RouNd TaBLe DiNNer

Having dinner and spending time with my immediate families is something I really look forward to. As my siblings and I have each grown up and are now living our own lives, we don't get to see each other and our parents as often or spend as much time together as we'd want to.

Our fast paced lives leave us with little time to catch up with everyone in the family. Hence whenever we get the chance to meet over dinner, I see it as a wonderful source of family time, a way of slowing down and valuing family relationships in the midst of leading our hectic lives.

So when mum called to inform that sis suggested for another round of dinner together on Saturday (07.08.10), hubby and I said "yes, lets meet."

All of us (7 adults, 3 kiddos & 1 baby) agreed to have dinner at the Tom Yam Steamboat Restaurant, located in Melaka Raya. This restaurant has been in establishment for many years and specialized in Chinese cuisine. One of the more popular dishes would be their famous steamboat that had endless streams of loyal patrons.

So, while enjoying our meal, it’s also time for us to unwind and discuss the day’s events, catching up on what’s going on in each other's lives, find out the latest gossip, seeing our kids play and fight together or just find out what’s playing at the movies.

I find sitting down at the table together is still one of the best ways for families to grow and stay connected. There is something just totally relaxing about sitting around the table with friends or families sharing a good meal. Our meals together doesn’t have to be fancy - it can be something as simple as nasi lemak in the gerai, tosai in the mamak stall or a big pot of homemade soup. Sharing, talking, taking the time to eat - as long as we are together, I see it as a great stress reliever and families and friends bonding...

p/s - I also got a bonus of spending time with my close friends on Sunday to catch up on each other's lives and happenings over breakfast and lunch together while good old hubby played baby sitter..