I play video games. What have I been playing recently? Peep!

Mario Kart DS: Since starting here last week, I've been compet.... errr, participating in the daily Kart Kall. I was psyched to learn about this ritual and eager to play an old favorite on a new system (I just got a DS a month ago). At the time of this writing I've raced in 9 Kart Kalls and placed last every single time. Today was both a record high and low, as I finished the ten races with my highest score thus far - 16! - yet lost to the computer-controlled racer that replaced a dropped player. Fortunately, through a strict regimen of reciting "I'm good at games, just not this one yet" and some minor whimpering, my ego remains roughly intact.

New Super Mario Bros.: Loving it. My commute home is just long enough to get in a few levels, so I'm progressing pretty well. I love encountering the bizarre new foes (sharks?! boxing ghosts?!) and butt-stomping anything I can.

Cooking Mama: Cook Off: I was definitely intrigued by this game when I learned about it, but wasn't real excited about it after an hour of playing. And it wasn't just because my arm hurt. I've partially attributed my disappointment to the Food Network, which I've watched occasionally and whose sumptuous food porn makes the dishes in Cooking Mama look decidedly unfoodlike. Cooking Mama herself was very encouraging and I would totally watch her cooking show, but the super-twitch action she demands of me on the Wii makes me feel unhappy.

Good times.