A Memorable Night At The Adrian Awards

Monday night, I joined my Quinn & Co. colleagues for the HSMAI Adrian Awards, a.k.a. the Oscars of hospitality marketing.

All Glammed Up: Dear friend & colleague Carla Caccavale Reynolds and me

Held at NYC’s Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, the black tie event draws 1,000 people from the world of travel promotion. There was plenty to celebrate, as we garnered nine awards, including two for my work on Tourism Queensland’s blockbuster Best Job In The World campaign.

Golden Work: Me standing beside one of my award-winning entries

During the cocktail hour, while enjoying some wine and heavenly Artisanal cheeses, I chatted with co-worker Danielle about her upcoming fall nuptials and possible honeymoon destinations. Danielle is the antithesis of a bridezilla – I hope that I have her calm and cool attitude whenever my turn to walk down the aisle comes.

Renowned USA Today business travel writer and Hotel Check-In blogger Barbara De Lollis kicked off the two-hour awards ceremony, which recognized the crème de la crème of hospitality PR, advertising and web marketing. One of my personal favorites -- a San Diego Zoo ad campaign featuring talking elephants.

Barbara De Lollis: A true travel pro and brilliant blogger

Dinner was exceptional. I’ve attended many functions over the years at the Marquis and can say this was one of the finest meals ever served there. Our delicious three-course dinner featured spinach salad with cambozola blue cheese, pears and wine vinaigrette, melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin and a heavenly dessert foursome -- baked chocolate chiboust, caramel slice, bittersweet chocolate sorbet and a chocolate mousse shot.

Best of Show: Me with my Q&C colleagues John Frazier and Florence Quinn, and Tourism Queensland’s Shana Pereira (holding the award)

The icing on the cake, so to speak, came at the night’s end when Best Job took home the night’s top honor, Best of Show. It doesn’t get any better than this, especially when you have wonderful colleagues to share it with.

Coming up…a defense of courtship rituals and a look at the question of whether to settle.

Girls Night In: Williamsburg

Wednesday night, my good friend Caroline and I headed out to Brooklyn for an evening of fun and fabulous food at our Quinn & Co. galpal Morgan's abode.

Girls Night In: Caroline, me and Morgan

Nestled in the hipster hamlet of Williamsburg, the apartment that Morgan shares with France-born hubby Arthur is a perfect reflection of them -- chic, inviting and warm.

One of the most well-matched, likeable couples you could ever hope to meet, Morgan and Arthur treated us and a handful of friends to a scrumptious homemade meal that included two kinds of quiche, chocolate pie and, bien sur, plenty of wine and cheese. It's no accident that the French are renowned for their hospitality.

Joined by Morgan's lovely galpals Prune and Judith, we toasted with a round of cosmos before settling in for the evening's main event -- a "Sex And The City" marathon.

Cheers: (from left to right) Judith, Morgan, Prune, me and Caroline

The men played cards as we curled up with season one of SATC which, outdated hair and fashion notwithstanding, holds up surprisingly well a decade later. Or maybe it's just, now that I'm a mid-thirtysomething single, I relate to Carrie & Co. on a more visceral level than I used to.

Whatever the case may be, one thing's for sure. Like a pitcher of cosmos, laughter and good food are infinitely more enjoyable when experienced with your girlfriends.

Weekend In Beantown

This weekend, I headed to Boston for my friend and former Quinn & Co. colleague Cristina’s wedding.

At The Rehearsal Dinner: Bride-to-be Cristina and me

Long Island-born Cristina, who has a personality and sense of humor as big as her heart, and Staten Island-bred Chris met six years ago in Beantown when he was in law school. Which is why the couple happily chose New England’s most charming city as the destination for their I Do’s.

The festivities kicked off with a lively rehearsal dinner at Union Oyster House, one of C&C’s favorite local haunts and a place long on both history – it’s a designated landmark and located on the Freedom Trail -- and gracious hospitality.

In addition to meeting the bride and groom’s fun and friendly kin, I caught up with a handful of my current Q&C co-workers as well as our former business manager Annie.

