College

It's been a while since I've written in this blog. College has definitely kept me busy. Before going to college I didn't have many expectations on what it was going to be like. I definitely knew it was going to be fun. But I also expected that academics were going to be difficult.

During my previous summer of watching youtube videos, however, I came across this clip that gave me some great encouragement and useful advice. [link]

After watching this, I thought “Man. Bourdain is such a...such a rocker. He travels the world and dares to eat fermented tofu, cobra heart, pig intestines, anything that the local people consider food. Even when he works in the kitchen, he endures, fights it out, rocks on.” (insert electric guitar strum here) Right then I believed that that was how I was going to do things in college.

After about a month into college, I made many friends who felt the same, at least when they were out partying or sledding on stolen dining hall trays. They would eat things they've never eaten before. Drink till they start enjoying massages by strangers. Enjoy life like there's no tomorrow.

When it came to academics though, my friends often complained. About getting absolutely raped by tests, prelims, and midterms that were unbelievably difficult or curved to a B. Time and time again I would hear something along the lines of “Success is now defined as how well you do against others in the class.” I couldn't blame them. College is hard. But I had my own opinions back then.

I thought, “No worries. A true rocker never fears, even in academics. I'm not gonna stress over stupid grade curves or how difficult other people say the test is gonna be. I'm gonna rock on and not get intimidated.” So I studied hard, aimed for an A+, and yada yada I aced my first few tests. I thought to myself, “Yeah! Be a rocker, that's what I'm gonna do. It'll all work out just like it did just now.”

Besides these little bouts of arrogance, there was nothing else wrong with what happened. I “rocked on” and succeeded. But little did I know that I had yet to really prove myself as a rocker.

Then one midnight I found myself with two research papers due the next day, both of which were far from finished. I'm not here to brag about workload but this had me freaking out. I heard a voice saying “Be a rocker. Rock on!”

And then I thought “pffft. Fuck that. That whole bullshit about 'rocking out' is easier said than done. How the hell am I going to succeed. I'm fucked...and I'm going crazy too with all these voices.” I abandoned this whole idea of being a rocker. It didn't matter whether I was or wasn't one, I just started working. Eventually both papers were finished. I was muttering curses under my breath the entire time, exhausted, at my limits.

Looking back at this moment though, I have to say that even though I “abandoned” the idea, I was still a rocker. To quote again from Bourdain's clip, “You have to keep swimming and swimming and swimming upstream... It's kinda like any high stress situation. You're not aware of what you're doing, you're just doing it.”

What being a rocker really means is simply acting. When you're partying and enjoying yourself, this seems almost second nature. Have another shot. Don't think just take it. Granted it can lead to some mistakes...but those can be avoided if you're smart and lucky enough.

It's more difficult to see and do in academics. You're not exactly having the time of your life when you are studying. If you do have time of your life, then you need to get a life. The good news is, it's no different from when you are enjoying yourself. You just have to act.

If any of my friends ever had the patience to read this far into my post, I hope they at least take this lesson from it. Don't worry about the mountains of work. Don't worry about tomorrow. And certainly don't give a damn about that stupid curve. Already, I've seen my friends in situations like the one I had. 2 papers and a textbook review due the next day. 3 finals in 3 consecutive days.

I know I'll definitely be facing some worse situations throughout the rest of college. Three research papers? Four and a project? I can't tell what it will be. I'm probably going to be eating the very words I'm typing. But for now, I'll say it. I'm going to be ready and rock on. And I hope my friends will too.

At this point, though, some of them would probably be thinking, “Daniel....you need to get laid. This entire post is about working hard. You never said you went to a party.” OK OK, I probably should go to college parties for once, so that I'm not so hypocritical on the partying parts of this blog post. =D

Rock on

A Happy New Year to all. Please comment.

Alaska

Looking back at my first cruise, I'd say there were a lot of things that went wrong. The cruise food was usually under seasoned, overcooked, or just didn't taste good. There were a lot of things to do on the cruise, if you were over age 21. But being the good kid that I am, no alcohol was involved. Nothing racy, dangerous, let alone exciting. The one time I tried to go "clubbing" on the cruise, no one was there, resulting in a pointless conversation with strangers, whom I sadly ditched.

Then again, I did watch a good number of movies on the ship from the comfort of my cabin. And I have to say, this was a relaxing trip. Sure the 8 hour tours of nothing but icy, snowy mountains, and lakes got very boring, but I never had a real chance to just sit, sleep, and take in the beauty of things....behind a dusty glass window of the bus. Yay happy thoughts.

But really, I did have a chance to enjoy some of the pleasant scenery.

A normal trip for my family means touring an entire country in one month. This tour usually consists of six cities, waking up very early in the morning, and literally running through tourist destinations. Shopping? No time. Enjoy life like a local? Impossible.

In this respect, a chance to relax and take a good look at nature was practically salvation. Sure, I didn't get a chance to eat at local Alaskan restaurants, but I get what I can get.

My journey started on a plane ride to Seattle. As for all plane rides, a sky picture is mandatory. So here it is.

Frank Gehry's EMP building and Seattle Space Needle


The clouds were really nice that day


Later, we went to Banff National Park in Canadia. I mean, Canada. Such funny names for both country and park.

Wildlife. Funny how the car is a Dodge. Man coexisting with Nature?

On an ice field/glacier. Hope my shoes' dirt doesn't end up in someone's Deer Park.

After Banf and a long, car-sickening ride, we meet up with family friends. Onto the cruise? Nope. First a tour of Butchart Garderns. Flower pics? Definitely.

Onto the cruise, the Sapphire Princess.

The Office!


Ziplining. Full Gear. Yea! Probably the most exciting part of my trip. Definitely doing this more often.

Putting macro lens to good use. Mosquitoes actually tolerate Alaskan climate. Where's OFF! when you really need it?



Formal cruise night. We didn't actually go into the room behind us. But there was that interesting looking sculpture at the entrance.

And finally, the scenery I came for.


World's smallest desert








Denali, the final attraction.

The next time I come to Alaska, I hope I'll get to hike more often. Yeah, it's comforting to sit in a tour bus and see it all passing by. But it feels too dull, too inactive. Sure, I won't get as far by walking. At least it would be a pleasantly different experience.

Then again, this was more relaxing than many past "adventures" and for that, I'm somewhat content.

The End?

Omei MD/NIU Martial Arts Academy

It's been a while since those days when we would train at the warehouse, fighting the summer heat, or beating the winter cold. To be honest, I kind of liked those days better. At least the sickening heat made me grateful for rain. But I didn't mind the air conditioning at the new place.

Before Omei Wushu, I never knew there was such a thing as a family. Friends were just people you knew well. Somehow I found a deep sense of belonging whenever I came to practice. Wushu was no longer just about training your hardest. It became trying your hardest alongside others who were doing the same. Wushu just wouldn't be wushu without people to look upon, to watch grow, and of course, to laugh at their silly jokes (and dances ). The trips and parties were just icing on the cake. I definitely hope that the "end" of Omei Md will not affect the wushu family. Though I still haven't seen some people in ages, I know we will all have ways to keep in touch.

Yay for facebook.

But appreciating the wushu family would be insufficient without acknowledging the people who tied us all together. Niu Laoshi has been and always will be one of our great mentors and teachers. Sophia A-yi has offered friendly support whenever possible. Ethan and Jade may still remain cute little kids in our eyes, even when they grow to be our age. I wish them a happy and fulfilling continuation of life in LA. Laoshi zai jian!

Though I still haven't watched a movie in theaters with you guys yet...

And my birthday is coming up...

Suggestions?