Fallout 3 has finally sunk it's RAD-infested hooks into me after three false starts in which I didn't understand that you NEED to use VATS whenever possible. It's a beautiful game - the cinematographer in me is content to roam the brown-tinged Capitol Wasteland in awe of just how *nasty* everything looks. It has hilarious character dialogue choices, something I'm a HUGE fan of (see: Mass Effect), and the music is, omg, so on-par with everything I enjoyed in my short stint as a Jazz 89.5 DJ. I often find myself spending time playing Fallout 3 or looking up side quests and easter eggs when I should be getting ready for work or focusing on school. It's been a good year since a game has captured my attention so firmly.

But, really, why is Fallout 3 different from anything I've played in a year?

I'm chalking it up to The Tetris Effect.

Scouring Capitol Wasteland really gives you a feeling of being a survivor - of scavenging. You literally collect everything you can carry for sale later, as you start the game desperate for caps, the game's currency. And THAT is what prolongs the game for me long after I turn off my 360. Lately I've found myself walking into rooms and asking myself, "Can I get away with stealing that box of snack cakes? Oooo, I wonder if that box has any .44 Magnum rounds in it?"

It's a little bit ridiculous, but it's not like this has never happened to me before. Have you ever been sitting in traffic after playing any of the Grand Theft Auto games and wanted to jump out of your car and into the Ferrari idling beside you? I know I have.

Yikes, it is work time. I spent my valuable primping time spewing this into Livejournal. DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO ME, BETHESDA?

I met a really cute girl at a party tonight and I had no where else to gush about her but here. She has a lot of tattoos (YES!) and is an atheist (DOUBLE YES!). She believes in being honest and nice to everyone and in not being a hypocrite. She was wearing an awesome leather jacket. She is getting out of a relationship and does not want another big commitment. She keeps a butterfly knife in her purse.

Oh dear dear dear me.

• 15:13 You've been playing too much Fallout when you're scared to drink tapwater because of RADS. #

• 21:36 Turns out Celine Dion is NOT pregnant, but everyone still had to think of how should would have gotten that way. #

• 07:52 Nature's really funny if you imagine bird calls are laser beams. #

• 15:44 I just accidentally ate an M&M with a Skittle and I kind of liked it. Am I going to hell? #

• 21:12 It is 100% time to get a hair cut when someone calls you Crystal Gayle. #

• 23:57 Probably the reason I never use Twitter is because I don't like how confused I get re: commenting on tweets. #

• 13:05 Watching people dressed up as elves struggle to eat Chik-Fil-A is the best. #

• 16:19 Ugh. My hair is getting so long that people are going to start thinking that I love horses and use Mane 'n' Tail. #
• 19:03 There is 75% chance that this woman at my table with an old man might be "working" right now. #