Confessions of a Korean-American Man in New York City

The worst Christmas of my life happened last year. To put it in generic terms, I was exiting a relationship and I went home to Philly for the holidays. On Christmas day, I decided to go back to NYC because I was emotionally exhausted at home -- the irony I know. I got back to NYC and it was pretty dead on the streets, and most of the people who were walking the streets were obviously tourists. Being so emotionally distraught I ended up wandering around Times Square. I could've picked any place to wander around but I chose the worst place in NYC. Perhaps it was because I was feeling extremely lonely on Christmas day. After walking around aimlessly and staring at the blinking lights of Times Square, I finally found myself at the Applebees. You know it's a pretty pathetic holiday if I'm having Christmas dinner at the Applebees. I'm sure Nascar nation would strongly disagree with me but I would consider that reaching the bottom of the barrel. Surprisingly, the restaurant was packed and I found myself a corner seat at the bar. After taking the first bite, I was quickly reminded as to why I never eat franchise food. As I was eating my amalgamation of food particles of a dish name I cannot recall, I looked around at all the tourists reveling around the bar. They all looked so happy to be in NYC, and I was Miserable with a capital M. It's kinda like that pain the next day after you've gotten hammered at the bar the night before, and you're in a continual state of malaise and numbing pain. That's how I would describe last year's Christmas. A year later I'm much better, but not still whole. I've had great friends who supported me this year and as well as new friends who've also made a strong impact in my life. I am truly grateful for all my friends. I'm leaving for Philly in a couple hours, and this time I'll stay home to relax until the 26th. No repeat of the Applebees.