Holiday Post #25: Happy New Year! See ya, 2013!

Credits to Dracu-Teufel666 (c) Danbo Happy New Year 2014

Holiday Post #24: Snakes need to shed their skins too

When it comes to a new year, a good deal of things come into mind. There’s reflecting on the resolutions made, giving away (or tossing) of that old box inside your garage, and perhaps thinking about what you want to do better next year. I had the opportunity to go shopping at Arundel Mills, an indoor mall outlet that carries some of the well-known brands at prices lower than those in boutiques.

I managed to bag $100 worth of clothes. Like a top, three pairs of pants, and a pair of sneakers. Looks like a new makeover isn’t on my list for 2014. Sorry guys, you may have to work harder to get me to change my mind. At the moment, my worn out Puma did well with persuasion. I dread its stench and torn underside with every outdoor trips. Well, if you look on the brighter side, I guess it’s still a miracle that I shopped and spent some dough.

Thank you PF for the safe driving to and fro the place. You may have been a lil mood swingy that day. But I’ll do my best with taking the positive side this time round.

Liquidation,
Vonnie S. 

Holiday Post #23: Good things need to end for better things to begin

Ah, these anime are at their finale. One by one, they ended. I highly doubt I’d miss any of them, but there’s always somewhat bitter sweet when they reach their conclusions. Then it’s deduction time. You hate it, love it, or go meh. I had a lot of meh’s this season. Not much of a kick, I’d call it. Anyhow, I am very much anticipating next year’s lineup. I mean guys, Gin no Saji is back for season two! That would be an absolute must watch for me despite the impending crazy semester. Don’t even want to think about work and school just yet.

Good bye, heroes who love two heroine at the same time!

Also, I have to become self-discipline. No more slacking for no reason. Now that the roommate is here to motivate me, I should take the opportunity to be a little more dedicated to time manage my life. Tough call, but the idle days will be over. Hmm…at least for the spring it will be. Need to get myself a daily planner for sure.

Crappy relationships need to end. I cannot afford any of those no more. Look, I had that privilege to love everyone unconditionally despite their huge flaws, but check where they’ve gotten me. Far? Heck no. Instead they leave and disappear, without so much a turn or acknowledgement. Some even had me turned into the invincible man. I am through with such people. Next time you come round, you’d better be calling me a therapist and ya, always bring a check with you.

But I’ll say these words more often next year. I will because it’s finally the quarter century of my lifespan. (Assuming I’ll live to a 100 years old.) Can you even imagine what a milestone that is? Some people don’t even get to live to my age. So so grateful as always. What better way to spread the joy than to spread the love?

Old,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #22: Merry Christmas!

Despite the lack of activity outside, us girls had tons to do. Card games and food galore! For breakfast, S made utma, some spicy flatten rice dish. PF enjoyed it so much that she went for seconds. Such gesture probably set a flame in S to proceed with lunch preparation immediately after finishing on the utmas. While she sliced and diced, PF and I competed a great deal on Doodle Jump. I usually care not for that game, but I had to prove myself worthier than her in gaming skills. That we did, neck and neck. The onion smell however proved a formidable foe, forcing frequent trips to the bathroom.

After lunch was prepared, we baked cupcakes. S thought it would be good to use the confetti cake flavor for its colorful batter. That indeed was alright, except the first batch was a lil burnt on the bottom. We hypothesized the high temperature to be the problem. Second batch came out perfect, lightly browned on the top and cooked to the bottom. Us girls then dressed our cupcakes up with frostings and sprinkles. These three are mine.

I regretted not accepting PF’s dare to use money as gambling tokens. I could have easily won $15 from her since the girl was losing so much at Black Jack. Instead we made do with some strawberry charms I’ve gotten for free from a random website. Don’t ask me why or how, it’s been a while. Then lunch ensued with a delicious pot of dry curry chicken and a pot of dhal. PF contributed a plate of stir fried vegetable as well. I stuffed myself silly with rice and sweets that day. 

As the skies turned auburn, it was time for PF to leave. We walked her to the bus stop and watched the bus take her downtown. Christmas was a day spent with laughter and food. May there be many days such as these in the future for all of us.

