A Cynic's Valentine's Day

I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day. I never really was, and I'm not sure if I ever will be.

Sure, it was fun in elementary school when I received Valentines and chocolates from my classmates. But as I got older, I realized the holiday was just another commercial gimmick.

Roses, chocolates, cards and other gifts are nice...but I personally think that there shouldn't be ANY DAY AT ALL during the year to feel obliged to buy something for someone or tell someone how you feel about them.

The thing is, I've grown up receiving mixed messages about love. I thought love was supposed to be simple.

But instead, I was easily influenced to believe in the commercialism and the stupid media for giving me false hope that Prince Charming was near. 

How naive...

But now that I'm older, I refuse to be sucked in any longer.

Love is all around, and love is universal.  Love should never feel like an obligation.

Valentine's Day shouldn't be about getting something for your loved ones.  No need for gifts, a fancy dinner out, or a bouquet of flowers.  Instead, it should be just purely a day about love, and sharing it with others with a sincere "I Love You" or just a meaningful gesture.

Better yet, can we just please take away Valentine's Day in general?
There shouldn't be a day dedicated to love.
That can be everyday. 

P.S. please check out http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/. Freaky, but superbly awesome...considering that Arcade Fire sings the background music.  Canadian pride for the win!  Shout-out these Canadians for winning Record of the Year at the Grammys!

Going to work: A Chinese Holiday Ritual

Well, it's been over a week since Chinese New Year started, and I honestly don't quite know when it ends. I would like to say it probably ended already, but seeing that the festivities are going into the weekend, I guess it really lasts for two weeks?

Either way, I'm not too serious about it. Unlike other cultures who may celebrate Christmas on a different day, have a special Easter, or have their own New Year's holidays...Chinese people will never give themselves a break.

Never in elementary school or high school have I ever skipped school for the New Year. And why should I? It's just one of those holidays when you REALLY celebrate during the weekend.

I don't even know if I'm making sense here, but the point of this post is:  Chinese people are always working too hard!

During Christmas while every western store, mall, library and restaurant were closed...the Chinese ones remained open.  I live a three minute drive away from Pacific Mall, notably Toronto's most well-known Asian mall...and when we drove by on Christmas day, the parking lot was almost as crowded as the DVP during rush hour.

And having been inside during several random weekends, I didn't even want to know what it would be like inside.

But since it's Chinese New Year, one WOULD think that Chinese people would close down their stores for once and take a breather.

But they don't.

Instead, they're in their stores and restaurants, working harder than ever, happier than ever...AND LOUDER THAN EVER.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about working too hard. Chinese people strive for success and look out for ways to be honoured.  I mean who doesn't?  I guess it's just that Chinese people are extra-determined. 

I've got to admit though, many of these traits are instilled in me.  I have always been a very driven individual, and I rarely let anything stop me from reaching those goals. Some may call it being stubborn, but in the end, I always do end up getting what I want...in some way or another (even if it's not the ideal way...)

WOW, I realize I sounded really snobby and spoiled over there, but all I meant was that sheer determination will always get me where I want to be. 

And that's what I think most Chinese people think as well.

But really, when isn't Pacific Mall crowded?

And since I can't find a picture of me in Chinese attire, here's an old gem from Grade 9.