Man, what a day! Seriously, Taoyuan-City, you’ve got me all kinds of twisted. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill. First off, I hit up Zhongzheng Road for some breakfast. I’m craving those bomb Taiwanese pancakes. You know, the ones that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? Yeah, those. But guess what? The place is closed! Like, who closes at 8 AM? I’m standing there like a lost puppy, staring at the shuttered windows. Ugh! So, I’m hangry now. I decide to stroll down to Taoyuan Night Market. I know, I know, it’s not night yet, but I’m desperate. I’m walking down Fuxing Road, and I see this cute little bubble tea shop. I’m like, “Okay, this’ll do.” I order a large one, extra boba, of course. But the lady behind the counter? She’s moving like molasses. I’m losing my patience. I mean, c’mon, it’s just tea! Finally, I get my drink, and it’s glorious. I take a sip, and it’s like a party in my mouth. But then, BAM! My phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Need those reports ASAP!” Ugh, can’t a guy enjoy his bubble tea in peace? I rush back to my office on Jhonghua Road. Traffic is a nightmare. I’m stuck behind this old dude on a scooter who’s going 10 km/h. I’m like, “C’mon, man! We’re not in a race, but can we at least move?” I’m yelling in my car, and people are looking at me like I’m nuts. Whatever, they don’t know my struggle. Finally, I get to the office, and I’m sweating like I just ran a marathon. I plop down at my desk, and guess what? My computer decides it’s the perfect time to update. I’m staring at that stupid loading screen, and I’m about to lose it. I mean, really? Can’t you just do this at 3 AM when no one’s around? After what feels like an eternity, I finally get into my emails. I’m drowning in spreadsheets and data. I’m a Business Analyst, but today, I feel more like a data janitor. I’m cleaning up messes left and right. I’m typing away, and then my coworker, Lisa, pops her head in. She’s like, “Wanna grab lunch?” I’m like, “Sure, but I can’t leave this mess.” But then, she pulls out the big guns. “I heard there’s a new dumpling place on Minquan Road.” Dumplings? I’m in! We bolt out of the office like we’re escaping a fire. The dumpling place is packed. I mean, it’s a Tuesday, and it’s packed! We wait in line, and I’m just thinking about how good these dumplings better be. Finally, we sit down, and they bring out the food. OMG, they’re amazing! Juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spice. I’m in heaven. But then, my phone buzzes again. It’s my boss. “Where’s that report?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m eating dumplings! Can’t a guy live?” But I can’t ignore it. I finish my food in record time and rush back to the office. Back at my desk, I’m typing like a madman. I’m almost done when I hear a commotion outside. I look out the window on the 5th floor, and there’s a parade going down Zhongzheng Road! Like, what? I didn’t even know there was a parade today! I’m torn between finishing my work and watching the festivities. I decide to take a break. I run downstairs, and it’s a whole vibe! People are dancing, music is blasting, and there are food stalls everywhere. I grab a stinky tofu (don’t judge, it’s delicious) and just soak it all in. But then, I get a text from Lisa. “Where are you? We’re waiting!” I’m like, “Ugh, I’m at a parade!” I rush back to the office, and I’m sweating again. Finally, I finish the report. I send it off, and I’m like, “Thank you, sweet baby Jesus!” I lean back in my chair, and it’s finally over. But then, I remember I promised my buddy I’d meet him at the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium later. I’m exhausted, but I can’t bail. I grab a quick shower and head out.