Deck your device,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #21: A -5 Celsius stroll

Christmas Eve night saw S and I down at Mt Vernon. We were up to no good, I’ll definitely admit to that. You see, that night we binged on pizzas, wings and beer. Not my usual plate, but it was a treat by the roommate. A good experience for her too, since it’s her first time at Homeslyce. Free food drives my wheel forward, not even the icy winds could’ve stopped me. Sid and Chai met up with us shortly after I placed the order. Upon closer look, Sid does look handsome. Don’t get me wrong tho readers, I am definitely not interested in him.

Three Indians and one Malaysian sitting over American pizza and drinking German beer. It cannot get anymore international than that. But we all had a great time. At least they all did, considering I made quite a fool myself by blurting out some Telegu. The boys will be heading home for the winter break. Chai promised some presents from India. By 10pm, I sent them on their way with hi-fives. PF met up with us shortly after their departure, finishing up the leftovers. Twenty minutes later, we strolled back to Monument Street. Three girls shivering from the cold at the Mt Vernon bus stop could have been mistaken for penguins huddling together for warmth.      

Once home, we were out cold. All snoozing away dreaming of a White Christmas.

See ya,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #20: What’s for lunch?

It’s Christmas Eve. Over here, it means that the shops will be closing early. But for the few international students who don’t celebrate Christmas, the day turned out to be just another holiday, like Labor Day but a lot colder with the snow and all. I was invited to a lunch at PF Chang’s. My friend PF (not to be mistaken as the owner of the restaurant) happened to turn a year older today and wanted to celebrate it at Inner Harbor area. Of course, it had to be a Chinese place. Wait, I wish to add the word American to the Chinese.

Alright, it wasn’t that bad to be honest. Dishes were decent. We had an almond-cashew chicken, pepper steak, and lobster sauce shrimp for main. Those set lunches came with hot and sour soup which I found not quite up to par. But hey, I pride myself of flexibility especially when it involves food. Besides, I just wanted to see the birthday girl put on this pink garland I got her. A punishment I deemed worthy for making me wait an hour down town due to poor timing.

In the end, the most important thing is that PF had a great time. I mean, what a better way to part than a good snow fall. So romantic.

Perhaps so,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #19: The start of something new

 Is it too late to learn a new language? The uptake might be slow, but the speed doesn’t stop the interest for sure. Learning is a plus with an eager teacher too. My roommate really, really wants me to converse with her in Telegu. Well, we’re aiming for conversational level for now. 

Not too sure if we can achieve that in four months, but it’s worth a bet. At this point, I have a couple of vocabularies down solid. Here, I’ll write some down for you to try too. Gonna do a pronunciation-approximation list to tailor to non-Telegu speakers.

Am chestu know? (What are you doing?)
Padukuntuna (Sleeping)
Tinda (Eat)
Vintuna (Listen)
Neni ninu chalar premistunanu (I am loving you)
Daebuda (Omg)
Apa (Say what?)

Of course, learning a language ain’t complete without some bad words:

Peecidana (Crazy girl)
Peechora (Crazy boy)
Niku konchom picah/picih (You are crazy.)

Oh say this,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #18: Write this sentence

Reflect on this year. Look back at fond memories. Realize that there’ll be mistakes in the past; words said wrong, decisions made wrong, and people you hurt. But it’s alright. It’s all your bag of references.

Advocate more,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #17: You deserve a break

Credits to Namie-kun (c) Fairy

I wish I held a Nintendo console,
just to walk around the world
of Pokemon XY.
It’s too bad that I couldn’t get
that one limited edition
platform.
What logic is this?
What is your reason
for this felony?
Why the torture
of missed opportunities.
Sold out, that’s all.

Slit throats,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #16: Practice what you preach

It’s gonna be yet another wordy post. But I wanna transcribe what I have in mind, considering that people has been questioning me about religion of late. Yes, ‘of late’ might just be my new favorite word. Fancy that. So here, religion to me is a type of guide book to proper living. One may be titled “Dummies Guide to…” then again another may go “How to…” Essentially, those guide books serve to teach people who need them, how to be a good human being. Methods may differ, but the goals are the same.

