Q: I have this disease where I'm completely aware that I'm annoying but I have absolutely no way to stop myself.

Credits to nami64 (c) Haunted Memory

I did the most brazen thing an employee could have done at work. Aku balik rumah awal (precisely one hour earlier) without any notification for my supervisors whatsoever. Then again, I told them I had to do some blood works and to settle the badge problem. I’ve gotten all that done in approximately two hours. Now that they are taken care of, I am left with my two stage PPD test and relevant vaccines (that is if I ever need to take more, that I will find out from the blood works result). Excellent timing, since it ties in nicely with the new semester week. Satteto...nap time.

Note: One of the best anime fighting scene I've ever seen has to be from the new Hunter X Hunter between Gon and Hisoka. Had me on my toes for that one minute. Check out episode 35 if you don't believe me.

Osu,
Vonnie S.

Q: Of course I remembered. And I wondered if you did too.

I just came back from the first class of my semester. It’s a lot of information for a first class, but the professor probably got ahead of himself and jumped right into teaching. So much for leaving early, instead I got bombarded with information that surpasses my knowledge. I’ll probably need to continue sparking my interest in drugs and pharmacology. But judging by the syllabus, the class seemed to be a cinch if I study hard enough. It will remind me of my Biopsychology days, mere absorption of technical terms, its application purpose, and its examination value (that is I’ll only memorize it if the chance of it appearing in the exam is high). You may then question my study method. Then again, I have never been an excellent student, but rather one who studies sufficiently to do well. Being overachieving is not my thing, I was aware of it since my undergraduate days. So I’ll be alright in the end. J

Fighting,
Vonnie S.

Q: Makes me wonder if their skies are a little murky and a lot brown.

Oh, you dang know where we're going right now.

It was 7.30 in the morning and the sun was hiding beneath those drenched, morbid clouds. I was heading due south east, and the bus ride is stuffy and bumpy. I hadn’t felt any sign of drowsiness at that point in time, which was a good thing. When I am heading off to work – often for eight hours –I always try to be mindful about staying vigilant and to always be on my feet. The kids aren’t blood-sucking vampires, but they can look pretty frightening to someone who’s never seen a child hitting oneself before. In some cases, they aggress at others, and yes, it’s a handful of a job. But someone’s got to do it.

Meh. I should stop right there. Anymore and I’ll be violating some papers I’ve signed at the institute. Someone came by to buy off the old office chair and a stack of printing paper. Five bucks could buy me a free lunch tomorrow. It’s exactly what I need. Sixth postcard came in the mail today, so did the electricity bill.

A dog’s life,
Vonnie S.

Q: An ugly personality cannot be photo-shopped.

I had garlic bread last night, thanks for asking. And at noon, someone will be coming over to check out my wares. Then I'll be having pizza on LekP (since those wares technically belonged to her before she left the US). No matter what, I need cash for food deliveries anyway. Wow, I can't believe the lunar New Year is just around the corner again. How small the lap of a year must be for it to be here so soon. Time for new clothes, and poker faces; I'd need that when I Skype with Malaysians back home, especially with those decked in red and dancing at the beat of money packets. I keed my cousins, but it sure wouldn't be an easy week as usual. This year's even more so, since I'm alone, but I'd probably just order take out chinese food to make me feel better I suppose. 

I've finally mastered Fairy Tail's Theme song in slow-mo on guitar! That's two songs in the month of January fulfilled! Finished Lord of Misrule yesterday night too! That's a double whammy! 

Update: Sold of $5 worth of wares, but still no pizza after all. Gonna have my ramen and then head for potluck with the Hopkins kids tonight! 

Bulu ayam,
Vonnie S.

Q: Where there is desire there is gonna be a flame, where there is a flame someones bound to get burned.

You ain't the only one snowing now Kalamazoo!

It seems dinner with the UMBCians is canceled. That just placed me in a dilemma about tonight’s meal; to either eat instant ramen, order in pizza, or toast bread which I can sorta butter it with Nutella. Then again, there’s always the option of not eating, but that would put my stomach in an awkward limbo. I’ll save myself a lecture from PL about health by coming up with this solution:

Order Papa John’s pizza with that one coupon you found in the mail, but since you are low on $5, paste an advertisement in the elevator begging to get someone to buy that extra printer you stored away for emergency.  

Should the most preferred option fail (that is no one calls in to purchase it by 7pm), then I shall either have ramen or bread depending on what I’m in the mood for. Otherwise, I can always choose to walk out of the apartment to Chipotle. Heck no, the cold has locked me in for the weekend.

