This year saw me returning to work only on the 11th day of CNY, latest in recent years. Mostly due to how the dates panned out - it doesn’t make sense to go back to work on 初七or 初八, then break for weekend again so heck it. End result is an extended stay at home where I basically pigged out and got a lot of rest. Like waking up at 10/11 everyday and still finding time to nap in the afternoon LOL. 

There was the annual pre-CNY Bangkok trip too. Went a bit crazy this year and I think I came back with like 32 pieces of new clothing hahahah. Partly coz I put on a fair bit of weight in the last few months (especially since moving to my new place) and a lot of my work clothes are getting uncomfortable to wear :( Helps that BKK is always an economical choice when it comes to shopping even though my new place has really limited wardrobe space.

Switched it up for reunion dinner and ventured out to this hotel buffet place called Rain Tree Cafe. Spread wise wasn’t the biggest but they won coz they had a surprise complimentary yeesang for every table! Impressive considering yeesang isn’t even well known outside Malaysia/SG.

Oh switched it up for accommodation too. After years of staying at Baiyoke series (mostly Baiyoke Sky, a couple of years at Boutique) this year we ventured out to Centara Watergate which is a bit obscure and taxi drivers mostly have issues locating it. Pretty new but facilities wise not the most well maintained IMO. Not wow-ed to an extent that we will be back next year so most likely we will venture out again.

Returning home late on 初三 and for some reason this year...felt antisocial so kept gatherings to only the other two BFFs and skipped the various house visiting sessions. On the final night we did manage to get together for a sleepover at KH’s though. You would think after so many years we have done so many things but this apparently is a first.

Then of course staying past 初九 means there are obligations to be fulfilled so yep.

Overall, looking back this has been a trip for me to recharge and I successfully did. Actually, all trips back home are. After a busy month I was so ready to just 放空 and no better place to do it than at home. After all these years I still get excited every time I prepare to go home and I nearly always step out of airport wearing a stupid grin on my face. Though at the same time I recognize that I still gotta do what I need to do so I never really felt the need to overstay and I head back to SG at the end of each trip without complains. My brain is logical that way. Oh well.

So I am already looking forward to the next trip home :)