Special Day Aug 20

Dear Diary,

It's a public holiday today but more than that, it is a very special day for me as I become a bride in 2 months. It is my Engagement party with relatives and the Guo Da Li ceremony. During the meet the parents session from both sides, my dad had asked for a roasted pig and wedding cakes to distribute to our relatives. And finally, today is the day where K brings the huge roasted pig, 12 oranges, 30 boxes of lovely heart shaped wedding cakes, pin jin Hong bao & bridal jewelry gifts to my house. 

I could tell that my dad is really looking forward to this day. He invited all his relatives and started making 100 hakka yong tau foos yesterday afternoon. :-) Everyone helped out - my mum, sis, sis-in-law, brother...all except me as I was still sleeping soundly! Too tired in the afternoon. This morning, my parents woke up early and got to work. Making curry chicken with vegetables (I saw parts the cooking process as Dad asked me to learn. It could a signature dish in future and my abilities to be a good wife will be enhanced if I can cook), fried bee hoon, vegetables & the yong tau foo. He even bought 4 bottles of coke for the guests. :) I love my parents and am really touched by their enthusiasm and love to prepare these for me.

Shortly after at 10+am, the 30 boxes of Prima Deli cakes arrived. It's a really sweet heart-shaped cake with fresh white, pink & green cream with vanilla cake inside! Sis-in-law suggested that we use Baby B's play mat to place the cake boxes on the floor so there's enough space on the table to put the pig. Soon after, K and one of his groomsmen C came over and brought the 20+kg pig to my house. It is so beautifully roasted and crispy! It even has a silly red flower on it's head, and some red puff of frills on its tail, and a middle section wrapped with a huge red "Xi" that signifies marital bliss. :D It is seriously huge. My dad of course, was delighted and beaming! As a christian family, there are many wedding traditions that we don't follow but this is a unique tradition that my dad cares about. Having grown up in a kampung at a tiny island, meat is only eaten on special occasions such as Chinese New Year. Roasted meat is his favourite, and a full roasted pig of substantial size is even rarer to see! Perhaps during weddings, and this could feed the whole kampung. Hence, he is beaming when K's family bought this for him. 

Relatives from my Dad's side came, and my grandma & 2 aunties from my mum's side was there too. I like such a happy & warm environment whereby everyone is talking and in harmony, in buzz and excitement. Even Baby B was downstairs most of the time.

:) It's amazing how such a special day that I thought was trifle-some had became so lovely & memorable. It's all worth it, I told K. Just look at the people & smiles, and praises for the tender & juicy roasted meat dish that was done so well it's a sell-out during lunch! Delighting our parents and honoring their wishes for such a special event is worth it as we'll all have fond memories when we think back. Marriage of the children is important to our parents who brought us up sacrificially, so let's compromise and go along with their wishes whenever it is possible.

xoxo, 

principessa