During her lengthy tenure at Quinn & Co., Annie was very much the mother hen – someone you could always turn to for advice, and who you could trust to be the sole of discretion.

A few months after joining the company, I accidentally left my house keys at the office. Following a night with my then-boyfriend, I snuck in early and did the walk of shame to retrieve them, encountering Annie along the way. She smiled sweetly and didn’t say a word.

Annie filled me in about her newlywedded bliss at age 51. As I shared my recent dating ups and downs, she said something I’ve heard many times before -- that love comes when you least expect it and aren’t looking for it.

The next day, before the wedding, I found myself standing beside a cute male guest.

“Are you on the bride’s side or the groom’s?” I said with a smile.

“The bride’s,” he answered. “My wife is in the wedding party.”

Maybe Annie’s right.

Coming up…a wedding to remember and a look at unexpected 180-degree turns in romance.

Singles Event Pick: Big Apple Bash

When it comes to knowing what’s hot on the cultural and culinary scenes, there’s no one savvier than my Quinn & Co. colleague David. Which is why I wasn’t surprised to learn that he’s affiliated with the Young Members Circle for the Museum of the City of New York.

Museum of The City of New York: The upcoming Big Apple Bash will take place on the terrace here

On Thursday August 6th from 7-11 pm, the group will host its second annual Big Apple Bash. They have quite a night planned with a fun DJ, eats from Sullivan Street Bakery and Whole Foods and drinks including a cool new potato Vodka. Among the raffle prizes – Circle Line tickets, $100 to Seamless Web and a selection of beauty products.

Tickets are $50 for non-members until August 1st and then $65 afterwards. For more info, click here.

Following Your Bliss: Take Two

Last summer, I did a blog post about following your bliss prompted by the departure of three Quinn & Co. colleagues who left to pursue new paths. With a new trifecta of co-workers taking their final bows, I can’t help revisiting the subject -- and thinking about what it means during these tough economic times.

Following Their Bliss: (from left) Allie, Alexis and Eileen with me at Q&C

Two of the exiting Quinnsters have an idea of where they’re headed next. Spunky social media maven Allie is returning to Texas to concentrate on digital PR (and reunite with her beau). Five-year Q&C veteran Eileen will be transferring her signature warmth and nurturing style to a career in education.

Alexis, the third to leave the fold, is doing something many would consider radical in a recession – taking the summer off to do some soul searching and figure out where exactly her bliss lies. With her attention to detail and true team spirit, I have no doubt she’ll be fabulous wherever she ends up.

Each of these bright and beautiful twentysomethings are inspiring examples that the sky’s the limit when you’re being true to yourself. Recession or not, that’s a lesson always worth remembering.

By The Numbers: Professional Gypsy Edition

During my ten year journalism school reunion back in April, I attended a panel about reinventing yourself. I couldn’t help thinking about how that phrase has applied to my career before and since attending Columbia‘s j-school.

Reporting Live: That's me with the microphone during my on-air days at WBOC-TV in Dover, Delaware, 2002

It’s been quite a journey from my days as a fresh-faced college graduate to my current profession of travel PR. I’ve written about municipal bonds for a trade newspaper, reported live during a Delaware blizzard and researched business segments for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Here are some of the bends in the long and winding road of my career -- By The Numbers:

Number of jobs since graduating from Mount Holyoke College: 10
Number of career changes: 2
Number of small market TV news jobs outside of New York: 4
Number of overseas jobs: 1
Number of years spent working in PR: 4.5

Four and a half years after making the transition to travel PR and joining Quinn & Company, I feel the same as I did when I first started -- fortunate to work for talented, honorable people and to be promoting one of my biggest passions, travel. Even better, I get to do this in the world’s greatest city.

The Conundrum Of Being Around Couples

When you reach your mid-thirties and still find yourself single, you invariably also find yourself, at times, surrounded by couples.