Good. Now that’s taken care of, I’ve got an announcement to make. It is not a life changing one, I assure you, for it’s more of a personal favor for a college friend. I was approached last week to contribute to the ChiAlpha’s blog as an international student studying in my alma mater. I wasn’t quite on board at first, but since the one essay I sent to ISV for their contest didn’t win me anything, I figured that it’d still go to good use. And thus, it ended up with KatieR.

If you’re ever so interested in it, I might post a link up here soon. We’ll see about that!

Chow da mao,
Vonnie S.

Q: Boy, you better get used to African timing...

Been sleeping on my tummy since the injection, and it was helping me get through the night better. My left arm felt sore, as though I played badminton for five hours straight the day before. Bah, on top of that, I’ve gotten my first injury while at work today. My kid hit me on the face, and then proceeded to scratching at my forearm.  I was simply glad that the wound wasn’t deep for it to be reported or anything. Many of my colleagues went “aww…that’s for the initiation ceremony! Congrats!” Meh, at least I can still walk out of the unit, feeling awesome with this new battle scar of mine.

And so, there was a reason to celebrate the beginning of semester. I went for McDonalds for dinner. Say what, you may have gone one second ago. Fast food ain’t the best meal out there, but boy, the McRibs was simply succulent yesterday. It was way better than the ones I had in Kalamazoo for some reason. Strange eh? Besides, it was near to the Hippodrome Theatre. Why, I scored tickets to the Beauty and the Beast musical at 7.30pm (cost $42 per person but worth every dime). Three others (PF, HJ & SarahH) joined in on this enchanting night, and we had a wonderful time. If I have to summarize this musical, it paralleled that of the Disney cartoon film version, but extended further with more songs and scenes. So you can expect a lot of familiar tunes and characters on stage for you to sing and dance to.

Last night’s musical was special for two more reasons; one, a marriage proposal took place during the intermission, and two, Ann the usher was a pleasant old lady whom I had the pleasure to talk to. Might consider going back there for another musical just to speak to her again. Who knows really?

Ah returning home felt so good, until I collected my textbook from the mail boy. Twas a reminder that classes are starting in the coming week. Boohoo.

To be human again,
Vonnie S.

Q: The world isn't made of people who can analyze others like you can!

Hey guys! I am actually using a font type of my own handwriting. You might not believe me of course. But that’s cool. I don’t always expect you to understand what an awesome person I am. I respect your decision to think otherwise, but yea, we're still one happy family. Anyway, feast your eyes on this whole new visual spectacle. My cakar ayam writing makes its debut today and you'll see it more often in the future. Finally, this blog is closely resembling an actual physical journal. Can't wait to hear from you about this new feature. You can write to me all about it!

“It might be impossible to do stuff for others without thinking about what's in it for ourselves." In the end, it maybe just all about yourself.

News: Taken two shots to the arm today; a flu shot and a TDAP vaccine. Now for one blood test away to being officially cleared!

Coin toss,
Vonnie S.

Q: Snow today at this time is shining like a Diamond.

I've finished up Accel World, an anime by Sunrise production and written by Kawahara Reki, who is well known for another masterpiece by the name of Sword Art Online today. The timing is perfect, considering it meant that there won't ever be another anime marathon until after the Spring semester as I would be consumed with work. But I'd keep up with the ongoing anime such as Fairy Tail and Magi, just to name a few, for entertainment purpose. I might even draft out a weekly schedule on what to watch each day. Hopefully I don't abuse the ration I personally placed on myself.

Oh well, to be honest, I liked Accel World better. The concept of the anime seemed trickier and imbalance, unlike its successor, SAO which is certainly a whole lot more grounded and direct (to an extent, predictable). Of course, I found the choice of protagonist somewhat stereotypical (then again, ain't males are what we think they are), and there is the strong female lead (who possesses perfection, yet) falls for the otherwise society deemed, imperfect male. I have to thank SAO for easing me into liking the Virtual Reality (VR) genre. Both Kawahara's works are futuristic, which may convert you into a believer. Anyway, I won't spoil you further. Here's a short summary I got off MangaFox regarding the anime.

[No matter what age it is, the "Bullied Child" will never disappear. The overweight middle school student, Haruyuki, was one such kid. The only time he could relax completely was when he would play a squash game on the local network the school had set up. He loved playing this simple game so he could forget painful times while immersed in it.

