homecoming.

It is such a weird feeling: 

This year, we got to 'celebrate' CNY together after a much more solitary event last year. 

And by 'celebrate', I mean boiled-down and altered version of the pre-pandemic, whole-day festivities.

Both sides of my family were still trying to minimize risk as best as possible, 

so no visits except for immediate family members, 

no extended family reunions - less angpao ,but oh well ✌ 

we sat on separate tables to enjoy a simple meal,

and that was it. 

The thing is, it didn't feel like it's been two years since we last gathered like this. 

Same table, same chairs since I was little, 

same dishes and silverwares,

same people, same dynamic.

It's weird that it didn't feel weird or novel. 

As if time didn't pass all that much ~

The two-year gap vanished in an instant. 

What perhaps made it different (besides the obv masks) were the conversation,
and the intention behind our time together.

Grandkids are growing up,

now we talk about pop culture, uni life, skincare, and investing.

And now we know more than ever not to take any moment we have together for granted. 

Because, who knows. Who knows. 

We know that now. 

And so we soak every bit of interaction we have - what used to be mundane and forgettable, 

now is infused with energy and intention.

That's life in 2022. 

I pray that next year, we'd get to celebrate with more people,

and maybe we'll get to sit elbow to elbow next year. 

For now, I'll enjoy the leftovers and mandarins, 

and the new memories that were finally made. 

xx

cny 2022 meal - not too cny ish but were delish!