Hari Raya 2009

My last entry was a month ago. Wow. So much for wanting to post as much and as fast as, but I remembered me telling someone,'I blog when I have something to blog about'. And today I do have something to blog. It's about Hari Raya. My Hari Raya.

Why? Simple. This year is meaningful. Actually I have forgotten when was the last time I felt excited about Hari Raya, most probably during the times I could still get the hari raya 'angpows'. Hah!

But what I do know is that among the years, I have lost the feeling of excitement. The feeling of joy. The anticipation of 'balik kampung'. I have either forgotten or lost it. I don't know. I remembered on the first day of raya, after the prayers and gathering with the family, I'd just zip out and go watch a movie or something. It didn't mean much to me anymore. I guess I grew out of it.

Until this year. It was different. It meant something.

It's my first raya being married.

Never thought that being married would change so much of my perspective in life and among other things including Hari Raya.

I was excited. I was overjoyed. I couldn't wait to balik kampung. (Albeit at first I was reluctant...heh...didn't want to leave my toys and my new studio...) Hari raya shopping was fun and getting clothes for my other half was satisfying. The raya mood was seeping through my veins and I actually smiled to the thought of singing raya songs. Heck, I even got my students to sing raya songs and do a small show...for me! (well, they came in late and I had to think of some kind of torture...oops...I mean torment...eh...)

My first day of raya was really meaningful. For one I was celebrating it with my new family. We drove back to Rawang a day earlier so we can 'berbuka' together before raya. And the next day I indulge myself to my mother in law's trademark Laksa Johor (which is awesome...). Spent some time with my wife's family and later drove back to Shah Alam where all my sisters planned to meet up around the same time. It was a fantastic day. (Including our photo session...had to do it without help from anyone except a chair...and trying to get the perfect shot...hahahah)

After eating an abundance of food for the whole day...it was the yawning session...rice...not good taking in large amounts.

And some people were still hungry...

Next day we headed off back to my family's hometown, Terengganu. I was excited since bringing home my wife with me and I get a chance to show her where I grew up, played and enjoyed my simple life in Terengganu. And the best thing is she is a big fan of that little eastern state of 'keropok lekor' and Pasar Payang.

The ride was fun, we laughed...we joked...(despite me being the butt of the joke, thanks to my mum...) but I enjoyed it.

We stopped at our old house, mum would tell stories...it was...wholesome...

Next day in Terengganu we went to 6 houses...and thats a record! We stayed for 2 days and headed back to Shah Alam on Thursday. But before we left, the day before we went to pantai Batu Buruk to get a feel of the sand and sea...

It was a beautiful and meaningful trip. My grandparents were happy, my parents enjoyed themselves, my wife was happy meeting my relatives and...me?

I am contented.

Selamat Hari Raya to all.

And hope that your raya is just as meaningful and joyful as mine.