Tue. 18

I got 2 acceptance letters today! Both were from the projects I had applied for. Now I'm preparing to finish all the tasks and perform brilliantly enough to gain reputation as well as a certificate =))

I went to the hospital with my little bro today. He's been staying there for 2 days more or less, and my mom cannot take after him around the clock, hence, I must fill in for her. It was great, honestly. I didn't have to do much, just keep an eye on him and his medicines as well as instructions from his doctors. I still had plenty of time to finish my work, watched videos, edited some,... I was over the moon because the service there well lived up OUR expectations. My bro, initially, stayed with one more girl who is about the same age as him, but she recovered from her illness, so she frequently doesn't stay longer than 3 hours. Today I met her with her family, they were rather friendly and welcoming. After they moved out, the whole room was mine! We (me, my bro, my mom) slept comfortably on 2 beds, ate food, watched TV. My mom just dropped in on us for an hour then she continued working at her office. I had time strolling around, savoring the views, watching rain lashing on windows... Everything was amazing. This dinner we even ate a slap-up meal. The WHOLE family! We ordered food from a nearby restaurant (it is renowned><) and it was so great! 2 types of chickens, spring rolls, rice, ... it was indeed memorable. 4 of us gathered around a small coffee table with a plethora of foods being arranged neatly, talked cheerfully. I will miss this time so much :(( thank you everyone, I truly appreciate this dinner. I love my family so so much...

Anyway, today I got the results of my IELTS mock test and... they exceeded what I had initially expected! I got 7.5 overall with 8.0 in listening or reading (I'm not sure they didn't point out specifically) 7.0 in three remaining skills. I just want to jot down some main points here so that everyone can learn something:

1. writing: it was crazily arduous, I have no idea why but it was the first time I did a mixed sort of test. Whatever you may write, summarize MAIN POINTS (and add specific figures such as percentages or numbers) because the examiners will look for key ideas, things that EVERYONE can see once observe the charts. Task 2 I just did it and I got 7.5 =)) it's embarrassing to admit that task 1 I got 6.5

=> really need to improve task 1 and master task 2 => aim: 7.5 in writing

2. speaking: I just did it, I swear, and got 7.0

=> practice makes perfect is real, pay attention to pronunciation, grammar, try to extend ideas and use idioms, collocations.

3. reading, listening: these 2 need practicing much more. Because my speaking and writing is THAT fair, so I must have at least 8.0 for both skills. I cannot bury my head in the sand since one skill is just 7.0

=> practice more, that's all, esp reading matching headings and T/F/NG, Y/N/NG

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Sun. 23

Lots of things, feelings have came and gone, and lingered, to be mulled over. After Tuesday, I stayed at home one day, didn't do anything much. The weather was chilly enough to have a good night sleep. Then came Thursday, I stayed at the hospital with my little brother. My mom invited my besties to go to the cinema with me because initially, I planned to head there with one of my friends. Then Friday we stayed at home, followed our routines, except for some bad frustrations, everything was fine. I was upset about my mom's generosity basically due to the fact that I wanted to save money. We had a few words, some arguments, I even cried. In retrospect, I think I was too sensitive and a bit unreasonable. I need to save money by cutting down on other fees like excessive breakfasts and snacks, no more bubble tea, only go to the cinema once or twice a year, try not to be robbed...

On Saturday, we went to the police station to get a board on which numbers lay, this was for my motorcycle. We struggled with some procedures as my dad had some mistakes while handing taxes to authorities. It took longer time than I expected, but it was my first time witnessing legal departments work so it was memorable. (The staff argued drastically just minutes after getting to the office, which was embarrassing and humiliating) =)) my board was fine, easy to remember!

Then I went to the cinema with my friends. Conan movie 26 was so great, I have been addicted to my otp Sherry and Gin so bad that I cannot stop thinking about them. If you have a chance, go and watch it! Next year it is gonna feature Kaito Kid and Heiji, which is promisingly amazing.

Then on Sunday I went to my hometown. I didn't ride my bike around much, I stayed at home and finished my work, learned a bit... I will definitely spend more time immersing in nature next time!