For the past several hours I’ve tried to put my thoughts into words following Wednesday’s tragedy at Westroads Mall.

But the words won’t come just yet.

In the meantime, I’d like to share an email I received this morning from Dr. Fred Richart of the UNO Campus Ministry.

The city we live in became a more difficult place to understand yesterday. A man armed with a rifle killed eight of his fellow humans in what appears to be a random act of rage against the world. Words to describe this event are difficult to come by. Our pain and fear is real.

May God be real in your lives today and always. Amen.

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• 19:13 While using the restroom at work today, a pair of feet seen from inside a stall looked like they belong to a man. #
• 19:33 The Amazing Grace scent by philosophy is near perfect when it comes to female fragrances. #
• 08:17 This is the last morning I will wake up and be 28 years old. #

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As the holidays approach and we’re encouraged to celebrate the season with our “blood relatives,” it’s important to remember those other individuals who, perhaps without your knowledge, have helped you create an additional family; or, perhaps, multiple smaller families.

Last weekend Matt and I were out and about when we met up with our good friend, Monty. While standing in the back of a crowded bar in Omaha, surrounded by loud music and perfect strangers, I was struck with a strong sense of what can only be described as family.

Standing in our half moon, we were a small family. We care for one another and look out for each other’s best interests, both at work and at play.

Earlier in the week I caught up with my dear, dear friend Gail. We’ve known each other several years but it seems like much more than that. Our friendship has really grown over those years and we both agreed that it has become like a family.

These relationships are extensions of the people who share our genes, perhaps our eye color and quirky mannerisms. We may reflect our friends’ speech patterns and the way they walk, without even knowing it.

Time spent with our friends — those we consider part of our family — is one of the best gifts we can give, and, thankfully, receive. It is the members of our “other” families who have our best interests at heart and, quite simply, love us without flaw.

I believe it’s a type of unconditional love separate from that of our parents and siblings. Because it isn’t built on inherit genetics or innate instincts. It’s a love built over time that has seen its share of scrapes and bruises, but certainly came out stronger in the end.

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• 08:46 My Christmas shopping: 60 percent complete. Hooray! #

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• 08:35 I’m considering waiting in line at Best Buy this morning to buy a Nintendo Wii. #

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• 11:22 I saw a student walking on campus this morning wearing shorts and a light jacket. It was 16 degrees outside. #

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• 10:09 Hello world! I love, love, love the Internet. #
• 16:51 Had to get an MMR shot this morning to register for graduate school. Ouch! #
• 20:00 My 4′ 5″ Christmas tree is lit, decorated and casting the most lovely holiday glow in my living room. Who knew $47 could make me smile so? #
• 05:56 Mark your calendar: Dec. 22, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin Tribute Show @ The Waiting Room (see www.shaggy-money.flywheelsites.com/blog for details) #

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Tributes to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin One Night Only
Saturday, Dec. 22 at The Waiting Room

OMAHA – Together they have sold nearly 500 million albums worldwide. They have influenced generations of fans and musicians. They have shattered molds and created countless hits that reign more popular today than ever.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, The Waiting Room will host tributes to the legendary music of these two groups: AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Matt’s Rocket Collection and The Song Remains The Same have been widely recognized for their passion and portrayal of these bands that so heavily influenced their music.

Nominated for an Omaha Entertainment Award this year, The Song Remains The Same presents one of the most hair raising tributes to Led Zeppelin and, like the original band, have let the music speak for itself.

Matt’s Rocket Collection brings to the stage one of the most electrifying live performances of AC/DC, which has even received the acclaim of noted AC/DC fans such as Susan Masino, author of the biography “Let There Be Rock: The Story of AC/DC.”

About M.R.C.
Since forming in 2006, M.R.C. has played countless venues – big and small – throughout the Midwest, including: the Nebraska State Fair, Omaha’s Civic Auditorium, Rosenblatt Stadium and Omaha Beef football games.

M.R.C. has also opened for acts such as L.A. Guns and Strutter, the country’s No. 1 KISS tribute band.

This past summer, Z-92’s Todd and Tyler voiced their support of M.R.C.’s No. 1 single, “Big Lady,” which debuted on And There Was Rock, the band’s first album released earlier this year. The song is often played during their morning show weekdays on the Todd and Tyler Radio Empire, which is broadcast regionally. “Big Lady” has also received considerable airplay on Z-92.

In the past year M.R.C. has skyrocketed to quickly become one of the most talked-about rock bands Omaha’s music scene has welcomed in years. Known for their high-energy shows, outlandish on-stage stunts and intricate song performances, M.R.C. is attracting fans long loyal to the distinct sounds of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and The Who.

Show Details
The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple Street, welcomes Matt’s Rocket Collection and The Song Remains The Same at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, for tributes to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, respectively. Tickets $7 at the door for this all-ages show.

Matt’s Rocket Collection plays The Roadhouse (Grand Island, Neb.) Nov. 21, 2007.
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I don’t quite recall what brought me to this decision, but I am determined to make 2008 the year I read the classics I’ve yet to devour.

First on my list: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A friend told me recently it’s his Favorite Book Of All Time, and his copy should’ve fallen apart years ago he has read it so many times.

Such an endorsement makes me giddy at turning the first page.

Gentle readers of this very blog, what other titles should be added to my list?

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