DOLCE

The Hangover

“All the single ladies, all the single ladies!” Is exactly what Fleet Week in NYC calls for. Hey, you've learned from my past stories that it's not always a great idea to date a guy in uniform, but who says you can’t have a little fun with them. You have to support the troops right? As single women of New York, Gabanna and I did a little shopping and prepared ourselves for one of the best weeks of the year.

Ahoy Mates!

Where are all the sea-men? The ships come in the week before Memorial Day. They pull into the piers (next to the Intrepid) and the Marines and Sailors come pouring out on the streets of Manhattan. With me being a true New Yorker, I avoid Times Square at all costs. However, most of these men are:

A. Not from New York or

B. Have never been to the Big Apple.

Note: when on the hunt for seamen check the touristy places.

Gabanna and I met up with Amber, Hailey, and our friend Becky and hit the streets. A half an hour later we had 5 different groups of Sailors and Marines meeting us at 52^nd and 2^nd that night, and an invitation for an open bar at a place called the “Mean Fiddler.”

We showed up at the dive bar an hour later, which appeared to be dead. When asking where the open bar was the bouncer directed us downstairs. Nothing says, “Welcome to Fleet Week” more than 200 guys dressed in uniform in one room. There was a live band and Sailors dancing on top of the bar, but all eyes were on the 5 girls that just walked in. It only took seconds until we were swarmed. The girls quickly took their picks on the boys that surrounded us…but me? I was looking for a challenge.

I was approached as I made my way to the dance floor. “Hi, I’m Michael. Would you like to dance?” And then I realized, he was British…Sold! Turns out the Royal Navy was in town, and as you all know I love the Brits.

With my history of falling for an army guy in Georgia and a Brit in Miami, I knew this was not the best idea. However; after he grabbed me, dipped me, and pressed his lips against mine in the middle of the dance floor I decided; shit, I like this bad idea.

Young & Wild & Free

Hours & hours later we were holding hands running through the streets of Manhattan. It was bittersweet, carefree, and immature. Becky followed close behind with his British friend as we skipped our way back to her apartment. I thought we were going back to eat the leftover Chinese food I left in her fridge but as soon as we made it up to her place she kicked us out of her room. I decided at this time that it would be a great idea to wander to the roof. Michael found the spare mattress they kept stored on the roof after I demanded to look at the stars...or lack there of. We kissed under the city lit sky and then it all went black (as you can tell, I have no problem falling asleep anywhere at anytime).

I woke up the next morning hung-over on a mattress, alone, on a roof in Manhattan. Could it be anymore like the Hangover? The Brit was no where to be found. I ran down to the apartment and barged into Becky’s room. Lets just say the two weren’t decent.

“Dolce, get out!”

“The Brit’s gone!”

I ran over to the couple and sat down next to them on the bed.

“I mean, why would he leave without you?” I asked the Brit.

“He’s probably still here, did you check your phone?” He said.

I rummaged through my purse and pulled out my phone.

“I’m sorry I had to leave. I did try to wake you to tell you that I had to get back to the ship ok? No worries. I want to see you tonight though. I have to work and show people around the ships today but I will meet you after if you want xx.”

As I read the message out loud, Becky’s Brit hopped up realizing he was late to work, threw on his uniform, and flew out the door.

“Thanks a lot Dolce!” Becky said as she rolled over in bed. I sat there smiling to myself thinking “Oh Fleet Week, you never fail to disappoint me.”

Moral of the Story:

-     - Fleet Week is a single girls dream, take advantage of it.

-     - Don’t get caught up in something that can’t last. However, treasure the memories. It’s important to have good stories to tell your friends when you’re married, have 5 kids, and look back to your past to tell at the monthly lady brunches.

-     - If you wake up on a roof don’t be surprised when you’re covered in mosquito bites. Also, if you’re going to sleep on a roof, make sure you know whose roof it is.

-     - A lot of guys at Fleet Week will drop to one knee to kiss your hand, call you beautiful, and tell you they’ll be back to visit in a month. Don’t let it get to your head. It doesn’t work that way.
      - It’s nice to enjoy something that you know won’t last. People tend to take relationships so seriously. Live in the now. Isn’t it nice to enjoy someone’s company without thinking “well what are we? Who’s that girl? What are your thoughts on marriage? Where is your family from?” Not every relationship you have is going to end in a minivan full of kids. Why not let loose, smile, and enjoy dating.
 

My thoughts: It’s not always about the destination; it’s about the journey.