This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and as weird as this may sound, it’s one of my favorite holidays of the year.

No, I’m not a mom, nor am I planning to become one anytime soon.

But I love holidays on which I get to make people feel special — birthdays, anniversaries, etc. And Mother’s Day is the ultimate, because I get to honor my best friend.

My mom and I have always been close, but as the old saying goes: distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Since I left for college nearly six years ago, not a day has gone by that we haven’t spoke. Whether through e-mail, text or phone, we’re always in touch. We talk more now than we did when I lived there.

And it’s not because I “had to.” It’s because I wanted to.

So this weekend, I’ll head down to Houston to spend some time with her. My mom’s not one for actual tangible gifts on Mother’s Day; she “just wants to spend time with her babies.” Lucky for me, my mom’s a bigger baseball fan than I am.

She’s requested I take her out to the Astros vs. Padres game. Isn’t she cool?

Do you have a fun idea for a Mother’s Day celebration? Post it to neighborsgo.com.

Also, if you’re a mom, be sure to post your photos, videos and stories about what your kids did to honor you.

Swine flu

It seems there’s a never-ending stream of information regarding the swine flu outbreak. It’s hard to keep up!

But remember that little site I told you about last week - Twitter?

Be sure to check it regularly, because I’m updating it all the time with the latest on school closures and city health alerts.

It’s twitter.com/irvinggo. Become a follower, and you can get my updates any time, any where.

Editor Aly Fleet can be reached at 972-436-5551, ext. 2022, afleet@neighborsgo.com or at neighborsgo.com/aly_fleet. 

Irving neighborsgo only comes out once a week, and for dedicated readers, that’s bummer. How many times have you wished you could get news about your community every day, instead of just on Fridays?

Well, wish no more.

Now, thanks to the Twitter phenomenon, you can get up-to-date news on Irving any time, anywhere.

Don’t know what Twitter is? Twitter is the latest social networking site to sweep the nation, and we’ve been using it for months now. The site allows people to post simple 140-character updates. Users can post directly from their phones (through texts or internet), so the info really is up-to-date. Everyone from celebrities to regular Joes are using it. Even the Dallas-FortWorthInternationalAirport has a Twitter page.

Just last weekend, I found out the concert I was heading to was canceled due to bad weather (even though the tickets said “rain or shine”). It saved me from driving all the way to downtown Houston in torrential downpour!

The Irving Twitter page — twitter.com/irvinggo — will serve the same purpose. Be sure to check it regularly for all the latest news.

Use Twitter to post your updates, too; we’d love to hear what’s going on in your neck of the woods.

And if you work or play in other areas of North Texas, we’ve got you covered there, too. Soon, all 18 of our editions will have their own Twitter accounts.

So head over there, and start Tweeting!

In other news, it’s May already! School will be winding down soon, and you know what that means — summer camps and sports will begin!

Reporter Lindsey Bever and I recently went out to John Haley Elementary to watch the school’s four softball teams battle one the diamond. It was a blast.

Despite the 90-degree weather, the young ballplayers had a lot of fun, and we took some great photos. Learn more about the school’s softball program in this week's Irving neighborsgo. Also, take a look at the kids in action in this video.

Share your great summer activities or sports for local kids to enjoy, be sure to post them and some photos on neighborsgo.com. I’m here to spread the word — our Web site, blog, Twitter and in the newspaper.

The weather’s finally starting to warm up, and it seems like everyone everywhere is getting into the sports state of mind.

Baseball season began last week, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m a huge Houston Astros fan, so I trekked down to Houston and watched the last Spring Training game. We lost, but just being back in the ballpark was enough to make my heart go pitter patter.

I can’t wait til the Lone Star Series begins next month, when I can watch the rivalry between the Texas Rangers and ’stros heat up.

On the field

Watching is all good and fun, but nothing’s better than getting outside to throw the ball around yourself. I played softball all through high school, so when assistant editor Greg Tepper threw out (pun!) the idea of a neighborsgo softball team, I couldn’t have been more excited.

We’ve played three games so far, and though we’re winless, we’ve progressively gotten better each game. I think we just need a good cheering section to help us get on our feet. So who’s up for it? We play every Thursday at Fair OaksPark, 7501 Merriman Parkway in Dallas. Drop by and watch us play. We’d love to see you and to have your support!

Neighborsgo actually had a team last year, but I think about two-thirds of the games were rained out (fingers are crossed that this will be a sunnier season). Bad weather is a bummer, but not for all sports teams. A coach in Frisco has solved the problem of pesky rainouts — build an indoor athletic complex. Read reporter Lindsey Bever’s story on Fieldhouse USA.

The Church of Scientology - Dallas just relocated to Las Colinas. 

What do you guys think?

Welcome back to the real world!

After a five-day stint in the capital of Texas, I’ve returned home to the neighborsgo office.

