No, I am NOT selling Ginsu knives)
The seller will carry the financing on this outstanding unit. This means less hassle and paperwork and none of those nasty bank fees.
1415 N. Brand is not on the MLS, so you need to contact me for more information and to arrange a showing. Take a look at this lovely slide show and then call for your appointment. Forward this blog to your friends and family.
That means, “Happy New Year” in Cantonese. This is the month of Chinese New Year, a time for feasting and family. This is the Year of the Tiger.
e, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year. You don’t want to know what Elder Brother made us do with the head and tail.
arrange themselves in the chairs in order of age and the cousins serve tea to each elder with a solemn “Gung Hay Fat Choy”. The elder sips the tea and gives the youth a red envelope stuffed with good luck money. There are 12 Uncles and Aunties plus my mom. How happy are the cousins after this little ritual?
Kendyl Young
