Ok, so it ended two weeks ago.  Not too late to do a little recap.

1)      Camping in Skegness

Not too long before summer started, I had my first camping, UK style, in Skegness. 2 nights, 2 campsites and with 7 other companions.

 


Flew a £2 kite with the help of LP


Sprinting by the beach.  Finished second. (with Jackie , Zac and Jess)

Boys kick wind. (LP, Matt, Zul and Derek)

2)      Experian’s Automotive Year End Party.

After 8 months of working in one of a very sought after company locally, I celebrated with Experian Ltd’s Automotive Division in a year end party. 

Automotive MD, now BI and Auto's MD, Kirk Fletcher is one of the most approachable leader I have ever met.  He get things done, discouraging the unnecessary hierarchy by calling/emailing, "Pova, please look at the past year firgures.  It is a little odd."


The 3 Marks of Automotive.  All Head of Sales for their respective units.  From L to R, Wilkinson, Turnbull and Anderson.  Also one of the most embarrasing collection of memories I had in Experian.  Nothing can top up the face mismatch than me.  After working for 6 months, I called Mark Anderson at Mark Turnbull and Wilkinson thinking that, my changes of getting the right Mark is at the probability of 2/3. 

"You can distinguish us by our accent.  Mark Wilkingson has the Scottish accent.  Turnbull has the Newcastle accent and I have the most normal accent. There!" encouraged Mark Anderson.

If only I could tell which is Scottish and which is Newcastle accent within  seconds!



With the man who hire us, Andrew Piper.  Between Jackie and I, he looks more good looking than George Clooney.  One of the best head of division I ever worked with.  He is the man who showed me, getting point across does not necessary means shouting or throwing weights.
 

3)      Barbeque and Britain’s Got Talent Finale

When the whole world have to rely delayed Youtube to be mesmerised by Susan Boyle,  32 King Street organised a Barbeque party to commemorate the 2009 finale.

The organisers and pork chops.




While Susan Boyle, who claimed fame overnight with her eccentric character and commanding voice did not win, I won a hefty £1.70 in a bet over Diversity together with bloody 7 others. CHIS!!! Diluted the prize with last minutes bets!

4)     
Another camping – 3 Cliff Bays

We hoped, with summer heat in UK (yeah right!), things would be better than Skegness.  We travelled all the way to Swansea, Wales. However, enchanted by the view, we set up our tents by the cliffs and almost got blown away at night.


 

Zul said he will remind his son next time that however lovely the view is, putting up tents by the cliff is just a no no!

Cliff Bays Beach. 



One of the most beautiful picture Chiko ever taken. This.is.Love.


Taken by Zac.  When the storm had settled at 3 am.

5)      Leaving Experian

It was a painful decision, but I think it was the right time to leave.

6)      Polo and Chiko  in Spain

My long anticipated Spanish backpacking.  Chiko and I went to 5 cities in 14 days, started with Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada.  Went all British-y and travel during the height of summer.

From Valencia’s beach to Madird pub crawl in a single day to getting heat stroke at the end of the trip, Espana, is almost magical, like Aladdin and 40 Thieves  kind of way.

Watch the video if you haven't already do so.

7)      My first fireworks in UK.

Rob asked us, or rather, Rob asked Jackie and Jackie asked me, if we wanted to watch a Firework competition in Leicester.  So, in a car that served nothing but heavy metal music, we arrived Lutterworth only to realise that I did not bring my wallet and I only have 50p in my jacket.

Between Jackie and Rob, we managed to squeeze out 3 entrance tickets, a bag high sugar goodies and a bag of sugar floss.  

8)     The fireworks delivered, we had a great night.



Zac's Birthday Bash


Due to a very contraversional element, (ie, whether did Zac kiss Chiko or Chiko kiss Zac), I can only put one more picture and call it a day.



My perfect wedding reception

Not mine per say, but Deric and Jess’s very intimate wedding reception.



I know I had already blog here,  but I just want to put more pictures because I looked very nice in this attire and setting. ahak!

  One of the most natural shot of me. *vomit*

Had the greatest fun of all and in the end, made FWY’s face turn pale white by catching the flower

9)      Cambridge with Shirley

Fellow ex-comrade Shirley Ho left our old company and came holiday for a month in UK.  With very little budget in our pocket, we chose to meet up in the most intellectual city of England, Cambridge.

