Goodbye and Farewell

Today was the last day of the 19 day course of Lifeguard Training, also the testing day. Two days before, my instructor had given us a written test, in Chinese of course. It showed how everyone did not care to read nor study the textbook, for the 30 minutes spent writing the test was "group discussion". Soon we realized that the test was easy and there was nothing to worry about. With the written part of the test done, we were confident with the water part. However, we predicted incorrectly. The weather had gone from sunny playful skies to dark cold gloomy clouds in the time period of one day. Like I said, we were confident, but in times like these, confidence tends to wear off.

The morning was tiring; getting up seemed to shed energy, even the thought of waking up was a nuisance. Honestly, I'd much prefer school, at the time being, but then again, I'd rather swim than sit in an empty classroom hearing one person's voice for 90 minutes straight. I began thinking to myself, about the swim, about what happens after, and about failure. Worrying didn't help cope with the tiredness, but the Maple sugar sure did the trick. I realized that worrying was one of the worst things you could do just before the test, so I decided to think happy thoughts. I recalled the Happy Working Song in the movie, Enchanted and began humming it along the way to the swimming pool. I noticed that like Pi, the simplest of things in life became the most treasured items you could afford. For me, a catchy tune, and a maple sugar french toast.

My class number

We arrived at the pool and began our warm-up. Our instructors had always talked about the lining position, the greetings to the teacher, and the importance of time management to us before this day, so we were pretty militarily prepared for the test. However, still an urge of panic and enthusiasm rushed through my veins, into the lungs, which made me feel sulked. Nonetheless, with a bit of song and dance, the heavy feeling changed.
It was quiet throughout the entire course of the test, a bit eerie in fact. Uncle by this time of the day had probably made about more than 5 different inappropriate jokes for entertainment, but today was not the day. It's funny how a serious thing may seem all fun and games right before the start of the pain. Similar to pressure, all is relaxed, but when the bubble bursts, it's not fun for everyone.
Luckily, our behavior reflected upon our performance. Disciplined, and well trained, most of us pasted the test. One by one we were ordered into the pool to show what we have learning in the past three weeks. To my surprise, I was not at one bit tired treading water for a few minutes, and CPR progressed through like a feather in the wind, gone. Overall, the test went pretty well, (I think) and pretty much, we were fully prepared for it. I guess at first the worrying kicks in, and overconfidence adds onto the worrier, but in the end, I quote from a renowned actor, "All is well!"

Saying goodbye was the hardest part, we took several pictures, but none of that can cherish or digitize the very memories that were made in the past three weeks.

Never will I forget the blue, pool and sky,

Never will I forget ravishing smiles,

Never will I forget the anger out of love by Coach,

Never will this summer end without saying goodbye.

So, based on the "poem" I just wrote, we decided to rendezvous after all the tests are done, including the Association and ILS tests held the day after tomorrow. Luckily, Coach handed us a handbook that included all of our phone numbers, addresses, emails, social security numbers, etc. Truly a Stalker's Handbook.

"Stalker's Handbook"

This has been an extremely pleasant, exciting, and AWESOME experience for me. I hate to be locked away indoors, unable to break free from the claustrophobia. Which is why I am announcing that starting 7/22~7/26, I will be going to  a volunteering counseling job on the high mountains of Xindian. Also, I plan to join the instructing class next year for further experience in this field of life saving.

There are 9 song/movie/book references above. Can you find them all?