Last night, before the hurricane came to the city, I headed downtown, in ridiculous, traffic to meet a group of strangers at the rooftop of the THOMPSON hotel. It had been a long day, so i didn't have time for my usually party preparation. I did manage to spray some coconut oil into my dirty hair, run my hot pink flat iron through my dry curls, and after all that effort, the locks were thrown into a chignon. It wasn't my best look, but it was a look. Tom Ford's $250 fragrance from heaven was squirted liberally on my neck and other pulse points. In my mind, that smell made up for the remnants of the earlier Air Canada flight and the hot and humid afternoon.
I didn't have time or the inclination to worry about a sexy outfit, so i stepped into my old faithfuls. The black crepe-y tunic and my favourite extra tight black leggings. Mostly it's in my head, but i feel 10 pounds lighting in those said "pants". Because tonight was extra special, I took off the birkenstocks that had so lovingly moulded to my feet and sparked a pair of nude heels. I was as ready as i was going to be.
When the valet took my car, he confirmed the fact that my leggings were working. Fine, maybe it was the convertible, but he seemed to think i was all that. Maybe and a bag of chips too. I probably should have been more anxious. I probably should have had my nails done. Or tried more earnestly to straighten my hair. Actually, what i really should have tried was a shower. But i digress.
When the host of the evening greeted me, I felt like an excited teenager. I was only mildly disappointed when I was told that we would have to move to the basement. Due to the inclement weather, it wasn't a great plan to use the glamorous, swanky rooftop we've all come to know and love. The basement was better anyway. Darker. More intimate. Better A/C.
I was among the to arrive. Together with the two hosts, I helped with a bit of last minute planning. Where would the food go? The music? How would we arrange the chairs for the evening.
I was happy when my girlfriend walked in. She looked quite lovely. She was in her favourite outfit too(or so she said). Unlike what I had put on, she actually managed to find a sweet skirt. Skirts are lovely. Definitely better than my lycra "pants". I should find a skirt one of these days. Note to self.
It was nice to see a familiar face. She and I don't spend a lot of time together, so I was looking forward to the evening's activity. Another familiar face stepped into our room. And then another. This was getting awkward.
Here I was. 3 months till forty. Married. Two kids. Rapidly frizzing hair. Heals. And my first speed dating event. Speed dating. Yes, that's what i said. I'd always wanted to try it, so I jumped at the chance when my invite arrived last month. Speed dating. The idea of going from person to person, quickly showing my best side. Or my worst. Or their worst. Which is worse?
My husband didn't even seem to mind. He even let me borrow his convertible? Speed dating. Thompson Hotel. Bring it on.
So, before you think that i'm totally deranged, (wait, is it too late?) let me explain.
This SPEED DATING event was organized by a business group. The idea was not for me to find a new husband. Or a new boyfriend. Or even anything in between. The point of this delicious night was for like-minded women to get together and mingle. WOMEN. My first attempt to speed date, and not a straight man in sight. Sigh.
What seemed like a silly idea was actually quite wonderful. Our evening started out with a young and talented 26 year old playing his guitar and singing his heart out to us. As we swayed to the sounds of I'm Yours and then my personal favourite, Santeria, we nibbled on tasty victuals. Steamed crab legs, mussels, shrimp, and oysters. A cheese board filled the entire table. The drinks were interesting and generous and the mood was set just so.
When the formal part of the evening began, I was a bit unsure. Sure it was fine to chat with these ladies, but did I really want to get involved in these pre-planned questions?
1) If you could invite 6 people to dinner who would they be and why? Um, that's a tough one. And the answers were amazing. Funny to hear who would include their husbands. I surely didn't. The woman next to me was inviting hers, and JESUS. She said she had a great thing going. With both of them. She had some other very evolved and interesting guests to add to her table. After her cool answers, I was nervous to give mine. How shallow could i be?
I was honest. It would definitely be my college ex, Brian. (see older posts) I'd do anything to have an evening to clear up the mess I made in 1995. I'd also invite my dad's older sister who passed away many years ago. She was a fireball and would add drama to any dinner party. Patrick from Train still melts my heart. As does Matthew McConaughey. I added a few others, none all that notable.
2) What one change would you make in life if you could? That was a tough one. Again, the ladies had interesting answers. Mine was vain but honest. Would NEVER have gained those crazy pounds (twice) with my babies.
The other questions were equally thought provoking and a lot of fun. Everyone had promised a code of silence (or is it cone of silence?), so as the evening progressed, our most personal stories flowed.
At the end of the party, we were all laughing and enjoying. We had left our spouses and offspring behind. The night was spent chatting with old friends and new. The music was terrific. The food was perfect too. I realized as the night ended, that I had really had a terrific time.
I learned that speed dating is a cool party concept. Even with a group of women. And the Thompson Hotel, like NYC where I think it was born, is never a bad idea...
