Single Gal Meets Neal B In NYC

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow blogger and “Sex And The City” diehard fan Neal Bennington.

Bloggers and SATC Fans Unite: Neal and me in Central Park

Neal has attracted a big following for his fabulous photos and videos from the set of “Sex And The City 2.” He’s been profiled in the New York Daily News and recently appeared on “The Wendy Williams Show.”

We caught up at Lincoln Square on NYC’s Upper West Side, where we talked about the crazy crowds that SATC 2 is generating -- and our shared goal to score invites to the movie’s premiere next spring. Neal also interviewed me on-camera for his new blog, Neal B In NYC.

You can watch the video here or head on over to Neal’s blog to see his complete post about SGITC. His site is a fun read covering everything from celebrity dish and what’s happening in NYC to, of course, the latest about SATC 2. He’s definitely a rising star in the blogosphere.

Coming up…an appearance on “The Dr. Oz Show” and up close and personal with “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd.

Central Park Date

There’s a classic moment on “Sex and the City” when Carrie and Big fall into the lake in NYC’s Central Park. Thankfully, I managed to avoid a similar fate here last weekend during my first date with Ali.

The Lake in Central Park: Carrie and Big got waterlogged at this romantic spot

The afternoon got off to a bumpy start when Ali turned up 45 minutes late -- without being too apologetic. Tardiness is one of my major pet peeves, but I opted to get past it given Ali’s two-hour trek in from New Jersey.

Following a quick snack, we rented a boat for a few hours. Along with learning that rowing isn’t as easy as it looks, I found out quite a bit about Ali.

A former resident of Canada and Colorado, Ali is into outdoor activities (skiing, tennis, water sports) and photography (he shoots weddings). We discovered a mutual affinity for working out. Ali said he struggles to gain weight. I admitted I would love to have that problem.

After our leisurely boat ride, we strolled around the park before parting company.

“You’re nice and I like spending time with you,” Ali said.

Even better, Ali said he won’t be late next time. We’re going out again next Sunday.

Singles Event Pick: Summer Sundays

Summer may be winding down, but the singles event scene in NYC continues to heat up. This weekend, the Empire Hotel’s popular rooftop lounge is hosting Summer Sunday.

The Empire Hotel Rooftop: Enjoy Summer Sundays right here

A seasonal series, Summer Sundays offer sunset cocktails, a view of Central Park and house Djs spinning down tempo and chill beats. The free six-hour event kicks off at 5pm and you can RSVP here.

I learned about Summer Sundays through a fabulous Facebook group co-founded by hostess with the mostess April Lynn Martin. From fashion events and charity galas to gallery openings and art parties, this is the group to sign up for if you’re a single New Yorker and want to be in the know.

Coming up…a memorable tribute to TV’s longest running show and a taste of France right here in Gotham.

Singles Fun At Tavern On The Green

The only thing better than celebrating the start of summer and end of the work week is doing it in one of New York’s iconic outdoor spaces. This Friday, that’s what Professionals In The City is offering with its social networking party at Tavern On The Green.

A Great Place To Party: NYC’s iconic Tavern On The Green

The party offers free admission and dancing in Tavern’s lush garden. The giant sculpted animals alone are great conversation starters, and the setting within Central Park (tourists and all) remains one of my favorites.

Doors open at 5pm. For more information and to RSVP, log on to Pros In The City’s website.

Coming up...catching up with an old flame and revisiting the wisdom of playing hard to get.

An Encore Visit To The Set

Wednesday night, I paid my second visit to The Set, Time Out New York ’s free monthly performing arts showcase of rising stars.

It was standing room only at New World Stage’s downstairs lounge, but I managed to snare a seat at the bar, thanks to show producer Pim. I also caught up with singer/songwriter Red Wine, who knocked my socks off at February’s show.

Singer Red Wine and me at The Set NYC

“I knew something good was going to happen today,” he said when I approached him. I predicted he’ll win a Grammy someday and he promised to thank me if he does.

Red Wine sang his irresistible cover of Ne Yo’s “Closer” before doing double duty as host for the evening. First up -- veteran Aussie singer Anna Fiszman and guitarist Marc Landesberg.

Musical duo Anna and Marc: my favorite performers of the night

Their jazzy take on Ray Charles’ “Unchain My Heart” brought down the house and was, for me, the best performance of the night. Anna’s soulful voice is heaven sent.

