Stock Taking 1

As a child, I always look forward to the coming Chinese New Year. Reasons: Lots of food, ang bao, and new clothings. Sadly, for most part of my recent years, the food isn't cheap (all food bills footed by me), the ang bao received are decreasing compared to the ones I received, and ... new clothings aren't cheap.

Why?

Well, for a start, I have to pay for the mandarin oranges as well as the "bak kua", not to mention other types of goodies. Next, I prepared in the region of $800 for ang baos (some for my parents, some for parent-in-laws, and the rest for other 'outlaws') but I always received less than $800. Man...it is a money-losing business!!!

Now, as for new clothings, most of my shirts are tailor-made. On average, I arrange for 5 sets of link-cuffs shirt made every 6 months, plus a pair of black pants. On the record, I still have around 4 pairs of brand new pants in my closet!!!

Perhaps the only people that are happy during this Chinese New Year are the kids, and ... my tailor!