Picture this: You have the “Dummies Guide to Gardening” and I use the “How to Garden” book. Instead of fighting over whose book is better, wouldn’t it be better to plant more trees instead?

And for those who are already experts at gardening? You probably don't need a guide book. So there should be no need for pressure. Just keep swimming.

Spread more butter, spread more joy.

Reply me yo,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #15: Support a good cause

I backed Santa Company, only for a dollar tho. Coming from a poor student, it’s excusable I hope. Well, at least I can say that I helped the anime production. Every bit counts when it comes to crowd funding. I sure wish the project goes well, considering that the staffs involve have some awesome resume/works done in the past. For example, seiyuu Rie is playing one of the characters of the anime. She voiced Alphonse Elric in Full Metal Alchemist. So that’s cool.

Perhaps you could take some amount out to make someone else’s day. Even if it’s not for a good cause, as long as it gives happiness, you should go for it. Buy someone a drink. Donate to a local charity. No difference if it’s Christmas or Labor Day, one may give whenever they can. See, if you do some good to someone, then that someone passes it on to another person, etc etc. You’d be surprised if it comes back round to you. What a way to wrap things up in a bow-like fashion.

I am perhaps saying too much about being good. It’s not about preaching and I am not siding any religion for sure, but regardless of the benefits come what may, save the world. Yes, I should say that instead. Save the world. Make a difference. J

Tell tell,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #14: Keeping up with promises

But they are meant to be broken. Who the hell said that? He who did (because I am a sexist) is surely an irresponsible bloke who seeks convenience and has that forgiveness card to his disposal. I have broken little; though a great deal has got to be promises I made with my parents. You know, how on earth am I ever gonna fulfil “I promise I will get all A’s for SPM” now that I am already in grad school. Never gonna happen. Time cannot rewind, but your clock can.

Since timers can restart, the new year will lead to a new you. In fact, it can start tomorrow. How about in an hour’s time? Look, my point is that I want to be a keeper of my own words. Unless I say ‘just kidding’ or LOLed hard at the end of a sentence, you best take it that I mean what I say. Of course you can always count on the fact to double check with me. No pressure; life is too short to be keeping you on your toes anyway.

We dine,
Vonnie S.

Holiday post #13: What did mom and dad say?

Lose weight if possible.
Study hard.
Earn USD before coming home to Malaysia.
Don’t worry about not getting a job in the US, Daddy’s here for you.
(Forget that sentence #4 contradicts sentence #3.)
Be kind to your roommate.
Buy more pretty clothes for yourself.
Enjoy life.
We love you.

Hati hati hati ho,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #12: Advent Calendar, the online way

Neopets are at it again now that December is here. I have been rather religious at visiting the site of late. Now that I think about it, I have once again forgotten to visit PL’s account. The lack of internet in the apartment has made things rather inconvenient. I may however proceed to work on it tomorrow given that I’ll be going to the bookstore for its wifi. As the world faces some tough economic times, I believe the cyber world is experiencing similar effects; at least that’s how I feel with Neopia. There should be a petpet or paintbrush by today, but those are still out of sight. Wearables are low this year too. What is this? I don’t want to be settled for cookies or toys. Those are for kids. The irony of that sentence.

Perhaps the only thing not depleting is the appetite. I really mean it because my roommate is making carrot curry. Whatever that is, it sounds “yum!”

Upside down,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #11: Broken things need repair

After a year and a half living at this apartment, things are showing signs of wear and tear. For instance, two light bulbs decided they had enough of work and called quits on the same day. She was left dumbfounded, but not at all a total lost. Your friend is well prepared for situations such as these, given the fresh box of light bulbs hidden inside the closet. They were inexpensive and ready to use. However, something else was bothering your friend. The height of it all. That ceiling was beyond reach. No matter how much she scratched her head, it won’t get any closer. But hey, she then remembered that a roommate happened to be lying around, serenading to some Indian tune.

Glad those got taken care of. An hour later, the roommate came running. She said, “Aiee, the bathtub is clogged with water.” Where’s McGyver when I need him?

Oil and water,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #10: Christmas trees everywhere~

All in Baltimore,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #9: A Christmas Song for You

Holiday Post #8: Winter Solstice Day!