That’s turned out to be the case with Zog, the co-ed sports league I signed up for about a month ago. Our volleyball team of 10 people is populated with three couples, one of whom is fond of embracing at regular intervals before and after every game.

Speaking of touchy feely behavior, there was plenty of it at a dinner I attended not too long ago with three couples. One of them thoughtfully brought along a single guy for me. Still, I couldn’t decide what made me more uncomfortable -- being surrounded by couples engaged in PDA or the fact that I had zero chemistry with bachelor guy.

The Third Wheel: Sometimes it's hard to avoid feeling like one when you're around couples

Being around lovebirds often makes it difficult not to feel like the odd woman out. Which is why it’s refreshing when a couple manages to have the opposite effect.

Like, for example, my colleagues Greg and Danielle. The formerly closeted couple, who recently came out at Quinn & Co. with news of their engagement, had an adorable exchange in the office earlier this week.

Upon catching a glimpse of his fiancée all gussied up for a black tie event, Greg exclaimed--

"You look so hot!”

Pumping his fist in the air, he quickly added--

“Yes! I can [finally] say that now.”

Danielle gave him a reproachful look that quickly melted into a radiant smile.

I couldn’t help smiling too. Witnessing two people who are perfect for each other does that to you -- and somehow makes it feel more probable that, one day, you’ll be part of a perfect pair too.

Move Over Miss Bradshaw

I’ve always been a big believer that each chapter in life prepares you for the one that comes next. Wednesday, I was happily reminded of that upon learning that I’ve been hired to write for Examiner.com.

Launched in April 2008, Examiner.com serves 60 major markets across the country and covers local information and events, with topics ranging from entertainment and fashion to relationships and travel.

My lucky break came about during an email exchange with travel journalist Rita Cook, also a contributor to the popular site. When I mentioned Single Gal In The City, Rita suggested I apply to Examiner.com -- and graciously agreed to act as a reference.

Following In Miss Bradshaw’s Footsteps: Along with being a blogger and publicist, I’m now a dating ‘examiner’

The New York Dating slot was already filled, so I was happily surprised to learn Examiner.com has chosen me as their NY ThirtySomething Dating examiner. Having crossed the 35 threshold back in January, it’s a title I’m happy to take on.

Of course, this exciting opportunity wouldn’t have happened without SGITC. And SGITC wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement of my Quinn & Co. colleague and friend Carla. And I would never have known Carla had another well-known travel journalist not forwarded me the opening at Q&C four and a half years ago.

Yep, every chapter really does beget the one that follows it. I think Carrie Bradshaw would agree.

When Colleagues Fall In Love

Are they or aren’t they? That’s what everyone at Quinn & Company had long wondered about my colleagues Greg and Danielle – until they announced their engagement yesterday.

The big news was greeted with great excitement and more than a little awe when the happy couple revealed they’ve been an item for nearly three years.

“We didn't want to tell everyone until it was forever,” Danielle told me with a smile, “And now it is.”

From Colleagues To Couplehood: Greg and Danielle found love at Quinn & Co.

Keeping an office romance secret at Q&C is no easy feat. We’re a very tight-knit bunch of only 30+ people.

“I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders,” Greg said, admitting how hard it’s been to hide his happiness from curious co-workers.

Danielle, meanwhile, had a difficult time remembering to take down all the pictures of them at home whenever hosting one of her legendary parties (always well-attended by Quinnlings).

I can only imagine, then, the delight both Greg and Danielle felt when they each updated their Facebook status to engaged, and she posted the very first photo album of them on the site.

The proposal itself was something for the storybooks. Greg surprised Danielle with dinner at her favorite restaurant, followed by jazz at NYC’s classic Carlyle Hotel. When he took her up to their room, a bevy of candles and rose petals set the scene for the bended knee moment.

Greg and Danielle did a heroic job of being circumspect at the office – but chemistry like theirs isn’t easily hidden.

After yesterday’s big reveal, everyone acknowledged that it was like finally getting the missing piece of a puzzle. Suddenly, I understood why Danielle always seems to smile a little wider in Greg’s presence. And why he wasn’t remotely interested when I tried to fix him up once with my cousin.

