1. Even though I am no longer attending school or working a regular job, and thus my weekends are not terribly different from my weekdays, I still get a thrill when it's Friday.

2. Thanks for all your feedback on my lovely poll. It's nice when people make up my mind about things for me. In case you haven't clicked on the "view results" button at the bottom, the results show that readers of this blog are mostly interested in violent stories, followed by lists of things you are never too old to do. And hardly anyone is interested in sports bras.

3. But I want to talk about sports bras anyway, and it's my blog, so I'm going to go ahead and do it. Really, I'm just looking for recommendations. Anybody out there have a really good brand I should try? All of my sports bras are Nike. And all of my sports bras eventually give me chafing on long runs--like anything more than six miles. Hmmm, think perhaps it's time to try a new brand? My skin kind of scars easily, and I'd rather not have red, raw marks and scars all over my shoulders, back and chest. So...anyone know of any fabulous sports bras? Perhaps something seamless, tagless, and in all other ways not going to rub uncomfortably?

4. Another poll, one which I don't know whether people will actually feel comfortable answering or not, but I'll go ahead and throw it out there anyway: how much do you usually spend on presents for birthday parties your kids are invited to? As my husband said, when I discussed this with him the other night, you don't want your kid to be the one showing up with the crappy present. On the other hand, we've been invited to quite a few in the last couple of months. I love that, and I am in no way feeling resentful about buying presents for other people's kids. I love helping my kids pick things out. I just don't necessarily want to break the budget on it either. If you're bold, leave me a comment and tell me how much you spend, or send me an e-mail if you'd rather be private about it. (my e-mail is visible if you click through to "view my complete profile" on the sidebar.)

5. Like gardening? Check out a new blog by my friend Lynn: Mother.Earth. She's a fellow former Democrat-Herald freelancer whose position got cut a few months ago. But she's also a master gardener with a ton of tips to share, and she's started a blog to spread her knowledge.

6. An update on the local restaurant scene for those of you lucky enough to live in the mid-valley: BamBoo Diner, which I liked so much when it opened last fall, has closed. Sad. But fear not! The owners are undaunted and are converting it to a classy burger joint. Keeping all the staff and everything, or so I read in the newspaper. And with the exception of the Calapooia Brewing Co--which is a bar, after all, and while it's open to minors at some hours it isn't what comes to mind when I think of a place to take the family out to eat--there isn't a really great locally owned sit-down burger place in downtown Albany. So, best of luck to First Burger! I will be sure to try it out and report back.

7. Another local eatery to recommend: Sweet Things bakery in North Albany. It's right next to Tom's Garden Center, where Jacopetti's used to be. Stopped in there on a rainy afternoon with the girls this week and it was divine. They do beautiful wedding cakes and special orders, and I had a chocolate croissant that was mouth-wateringly perfect.

That's all, folks. Have a good weekend, and check out more quick takes here if you are so inclined.