Homeward Bound

From May 18th to May 24th, I had the opportunity to be at home for the first time in three years. It was a blessing and a wonderful experience.

The early plane ride to Philadelphia was made possible by T.K. I probably should have slept more before this trip, but I couldn't help it as my roommates and I had to watch Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Let me tell you this, it is a great film! The PS3 game itself is not too bad either. I have a thing for the old school arcade games.

Home changed a lot since I last visited. However, some of the negative aspects haven't changed: our redneck neighbors. Never have I seen some people whose only joy was to take advantage of others and gets mad when they are exposed. Unfortunately for us, they are vocal about gossips. Such is the unfairness and discrimination that roams around in suburban places.

I finished cleaning out the garage, mostly, while I was back. Set up a few shelves and rearranged some items. The house itself is a lot more crowded now because we have seven cats coming in and out of the house. Funny thing about them is that they are composed of the mom and her six offspring. Having cats can be fun at times, but there are certainly a lot less birds and beavers coming into the yard as before. Not to mention, I didn't see any rabbits either. Then again, the rodent problem seems to have disappeared.

Having home-cooked meal again was a blessing. That hasn't happened to be in years!

The missionaries actually stopped by during my stay. I believe they haven't visited us for years. I figured that they were probably there because they knew I was home. You see, I don't mind people encouraging my family to go back to church, but they seem to forget that nobody wants to go to a place where they do not feel welcomed... Members of the church need to realize that their actions do affect others.

I can't even remember the last time anyone from my home ward helped us with any service projects. My mother and I did the bulk of the work in our yard. Of course, if the bishop had a cold, everyone would rush to the rescue. I don't even know... Bottom line is, if the missionaries are willing to help out around the house every once in a while, I'm all for that. As long as it's not an empty promise. That actually happened once.

Regardless, I am firm and unshaken. Things can only improve in the long run.

On the way back, I had the chance to check out JFK International Airport's new terminals. There was a high profile event taking place at the time. That terminal apparently cost $1.4 billion to construct! I came back to Utah and went straight back to work. It has been a tiresome weekend and I'm sick of covering for people for the time being. I need a break from covering extra shifts, so sorry guys!

When I stepped into the house, my roommates mentioned that they had a surprise for me, and they had left it on my bed. I walked into my room to find a letter that I had been anticipating. That completed my week-long journey to home and return to Provo.

Now, I shall spend more time on my personal projects.

Ever Tired

You would think not taking any classes during summer would grant me more free time. The reality is, no. The only plus side to this is I have a somewhat flexible schedule that doesn't impose deadlines on me.

I used to keep a list of things to write about in my blog this past school year; then, laziness got to me as soon as stress from school eased off. Since most of my time has been diverted to work and studying for the MCAT, I'm planning on holding off the restaurant runs until near the end of May when I return to Utah.

Luckily, I've been working on other projects with my roommates. In addition to household projects around the Pinecone, I happen to be involved on T.K.'s project to raise funds for his summer study abroad. This endeavor is also sponsored by NixArt Films. I hope this works out because it would be fun to see T.K. off to England and boosting all of our resumes.

Other than that, life has been a massive Minecraft session recently. I can't believe I got myself into the game...

Last, but not least, I'm glad I have the roommates I do now. Here's a little sneak peak on what we are trying to do. Be on the lookout for Bridge to Cambridge and NixArt Films!

Emerging From Oblivion

Happy little birds!

Due to finals and moving processes that happened in the past two weeks, we had no Internet; that is, until today.

The great thing about having a house is that there is enough space for everyone. Remember, I have five roommates. For the first time in a while, I don't feel cramped in my lodging. It's the first time I'm living in a house as a college student, so it's a novel experience.

Having my own room again in a few years is refreshing. At the same time, I'm not quite used to being by myself again. The last time I had a private room was Fall of '07.

The house also offers some considerable projects around the lot, especially the yard. We are slowly getting there in terms of aesthetics. In terms of functionality, we are mostly finished. The only major projects we have left are refining the Internet routing and the garage. I might post pictures and whatnot on Facebook as we go along.

Since I have Internet again, I can push forward with my plans. For now, having placeholder picture will suffice. Oh yeah! It is Spring Term. I will try to post more often because I have time now.

Last Memoir At Miller

As finals went underway, I spent most of time attempting to study for them. This effort was undermined by the poorly-planned cleaning check authored by the management at Miller Apartments. The management claimed that it was the "super" cleaning check, and had it during exam period. Naturally, we would try to do a good job because we didn't want to be charged extra fees. However, it wasn't as much as a final cleaning check as we anticipated.  They simply came in and instructed us what we need to improve when we move out! Sure, we passed, but the fact that this wasn't the real check seriously irked me. I could have been spending more time studying instead of worrying about returning this apartment to the unrealistic conditions they expected. If there's anything I will say about the Miller Apartments is that you should never live here.

Other than that, this week had a number of unfortunate events unfolded in the nation. The tragedy at Boston was unforeseen and certainly left many questions about the mindset of the people and the government. As for the magnitude of the losses, it was probably not as horrific and consistent as some other parts of the world; nevertheless, the victims and there family have our condolences. In addition to the craze in Boston, the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas proved to be another unexpected event that took place this week. The real question now is whether or not the events were acts of foreign terrorists or domestic fanatics. Some say that it could be inside jobs by the government.

The week kept on getting better as many businesses are now taking precaution with the new 30-hour rule instituted by the Affordable Healthcare Act. I don't know what the long-term effects of the regulation will have on our economy, but I know I am sick of our politicians.