Next up was young comedienne Liz Miele, who did an amusing riff about being an angry New Yorker unmoved by dogs or babies. Swedish dance trio Frida, Moncef and Ronja had the crowd applauding with their energetic, fresh take on hip hop.

Frida, Moncef and Ronja put their own spin on hip hop

Adorable magician Nick Ignazzi involved members of the audience in his act, which included being tied up, revealing he’s the Guinness Book record holder for most tic tac toe wins (32) and, of course, doing a card trick.

Young singer Melanie Fontana closed out The Set with a stirring rendition of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and an original ballad, “Water,” that I can’t wait to download.

After the show, I told duo Anna and Marc how much I loved their performance. Anna’s from Melbourne, one of my favorite cities Down Under, and she’s as engaging offstage as she is on.

Getting to know musical duo Anna and Marc

You can catch Anna and Marc on April 11th at the Central Park Bandshell and then that night at Made With Love, a coffeehouse in Jersey City.

For more information about all of The Set’s stars, visit the show's website.

Coming up…a swanky magazine shindig in Times Square and celeb spotting at GLAAD’s Media Awards.

Sunday Afternoon In The Park

One of the best things about living in New York is discovering a part of the city you’ve never experienced before. Today, thanks to my good friend Tiffany, I enjoyed my first visit to Central Park’s northern section.

Taking advantage of the crisp autumn weather, we headed up to 106th Street. Along the way, we spotted a film crew shooting a car scene for HBO’s upcoming pilot “How To Make It In America.”

After catching a glimpse of the sunflowers in full bloom at Central Park’s Conservatory Garden, Tiff and I made our way into the park and ended up stumbling onto a Halloween party for kids that featured music provided by Natalia Paruz, a.k.a “The Saw Lady,” whose unique repertoire also includes English handbells and the glass harp.

NYC's Central Park: Autumn splendor at its best

As we took in the fall foliage and passersby of all ages, we were in awe of the park’s bucolic charm. Like Tiffany said, it almost makes you forget you’re in the city. And it reminds you of another great thing about NYC -- the quiet respites from the hustle and bustle to be found without venturing too far from your own zip code.

Walking And Rolling: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Yesterday, I participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Central Park. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Making Strides and my 11th year being a part of it. And, because of my recent foot surgery, it’s also the first time I did the walk in a wheelchair.

My fabulous friends and fellow striders Caroline, Cindy, Leila and Sara burned some major calories as they pushed me along the four-mile route. I couldn't have done it without them.

Making Strides Together: (from left) Cindy, Sara, Caroline and Leila joined

me in Central Park yesterday

Before making the trek, each of us pinned signs on our backs in memory of my beloved mom, who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 57 ten years ago.

According to the American Cancer Society, 182,460 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 40,480 women will die of the disease. The money raised at Making Strides goes directly to ACS programs including cancer research, education and support for patients.

I’m thrilled that, for the third year in a row, I’m a Pacesetter -- someone who has raised more than $2,500 for the fight against breast cancer. And I’m looking forward to making strides, with the best group of friends a girl could ask for, until the day when there’s no longer a need for it.

It’s not too late to join me in making a difference. Click on the link to the right and donate whatever you can. Every dollar counts and brings us one step closer to crossing the finish line of making breast cancer a thing of the past.

Opening The Vault: Part Eight

It's not very often that real-life romance kicks off in fairy tale fashion. I’ve been fortunate to experience this unusual twist a few times, most dramatically with my first love, California native Mark (a.k.a Sparky).

After meeting in the middle of an “NYPD Blue” shoot, Sparky and I were quickly in the throes of infatuation. Our initial days together were a whirlwind of intimate dinners, carriage rides in Central Park and talk of the future.

That first weekend ended with a diamond band from Sparky and a promise – that he would spend his upcoming vacation time with me.

Over the course of the next five weeks, we burned up the phone lines and Sparky made good on his word, booking a trip to London, where I was spending my junior year. During one of our conversations, I let him know my stance on sex – specifically, that I planned to wait until marriage to have it. Though he was taken aback by my revelation, Sparky didn’t waver when I asked him if he was still coming.

“Absolutely,” he said without missing a beat.

And so it was that, after a 12-hour journey from L.A., Sparky made his way to London to woo me like no other man had before. I now Open The Vault and take you back to the spring of 1994...

London, England
April 27, 1994

Dear Diary,

After our long cab ride from Heathrow, we finally arrived at the Regent’s Park Hilton. Up in Sparky’s room, I began unpacking his suitcase while he freshened up in the bathroom. When he poked his head out and saw what I was doing, he said --

“I should just propose to you right now.”

