What a Year, 2020

I'm never one to celebrate New Years. Cliche, but to me it's just another day to another year. But 2020 was different. The world was literally put on halt and as much as the we tried to live our normal lives, there were restrictions. Many, many, restrictions - that Yana and I were literally on a dead end trying to convince the boys to plan a trip.

& we're super glad we managed to do so - because it was exactly what we needed. 3 days out of the hustle and bustle of virtual e-mails and video conferences and in foreign yet local cities to just chill.

We brought chairs out to the lawn before the downpour started - chilly weather, despite smoke from the BBQ.

The boys did a wonderful job planning the food and AJ's marinade was creme de le crem.

The gang surprised me with a double unicorn cake - did not expect this at all, I got all teary eyed lol.

We played games, laughed and twerked. At midnight, while we counted down the seconds to a New Year - Ipoh was suddenly lit with a firework performance. The eight of us ran to the lawn to see sprinkles of red, white, blue and green decorate the sky - as we hugged and wished each other Happy New Year, we bid adieu to 2020 and for a moment, the world seemed normal again. 

The next few hours were us, reflecting what a year it has been. We laughed and cried at the happiness and sufferings we've been through and what stuck in the my mind through out the session was how the boys reiterated to us, many times - that regardless, we are family. 

With some feeling feverish and suffering mild headaches, we cleaned the lawn the very next morning and headed to Hollywood for breakfast. After a few smokes, we headed to Tasik Cermin for a short hike and off to Penang for another round of food.

Short fuel and toilet break - we took many breaks through out this trip.

In Penang, we checked in to our AirBnB - rested and feasted. A windy afternoon was spent eating Pasemboq, Grilled Clams and Laksa by the beach in Padang Kota. Followed by a short trip to Jelutong to meet Hassan and his choice of Nasi Kandar. We then headed to Love Lane for a Mexican fiesta - with new aliases and back to the AirBnB to finish our leftovers.

Gave the boys new names.

I bonded so much more with the girls during this trip.

I woke up early the next morning to make sure everyone had a good, wholesome Penang breakfast. Ordered Apom, Thosai Rawa and Roti Canai and decided to surprise them once they woke up - of course, I couldn't have done it with Yana who helped wait for the Grab driver for me. 

15 minutes before check out - yet everyone still gobbling food.

In the mood for a coffee fix, Kadir and I brought them to Lunabar - since it was early, we had the place all to ourselves.

After a hearty meal at Kapitan, last stop was Teo Chew cendol.

Escaped the New Year traffic by going home a day earlier - the route back to KL was smooth. Managed to be home before midnight despite the many toilet and snack breaks. Though there were three in my car, I drove accompanied by the sounds of French Kiwi Juice while pondering what's next in life. 

I hope to cherish each and every moment and to keep only those who are near.

And I hope, for the bonds I've grown attached to - to grow closer, and may the year bless us all.