Today is the 15th. day of the 12th month in the Lunar Calendar. Tomorrow is what we chinese call "wei yah". It’s a day where traditional chinese towkays will offer prayers for a smooth year and those whose companies have made money will start their year end "sou kung yen" or "stop work dinner" and it’s this time of the year that dinner invitations comes like as though everyone has made tons of maney like that.

Fortunately, these invitations are "real" invitations where I don’t need to fork out any Ang Pows. I just go and binge and regret it the day after. It’s good in a way. Brings out the New Year mood in every body, rich or poor.

As in a normal year, I would at least get invited to about 5 or 6 of these dinners. Some of my customers whom I have been so good to let have things on long credit terms will be more than happy to invite me to keep me happy. Then of course there are close associates and friends who makes it a point to include me every year even if they don’t make money. It’s just like a year end treat. For friends and his workers.

I remember when i was working, this is the best time of the year. By this time, everyone will be in the New Year mood and productivity will go down the drain. The feeling is especially euphoric if you are working away from home. The packings, the clearing of the mess, the shopping before we head home, the New Year Songs blasting away and the journey home itself is one great feeling. Boy.. I misss those carefree days…