Sunday, December 16, 2007
I'm sure everyone hates to be stopped in the middle of the street, either by promoters or donation solicitors.
So, if I have the foresight, I'll avoid by making sure that there's a distance in between us, when I pass them. But I never shun them.
At Orchard today, there wasn't enough distance to keep, so I walked straight into a person's trap.
Half of me attempted to keep walking and preparing my ear-piece, the other half of me stopped for the person, as always.
I am prepared to say NO to all products. Donations-wise, I'm prepared to throw in my standard golden coin.
"Hi, we're celebrating the New Year at Marina Bay. Would you like to write something on the balloon, which will be released at the Bay after countdown?"
Still suspicious of any possible gimmicks, I agreed, reluctantly.
I took over the marker, and thought of what to write. Deep inside me, I have this exploding urge to reveal my Singaporean side--asking if this is FREE. It was of such pain to combat that overpowering urge, and I tried to appear nonchalant.
Still, I was expecting things like, "Every square centimetre will cost 10 cents." or "A palm-sized message costs 2 bucks."
And so, not to take chances, I stemmed all creativity inside me, and settled for a tiny "Happy new year S'pore". I didn't even want to sign off, until the person encouraged me to.
I still wanted to ask if I need to pay. Luckily I didn't. I am so NOT going to be like a typical Singaporean.
After getting a brochure of the programme on new year's eve, I was freed, feeling glad that the person wasn't a promoter nor a donation-solicitor.
By the way, in case I've set you thinking, the standard golden coin that I usually throw into donation tins, ISN'T the 5-cent coins that you think. I'm so not the typical Singaporean.
人生是黑白的.
10:49 PM <3
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