Ramadhan arrives again

Family.

It's the first word I think of when Ramadhan comes in mind.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to have been able to spend the whole month at home fasting with the family while waiting to transition to my new job after resigning from Sony. During that time, everyday was a day of planning what to eat for breaking fast. The main questions of the day revolved around what kuihs to have, and what main dishes to make, and whether we will have enough food, and whether to try this method or that method to make the softest version of kuih apam..

And every family member taking turns on weekends to showcase their special dishes. My dads baked chicken, my moms casseroles and ayam masak kari hijau, my brother's sudden creative idea for something he saw on Food Channel (or something he always picks up and manages to make), my sister's cinnamon rolls and Sue is always there to help out :).

The trend was usually buka puasa with some kuih and drinks, then Maghrib prayers. Then we proceeded with the main course afterwards. And after cleaning together (in my family, everyone helps out which is something I am really grateful for), we continued with Isya' prayers and some recitations. And so that was the routine!

Once in a while we would drop by the bazaar Ramadan to check out the food and various types of kuihs. Malaysia is truly a haven for food, and this is emphasized especially during Ramadhan. It can be very hard not to 'overbuy' food when you are there, like, really.

While I think about last year, I'm a bit saddened not to be able to spend more Ramadhan days with them, and especially the first one :(...

Boohoo Sarah? You're 27, not 10!

But hey! At least I'm not breaking fast all alone - now that would be just sad.

I'm thankful for today, thankful for surviving the first Ramadhan 1435, thankful for the food, thankful for the people I meet, thankful for EVERYTHING.

Ramadhan, here I come to embrace you...

Toodles.