I spent the weekend in Iowa City, IA visiting old friends and my college haunts. The drive down was a lot of fun -- not -- and the drive back was good until I reached Owatonna. I love getting the chance to vacation, even if only for a weekend, but anything requiring me to cross the state line can officially be termed "too-involved."

So, friends, where can a suburban girl like myself vacation, or "staycation?" Where are your favorite Minnesota places to spend a weekend or even just an evening having fun without the huge amount of road time?

On this first day of April, did anyone fool you?

I got duped by two relatively elaborate pranks pulled by friends on Facebook. And here I thought I was pretty bright. Now, to get back at them....

Minnesota is arguably as melodious as any state in the union. Over the years, it has produced almost as many great musicians and bands as it has lakes – and the variety is as diverse as the weather.

Have you ever heard of giving yourself a theme song? I remember seeing an episode of Ally McBeal where her therapist suggests that she give herself a theme song. She was to play that song in her head when she felt down or her self-confidence dipped (I think Ally's was "Tell Him" by The Exciters). Your theme song should be a song that gives you a lift as you walk down the street, a song that makes you feel happy, confident and in control. This all got me to thinking: If I had a theme song, what would it be?

Band names are like the oft-quoted line from Shakespeare: Some are as sweet as a rose, but some just plain stink. Whether a group’s name aptly represents its image and sound or simply serves as a way to alphabetize their discs in a record store, all bands must come up with one – for better or worse.

What are some of your favorite band names? Which ones should have been left on drawing board?

To get the ball rolling, here are just a few for each column from this blogger’s perspective:

Though I love St. Patrick's Day (I'm 100-percent Irish, at least in my heart), I'm always disappointed by the bar scene on this "holiday." Every year, I think it's a good idea to join my friends for a drink on St. Patty's; every year, I walk away irritated and smelling of the beer some idiot spilled on me. I'm almost glad I have a City Council meeting to attend tonight.

Here's why:

I must be getting old.

I saw "No Country for Old Men" this weekend, and while I thought the acting and directing was terrific, I just couldn't get past the blood and guts.

And what was up with that ending?

I get what they're trying to say. I just didn't like how certain things weren't really resolved. I won't say much more for fear of spoiling it for those who haven't seen it.

For those who have seen the movie - what did you think? Was it worthy of the "best picture" Oscar?

Everyone has an album or a song (a guilty pleasure, so to speak) that you wouldn't want your friends to find out you enjoy listening to. One example for me is Stripped by Christina Aguilera. A perfectly good album, but to some of my acquaintances a purchase I should be very ashamed of. I'll also admit to groovin' to Bon Jovi, The Outfield, Night Ranger and Britney Spears in my van when I come across them on the radio. I've admitted my shameful music moments - now it's your turn. What music do you secretly love?

Do you ever get goose bumps when listening to music?

Yahoo! Sports critics have picked their top five Super Bowl commercials. View them online at: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/nfl_experts/post/Top-five-Super-Bowl-commercials-From-Timberlake?urn=nfl,64964

I didn't even see the Justin Timberlake/Pepsi one; I must have been re-filling my chip bowl.

I thought most of them were lame, but I liked the Will Ferrell/Bud Light spot.