Ringing In The New Decade

Last night, galpal Rachel and I headed down to NYC’s Financial District for Lost Girls bloggers/co-authors Amanda and Jen’s fabulous New Year’s Eve bash.

Party Time: Amanda and I celebrating New Year’s

True hostesses-with-the-mostess, Amanda and Jen served up a first-class menu of fun, food and cocktails to the friendly crowd of about 30 people. I now have a new appreciation for vanilla vodka mixed with cranberry, not to mention Amanda’s sinful four-layer dip (cream cheese, refried beans, salsa, and shredded cheddar -- delish).

Rach and I chatted with M-Theory lead singer Courtney about her upcoming gigs and the promise of adventure that this particular new year seems to hold.

The fun really kicked into high gear when my friend Prince and his longtime buddies Eric and Chris showed up.

Good Times: Rachel, Eric, Prince, me and Chris

We shared plenty of laughs, good conversation and hugs all around at midnight.

Later, thanks to medley of Michael Jackson tunes, the ladies and I busted out a few 80’s moves -- including, of course, the “Thriller” routine. Some things you just never forget.

A good friend of mine says how you ring in the new year (and with whom) dictates how the following 365 days are going to unfold. If that’s true, then I can’t wait to see what 2010 has in store!

Girls Night Out: Connolly's Klub

Last weekend, I headed down to Connolly’s Klub in Times Square to catch up with my good friend Amanda and see cover band M-Theory.

Amanda and me

Fronted by Amanda’s galpal Courtney, M-Theory performed an energetic mix of Top 40/pop rock tunes. During a rousing rendition of “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” Courtney came into the audience and gave me the chance to sing a few notes – when it comes to indulging your inner karaoke diva, nothing’s better than 80’s music.

Rocking It Out: Amanda and M-Theory revved up the crowd at Connolly’s Klub 45

Amanda briefly took to the stage to lead the band on Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold,” dedicating the song to all the ladies who’ve dated men that fit this description.

Over a few cocktails, we talked about our own hot and cold exes, and about her upcoming trip to Panama with fellow Lost Girls authors Holly and Jen to pen the epilogue for their eagerly-anticipated memoir (due out in spring 2010 from HarperCollins). I’ve had the privilege of getting a sneak peak at the book and it’s fabulous. You’ll fall in love with The Lost Girls and find yourself itching to follow in their footsteps and embark on your own year-long journey around the globe.

A mutual love of travel is what first brought Amanda and I together back in ’05, a tale that she chronicles with her inimitable flair here. She’s one of my heroes – as a writer, intrepid globetrotter and all around fabulous woman. I can’t wait to be first in line at The Lost Girls book signing.

Coming up…a farewell to online dating and a review of a departing Broadway hit.