I had four small children, their father died in an unknown disease. Money was always 1 ， but we had a roof over our heads，2on the table, clothes onour backs and, if not a lot, always enough.

        It was 3time and the big excitement for the kids was the 4of Christmas shopping at the mall.They talked and planned for weeks5time, asking each other andtheir grandparents 6they wanted for Christmas.I had saved $120 for presents to be shared by all five of us.

       The big day arrived and we started 7early. I gave 8of the four kids a twenty­-dollar bill and 9them tolook for gifts that cost about four dollars each.Then everyone 10 ． We had two hours to shop.

       Back in the car driving home, everyonewas in high Christmas spirits, laughing and teasing each other with hints and11about what they had bought. My younger daughter, Ginger, who was about eight years old, was 12quiet.I noted she had 13onesmall, flat bag with her. I could see enough 14the plastic bag to 15thatshe had bought candy bars—fifty-cent candy bars！Iwas so angry.What did you 16that twenty­-dollar bill I gave you？I wanted to17at her, but I didn't say anything 18we got home.I called her into my bedroom and closed the door, ready to be angry again when I asked her what she had done with the money.This is what she told me：

“I was looking 19 ， thinking of what to buy, and I stopped to read the little cards on one of the Salvation Army's‘Giving Trees.'One ofthe cards was for a little girl, four years old, and all she wanted for Christmas was a doll with clothes and a hair brush.20I took the card off the tree and bought the doll and the hairbrush for her and took it to the Salvation Army booth.”

                The  job interview is an important part of your job search because it's anopportunity for the employer to figure out if you're right for the job. Thefollowing tips may help you prepare for your job interview.

●Dressfor success. Professional business clothes are always appropriate, regardlessof the type of job you are applying for.

●Bethere on time. Try to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to be safe. Find out aheadof time where you're going and how long it will take you to get there. Drive ortravel the route a day or two ahead, at the same time of day as you will on theday of the interview. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Have a backup (备用)plan.

●Letyour personality shine. If you're excited about the job, don't be afraid toshow it. Employers want passionate employees, so be yourself.

●Beconfident. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} But just don't let your nerves overpower your interview. Eyecontact and a calm, clear speaking voice are excellent ways to show yourconfidence.

●Watchyour body language. During your interview, relax and sit naturally, but don'tslouch (没精打采地坐)in your chair or lean on the interviewer's desk.

●Bepolite. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Remember, this is your first introduction to the organization, sobe polite to everyone you meet and turn off your cell phone.

●Listen and ask for clarification (阐明),if you need it. Remember to listen carefully to the interview questions so thatyou can actually answer the questions, and never interrupt. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

●Let them know what you have to offer. When answering the questions, let theemployer see what you have to offer to his organization. Talk about your pastexperiences and achievements honestly, and tie those experiences to how theycan help you contribute to his organization.

●{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Although you want to be open and honest in your interview, avoid talking aboutyour personal or financial problems.

a．Think before you speak.

b．Confirm how often the buses run.

c．This begins with a smile and a firmhandshake.

d．If you believe in yourself, you willsurely succeed.

e．Feeling nervous in an interview isperfectly normal.

f．Make sure you have enough to answerthe questions.

g．If you don't understand something,just ask for explanation.