OMG! I am going back to Malaysia in less than 9 days time. It would be 21 months since I have been home.Also, I have missed two CNYs in a row. Although I would only be around after the first few days of CNY...so that at least some of the food stalls and restaurants are open-lar, of course...(smart ler...hehehe), but I know it's going to be fantastic! Celebrating and meeting up with family members, in-laws, from near and afar, The glorious food, the gambling,the 'seasonal' drinking, the cheeky grins on kids enjoying one of their most profitable days in a year (enjoy it while it last kiddos!), funny antics of the elders , all trying to be the queen of the kitchen, ang-pows...wait, darn! NO ANG POWS for me this year, instead have to GIVE ang pows out *sob*...Oh well, lets just hope they don't expect £s.
I am trying to capture my excitement in words. Sigh, it's pretty impossible. Having said all that, I know my CNY will never be the same again without my beloved granma. Normally around this time, she would be up all night making the traditional 'lin kow' using only woodfire. She used to cook the most elaborate and delicious Hakka reunion dinners. It's been 3 years, but I still miss her immensely....she will always have a special place in my heart.
To all, have a great new year and cherish your love ones and your elders every chance you get, life is too short to hold back.