Entry 13: The Holiday Blues

It is that time of the year again where people return home to spend the holidays with their family and loved ones. As for me, there is no such thing as a holiday. For me it means that I'll be working while people are celebrating. It sucks but I'm pretty used to it by now. Hopefully next year, the economy will pick up and by Christmas, I will have the kind of schedule I want. As for me, I guess I'll just have to accept things the way they are and be happy that at least other people can enjoy the comfort of the holidays.

The only thing that annoys me about this season is the weather. Every day, there is crappy weather somewhere in the US. Because of the holidays people have to fly and it's a pain because of the all the delays. From my perspective, I can expect packed flights, anxious passengers, long workhours and cold weather. Not any of the things I look forward to. I was hoping to return to Philly this weekend but I'm rethinking it because I don't want to deal with any flight deviations especially being on standby. I'm happy to be living in Southern California where the weather is usually nice except for the occasional low clouds and rain.

Right now, I'm getting my life back on track. Unfortunately, I didn't get the position at work that I applied for. The whole thing ended up being a popularity contest and I didn't get enough votes to be elected into the position. It's fine though because I was prepared for it. Hopefully I'll be granted part-time status by February so that I'll have more free time. I'm going to take classes in a community college in Palm Desert for the Spring Semester. I already have 16 credits registered and hopefully I'll be able to keep it up. I am not at all excited about it because 1) I'll be a 22 year old freshman! 2) I hate school 3) I won't have time to travel.

I'm tired of defending the decisions and choices I've made thus far in my life. It's mainly the older generation like my dad, that believe that I should have a good education and make something of myself. I spent a good hour debating with the college counselor about what I want to do with my life. I told him I just want to settle with an Associate's degree in Business Management and Supervision. He felt that I should move on to get a Bachelor's because I'm a smart kid and I'm fully capable of it. I know I'm smart but I'm not book-smart. I hate reading and learning all of the unnecessary subjects that they force us to learn. And I refuse to accept that crap talk about some day we would need it or we might use it. Well, how about I stop wasting my time and money learning something I MIGHT use and let me learn something I WILL use. So eventually, Mr. P.H.D. in psychology gave up because he knew I was right and I was on my way.

Just recently on one of my flights, an elderly lady told me that I could do better. "Excuse me?" That's what I told her. I think she was referring to this job as one that doesn't require much intelligence and I was young and too good for it. Well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm happy with this job. This may not be the most flattering job for a guy like me but it's providing me with the life experience that I can't find anywhere else. It's true that a majority of the job is for flamboyant gay guys, old people and ditzy girls with big boobs but I shouldn't be judged based on my job title. One thing that I've always been proud of is that I'm not a part of any stereotype. As a guy, I'm not masculine, into sports, cars and having sex. As an Asian, I'm not obedient, well-mannered, book-smart or quiet. I'm my own individual and I feel like I have to fight with everyone I meet just to prove that. No wonder I'm defensive and anti-social.

Well despite all the obstacles I'm facing, life is pretty good. My life here in California is starting to become the one that I've always imagined. I might not know what I'll be doing 2 years from now or where I'll be living but I do know that I'm going to make something of myself. Best believe that!

Celebrate Good Times...

Last Saturday was my 21st birthday. It was awesome because I got to celebrate it with my friends before they went away for school. I had the opportunity to have dinner with all of them and then going to one of their houses for some good times. So how does it feel to be 21? It pretty much feels the same but mentally, I feel older. I can now go to the bars and clubs that were restricted for me. The people in those places are definitely older than 21 so I still feel young. I do feel like a newbie though because my knowledge of drinks is very limited. But I'm excited for this coming labor day weekend because I'm going down to the jersey shore.

Life is Short...

The air changes, the cold wind blows,
Everything withers and day becomes night.
I stand here staring down at my toes,
My legs won't move and I'm losing my sight.

I'm where?...
Free me...

My mind empty, heart broken, face scarred,
Body aching, and hands bleeding.
Stuck in a cage that is shackled and barred.
Left alone, wanting and needing.

You there...
See me...

The sky is dark, time stands still,
You approach me with fear in your eyes.
I open my mouth sending you a chill,
My voice captures your soul and it dies.

Come here!...
Be me...

-Shaofan (Simon) Wu

You have just experienced the Shadow Realm. Hope you enjoyed your trip. Come again.

Time Is Precious...

