This is the Carnaval break week in Brazil, which coincides with chinese new year. Girls are on break, I have Monday-Wednesday afternoon break from work so we’ve been enjoying the super relaxing time at home. This is the perfect continuation of my analog experiment. Although there are many celebration in the city, we decided not to go any because we don’t like crow, we don’t like to be surrounded by people not feeling safe, and it has been soo hot there. So staying at home is what we want and feel no FOMO.
Sunday we made wonton, the first wonton in Brazil as we can’t find those wrappers in regular shops. Lizzy was my little helper
the end product was delicious, girls asked for more the next day, and want a different filing next time.
on Monday which is new year eve, husband did the preparation work, I did the cooking, Lizzy did the name tags, Sofia cleaned the dishes.
Bubble got special tune for the occasion and a seat at the table.
I enjoy cooking for the family, seeing them trying my dishes and mmmmm sound, very satisfying.
Almost everyday that I’m home, I take a nap followed by reading in bed. I finally finished this long book. It gives me so much after thought and heavy feeling.
I also did stretching around sunset. Yesterday Lizzy joined me as well as Bubble.
Today, girls each had a friend over to play. I did some household maintenance (our helper is on break this week), made them lunch, followed by solo lunch with husband to finish leftovers while chatting about East Asia countries’ history. How relaxing!
I saw this post and feel it speaks out for my mental state now.
Our New Journey 
What is the name of the book you finished? It’s usually a good sign when a book stays with you, but it’s hard when it’s something heavy…
Your new year celebration sounds perfect! I do not care for crowds either. I will put up with them for concerts but otherwise I avoid them. It’s one of the reasons I really do not want to ever go to Disney World or Disneyland… I know some parents feel that is a must do thing with kids, but I did not go as a child and don’t feel like I missed out. We went to the zoo yesterday and it was the busiest I have ever seen it! It was a holiday and it was unusually gorgeous outside so that drew a big crowd. We only lasted for an hour and then the boys were asking to go home because they didn’t like the crowds either.
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The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. It’s quite long but quite “enjoyable” although sad.
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I’m usually happy to avoid crowds too–sounds like it was the low-key celebration you needed! I’ve been wanting to check out The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. I have it on hold, but it looks like there is a long wait at the moment. I’m excited to read it when it’s available though!
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I think my husband bought that book for his mom for Christmas, I wonder if she’s reading it? She’s 88 and doesn’t read as much as she used to.
We had Chinese American food for dinner tonight to celebrate the lunar new year. I made broccoli chicken, and we picked up a few dishes from a restaurant, and got some things from the grocery store. I worked all day, and I don’t really know many Chinese dishes, so cooking an entire meal would be a lot for me. It was good though!
Happy New Year!
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That Instagram post about a “boring life is a good life” is so apt!
I love how you’re fully leaning into quiet, homey days with no FOMO. Cooking, reading, stretching, and just being with the family sounds so satisfying. It’s like a mini reset for the mind and soul. It’s definitely inspiring me to embrace my own boring-but-good moments!
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Happy New Year, Coco! Sounds like a lovely celebration.
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Happy New year! My Russian friends celebrated yesterday, too. Russia celebrates Lunar new year as well. I hope the horse is kind to us all!
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Yes, I would rather stay home than be out in a crowd. Your celebrations sound really fun, and I love Bubble sitting at the table (and stretching with you!)
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