Today I went to a Lunar New Year's Party here in Lund with some of my friends. It was hosted by the Chinese Society of Lund or something, and it was a pretty big turn out. We were among the only 5 or 6 non-Chinese there which was OK but since everything was in Chinese it got a little boring. But, alcohol and food were included in the price so after loading up on shrimp and beer and I was happy.

Just as we were all bored out of our minds from watching the tradtional New Year's television programs (much like they have in Japan) they began the raffle with the numbers on the entry tickets. We were all excited (although none of us could understand what the prizes were and our two Chinese friends had gone elsewhere). However, after the 3rd place winners accepted thier prizes and made speaches or something, a series of dancers and singers went on stage. Two of my friends finally gave up and went home, leavting thier raffle tickets on the table...5 minutes later they had announced the 2 second place winners and one of the girls had won. I was the first to notice this and picked up the ticket. I tried (I really tried) to give it to the Chinese girl we had come with since I didn't feel like making a fool of myself in front of the room and it wasn't even my ticket to start with. But she made a fuss and the other Chinese guy from our class announced loudly that I had the winning ticket. By that time the entire room was looking at us so I couldn't very well turn and run.

I slowly made my way up to the stage thinking it was no big deal, maybe make a little speach saying thank you, accept my prize and leave. When I got up there they informed me that, since they were giving me something, I had to give them something, a song, a dance, etc. They explained this to me several times i think because I was unable to respond at the moment. I was petrified in fear.

You may be saying, 'big deal, just sing a little song'. For me it's not quite that easy. you see, first of all, I have a TERRIBLE singing voice. seconly, I am very shy. when I was younger, I was painfully shy. I don't even think my parents understood how terrified I was of speaking in groups or to any new person (even some relatives). I've gotten much better since high school particularily because I got fed up and began forcing myself to be in the spotlight and pretending that I was confident and unafraid. I honstly believe the Hash House Harriers helped me a lot since there is always a large number of people and no one excapes the spotlight. I've even become able to sing karaoke in crowded bars with their help (as long as it's dark, there is music, and I'm not on a stage).

Well, after the news finally sunk in I had about 1 minute to think of an act. I don't think I even know one song from beginign to end and expecially not under such pressure. Finally, when my time on the well-lit stage came, I think I managed to do alright. I introduced myself and when I said I'd like to sing a 'country/western' song by Garth Brooks everyone cheered. The thing is...I don't really know any country/western songs by Garth Brooks...I know just 'The River,' which I was forced to sing at the end-of-the-year concert my senior year of high school (8 years ago). It really doesn't sound country at all but it popped into my head at just that moment and I knew the beginning words so I began to sing--acappella. I only got about 1/4 of the way through it before I forgot the words but no one seemed to mind much. I collected my prize (a huge box of chocolates) and sat down quickly. I think it took another 20 minutes before I stopped shaking.

Now that it's over though, I guess it was another good experience. I just think it is strange how things like this always seem to happen to me. when there is a raffle or if someone is asking for a 'volunteer' it always ends up being me no matter how hard I try to avoid it. most of the time it ends up being a positive experience but i really don't understand...why me? I got a check in the mail today from my work at a conference in October. A conference for which I was the only one of 30 students to NOT sign up for work (i didn't know there would be pay). However, somehow the coordinators were given my name and I ended up being one of the 2 workers. It was a great experience and I am so happy to have the chance but it is strange as it seems like the less I try, the more opportunities fall in my lap.

Ah, well, in any case, here are some pictures from the party. I didn't take many pictures because it was basically just a room full of people eating. And, unfortunatly, no one in my group took my picture because they said i was too far away to show up on my camera.