#25 : Highlights of TeamMalaysia CNY2018 Gathering

Last Sunday, I attended the Chinese New Year gathering organised by @aaronleang and @joannewong at Setia Sky Residence overlooking the KL city skyscrapers.

As I was helping out with the registrations, I had to be there early to welcome the guests and fellow Steemians so I had to skip another Chinese New Year gathering organised by #TeamMalaysiaBabes at the other side of town.

^{#TeamMalaysia's bunting and @elizacheng's beautiful handmade lanterns at the entrance to the party}

The moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with a strong gust of wind and a breathtaking view of the KL Twin Towers. Before I could even put my handbag down, @elizacheng's daughter, @halleyleow gently tugged the hem of my dress and smiled at me before handing me a cute handmade heart-shaped quill which she had make as my door gift. I patted her on her head, as I greeted the rest of the Steemians who were already there.

As I had a long day after coming back from an extended Chinese New Year holidays in Penang just the night before and waking up early the next day for Sunday service, I was feeling very tired. I was just happy to grab a quick drink before being introduced by @bitrocker2020 to fellow Steemians from abroad who were in town. @firepower together with his group of friends @shenoy, @varunpinto and @sjennon from India and Netherlands were travelling to Malaysia and they make a stopover in KL to attend the #CNY2018 gathering.

^{Posing with the friendly @firepower just outside of the pool villa}

Unlike previous events where I was literally running around and coordinating things behind the scenes, I was glad this time round I was able to mingle and really get to know many Steemians and chat with the person behind the Steemit ID.

I literally jumped with joy when I was first introduced to @ackhoo as I had no idea she would be there at the party. Imagine after stalking and commenting on her beautiful travel blog posts for months and bugging her on Discord, I finally get to chat with her face to face and she turns out to be even friendlier and helpful in person.

^{Sharing a light moment with @elizacheng and @ackhoo}

I was delighted to share memories of the good old days when @maverickfoo and @jikey used to host Kickstart at Mindvalley's Hall of Awesomeness with @chuazm and his colleagues from Mindvalley, @elvira.galina, @joyceann21, @vikapuzach and @cshaw.

Our conversation was interrupted when @bitrocker2020 announced the tossing of the must-have dish during every Chinese New Year gathering - Yee Sang!

The neatly arranged Yee Sang is made up of a variety of ingredients such as white radish, pomelo, salmon, pepper, pickled ginger, sesame seeds and fried crackers that are usually tossed together with plum sauce and sesame oil.

^{The aftermath of the tossing of Yee Sang}

^{Source @khimgoh's hyper and cheeky Murtabak and Chapati, reminded me so much of my 3 year old niece}

^{Striking a pose with the lovely ladies of TeamMalaysia from L - R @ackhoo, @elizacheng @iamjadeline and @happycrazycon}

I was really happy to finally meet regular Christian bloggers @iamjadeline and @happycrazycon who never fail to share how God has impacted their lives and their family. Reading their blog posts often inspire and encouraged me on my personal journey with Him.

As the night wore on, I looked around to see everyone huddled in their own corner deep in conversation with smiles and laughter on their faces.

^{@orangila with his lantern earring, monkeying around with William aka mini @maverickfoo}

Feeling thirsty, I headed over to the drinks corner and @joannewong was all smiles as she fixed me a glass of vodka and ginger ale.

It was just what I needed to chill for the night..

I had a rare moment to myself when I stepped out onto the balcony; just admiring the unobstructed view of the KL Twin Towers and the KL Tower. The view was breathtaking and I could literally stare at it forever...

It wasn't long, before everyone was hauled up to a corner by the pool just outside the villa to pose for a group photograph. Everyone gave their best smiles as they posed for the camera with the backdrop of KL Twin Towers behind

^{Source TeamMalaysia were all smiles for the camera}

Later, I was interviewed by @shenoy on video together with @nickychu to gauge my views on Steemit and thoughts on blockchain as a whole, before I was ushered in by @joannewong for a birthday surprise! (Thanks everyone for the thoughtful gesture)

^{Source My birthday cake in the shape of a money bag}

I lingered around after the party to chat with @zord189 and @natalielo while @bitrocker2020 and the rest of the remaining guests toasted and celebrated in the background.

^{Pix by @zord189 From L - R @zord189, @natalielo, me and @chloephuan93}

I finally said my goodbyes and headed home at about midnight, under the starry skies

PS: I would like to personally thank @joannewong and @aaronleang together with other committee members @bitrocker2020, @littlenewthings, @elizacheng and @orangila who make this event a success! Kudos to all of you! And also many thanks to @kevinwong, the down to earth and silent supporter of #teammalaysia and fellow Steemians whom I met and chatted that night. See you at the next gathering!

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KarinzDailyGrind is glad to be back to work after celebrating her Chinese New Year holidays and her birthday with her family in Penang. She is currently busy restructuring her work, life and everything else in between to power up for exciting days ahead.

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