It was fall. He was passing his time like this until one day he had an encounter with the school's most beautiful, refined girl, "Snow Black", which changed his life abruptly. Introduced to the software she transmitted, Haruyuki learned about "Accel World": A program that enhances one's mind capabilities, with certain side-effects.
It was the moment the guy on the lowest rung at school became a "Burst Linker" by the name of Silver Crow, protecting the Princess as her knight.]

Speaking about knight, RyanA is leaving Kalamazoo as I write this post. I'll miss sending him photos now and then. Life has its way of pulling one away from another, but for the positive minded, it is but a start of a new beginning.

News: Baltimore Ravens just got into Super Bowl. My gosh, it's crazy outside!

Frost Flower,
Vonnie S.

Q: In ten years, we'll be working, being serious, and hopefully with better bras.

What goes black & white & black & white?

These penguins are looking for a home, preferably one belonging to a medical student by the initial of PL. So, if you think you're PL, let me know what dya think about adopting them ya. Jokes aside, I had an awesome time alone today. Mainly free lunch and shopping (hence the penguins); so I've spent like $30 on four tops from Forever 21 and three mini body lotions from Bath & Body Works. As for these lovely penguins, don't ask me how much they cost, but I got them from Barnes & Nobles. So yea, I splurged a little this weekend because I was elated for Monday being a holiday. Thank you, Martin Luther King Jr.

Spring rolling,
Vonnie S.

Q: You can plan all you want but you have to go along with what life throws at you.

Third postcard  came to me from Germany. Gutentag?

Got up really early to catch a bus to umbc. God, I waited and waited for the first bus to arrive, to no avail. I then made a quick decision to get up the Hopkins shuttle and dropped off at Penn Station for the Purple Route Circulator bus (which was way more on-time and free to boot!). Right where I got off, bus 35 was approaching the station, so I didn't have to wait long.

Got off the bus and headed right into True Grits for lunch. As the winter semester were in session, the area to eat within the building shrunk into one section. Quite a sorry sight, but they had decent food at least. I camped there till everyone came in. HJ arrived as soon as I was finishing my first plate. Apparently, she didn't notify the other two girls and walked out on her own to meet me. I was a lil flustered by that thought, I mean, seriously, shouldn't you be together with them? No, she said while making that I-don't-want-to-babysit face. Of course, us four had a good time as we always do when we're together.

Got to the administration building to pay off tuition fees and met up with British RyanI at the IES office. SoraK and PF needed to take the drivers license manual from him. I also bought stamps from the post office; a set of lunar new year design and the usual star spangled banner one. Finished the day by taking photos at the Commons. I took the liberty to excuse myself at 4pm, as I went home bound. Yes, I beat the dark and was home by 5.30pm.

Accel World,
Vonnie S.

Q: How lah...feel like becoming gay already. At least go date no need to pay anything.

A Christmas gift that got me thinking about oxymoron.

Yesterday, I went on an outing with my pasukan and my putera. You intelligent readers should know who I'm referring to even with your ears closed. Scored free fries and an ice cream scoop, which made it an excellent day. When I reached home, I waited for the one phone call to ready me leftovers from a neighbor who was moving out. Finally, I got my new full sized bed from LekP, the one I paid $30 for. She even gave me loads of stuffs (which I fail to identify until now) and my place looks more occupied already. Gah, looking at this box of folders is making me excited about a random act of kindness already. Then again, should I just bloody sell these for some decent amount of money? Pfft...tough call. Wait, there's more on Saturday? Ah, I can simply skip down freebie lane again. Despite the high rent, I am lucky to have great neighbors. Again, time to make new ones soon. Hold up, what's this invitation to a Malaysian potluck gathering meet?

Let me speak,
Vonnie S.

Q: I was embarrased cuz of the word 'class action'.

Sandwich or Panini combo for lunch tomorrow?

I simply love freebies! After getting the $15 from Starbucks, this week scored me a free lunch combo and a body lotion (from that one famous brand all you girls live and die for). You might then label me a lucky child for being blessed with these complimentary goodies, but let me straighten the truth for you. It is hard work. Nothing is free in this world, and yes, so this is no different. Instead of actual money, I wasted time. So you probably know how much effort it takes to make the rain fall, you'd be sweating bullets just from dancing alone. Go figure eh? I'd be reviewing them tomorrow for sure. :)

One free BBW body lotion? Hell yeah!

Vaccination x3,
Vonnie S.

