Is it possible for caffeine to stay in the body overnight, while one is at rest? I downed a large iced turtle latte last night between 7 and 8 p.m. This morning, when I awoke around 5:30, I still felt a wee bit wired. Could the caffeine have been still coursing through my body? Or, is it all in my head?

I’ve heard of waking up still drunk, but still hepped up on caffeine?

I’m thrilled to report that I’m attending a luncheon next month. The keynote speaker: Barack Obama, Illinois senator and, quite possibly, a future president of the United States.

That’s the buzz at least. We shall see.

I was able to go to Wal-Mart today at 5:30 a.m., in my pajama bottoms, flip flops and a fleece jacket. I was able to do some light grocery shopping without crowded aisles or long lines at the check-out counter. I was able to do so without brushing my teeth, washing my face or coming my hair.

Now, several consumers already shop in such attire at all hours of the day, at Wal-Mart and other similar retail outlets. I only shop in such clothing at early hours of the weekend — when my chances of seeing someone I know are slim to none.

Bring on the day.

Since making the leap to public relations, I’ve worked closely with TV reporters on consumer stories. These past few weeks, I’ve been reminded of wacky consumer stories I participated in.

You see, I served as a lowly newsroom intern during my first two years of college. Working for KM3 News was a valuable experience. I learned to love photogs. They truly are the unsung heroes of the newsroom.

I also learned about consumer stories. And what makes good ones.

Two come to mind, both of which I helped make happen.

The first story’s goal was to determine how accurate optical labs are at filling one’s eyeglass prescription. Given a generic prescription — one that wasn’t my own — I was sent undercover to a number of Omaha area optical centers to have glasses made. (Later, a licensed optometrist would test the glasses for their accuracy matching the prescription.) Anyone who wears glasses know they don’t come cheap; at least cool frames, anyway. Since I had to purchase four or five pairs of glasses in a single day, I was advised to buy the cheapest pairs possible.

The result: A 19-year-old college student was trying to convince eye technicians that I wanted — nay, needed — the cheapest, ugliest pair possible. That was fun.

And I’ve never been a good liar, so I imagine I came off a bit nervous while trying on oversized, pastel-hued frames for purchase. My whole reason for purchasing such putrid spectacles: “I just want an extra pair, should my regular glasses break.” What a pure load of steaming manure that excuse was.

The second story involved fake boobs. No joke.

At the time, Victoria’s Secret was selling these gel-filled globs that women were slipping into their bras and bathing suits for a fuller, more natural look. At the time, these boobs were flying off store shelves. Our consumer reporter wanted to test these boobs, so she had me, her intern, try on the boobs with a number of shirts, providing the traditional “before” and “after” shots.

But that wasn’t all.

She wanted to test them in the water. But, of course! So I had to wear a bathing suit with my new mammary friends and take a dive or two. I recall the story being shot in the winter and absolutely freezing when I left the indoor pool, wet hair flapping in my face.

And with this story, the swimsuit video didn’t turn out the first time. There was a problem with the tape, I recall, so I had to suffer the humiliation not once, but twice. However, the photographer I worked with (I still remember his name) was an absolute dream. If he had any dirty thoughts at the time, I certainly didn’t know about ’em.

Of all the photos my trusty Nikon took while in Colorado over the Labor Day weekend, this is by far one of my favorites. It’s at Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colo. The photo truly doesn’t do justice to the beauty of the scenery. [And yes, I’m wearing my Ben Folds jacket yet again.]

It was a Wednesday evening after work. I was pretty fried from a busy day and didn’t seek entertainment beyond my 13″ TV. I was sucked in to an episode of “Miami Ink” on TLC. I think I may have found another favorite “reality TV” show. The stories behind the tats were most intriguing.

I’ll spend much of my Saturday at the Downtown Omaha Lit Fest. Will you?

I nabbed a copy of “Plans,” the new album by Death Cab for Cutie. I haven’t yet listened to it, but I’m hearing good things.

My trip to California is one month away. I can’t wait!

It’s so small, it’s huge!

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/

I heard about this on NPR this morning. What a wonderful idea:

http://www.projectbackpack.org

Item! Word on the street is that Apple will announce an iTunes-friendly cell phone with Motorola today. My verdict: No thanks, Apple. I like my iPod just fine, thankyouverymuch.

Item! Matthew and I spent the Labor Day weekend in the Denver metro area, Aurora and Westminster, to be exact. Our visit was certainly made complete by stops at the Tattered Cover book store and The Apple Store in Cherry Creek.

Item! Despite the fact that this is a four-day work week, I’m already excited for Friday.

Item! Speaking of work, I’ve been given the green light to paint my office. Methinks I’ll select an aquamarine blue hue for these gray, drab walls of mine.

Item! Have I mentioned I’m excited for Jenny Lewis’ solo album?