Weekend: competitions

We had an adrenaline filled weekend that left my back hurt with all day sitting. I had a blast seeing my girls (baby forever) growing to become confident girls, who can handle competition stress, and do their best! (although sometimes I tell them, best is not always enough)

Saturday: Lizzy participated a piano “competition”. She has been preparing for this song for months! The teacher (in the pic below) is the one organizing these events, which serve a good motivation for her to practice and get better. I used ” ” because I felt like the bar of the competition is so low. hahahah…. anyway. The experience is what counts. It was Lizzy’s first experience of “competition”. She was super nervous since the day before, totally unusual for her. Yet she was confident that she could get a silver award.

It took us over an hour to get to the venue, Lizzy took a nap, while I nervously checked the map to make sure we get there on time. Once registered, we had a drink to calm the nerve. Then she joined 19 other kids in her level to perform and compete. She did almost perfectly! Not her usual rushed to finish play. I was so proud of her from the audience. She was calm, confident, did the bow properly.

Then we had to wait for 1.5 hrs to get the announcement about who won. She got gold award which was totally unexpected. So happy! On the way home she said she enjoyed the experience of the competition, and that if she can, she wants to join the next one in Singapore! MOMMY SMILING INSIDE!!!

We got back home 5pm, exhausted by the whole day event, especially my back for sitting on uncomfortable seat all day long.

Sunday: girls had swimming competition, 9 international schools in total. They left home early for the warm up. I went after I finished my 14 mi run, proper shower and breakfast. When I arrived, it was almost the first event: 100 IM girls 10-11.

I love seeing Sofia so focused and determined before the race, like a real athlete.

She participated 5 events and won 4 medals. 1 silver, 3 bronze. I was beyond thrill! We had checked the time of the other girls before the event, and thought that maybe she’ll get one medal if she pushes hard. We were happily surprised that she got more than we expected. I especially loved seeing her pushing hard the last 20 meters in the IM, so strong and powerful.

When we were at the award ceremony event, Lizzy was disappointed that she didn’t get any, and said that she really wants to get one. I’m pleased to know that she is getting competitive and wants to improve.

I know none of the girls will become a pro swimmer. I am not even sure how long they’ll swim as much as now. What I love is the experience they are having about working hard, pushing hard, racing hard, and realize that their potential is higher than they thought. Through piano, swimming, or any other activity they do, I hope they learn and enjoy the process of having a goal (personal growth), work hard, and see they can achieve their goals.

What a lovely weekend of seeing the fruits of their work.