Snatch a Blast and a Match

In the spirit of adventure, I've been treating myself to new experiences in the wee hours left after work. Some recent (and upcoming) affordable explorations include:

• Taking a weekly hip hop class with my friend J (www.lifebooker.com- check out new daily loot- I scored these for around 12 dollars a class).
• Trying out pilates (6.50 a class!), circus class, and silk trapezing with my friend G (Got these through lifebooker and groupon).
• Partaking in a variety of activities through a gym membership at the 92Y (I think this was a groupon- 20 for a month membership).
• Treating my body to some mani/pedi time and a massage (25tuesdays.com- $25 dollars- hooray!)

On the not as cheap side, I'm also trying new restaurants and bars (some faves include Frank, Gotham Bar & Grill, and Campbell Apartment). Some of these have been experienced on dates. Yes dates. In terms of personal development, I feel like I have the friend and family aspect in a very solid place and my own perception of me is stronger than ever- so it might just be the right time for the man addition.

I'm approaching finding this fantastic fellow with an open mind: whether it be online, at a bar, in a class, through a friend, or dare I say... through a matchmaker. Yes, I said matchmaker- in keeping true with the NY experience, I've scheduled an interview with one I read about in Time Out New York- VIP. I'm drawn to the idea of a personal customized match but am hoping this doesn't turn out to be a breeding ground for guys who want a gold digger or trophey. This might just be my biggest adventure (or disaster) yet.

Building enriching relationships for the long haul

I almost had a whole week of MeTime in New York with the wonderful Ms. Rita. I spent my spring break investigating work/art job options in New York while hanging out with friends and family. It was a lovely, jammed packed few days full of good food, great art, laughter and amazing people. It's so important to remember how lucky we are to have people of substance in our lives and spend time valuing these relationships instead of letting them slip into the 'taken for granted'.

While soaking up time with people I love, I was working to build new friendships with arts management alumni who are working in New York. The process of finding a job can be so daunting and overwhelming - but ultimately comes down to knowing the right people.

Instead of the traditional internet research/job fair route, I'm approaching my career options holistically from a people-centric perspective. Good people lead me to other good people - and the cycle continues...

It's refreshing to feel like the simple connection between people who went to the same university can bring such a supportive and warm relationship. Even when the people I spoke to were in careers that are not at all along the same path as mine, they were interested in engaged in my ideas and plans for the future.

When you want to see gold in life - goodness surfaces...

I'm not a prostitute!

I ended my date last night with those very words.

Did this man proposition me with money? No. Did he suggest something entirely inappropriate? No. Did he pay for my cab ride after treating me to a nice date? Embarrassingly, yes.

In my defense, I had two dirty martinis, some olives, and crackers for dinner. Add to that my biting sense of sarcasm and distrust of dating and you get a slightly tipsy Italian girl insulting a gentleman on a date. Oh my.

In my sober state this morning, I reflected as to why I felt so threatened by a man offering a genuinely kind gesture. At the time, my reaction was based on one of two theories with a common foundation of discomfort around nice men:

a. He thought I was too drunk to take the subway.
b. He thought I was too poor to pay for myself.

It turns out that neither were true. I know this because he e-mailed me today to explain he just wanted me to be safe.

Oh, and he also wants to take me out again.