This weekend saw temperatures rose to akin Cameron Highlands. The jackets covered the chair heads and stayed where they were as we left the apartment for some outdoor strolling by the harbor. First stop, the Gallery. Roommate had agreed to partake in gift exchanging with me, so she needed to find a place that sells such items. I had long prepared hers (a 3D star puzzle and an awesome Xmas card), to be accurate, I bought those last week. If you remembered the previous post, that was exactly what she got me from Claire’s.

Due to the lovely weather, I decided to take her to Camden Yards to see the Orioles baseball stadium. The place was quiet with the exceptional one family who are perhaps doing some team gear shopping at a store nearby. I dragged S over the fence to a cool spot that overlooks the field. The length I go to to impress others! Usually, this spot is near impossible to take photos in isolation of the subject for little kids and adults alike will do the same. Unlike then, today we took our time with the statue posing and court viewing. Not a game day and no security guards in sight; twas just the two of us under the sun at an empty stadium.

Don’t worry, this post ain’t set up to be some kinda horror movie. We got on the Orange bus to Little Italy. There, lunch was at Whole Foods Market. Half a rotisserie chicken and coconut drink after, S was beginning to experience migraine pangs.

Homebound,
Vonnie S.  

Holiday Post #7: A girly gift

So, my roommate and I exchanged Xmas present today. We couldn’t stand the anticipation. Heck, we both don’t celebrate Christmas to begin with. Hence, I would call it simply a barter trade. This primitive gesture of material swaps has always been something I practice any time of the year. But as time drags on, I had done less of it due to its lack of practicality. You know what I am saying no? Ask yourself this, how many of the gifts you received this year go unused? First world problem.

Like this one right here… LOL just kidding. I might just give it a shot. We’ll see how long that last.

How to use this? Haha^^

Creeper plants,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #6: Anime anytime!

Got up in the morning feeling like a hikikomori,
Check my phone for no emails but some fun game messages,
Put my change on the floor cos I ain’t doing laundry (for sure),
Doing the whole breakfast in bed, that’s no fantasy.

Hold up and listen, I’ll make you jealous.
People’s gotta work and run run hustle,
I stayed at home avoiding the snow,
And torrent them down to the VLC yo.

Outbreak Company’s an escape from reality;
Golden Time’s a sad case of split soul-body;
Kyoukai no Kanata’s a lost story;
And Freezing’s back kicking baddies.

HXH stayed strong to the plot;
White Album’s nuts with confession faults;
Kuroko has even more baskets to shoot;
And Magi’s back for godsend Round 2!

Things get hopeful in Valrave;
Teekyu is random but quick for taste;
Co-existing Yozora Q has lives to save;
This list concludes my leisure state.

Barb wired,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #5: Saying Goodbye

I brought up Sora at the last post and she’ll play central here too. I just attended her convocation and department reception yesterday. Good thing the whole procession didn’t take long; in fact, I accompanied her mom and AmandaL around the campus, acting like a photographer. More like a paparazzi? Gave her a Brave black bear cub plush toy and card bearing everyone’s signature in it. In exchange, she gave me a little cell phone accessory of this Korean pouch. At least we parted in cheery mood; a reminder that goodbyes don’t have to always be of tears.

The night before however was a little different. I slept over at HJ’s place. Had kimchi and pork belly for dinner. The highlight has got to be when her roommate and oppa returned home carrying a little field mice. What happened to the little thing you ask? Death by water.

Chewed out,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #4: Bite that Apple!

Perhaps the one great thing that has happened during Thanksgiving this year was a stress-free New York trip. Together with Sora, us two watched the Macy’s Parade, dined on lobsters for lunch, watched the Big Fish musical, and walked a great deal in search of the Hello Kitty store. Sharing new experiences with a good friend can really contribute to some of the best memories. We talked and laughed a lot, not to mention, got into a slight diarrhea trouble (not me though). I’d say the hostel served us well too, though we were shivering out butts off due to the heater failure. No biggie, neither of us threw a fuss.

Our trip had to end on an awkward fashion though. Stupid Greyhound bus broke down and it took us an extra three hours to get home. I tried contacting customer service, and the lady in charge was rude as hell. Pulease, if you cannot do your customers some service, don’t bother hiring people to do it okay? You’re losing yourself some valuable patrons to Megabus and Boltbus. I’d rather pay more for Amtrak, than to deal with people like you.