   

Cambridge, home of geniuses and my first crush, is famous for an activity called punting.  Without any passports and identity cards to show our age, we have to forgo the wine and grab a bottle of juice. 

We tried to poach people to share the same ride. But we finally settled our luck in learning to punt in a 6 man seats boat.

10)   My friend got hooked, finally.

Summer romance is in the air. At last, after years ...... Beg me, and I will tell. :D

11)   Chiko and Pin’s entrepreneurship

Look Look is out and standing. Plenty of hard work and brainstorming and I could only wish we all my heart, All the Best!

12)   Audit commission, ahoy!

Right before the end of summer, I was hired by Audit Commission West Midland to audit the City Council of Stoke-On-Trent.  Which means, I travelled almost 40 miles by train, 1 hour and 50 minutes (incl waiting time) to get to work.

I had, shortly after summer ends, watched all Meteor Garden versions/language that you can find on the show biz.  From Meteor Garden (Taiwan), Hana Yori Dango (Japanese), Boys over Flower (Korea) and Let’s Watch Meteor Shower (China)

Meteor Garden, Taiwan cast

Hana Yori Dango, Japs Cast

Boys over Flower, Korean Cast

And here come the most important part, which castings do you think suit each character the most??

And before you could decide, Mainland China came out with Let's Watch Meteor Shower.



Which is why, I am only attracted to Oriental guys.  Too many cute hunks.

So, did you enjoy your Summer 09?

I am extremely tired but don’t seem to be dozing off.  Maybe because my brain is drafting about this as I struggle to sleep.  I decided to write it off.

From a country that could award you a night in jail for making out in public, PDA or public display affections seems to be a norm here.  The English likes to show their love to everyone around them.  From train to restaurants, they are everywhere.  

Until, train stations forbid kissing because they slow down other passengers and blocks the platform and thus creating a no kissing zone.

Together with the signboard.

I don’t know what is your stand on this, because PDA is addictive, creating fuzzy feelings and hormonal changes that makes you happy.  But somewhat of a sore eye for people around them who has nowhere to place their sight but them.

I recalled how I acted around FWY last time.   OMG, were we that annoying?  Did they secretly mutter “GET A ROOM!” under their breath?

Sweet couples are those who lightly kiss on the face and gaze at each other fervently.  I smiled when I see couples do that.  But when I am stuck in a crowded train with a couple who could not pull themselves off, I grimaced and if fortunate, I have a book to read.  And if not, I have to delude myself by creating a lot of blind spots.

I am still learning, which is not easy, to pretend I didn’t see anything that could place them in jail if they are in Malaysia.  True, we are sharing the same spot and breathing in the same air.  But please, I do not need to share the hormonal change as well. 

And with that, let’s see if I am starting to get sleepy.

.

.

.

.

Nope.   Still wide awake. Will play some pc games instead. Nite.

This is not for weak heart.

And it is not for those who have no time and patience.

Chiko booked a 1.30pm slot for me with the Vidal Sasson Advanced Academy near Oxford Street for a creative cut. 

“Creative cut means, you let your hair being designed and cut by the students who already knows how to cut hairs.  They just need how design and further their techniques,” said Chiko who booked herself for 930am session.

I read reviews online about other people’s previous experiences.  “GET AWAY FROM THE STUDIO AS FAST AS YOU CAN!” bawled the first entry.  

A chinese lab rat.

Fellow lab rats models

A lady who has edgy short black hair came into the studio going around and looked into our hair while discussing with us on the level of extreme haircuts we were going for the day.

She came to me, looked at my hair and I could see her winced. 

Lady in black: What hair cut are you looking for today? Can you accept the extreme?

Pova: I have never done anything to my hair other than chemically straightened then cut.  It is not straighten anymore and I don’t know what to do.

Lady in black: (shuffled through my hair) Your hair is shapeless and big.  (she pushed my hair backwords) You have pretty face shapes (pressed my cheekbones) and I can’t see you face with all those hairs.

Pova: (nodding)

Lady in black: I’m afraid it is going to be rather extreme hair cut for you today.

Gasp! Which reminds me, the series of American’s Next Top Model where the models get their makeover haircut.  Most turn out gorgeous, others said they will work with it. And some cried when they cut their long luscious hair into a short blunt crop.

