~ just the two of us ~

We can all relate those above with Chinese New Year (CNY). I used to look forward to CNY when I was younger, but now, not really anymore. I guess now, things have changed, I have to go back to my in-laws place during the 1st & 2nd day.

I miss the noise that we used to have at my paternal grandma's place, where my aunts/uncles and their laughter could shake the whole house (okokok, am exaggerating :P ). And not forgetting the yummy food that grandma cooks that makes u salivate even when you think about it. And when we were young, how we used to be able to roam around at grandma's old big house slightly on the hill, which overlooks the paddy field. How we used to be able to catch guppies from the stream that goes across the paddy field and get our feet filled with mud and how our parents would nag at us. How we used to take the chicken's eggs from the barn and put the pingpong ball to replace it so that the hen will continue to lay eggs. How we enjoyed playing fireworks with my cousins and my uncle who will be the ring leader. And how we dread following grandma doing visitation as we grew older (because it means, lesser angpows for us), and because the weather was just so... unbecoming. I miss all that.

Now, I'll be spending my second CNY at my in-law's place. Nothing hoo-haa there. We just have dinner with his paternal grandma, and that's it. Not much noise, not many people, quite a quiet affair. Am still getting used to it. This year, we'll be taking the train straight to Segamat. And, I'm wondering what I'm going to do for the whole day of new year's eve. Of course, I'll be offering my help to my MIL to help in cooking, but usually, she turns down. I think it's normal for them. Even my grandma doesn't need anyone's help when she's in the kitchen. Perhaps I shall bring my cross-stitch work, or do my cards... hmmm... or learn some cooking which would be to Jason's liking. And yeah, not mentioning the change of food for me too. No more sate ayam for me, curry chicken, pongteh, sambal, etc... They're all kinda bland, sad to say. Typical Chinese food.

Anyway, I'm not complaining, a daughter-in-law got to do what she's got to do :). At least, I get to look forward to going back to Melaka on 2nd day of CNY to catch up with my aunts/uncles/cousins/schoolmates/friends who are from overseas/out-station :)... So, here's a toast to a good new year! *cheers*