Greg and Danielle are truly a perfect match. Both smart, outgoing and passionate about life and work, they bring out the best in each other. Isn’t that what love’s all about?

Lunch With A Fellow J-Schooler

Yesterday, I enjoyed a rare lunch out of the office, mixing business with pleasure as I caught up with journalism school classmate Rebecca.

Rebecca and I last saw each other at a five-year reunion happy hour back in ’04. Now a web producer for “The Rachael Ray Show,” she ushered me backstage briefly, where a taping was in progress. A super thin primetime actress was waiting in the wings, raving about a recent meal at Blue Hill and looking impatient for the interview to be over.

Over a delicious lunch at nearby Comfort Diner in Midtown, Rebecca and I talked about how we can work together – and how astonishing it is that we’re coming up on our ten-year reunion in just a few weeks.

Comfort Diner: This Midtown eatery serves up a mean BLT and heavenly fries (of both the regular and sweet potato variety)

Happily married after years of doing the bicoastal thing (she’s from California) with her husband, she acted quickly when I told her I’m still a single gal, calling one of her producer colleagues to pitch me for a dating segment. Turns out they’re only interviewing men. Hopefully, it's not for the upcoming segment mentioned on the show's website about how difficult it is to meet people. Call me crazy but I think the opposite sex has little to complain about, considering they’re outnumbered here by more 100,000 single women.

Rebecca and her hubby met through a blind date, so she promised to keep me in mind should any eligible bachelors cross her path. My friend and Quinn & Co. colleague Carla is also keeping an eagle eye out for me – proof that, when it comes to matchmaking, sometimes the best Cupids are people who’ve already found their happily ever after.

Up next…Bryan Adams rocks the Big Apple and my first visit to Williamsburg in more than a decade.

Inside The GLAAD Awards

Saturday night, I attended the 20th annual GLAAD Media Awards, recognizing excellence in representations of the LGBT community.

Held at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, the two hour plus ceremony included nominees in film, television, documentary and journalism -- and featured celebrities from each of those realms.

The evening kicked off with presenters and former “Law & Order” co-stars S. Epatha Merkerson and Chris “Mr. Big” Noth.

Former “Law & Order” co-stars S. Epatha Merkerson and Chris Noth

As I mentioned on Sunday, I managed to catch Chris just as he was leaving and get a picture with him. My heart was racing as I told him I “really, really, really, really” appreciated it. At 53, the man still has what it takes to make this single gal swoon.

After my Big encounter, I returned to my seat in the balcony of the Marquis’ Broadway Ballroom.

Actress Judith Light introduced a moving montage of historical figures in the LGBT movement, from Brandon Teena and Matthew Shepard to Harvey Milk and Ellen DeGeneres. Among the additional star-studded presenters were actress/singer Vanessa Williams…

Vanessa Williams received a very warm reception from the crowd

…Her “Ugly Betty” co-stars Ana Ortiz and Michael Urie…

Ana Ortiz and Michael Urie presented People En Español with the GLAAD Award for outstanding Spanish Language magazine

…and “Gray’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight. Special Recognition Awards were given to Suze Orman and Phil Donahue, while MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann was recognized for his segment and YouTube sensation criticizing California’s passage of Proposition 8.

MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann received thunderous applause

As I watched the GLAAD winners take to the stage, I couldn’t help thinking about past award galas I’ve attended at the Marquis.

Back in 1990, I watched my good friend A Martinez win a Daytime Emmy for Best Actor for his work on NBC’s “Santa Barbara.” Just a few years ago in 2007, I enjoyed the recognition of my peers as well, picking up (along with my Quinn & Co. colleagues) the HSMAI Adrian Award for Best Travel PR Campaign of the year.

Yes, it’s definitely an honor to be nominated. But, as Kate Winslet said after picking up her long-awaited Oscar -- winning is a lot better!

