An Extended Hiatus

The reason for the lack of updates is that this winter vacation so far has been too much fun; fun as in going to Chicago for three days, fun as in going to a great Christmas party, and fun as in being with friends through all that. With this winter break more than half way through and being a new year, I guess it’s time to slow down with the partying and start with the studying.

The preliminary exams loom ahead, and due to my “performance” last term and the ongoing situation in the economics department, there is quite a lot to worry about. It wouldn’t be too hard to guess my new year’s resolution; it would simply be to study and study, and to study some more so I can pass the prelims (the first time) without incident and scare.

As for the past personally participated events that occurred this winter holiday, being more than wonderful memories, I shall attempt to record them to the fullest detail. But first, a brief word or two about the past year and the New Year, as seen from my perspective.

The past year has been marked by what I would call “turmoil” around the world; from the quagmire in Iraq, to the bickering of nations between China and Japan, the Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and to issues closer to home, such as Taiwan’s elections and the events that transpired here, ranging from the devastating like Hurricane Katrina, to the absurd, such as the April riot after State’s Final Four loss. Call me cynical, but seeing the sign of “World Peace’ on top of Owen Hall’s entrance (since I happen to go there quite often) is just a slap in the face. At least, that’s how I see it.

Regardless, there are those who care about such issues, and have the power to alter the course of events. And there are those who care and do nothing, or on the contrary, those who have the power to change, but choose ignorance. I for one have no such illusions of grandeur on shaping world history and as such, I shall look closer to my own personal behavior and relations and start from there. There is a saying in Chinese that very accurately depicts my mindset and it is a maxim that I shall follow intently.

Upon review of what has been written, I can’t help but noticed that the tone has transformed from cheerful to cynical and that I might have been overtly melodramatic. On that note, I will conclude today’s entry, hoping that tomorrow’s will bring more joy.