Penultimate Year

Look at 'em baby foxes!

With the start of another semester, the same could be said about expectations.  Last semester went surprisingly well, in terms of academics, but there were much to be improved upon.  Hopefully, not having to deal with 7.5 credits worth of labs will make life easier this time around.  In fact, I shouldn't have more than 2.5 credits in labs this semester.

The break offered a chance to reflect and relax.  I realized that there were intense amounts of stress piled upon me in the fall, but I survived.  Even though I didn't finish it as well as I would have liked, it was certainly a feat to pull off a 3.4 despite of all the nonsense and issues I had to deal with at the time.

Having bore my testimony this Sunday, I had a renewed spirit that burns within me.  It was difficult for me to appreciate the good things in life when the proverbial shades were over my eyes.  Having those shades is probably worse than seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.  At any rate, with more positive attitude and more sleep this semester, I hope to accomplish more and be more efficient in my dealings with school, work, and relationships.

I was extremely glad when my roommates returned from their homes.  It certainly added more humor into my life.  It was somewhat of a surprise to me that I got along just fine by myself for the most part.  Then again, when you are busy, I guess it doesn't give much room to think about other stuff.

Big Daddy is not easy to take down in Bioshock

Aside from the self-rediscovery I underwent this winter break, I also had the opportunity to experience one of the best games I've ever played in my life.  That's right, it's the horror series called Bioshock.  At first glance, it may seem like a pointless shooter game, but after getting to know the story behind the setting and the tales of the characters, I soon found the series to be a work of art.

Bioshock takes to you to the fictional, yet plausible, city of Rapture, where the central theme of the game revolves around the dangers of political extremism and the ever tragic repetition of men get carried away after being blessed with power and authority.  Due to the actions of a few, many suffered and the would-be Utopian city without government became a living nightmare.  Throughout the game, you make moral decisions and the choices you make will decide how your character turns out.  How does one guy get himself into this sort of mess?  Well, you gotta play, or read the book, to find out.

Subject Delta and a Little Sister

Bioshock 2 takes us back to Rapture with a twist .  Although the setting is similar to the first game where a different form of political/religious fanaticism is portrayed, it closely resembles a deep-sea custody battle.  Essentially, the odd yet mysterious relationship between Big Daddies and Little Sisters is being explored this time.  The character, Subject Delta (formerly known as Johnny Topside), is on a quest to find his "daughter" Eleanor, who is being held captive by her mother to fulfill some sort of messianic vision.  Again, the moral choices you make throughout the game will affect character development, especially Eleanor this time.  This may all seem weird, but you would have to either play the game or read the book to find out.

To end my blog post, I am grateful for the life and opportunities the good Lord has given me.  I pray that this semester will be a fruitful one and I can accomplish more of my goals in preparation for the life ahead.  Whether or not it'll be my dream life, I'll accept whatever lot I've been given and just work my hardest for the best outcome.