I took this picture last month. It’s a good representation of the way this year has been: a mix of both sunshine and snow.

So I watched American Idol last night and thought all performers did a good job. Not great—it wasn’t the best week for any of them—but still solid performances. My favorite song by each:

• David A: And So It Goes
• Syesha: Fever
• David C: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Tonight one of the three will be eliminated. My hunch is that next week will be a battle of the Davids.

I’ve never been much of a reality show fan. But after years of hearing about American Idol, I decided to watch it partway into this season. Since I pass Murray High School’s “Good Luck David Archuleta” sign every week, I was curious enough to tune in.

I’ve watched it regularly the past two or three weeks. It’s an interesting show—I enjoy seeing what the performers bring to each song. The judges’ comments are also interesting. I’m intrigued by the different things they discuss. One minute, they praise a performer for bringing his own style to a song. The next, they criticize a singer for not leaving an arrangement alone.

Tonight, they are down to the final three. I’m plugging for one of the David’s to win—I like them both, so I don’t care which, though perhaps I have a fondness for the local boy. I’m convinced they’ll both get recording contracts, however.

I’m not sure what’s in store tonight; it should be interesting to see what three songs each of the final three sing.

After enjoying a friend’s Wii, I decided I wanted one of my own. Finding one proved tricky, though. So imagine my surprise when I went to Target to pick up some stuff for a baby shower, checked out the Wii aisle on an impulse, and saw a console there.

So I bought it.

The good news: it’s a lot of fun. The bad news: it’s a lot of fun. An excellent distraction. I’m hoping the novelty will wear off soon, but in the meantime, I’m enjoying it.

Wiiiiiiiii . . .

Today is May 1, but it’s more of a mayday than May Day. I’ve come down with something, and my throat hurts desperately. Jamba juice seems to be the one thing that makes it feel better, but the every-other-day trips there are getting tedious. The soothing drink makes the trip worthwhile, though. Guess where I’m going tonight?

Plus, it snowed when I drove to work this morning. Snowed. Snow in May is just plain wrong.

Thank heavens the weekend is nearly here.

Remember the little puppies? They are growing up.

They are just too cute.

Over the weekend, I went out for dinner and some shopping with a couple of friends. While shopping, I found this fun item.

It does say “bodice-ripping” on the packaging—a stereotype I dislike—but I couldn’t resist adding this to my inspirational magnet collection.

My first phrase:

He dreamed of her passionate kisses, rolling and rocking with pleasure.

I’ll move the phrases around each day. Should be a fun writing exercise.

You know the special features option you see on DVDs these days? I’m pretty sure it was invented just for me. I love special features. Unless I absolutely hate a movie, I always check out the special features once I finish watching.

My favorite special features: movie commentaries (especially if one of the actors participates) and documentaries providing background information or explaining how a movie was made. The more special features are included, the better. Hence my desire to buy this edition of Zodiac with all the bonuses, and my sadness that this movie has no special features.

Trailers don’t count as special features to me.

Anyone else love special features? What are your favorites?

It’s April 15, otherwise known as tax day or the day of reckoning. This year I’m getting a bit of money back. I’m looking forward to my San Francisco trip this summer, and I’m also going to put some of my return toward my debts.

The best thing about doing my taxes—besides getting a refund—is that I don’t do them. A friend of mine does. It’s such a relief to have someone else do them.

The refund isn’t half bad, either . . .

I finished Sanctuary, and it will soon be in the hands of a few test readers. Yay! I can definitely use their input. For now, though, I’m savoring the fact that it’s finished.