Presentation, Research paper and Sports Gear

We had to finalise the paper topic today and elect the mode of examination- either 65% paper, 15% presentation or 80% paper in lieu of presentation. I elected the format with the presentation partly because 35 pages for the latter is rather daunting, and also in large part because I thought a presentation would be a good way to hone my public speaking skills and train myself to manage stage fright. I hope it would turn out to be a good choice ;)

So having settled the topic for my paper and with a presentation on my schedule, I was motivated enough to spend 7 hours in the library doing my research! It was not very difficult to find all the relevant books, but sifting through them to find the relevant parts was very time-consuming. I had quite a few books on the table. I borrowed about 1/2 of the books I pulled out from the shelf and it a subtantial load in my bag! The kind and friendly librarian at the desk was so cheerful. As I was talking to her, at the back of my mind I was wondering: how does she manage to stay so cheerful while on duty at 8.3opm in a cold dreary night? This level of hospitality and cheerfulness at work I haven't encountered in Singapore. The librarians at the CJ Koh library, although not grumpy, do not exude this kind of cheery warmth. And this reminds of the service at the restaurants too. The service is really good and the waiters and waitresses are helpful, cheerful and very pro-active. I take my hat off in salutation to their professionalism- no matter which profession they are in. 真是行行出状元. I guess an excellent work attitude helps alot.

I passed by the new recreation and athletic centre on the way back and popped in to take a look. The inside of the building is cool, and the open concept gym on the second floor looks somewhat like a carve-out from a high-end country club. Stefy and Elian told me a few days ago that there is a whole array of free aerobics/yoga/pilates lesson to go to! And I think they have an indoor swimming pool! I'm going to try and buy a pair of sports shoes and other sports gear to take part in all these. Anyway I've paid for the school fees so should make good use of the facilities and classes (Singaporean mentality)! I hope I can find reasonably priced ones in masonville this weekend.