“Haven’t you already?” I replied with a smile, and he laughed, remembering that he had.

* * *

I treated Sparky and me to a show -- the haunting, dazzling “Phantom of The Opera.” Toward the end, I heard a sniffling sound coming from him and sure enough, he was crying.

After the lights came up, Sparky apologized for being so sentimental. I assured him he had nothing to be sorry about. Overcome with emotion, he looked at me and said with great urgency --

“There’s so much I want to share with you.”

* * *

Hand in hand, we walked to Trafalgar Square. There, with the majestic fountains behind us, right in one of London’s most sublime spots, we kissed -- over and over again. As Sparky remained standing, I sat on the edge of the fountain and rested my hands on his shoulders. Forget soap operas and novels, this was the real thing!!

London's Trafalgar Square: The perfect spot for romance

Next, we strolled into Covent Garden for dinner at one of my favorite Italian bistros, La Quercia D’Oro. The conversation flowed effortlessly, a surprise given that Sparky and I were still very much in the getting-to-know-each-other stage.

Back in my room at Commonwealth Hall, I lit some candles. As soon as Sparky touched me, I could feel my entire body respond. All we did was kiss, but it was a thousand times more passionate than anything I had experienced before.

After we said goodnight, I knocked on my floor mate Carine’s door to get her advice about whether I should spend any nights with Sparky at his hotel.

“If you want him to respect the decision you’ve made [to not have sex], then you have to respect it too,” she said.

* * *

Though I resolved to follow Carine's counsel, resisting temptation proved to be easier said than done….

London was only the beginning for me and Sparky. Not too long ago, he reminisced about our time together in England’s capital.

“The week we spent in London was the best time I ever shared with someone.”

Fourteen years later, I feel the same way. Even when there’s 3,000 miles of geography in the way, some loves never leave you.

My Top Five: Best Kisses of All Time

From epic love to a brief fling, all romantic chemistry begins with a kiss. Countless songs and poems have been written about the simple pleasure of a good kiss, a pleasure I’ve been fortunate to experience many, many times over the course of the 20+ years I’ve been dating.

Amidst all the suitors I’ve locked lips with, there are a few whose kisses lingered long after their exit -- kisses that still conjure up a nostalgic smile whenever I think of them. Without further ado, I bring you my Top Five Kisses of All Time…

Number 5 - Under the Stars at Sea: A star-filled sky and the upper deck of a Royal Caribbean ship served as the backdrop for kissing my cruise beau Jimmy.

A perfect place for moonlit kisses:

the top deck of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas

A handsome Andre Agassi lookalike with a heart of gold, Jimmy and his kisses transported me for three heavenly hours that night and led to a three-month romance that reminded me good guys do exist.

Number 4 - A Kiss Four Years In the Making: For most of my high school years, I had a crush on tall and lanky classmate Jay. After he and a good friend of mine broke up, after he got past his feelings for her best friend, the timing was finally right for us. Curled up on a couch with Jay watching the series finale of “Cheers,” I could literally hear his heart pounding as he worked up the nerve to cross the line from friends to something more. Amazingly, the kiss more than lived up to the four years of foreplay that preceded it.

Number 3 - Rekindling An Old Flame: About a year after ending our fiery, passionate romance, Illinois-born Steve and I found ourselves sitting across from each other at Guastavino’s restaurant. An architectural masterpiece nestled under the Queensboro Bridge with high, vaulted ceilings, Guastavino’s was the perfect setting for rediscovering the palpable attraction between us.

Number 2 - Romance Down Under: For as long as I can remember, I dreamed about having a romantic moment on the beach. Adorable Aussie Jason made that fantasy a reality during an affectionate sunset stroll across Perth’s famous Cottesloe Beach. As I sat beside him on a rock overlooking the water, Jason turned my face toward him and we kissed.

Number 1 - The Kiss of True Love: Is there anything better than the excitement of a first kiss? That excitement was tinged with something more when I shared my first kiss with California native Mark (a.k.a Sparky) during a moonlit Carriage Ride in Central Park. It’s a kiss that still makes me weak in the knees when I remember it.

Like I’ve said before, a good kiss makes you feel like a teenager again. Who needs the fountain of youth?

Opening The Vault: Part Seven

Every September, I’m always somewhat wistful when that first chill hits the air, signifying the start of fall. The change of season always finds me thinking of new beginnings--like the one that accompanied the arrival of spring years ago when I met my first love.

