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.

Q: I poop all the time.

You’re the type that is true to the Chinese proverb that goes ‘new brooms sweep clean’. So things that stick on you all these years must really mean a lot to you, and it really does show somehow through your actions and thoughts. I mean, your attention span is almost preposterously materialistic at times, like a child going after a new toy. It is what my mother calls rambang mata. And you’re not sorry for losing interest in the many people, places, and things I remember you talking about in the past. So when you declared your intention on going to a new place, I wasn't at all surprised. In fact, I was expecting it, almost, for this news is somewhat naturally and rightfully you. If it means giving you ‘all the best’, I would and should hope for you as your best friend. But don’t forget to remember me.

And if I knock on your door, do answer!

Thank you, love. 7452

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I longed for the pine trees,

Vonnie S. 

Q: Stfu and keep ur $$!

Thank you Datuk for playing one of the most intense badminton match against Lin Dan ever! I am probably going to be a baby back rib poorer, but his silver-medal feat gives us, Malaysians something to smile about tonight. Had dinner at Auntie Mei Yen's place with her loud brood of six and Auntie Mei Chien was there as well with her big five. Another family of five plus five other teenagers (supposedly friends of Kenneth) joined in for the match as well. A total of, well I need to borrow someone's hands to count them with, 24 people in a living room with eyes glued to the tv. It was an interesting mix of cheers and jeers, bordering on wishes for free Baskin Robbins ice cream and public holidays. But we all wanted LCW to win. Well, at least he already did to me, regardless of the outcome.

D-aww moment: During the match, this little boy wanted to know what's my favorite ice cream flavor. When I asked him why, he coyly replied, "I will give you my ice cream. Daddy say girls like ice cream." Poor kid kena massive teasing from his fellow cousins after that.

Don't Let China Win!
Vonnie S.

Q: He pretends to be so smart.

As we sat down for suet kap (snow jelly), mom walked in flustered from her line dance routine. The red was more prevalent on her right cheek; it must have been a good workout. I went for seconds, pacifying the rumblings of a stomach half empty previously occupied by a bowl of garden salad. Then, I realized my mom has her own way of keeping me collar strict on my diet.

“Promise me you will never be a guarantor for anybody. No matter how good a friend they are. Understand?”

I choked on my dessert at that. Without uttering a word, I saw a tired me among the floating fatty tissues of once living Grass Frogs. All gleefully croaking symphonies in China like the few noisy ones here at my koi pond. I wonder if everyone stares at the same sky now and then with sweet memories of the distant past.

All about potatoes,
Vonnie S.

Q: Yay...Im the real 1800 ^.^

truestory.PJ + Gavin combi trolling style

Private and Confidential,

Vonnie S.

Q: Like that also can!

I apologize for the lack of determination when it comes to my daily posts, July and August will experience very low amount of writings. Busy with this one event and busy with a whole new chapter in my life. Wish me luck!

Congrats to PJ for winning the first giveaway! Tho I must admit, we camped together to make it possible. I laughed so hard because we didn't expect to win. Don't think any of my members knew about it pun. That's okay, let it lie low for now.

And the phone kept ringing...

Fulamak,
Vonnie S.

Q: Number onli old but still act like small kiddos.

I really wanna throw this out here.
There's an old friend.
We met once again because of a certain project.
We meet every three days or so, but surely every week.
We talked even more frequently because of Facebook and Skype.
Come skype and chat he says often.
He's been awfully nice to me.
We've talked a lot about our past.
Surely more was dug up after another friend's presence.
It got clearer through a confession.
But in the end, I want to tell him.
Sorry, I will let us slip down my list of priorities.

Gonna slow down on posts as we move past the second half of the year. *sigh*

Kuat sa,
Vonnie S.