My driving practical test is coming up next week. Surprisingly, I’m actually quite nonchalant over it. That is, until Andie came and stress me out yesterday. She was very worried that she will fail and that she has to spend the extra time and money to learn again. Who’s not afraid of failing? I am, but I just don’t want to think about it until the time comes. There is no point stressing myself up. I do know that my family’s financial condition now does not allow me to fail the test and retake again. However, I also know that my current driving standard now is still a far cry from the passing standard.

I will feel bad if I fail though, because there is this special friend who is supporting me all the way. I’m very glad that he is always ready and available to help me out. He was there to help me through my school work during the examination period, as well as my GE during the holidays. I really have to give him credit for helping me, if not; I wouldn’t have passed my Statistic module and GE. Now he is helping me with my practical test, telling me the things to look out for during the test and printing out the list of mistakes that the examiner will minus points off in the test.

He is also always there to listen to my problems and complains, giving me the encouragement I needed whenever I feel a lack of confidence. It is just so comfortable to talk to him. We can talk about any topic under the sun, even though we have only known each other for few months. I just want to thank God for blessing me with such a special friend. I hope this friendship lasts forever.

Today was subject registration day. Well, I didn’t manage to get my ideal timetable coz’ the computer that I was using was slow in confirming the subjects. So, I ended up with a weird timetable that is different from all my friends’. Also, this timetable does not allow me to take Spanish as my GE. I was so disappointed, because I really put in much time to plan my timetable.

I was complaining about this timetable when my friend called me and told me she got a 6 day week as her computer was down one minute before registration and she had to restart her comp. Furthermore, she didn’t manage to get a place in hall, so she has to travel to school everyday. She lives in Bishan. I suddenly felt that I was already quite lucky to end up with a 4 day week and that I shouldn’t have complained so much. I just hope and pray that Liyi will be able to end up with a better timetable on the first week of school after the add-drop period. However, the chances are really slim because nobody will want to come back to school on Saturdays for lessons.

I think the only thing I can help now is to help her get a place in hall. If she still doesn’t manage to get a place in hall after the second round allocation and appeal, I hope our hall will still have room vacancies so that she can come in without any recommendations.

For the past 3 days, I’ve been working as a sales promoter for Coca-cola at a food court. The product is called ‘Minute Maid’ which is this new Lemonade and Limeade drink. Heard that this drink is already selling very well in the US and Europe and they are planning to bring the brand into Singapore.

Well, I’ve realized that I’m not suitable for the sales line. I HATE BEING SO FAKE! My jaws were simply aching from smiling during the 3 days that I just want to sulk for the rest of the week. However, I really learn a lot during these 3 days. I realized that the crux to doing sales is to be sincere and enthusiastic. Most importantly, you must not be afraid of rejections, that is to say, you must be thick-skinned.

Steps to making successful sales

1) You are going to get A LOT curious stares. DO NOT STARE BACK AT THEM. Instead, smile and inclined your head politely.

2) Make eye contact. Approach only those who make eye contact with you, and not those who look away.

3) Anybody can buy your product. So, do not ‘choose’ your customers! Even if a little kid comes up to you to ask for a sample of the drink, give it to him. Kids can CREATE BUYING POWER. Parents are usually willing to splurge on their kids during the weekends.

4) Make a good introduction of the product. Nobody may have heard of ‘Minute Maid’ in Singapore, but everybody has heard of Coca-cola. Make good use of the ‘already so famous’ brand name! So, instead of telling your customers that it is a Lemonade or Limeade drink, tell them that it is a product of Coca-cola. They will be more interested, trust me!

5) Do not be too overly enthusiastic to push your sales. Just introduce the product to them. Differentiate the product for your customers. Let them have a sample of it. If they are interested, they will ask the price. If not, just let them try the product and let them off.

Today was my first time doing volunteer work at Ren Ci Hospital. I will never forget this short experience. To see the faces of the elderly light up with joy with our company is really memorable. I’m glad I could speak Hokkien fairly well. It really enabled me to communicate better with the elderly. I think I will take up Malay when I have the time, as quite a large population of the elderly there are Malays.

I’m really happy that I can bring joy and liven up the lives of the elderly there. A normal day at Ren Ci Hospital is so quiet. Only few people will pass by the area. Most of the elderly are left there by their family to live out their old age, and their children rarely visit them. There are often so lonely that if you just happened to walk along the street outside their wards, they will all look out at you to see if are going to pay them a visit.

I’ve helped out in a old folk’s home before. So, I think I handled this trip to Ren Ci relatively well. I think doing volunteer work really gives you a sense of fulfillment. You are able to help the people in need, not in the financial sense, but in the emotional sense, and I think this even more important than just giving them money. If there is a chance, I would like to help out in an orphanage. The children there need as much love and concern as the elderly.

Sometimes, there is only a thin line between helping people, and being made used of by them. I'm confused... and upset. If i say i weren't jealous, I would be lying. This world is such a realistic place. You get kicked aside once you have served your usefulness. What is this world coming to?

There can be conspiracy and treachery even among siblings, when you are well, everyone befriends you. When you are down, everyone turns away. I can't bring myself to believe that blood is thicker than water.

I have seen a lot of this 'new' world outside my comfort zone for the past few months. If only things were as simple as they seemed. When people show their care and concern, how much of it is sincere?

I know I have a heavy burden in the future. Some things need not be expressed, but felt. There is no need to feel embarrassed to bring this fact up to me, because we are family. I act nonchalent, not because I don't care, but because I don't want myself to be affected by comments put up by different people. Everybody is saying different things, who am I to believe?

I want to share your burden. I have grown up, and I know how to make my own decision and choices. Please do not try to appear strong, when you are actually on the verge of breaking down. No matter what happens in the future, there will always be a way, so do not despair. The most important thing is to treasure what we have now.

Name: yixin

I care about how I look, how I dress, and how others think about me. Most IMPORTANTLY, I care about my family and friends.

I'm obsessed with classical music! Current favourite: Smetana- The Moldau

All our lives we search for someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance the song of heartbreak and carry our hopes within us, wondering if somewhere,somehow there is someone searching for us.

Dance as though no one is watching you. Love as though you have never been hurt before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth.
~~~
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. ~~~

% JJ
% Pei Hiang
% Licheng
% Cindy Chan
% Xiuhui
% Liyi
% Ian
% Alvin
% Kang Li
% Soo Chin