Girls Night Out In Westchester

Friday night, I headed out to Westchester for a belated birthday celebration with my friend and colleague Carla.

After picking me up at the train station with her gorgeous little girls -- two-year-old Georgianna Jean and one-year-old Nancianne -- in tow, the four of us went to Mary Ann’s for dinner.

Grinning Gals: Carla and one-year-old Nancianne during our girls night out

A cozy, casual Mexican chain, Mary Ann’s serves a mean chimichanga (I tried the ground beef and cheese varieties) and a chocolate confusion cake that leaves no doubt you’re in dessert heaven. A scrumptious mix of mousse and sponge cake, this is a must-have when you’re dining at Mary Ann’s.

From there, Carla and I dropped the little ones off, then drove over to a packed neighborhood pub for some cocktails and girl talk. On the conversational menu -- applying PR savvy to the search for Mr. Right and gratitude for the good friends we’ve made through Quinn & Company. I’m especially thankful that Carla is one of them.

Up next…my first foray into NYC’s Fashion Week and a big Valentine’s night out.

A Jetlag-Induced Pause

It's been three days since my return from Down Under -- but my body is still on Australia time.

As I recover from the inevitable jetlag of crossing multiple time zones in a little more than a week, I can't help looking forward to bouncing back from it, and to the exciting week ahead.

Monday, I'll have the pleasure of watching Florence Quinn, head of the PR agency I work for, Quinn & Co., accept a well-deserved lifetime achievement honor at the Adrian Awards (the Oscars of travel marketing). Additional events coming up include an inaugural visit to a performing arts showcase that highlights new talent, a philanthropic happy hour and manicures and martinis with some of my best galpals.

As my late and wise grandmother used to say, it's good to go away -- and it's good to come home. And it will be even better to be home when my body clock returns too.

Celebrating The Season With My Colleagues

Thursday night, I attended Quinn & Company’s delightful holiday party, held upstairs at Angus McIndoe’s, a cozy restaurant in the heart of NYC’s Theater District and just a few blocks up from our office.

As always, it was a treat to kick back after hours with my colleagues, a truly fun and spirited group of people. An added bonus was getting to see my good friend Morty, who left Q&C a few weeks ago to pursue his phD in psychology.

Pick Me Up: Morty’s arrival at Quinn & Co’s holiday soiree elicited big cheers and hugs all around

One of my favorite things about Quinn & Co’s holiday soiree is getting to know a little more about the people I share my work week with. I learned that real estate PR whiz Steve has an Aussie boyfriend and that fellow travel publicist Ashley is a master at crocheting.

The award for best anecdote of the night goes to the always affable Li, when he was reflecting on the consequences of working in an estrogen-heavy environment (35 of Quinn & Co’s 40 employees are female). He recently found himself spending time with Steve and real estate VP Greg -- at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Once we settled in our seats for a delicious three-course dinner (I chose the Caesar salad, lasagna and chocolate cream pie), our fabulous president Florence gave an inspiring speech about the challenges of this year and her confidence in the talent and creativity of everyone who works at Q&C.

Group Shot: Me and my travel colleagues. That's our president Florence (in purple) on the right, and behind me (in red) is Q&C partner Carla, the person responsible for me entering the blogosphere!

Following a few more speeches from the higher-ups, it was time for the annual tradition of Secret Santa. My boss John surprised me with London in a Bag building blocks and a greeting card cutout of the London skyline.

As John spoke about my passion for travel and for a handful of cities in particular (Sydney, Rome and Paris round out my top 5), I felt a surge of delight. Not only do I work for someone who knows me very well, I get to do my job in a place that allows me to follow my bliss every day. What a perfect gift to be reminded of at a company holiday party.

The Power of Suggestion

During a recent conversation with my PR client Tourism Queensland, I found myself reiterating how working with an Australian entity has been in my vision for years. While talking about making dreams a reality, I couldn't help thinking about the very mighty power of suggestion.