So when lady in black complimented my face shape and then said with a regretted expression that my makeover would be rather extreme, I was perplexed.  Meaning what hah??!

My hair, when it is long and straightened.
 

Lucca is the real “teacher” for the session.  He is what you see on TV, the famous male hairdresser , those not very macho kind, with quirky voice and a lot of sense of humour.

Lucca: Ok, how can we help you today (continued rummaging through my hair)

I repeated my stand.

He held my locks and looked as though he was holding a bag of weeds.  I saw his face and said, “I know, we are getting rid of that.”

“Yes darling, I just want to make sure we are on the same wave-length” he laughed.

Lucca said he has an idea for me, either he is going to cut my hair short and layered and go curly or long straight layered. “Can you handle your hair curly?”

I looked speechless as I finally gathered my courage and said, “Alright, we will go curly and have a change”

“Bravo, to be honest I think you will look good in curls.  They are in season these days!” he quipped as he moved on to the rest of the models.

The students arrived shortly.


 

Fabbien is from Switzerland and told me she was relieved that I chose curls because she has 4 years of designing straight hairs.  She rinsed my hair, and snapped my pictures.

You see her hair and immediately have a wave of confidence.  She is what you would like to see in a designer hair dresser.  Stylish, funky and full of piercings.  

Lucca quickly discussed his idea with her and after answering her questions, he taught her the techniques.  It was fun actually, because every now and then, I will eavesdrop the conversation between trainees and the teacher.  Although they were using quite a bit of jargons, but you really feel part of the process, not to mention your hair is their study for the day.


1st step - My hair was being cut all the way to my shoulder.


I know I looked awful here. But in order to share my experience with you guys, I decided to throw my self-esteem down the bin and post up this picture.  They were working with my sides and layers.



My shortest strand of hair reaches only on my ear.


Fabienne taking notes and have a drink after she finished my front and crown.  I put under a 15 minutes  heat dryer so that my hair dried up naturally.

Lucca mentioned that my new hair would be low maintenance.  I just have to come out from shower, put some curl enhancer and leave it dry.  The less I touch it, the better, he said.  And oh oh, he also told Fabienne that my hair suits my lips.  "Look how symmetrical they are," he said, "And you have to cut the fringe side up to compliment it. I can't have that kind of lips without pouting."

*BIG GRIN* So today I learnt that
1) I got nice face shap
2) Nice symmetrical lips

For the final touch, Fabienne blowed my hair and asked if I can handle big curls because she wanted to make my hair even messier.  I surrenderred to her creative side.



Tadahh! I know you are speechless.  And I am pretty sure you are deciding whether to give horrible remark like, "Oh look so aunty" or more subtle, "Err, different loh, a big messy"

Frankly speaking, I am deciding as well.  I never see any hairdresser who likes looking at my wavy hairs more than Lucca and Fabienne.   Max, my KL hairdresser always complained about my rebellious wave and couldn't wait to get me under his straightener. But these people, they want me to embrace my waves.

I walked around Oxford Street with my eyes behind my hair like that.  I felt liberated.  And kinda, cool.  Because I could feel my hair big and bouncy as I strut on the street.  I felt like those Japanese funky hairstyled girls walking down the road.


And so before that feeling dissapear.....



So that I do not whip out my straightener and straightened my curly mess!

p/s: Chiko has a short bob with an uneven edge. But she forbade me to post any pictures of hers because she said she looks fat.

I was chatting with FWY over the phone just now for an hour.

He is currently taking scuba diving licence in Perhentian and we chat about my home-coming (pun intended) plans.

5 things I especially like during the conversation


1) He used the word "US" in a lot of occasions when I thought he was referring to him, his sister and his brother.
2) He said no need to worry whether we are coming home via Birmingham or London. Not an issue at all.
3) He is letting me use his "wife" when I come home because he wants to buy a new Hondy City.  He even suggests that we can exchange the cars every now and then, ok!
4) He is considering supporting my horse riding lessons when I am back to Malaysia.
5) He said, don't worry about money because he is better off than last time.  J

With that I know I will be well taken care of.  Not entirely financially, but to prepare me to re-live a life of a person in the rat race.  And then, I know that I have gone home.

Took a break from all the travelling thing.

