I know I've had a rough day when I have a massive headache as I get into my car to head home, and all I can think about is how I'm going to keep from falling head-first onto my steering wheel.

Well, today was one of those days.

The good news is, of course, that I made it home safely. My head was never less than 12 inches from the steering wheel.

Now, off to seek out some heavy-duty headache medicine.

Judging from the damp, flat hair on my head and the tracks left on my tiles floor, I am certain that we're finally in the rainy season. It's about time!

Of course, I'm secretly hoping the rainy season only lasts six more weeks, because I won't have the luxury of covered parking at work once my office moves. (Sure, I'll love the extra 10 miles I save each way, but I really have come to take the covered parking for granted.)

Sometimes, I really have to wonder about the people surrounding me.

During a long commute, I find ways to keep myself busy, while keeping my eyes on the road at the same time. This usually takes the form of noticing unusually painted cars or interesting vanity license plates.

There's FUNDAY and FOOT DOC, who I regularly notice on my drive to work each morning. And there's also the guy who drives the same "strawberry" car that I drove until about five months ago. (He even has the same air freshener!)

But, today, on the way home from work, I kept playing leapfrog with someone (I couldn't tell because the windows were tinted) in a gray Mercedes-Benz C300. In the home stretch, I followed this car into my condo development and saw the car pull into a "resident" space, though I didn't linger to see who the driver was. The license plate, however, had occupied my mind all throughout the afternoon commute. What did it say? I BITE U.

I've spent the better part of today curled up in the fetal position, numbed by over-the-counter drugs. It's too bad I had so much laundry to do, as I really would have preferred to stay in bed all afternoon.

I took less than six days, but I am pleased to report I have already finished another book! At 304 pages, that's about 50 pages a day. If I continue at this rate, I'll be able to finish all my unread books by the end of the year. (Then, I can start buying new books again.)

What seemed like a never-ending week of training and meetings has finally ended. Looking back on the last five days, it's amazing I got everything done without going completely insane.

Is it odd that I was absolutely thrilled just about an hour ago when I realized that my trip to the grocery store cost more than my trip to the gas station?

Since last week, gas has gone down 10 cents a gallon. That saved me about $1.05.

I used two coupons at the grocery store today. That saved me $2.

I think the really odd thing in all of this is my excitement over saving $3.05. But, a girl's gotta eat. And her car's gotta eat, too. So she might as well make the best of it, right?

It's been a training-intensive week for me at work (and it's only halfway done). It really amazed me how productive I can be when I plan to be away from my desk for hours at a time. Of course, they gave us today off so we could send the paper off. But, tomorrow, it's back to the teleconference with online tutorial. (I can hardly contain my excitement!) Friday, there will be a company meeting at the same time as one of my training sessions. I don't know how I'm going to manage to be at both events at once, but I'm sure I'll have a ball, no matter what happens.

I've come to the realization that I've had it all wrong.

You see, for the second day in a row, I have come home from work, looked at the clock and thought: "I just put in a 12-hour day! What am I, crazy?"

What I should really be thinking is: "Wow -- I drove 60 miles of highway and I made it to work and back home unscathed!"

I'm sure I've just jinxed myself, but after witnessing some of the most reckless driving that I have ever seen in almost two decades of driving, I wonder: How do I survive the commute?

On my way toward the highway, I was approaching an intersection that had a green light, and I was going straight through. Apparently, someone going in the other direction (who also had a green light) decided to try to make a left turn before I and the car in the lane next to me reached the intersection. Well, he didn't quite make it. The car next to me swerved to miss him, but ended up hitting the front passenger side. I swerved to miss the car one lane over -- and I did. Whew. Close call.

If that wasn't stressful enough, as I made my way down the highway, I caught, out of the corner of my eye, a car speeding into my lane from the right. He pulled only as far into my lane as he needed to pass the person in front of him in the lane next to mine. I then watched as he criss-crossed the six lanes, back and forth -- even using the shoulder at one point -- until he was out of sight. I can't say for sure how fast he was going, but I know I was doing 70, so you do the math. It was either a race I wasn't a part of or someone was really late for work.