Q: No matter how pro you drive your car, you also will kena hit by a[nother] noob.

Which one contains five bucks in it? Winner gets a prize!

Urgh, I don't know which bugger it was knocking on my door while I was in the shower. There was no notification on my phone, nor were there any notice on the door itself (so chances are slim if it's a friend or cop). I was left dumbfounded, yet finger crossing it was simply a stranger at a wrong place. My neighbor sounded like they had quite a number of guests over. Perhaps it was them visitors who got the room numbers mixed up. Who knows? Anyway, I dropped by Starbucks before getting my greens at a mart nearby, to get hold of these snazzy cards. Ain't they pretty? I bet you can start you own collection too. I just think they make sweet souvenirs, in case I ever have a Starbucks maniac of a friend. Gonna keep collecting. Let's see how many more I'll get by the end of the year.

Update: It was CarmenS. Why didn't she just text me in the first place, remains a mystery I care not to solve.

Phat beats,
Vonnie S.

Q: Listen baby, just listen..

After one month of watching Family Outing Season 1, it finally ended for me. Korean culture, in general, most indefinitely grew on me overtime, especially since the introduction to Running Man. Its language, food, and celebrities are becoming salient elements and I have my mother and friends to thank for. I am never fading my interest in the Japanese culture, as it will forever remain my first love. Paid me well it did, because I came to make lifelong friends, gained significant entertainment value and developed a new set of language skills through it. It is a culture that walks alongside mine, so the Koreans are no doubt any different. They've upped my exposure on variety shows and pop music. I remembered hating the taste of kimchi, I probably would've remained distasteful of it, have I not learned its core ingredient. The Napa cabbage that I love to eat, especially when mom cooks it in soup form, is a kimchi's hearth. Now, horse forbid, should I see a good plate of kimchi, I'd probably wouldn't hesitate on getting that piece of thing in my mouth. 

I've shaken hands (made peace) with Korean fans and have probably cheered "Dae Han Min Guhk" at the top of my lungs as well. I believe it shouldn't matter if you're black or white, or Asian. A culture is a share of respect, understanding, and a reason to celebrate what it means to be different. 

Aigoo,
Vonnie S.

Q: The next day is going to be awful, shits of molten lava.

I will be in bed in about fifteen minutes. After getting off the phone with mum, I realized that the next four months will be hell, the kind that don't allow you to rest for a while. Not only that bad news had to strike twice, I might have to miss my only brother's graduation day for finals exam. But, I made a promise to my parents that I'll try my best to make it. And promises are meant to be kept, this wouldn't be any different.

Forehead flicks,
Vonnie S.

Q: Sunday means we could sleep as like no one business while the Sun hanging outside.

So true. Why can't people see this?

Monday marks my return to real world. No more vacations till this next semester ends, then I'll be half way done with this chapter. Time really flies and I have yet to start on a research topic. I hope this semester answers this question. May things run smoothly as it should.

Puckers,
Vonnie S.

Q: Damn, I give. Cracking open the emergency bottle of wine.

When are you coming by to visit?

Second postcard received from a Carmen from Seattle. It was decorated with stickers and stamps, I stared at the postcard for a good five minutes before storing it away. I've not been sending any lately, after successfully sending out five, one is still in the midst of travelling to cold Russia. I walk like that, waiting for that sole postcard to reach and I'll dispatch one right after. It is costly to send a lot at once, so I'd rather do it one at a time. Pfft, such is a life of a poor student. :(

Put it in,
Vonnie S.

Q: 我是一个失败的人，什么东西都做不好。

The photo was taken by Peri Paleracio, in the Philippines. The whale shark was found by a scuba diver, still alive and trying to swim. Its pectoral and ventral fins were cut off by poachers who sell shark fins at a premium for the Chinese delicacy, shark fin soup. Locals, with the help of local government, pulled the still struggling to shore where it died the next day. Here a local woman mourns its miserable fate.

This photo was named "most compelling image" of 2010 in honor of the UN's International Year of Biodiversity.