About Drexel: Once again, Drexel runs on 10-week terms and it can get overwhelming at times. Time management is one skill that not only applies with school, it applies with life as well. Time needs to get set aside for homework, studying but also some time to just relax. A nice thing that the Campus Activities Board does for us is to offer free back massages during Finals Week.

About Me: I try to keep myself organized with everything I do. Making a list always help. These skills also transfer over to co-op so the earlier I start, the better off I am. I used to keep track of my spending by marking on a calendar how much I made and how much I spent. I always tried to keep myself within the positives so I wouldn't be broke like everyone else. I stopped doing that now because I got lazy.

Song of the Day: Susana ft. Pitbull & Lil Jon- Ever

Money Ain't A Thing...

About Drexel: Although there aren't a lot of shops on Drexel's campus, there are a lot in Penn's Campus. The University of Pennsylvania is literally next door to us and I cross over to it all the time. There's the Food Court where you can get ice cream, Taco Bell, burgers or pizza. The Bubble House is another good place to eat. Through one of Drexel's shuttle buses, it can take you over to 40th and Walnut. There you will find Fresh Grocer's as well as The Bridge which is one of the nicer movie theatres you'll find in the city. There are bars and clubs around there also.

About Me: I'm not really a shopping person. I go into a store knowing what I want and I get it and leave as fast as I could. Philly is one of the biggest cities to shop in. There are malls and stores everywhere. I live right by the Gallery so I do a lot of my shopping there since it's within walking distance for me. Around Walnut St. and Broad St., there are a lot more high-end stores and restaurants. Aside from the Gallery, there is Franklin Mills, King of Prussia Mall, Cherry Hill Mill, Willow Grove Mall and others, all within driving distance. Buses are available as well. I am more of an electronics shopper than a clothing shopper. I buy clothes once a season and I tend to buy in bulks. Just two days ago, I bought 10 shirts, 2 pairs of pants and a new pair of shoes for less than $200.

Song of the Day: Andy Lau- Yi (One)

A Thousand Miles...

About Drexel: Staying in one place has always been a tough thing for me to do. The great thing about doing Co-op at Drexel is that you get to change the setting for half the year. Meaning, you're not going to be taking classes. I know I was excited when it was time for my Co-op. I applied for several places but ironically, I ended up taking up the job at Drexel's undergraduate admissions. Although the scenery was the same, I actually learned/seen a lot of parts of Drexel that I had never noticed before. Now that my second Co-op is just right around the corner, I'm not sure where I want to work at. I had friends who has done Co-op abroad which interests me. Since I have 3 Co-ops, I'll have plenty of room for variety.

About Me: I've always wanted to travel and see the world. Having been born in China and moving here to the states at a very young age, I barely remember anything from my home country. Since then, my parents have been working really hard so we haven't had an opportunity to travel anywhere. This year, the Taiwanese club at Drexel gave me a chance to visit Harvard University for a conference. My friend is planning to go to Canada in a few weeks and I'm thinking of tagging along. Believe it or not, I haven't been to Canada yet so I'm really excited. Also, I'm planning to visit some friends in California later on this year. Which makes me want to work for an airline since their employees fly for free.

Song of the Day: Yung Berg- Sexy Lady

Food For Thought...

About Drexel: As a Freshmen living in the resident's halls, it is required for you to purchase a meal plan. The meal plan grants unlimited access into our Handshumaker Dining Hall. When I came as a Freshmen, which was 2 years ago, the dining hall was undergoing renovations. We actually had our meals in the Grand Hall of Creese. But the dining hall finally opened up in November or so. The grand opening of it was amazing. They had an awesome chocolate fountain and we were shocked with how futuristic everything looked. I love the food from the dining hall. They have all these different sections set up like a buffet so you can eat as much as you want. From Asian Cuisine to pasta to tacos to salad to burgers and fries. My favorite section would definitely be the dessert section.

About Me: Although I've lived in Philly for over 18 years, there are still a lot of places that I've never eaten at before. I was so used to eating food from Chinatown because it was close and the food is cheap. To tell you the truth, I'm addicted to fast food joints as well. I will take McDonald's, Burger King and KFC over a 4 star restaurant any day. There are a lot of fancy high priced restaurants out there. In my opinion, the decor and overall appearance for those places are nice but the food is usually mediocre and the service is pretty basic. The only difference is the location and reputation that have you paying couple dollars extra and I'm not for it at all. But it's always good to try out places at least once and Philly has a lot ot offer.

Song of the Day: Swizz Beats- Money in the Bank