Or, maybe it was just a bad driver.

What do you think?

Although I just finished a book yesterday, I am pleased to report I have already begun to read again. This one is written as a series of letters, in contemporary American English. I have already zipped through the first 20 pages, though I am not placing any bets on when I will come to the end. (Speaking of the end, I don't even know how long the book is, which is fine by me.)

I finished the book!

Once I got started on the last section, I flew right through.

I can't tell you exactly what happened, or what point the author was trying to make. But, I can say that there were some really lovely bits of prose (including, at no additional cost, random capitalization, Britishisms and page-long paragraphs).

The good news is now I can start a new book, which I will (hopefully) finish before Labor Day.

If I had any discipline at all, I'd have finished the book months ago.

But, I don't, so I haven't.

I did, however, read the second of the book's three parts today. Sure, it was just 20 pages, but at least the end is in sight. I could've started the third part (65 pages) -- and probably finished it -- but I want to give myself something to look forward to tomorrow.

Today, I did something I haven't done in nearly six years: I cried at work.

I didn't mean to burst into tears, but at least I waited until I was in the privacy of my corner cubicle. I put my hands over my face and silently let it all out.

It could've been worse, I suppose.

But, sometimes you just need to get things out of your system before they tear you to shreds.

I am pleased to report I am intact, in one piece.

I hereby nominate myself as the worst member of the My33 Movie Club. They should seriously think about revoking my (free) membership.

I have RSVP'd for several advance movie screenings, but have yet to actually attend one. I wonder if they keep track of such things. Of course, it's not as if I don't intend to attend the screenings. It's more like other things come up. Or I oversleep. (It's usually the former, but occasionally the latter.)

So, I hereby declare that I will, from this moment on, think less of myself and more of my fellow Movie Clubbers by not saying I'll be at a screening unless I really mean it. (I do understand that they purposely overbook these thing because they know people won't show. I just don't want to be one of those people anymore.)

There are changes waiting, just around the corner.

I feel good about the reason behind them, but a little uneasy about the extra work that will come with them.

I suppose all I can do is plan for the worst and hope for the best.

There will be no napping tonight.

After a jam-packed Tuesday, I am feeling more invigorated and energized than I have in quite some time.

I was really expecting to be half-asleep upon arriving home this evening, considering it was a slow, rainy commute that took more than an hour. But, I was pleasantly surprised.

And so, while I'm on such a roll, I'm going to pick up my book and resume the slow march to the end of the story.

Now that I am all rested, I will be able to sleep well tonight.

I know it sounds silly, but I was feeling so tired a few hours ago that I just had to lay down a rest. Now that I've done that, I can settle in for the night with no problems.

Sweet dreams!

I often ask myself why certain headlines pass as news these days.

This morning, I went to CNN and came across this headline: "Doctor: Angelina Jolie gives birth to twins."

Now, I know the fact that Jolie has given birth to Brad Pitt's second and third biological children is important to some people. But it is a matter of national news? Every news outlet had this reported in big type at the top of their Web site. Yes, I'm thrilled that she and the twins are healthy, but my goodness! Women give birth to twins all the time; it's not that big a deal, is it? Even the mayor of Nice, France, signed the birth certificate and made a public statement. My guess is that the birth of the fifth and sixth Jolie-Pitt kids in his town was the biggest thing to happen there this century, so I can't really blame him for wanting to capitalize on it.

Anyway, I'm moving on from that.

Next up, we have a headline from this past Tuesday: "When Billy Joel met 'The Stranger'."