This is not just something caused by Chinese fishermen, it is a global problem. Shark Fin soup is sold all over the world, even in the UK. 
----------------------------------------------------------
Today, this picture moved me beyond speech. I have not had shark fin for over eight years now, because I made a solitary pledge within the family to no longer consume the Chinese delicacy. Shark fin soup is almost like a religious ritual that ties in with weddings and huge dinners at your fancy Chinese restaurants, especially so when you have a rich uncle who would buy the table. The number of weddings I've attended with my parents is a testament to my will, I often skipped the bowl and continue with other flavorful dishes (ie suckling pig or buttered prawns). The bowl would then go either to daddy, or someone else. At times, I felt sorry to my parents for sticking out like a sore thumb, for denying that bowl. Some of my uncles and aunties gave awkward glances and made comments about wasted efforts such as,"the creature is dead and everyone else is eating it, you should too." Of course, there is also that notion of being disrespectful to the person paying for it all. But heck, it is disrespectful of you to be forcing someone to eat a dish they don't want to in the first place. Tsk. Relatives. 

I would not blame them for their lack of understanding. The thing is, it is of cultural factor they acted in such mannerisms. Considering that the shark fin soup is part of a tradition harden within the veins of every Dragon's descendants on this living earth, the efforts to convince people to part away with culture itself seem bleak. It is similar to trying to stop the Vietnamese from dog meats or the Norwegians from whales. But I hope my little effort brings awareness to others I meet and by chance, shark fin soup would be less of a mandatory on dinner tables. 

Mudflats,
Vonnie S.

Q: I'm pretty sure I've inherited only recessive genes.

Spoke to my neighbor today regarding her full size mattress that she's selling for $30. I'll have an extra bed to fill up the space in my room by the end of January. Just perfect as my parents and brother will be coming around in May. Now no one has to ever sleep on the floor. Should I ever have the need to remove the bed, I can always sell it, for a better price too. A mattress during moving in days can fetch up to $100 if the buyer's desperate for one. I don't know if I'm ever getting a roommate, but that's for another day to ponder. Yes, finally I got my hands on the module. Just need to complete this post test and I'm all set to go.

LekP's leaving back to Thailand. Will miss her for good conversations. Time to go hunt for new friends again.

Majide,
Vonnie S.

Q: I love this piece of poop.

Limited quantity available. Come all while it lasts!

So, I was up all evening thinking of a good deed to perform today. Then, as I was cooking in the kitchen (where else?), I found these coupons lying around inside the drawer where I store my silverware. They'd go to waste should no one make use of them. That gave me an idea. Time for a random act of kindness.

Just overheard them chattering at the elevator place already. Nice!

BYOB,
Vonnie S.

Q: My ringtone is super happening but nobody's calling me.

Hot air. That would be a pointless thing to talk about if I don't at least make the effort to explain why I said so. It was cold outside, but a large metal canister stood abandoned under a shady tree behind my apartment complex. Strangers used it as a fire pit during the winter days and yesterday, it rose from its slumber, flames blazing from within. If you were told to sing from the stomach, then the canister spoke from the same hearth, crackling at branches of fire woods and bits of papers. "Can you hear what I'm saying?" It seemed to say, "I'll devour your regrets, your sorrow, and your ghost. Come over and talk to me."

I may have lost my mind, but there were others with me that starlit night, with things in hand such as letters, books, photographs, and more, sharing the moment of silence. It was no sacred religious event, but one of mutual understanding--the need to let go of the past. As one by one those items disappeared into the fire, promises were made for a new beginning. Some held back tears, yet the handful of us consoled them with smiles to remind them that they were not alone in this process of healing.

Hot air. And just like that, all uneasiness burnt to ashes, gone. Alright, you may have been curious as well, what on earth did I burnt that night?

Secret yo,
Vonnie S.

Q: Shit, what you saw yesterday isn't my personality.

I'll charm my way thru, right into your wallets!

I've scored $15 worth of Starbucks drinks, through a reward system by American Express. Don't ask me how or why, I can't really explain that either, except that there was an email and I redeemed the code given at the Starbucks website. Now I might contemplate on getting their lunar new year snake card and transfer those points into the card. That is if I'm even walking to Starbucks later this week. We'll see how well the weather turns out for me to do this task.

Bubble bath time,
Vonnie S.

Q: Me? Cold? Why would you say that?

Credits to Skia (c) Torn

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.
~E. B. White 


However confused the scene of our life appears, however torn we may be who now do face that scene, it can be faced, and we can go on to be whole.
~Muriel Rukeyser 

I got a free cup of Starbucks, a tall Vanilla Blonde and two White Chocolate Chip cookies for snack time today. Once again, the online training course denied me access to it and I am left no choice but to email the dude in charge of it. Hopefully there is an answer tomorrow. I am getting anxious from all these waiting. Wow, McFly's Tom really knows how to write a wedding speech. 

