Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Also, "Forgvige us Lord, we've sinned."

Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Rooster. Today also marks the beginning of Lent.

Many Chinese and Vietnamese Catholics will be really confused today. Please bear with us, it's one of those once in a blue moon things.

Chinese New Year is probably the least commericalized of the holidays I observe, it's also probably the least mainstream of the holidays I observe. But 15 years ago Cinco de Mayo was a strictly Mexican holiday, now it's a big Corona Ad with drink specials in almost any bar, even in "Irish Pubs." But then and again I do live in California.

Will Chinese New Year become a big Tsingtao Beer Ad in 15 years, or maybe a big Casino/Las Vegas Ad since us Asians just love to gamble. Will I ring in the Chinese New Year like the other New Year? I wonder.

At least I won't forget to refrain from eating meat today, I two reasons not to. It's Chinese New Year/Ash Wednesday.

I do have to say something about the family dinner I had last night:

MOST WHOLESOME MARDI GRAS...EVER.

Ten days 'till pitchers and catchers report.

Addendum to post: [2/9/05 9:53 AM]

Here's a nice little story about Chinese New Year customs, with a pretty humorous take on it.