E: Happy 55th Merdeka, Malaysia!

The young calf was lying close to his mother under the shade of a large tree. He was still quite young, but he grew bigger every day. He looked around curiously; for he was still trying to learn as much as he could about the world he lived in with his mother and the rest of the herd.

"Mother, what do you call that?" He asked, looking towards an odd silver line, with various branches stuck up here and there.

"That's the fence. We don't cross the fence. It keeps us safe." His mother answered, rolling onto her side. The calf watched the fence, expecting it to move, but it never did.

"What's that black thing?" He asked, seeing something just beyond the strange fence.

"That's the road. The fence keeps us safe from the road. The things on the road never come past the fence." His mother replied, sighing just a bit. But he didn't seem to notice.

"What's beyond the...road?" He asked, the word forming slowly on his tongue.

"Another pasture, with another herd. They have their own fence to keep them safe from the road." His mother patiently said.

"Are there other calves with the other herd?" He asked, scrambling to his feet. His mother got up after him, standing in front of him, gazing off into the distance. Did she look sad?

"Yes, there are other calves, and other cows and steers." His mother said quietly. The calf poked his head out from around his mother, looking towards the other pasture.

"I wonder..."

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A little dedication to the motherland I hail from.

Tanggal 31, bulan lapan 57,
Vonnie S.

Q: Me wanted to talk to u koz u seemed stressed out.

I must be having too much fun riding the MTAs lately. Overslept on one of them and it headed straight to White Marsh, some 30 minutes away from my actual destination. It matter naught as it seemed almost coincidental this little kid was crying his eyes out as I rode the same bus heading back to Inner Harbor. His mother was troubled and she kept pacifying him with words. But I had nothing to offer except a red balloon fresh from the scavenger hunt I played during orientation. RyanS had to toss in like five of them into my bag... The sad song ended and it was a pleasant ride home.
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The bus bumped along the road. The morning brimmed with lethargic silence. Each seat was available for two, but she always sat by herself--her backpack on the seat beside her like an old, familiar friend.

She wouldn't take her eyes away from the sights that passed behind her window. Trees would wave to her in the breezy wind, but she never waved back. Instead, she watched the whole world pass her by in dimmed stillness.

Sometimes, she wished it would never end. This was a time of freedom, during which no expectations became weights upon her shoulders. No one cared who she was or, in the least, ever paid any attention. She didn't have to live up to what others wanted her to be. But most of all, during this short ride, no one expected her to grin and bear it.

Bump. Bump.

Little by little, the passengers stepped down the small, black steps of the bus. A hushed murmur began to trickle into the atmosphere--the day rolling in. As she placed her feet upon the pavement, the corners of her mouth curved upwards ever so naturally.

She knew it was too good to last.

Baltimore Grand Prix!
Vonnie S.

Q: I will surely go to your grave every year.

I see you caught sight of our elusive mascot. Ain't he cute? Kei's busy accompanying me while I write this essay due in two week's time. Writer's block kicking in again I see. I wonder who's fault is it? Certainly my lack of sleep is to blame. And that brown grocery bag you see right there? Inside it is a magical portal to India. I've been there for at least three nights now, floating along on the Ganges River and listening to sitar players. All from just plates of lamb briyani rice and chicken tikka masala.

Bedtime stories,
Vonnie S.

Q: Y must u down at this time? Does it indicate that i should continue to sleep?

Decorated part of my wall with photos to this song. I actually hesitated to do so, considering the entire process demands time, effort and chaching to print those photos. But I gave it a go, to plaster my memories as a reminder of better days. Considering that these pictures were taken within a three year time frame, they were certainly nothing short of fantastic. Minor hiccups are unavoidable, but it is important to know what sticks in the end. Good times indeed. Haha^^ Gwangsoo! Awesome dancing as usual.

And Haha is getting married? There goes another eligible Running Man bachelor.

Essay mode ON,
Vonnie S.

Q: Timeline is like so irritating...

Had a four hour Skype session with Lihee and Lance. I believe when it comes down to friendship, we do have some opinions in common. Honestly, I do try to be the best a friend can be, but even the most durable plastic decomposes. Shit happens, I know; but I don’t think I have time for troublemakers anymore. So yea, come running to me when you have problems, find me only when others have no time for you, and continue taking people like me for granted. For I won’t ever sound you for it, in fact I will help you with all due respect (and should it be of convenience) because that is how I want to live life.

kt mentioned I pamper my friends. It’s true. I’d do a whole lot for them and rarely complain about it. When I actually do, kindly be noted that I’ve flipped the table on you. As a dear friend once characterized me like so; a jelly, you may choose to poke it with a fork however you like and it would still retain its shape. But cut it through with a knife and prepare to suffer the consequences. And I’d say, things are better off left unmended.  

I realized that I may come off short (such is my height), trust me on this when I say it is directed at a group of individuals. Some friends you peeps are. Poor Clarisse, kena ffk like that. Peace.

Busan Vacance,
Vonnie S.

Q: Are u on trip to somewhere, maybe Hawaii?

I’m tired of chasing and running. I’m both physically and mentally drained from the mere thought of doing so. I do apologize for my lack of stamina and will to pursue this relationship. If you ever decide to leave this space, I’ll hold the door open for you. And I will bear no ill feelings. This I can promise you. Be rest assured that I'll continue living well and I hope you'll do the same for yourself. And just so you know, I am not signing up for a marathon ever again.

Open door policy,
Vonnie S.
Credits to dannix14 (c) Open the Door...

   

Q: Which is why the Ravens will win this year!

A bus ride in itself is a testament of patience and endurance, often than not a surprise; for you’ll never know who you’ll encounter and also what time it chooses to arrive (applicable to MTAs at the moment). The MTA might as well stand for Might Take Awhile after our disastrous one hour wait for bus number 35. People were swearing away at the three 35 buses that drove past without taking a single passenger.  Anyway, I was on the phone with HJ this whole entire time, and that took a bulk of the stress away. Still I do know things happen to make way for other things. Right so the bus eventually made it. I was late and completely worn out as I stepped out on Pratt Street. When I got to Charles, I went up to the bus schedule to check on the next bus. Nice, I’ll have another three minutes wait.

“It won’t get here till 10 minutes.” This girl in her cowboy gear said. She gave me a handshake and went, “Ashley. That’s my name btw. What’s yours?”

The next 15 minutes was interesting. Ashley told me that she once studied at Towson U, then lost interest in the concrete, scientific nature of Psychology and decided to pursue Shamanism. “You’ve got a lot of Fire in ya. You always try to do the best for others and you want to make a change in the world. We need more people like you today. I’m guessing your color is Yellow. If it’s not, do focus on that. It’s the center of everything we hold to be true.”

Just another random day,
Vonnie S.