new byline

Sorry for the unexpected Vegas silence, but my trip took a surprising turn midway through my 6:20 a.m. flight out from Atlanta. This sounds crazy, but I knew within minutes that I was sitting directly beside my life soulmate. His name is Pasquale Dubois and he's a columnist for a small indie magazine about --here's the shocker -- local nightlife. I don't know how to explain it, but the connection just seemed like it was meant to be. The inclination first came when he dubbed his trip to Vegas as "the best vacation ever," and then pulled nine congealed Krystals out of his backpack.
Needless to say, conversation came easily, and shortly after he said his rendition of "Don't Stop Believing" once won a fraternity karaoke contest, I knew I had found The One. Sure, it sounds rash and unfounded, but the feeling was mutual. As we walked toward the Vegas airport's baggage claim, he proposed over a carmel macchiato from Starbucks. I said yes.
Then we hit a local pawn shop, bought the most gaudy rings we could find, and decided to seal the deal right away...allowing us to devote the rest of the trip to our honeymoon. Of course I was nervous, but I never underestimate the importance of following your first instinct in matters of the heart.
So we headed over to Hooters Casino (the first chapel we could find on such short notice), said our vows and 10 minutes later were sharing a yard-long margarita in a spa suite.
I'm sure this must be an incredible shock to most of you, especially considering my relatively sparse dating history, but please take comfort in the fact that I really do feel truly happy. We're back in Columbus now, and plan to visit both my family in California and his family in Rhode Island within the next three months.
In the meantime, stop being so gullible. I'm not really married.
The real reason I didn't blog from Vegas? I was too busy having the most amazing vacation of my entire life. The trip was a blast, and I have lots of good stories for you guys. Be patient, though. I'll blog as I have time.
Under the same byline as usual, by the way.