Girls Night Out: Bounce Sports Bar

Friday night, I had the pleasure of catching up with my cousin Carla over drinks at Bounce, a lively sports bar and restaurant on NYC’s Upper East Side.

Bounce: A good place for happy hour and, on occasion, mingling with men who love sports

Bounce was serving up 2-for-1 happy hour specials, so I treated us to some flavorful frozen margaritas that tasted more like daiquiris (note: strawberry tops coconut here).

Carla and I hadn’t seen each other since the start of summer, so we had lots to talk about. Among the threads of conversation – moving on from no-good old flames, the inevitable expiration date of summer flings and the pleasures of a good meal.

Calories be damned, we indulged our gastronomic whims and headed over to nearby Cilantro for tasty Mexican fare. There’s no better way to start the weekend than over a shared plate of guacamole with one of your favorite people who just happens to also be family. Even if -- now that I’m in Single Gal slimdown mode -- it means spending more time at the gym.

Coming up…a long-awaited visit to the set of SATC2 and a trip to the US Open.

A Weekend Jaunt To The Poconos

Last weekend, I left the hustle and bustle behind and headed to the Poconos for some family fun. After a breezy two-hour drive into the heart of Pennsylvania’s lush territory, I arrived at the home of my Uncle Chucky, Titi (a.k.a Auntie) Rosie and younger cousin Melanie.

Family Bonding: (from left) Titi Rosie, my cousin Melanie and Mel’s eight-month-old cutie Caden

Uncle Chuck threw some burgers on the grill and we talked about their upcoming trip to Aruba. The getaway will be their first alone together since Melanie was born 20 years ago, so Rosie was wondering how they’d fare without her. With a laugh, Rosie acknowledged she’s more of a talker than Uncle Chuck, which got us on the subject of women in general needing to converse more than the opposite sex.

Speaking of girl talk, Rosie and I later did plenty of it – about how relationships evolve over time and how, the longer you’re single, the more difficult it can be to open yourself up to someone new.

Rosie empathized, recalling that because of her painful divorce, she had no interest in marriage when she first met Uncle Chuck. She said you never know how a relationship is going to unfold, that even a bumpy start doesn’t necessarily rule out happily ever after.

Her insight gave me pause. As someone who’s made a career out of identifying why Mr. Right For Now can only be just that, it’s nice to think that, someday, I might end up being surprised by his longevity.

A Weekend Getaway In Delaware's Capital

This weekend, I’m enjoying a little getaway to Dover, Delaware’s sleepy but sweet capital city, and some quality time with my brother Ray and sister-in-law Barb.

Mi Familia: I took this picture of Ray and Barb at the Jersey Shore, May 2007

After a delicious home-cooked breakfast courtesy of Barb (melt in your mouth fried eggs and English muffins), we continued our tradition of bargain hunting with a visit to Shoe Show, a Payless-esque store where I struck footwear gold. Two pairs of shoes and three pairs of slippers for $56 – a welcome change of pace, so to speak, from price points in my beloved Big Apple.

Another tradition – going to Franco’s, a longtime favorite, for dinner. A casual neighborhood eatery serving up tasty, traditional Italian fare, Franco’s has a deserved reputation for being one of Dover’s best. Italy-born Franco and his charming wife Louisa, who greeted us with big hugs and kisses, really make you feel like family.

Over a shared plate of lightly breaded calamari and some superb pasta entrees (the fettucini carbonara was heavenly), Ray, Barb and I talked about the $650 million Delaware budget gap that could lead to a first-ever state sales tax, the allure of New Orleans and the superiority of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef over anywhere else.

As we left Franco’s, I couldn’t help thinking how rare it is that going somewhere makes you feel like you’re coming home. And how lucky I am to feel that way whenever I visit Ray and Barb.

Looking Forward To Saturday Night

There’s something to be said for an unexpected change of plans and the anticipation it creates for rescheduling.

Last weekend, the one-two punch of jetlag and a cold derailed my birthday plans. Tonight, at last, I will get to celebrate the big 3-5 with some of my best gal pals. An added bonus -- the presence of my cousin Chris, in town from Delaware for the weekend.

With just three weeks between us, Chris and I shared some great times growing up. We eventually progressed from teasing each other mercilessly to bonding over the twists and turns of our respective love lives and mutual appreciation for the single life.

I think Chris is probably looking forward to tonight as much as I am -- he’ll be the only guy at our table!

Family Fun In Jacksonville

On Friday, I continued my dual destination holiday weekend and flew down to Jacksonville for the celebration of my cousin Logan's Bar Mitzvah.

Yesterday's festivities began with a moving two-hour service at Beth El Synagogue. The rabbi spoke at length about his pride in calling Logan not only a friend but an inspiration. A smart, sensitive young man who exults in other's triumphs, Logan is and always has been a joy to be around.

Family Reunion: Me and (from left) my cousins Carla, Dana, Logan and Shannon celebrate Logan's Bar Mitzvah and 13th birthday

After the service, Logan's celebration continued at Maggiano's, an inviting Italian restaurant located in Jacksonville's St. John's Town Center -- one of the most sprawling and well-appointed outdoor malls I've ever seen. The sublime menu began with fried mozzarella, stuffed mushrooms, and zucchini fritters. Family style entrees included chicken parmigiana and a four cheese ravioli in pesto sauce that was to die for.

The intimate gathering of nearly 100 family and friends was extra special for me because it reunited me with maternal relatives I hadn't seen in years. My beloved late mother had 18 first cousins, and five of them were at Logan's party. There was lots of reminiscing, and of course, lots of picture taking.

As everyone danced to the Hora and then a medley of Spanish music, I couldn't help thinking of family occasions past. Since Mom was Catholic and of Hispanic descent (my grandparents were from Ecuador and Puerto Rico) and Dad was Jewish, I was lucky to grow up experiencing many interfaith and bicultural traditions.

Logan's Bar Mitzvah reminded me of how fortunate I am to have such a rich heritage -- and to have a wonderful family with whom to continue my parents' legacy. And I have no doubt that yesterday, they were celebrating too.

What I'm Thankful For

When it comes to having a gratitude attitude, I’m a big believer in finding something to be thankful for every day. On this holiday dedicated to doing just that, I’m lucky to have a very long list of reasons for Thanksgiving.

I’m thankful for the joys of being single. From enjoying evenings out on the town solo to girls nights out galore, this is the year that I rediscovered the fun of being unattached.

Along the way, I’ve also found myself appreciating all over again the blessings of good friends. From my work husband Morty to my Kansas City-based best friend of twenty years Lisa and beloved buddies in Australia, Canada and England, my inner circle make the highs higher and the lows infinitely more bearable.

My friends have helped carry me through the journey of recovery from foot surgery six weeks ago. I’m especially thankful for the healing powers of the human body – and the soothing effect of a good, purple-tinged pedicure.

As I celebrate today with my brother Ray and sister-in-law Barb in Delaware, I can’t help thinking about holiday celebrations past.

Holiday Classic: My beloved late grandfather (and culinary whiz) cooks up a big bird, Thanksgiving circa 1978

I think of my adored and very-much missed parents and how they brought our family together year after year. I’m thankful for the happy memories they gave us and for how their spirits continue to guide and inspire me.

Finally, I’m thankful for planes, trains and automobiles. This holiday weekend, I’m using all three modes of transportation. The latter two brought me here to the First State and tomorrow, the first will take me to Jacksonville for the celebration of my cousin’s son’s Bar Mitzvah. That means twice as much family bonding – what better way to kick off the holiday season?

Happy Thanksgiving to All!