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a huge Billy Joel fan, and I was thrilled that there was going to be a 30th anniversary release -- just in time for its 31st anniversary -- of the album that catapulted him to fame. Now, I don't really care that they got Phil Ramone to remaster the album itself. What I was looking forward to were the extras: a DVD of "The Old Grey Whistle Test" concert that aired March 14, 1978, and a CD of the Carnegie Hall show from June 3, 1977. I was lucky to get those from a friend, and I was thrilled to listen and watch them both. But a feature story about Billy Joel occupying the top story slot (upper left, with photo) on CNN.com for a couple of hours on Tuesday morning (the day of the CD's re-release)? I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. I mean, there was nothing wrong with the story itself, and I would've been happy to click on the link, had it been under the "entertainment news" heading. But I think there are much more important things going on in the world that are more legitimate top stories.

I could go on, but we'd be here all night. So, I'm going to leave it at that.

Oh, and a hearty mazel tov to Angelina, Brad and all the kids.

I don't usually watch local news, but after seeing several promos for tonight's 10 p.m. newscast, I had to tune in.

You see, the promo went something like: "One couple is saying 'tanks' for the gas by giving up the naming rights to their unborn child. Just how much gas will they be getting?"

I know these are trying times, with gas prices seemingly higher every day -- although I did notice that the station on my corner was down 4 cents -- but trading naming rights for gas? Unless that kid (and parents) will be entitled to free gas for life, I would not do any such thing.

Fortunately, I am not that unborn child's mother.

It turns out that the Orlando father-to-be David Partin participated in the Dixon & Willoughby show's contest, which asked listeners what they would trade for a $100 gas card. Partin offered up the name of his future child in exchange. According to the radio hosts, he was given several opportunities to renege, but said, "a deal is a deal." Supposedly, they will be at the hospital when the child is born and, upon the naming of said child, will turn over the gift card.

"Hey, man, times are rough," said Partin, a 26-year-old landscaper. "I figure I'll be able to drive around for a couple of weeks on that gas."

The WHTQ 95.5 morning show's Web site has all the details.

Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there. The parents-to-be are taking this even further, trying to get more than the $100 in naming rights for the baby by putting it up for bid on the open market.

The possibilities are endless!

I may never hear of this again, but I am truly worried for this child.

The only workday that has the power to be better than Thursday is Friday. So, all I can say is: "Thank goodness it's Friday!"

About seven years ago, I learned that Thursday was the best day of the workweek because all the stress of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is no more, and Friday is just around the corner.

Today was no different from any regular Thursday. It was productive, but not rushed; busy, but not tiring. And, most importantly: Friday is now only four hours away. Is this great or what?

Today was one of those really long days that makes you thankful for all the not-so-long days that surround it.

I think I'm going to heat up some dinner and curl up with the latest issue of Rolling Stone.

Well, I managed to make it through the day without locking my purse in the car and having to crawl into the trunk. So, I guess that's enough to ask for, right? Sure it is! But, I also got to listen to the remastered version of 1977's "The Stranger," as well as a June 3, 1977 concert at Carnegie Hall and, to close out the day, the March 14, 1978 performance on the BBC show "The Old Grey Whistle Test." What a magnificent day! If I'd have known it was going to be this wonderful, I would have probably offered to crawl into my trunk today, too.

Anyway, I have some observations. First, the album sounds as good as ever. It really makes a difference if you listen to it in surround-sound in a car on the way to work early in the morning. It also helps if you listen to it in the original order. I can't remember how long it's been since I've done that. I imagine it's been awhile since I don't own "The Stranger" on CD, and I don't even know where my tape of it is at the moment. Bottom line: I'm keeping this one in my car, so I can bust it out at a moment's notice for a commute full of pure joy.

The Carnegie Hall concert was also fun to listen to amid the afternoon traffic, and it was interesting to hear how songs started after hearing them dozens of times in the final incarnations. At times, I don't even think he remembered the correct words. At others, I heard words I never knew existed. For example, I think there was an extra verse of "The Entertainer" thrown in for fun. Then there was the whole "no smoking announcement," followed by the "house lights threat." And, the mention of Brian Ruggles' 25th birthday, followed by "Happy Birthday to You." Good times! But my favorite moment had to be toward the end of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood," where he actually said goodbye to "Mrs. Cannata" and "Mrs. DeVitto." I think I heard others, but I wasn't expecting it, so I wasn't really paying close attention. I'll definitely crank up the volume on it next time.