Watching all these Family Outing episodes are making me hungry for the outdoors. If only there's another epic road trip on the way. :)

All about you,
Vonnie S.

Q: OBVIOUSLY my brain would link the phone with your ex.

Suppose to balik kerja today, but it may turn out to be an extra week long holiday since I fail to complete some online training modules. Not my fault for not doing so, the site kept popping up these error messages when I tried adding courses. But I am most certain to do the registering all over again if the problem persists. Yes, that includes reading that one damn cheong hei module I spent like a good two hours on. Hey, one's gotta do what one's gotta do, even if it means taking the back way (or returning to square one) to get the job done. I'll work on it later, I suppose. Am tempted to spam technical reports to the server operator, going all "celaka you!" (implicitly) in the message box. *sigh* This is why I said I need to work on it later. I'd be writing a one-sided b*tchy argument if I start now.

I do not understand how quickly it is for someone to fall into the temptation of procrastinating all the time, until semester break started. Experiencing it first hand can teach you a lot. Why, I hardly learn anything during the break except that it further solidified my love for procrastinating no matter how guilty I feel later that week. Urgh...despite me being a future behavior modifier expert, I am still human I suppose.

Having a good time chatting with PL on Facebook. A little catching up is needed as we all inch closer to busier months (at least for me that is).

Brain dead,
Vonnie S.

Q: Fox and the grape is so story of my life.

Oh, I get hungrier by the minute these days. Cold days are bad diet assistants, not that I am dieting, just saying. I could use a warmer place to be more productive. Hiding under blankets is killing good hours of potential work done. My bolster too, why is it snuggling nicely beside me? “Don’t think so much, come to bed.” You! I’m already in bed! See what I mean, I am even talking to a bolster. What’s with this need to pee? Walk to the bathroom. Com’on, you can do it. That’s right, one step at a time. Maybe not, dang floor is like an ice skating rink surface. Neighbor, stop playing the musical box composition! That’s like lullaby to my ears. Also, why is this giant Nutella bottle next to me right now? Goodness, someone save me.

Yay! Someone bought the old printer for $5!

Exordium,
Vonnie S.

Q: What did we learn about shapes again?

Hurray! I can play Can't Help Falling In Love With You without referring to the tab sheet. A great start, plus I managed the fellar under one week. If only my next song is easy as pie; I promised Gavin to play Fairy Tail's really sad theme song in slowmo, and still I am struggling at it. Might just have to slot in another easier song to achieve my "two songs in a month" goal. We'll see how my progress go, with fingers crossed, I'll do my thing right. It's gonna be porridge (with squash and carrots in it) and roasted chicken again tonight. My meals are getting simpler now, to encourage me to eat more vegetables anyway. Need to finish up on some online trainee checklist and sleep early tonight. Both my skin and brain had suffered a lot for these past few weeks. I have to catch up with Dev too as promised! Yikes, not even a week into the new year's and already it's sounding like a handful.

With the "a deed a day" goal, I won't write that out too often anymore. In fact, I'm considering to switch the goal to "a random act of kindness" once every week. I am still doing the daily deed, but it gets redundant writing them out should they be of the same thing. Hopefully, I'll make a conclusion by the end of the week.

Figure eights,
Vonnie S.

Q: Man should start paying their wives to improve the GDP.

I spent the day with PF (no Chang) again, braving the weather against cold and wind. Inner Harbor spotted lovely skies, like that of a baby boy’s attire. Unfortunately, the temperature wasn’t cute at all. Instead of wanting to cuddle with it, I was wrestling against it the entire day out. The paper bag I was carrying did not help but flapped noisily as though it too was protesting the outdoor walks. What’s with the bag you ask? It was carrying my first Alpaca sweater! Lamema was having a clearance sale and I got them for a decent price. (Further discount too, after testing out my bargaining skills.) As such, I met up with PF at The Gallery and hurriedly walked two blocks to Miss Shirley’s for breakfast. It was yet another great brunch (had Benne Seed Chicken ‘N Waffles); PF had three sliders, those patties (crab cake, pulled pork, and fried chicken) were the size of a fist each and she savored them bite by bite in bliss.

At noon, we left the café to the Landmark Theaters for The Hobbits. Upon entering the theater room, it felt as though PF bought the entire seats. There were probably another three individuals besides us throughout the movie; in my opinion, a sweet deal. Unfortunately for PF, it wasn’t her boyfriend beside her. I have little to say about the movie, since I had no expectation anyway, but it was worth my 2.5 hours. And after feeling warm inside, PF had to burst my bubbles by saying, “uwah, Jack Peterson is a good director.” I thought my stomach manifested outside the skin for five seconds there.

