Roundup CNY 2009

It's back to work for me and as far as I'm concerned, this marks the end of the CNY celebrations...though there's still a week more to go before Chap Goh Mei.

Year of the Ox... it rained and rained in Sitiawan. Usually it's very hot during CNY but the last 2 years have seen more than their fair share of rain, in CTA1. No such luck in sunny Alor Star.

Anyway, we stayed longer than usual this time around. My gal had a great time with one of her cousins. They're both almost the same age, so they click well.

My highlights would be these...

Meeting up with old friends. I usually don't get to meet people cos we leave early, by the second day. Plus, being the ladies... there're all sorts of valid excuses; no time; need to cook, take care of the kids, daughter-in-law duties, daughter duties etc, etc. I realize that for us ladies, to meet up with friends at such times takes more effort cos we have more things on our hands most of the time.

The guys don't usually see to all the nitty gritty stuff. So, they're freer to hang out. You actually have to make time, which is not easy! Cos sometimes, you may draw stares from your MIL! Sometimes you just don't feel like it. But I am glad that we met up... kinda made my trip complete this time.

We used to spend so much time together.... those days during our age of innocence. Friendship made those days carry with it that special innocence too. The best part is we've not changed much on the inside... on the outside, aiyo!!! All of us are bigger now! LOL!!! No more the petite gals we once were! Anyway, before we parted ways, we told each other that we'll make efforts to stay in touch more often.

Also, had our usual gathering with Other Half's family. It's good for my kids to get acquainted with the Grand Aunties, uncles, aunties, cousins and second cousins. Roots discovery time. 8)

Trips around town.... CNY is usually the time when we have extra time to do such things. Otherwise, it's usually a quickie trip....everything short on time. I can easily get lost in my hometown now.... And I used to pride myself in knowing the big and little roads! So many new roads and turnings; housing estates, shops.... the rubber estates are shrinking! But in all these development, there are still many idyllic spots of old.

Came back and had a sausage party... we managed to order these 'homemade' sausages from an old school friend. They were quite good!!! Anyway each family brought something, kinda like a potbless thing. Good food and wine, followed by good conversations.This was with 3 other families. It's nice to be able to sit down with the young people of each family. We dared Onnie to eat the larvae of a wasp.... since he had done the sago larvae thing... No such bravado...LOL!

So, how'd I rate this round of festivities? It's very okay... to be able to spend some time with family and friends. That's the essence of New Year! So bring on the bull and we'll be trying our best to take it by its horns!