(Forgive me, but I'm just gonna do the typical what-happened-today thing.)
Today was, whoa.
First things first! Today we played in the Zonals semifinals. The C Div went with us because they had a match at the same time, too. Both coaches were there--the first time they've come together to coach us this year. It gave us a sense of security, I suppose, to know that we could fall back on them and rely on them if the matches got really pressurizing. The C Div had an easy game (YAY C DIV!) but we had a slightly tougher time. Althea, being the STTA player she is, breezed through her match, so that was a good start. Si Min and I went up next and at first it seemed like a pretty easy match. We won 11-2, 11-3 for the first two games. The third game was different. I think it was the 怪胶 the other team used--we're not too used to playing that, and they're meant to be confusing, anyway. We lost 12-10. Chen gave us some pretty good points and somehow I wasn't entirely daunted. I just knew we could do it. It was just that we'd lost our grip on a few strokes. We breezed through the last game and won 3-1. While it could have been better (everything goes that way!), I think we did good today. At least my whacking accuracy went up significantly (: In fact, I don't think I whacked anything out (I mean I lost points, but not through lousy attacks). Still, we have to work on playing the 怪胶, and focus more on stability and steadiness. Si Min, we can do it!
The second singles was the real heart-stopper. At first Chen Qiong made it look easy, even though we immediately understood that the opponent was a pretty good player herself (super-fast reflex!). We thought it was a definite win. And then we lost the third game and everyone was a little surprised--but never mind, these things happen all the time. And then she lost the fourth game too. Now that was worrying.
But the prominent thing in my mind about today is the fact that the whole C Div, who had more or less already trashed their opponents, came over to support Chen Qiong in her final game (whoa, that's dramatic--THE FINAL GAME). They came over voluntarily to cheer for their seniors, even though it wasn't their fight. I was so proud of them and so happy. I think Chen Qiong felt good that the whole of NYTT was behind her, too. At first, she fell behind in the final game, but caught up quickly and won the whole thing 14-12. I could have sworn my heart nearly stopped every time we won or lost. It was a real relief when she won. Chen Qiong, you're the best--all the way for the finals! (:
Ever since becoming Captain, I've been brimming with ideas to keep NYTT bonded and increase the sense of unity and belonging between the members. But that enthusiasm lasts only as long as it takes me to remember that I don't really need to do that much on my part. NYTT already has spirit and unity; it's just that, sometimes, they have an odd way of showing it. We don't seem as bonded as other CCAs, who have frequent team lunches; but I know for a fact that the spirit is there. We care for our CCA and we want the best for our team. Some people asked for a team dinner on Friday, regardless of whether we win or lose. That really made me happy (and that is a BRILLIANT idea--I think the C Div really know how to enjoy themselves!). Seeing and hearing all of us cheering together, and then cheering for our opponents at the end of the game, makes me feel as though we have finally gotten somewhere as a team. I can't even remember team spirit a couple of years ago. Now, though, I think we have it. NYTT, all the way!
After the match, my mother and I went to McDonalds' for some tea because we were both hungry. We sat there sharing fries and laughing--we laugh a lot when we chat. (: Then, seeing as we had time (previous appointment cancelled), we went to Thomson Plaza to check out a dress shop. My mum had spotted this amazing red dress in the morning. Alright--it's not AMAZING. It's a little red dress. But it looks good on me, and it's the type of dress I'd hoped for. I got what I wanted, so I'm really happy about it. (: I also got this tiny grey cardigan thing that would look great with my skirt and leggings. That was a bonus! And THEN we went to look for a shawl to go with the dress, but we ended up buying earrings instead, and a headband, which works wonders to keep my hair away from my face and from falling around my shoulders. I love it. Now I can let my hair down at home to ease that stupid balding spot (oops!) and at the same time NOT feel like I'm suffocating. I have really thick hair so when it covers my neck I swear I feel like I'm being smothered from behind.
This all seems very trivial: the typical teenager thing. But it was a good day today and a lot of things happened that made my life a lot more interesting. The things that worked my way remind me (but as if I need reminding right now) that I'm really, really lucky to live a life that makes me feel like it's worth living. They're small things and they can happen to anyone--I mean, they're earrings! It's a dress! Anyone can buy those off the shelf!--but they make me happy and I'll remember these good times. Just on the other side of the world, buying a pretty dress like the one I got ever so easily today is a luxury people hardly even dare to dream of. I have a typical teenager life and there's nothing particularly outstanding about it, but it's my life and I enjoy it and I'm grateful and happy for the things that happen (the good ones. When bad things happen I feel like putting a knife somewhere, but everyone is entitled to the right to feel that way sometimes. Just don't take it literally and get a knife).
Coincidentally, Si Min asked me today if I like my life the way it is now.
Need I answer?
WELCOME
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PROFILE
this is where i let rip, so be warned that you might not like everything that pops up here. but i do, so deal with it. (: .
loves
this is so subject to change that i'm not even gonna bother listing them down.
hates
too many, and the list would be extremely volatile, anyway.
wants
a place in Oxford University (good luck, jennifer.)
for someone to know that he has a special place in her heart!
to survive in HCJC next year
not to have so many wants (but who's counting?)