Q: …… can you splide a cheak for me?

August. A month I dread and yet adore, given its gateway to Fall and wallet shooting season. While the handful of Leos are causing ration on the bills, I did spent a whole lot since moving into Baltimore. Thus explains the result of accepting a challenge without giving thought on the financial constraint that comes with it. And that’s why I am banking on my savings, for the record it should keep me suffice for at least half a year. No complaints yet, because I’ve made a promise to stay positive for the next two years. Frankly speaking, I am coping well with things so far.

UMBC. The place is rather small compared to what I’ve learned of from the brochure and thingamajigs they generously sent via mail. The postman placed the packet gingerly atop the pillar light, and while it took me a day to realize its presence, I didn’t actually believe I would have accepted the offer to study here. Now that I’m officially a Retriever, there is so much to absorb. But small is convenience in my opinion, I need not walk far building to building and that makes a whole lot of difference especially when summer’s being all fiery on you.

Baltimore. A charm city with lots to see. I may have exaggerated on that note since I am new to the place, but heck breathe the culture! The music, people, food, and history are plastered atop walls and its streets; more notably prevalent through existence of old churches, eateries and museums. I’ve been around the Inner Harbor (the USS Constellation remain docked there) and Fort McHenry (battle against the British!) to name a few, driven past the Washington Monument and the Peabody Institute (has one of the world’s most beautiful library) every day of my first week, and I feel like there’s more to come. The bad about this place? The freaking MTA buses that come and go as they please. Pfft!

New Friends. I have to write this down. How wonderful it is to walk into a place alone and within a week, made twenty good friends! It may not be news coming from me, but I swear it probably wouldn’t end up this way had I not been out of my comfort zone. Plus, the sole Malaysian apart from myself, HJ (or Peranakan) and I looked like we’re the best of friends; putting a spell of confusion and disbelieve on the others thinking that “it’s possible we’ve been friends for more than two years already upon first meeting”. I was dumbfounded when people asked if we came together. Haha^^ weird. And I’ve recruited SoraK from Seoul and Ping Fan (not as ordinary as her name suggests) from Shanghai as part of our colony too. Now I’ve gotten someone to share my knowledge on Hallyuu stars and anime/J-pop with these two around. Awesome possum.

Old Friends. Lance called frequently to check on me and also to air news of his exciting road trip. Dude was even with me as I was about to take my TB shots, talk about whaaaat! Haha^^ Damn like an overly concerned grandpa after I said I hate taking shots. Even the nurse found this funny and stuck a “brave” sticker on my sleeve. *sigh* As for Lihee, we had a really long talk on separate days, on phone and Skype. Girl was in a turmoil state, but I only did what a good friend should, I listened and care.

Like a Boss Style,
Vonnie S.