This is something I am very passionate about.  Not about weddings, flowers and dresses. ..... well, actually, ahem, IT IS about weddings, flowers and dresses!!

Since I threw myself away from my friends and family, I have missed countless of weddings, even my cousin's!  So, when Deric and Jess announced their registration in Newark, I went all delightful.  "Hah!! Finally, a friend's wedding!"

Zac and I went ga-ga, really.  We spent the entire Saturday fishing for our perfect garden dress for the perfect event.

"Nothing extravaganza really.  Just us, our families and some close friends. It will be just the registration and lunch,” said Jess, the bride, two weeks before the big day.

Jess, in case you didn’t realise, it is YOUR day! And Deric’s of course.  But YOUR DAY!

Conversation with Zac as below.

Pova: Need a dress. What is Jess wearing?

Zac: She told me she is wearing an ivory lace gown with a little train.

Pova: What colour is ivory? (yes, being slightly colour blind)

Zac: Cream with a hint of purple.  We should wear something to compliment the bride.

Pova: Then, should we be wearing purple?

Zac: Or hint of magenta

Pova: What about shoes?

And the list goes on.

And we decided that we should not be over-shadowing the bride.  So I chose a nicely cut short purple dress that looks like a curtain and Zac chose a magenta satin tube dress that resembles Zul’s comforter.

Between us, we managed to convince Jackie and Debbie that our dress code is purple, or hint of purple.

Truth to be told, this was my first time being involved in such intimate wedding.  All those yum seng and big round table dinners would not stuck into my brain like this one because, aside from their families, I am one of the 9 invited friends. 

I held my breath as Jess entered the room.  She looked absolutely stunning and about to cry.  I want to run to her and say, “YOUR ARE SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!” But decided to pour my heart-felt later.

Deric, who took 10 minutes to dress up (one of the joke for the day) look effortlessly gorgeous, waiting proudly at the table for Jess to grace in, in the arm of daddy.

4 SLR cameras pointing sharply at the bride and groom and the families as we took our places.

Vida, Steve and the biggest SLR of all

Both mothers dressed so proudly that almost put us girls to shame.  With elegant dresses and fancy hairpieces, they wrestled and beat Zac’s 5 hours of hard work on her hairpiece (another joke of the day). 

“Is that Jess’s mom?” I heard someone asked.  “She looks so young!”

“I think that’s Jess’s sister la” said another voice.

“No la, that’s Jess’s mom!  Jess’s brother is over there!”  I think I am going to skip over and ask aunty about her youthful secret in a little while.

The entire ceremony was cosy and warm.  Took a look at Zac and she whispered, “I wish I had that kind of wedding, being so comfortable.”

 

We spent so much time taking pictures, OMG!  And we moved to the ground of Newark’s Castle for the touch of endless time effect. 

I begged LiongPin to let me hold his Canon EOS 400D as he briefly introduced me to the world of big-intimidating SLRs.

“I am a genius!”  I exclaimed, after taken few shots.

As we had fun goofing around the garden, the parents of the newlywed stood patiently allowing us to record our moment with Deric and Jess.  Jess’s parents were gleaming silently, enjoying (hopefully) the youngsters’ fun.  Every now and then, I shot glances at Uncle and Aunty Ng.  I think they looked very proud of their daughter.

with Aunty and Uncle Ng

The ladies
The big boys

32 King Street

Speaking of parents, Deric’s mom and dad were very charming.  They joked along with LiongPin and Zul and took pleasure in making fun of the example of husband and wife’s rule of thumb situations.

Uncle and Aunty Kwan

The party was adjourned to Zizzi Restaurant.

  Sex & the City brought to life?

I sent a quick message to FWY. “Attending my friend’s wedding. Will tell you who gets the bouquet afterward”

The decoration was amazing! The seating and the settings were carefully arranged and prepared by both of them.  I could imagine the stress.

 

There was a part where Deric stood up and gave a speech in Chinese.  He held up a long letter and began with a really warm gratitude to Jess’s parents. 

This is what I remembered the most.

“As I got myself prepared, I approached Jess’s mom as she came out from the room.  I asked her, ‘Aunty is she alright? Is she pretty?’ “

‘Yes, she is beautiful,’ said Aunty.”