Here's one of the greatest, and perhaps mind-boggling, phenomenons in the country of U.S.A.:  Many of us apparently hate our legislators and even the President himself and are sick and tired of this partisan bull crap that produce nonsensical bills; yet, we continue to vote along partisan lines. America still has a long way to go before it irons out the long-standing kinks in its system.

An interesting bill you should look out for now is the CISPA. It has been passed in the House last time I checked. I don't know what I feel about it since I'm already using Facebook and Google services and my data already belong to them. We shall see.

That was a load of information. I promise I will have some more happy thoughts written down for next week.

Remember how I mentioned about the video Nick made last week? It's happened. You can see it down here. YouTube has warned me that there could be some sync problems, but I didn't see any during the editing process. If it does have lip sync issues, blame YouTube. Basically, it's an experimental interview made by Nick to restart his film group Nixart Films. Be sure to check them out!

Another disclaimer: I was sitting at a strange position, leaning backwards, so I may look a bit weird. Then again, I was never photogenic in the first place.

What Will the Circle Be?

This week has been a good one. The end of the semester is getting closer with each passing day.  I am glad to get out of Miller in about two weeks.

Last week, I spent some time going around asking people if they were afraid of God. Without context, I sent them the question through texts and Facebook Chat. Here are some of the responses I collected from my friends:

"Yeah, I think so. But, I trust Him."

"I'm not afraid of God at all. I'm afraid of my unresolved wrong decisions."

"I'm not. My reason is because I know He is a perfect Heavenly Father and His love is perfect."

"I love, respect, and admire Him, but I guess there is a bit of the 'whoahhh" factor that makes me a bit afraid. Like my earthly dad...I better not disappoint him."

"I fear God, but I'm not afraid of Him. I respect Him and His power, but I have a firm testimony of His perfect love...How could I be afraid of someone who sent His son to suffer for me?"

"Honestly, no I'm not. I know that God loves so much. I know that He will do everything He can to help me become like Him...He will never purposefully hurt us, though He does allow us to go through difficult times so we can grow."

"I'm afraid of being cut off from God."

"No, because I have experienced so many johns that show me He loves me and cares about me...history has also taught me about the love our Savior and Heavenly Father have for everyone."

"I'm not cause I see Him as a loving figure."

"In some respects, yes.  We often fear that which is unfamiliar."

"I am a God-fearing woman, but I know He loves me a lot and is merciful."

"No."

"No, God has taken care of me all my life and still does. :) He loves us all.  I'm only afraid of not doing my part."

"Yes, aren't you?"

"I don't think so.  I mean I think I would like to think of myself as having respect for Him rather than fear."

"In some ways, yes."

"No, because I'm doing my best in life.  If ye shall prepare, ye shall not fear."

"Um no, not afraid, but I respect Him and realize His great power..."

"Haha no."

"Um, sometimes?"

"Nope, you?"

"No. I mean I have great respect and realize how little I am comparatively, but I know He has comprehensible love for me and only wants the best."

"Always."

As you can see, most of them responded positively. Even in an increasingly secular society which we live in, there are still those who cling onto their faith.

There will be a little video here as soon as it is finished editing. I will update this post when Nick finishes it.  While you are at it, search for NixArt Films on YouTube and Facebook!

For the 183rd Time

It has been an interesting week...

I honestly haven't thought much about what I should write this week.  So, the least I could do is mention some of the highlights.

I didn't get a letter.  :(

I accidentally discovered the VGame Club here on campus through Steven.  Surprisingly, I found out Alejandra was part of it as well.  Long story short, this group allows me to become more acquainted with my nerdy side when it comes to games.

This weekend was also the 183th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  I won't go in details because you can find out more on the LDS website.

The thought of the week, however, is this:

Are you afraid of God?

Coming Around Another Bend

Bunnies!

Happy Easter everyone!  I hope you all had a good day.  While it may not be chronologically accurate, the point is to commemorate the day the Savior overcame death and resurrected from death three days after He performed the Atonement.  As for my more secular friends, I hope you had good family dinners and decent amounts of chocolate.

This week marked the last week of March.  It seems like the year is flying by already.  I am excited for the change that's coming up later in April.

I registered for classes this week and managed to sort out most of my schedule.  Although I have classes everyday Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm, I do get breaks in between.  I will have an exam every week, however, we'll see how I handle that.  The bottom line is, I can still do research and work at BYU Broadcasting for a little bit during the upcoming semesters.

As for fun things, I had the opportunity to attend Lance's wedding reception on Thursday night after a painful biochemistry test.  It's crazy how everyone is moving on in life!  Needless to say, it was great to see the groom one more time before he embarks on a new journey with his bride.

Bioshock Infinite

I shouldn't be spending time on games lately since I have so much work to do, but I couldn't help it as the new Bioshock games came out.  Bioshock Infinite, like its predecessors, take ideologies prevalent through historical periods and weave it into a story that amazes the audience.  This game focuses on the ideas of American Exceptionalism, Manifest Destiny, and the social bigotry that occurred during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.  The science fiction element in this part of the series deals with the theory of multiverses set in the flying city of Columbia.  The series is one of the best FPSs I've ever played.  I recommend it to anyone who wishes a brain-stimulating experience.

Since it's Easter, my friend Jim invited me over to have dinner with his friend Steve and his family.  I am lucky to have buddies that care about me.  Jim is a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for about a year and half.  He plans on letting his family know that he had converted starting when his father visits him next month.  Keep him in your thoughts and prayers because things like this could get ugly unnecessarily.

I got the chance to write Lyn back because she actually wrote a letter in return.  From the sound of it, she's doing well.  I'm still waiting for the day when she returns and I could observe it for myself how much she'd have changed.  It's still early in the process, but I think I'll enjoy some more mission tales in the next 17 and half months.

No audio logs this week, I think this post says more than enough.