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While everyone decides to flood the city for the 10-sec count down to a new year, I am home.
I remember ranting about that, because there were plans made and for once, I would really like to get drunk on a new year's eve. When my dad proposed an idea for us to get to Penang for a one day trip for our annual praying session with the grandparents, I immediately turned down the idea because I had a hunch that the island would be flooded with young adults wanting to count down to a new year. However, mum gave me a last minute call, 2 days before today, saying that they really want me to tag along, and also could be a substitute driver for dad, in the event if he feels tired and also, she made a rather disheartening statement; something along the lines of "Wah, you'd rather spend your time with your friends than your family?", which made me really torn apart for some reasons.

So I came home anyway.
Half-heartedly at first because I would be away from the missus for the new year's, and also the group of friends whom are plotting a boycott of myself due to my sudden pull-out from the party.
We end up in Penang today, surprisingly not much of traffic. I wonder where the cars went?
It was a 24-hour bonding session with the parents and my grandfather, and also with a lot of local food. If you were to ask me, if I regret doing it now, regret coming back home on a new year's eve, spending this night with my parents while everyone is ready to go out for a count down party session, I would probably say no now.

Looking at the way my grandfather wobbling with the aid of a walking stick, really brought a tinge of sadness inside me. It was not too long ago when he was very healthy, and would often bring us around, to parks, to eateries, and now, he needs to rely on us, as an additional aid to his walking stick. And also my parents. Not too long now before they would turn old and feeble too.

I am glad that I did come home, despite all the rantings and (cursings) earlier.

I have no idea how I am spending the new year's eve tonight. Definitely not at some impromptu partying in Ipoh, but maybe just a quiet night with the parents, or just facing the computer screen.
How are you spending the new year's eve? Stuck at home, just like myself? Or getting ready to welcome the new year with a bang?

Either way, don't forget to call home.

There was a quote which I read somewhere today, which goes:

"Love thy parents. We are too busy growing up, we forgot that they are growing old too."