We walked back to The Gallery for a quick coffee break on the top floor. That’s when PF’s natural gag talk occurred again. “I thought that was a fly, but it’s actually a helicopter. AHAHAHA!” Oh wow, there goes my neck. For an innocent girl, her words have immense effect on people (in a hilarious sort of manner.)

Fast forward motion; to the bank for some cash, to PF’s testing center down on East Lexington Street and sayonara we did by Charles Street. I came home to a thrifty bowl of porridge and fried squash.

Deed of the day: Gave PF the one free truffle I had for the month. Let’s just say, my friend went “niya niya” grinning like a little child.

-------------------------
Irrelevant note: What the heck is wrong with our government for raising Indon maid's fees again? Now they earn more than our graduates. Forget about being engineers, doctors and what not. Prepare your children to do housekeeping for a better living. Oh hell no!

Dumb and smarter,
Vonnie S.

S: Achievement unlocked! (Part Two)

I dread talking about my solemn 2012 days. It isn't anything like watching Running Man or Sword Art Online in its nostalgic fashion, but rather like failing to do the Gangnam Style after numerous attempts or realizing that your close friends are now treating you as a stranger. If it’s any consolation, I sure hope this list will take away any similar misfortunes for the coming years. The worst has got to be over, right?

House got broken into (for the first time)
While we were having the best spring time in Japan, little did we know that others were breaking into my Puchong home, taking away numerous belongings. What those bastards (forgive me on the lack of delicacy) took away weren't simply just displays, cash, and electronics; they also robbed us of our security. I remembered receiving that one chilling text message (from CindyF) and it nearly ruined the trip; but I consoled my mother by telling her that we shouldn't let a bad situation become worse by grieving about it. So, enjoyed the trip we did, before coming home to face the inevitable; a broken window and disheveled rooms. I slept with my parents that night; the anger all gone and I was left thanking the stars that we were safe.

Deaths of a kin and friend's family members
I don't ever like making someone's death a statistical data. The passing of people that year was probably the most in awhile. I can't say for sure it's the highest total in my life, but it felt so for me. There was a phone call from a close friend whose father was in ICU at that point in time, and aside from his heavy voice, I heard his mother's cries in the background. My palm was soaked with sweat in a minute, my throat parched from the shock. He was giving it his best to be strong for his mother; whilst I wept for him when his father passed away shortly after midnight. Needless to say, I slept with my parents that night again.

Leaving my parents and friends behind (for the second time)
It sucks studying abroad for this sole reason. I hate going through the process of stepping into that departure gates of KLIA, while having to smile and wave goodbye. Sometimes I felt like I've done my parents wrong by spending precious time away from them. They aren't getting any younger and a child's responsibility is to help them out. You get what I mean. Besides, I better stop for now before I start crying like a baby.

Sinking friendships across time and space
Ika posted a good quote on Facebook and it speaks rather accurately of this phenomenon; " My mother had told me once when I was little and had a friendship fall apart that some relationships just end. Like a star, they burn bright and brilliant, and then nothing in particular goes wrong, they just reach their end. They burn out." I am losing them to things like soul mates, jobs, and higher education. Of course, the out of sight, out of mind rule applies too. That's why long distance relationships are particularly challenging. But one has to sing a sad song about Titanic, mourn for the loss and move on with life.

I am too round (still)
Time to get in shape, perhaps next year. Nuff said.

The game of life is like any other game; you win some, you lose some. But it takes a real player to take life by its horns and hang on to it, even if it means having to get on it again after falling off. Don't you disappoint me, 2013!

Side note: One thousand likes and more for my Soul x Maka drawing! This calls for a celebration time, com'on!

End it,
Vonnie S.

S: Achievement unlocked! (Part One)

Deed of the day: Gave away a coupon I meant to use (for a free frozen pizza) to an old man who was pondering over the choices at the aisle. Needless to say, he was happy that I made the decision for him.

Reflecting back on 2012, I supposed I did experienced a whole lot that would prepare me for 2013. The good, the bad and the okay made a savory salad toss; like how salad often accompanies the ala carte, I sure hope this year would be a mouth-watering serve with extra gravy. For today (and tomorrow), I compiled a list of ten prominent events and balanced it out like yin-yang. Do wear my black Nike sneakers and take a walk down my 2012; I’ll see you at the end of this post.

