I was awoke to yet another thunderstorm early this morning. I don’t mind the rain, you see; it’s just the thunder and lighting that I sometimes have a problem with.

I’m reading “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd, who also wrote “The Secret Life of Bees.” Three or four chapters into the book, I’m quite surprised how different Kidd’s voice is in the book. It’s certainly a transition from “Bees.”

Also on media: As you know, I’m just now watching “Sex and the City” on TBS. Last night, I saw the first two episodes and am shocked at how different the characters were when the series ended. The language, the beliefs, even their clothing drastically took a 180 when the show was on air. I don’t care for Carrie directly addressing the audience; it feels awkward.

English muffins with Jif’s new honey peanut butter is a magnificent treat.

Rilo Kiley: After seeing them perform Thursday night, I am convinced they are one of the best bands to see live, that I can recall. Their talents really are indescribable.

Ever day, I receive at least three or four spam emails from Dairy Queen or Baskin Robbins, telling me I’ve won a free dessert. They certainly know how to toy with my emotions. I’m a sucker for dessert. In fact, I bought a package of bakery-style chocolate chip cookies from Wal-Mart last night. I live five minutes from Wal-Mart, but still managed to suck one down in the parking lot before driving home. I’m pathetic.

I should be receiving Tiger within the next week! Woo hoo!

[borrowed from ]

1. Total number of books owned? Around 175

2. The last book I bought? “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd

3. The last book I read? “The Rule of Four” by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

4. 5 books that mean a lot to me? “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold; “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein; “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel; “Songs in Ordinary Time” by Mary McGary Morris

My good friend Tony will have his byline graces the pages of the Sunday Los Angeles Times this weekend. Way to go, Tony!

Omaha, mark your calendars for June 3: http://www.gypsypics.net

For the second time in a week, my right side developed a painful cramp while running at the Y this morning. Any ideas of the culprit?

When Matthew is away, the TV room becomes my dining room, the green couch, my dinner table.

Only Oprah can make an audience applause wildly for a Jello and fruit dessert.

Tonight: Rilo Kiley at Sokol. Exciting!

Tomorrow: Work, then a relaxing evening at home, which will include reading magazines and a DIY pedicure. Exciting!

Saturday: I will be sequestered in my home office, hammering away at a handful of freelance articles due next week. Then, pick up Matthew from the airport.

I just finished “The Rule of Four.” I thoroughly enjoyed the book, dare I say almost as much as Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code.” However, I’m a bit confused on the ending. For those of you who’ve read the book, a little help, please.

If you’ve finished the book, please post a comment. I don’t want to post my question here and possibly ruin the book for those who haven’t yet finished it.

Hello, to you and you and you. How lovely to see you on this humid and soon-to-be-stormy Wednesday evening.

Monday night was spent seeing The Shins play at Sokol. What a fantastic show! Several people in Omaha had some pretty harsh words about the show; but I, for one, loved every minute of it. I agree that much — if not all — of their songs Monday night sounded exactly like their CDs, but it was the band’s on-stage performance that captivated me most. They were chatty and fun and relaxed and excited, all at the same time. It was as if they genuinely loved performing in front of a sold-out crowd. And they smiled! And joked! It’s quite a change from other bands I’ve seen at Sokol.

Tonight, Matthew and I strolled through the Old Market. We dined at Zio’s and had coffee at Aroma’s. Lovely! I managed to make a stop at Homer’s this evening, as well, to pick up “Cold Roses,” the latest two-CD set by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals. I’ve only listened to the first three songs on the first CD, but my ears are already happy.

Last night a massive storm blew through Omaha, bringing three huge branches crashing to the ground in the back yard. The damage was such that it removed the cable and telephone wires from the house. Someone from Cox Communications is supposed to come out to the house Thursday afternoon to make the proper repairs.

I hear thunder. Another round of storms is almost here.

I’m a member of the Scoutreach committee, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America’s Mid-America Council here in Omaha.

The goal of the Scoutreach committee is to develop Boy Scout troops in north and south Omaha. We’re looking for organizations to partner with who will help us promote our efforts.

The Omaha media outlets I have in mind to target are:
– The Omaha Star
– Nuestro Mundo
– ABM Enterprises, which publishes El Perico and La Vision Latina
– 97.7 FM, the all-Spanish radio station

I’m also thinking of the Chicano Awareness Center, although they’re not part of the media.

Can anyone recommend other local organizations who may be interested in such a program? We’re not looking for donations; just additonal avenues to promote the development of Boy Scout troops in north and south Omaha.