To be quite frank with you guys, I haven't had any urge to play video games this summer. The speed of cable internet gets pretty inconsistent when it's hot, so I haven't spent much time playing Team Fortress 2 or CS:S. Much of the time I've had was spent on volunteering at a local library and biking. And messing around with my computer. And surfing the web. And doodling in my notebook.

In all honesty, I am disappointed with myself for not doing anything productive this summer. I swore at the beginning of June that I'd learn something new and do something exciting, but as we busted through those doors and stormed past the Student Support office, I couldn't think of any specific activities that would keep me busy for the summer. I basically drew a blank and forgot it all by throwing a party at a nearby Hometown Buffet with my buddies.

July was when I really began thinking and getting ideas--most of which involved kids at summer school programs and libraries. The idea was that I'd do some some good for the community. And at the end of July, I'd become a volunteer at the San Gabriel Library. (Don't get excited; I was used for janitorial purposes for the first 9 days.) I also made other efforts to sort of "revive" myself and my summer break by trying to enjoy the Olympics, though this time around it was a little too dramatic.

And then we visited Canada and the northern states (of America). The tour was fun, and it took up an entire week. So, here we are now--August 31st. What can I say? I resume my studies this Thursday at Gabrielino High School. I'll be a normal high school student --one who takes a biology class, a foreign language class, and an English class. It's just figuring out my life that's scary.

Anyway, the next big game releases are only beginning to show up. Mercs 2 was released today and Infinite Undiscovery is coming in a little over a week. Gears 2 and Left 4 Dead are still pretty far away ('bout 3 months away), so I'm pretty bummed out right now.