When Dreams Become Reality: My first trip Down Under (in 2002) launched a love affair with Australia that eventually led to my current work with Queensland

As the authors of “The Secret” articulated to great success, there really is something to the idea that what you seek, you will find. Back in ‘03, after deciding to exit the TV news world, I wrote a want ad for my ideal job. In the ad, I described a spirited, creative company that would tap into my dual passions of writing and travel -- a fortuitous description that summarized perfectly what I have found at Quinn & Co.

More recently, around this time last year, I decided that 2008 would be the year of finding Mr. Right. Within four weeks, I ended up in a whirlwind ship to shore romance with Jimmy, an adorable New Yorker I met on my first cruise.

Though we dated for only three months, the time I spent with Jimmy gave me a much clearer picture of what I’m looking for in a mate and led to something even more important -- being completely okay with singlehood.

That’s the thing about the power of suggestion, sometimes it delivers in a way that’s even sweeter than what you anticipate.

A few days ago, I mentioned a new optimism about the potential for romance during the holidays. The next morning, I heard from one of my favorite old flames that he’s heading this way for New Year’s Eve.

Like it did many moons ago during my Sydney job search, my Down Under preoccupation seems to be working its magic -- my old flame just happens to be from Australia.

Special Sendoff For A Best Friend

Yesterday marked the end of an era at Quinn & Co. with the departure of my adored colleague and very dear friend Morty. Tonight, my co-workers and I surprised him with an intimate dinner at Lazzarra's, a cozy bistro in NYC’s Garment District that serves up delicious thin crust pizza.

BFF: Morty and me at his farewell dinner, photographed by fabulous fellow Quinnling, Danielle

Morty is leaving to get his phD in psychology, a field that is a perfect match for his intelligent, analytical mind and compassionate, insightful understanding of how people think and feel.

“I’m sorry that you’re leaving for a lot of reasons,” Quinn & Co. president Florence told Morty. “For your specialness, for your personality like no one else’s that makes everybody feel so good.”

With his infectious wit and effervescent charm – not to mention a knack for effusive, adjective-laden emails and a spot-on Tracy Chapman impersonation -- Morty brightened up everyone’s workday, mine especially.

All Smiles: Morty with the mug I gave him to eliminate the coffee cup pileup at his desk!

It’s no accident that I’ve affectionately called Morty my work husband. For the last three years, he has been my number one office confidante, the person whose sage advice and heartfelt hugs I’ve grown accustomed to enjoying on a daily basis.

After dinner tonight, Morty and I walked arm in arm through Times Square. As we hugged and talked about getting together next week, I could feel us beginning a new chapter in our friendship. Though it was a bittersweet one, I felt comforted. Because I know, even with all the wonderful memories we’ve shared already -- the best is yet to come.

Saying Goodbye To Being Twenty-Something

Today, I overheard my colleague and friend Danielle mention that she’s just 29 days away from turning 30. Danielle wants to commemorate the final countdown by doing things you would only do in your twenties.

Thinking about 30: My 29-year-old colleague Danielle and me at a PR industry gala, January 2008

As she mused about what this might entail, I couldn’t help thinking about the popular idea that 30 is the new 20. Given the extended fountain of youth and rise of the thirty-something single woman, are there really any experiences you can only have in your twenties?

Maybe not, but I know there are many I’ve had that were best suited to that decade only. The post-graduate years are invariably a time of exploration and self-discovery, and I engaged in my fair share of both before knocking on 30’s door.

I spent my twenties as a serial monogamist, keeping no job or boyfriend for longer than a year and a half. I happily indulged my wanderlust, leaving New York four times for stints in Maine, Illinois, Delaware and, most memorably, Australia.

By the time I returned to my hometown, just a few months shy of the big 3-0, I was ready to bid farewell to my days of moving around. I embarked on a new career in PR and have worked happily at Quinn & Co. for four years -- my longest professional relationship ever.

While settling down romantically speaking has proven to be more of a challenge, I know I’m much readier to do so because of all the adventures that I enjoyed in my twenties.

