I've been thinking about doing this for a long time, and the longer I put it off, the harder it is to do. So this week, with all my extra free time, I created the new account and I'm ready to make the switch.

Let me explain.

Back in 2003 I created a profile at Gamespot. I'd been visiting the site since 2000, but I was only a casual visitor. When I got to college, I found myself visiting a lot more often, so I decided to become a mmber, for the sole reason of taking advantage of the basic membership perks. I had no plans of writing a blog, talking on the forums or writing reviews. Years later, my wife suggested I start blogging to keep my writing skills sharp, so I used my GS account. I didn't like the APWC name, in fact it doesn't even mean anything. It's a cryptic acronym from long long ago, and I only used it, because at the time, I didn't plan on anyone interacting with my lame alias.

When I got Xbox Live, I signed on as Yeah Write. The name seemed to identify with my personality so much more than APWC and it instantly became my screen name of choice. I searched for a way to change my account name on Gamespot, but my search was in vain(if any of you know a way, let me know though). I decided to make Yeah Write user icon's and banners, but it just wasn't the same. I wanted to create a new account on GS with that name, but I was already at level 20 and I had a few friends and emblems.

Lately, traffic on my blog has been increasing, so I thought now would be a good time to make the switch before I get too many readers. It's hard to say goodbye to the levels, emblems, reviews, history and more, but it's got to be done. So to you, loyal readers and internet friends, I ask to make the switch with me. Click on the comment made by my new self and be my friend. Thanks for reading!

Well I'm three days in to my wifeless week and other than the fact that I miss my wife, things are going well. This weekend was a blur thanks toHarry Potter. The final book in the series was definitely the best. While the ending was extremely satisfying, it still stinks that it had to end. I look forward to the day that I get to visit Harry again with my children. If you haven't read it yet, you should, it's a truly magnificent story. I've had to wait to discuss it with those around me because many of my friends and family haven't finished it yet. If you have feel free to leave a comment about what you liked. Personally, (SPOILER) I loved that Snape turned out to be one of the bravest most noble characters of the series. I always suspected him of being good deep down, but based on his actions in the final book I had almost lost hope. Finally, in the last couple of chapters she reveals his true intentions. Brilliant!

After finishing Harry, I picked up the Mass Effect prequel novel. I don't usually read things like this, but I thought it would be nice to read something lighter to help ease me out of my post-Potter depression. My wife (and brother, and coworker...and friends) called me a nerd for reading a book about a game, but I have my reasons. Not only am I ruinously excited about the game, but as an aspiring author I like to read outside my comfort zone, it helps to see how other people do it. I also would LOVE a career in video game story design. To write dialogue for a company like Bioware would be a dream job for me. Alas, this is an industry that is hard to get into. Good thing I like my job now.

I still haven't picked up FFXII...

NBA Street Homecourt is fantastic. I'm having so much fun with it. My brother and I have been meeting during our lunch breaks at my house for a little suit and tie gaming this week and I've beaten him every time (rare for me when it comes to sports games). The best thing about the newest Street? Moving during trick animations! In the previous games you would start a trick and get pulled in a direction while the animation played out. Now you can steer your player around the court as you pump out tricks. It seems like a little adjustment but it makes all the difference in the world.

Still haven't called London yet...or mowed my lawn, but it's only Wednesday.

Sorry for the random ramblings, I promise to post something more worth reading later this week. Maybe that long awaited editorial on the word "gamer." We'll see. Till then, enjoy the latest cartoon.

My wife is going out of town for a week tomorrow. That means I'll have a lot of extra free time after work. So here are some things I'd like to accomplish with my time.

-Read Harry Potter 7. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm insanely excited about this book. I was a Harry naysayer until a year ago when I finally decided to read one of the books. I enjoyed it so much that I read the first six in two weeks. I'm going to purchase my book at midnight at the local book store. I won't start it till the next day, but this is my last chance to attend a Harry Potter book launch and look at all the crazies in their glasses and robes.

-Beat Transformers--it's a purely average game, but I had a free rental, plus Optimus Prime is cool.

-Play through NBA Street Homecourt. It came in from Gameznflix today. I really don't like sports games (or real sports for that matter) but for some reason I have played every single NBA Street and Fight Night to death, I can't get enough of them.

-Get most of the way through FFXII. As I said in my previous post, I've been avoiding this game since purchasing it a week ago. I think I might take the plunge after I'm done with Harry Potter. I might need the good story to lift me out of my post-Potter depression.

-Go see Rescue Dawn. After watching The Prestige a couple of weeks ago I'm willing to see anything starring Christian Bale. I'm interested to see what Steve Zahn can do too--Saving Silverman is one of my favorites.

-Go back to the gym. A slight back injury has had me out of commission this week. I jumped into the pool (on top of a floaty, I was trying to body surf with it) at my parents house and nearly snapped my spine. Not only did I almost paralyze myself, but I also managed to uphold my clumsy reputation. I've been going bonkers without my daily workout so I'm looking forward to getting back. Endorphins are good.

-Mow the lawn. Ughh...

-Work on my book.

-Call London. We're trying to interview Bear Grylls for the next issue of the magazine. Hopefully this call will go over better than my last long distance call. The echo on the phone made me pause because I would hear my voice and think it was him trying to interrupt me, it made me sound like a simpleton...

For those of you out there with spouses, how do you use your time when your significant other is gone? I always have high hopes, but I usually end up like the picture below...oh well, I can dream.

PS-I've found I really enjoy drawing these little comics. So you can expect them to increase in frequency.