I am standing out watching the fireworks, the view. In the distance a thick mist envelopes the lights and the mountains.
We've got our kuih kapit, jam tarts, mandarin oranges stock on the table. YES, like mum actually got them ordered just cos it is CNY - we are cool that way.
It's raining out, and it somehow makes everything so much more lovely. The air smells of smoke but I'm smiling. The family is all together - coordinated holidays, mum has food all planned and we are chilling and we meet friends and we are just noisy and we discuss television (or lack of) - the brother exclaiming when he sees a P. Ramlee film about to come on, and we stay up late talking, we plan outings and we entertain each other and laugh.
This. This is why I love being around, this is what I miss whilst being away - the joys that come with each holiday, the atmosphere, being together. At this time, it is the fireworks and the lion dances and the angpows and the oranges.
And right now, I am just soaking it all in.
Today was reunion dinner night. Slight deviation from our family time to meet the extended family.
A friend's birthday surprise. And what a smashing time - so much laughter, conversation, memories!
We sit in the hottest, coziest corner with the pizza, kuih lapis, seri muka, curry puffs, cola, meehoon, and laugh until our sides ache, before actually adjourning to the more "ventilated" area. Everyone shares a memory, everyone tells a story, and everyone makes a memory, right then. We arrive in a convoy - we enter in a rail gaddi formation - and she is properly surprised !
And right this instant, I get a random phone call from family in Penang - ting! A reminder of sorts to spend some quality time there as well, perhaps.
And I am reminded that we should always, always make time. And laugh and tell stories and tell each other how much we love and appreciate and cherish.
Have a very Happy Chinese New Year, all of you.
Lots of love.
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