As I recently mentioned (http://melissa-singlegalinthecity.blogspot.com/2008/08/opening-vault-part-six.html), my first date with California native and “NYPD Blue” sound editor Mark (a.k.a. Sparky) delivered the unanticipated bombshell that he was divorced with a child. Since I was only 20 at the time, I responded to the news by deciding to have fun with him while he was in town and nothing more. Fate, however, had other plans for us.

I now Open The Vault and take you back to 1994...

March 23, 1994
New York City

Dear Diary,

While I was very intrigued with Sparky, his divorced dad status made me more than a little wary. I quickly shrugged it off, though, because the chemistry between us felt so effortless...Upon exiting the restaurant, Sparky turned to me and asked--

“Can I put my arm around you?”

“Sure,” I said, charmed by his tentativeness, and so we strolled with his arm around my waist. During a cab ride uptown, he sat thisclose to me. I could feel the attraction between us intensifying.

It turned out the nightclub I’d chosen was closed. We then ended up at a very different destination--the Plaza Hotel.

As always, there were several horse-drawn carriages nearby. We climbed into one and went for a heavenly ride through Central Park.

Sparky was holding me as we reflected upon what a wonderful time we were both having. Suddenly, the words stopped. I turned my face away from the night sky and toward Sparky, and we kissed. It was a kiss like none I’d ever experienced before, one that ignited every part of me.

* * *

After the carriage ride, Sparky and I sat on the steps of the fountain in front of the Plaza. We couldn’t stop talking. It was like we were trying to tell each other as much about ourselves as possible.

Sparky spoke about how much he wants to share his life with someone, a sentiment that both excited and intimidated me given the 16-year age difference between us.

It was getting late so, hand in hand, we walked back to my building. Sparky asked me what I was doing the following night. Upon informing him that I had plans with my cousin, he declared--

“I don’t care - I’ll take her out too. I just want to spend every minute with you that I can.”

How could I say no to that?

* * *

Sparky and I packed quite a bit into those first couple of days together -- from strawberries and whipped cream at NYC’s posh Regency Hotel to a second moonlit carriage ride through Central Park. And before the weekend was over, much to my great surprise, there was a ring on my finger…

Coming up…Sparky’s transatlantic grand gesture and standing up to cancer at a Dave Matthews concert.

A Sweet Summer Afternoon

During the summer, New York becomes a veritable playground of outdoor fun. This season, my favorite warm weather diversions have included swanky rooftop bars, free movies at Pier 46 beside the Hudson River and, of course, Central Park.

Today, I took advantage of the 80-degree low-humidity weather and went for a leisurely stroll across the park. I passed about a dozen John Lennon devotees paying their respects with flowers and candles at Strawberry Fields before catching a glimpse of roller bladers strutting their stuff. I stopped to groove right along with them to Bobby Brown’s 80’s hit “Rock wit'cha.”

As I meandered over to the tree-lined mall, Bobby’s voice faded, replaced by the sounds of a solo sax player. Even though I’ve spent most of my life as a New York resident, I’m continually astounded by the caliber of musical talent here. It’s not uncommon in the Big Apple to enjoy a mariachi band or Motown-esque trio with your morning commute. Sign me for up Subway Idol whenever that makes it onto the crowded reality TV landscape.

Upon exiting the park, I decided to treat myself to Mister Softee ice cream. Thanks to the handy calorie chart pasted on the side of the truck, I was able to absolve myself of any guilt with the reassuring fact that, at 250 calories, a vanilla cone was the least decadent option available.

I was only a few blocks from home when I looked up and spotted Begonia, a fellow Mount Holyoke alum I hadn’t seen in years. She introduced me to her husband and adorable five-month old daughter, and we debriefed each other about our respective jobs and neighborhoods of residence.

After we parted, I couldn’t help thinking about the different trajectories our lives have taken. Though Begonia and I are the same age and graduated the same year, she’s a mother and wife while I’m still single. I found myself wondering, how did she find her happily ever after? Are there choices I might have made that would have led me to find my own domestic bliss by now?

And then, I took a deep breath and smiled, remembering the more important question--am I happy right now, right where I am at this moment?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Making Strides Kickoff

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Yesterday, I attended the kickoff breakfast for the October event at New York's Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square.

I’ve participated in the five-mile walk in Central Park since 1996, when my late beloved mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the years, I’ve walked in memory of her, and in honor of the amazing women in my life who are survivors of the disease -- my sister-in-law, my cousin (diagnosed at the age of 40) and my aunt.