After I got home, I made dinner and popped the DVD into the player. "The Old Grey Whistle Test" was nearly an hourlong concert in the BBC television theater. It's hard to believe he was so young and had so much hair -- Liberty DeVitto, too! And even though it would be 12 years until I first saw him live, he had that stage presence I would come to know well. You could tell he was having fun with the band. Some of the songs sounded slightly different, but not necessarily bad -- just different.

And so, this is how I'm ending today. It's been a fun-filled musical Tuesday, so I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be a bit of a letdown. (Yes, that's right: I'm setting expectations low.)

I've been up for 15 hours, yet in a 10-minute span this afternoon, I went through a full range of emotions: exhaustion, happiness, anxiety, fear, thankfulness and jubilation.

The drama began when I pulled into my parking space, turned off the ignition, popped the trunk, opened the door, locked the doors, got out of the car and walked to the trunk -- only to have the wind, ever so gently, push the door closed, locking my purse inside. As I looked toward the building, wondering whose door I could knock on to call the police or the AAA to tell my pathetic story to, I felt just plain dumb. Who leaves their purse in a car when going to get something from the trunk? (Well, me.)

I was gathering my belongings from the trunk when I remembered that the back seat folded down completely, so that long, large things could be accommodated. So, I did what any person in my situation would have: I climbed into the trunk and pushed on the panel in the back. As it fell, I saw the locked doors. I crawled toward it and unlocked it. Then, I went in reverse out of the trunk, walked to the door and opened it. I then reached over to open the front door, retrieved my purse, relocked the doors and went on my way to the mailbox, feeling like a genius.

Then, as if to reward me for my skill, I found a package from my friend of the 30th anniversary edition of Billy Joel's "The Stranger," with a bonus CD of a 1977 concert at Carnegie Hall and a DVD of the 1978 "The Old Grey Whistle Test" episode, which was only aired once on BBC. I was so excited! I've already watched one DVD feature, which details the making of the album, including 2008 interviews with Billy Joel and producer Phil Ramone. I am saving "The Old Grey Whistle Test" for tomorrow night.

How quickly three days flies by!

I'm finishing up the last of the weekend chores and getting ready to start another workweek.

I didn't finish my book, as I had hoped.

I did, however make two-dozen muffins. In two varieties. That's gotta count for something.

As I watched movies on TV this afternoon, I was struck again with this reality: There are no more original ideas left.

First up was 2001's "Not Another Teen Movie," a fun spoof of all those '80s teen flicks I grew up with. Of course, it took place at John Hughes High School, where the tour guide was helpful enough to split prospective students into cliques right off the bat.

I enjoyed the movie for being as clever as it was -- I don't think it left one stereotype out -- even going so far as too have cameo appearances by the library, principal and bologna slice from 1985's "The Breakfast Club." I especially enjoyed the updated versions on '80s pop tunes. Of course, it did give an end-credit tip of the hat to a more recent but of teen fare, 1999's "American Pie."

Later on, I caught "10 Things I Hate About You," the 1999 retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Julia Stiles and Larisa Oleynik starred as the Stratford sisters, Katarina and Bianca. Health Ledger was Patrick Verona, the bad boy who was paid to take Kat out so pretty boy Joey Donner could have his way with Bianca. Of course, everyone who's ever read Shakespeare knows that Kat and Patrick are going to fall in love. This does not ruin the movie, as I found it charming throughout. Heath Ledger's performance was pitch-perfect. And they all lived happily ever after.

But, back to my point: There are no original ideas out there anymore. On my recent trip to New York, I saw four Broadway shows -- all revivals. Of the four musicals nominated for Best Musical this year, only two were truly original efforts. That's a sad commentary on the up-and-coming arts community. Not that I'm one to talk. I couldn't create an original concept if my life depended on it. I guess I'm just a little sad that there's no one out there who can.

