My Friday favorite time of the week

 Long ago, I used to look forward to every Friday 5.30pm. I would rush to prepare dinner and settle all that was needed to be done before 4.30pm, rejecting every other unnecessary appointments or any other matter that would hinder me from my 5.30pm slot. I would tell the kids to be ready at the pick up point latest by 4.45pm else my fury would be unleashed on them without mercy. It was memorable indeed LOL. 

What went on at 5.30pm on Fridays? It was Zumba time! It just felt different anyhow. The feeling of a week's work done and dusted, letting my hair down and have a good time, my version of rave and clubbing time. It was definitely my ME time. 

Ever since I had the liberty of time, the routine had been changed and I am not so crazy about it anymore. But the feeling and memory of it lingers still, and once in a blue moon, I would go and enjoy it again and that nostalgia feeling...*close eyes and savor*

Travel bugs biting

Very quickly, it was time to send J back to airport, like it was just yesterday we went to the same place to pick him up. The airport was busy, I guess with holiday makers and also people like J who came back for the CNY.

I'm not sure if it's the "empty nest" feeling or being at the airport again, I feel the travel bugs are biting. The last long distance travel I had was to Croatia in April 2024, and funnily, after that trip, I was almost contented with being at home for the rest of the year, even though I heard many of my friends traveling everywhere throughout the whole year. A short trip to Perhentian with Chloe in June was a nice little break and the rest of the year was focused on my newfound job. 

This year, I like to travel more. To Singapore visit my brother, Chloe and friends. To penang visit my old colleagues and old friends. Back to hometown more to visit mom and dad. Also to US to visit Joshua. And if time and money allows, I'd like to go Switzerland too. Korkor suggested a holiday with mom and dad together, the only barrier is to convince mom to go along. She is just too worried and concerned about feeling unwell during travels and pulling everyone down. Sigh...

Balik kampung, reunions, feasts and mahjongs

 That about sums up what CNY is.

Almost 25years of CNYs after marriage, the current phase is welcoming the kids home from abroad and having the whole family together once again. This year sees J bringing a gf home. I thought I would just be chill but find myself scrutinizing her subtly from top to toe trying to figure out if she's cut out to be my daughter-in-law. Guess that was what happened when I was brought to MIL's birthday dinner the very first time. 

On the way to airport to pick them up, hubs and myself had this conversation of what makes a good wife. He shared something he heard over YouTube about these values. 

1. Emotionally stable. A wife who demands a lot of attention and explanations for her hub's actions all the time are pretty much exhaustive and intoxicating to her other half. 

I think it works both ways.

2. Values need to be in line. For e.g. if one works hard to save for rainy days while the other spends lavishly and only live for the moment... Well, not to say can't work... But sanfu. 

3. I forgot....

Let's keep it at that for the moment