i did it.

after a couple of long arduous
not to mention humiliating hours at f21,
traded all 3 vouchers for cash.
the 60 buckeroos that salvaged the tankini deficit.

paiseh lah.
thought it'd be a breeze.
but hell, it's not.
had to cast my pride away
and ask the paying customers.
hanging sneakily at the earrings counter near the cashier
like some spy
pouncing on the unsuspecting females there.
i pity them really.
i'd get a shock too.
the grouchy-looking store manager didn't help matters
rather freaked by his "you-trying-to-ruin-my-business" scowl.
but i could think of no better way to do it.

is it of no surprise
that most of them were wary
and turned me down flat.
"sorry but i'm using plastic"
"it's bothersome to draw cash" and blahs.
you get the idea.

there's only so much rejection i could take.
after my successful virgin attempt,
a series of discouraging rejections followed.
i was so darn disheartened.
2 more to go.

i was lucky to bump into angie m'am
and she took one to purchase her first belt.
looking as pretty as ever.
and was a darling abt the whole thing.

the familiar-looking cashier took pity on me
called me over and said she'll help.
turned out that she was my smps senior.
how cool is that.
left the one remaining voucher with her.
less then 10 mins gone
and she'd called me to return and get the money from her.

sweet.
a BIG cuddly thanks to everyone who helped.
nicole...
my smps senior who prob had that grouch breathing down her neck
angie...
for getting her first rather expensive ($28!) embroidered belt
lastly, darling goofball...
who offered to go all the way down to orchard
despite having to walk around bored and alone while i was stuck at f21
then, coming over to find me at f21 when i felt like giving up
with nary a hint of complaint
waiting around in a ladies' store, feeling alienated.