Casting A Historic Ballot

I just got back from voting and, unlike many Americans heading to the polls today, I managed to cast my ballot and be on my way within ten minutes. I was somewhat disappointed by the absence of a wait, and relieved to hear from a Board of Elections volunteer that voter turnout was much heavier during the day.

As I exited the voting booth, I couldn’t help thinking about what a privilege it is to have the right to vote, and how this historic election has provoked a lot more people to exercise it.

Hobbling To Vote: Having just come off crutches and still wearing a foot brace myself, I can appreciate the effort it took for this Charlotte, NC resident to vote (photo courtesy: AP)

My dear friend Morty waited 45 minutes this morning to try and vote, and will be heading back to the polls tonight. Another 20-something colleague of mine spent the last five days campaigning for Obama in Florida. My best friend Lisa followed media coverage and analysis of the presidential campaign religiously, moving at last from undecided to McCain supporter.

Despite all of the negative campaigning and puffed up rhetoric of Decision ‘08, something great happened along the way -- the American electorate has become re-engaged in the democratic process.

Regardless of who ends up in the White House, this active participation is key to getting America through the challenging crossroads at which we find ourselves. And, as Tina Fey and the cast of “Saturday Night Live” have brilliantly proven, so is having a good sense of humor.

The Globetrotting Bride

As a single and thirty-something woman, I’m always fascinated by stories about how people find their happily ever after. Today, I was happy to hear from fellow travel PR maven Lyla that she is enjoying newlywedded bliss courtesy of Match.com.

Lyla and her new hubby David clicked back in ‘06 over Turkish tapas and wine at West Village eatery Turks & Frogs.

Turks & Frogs: A match.com date at this West Village eatery led to matrimony for travel PR maven Lyla

“I knew he was smitten,” she says, “because he let me tell a two-hour home-improvement project story without any interruptions.”

Two years later, David proposed by presenting Lyla with a leather duffel bag loaded with travel accessories and gadgets, a tote with a ring inside, and a note about going on lots of honeymoons together.

Now, Lyla is sharing her nuptial and travel expertise on her new blog, The Globetrotting Bride (http://www.globetrottingbride.blogspot.com/). With great tips for everything from eco-friendly wedding gifts to romantic destinations, the site is a great resource even if you’re not a bride-to-be.

Lyla and David’s story comes along at a time when I’m slowly dipping my toe back into the online dating pool. They were married on August 31st – the anniversary of my first date with the only Match.com guy to become a long-term boyfriend. Looks like fate is continuing to tell me that cyberspace is a romantic frontier worth revisiting.

Weekend Getaway In The First State

This weekend, I enjoyed a much-needed getaway to Dover, Delaware, to visit my fabulous and fun brother and sister-in-law. The visit coincided with a happy milestone in my recovery from foot surgery -- hobbling around crutch-free.

What better way to celebrate my increased mobility than with a mini shopping spree? Yesterday, my sister-in-law Barb and I went to Kohl’s, where we managed to find two tops and three jackets (including a metallic Members Only style number) for a total of $115. There’s something to be said for a great bargain, especially in this economy.

Dover Downs: Michele's restaurant here serves up fine dining in an ambient setting

For dinner, the three of us and my nephew Chris headed over to Dover Downs, the city’s casino-racetrack-hotel complex, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at newly-remodeled Michele’s. I savored short rib ravioli with marinara sauce and crabmeat stuffed lobster.

Also on last night’s menu -- dessert back at home (Ben & Jerry’s yellow cake with chocolate swirl ice cream) and a late-night viewing of the reasonably entertaining recent blockbuster, “Iron Man.”

As I hugged Ray and Barb goodbye at the train station today, I was reminded all over again how lucky I am to have them in my life -- and how rejuvenating a weekend getaway can be, especially when you can leave the crutches behind.

Delightful Date With An Englishman

When you go on a date with someone you meet online, you never know what exactly you’re in store for. The other night, I enjoyed the pleasant surprise of a date who was even more intriguing than his profile.

A 40-year-old British-born corporate guy turned journalist, S had sent me an “Icebreaker” email through college and university alum networking site TheSquare.com.

TheSquare.com: An Icebreaker email exchange through this site led to a delightful date

We met at Houndstooth pub, a new venue in NYC’s Garment District, to find out if phone chemistry would translate into a real-life connection.

Over a shared plate of chicken quesadillas, S and I discovered a mutual affinity for Harry Potter, and for the adrenalin rush of covering the news. He asked me if I ever miss being a TV reporter and I was happy that, four years after leaving my former profession behind, my answer is still no. That said, I couldn’t help being tickled pink when S said he wouldn’t hesitate to put me back on camera if he had his own TV station.

After two hours of engaging conversation, we decided to call it a night. A true gentleman, S offered me his arm as he escorted me to a cab and gave me a parting kiss on the cheek.

Though it remains to be seen whether S and I will go out again, one thing’s for sure -- there's something about a guy with an accent.