Q: Why is there no white colored pencils in[side the] box?

Should I just order take out instead? Tempting sial...

Only in America. It’s the eve of Chinese New Year today, and I broke a big rule, except I ain’t gambling this year. I made the exception to study over the weekend (you can blame my workload for that), encompassing two chapter readings and seven articles. Meh, I no eye see. It is supposed to be a day of new beginnings, but here I am, working off last week’s assignments. Tonight’s dinner is hardly Chinese; baked potato with rosemary herb and ginger sauce beef with rice. And instead of a reunion dinner, I’d be alone for the first time. You will feel sorry for me; I know you will be because you’re a good friend. I felt sorry for myself too.

But since this is my year (of the Snake), I suppose even the God of Prosperity should help me out here. My ancestors should forgive me for abandoning spring cleaning, touching books, and not relaxing in the company of people. This will hopefully be the worst Chinese New Year for me, and I’d be completely content with this week. For now, I’ll just do what I normally do, who knows, I’ll have a lil ice cream & movie tonight.

Smell red,
Vonnie S.

Q: UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ UNTZ...

Dang, I shed like two minutes of tears watching this video. I'm missing home so much already. Need to call my parents tonight to schedule a group Skype session with my relatives too. They'd be bloody excited to see my bloated face. Haha^^ Hey! I am not implying that I've put on weight. Now, time to dig into the book!

Not too sure what was that all about. I went to Cold Stone with a coupon for a buy one free one ice cream. Instead, I was told to pay 50% off the price of one cup. So I actually paid $1.70 for two cups of ice cream. I did not argue because (1) the cashier was fumbling over his own words and I couldn't make out what he said, (2) it was a very good deal and (3) I was in a hurry to meet the others. Oh well~

Deal with it,
Vonnie S.

Q: Hmmm will there be more Disney songs in it.

I was clawed on the face today. Budak aku nih macam anak kucing; kukunya bukan main tajam. But learning to deal with these aggressive behaviors is giving me the practical skills I need to succeed in this field. At least, I’ve gotten a glimpse into the severest cases of the autism spectrum. And as I walked out of the apartment today, I had an epiphany—a desire to source out other centers around Baltimore (preferably accessible via the free shuttle), and try applying for a job there. Chances would be ice layer thin, but to hell with fragility. The whole point is to gain as much experience (while earning some pocket money), and to ultimately, go back to Asia. I’ve realized that my longing for home is solid strong, and the desire to take care of my parents outweighs the idea of getting a Green Card. People can talk all they want; after all I do not put leashes around their mouths. It’s my damn life and I’ll live it however way I work it to be. In fact, there is no right or wrong way when it comes to living for I always believe in personal preference. So ask yourself, is it more important to live life to the fullest or to live one that fulfill other’s wishes instead? It will be your call until the very day you reconvene with Mother Nature and restore the balance to the circle of life.

New reading,
Vonnie S. 

Q: There's something I want you to see.

Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) has got to be one of the darker anime I’ve watched. At episode ten, I am watching a story that is relatively depressing, yet carries genius storytelling that draws one into it. You’ve got an oddball outcast male protagonist and a psychopath female stalker as main characters. Sounds twisted? Wait, it gets trickier. Packed with gore (blood spills and beheaded) and lies (don’t get me started on how many characters committed this sin), this anime is not for the faint hearted, I can assure you that. However, this anime/manga (whichever) was the talk of the otaku town for a reason, and that is a big deal in itself. If you’re prepared for some visual nightmares (some thrill-like experience you get from watching horror movies), then do give this a shot. Just be very careful to take each episode with a pinch of salt and move on; being bothered by it won’t do you any good per se. Do understand that with good storytelling comes with testing unsafe waters, but one should not indulge unnecessarily. Why am I ridiculously raising the red flag here?  Haha, I care too much for your well-being. Nuf said. I have to sleep now. Nighty night.

Missed call,
Vonnie S.

Q: Congratulations! You just won a trip for two to the Bahamas.

How I stay Malaysian in the United States:

         1)  What wakes me up is Milo, not coffee.

         2)  I use Tiger Balm when it itches.

         3) Panadol is the ultimate solution for any internal body pains.

         4) Keep a tab on the price differences, as every cent counts when    
         shopping.

         5)  Leaves home on the dot, hardly early time wise.

         6) I boil my drinking water, despite having them previously filtered.

         7)  Still prefers the fork and spoon combination when it comes to
         silverware.

         8) Dropping the “lah” bomb in English sentences during conversations            with (non-American) Asians.

         9)  Downloading or piracy trumps buying the original.
   10) Constantly comparing both countries; despite its flaws, you know
        Malaysian food beats Western cuisine any given day.

    Update: The Ravens leading the 49ers! XD Superbowl just got wild!

Alamak,
Vonnie S.

Q: I avoid wearing branded polo tees, don't want people to think my name is Calvin Klein.

A rather unproductive day it was for my internet connection denied me access to necessary materials posted on Blackboard. It chose to be a brat, disconnecting as it pleased, and hardly commend my effort after all that diagnosing and troubleshooting. Yes, I nearly second guessed my laptop’s ability in keeping a connection. Well, this sleek machine may very well have been a flirt, a deduction byproduct of an annoyed owner. Anyway, I still managed to marinate the chicken (for curry) and the beef (for stir-fry), both of them neatly packed in Tupperwares for tomorrow. They would be my week-long meal, saving money and time. Then again, I might be going for that pizza party. Baltimore Ravens will be battling on the fields against San Francisco’s 49ers. You are clear at my disinterest in American football, but everyone seems to be at someone’s party tomorrow night. I suppose, I should just embrace the excitement. Who knows, Baltimore might be painted purple on Monday, and I may be a good $10 richer.

Puhlease,
Vonnie S. 

Q: Life is a field trip and there's no permission slip required.

Omg Baltimore…why are you doing this fire drilling today when it’s the only day of the week that I’m off? The loud bell reverberated throughout the floors of my apartment complex. Even as I went downstairs to drop off a postcard (heading towards Germany), I was helpless against the cacophony. Bolting into the elevator, I heard muffled ringing on the other floors as well, and on the third floor, a neighbor walked into the elevator space. She made a look that could only mean “I’m bloody annoyed.” After attending the journal club in the morning, I came home to this nuisance. But this should not ruin the day entirely; I made enough curry to last me till tomorrow night. So I have a present for you--this simple blog post today.

It's confirmed, my second class of this semester will be the cause of heighten blood pressure and stress level.

Touching dreams,
Vonnie S.