Thursday Double Header

Thursday night, I headed over to swanky event venue Hudson Terrace for C Squared Group’s Fall Entrepreneurs networking mixer.

Hudson Terrace: C Squared group took over the swanky space for its fall event

More than 150+ people from a variety of industries filled the space, which boasts nearly 360-degree city views.

HR consultant Patrick and I talked about what makes a great vodka gimlet and why, in his view, “American Psycho” is a must-see/read. Sourcepad CEO Joe filled me in about his company, which is a great online resource for hiring freelance IT professionals that you can work with using live video.

Joe also told me the delightful story of how he met his wife -- during a Scrabble game at a friend’s place.

“She was beating everybody, and I’m terrible at Scrabble,“ he said with a laugh. “She took pity on me and started to help me, to the chagrin of everyone else.”

A Scrabble aficionado myself, I loved this tale of finding love across the game’s lettered tiles. As I’ve discovered with previous boyfriends, wordplay can be a great prelude to romance.

After having my fill of schmoozing, I met up with galpal Rachel at one of my favorite Hell’s Kitchen eateries, Cara Mia.

Over a delicious dinner (grilled calamari, spinach fettuccini in vodka sauce), Rach and I reflected on the multi-step process of getting over a big love -- and the importance of keeping busy along the way with good friends and meeting new people.

Speaking of new people, I filled Rach in about HurryDater E and how much I enjoyed my first date with him. Up next…details about equally exhilarating date #2.

Second Thoughts About Pricey Matchmakers

Earlier this week, I mentioned my plan to sign up with the dating service Great Expectations. Since then, a little Google research has revealed it might not be the best bet in this (or any) economy.

Apart from a hefty membership fee ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, Great Expectations has generated a number of complaints from disappointed customers.

“I never ever would have signed their contract if I was told the truth about their services or clientele,” said one Florida woman recently in a roundup of negative feedback for Great Expectations at ConsumerAffairs.com.

So, much as I was looking forward to the photo/video shoot that comes with GE’s pricey package, I’m going to invest in some budget-friendly tried and true online dating services instead – and add a few new ones to the mix too. Apparently, there’s a site geared toward board game lovers. Maybe I’ll find my Scrabble soulmate.

My Great Expectations research reminded me that it pays to be a savvy shopper – especially when you’re browsing for someone special.