Matchmaker, matchmaker

My mother-in-law, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I'm married to her son, is trying to set me up with her neighbor.

Now, granted, her neighbor is a rising movie star. So perhaps the prospect of having a connection to Hollywood is a bit more appealing than a connection to an attorney. I buy it. And, I can't deny her good taste in men. The rising movie star, William Alex Gayle, is very nice to look at, even off screen.

Alex is a young actor, who most recently appeared (albeit briefly) on the season finale of One Tree Hill, one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows. So I was excited that I was only one degree of separation away from my favorite shows and looking forward to meeting someone who could soon become a regular on the show.

So last week, my mother-in-law invited me to Wilmington, where the show is filmed, to attend a private party with Alex. It's a long story, but it turns out we all ended up watching the show at my mother-in-law's house...and by "we all", I mean Alex, his family (as in, grandparents, parents and brother), and some friends.

The next thing I know, my mother-in-law is talking me up to Alex, getting his glossy headshot signed for me and exchanging my e-mail address with his. She even had him leave me a voice mail on my phone, where he said I "was sweet" and he's "looking forward to meeting me again." I wouldn't be too surprised if my mother-in-law organized a date with him for next weekend!

I personally think it's hilarious. And very touching that my mother-in-law would go to such lengths to help me meet the actors on my favorite shows. If only the glitz of Hollywood was a bit more alluring to me...

Mama Mia!

Over Mother's Day weekend, I visited my college roommate, Elizabeth, and her new baby. Baby Chase is absolutely adorable, happy baby and it was so much fun just to hang out and be with him. And it was amazing to see Elizabeth as a mom. Not surprisingly, she's really good at it!

So Baby Chase looks a lot like his dad, Chris. But there are definitely a lot of features that resemble Elizabeth; even more so as I was going through my pictures. Whenever something tickles Elizabeth's fancy, she makes this certain kind of smile. Chase did the same thing! It's exactly like Elizabeth's mouth when she makes that smile. How does that happen? The picture here is evidence...that's the smile!

Thanks for the fun visit, Elizabeth and Chris! And welcome to this wonderful world, little Chase!

The Dodge's last dance

The Dodge is slowing dying, and I think that these last few months may be its last. It's been a great car and has lasted a full ten years so far.

When my Dad first picked out this car for me (being a 19 year old and totally dependent on my parents, I really had no say in the matter), he told me it should last me seven years. (I come from a very "practical" family). At the time, I thought he was crazy. After all, he was driving around a Dodge caravan whose pleather seats were held together by duct tape. Four, five years at the max, I thought. But now, with the car paid off and the freedom of one less loan to pay, I'm trying to squeeze every month out of this car that I can.

And it has run really well so far, with minimal problems or needed repairs. But these past few months, I've been hearing some strange noises and feeling some suspicious vibrations. And with the car at 137,000 miles, I am expecting the transmission to be next.

Ten years is a long time. It's been with me through college and grad school, graduations and relationships, a marriage, a dog, and four apartments and homes. It has taken multiple trips to New York and Illinois and back. It has slid across four icy lanes of Indiana traffic and has lost brake functionality on I-495 near DC.

There are a lot of memories tied up in the car, epecially with it being my first car ever. I fondly refer to its color as "British racing green" and friends fondly refer to it as "The Dodge." Even John Goodman can appreciate this car ("I drive a Dodge Stratus"). They don't even make Dodge Stratus' anymore, so I'm really going to be losing a piece of American history.

So, reluctantly, I've started to look for other cars. I want something that is hybrid (or at least a gas sipper) and something that stands out from the crowd a bit, looks a little different. So far, the short list includes a Smartcar (which may not be practical since I drive 30 miles a day on I-40), a Prius, and a Mini Cooper. Maybe a Ford Fusion hybrid.

But I feel like I'm cheating on the Dodge when I think of other cars. Or sealing its fate.

...and an arrival of our own

Scott and I adopted our first dog, Deacon! We rescued him from a wonderful shelter, Saving Grace, and it was one of those things where I never expected to come home with him. He's part poodle and part bichon frise (I know what you're thinking), but he is super sweet and very spunky.

These past few weeks, he's been sick, so it's been a bit eye-opening to understand the money and care needed to go into a pet, but we think he's finally on the mend and his old personality is shining through!

We're excited to add little Deacon to our family! And yes, he's named Deacon because of the Demon Deacons. He may not be winning any NCAA championship titles, but he is one of the smartest breeds out there, so we think the name is entirely appropriate!

A few more arrivals

I've been terribly remiss in announcing a few more births and pregnancies! I really do think this might be the last wave for a little while, so I'll have some time to breathe (and enjoy the little babies that have already arrived!).

So a big congratulations to Sterling and Paul who welcomed little baby Parker to the world! I'm hoping to make it over there this week to meet him, but I can already attest to his cuteness from the pictures I've seen. Here, you can see for yourself:

And congratulations to Alison and James, who are expecting. Alison still has a few more months to go, but, true to form, she has already completed the nursery and is positively glowing! Can't wait to see her (and her belly) tomorrow night!