Pride is such a precious feeling, and I felt it today. I think nothing beats seeing results after a period of hard work at something you feel passionate about. This time it was my 3D modelling project for art. My heart just skipped hearing the praises of my classmates and teacher. It really makes me feel better about myself. But at the same time, I know that I should not be overly dependent on others' praises in order to feel confident about my own ability.

Isn't the doggy so cute in the camouflage print?

It's only been a week since school started and already it feels like it's been going on forever. I'm worried about whether I've bitten off more than I can chew but I'm confident that if I work hard I can manage well. When buying a pastry from BreadTalk, I was very pleased to hear the lady in front of me and a gentleman behind me both decline a plastic bag. Hopefully this means that eco-fever is catching on in Singapore.

I'm quite amazed that some people are unaware that NJ is an AEP school. Someone didn't even know that Art is an A-level subject! The most common reaction I get is "What do you do in Art, draw?" Ah well. I thought about how art seems absent in most people's lives. I realized that it might be due to the somewhat exclusive nature of the art world. Ordinary people can hardly afford to collect great art. However, I think we all should have a little art in our world, not just visual art but other art forms like dance, theatre and music as well.

Some photos of Waseda Senior High School in Japan which I visited:

School started today. It feels strange that I'm a JC2 student now, considered a senior. I still felt nervous being around people on the first day of school. Then it hit me that maybe it is because I'm not confident in myself. When teachers ask me questions in class (like today), I freak out and lose my head. I often wish I had the courage to speak up in class. I'm trying to now, bit by bit. Why do I lack self-confidence? It might be because, as the youngest child, I've always had others make decisions for me and I'm not used to speaking up for myself. That doesn't mean I don't have an opinion. I do. It's just that I find it hard to voice. So I really want to work on that. Well, new year's resolutions usually don't work out but I hope this one does. That plus the one where I said I'd exercise! I say that every year but never get round to actually doing it. Oh, and my other resolutions include cutting back on excessive spending, helping people in need (though I'm not sure how), eating healthily, curbing slacking, spending more time doing art and writing and getting down to serious studying. I'll be a saint if I can achieve all this.