I deactivated Facebook (for the first time)
This decision was made based on a notion to reconnect with my physical world, in case you forgotten it goes by another name—reality. There is a pun to the word. Reality is your physical state of being in this world. It enables one to feel emotions and surfaces of objects; to love and to (for)give. The other “reality” is a subsidiary maintenance check on your living condition; one that tells you if your friends are true, or are you honestly happy. It gives you a sense of direction, and like a survey it narrows down those strengths and weaknesses. Filter it if you must, for progress to be certain.

I got into a graduate program (for the first time)
My academic life is leveling up, and perhaps it may not be the smartest decision made. However, as necessary as I believe getting a Master’s would help in my career, the extra two years investment shouldn't hurt all that much. On the contrary, it could be the very boost I need for self-improvement (and of course, my curriculum vitae to boot.) How I fare in the program would be irrelevant for now, the aim is really to graduate and be certified. You can also say that I simply enjoy being stressed out silly, and maybe I missed the life in the United States.

I moved to Baltimore, Maryland (for the first time)

Truth to be told, it wasn’t an easy decision. I could have gone back to my alma mater and be problem-free. The familiar faces and places would have got me settled in faster than my undergraduate days. Being alone in a foreign land with little help from anyone is a crazy idea, no matter how adventurous it sounds. Sigh, I am missing my parents so much. On top of that, the state is a hot mess: a charming city no doubt with lots to see, but also decorated with desolation. For one, the state is riddled with crimes and decaying buildings; you can be sure it's not entirely safe. So, why poke the hornet’s nest by troubling trouble on purpose? Simple, I did a Challenge Accepted.  

I traveled to new places!

The Japan visit was indefinitely the highlight of my “Back at Malaysia” months. Mummy has good taste when it comes to choosing the perfect holiday trips; then again, her lifelong dream checklist did include “sakura flower viewing” on it. So, I was glad my parents and I did a trip together without my brother for the first time! It felt amazing to be the only child of the family for eight days. (Sorry, lil brother. Teehee^^) Moreover, I ended the year with a trip to New York City for Christmas with three other friends (recent acquaintances). As patience testing as it was, I had a wonderful time and experienced my first Manhattan snow fall. What a pretty sight.  

I found rekindled relationships all over again (and made new ones too!)

After MelC and I did our significant San Francisco reunion back in December 2011; that reset our physical proximity hiatus after a good couple of years since we last met. It was the same with PeiLi (who flew to Ireland) and my buddies back in Malaysia. The meet-ups were usually phenomenal. I say that because none of us actually looked anymore different than we did the last time we were together, but you can tell there were a whole lot going on with each and every one of us. So much so, we don’t ever talk about it, but spent our time together laughing about silly things over buffet dinners. I suppose my memory of them will always be pure and joyful; like the way things were back in Saujana. Why is my window tainted with drops of water? Of course, not to mention the remainder friends who collectively returned home after graduating and the kids at AniManGaki who I chided at so much; I had reconnected with mamak stalls and bubble teas after so long.

Granted that so much had happened, I can never include them all. But every little experience will make a difference somehow, as our learning history will make sense of our future behaviors. 

Don't say,
Vonnie S.

S: Bucket List 2.0

In all seriousness, I sat down properly at the desk to catalog a plan to make my 24^th year living on this Earth an even better one than my last. It should be challenging enough for me to conquer, and I sweated bullets pondering over this list that I flooded my own room! Okay, that sentence was so terrible in every aspect, I swore on reflex. Again, jokes aside, behold feast your eyes and tsk tsk at this revamp and solid 2013 New Year’s resolutions:

         1)      Keep minimum 80% blog posting for the entire year.

         2)      Learn two songs on the guitar each month.

         3)      Read at least twelve books by the end of this year.

         4)      Eat healthy; that includes three servings of vegetable/fruits every day.

         5)      Watch two episodes of anime per day only.

         6)      Study hard and stay on top of the pack.

         7)      Forgive, love others and give more to people at large.

         8)      Sleep eight hours a day (only) and avoid pulling all-nighters.

         9)     Win a Neopets Caption Competition!

       10)    Do a deed a day. I'll start with holding the door open for strangers.

The ultimate goal: To keep these resolutions and achieve 50% success rate.

What dya think about this list? Believable or not, I'd do my best to keep my words. I hope you'd do the same with yours. Happy New Year dear readers, and may you be grateful that the Mayans were wrong.

 I'm still here!
Vonnie S.