I can’t wait to see how Danielle rings in her milestone birthday -- and to help her celebrate a decade that, it turns out, is just as fabulous as the one she’s leaving behind.

Macaroni Delight at Madison & Vine

Tonight, I enjoyed an after-work dinner with my Quinn & Company colleague, good friend and chief blogging supporter Carla. Our meal coincided with two milestones -- Carla’s tenth anniversary at Quinn & Co., and the one-month mark of Single Gal In The City.

Carla suggested Madison & Vine for our evening repast. Located a quick stroll from Grand Central Station in the boutique chic Library Hotel, the cozy, laidback bistro delivered a palette-pleasing meal that included wild striped bass drizzled with chorizo dressing and the “vine” burger, smothered with Gruyere cheese, red onions and mayo.

Our taste buds were most dazzled by Madison & Vine’s macaroni au gratin, topped with Gruyere, bacon, truffles and toasted bread crumbs. Not so dazzling was the uneven service -- being asked half a dozen times if we were done with our entrée only to then wait several minutes for our dessert order to be taken.

With cocktails in hand (Sauvignon Blanc for me, mojito for Carla), we talked about the expanding social media universe and its many tiers -- from all-access Facebook to by-invitation-only site A Small World. We also reflected on nostalgia for first loves, the kind that lingers once you know the romance is rightfully over and yet you can still appreciate, as friends, the rich history you share.

A scrumptious Smores sundae with meringue ice cream and graham cracker shavings put the perfect exclamation point on our girls’ night out. With a quick hug in front of Grand Central, Carla and I parted company and I found myself feeling grateful all over again for the serendipity that led me to Quinn & Co. and such a great friend.

Happy anniversary, Carla!

Following Your Bliss

When you work at a close-knit company of 40+ people, the departure of a colleague often feels like losing a family member. This week marks the end of an era at Quinn & Co., the spirited PR agency where I spend my workdays, with the exit of three beloved co-workers.

Each of my departing colleagues is leaving to pursue different career paths. Cristina is taking her tremendous gift for advising into a new role as a school guidance counselor. Fashion-savvy (and, I predict, future Project Runway candidate) Michel has been accepted to New York University's highly-competitive Steinhardt Master of Arts Visual Culture’s Costume Studies Program. And organizational whiz Danielle will be transferring her talents to event planning for the New York Historical Society.

Quinn & Co Gals: Danielle, Michel, Me and Cristina

As these fabulous women begin new chapters in their lives, I am excited at what lies ahead for them. And I can’t help recalling the circuitous but deeply fulfilling journey I’ve had in following my own bliss.

I spent most of my twenties pursuing my childhood dream of broadcast journalism, specifically, the pie-in-the-sky hope of becoming the next Katie Couric. My ambitions took me to destinations of all kinds -- from glamorous cities abroad (Sydney, Australia) to small-town USA (Southern Illinois, Dover, Delaware). For seven years, I was part of the TV news world as a writer, producer and on-air reporter.

I was on day two of a two-year reporting contract at a CBS affiliate in Maryland when it hit me -- I want to do something else. The realization unnerved me. After all, I had devoted my education and career to that point in service of one very specific goal. What in the world would I do next? Thanks to a serendipitous encounter with Val, a fellow journalism school alum and respected travel reporter, I soon found out.

Over drinks one night, I discovered Val was looking for a freelance writer to contribute to her website. She gave me the job, which was to take press releases and turn them into news items. It was in the course of doing this that my new career in travel PR was born. Val forwarded me an opening at Quinn & Co. and the rest, as they say, is history.

Nearly four years later, I’m still having the time of my life. PR is the perfect confluence of what I love -- writing, travel, and working with the media. Uppity journalists might say I’ve gone over to the ‘dark side.’ I say, it was the best professional decision I’ve ever made.

I have no doubt the same fulfillment awaits Cristina, Danielle and Michel, and I can’t wait to hear all about their adventures post-Quinn & Co. Their transitions are a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late -- or too soon -- for a second act.

As English novelist Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley once said, the beginning is always today.