After having some time to cool off, I won't be leaving. I'll be the first to admit that I've got a temper which can cloud my vision. I'm still mad about the moderation and I don't think that will ever change as it was so poorly explained as to how it was "offensive" but I won't be leaving. I may still shy away from OT for a bit but I'll still be around on Gamespot, at the very least. That being said, the rest of my day went much, much better.

I went to the mall today to meet up with a few guys from school. A friend of mine from school who had moved to Florida back when I was in sixth grade or so was also back in Philadelphia, visiting. It was really great getting to see him again. And while at the mall, we saw Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. I don't know what everyone is *****ing about. Sure, it doesn't have a life-altering story with unfaltering actors. In fact, it's essentially Swiss cheese when it comes to plot holes but that's not what I went to see. Rather, I went to see a bunch of giant, transforming, alien robots beat the hell out of each other. And I wasn't disappointed in that. I genuinely enjoyed it for what it was and I'd definitely watch it again. Plus, Optimus Prime was like my childhood hero and I owed it to the kid in myself to see the movie.

I also received all of my summer reading books today. I ordered them on Monday, I believe, and they arrived early today. That's why I love Amazon so much. The prices are much lower than in a store and standard shipping will see that your whatever you order will arrive within two or so days. I've actually gotten things from them the very next after ordering. What is really unbeatable is that I got my copy of David McCullough's "John Adams" in hardcover and used for $1.59. Sure, it's used but it's in damn good condition. And according to the back cover, it was $35.00, so I'd say I got quite the deal. Unlike the other two books, which are really small, easy to read, and genuinely uninteresting as they were picked with the idea in mind that every body has to be able to read them, I'm actually looking forward to reading the biography.

Well, that's all for the time-being.

I've had just about enough of this entire website. Not only has OT gone to hell but almost every mod is just about an entirely unbearable human being to be around. Their rules are loose and they genuinely take away enjoyment from what could be a decent forum.

I'd just like to point out how I've been set back from level 42 to 41 thanks to a fun little moderation. I made a topic in the moderation board and the moderator's explanation to my question of how exactly my post was "offensive content" was vague, at best.

Thank you to everyone who has made my stay here enjoyable. I'm not sure how long I'd like to take a break from Off Topic, so I'll see you, eventually. I'd also like to give a special thanks to the moderators for making OT a boring, repetitive place to visit in the past few months. You're all truly doing a phenomenal job. Except for btaylor2404, of course, who somehow manages to be both a moderator and a decent poster.

~Michael

So, I finished up my finals today and school is now virtually over. Finally, right? I didn't have any finals yesterday as I was exempt from taking the Anatomy final (due to having a 95) and I took my Engineering final last week, which I got an 80ish on. Today, I took my Pre-AP History final, which was 80 questions of pure fun. Well, I managed to score a 100 on that one. And finally, I scored an 86 on my IMP (math without numbers) final, which is pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.

Tomorrow is field day, which is where all of the high school students go to this one park and engage in all kinds of fun games and what have you, while wearing oddly coloured shirts (yellow, for my grade). The day after is a half-day, which means we aren't doing anything and then that's it. It's odd but I find school ending to be a bit bitter sweet thing. On the positive side, school's ending! On the negative side, I probably won't see any of my senior friends for quite some time and I'll be a senior next year. That, and I'll miss seeing the cute guys in that grade (really, there has to be a dozen or so of them ).

Oh, and speaking of which, after sitting with the page open for a good ten minutes, I finally changed my Facebook page to say "Interested in: Men" as opposed to its previous blank. I just came to a realization that I should have come to a long time ago. That being, no matter how many people I hide it from, nothing will change the fact that I'm gay so what's the point? It's just more work and trouble for me, in the long run. That being said, I'm telling my dad tomorrow and I guess I'm pretty much officially out.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for reading. I'll probably update much sooner than I normally do with my next blog.

I finally managed to work up the courage to tell my mom that I'm gay Honestly, it couldn't have gone any better. There was a bunch of hugging and some crying (on my part) but she was very supportive and said that she already knew, was just waiting for me to tell her, and that it doesn't matter to her. She also said that she would be there when I want to tell dad and that he won't care, either. She even joked around a bit, which was a huge help, for me. Overall, it's taken such a load off of my shoulders and it was definitely the right move.

At this point, I'm considering changing the "interested in:" section on my Facebook to "men" as opposed to its current nothing and then just coming out, overall, within the next week or so. I tried the whole "take baby steps" thing and I don't like it. And if anyone has anything negative to say about it or if they decide not to talk to me anymore, well then honestly, **** them.

P.S. I just want to thank everyone who has been so welcoming and has given me emotional support over the last (almost) year. It's weird thinking that had I not stumbled into OT one day, I may not have even admitted it to myself, by this point.

Which is Nine Inch Nails' and Jane's Addiction's tour. All I can say is "." It's sad to see Nine Inch Nails go but I'm so glad I managed to pick up tickets (this morning, actually ). They were great, though Trent seemed a little out of it. He even apologized for messing up a few times, saying his mind was elsewhere. And he didn't really talk or anything like that. That being said, their playing was amazing. They opened up with "Beginning of the End" and ended with "Head Like a Hole." I was surprised that he didn't do an encore and play "Hurt" and was even more surprised that they didn't play "Closer." They did, however, play a couple of songs I wasn't expecting but was pleased to hear. Mainly, "The Day the Whole World Went Away" and "Gave Up." Overall, even though Trent seemed like he was in need of some well-deserved rest, it was simply amazing to finally see them. And Ilan Rubin was a monster on the drums. Perfect replacement for Josh, if I do say so myself.

I honestly can't say that I'm a fan of Jane's Addiction but goddamn, were they ever good. They sounded great and were full of energy. Watching Perry Farrell on stage was just awesome. They guy doesn't stay still. I just wish I knew more of their songs. I think I would have enjoyed them more if I did. But again, overall, amazing.

On another note, school will be ending on the 18th for me and I'll probably start working again, shortly after. That means that you'll probably be seeing my activity here increase a bit as I'll still have more free time, overall. I honestly can't wait until I start working. I've been looking into buying a new bass guitar and I'm really interested in an Epiphone Viola. I've always liked the Beatles but I've always thought of Paul McCartney as one of my favorite bassists.

And finally, I've finally decided that I'm going to come out to my mom. She has made it pretty obvious that she'll love me unconditionally. She's also made it pretty clear that she already knows, so all I'll really be doing is confirming it.

Well, that's all for the time being. It's 1:15 in the morning, I'm tired, my ears are ringing, and my arms are sore from finally getting around to lifting weights. I'm off to bed.