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.

Women In Digital Media Mixer

Tuesday night, I joined my new friend, SingleEdition founder Sherri Langburt at a Women In Digital Media (WIDM) cocktail party.

Held at the fabulously futuristic Sony Wonder Lab in Midtown, the mixer attracted over 100 women from a variety of industries working in the digital media space.

The Schmoozing Scene At Sony (photo courtesy: Aileen Atkins)

Since launching less than a year ago, WIDM has quickly grown from 4 to 400 in membership. Based upon the smart, savvy ladies I met the other night, I’m not surprised.

I chatted with branding consultant Jennifer and TV host Vanessa about the upcoming new webisode series “Girl Blog” and the need for more shows profiling intelligent women.

Upon mentioning Single Gal In The City, Vanessa asked me about the pros and cons of online and speed dating. I told her I’m all for both -- as long as you don't rely on them as your only mechanisms for meeting new people.

Sherri, whose hubby is New Jersey born and bred, says I should cast a wider net geographically speaking. Brooklyn and Westchester speed dating, here I come.

Much as I wanted to continued schmoozing, I had to make an early exit....for my date with HurryDate guy #2.

An Action-Packed Wednesday

It’s not often that you can triple book yourself successfully. Last night, I managed to pull it off, bouncing between two networking encounters and a date.

The Down Town Association: A classy club in NYC’s Financial District

First, I headed to the Down Town Association on Wall Street, to catch up with fellow Columbia j-school alum Eddie and a few of his friends. A grand, inviting space -- high ceilings, mahogany paneling, etc. -- the DTA is a perfect setting for convivial conversation. We talked about website launches, the current state of comedy and the club’s 90% male membership. Sign me up.

Next, I hopped in a cab bound for the hip Hudson Hotel in Midtown, where I had the pleasure of meeting up with another j-schooler, travel correspondent Val. Over a quick bite at neighboring pub Coliseum, Val filled me in on her upcoming trip to Mexico and ongoing contentment with her long-term beau. I mentioned my renewed focus on being out and about now that I’ve said sayonara to online dating...for the most part.

Tuesday, I received an unexpected text message from Scott, a JDate.com member with a penchant for last-minute invitations and cutesy text messages (e.g. “Hi Beautiful xo”).

Scott and I had gone out once back in May, then spent the better part of a month texting each other until I decided enough already. I wondered whether a second date would make me reconsider and so, Scott became my final stop of the night.

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.