I would like to thank....

OMG!! I couldn't believe it..I'm still shaking from it. OK, I just came back from the Victorian State Annual 39th Japanese Speech Contest. Yes, I'm a contestant. And, *drumroll* I WON 1ST PRIZE!!!! in open beginner division. MY GOSHHHH! I seriously didn't expect it at all!

So it goes like this, after a few excruciating minutes (less than 3 actually), I was done with my speech and went to sit down and just felt so relieved that it's over. Thought nothing further about it. Then wait a few more excruciating hours (they have other divisions as well) until about 4pm plus, when all contestants are done and the judges went to have a debate. At that point, I was still relaxed and chatting with other competitors, in english (haha). It's not until one offical start to give a short speech about how hard it is to choose,etc (There are really a lot of good ones, the judges even have to take a few extra minutes, more than scheduled, to decide), that my heart started to squeeze and beat really hard. (boy am i glad I didn't eat during the intermission). So My division goes first. They announced the commendation prize winner. Frankly, after I heard somebody else's name, I become pretty down, thinking "there goes my chance" coz I though that the most I could win is commendation. Then 3rd prize, still there's a little hope, but the announcer said " Mr something something". So another candle goes off. Then 2nd prize, still very little hope, but it goes to my friend and it's a 'Ms..' Well by then I have become relaxed and a bit disappointed knowing that I won't get 1st prize. I mean seriously! And for some reason when they said the 1st prize winner I though the'll say a "Mr something.." But well..

I was so surprised though that it took me sometime to register and go and get my prizes. I bet I looked taken aback in the photo. Anyway, they kept giving me prizes until my hands were full and gave me more. And I was speechless,I couldn't respond to the giver. But it was sooo great. Such a wonderful feeling! and I actually got to hold a big trophy! The 1st time in my life! Oh well, not including my pri school fake trophies..haha

But really I have to thank, of course my parents, who lemme study Japanese and paid for the exorbitant tuition fees. My Japanese teacher, Nakane Sensei, who helped me. And my Friends who helped me with the pronunciations: Jae, Yuhei, Kazusa. My brother, who, despite our tiffs and what-not, shows supports. And friends who came to watch, with special mention to Myles. Alice, Ika, Sugi (and Chan he for being a home audience) also, despite my having to persuade you very hard to come. Plus, those who couldn't come but send me their wishes.Anyone else who have helped me along the way too.

But most of all, God! My Jesus. HE has always, always guides me along and picking up pieces of me if I fall along the way, even though I'm not a fanatical or that devout a Christian. But I really do believe in HIM. It'd be hard not to after so many proofs--big, small, or literally lifechanging-- throughout the course of my life.Thank YOU GOD for everything. Amen!

Hontouni Arigatou Gozaimasu ne!!

So I'll be going to Sydney in October for the National Finals. Wish me luck =)

p.s: Eliz, I'll ans. ur email in due time. sorry been totally busy.


love,the colour purple