So, I just got a new 5.5G 80gig iPod, which has just a crazy amount of storage. There was nothing wrong with my old iPod, but I was totally lured by the new and fancy: mega storage, color screen, video capability, etc. But even though I already have two iPods (and my husband has three, which means we have 5! in the house), I’ve always kind of wanted to get a nano. They’re so small and cute, and I have this little fantasy of strapping one onto my arm and going jogging in the park (never mind that I don’t jog).

But now, I have possibly found the most compelling reason of all to get a nano: Think Geek’s Nano iKitty. A case for your iPod that doubles as fly artwork when not in use? I’m there. It’s completely weird, totally adorable, and really affordable. I might just have to get one.

And speaking of crazy iPod accessories, check out this earbud holder.

This is my favorite time of year. Tra-la-la-la-la. Pretty leaves, crisp weather, and lots of parties: birthdays, anniversary, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas…it’s so much fun. This week I’m going to a concert AND the symphony.

I have an interesting story associated with this book. I first came across it on a shelving cart one day. I casually thumbed through it, and though I was intrigued, I saw that it was geared toward teens, so I put it back without noting the author. A few days later I changed my mind and decided I wanted the book. Although I couldn’t remember the exact title, I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for. I checked the catalog under journaling. Nothing. Diaries. Nothing. Guided writing. Nothing. Nothing on Amazon. None of my coworkers could figure it out. I tried wandering the stacks. Nada. It took me weeks of searching, but I finally located the book, and not only have I renewed it the maximum number of times, I’ve also added it to my Amazon wishlist. For those of you who are interested, take note: Spiritual Journaling: Writing Your Way to Independence, by Julie Tallard Johnson.

Although this book is geared toward young adults, I feel that the content can be useful to anyone. Not only is it filled with inspirational quotes and sample journal entries, but it has handy “off the page” exercises that direct you outdoors to find your inspiration. I’ve always wanted to be an avid journaler, but whenever I pick mine up, it seems that I never have anything to say. This book helps with that, as Johnson gives you suggestions and questions to get you going. There’s just something about the book that makes me feel more connected to Spirit, and I like that. Even when I’m not in the mood to write, I enjoy flipping through the book and skimming random pages, just because it makes me feel good. It’s a cool way to connect to spirituality while bypassing religion (if you so choose).

I have a new fitness love: Candlelight Yoga, from Crunch Gyms. I ordered it from Netflix, and even though it’s a couple of years old, it’s exactly what I want from a yoga DVD. I’m not into power yoga, Bikram yoga, or any yoga that hurts. For me, yoga is less about exercise, and more about centering yourself and your breathing, while stretching and relaxing your muscles.

This DVD, starring instructor Sara Ivanhoe, delivers just that. It’s only about 40 minutes long, and Ivanhoe guides you through a series of relaxing poses, while simultaneously helping to keep the focus on the breath. It’s not a strenuous, challenging workout, but it does make me feel calm and my muscles always feel thoroughly stretched. Plus, I always sleep really well when I do this program before bed. I highly recommend it to anyone who is searching for a calming, gentle yoga routine.

Just when I thought Jessica Simpson couldn’t get any stupider or more repellent, I run across this quote on Popsugar, regarding her new rooster necklace:

“This is my cock! This is about as raunchy as I get these days. I don’t have a cock at the moment, so I wear one around my neck. I found this when I was antiquing. I saw it and said to myself, I’ve found my cock! I’ve found my man!

Ugh. I don’t even know what to say to this. Just ugh. Someone needs to shut her up. Maybe she shouldn’t have fired her publicist after all? I guess that comment is meant to be cute and ditzy, but I find it gross. On the other hand, Ashlee Simpson has been looking adorable in her Chicago promo shots, and I love the little gray cap she’s been wearing all over town these days. Cute!