Today, we celebrated the 232nd birthday of our nation and the 21st birthday of my cousin.

It's a very exciting time. As our nation stands on the edge of another presidential election, my cousin stands ready to vote in his first such election. As such, it was appropriate that many politically active individuals were in attendance at our annual party. Sure, there were many local politicians who advertised the offices they wished to hold (on buttons, T-shirts and leaflets). But, the most honored guests were the life-size cardboard cutouts of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Both looked a little stiff, if you ask me. But one of them is going to be our next president. I just hope our nation does the right thing, and that my cousin can be proud when he casts his vote.

Although the calendar says it's Thursday, and I know for a fact that I only worked four days this week, it certainly feels like I've put in the full five -- and then some, just for fun.

The goal for this weekend is to do as little as humanly possible, aside from the necessary weekend tasks: bathing, eating, washing clothes and dishes (though not at the same time). Maybe I'll actually read a book. I talk about reading a lot, and the truth is that I miss it. Maybe, over the next three days, I'll find the stamina to finish the book I started back in 2007 (or not, we'll see).

In any case, the biggest challenge I'm putting myself up to is not getting in my car before Sunday. Yes, I'll be going places, but, hopefully, I'll be catching rides in other people's cars.

In my haste to complete yesterday's later-than-my-usual-bedtime post, I forgot to include any details about "The Rocker."

Unfortunately, there aren't many that are still with me, 24 hours later. All I remember is that I laughed some, grimaced at other times and enjoyed the music. I do, however, have a few opinions of the cast:

Rainn Wilson was, as expected, wacky.

As his sister and brother-in-law, Jane Lynch and Jeff Garlin were subtle, yet hilarious.

The teens -- Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger and Emma Stone -- were perfectly cast. (Geiger gets bonus points for his blue eyes and singing ability.)

Christina Applegate, as Geiger's mother, was hard to believe at first, but knowing she was a teen mom-turned-single mom helped make the character more believable.

Also, it was fun to see cameos by Jane Krakowski, Will Arnett and Fred Armisen. Jason Sudeikis was appropriately sleazy as A.D.D.'s band manager/label representative.

My favorite, though, would have to be Howard Hesseman, who played the hippie tour bus driver to perfection.

Tonight, I went to an advanced screening of "The Rocker," starring Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight Schrute on "The Office."

It's kind of funny, the way I ended up at the screening. Here's the brief version: I check my MySpace page yesterday, and I had a bulletin from Teddy Geiger, calling attention to all his Fort Lauderdale fans. (That would include me.) Anyway, print out a page, show up a movie theater, free T-shirt, free movie, free Q&A with Teddy .... yadda, yadda, yadda .... well, you get my gist.

The movie was perfectly silly for a Tuesday evening. I'd say the audience was about half teenagers, half the rest of us. In fact, the couple next to me brought three out of their four children (all under age 10), a sister and a mother. The 3-year-old got a little restless at times, but there was plenty of room for her to get up and do her thing. She wasn't really loud, but the movie was, so no one could tell.

As part of the MySpace deal, I got a T-shirt that had "I Only Drum Naked" on the front, with a sketch of a skinny male drummer doing his thing in the buff. I gave that to my neighbor because, really, what was I going to do with it? He seemed grateful. His kids all got "The Rocker" bandannas, so I think he made out the best.

When the movie ended, Teddy Geiger was standing off to the side in the dark theater. It took awhile for them to get the lights up, but once they did, he walked to the front of the theater and answered whatever questions were thrown at him -- from "What are you doing for dinner?" (he had already eaten) to "How were you discovered?" (on "In Search of the Partridge Family"). After about 10 minutes, people were invited to come down to meet him, and he was happily posing for pictures and signing autographs when I left.

I may have stayed if I was 10 years younger, but it was a work night and I was still 20 miles from home. So, I took my leave and let the young'ns have some fun.