I spent the latter part of last week having a blast at the South by Southwest 2009 music festival in Austin. I saw some of my favorite bands and artists play, caught up with old friends and ate some great food.

I even got a chance to watch 1990s-hit makers Third Eye Blind play a set. It brought me back to eighth grade, when I saw them in Houston. It was my first concert… ever.

Speaking of firsts, I also had my first face-sized doughnut (see above) while on the trip.

We found out about Round Rock Donuts on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” show. In it, host Adam Richman challenges himself to eat the “Texas Donut,” a two-pound orange-tinted glazed doughnut. When we found out that Round Rock Donuts was just five minutes from our hotel, we just had to take the leap ourselves.

I ate about a quarter of it … maybe. But let me tell you, that was the most delicious quarter-of-a-doughnut I’ve ever eaten.

Twilight heartbreak

Later that evening, I got a call from fellow neighborsgo staffer Jocelyn Delgado. She and Emily Goldstein (Frisco neighborsgo editor) had gotten the scoop on where Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke was set to do a signing and attend a DVD release party in Dallas that night.

Ah! I’m a huge Twilight fan, so naturally, I was extremely jealous.

Then, I found out they were going to interview her, and if I hadn’t been four hours away, I could have joined in.

I was heart broken. Why couldn’t I be in two places at once?

The girls were sweet enough to get me an autograph from Hardwicke, though, and of course, they took tons of photos.

Take a look at them at neighborsgo.com. Looks like I missed out on a ton of fun.

Students in Irving ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDs will have March 16-20 off for Spring Break. Do your kids have plans?

I know times are tough, and the economy’s not the best right now, but you don’t have to break the bank have a blast. There are plenty of fun and affordable things to do just down the street. Take a look at some of our cool ideas in tomorrow's issue.

You can always go to a matinee showing for a good time at a lower cost. Plenty of movies just came out, and some Oscar winners are in theaters, too. If you don’t know what to see, read Irving movie critic Matt Mungle’s reviews at neighborsgo.com/blog/movies. Most recently, he reviewed the graphic novel juggernaut Watchmen.

And be sure to take some photos while you’re out having fun. Your neighbors (that includes me!) would love to see them.

I’ll be headed to the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin for most of the week. I’ll definitely post some great concert pictures first chance I get!

Saving dough

Speaking of the tough economy, Cheryl Jackson from the Sisters of Savings is now sharing her cost-cutting tips at neighborsgo.com. We’ve got her first deal of day suggestion in tomorrow's issue. If you just can't wait, check her blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/lifesavings.

And if you like coffee, I’ve got another way for you to save.

Grab a free cup of Joe, compliments of neighborsgo, at a meet and greet from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Starbucks at MacArthur Boulevard and

I’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and just to chat!

It’s true; we only come out in print once a week.

But it’s not just Fridays you can get great neighborhood news. Have you taken a peek at neighborsgo.com yet?

There are loads of new stories, photos and videos every day, all specific to our wonderful city of Irving.

Residents from all over the area head there to post their news and events, so there’s never a shortage of things to look at.

We have great Scout news all the time, thanks to Rosa Gordon, our resident Scout writer. If you haven’t read her stuff, head to neighborsgo.com/blog/scoutlady and browse her latest updates.

For movie buffs, there’s also a cool movie critic from right here in Irving. Recently, he reviewed the new film “Fired Up!” Check it out at neighborsgo.com/blog/movies.

We have book reviews, too. Irving librarian Allison Jenkins posts her thoughts on the latest and greatest teen and young adult books at neighborsgo.com/blog/bookit. It’s definitely worth a read. So is Uncle McFestus’ column. The mysterious library regular recommends themed reading lists at neighborsgo.com/blog/mcfestus.

Of course, we can forget our weekly community columnist, Debbie Fleck. She alerts us on upcoming community events, and if you couldn’t make one, she fills us in on the important details of what happened. Read all her columns at neighborsgo.com/blog/abouttown.

And with the economy in such flux lately, we know it’s important to stay up to date on the local business scene. For that, we’ve created a business blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/business.

I have a few blogs up my sleeve, as well.

My favorite, The United States of Hurley, is all about my wonderful Beagle/mini-Yorkie mix Hurley. It’s loaded with pictures and funny stories. Give it a read at neighborsgo.com/blog/hurley.

And if you miss one week’s editor’s note, I keep them all at my Get Into Irving blog at neighborsgo.com/blog/irving. Occasionally, I’ll post news and city updates there as I get them. So be sure to check it regularly.