“But I didn’t know beautiful is being so understated until I see her in person”

Ok la, something like that. I was a bit, errr, not well after the champagne.

******

While I was easing myself in the toilet, Zac kindly waited for me until I got better.

Zac: Are you feeling better, Pova?

Pova: Yes, thank you Zac.

Zac: Dammit! I thought I could strike off a rival.  Looks like I have to gear up. Come on, Pova, let’s have another glass of wine!

*******

This is the moment of truth. 



Where Debbie, Zac and I had been clawing each other back for the past two days.  I know Jackie, although she did not participate in the whole I-am-going-to-get-the-flower banters on Facebook, was eyeing on the handsomely tied white roses with beads in Jess’ hand.

The bride’s flower tossing event is a very serious matter.   Although none of us wanted to be “the next one to go”, this is the time where we join the tradition of every girl’s dream and every guy’s nightmare. 

Debbie started taking off her heels.   I immediately took of mine.  How to say? I am competitive!

Then, I saw Jackie unbuckling her heels too.

All the girls, married or not, round up while Jess took her steps in front of us and yelled, “Ready girl?!”

We girls held our breath.  I should think the guys too, but for entirely opposite reasons.

And she tossed up


Up

Up

And behind!

And we ran.

And we screamed.

And the guys prayed.

And I caught the bouquet.

Zac was shouting behind. “Just because I didn’t take off my heels!!” 

LiongPin caught the hold of the flower and yelled, “GUYS, it’s time to break the tradition!” He passed the flower to Deric and all guys were running into place.



It seems that the big boys were enjoying the tradition as well.  With one big toss, Deric flung the flower

and caught by Zul.

As we were laughing and cheering, Zac said, “Sayang, you are not supposed to catch the flower!”

“But Deric threw it at my direction!”

It was a pretty tiring 6 hours celebration, but a very very enjoyable one.  I put the flower and displayed it in the living room of 32 King Street.  This morning, I received a text reply from FWY. “So, who got the flower?”

It was 7 am and I couldn’t sleep anymore so I gave him a call.

Pova: Hello FWY!

FWY: Where are you?

Pova:  In my room la.

FWY : What time is it over there?  It should be (calculated) 7 in the morning! What are you doing, awake at 7 on a Sunday morning?!  (because I refused to open my eyes until at least 1030 no matter how he coerced me last time)

Pova: Yeah, I couldn’t get back to sleep.

FWY: It has nothing to do with the flower, isn’t it?

Pova: Hah! You knew I got the flower?

FWY’s sister from the background: Yes, he is sweating now.

FWY: Yes, and my face is turning green.

Pova: Awww, it’s not that bad.  The flower is actually very pretty.

FWY: My face just turned pale white.

CIS TAK GUNA PUNYA TEMAN LELAKI.  There you go, I am not getting married soon, despite of wrestling with 5 other girls.

Congratulation to Deric and Jess.  May you have a blissful marriage!

1st Stop - Valencia (8-10th June 2009)

Valencia gave me the impression of a strong yet beautiful woman in which, I think I would name my daughter after.   We arrived at the airport at 1 pm and choose the secluded and beautiful toilet we could find, so as to freshen up ourselves.

The Tourist Information counter is THANK GOD, very English friendly because at this point of the, we were by no means understand any Spanish more than a murmur of “Gracias”.

With the map and the instruction to our hostel, we found ourselves in The Red Nest located near to one of the 3 famous Plaza in old town Valencia. 

The Red Nest, small and contented, we share rooms with 4 other females and decided to have Valencian Paella in the restaurant guided by our Lonely Planet book. 

Valencian Paella = chicken+rabbit+vegetable.

A bit too salty for my likings but Chiko kinda love it.

Our plan was to use as little money as possible but yet, enjoyed  to the fullest.  Because of our economic condition, I was planning to use on the average of €17 per day net of hostels and transportations.  Meaning, if we want to enter the Cathedral in Plaza to see the Holy Cup by paying €4, then we got to skip dinner.  

Ok, for those of you who always exclaimed, “wahhhh so rich ah you! Go and travel everywhere! How nice!”  Well, it actually depends on how you travel.  Some people like a little luxury by staying in hotel, even 3 stars or B and B. And that 3 meals a day is a must.

We stayed in backpackers hostels, or if we are travelling in a group, we search for cheap deals of hotels and apartments.

