Well today, I didn't. As some of you may know, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 was released today. Some of you may have waited in line at midnight at your local video game stores to pick up a reserved copy. I didn't reserve a copy. My intentions today were only to purchase a wireless adapter and update my Live account back to Gold status. So as I went in to buy the adapter (I went to a place down the street from Gamespot and bought it used for 50 dollars instead of the 80 dollar used unit at the 'Stop) I contemplated picking up a copy of the game as I saw people running around the local shopping strip trying to find a copy of the game.

So I walked down to GameStop, walked in, and on the shelf behind the counter was one whole section devoted solely to MW2. The shelves were stocked with plenty of copies. I waited while one patron bought his copy, then I asked for mine. The only funny thing about the purchase today was I bought mine for the 360. The guy infront of me for his PS3. He was a fanboy to say the least. As I was paying the guy made few comments about the 360 and you now how it goes from there. I laughed. I then proceeded to ask him how hardcore of a gamer he was. He replied "I'm not casual like you." I laughed again, and retorted "so I'm a casual gamer because I purchased a game for the Xbox. Whereas you don't even know my gaming habits or what consoles I own and support. A real hardcore gamer enjoys games period. I don't confine myself to one console. However, when it comes to online gaming I enjoy Xbox Live compared to the PSN. I'll gladly pay for the features and community that the PSN lacks. If it were the other way around, then I'd purchase a PS3. But unfortunately, not all of my friends own a PS3, thus why I purchased the 360 version." He snickered and walked away. The clerk behind the counter laughed, high fived me, passed me my game, and a few extra goodies. I recieved a Gamer Pics token card which was only supposed to be handed out to those who reserved the game. I also got one of those scratch off lottery like MW2 cards that have a monetary prize if one happens to be the winner.

I didn't win anything, but I did get the game I wanted and a cool extra. I also got the approval of a GameStop employee and a good laugh out of my visit. No horrible long wait in line, no one complaining, no one hassling me to pre-order or upgrade to a different edition of the game. In and out with no problems.

So how have some of your experiences been when it comes to picking up some of the most anticipated titles?

So just a few minutes ago my father walks into the kitchen and hands me my mail. He then proceeds to ask me what else I have just recently ordered from the net. I was puzzled, as a package was handed over to me. Curious, I opened it and found a letter from both MS and McDonald's, and a redeemable 1600 MS Point card for Xbox Live. Awesome right?

So how did I win these points? McDonald's had one of those promotional download and win Xbox Live contests, where contestants download a Gamer Pic that acts like a raffle ticket, and enters them for a chance to win several prizes. I just so happened to win 1600 MS Points. I would have loved to win the home entertainment system package, but I can't complain because I didn't expect to win anything.

It just goes to show you, there's always a possibility to win something. Now if only I could play the lottery and hit the jackpot....

BTW, any suggestions of decent Xbox Arcade games?

It's been awhile since I actually had a computer of my own and all to myself. Finally I got aound to fixing my laptop. I ordered a new Hard Drive from NewEgg after the original HDD burned out on my a little over a year and a half ago. It's so nice to not share a PC with room mates or family members.

So because of my re-acquired ownership of a working computer unit, I plan on coming around GS more often.

Other than all that, been really busy lately. I've been working nearly 10 hour days as our store (I work in a flooring store, my main job is managing the warehouse, yet due to the influx of contracts for installations, I've gone back to installing floors with my father). So I haven't had much time to do anything except watch a little television, eat dinner, and then go to bed only to repeat the nex day. Time is really flying by and I can't complain much because I'm making good money and working steadily.

Well that's about all. Life is pretty mundane at the moment. Nothing exciting to go on about. See you all around.