enjoy my mother's company during her month-long vacation home

..on a very early flight. We all woke up around 3.30AM, to leave the house around 4ish so that we’d reach the airport by 5.30 AM. Even my son braved the wee hours of the morning to send her off.

We had coffee after she checked in her baggage. We joked around as usual, and mum reminded me to watch over dad, make sure he doesn’t mess up the front porch again. I know she was just joking, and I know what she truly meant. I am back to being the matriarch of the house, something I’m used to by now.

We left the airport around 6AM. I tried to sleep but no luck, thanks to the coffee I had earlier. It felt sad to see her go yet again, but I pray that June will come soon, so that she’ll come back for good.

We definitely had lots of fun while she was home. I took her to Petaling Street and we shopped for souvenirs and such. She wanted to go again but I couldn’t spare the time, unfortunately. I hope we’ll get to do it again when she comes back. We did other stuff too, the Eid open house and revamping the backyard and our flower beds. It was like she never left, but now that she’s gone again, I feel the void nonetheless.

Mum needs to get some souvenir items for her staff and friends. So we’re heading towards Central Market & Petaling Street aka Chinatown. Later this afternoon, we’re off to my sister’s house. She’s making “Laksa Johor” – spaghetti with a curry-like sauce, one of my faves. Looks like another hectic Saturday, but I know it’s worthwhile. Family always is.

are preoccupied with gardening and the landscaping work. Apart from that, she’s been on high gear sorting out the household. I came home today and saw she’s redecorated the guest rooms. Later this evening, both of them were putting up frames near the dining area.

My mum has very clear ideas about what works and what doesn’t. Unfortunate for me and my dad, our ideas always end up on her “No-go!” list. So we end up just going along with her ideas and do whatever it is she wants us to do. It’s okay, since we know she’s leaving again in 2 weeks time. Tho I wonder if things were differently if she was staying home for good.

having her home. She bought lots of chocolate as souvenir and a few bags of Lays potato chips (she knows they’re expensive here). But best of all, she bought me 2 long skirts and a pair of heart-shaped gold stud earrings. I haven’t worn earrings for God knows how long, but they looked pretty good on me :)

Plan to go shopping with her, either tonight or Saturday morning. Eid is on Tuesday and I haven’t bought any new clothes for Ammar or me. Gosh, suddenly shopping becomes high priority ;)

Her flight touches down at the KLIA airport circa 1PM. Since I’m saving my leaves for Eid (and she’s already said it’s no biggie), I won’t be picking her up at the airport with my dad. Instead we’ll have our grand reunion at home later this evening.

Unlike the last time, I’m pretty excited about having her home. I guess I got over a lot of things since then. But more importantly I’ve decided to make the best of things, despite the limited time we have together. Plus I’m planning an extended weekend getaway while she’s here, somewhere not too far.. probably either Malacca or Bukit Tinggi (both places are within 2 hours drive from here). And we’ll have a grand open house celebration after Eid so that our friends and relatives can come by and have a good time in our home. I’ve already decided on the caterer, just hope he’s still free (must call him later today!).

Am so looking forward to this! :D