Yes, 3 meals a day.  But Chiko and I packed 5 Korean Mee so that we can have pinch a bit on dinner especially at the more expensive cities later.  It works very well for us especially we can only bring max 10kg in our luggage.

Speaking of which, these are the ways we cut our expenses in the most convenient ways as possible.

1.         Ryanaire EasyJet are our best friends when we fly.  If we are quick and forward minded, we will get cheap tickets.  As cheap as £50 return ticket from Prague (incl tax and admin charges)
2. 2)      No check in luggage due to luggage fees.  We invest on nice, durable cabin size luggage bag and check in as hand luggage.
3. 3)      Be mindful on what you bring because hand luggage must not weight more than 10kg.  An empty bag itself is already 3kg.
4. 4)      Bring chocolates and Korean Mee because they are very handy.  As you consume them, the additional space and weight could be replaced your souvenirs.
5. 5)      Bring bottle water when you are travelling around.  Because, if you stopped by every two hours or so for coffee or just plan coca-cola you will be spending more money that you thought.
6. 6)      It would be better if the hostels have cooking facilities.  Raw material is always cheaper than prepared.

Which in our case, our dinner was Korean Mee with eggs, prawns and vegetable and a bottle of sparkling wine cost €1.60

You will see what we mean.

"Err doctor, how come I can still feel the pain?" I asked about 5 second later.


"Because you have to wait slightly longer,"

And then I started to get high.  "Tell you what, I will put you through an inhaler as well while we fix your arm.  This is used by woman in labour and is called xxxx"  I couldn't get the medicine's name.

"Do you know, what is laughing gas?" the junior doctor asked when i enquired about the name of the gas.  I nodded. "Yes, that is what we are going to give you."

4 deep breaths later, I was numb and senseless. My eyes were dropping and my vission blurred.

"Alright, you hold her arm and pulled against me," I heard the senior doctor's voice echo.  I sucked in more of the laughing gas.

Although I was heavily sedated, I could still feel the bones moving and my ligamen strecthed while they "fixed" my arm.  I gave a soft wail.  Then, I heard a click and it was back at it's place.

I gave a loud cry while they took away my mask.  "It's alright, darling. All over now." The kind nurse brushed my forehead.



I was quickly pushed outside to make room for other patients to find LP waiting for me. Bless him! For waiting up for me.

One of the male nurse/doctor complimented my eyes.  "You know, for a Chinese, you have really nice eye colour.... Or is it contact?"

I laughed sleepily and said, "It's contact," and he gave his colleague the I-should-have-know-it look.



I was slinged up and because I was drugged, I was not allow to go yet.  I have to wait in the waiting room, sleeping on this trolley bed while the drug wear off. 

It was not a pleasant sight sleeping around here at the Ward Waiting area because people were pushed in and had to wait for beds.  There was this very ill old lady who couldn't talk, sleeping beside me and she was really in pain.  I feel for her.  And there were couples of patience sitting around waiting for the ward, I felt bad for occupying the space and the bed and prayed for my drug to wear off fast.



One hour later, I jumped down for the bed, although still dizzy, I left hoping to give more space to those in need.

It may sound like a simple fixed up. But it took a whopping total of 5 hours in the hospital and 2 months being incapable around the house and work before I am to go back to horse riding again.

Which, unfortunately, my riding skill has plument so patheticly that I had stopped for the past 3 weeks hoping that I could gain back the nerve. 

And Zul, Sani and LP made fun of me saying I am now a drug addict for taking morphine, the laughing gas and being prescribed narcotic pain killer.

When I said a series of unfortunate event, I really mean it. 

Because,  after my recovery,  someone that I know fell down and broke her ankle. 

Sad.
 

Guess who joins the humble crib of 32 King Street?
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Guess la.
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Welcome to Nottingham, Chiko!
 

It wasn't that bad in Nottingham, although no CNY food. But LP cooked delicious clay pot stuffs and we had dinner with Zul, Sani and Azmir. 

Pictures later la.  Now no hand and mood to bersusah payah (blog later about this as well)

Gong Hei Fatt Choy!!! Mom said don't say Gong hei Fatt Choy because this is the year of recession. So, no "FATT" = Wealth.

So, just say Happy Chinese Niu (OX) Year loh.