Hundreds of us striders filled the Marriott Marquis’ Broadway Ballroom for yesterday’s breakfast. WABC-TV anchor Diana Williams introduced a panel of speakers whose powerful stories reinforced the importance of events like Making Strides. A nine-year survivor diagnosed on her 50th birthday expressed gratitude that her recovery has enabled her to care for her disabled daughter. A more recent survivor was overjoyed to be at the breakfast, having made a videotaped appearance last year because she was undergoing treatment at the time.

Among the sobering statistics presented -- Congress only provides funding for 1 in 5 low-income or uninsured women to get a mammogram. The American Cancer Society provides access to free mammograms. It’s one of many life-saving programs supported by money raised during the Making Strides walk.

Last year’s walk in Central Park raised $2.9 million for the fight against breast cancer. This year, the ACS has set its sights on crossing the $3.2 million mark. On October 19th, I’ll be rounding up my best gal pals and putting on my walking shoes to help the ACS reach this ambitious goal, and my own personal goal of $4,500 (I raised about $4,000 last year). Hope you’ll join me in my efforts by clicking on the link to the right.

I’m looking forward to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, because every step taken is one step closer to making this disease what it should be -- a thing of the past.

Girls Night Out: Tavern On The Green

Every couple of months, a group of us gals who work in travel PR get together for happy hour to talk shop and the single life. Last Thursday, the destination for our after-hours imbibing was Tavern on the Green.

Set within Central Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the legendary tourist hotspot served up an interesting hodgepodge of people, hosting three private parties while we were there.

The girls and I were most inclined to crash Merrill Lynch’s soiree -- until we noticed that most of the youthful attendees appeared to be fresh out of business school. In fact, it seemed like we were the only ones representing the thirty-something demographic. The rest of the crowd assembled in Tavern on the Green’s courtyard consisted of people in their 20’s and people in their 40’s and 50’s trying to look like they were in their 20’s.

Despite the unusual mix, we were reminded of what a small world New York can be. Two of the girls spotted former boyfriends of high-school friends. As it turns out, one of these men--nattily dressed in a suit and pink tie -- has quite the background. Not only did he stalk my friend’s friend back in the day and end up in jail, but he also moonlighted from his blue-blooded background as a drug dealer. His parents must be so proud.

Later in the evening, another of the girls ran into a former fling and neighbor through whom she managed to score a substantial gym discount. I laughed as she told the story, telling her of the iPod that has outlasted the ex who gave it to me four years ago.

Also among the topics of conversation -- unexpected advances from longtime and otherwise attached male friends. My good buddy CK received quite a shock when her roommate of more than a year, on the eve of his departure, gave her a goodbye kiss that was anything but platonic. This was doubly shocking given that he was leaving the U.S. to be with his longtime girlfriend.

CK’s tale paved the way for me to mention a married boss of mine who planted one on me after my last day on the job. He kissed me with such ardor, I thought he was going to pull entire chunks of hair out of my head.

We took a brief break from the girl talk to please our palettes, washing down $8 cheeseburgers with $16 cocktails. We couldn’t decide what was more outrageous -- the prices or the life-sized tree sculptures of various animals lunging toward us. Only in New York.

Coming up…mixed reviews for a splashy new Atlantic City resort and the value of keeping your eyes open.

By The Numbers: Take Seven

When I think about the memorable times I’ve had with significant others over the years, many of the ones which come to mind involved the transporting experiences of travel and pampering. From one of New York’s most romantic locales to the decadence of Sin City, I've gone on quite a journey with most of my boyfriends. Without any further ado, I bring you this latest installment of By The Numbers…

Number of carriage rides through Central Park shared with significant others: 2
Number of men with whom I’ve gone to Las Vegas: 2
Number of boyfriends who spent more time gambling in Vegas than they did with me: 1
Number of men with whom I’ve enjoyed a couples spa treatment: 2

One of the above-referenced spa treatments took place at Elemis Spa in Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun. Elemis is a luxuriously relaxing escape from Mohegan Sun’s sprawling, seasonally-themed casino complex, and also boasts sister locations in Florida and London.

Speaking of spa destinations, one of my new favorites online is http://www.spaparazzi.com/. Edited by industry expert Brenda Lopez, Spaparazzi.com offers the latest spa news as well as tips on organic living, health, wellness, beauty, diet and fitness. It’s the perfect virtual oasis for finding out how to relax and unwind -- something it’s always good to know more about.