Q: Put me on speed dial in case anything happens!

If love transcends all matter, space and time, my physical being could really use some right now. Today’s officially my second week in Baltimore, while most decision making was a product of my own thoughtful judgment, I fail to acknowledge the side of me who was constantly surrounded with friends. It is not to say I can’t stand being alone. I personally know I can be at some point in time, but strictly speaking, my colony of crowd happens to be JHU students. We have almost nothing in common; brain space, ambition, and the air of superiority that goes with it. But I am lucky to have CarmenS. That sealed the deal for me and I told myself, I can totally do this shit.

Some good friends have been keeping me company. My Skype is never idle, people just call whenever they please and right now, they wish to hear about my new place and would hang for a bit till an hour or two. Lihee took almost three hours of my time, but it was worth it. The healing experience for the both of us was commendable, I believe. She isn’t aware that I too was in peril, good timing I suppose on her part. HJ calls ever so frequently as well, checking on my wellbeing and being the big sister that she is, asks what I have for dinner and so forth. Of course, she adopts the lovely title of being my “lover” (being single has its privileges) when in fact, I think she is just an overly concerned senior.

I guess I am just trying to adjust to my new life here. Facts and reality need digestion. While my childish self has yet to warrant acceptance of the situation, it is only a matter of time this whole process is of the past and all I have to focus on is the future. 

Frozen pizza anyone?
Vonnie S.

Q: I was eyeing the chocolate something one.

Just bought the text book I’d need for one of the classes this fall. Since all renting book sites don’t have it available for rent, I was left with the option of purchasing the book. Didn’t matter anyway, it’d come in handy for sure. Shortly after, I had lamb biryani for dinner. It was simply delicious and did I mention that the portion is enough for three meals! I’d definitely order from Kabob Stop again. At least, HJ instructed me to the next time I see her. Poor girl, there’s absolutely no Asian restaurant at UMBC, but they’ve got an H Mart and that’s great in itself.

Within the vicinity of John Hopkins, I’ve got the generous choice of Subway (not again, even after Bernhard, you appear!), Oriental Express, Ledo’s Pizza, Chipotle and etc. Will do hop skip jump and I’m sure I’d clear their menu in no time. Don’t know if I’d even ever have the time to cook. @.@ I’m done with the Tutorial as well. Glad that’s over and taken care of. Running Man, here I come!

See how la,
Vonnie S.

Q: Shed some light!

I had a long conversation with a senior from high school. Talk about being caught off guard via Skype when she added me. I must admit this; I had not been engaged in a talk with her for a good six years I believe. Her display picture happened to be feline as well, just that there was like a clowder of them. So as random as it gets, I figured to be a good sport and entertained her video call. The first ten minutes had to be an exchange of “hello” and “can you hear/see me”, which is typically what happens when you’re crossing US and Msian internet lines together.  I digress.

ElaineL felt the need to advice about grad school, time management and life in between all that good stuff. “Be a person of decision than of velleity. Stick to your guns. When people seek for you, give them some of your time. Don’t wait till the well runs dry on your village to be freaking about what went wrong. It’ll be too late. There’s more to life than academics alone.” I’ve probably heard these things once too many in my entire living years but to hear it from Elaine made quite an impact on my overall experience of understanding these wise words.  

Here’s a post to thank you, Elaine for your time and advices.
How pleasant, a letter from Liripoop! The day just keeps getting better!

Shark Week ends :(
Vonnie S.

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.