And if there’s something you’re interested, start your own blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Irving blogs

Neighborsgo.com/blog/scoutlady

Neighborsgo.com/blog/movies

Neighborsgo.com/blog/mcfestust

Neighborsgo.com/blog/bookit

Neighborsgo.com/blog/abouttown

Neighborsgo.com/blog/hurley

Neighborsgo.com/blog/getintoirving

It’s hard to believe it’s almost March already. Doesn’t it feel like Christmas was just yesterday?
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. Lots of fun comes with March. You have St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th, and as a proud three-fourths Irish girl, I’m a big fan of the holiday.
There’s also South by Southwest, the huge Austin music festival, which I’ll be attending for the first time ever. I can’t wait. Two of my favorite things: music and vacations. What could be better?
I know neither of those things is anywhere near as important as the all-mighty spring break, though. You students and teachers are probably just champing at the bit for that free one-week break.
Well, it’s coming up, and if you don’t yet have plans, neighborsgo is here to help. We’ll be featuring fun, affordable and local ideas for spring break fun in our March 13 issue. But first, we want to know your ideas. What’s your favorite thing to during the break? Post your spring break plans and ideas at neighborsgo.com. Share ’em with your neighbors!

A night to remember
Also quickly approaching is that wonderful time all us oldies will forever remember – prom night.
Irving ISD wants to give its students a safe and wonderful evening, and to help ensure that, the district is participating in the BuzzFree PROMises Dress Giveaway starting at 7 a.m. Saturday.
BuzzFree aims to educate female students on alcohol and drugs, college applications, scholarship, etiquette and leadership. Students who complete an essay, sign a pledge to be drug- and alcohol-free and complete a series of workshop at the BuzzFree event receive a prom dress at no cost.
Neighborsgo is a proud sponsor of this event, and I’m happy to say that I’ll get to be on hand to see it all happen.
If you or your daughter are planning to attend BuzzFree, make it a point to stop by our table. I’d love to see that memorable dress you pick out. 

HERE'S THE INFO:
BuzzFree PROMises
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. Luke UMC Zan Holmes Community Center
6211 East Grand Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75223

This weekend marks the culmination of my favorite time of year – awards season.

Now we’ve seen the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, the Golden Globes and the Grammy’s, but the best will come on Sunday.

Now, I’m a huge movie buff. I usually see five to six movies in the theaters each month. Throw in movies on DVD, and the number grows exponentially. So when I watch the Oscars, which air Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., I feel emotionally invested. I want to see a certain movie or actor or actress come out on top.

I’ve been a big fan of movies from the time I was small. In college, I was even a radio-TV-film major, spending my nights in four-hour film classes watching movies from all genres and time periods.

My obsession for movies isn’t unmatched, though. Equally as gripping, in my opinion, are games.

Around this time of year, I like to combine my two loves into something I call “Oscar Showdown.”

Now, the game is easier if you’ve seen a good number of the nominated films, however, you can usually pick up a few hints from award shows earlier in the season.

Here’s how it goes:

Choose a challenger. In my case, I usually go with my boyfriend, Jeff. Honestly though, it’d probably be smarter to choose someone less versed in the year’s movies. You’re more likely to win that way!

Next, decide on the prize. $20? Dinner? A DVD of the winner’s choice? The options are endless.

Now, print off a ballot sheet from Oscars.com. Make your predictions in every category. (Yes, every.) I know it’s hard to choose a movie for “Best Foreign Film” or “Best Sound Editing,” but that’s the fun of it; there are always categories you just have to guess in. If you’re feeling daring, give extra points to those categories! If you or your challenger guesses “Best Short Film” correctly, count it as two. But beware: some people are extremely lucky guessers.

Keep track of winners as their announced throughout the night. When “Best Picture” is finally announced, tally up the winner!

So try it out this Sunday, when the Oscars air on WFAA Channel 8. You know I’ll be playing – and winning.

If you need help making your predictions, turn to our Oscars special on page XX, where Irving movie critic Matt Mungle weighs in on the big six categories.

MY PREDICTIONS

Best picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Best actor: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader

Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Best supporting actress: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona

Best director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

With the economy in a downward spiral, its not surprising that business, money and the government are on the forefront of everyone’s mind.

We at neighborsgo know that and want our content to reflect those concerns, but in a more localized way.

That’s why we’ve expanded our coverage to include weekly business updates and news from the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.

Assistant editor Greg Tepper’s business column has some hearty news this week with updates on local layoffs, store closings and area developments.

As for Chamber of Commerce updates, we have those posted. Learn how the Irving economy has been affected by recent trends, and read about the successful small businesses in the area that are up for national awards.

Irving Cares and local volunteers recently took time out for the annual homeless count. Learn how the economy has affected area homeless numbers and what you can do to help.

In the wake of such a historic election, Jan Killen with the League of Women Voters, has written a great story about the National Popular Vote compact, which could alter the voting system of our country for future elections.

Keep your head up

Yes, the economy is on the downturn, but don’t let that get you too down. It is Valentine’s weekend after all!

This weekend, let’s take a break from all the worries of the world and just enjoy the company of people we love.

That’s certainly what I’ll be doing. My boyfriend and I will be playing sleuths at a Valentine’s murder mystery dinner theatre. I’ll be sure to take photos. You should do the same.

Then, share what you did at neighborsgo.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day!