CNY

This is going to be a random-ish kind of post, with raves and rants thrown into it higgledy-piggledy! x)))

I had a great time back in KL albeit being down with a flu, coughing, whimpering about my terribly-inflamed throat daily and missing out on a lot of Chinese New Year goodies - mandarin oranges included. (The hubby was sick too.) It was truly beautiful to be home with my side of the family (since I'm always here in Penang with Ben's side of the family - and although they are really awesome too - I've really missed another two of my heroes whom I don't get to see that often - a.k.a my dad and sister). Dad is still DAD - uber resourceful and knowledgeable about so many things under the sun. Haha! Zoey is pretty much still ZOEY - pretty, caring, generous to share, witty, wacky and workaholic. It was really good to spend more time with Robin (her boyfriend) too, in that few days we were in KL - or rather Subang. It is weird how I always assume that Subang Jaya is part of KL, when it is really not! SJ is in Selangor.

Of course, not forgetting my uncle (dad's brother) who has been staying at Cave 53 (our home) for a few years by now. Although I am not that close to him, I am glad that he is looking so healthy now after having had his share of thyroid illnesses, glaucoma... and breaking a leg (literally) last year.

We didn't get much visiting done this trip, because dad and sister had already visited mom's side of relatives before Ben and I returned. Apart from having dinner with dad's side of relatives on our second day in Subang and lunching with one of my cousins and her pastor husband on our third day, we didn't see too many relatives this trip. However, I've got to admit that I'm a little thankful for the arrangements - because I was in no shape (not to mention mentally unprepared) to debate again with those relatives who take on the opinion that I should be a medical practitioner instead of studying in the seminary/doing ministry work. It is really strange - I thought we have dealt with the question of whether I'd be returning to the medical field or not... like 3 years ago. I thought I had made myself very clear back then that there will be no turning back. And now that I am past the point of no return, why do you still have to ask my family members now...if I'm ever going to change my mind? I understand, you are terribly concerned that I have wasted my degree - but still, I have decided... and you have got to accept that I need to make choices and be responsible for them too. If I am going to make mistakes, I will learn from them. My God will help me. I am... my mom's daughter (as well as my dad's) after all! :P I will indeed excel in life, by God's grace.

Oh well, life's like that.

I miss mom. It's been more than ten years since her passing, but I still feel her absence every Chinese New Year. I'm all grown-up now, but home's always a little empty during CNY when mom's not cooking, not wearing her new clothes (since she seldom bought new ones, having spent most of her money on us) and not there to welcome my husband and I back home from a faraway place. Kids... treasure your parents even when they nag. You'll miss them when they are gone - and it will be too late to appreciate them if you haven't. Parents... take better care of yourselves. You will be sorely missed by your kids when you are gone, especially if you died of anything but old age. *Feeling a bit emo now*

I miss my cousins, nieces and nephews though - those I didn't meet this round. Oh well, next time.

One of the most touching moments of my CNY trip back to Subang (for me) was celebrating my birthday with my dad and sister (and uncle), something I have not done in years. Perhaps, since I left home in 2003. It wasn't anything too elaborate. But the sweet simplicity of it was really something. On our last day in Subang, Ben, Zoey, Robin and I ate lunch at Chillies (Empire Mall)... and I received a surprise, complimentary birthday brownie! After all that excitement, we returned home... and dad surprised me with another birthday cake! :) Really appreciated it. To date (although my birthday's only tomorrow, i.e. 31st Jan), I have blown out 2 birthday candles - haha! What a great 28th birthday already.

I will be 28 years old tomorrow. It is about time that I reflected on the past year, counted my blessings and looked forward to a better year ahead - especially with regards to my walk with the Lord.

Till then, dear peeps...