That’s all fine still. I’m alive, well and ready to hit the sack by nightfall. Anything to get away from the freezing cold.

Mic off,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #3: Shopping In

With the birth of online stores, my opinion of actual store visits has lost its vitals. Perhaps not with the Malaysian audiences though, then again slowly but surely assimilation will happen in the near future. I digress. I need a new winter jacket. Been wearing the same thing since 11’ winter, but the thing is still handy. People, if it ain’t broken why throw it? Hah, that line didn’t sit well with my mother of course and she said, “it’s not nice wearing the same thing again and again!  Did you see your winter holiday photos?”

She’s right. Files after files of the same attire; though inside they differ, there is no way to tell. Does it matter tho? I gave up. If it’s time for shopping, I’ll graciously do it. So here, I got myself these things online:

~ Room divider: to split the space in half;
~ Greeting cards: to return the favor;
~ Printer ink: for the Canon;
~ Fuzzy socks: to keep warm;
~ Frying pan: for the roomie’s dishes;
~ Foam bath soap: for the sleepy mood.

Everything but the damn jacket. LOL.

Lots of love,
Vonnie S.

Holiday Post #2: Stomach Stuffers

In celebration of final’s end, Vickson, S and I got together for a trip to Bonchon. It is this quaint little restaurant situated at the county region. Pretty much inaccessible if you lack self-transportation; the journey alone narrowly clocks in five minutes more of an anime episode. And yet for food, we’ll travel far. Well, Vickson has been talking about this one place that serves awesome fried chicken every time we meet. And for some random urge to have Asian food, I rang up the man and laid out an itinerary that befits a good day out.

To start, I offered to pay for dinner. The driver is more inclined to show up for free food. Asians; we sure know how to mess with each other. I played the good fool to throw a celebration party for finals’ end and for taking in a new roommate. Then again, if that’s the one way to get him to come round, I’d do it all over again. My roommate had a blast for sure, she did a great deal of shopping of Indian spices. Of course, I splurged a lot myself too. Snacks that reminded me of home and convenient food are must grabs at H Mart. I sure as hell did my bank account some damage, but hey, at least everyone went home happy.

And crabs for Monday dinner? Hooo yeah!

Peppermint suckers,
Vonnie S. 

Holiday Post #1: Not Alone

Tis the season to lay off the study cap and sleep. Finals turned tails and left after some brutal showdown. I am physically exhausted, the narcoleptic symptoms kicked in particularly strong during car rides. I am mentally tired yet not completely done with the challenge of grad school. I am hungrier than ever because of the cold temperatures outside. I am also happier than before because so much has happened this month! Now I can talk about it post per post. Bear with me okay?

#1 New Roommate

She’s no pet I adopted from the streets. Perhaps it kinda ended up that way. I was notified two weeks prior to her arrival that she needed a roommate, but I wasn’t prepared for her presence at my lobby. A phone call the night before to say that she was flying into Bmore, and the next day saw her moved in (while being accompanied by ChaiS and friends).

I gave her the ‘talk’; a short version of an interview. I rather lay everything down clearly, for several reasons. I told her so in a subtle way, “break these rules and I’m sorry, but you have to leave.” Since she moved in during my finals week, I was left huffing and puffing my way through things. Gotta rush that project, havta write that paper, stay up! Roommate, S passed the initiation test with flying colors. S slept like a log while I jacked the electricity bill with lights on for hours on end.

She’s a year older. And already at the ripe age for marriage, according to Indian culture. I believe that her future husband would be glad to know he’ll be taking more than just a pretty girl home. S is great at cooking, and now primarily handles my dinner. I have to add that she willingly do so, for her current love is to no boyfriend but to cook good food. There, I rest my case.

Perhaps the best thing about having this roommate is filling that loneliness void. I lacked human companions in general since my move into Bmore. Although, her stay is going to be temporary (four months top), I am sure that agreeing to taking her in as a roommate is probably one of the best decision I’ve made for my sanity.

Holiday stress,
Vonnie S.