Let me start out by saying that I have no shame in claiming that Sex and the City is one of the reasons I moved to New York. For some, the idea may sound absolutely inane. But my motivation was more CITY than it was SEX. Obviously.

Many believe that SATC has created false expectations in hopeful women around the world over the last 10 years – giving them the impression that just by instantly moving to the big city, they’d be thrown this crazy fabulous life of disposable men, Manolos and martinis. But for me, the show was far from this “adult playground fantasy life” that everyone perceived it as. It was more of a likely reality in the simplest of terms – successful, career-driven women living in a bustling city, paying bills, mending broken hearts, learning about who they are and enjoying a life they created for themselves (and sometimes having sex…)
Watching the show was inspirational in that – when put into context – seemed achievable. Eventually, at least.

I realize Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte aren’t REAL, but New York City is. I didn’t move to NYC expecting to instantaneously have a book deal, a Mr. Big, a doorman apartment building and close-knit group of friends. But I did expect to have some of the most incredible experiences trying to attain all of those along the way…

Okay, so back to the affair. Anjali, Michael and I went to dinner at Sushi Samba, where we prefaced our evening by eating overpriced sushi rolls and drinking $14 cosmos, and then casually strolling over to the theater in Gramercy just in time for the madness. I was certain there was going to be hoards of crazed SATC fans stampeding into the theater…and I was correct. Let me tell you: bitches. are. crazy.

The theater was mostly women (21 – 35) dressed either in PJs or in full-out club wear – I’m talkin’ stilettos and LBDs. There were camera flashes going off everywhere. “OMG! Take this pic of me in the theater holding my popcorn waiting for CARRIE!!! EEEK!” Flash. (We, of course, kept it classy and did all of our picture taking in the restaurant with our cosmos.)

It was Michael’s worst nightmare: 300+ man-hating, raucous, oversexed NY women…but he secretly loved every second of it.

When the movie finally began, there was hysterical applause and screams. Kill me now. I was terribly excited about seeing the film, but I don’t clap at movies. Or shriek.

So, anyway, the movie…was amazing. I refused to read ANY of the spoilers that were floating around, so most of it was a total and welcomed surprise. I laughed. I cried. I laughed more. It was like being reconnected with old friends I hadn’t seen in years. Lame, but true.

The movie amalgamated everything these women are about – friendships, relationships, career - and it again reminded me why I continue to live in this wonderful place…

Carrie says at the beginning, “Young women move to New York looking for the two L’s: labels and love.” While my list is a lot longer than that, I can’t argue her theory. As far as labels go, in the past year or so, I have almost unconsciously developed an intense passion for designer products – shoes, bags, dresses – all with baffling pricetags. And thanks to several large freelance book projects, I have been able to actually buy some of the things I really, really, really wanted. There is absolutely nothing wrong with working your ass off and rewarding yourself in any way you see fit. Material things don’t make up who I am - but my achievements do.

As for love, I’d say that’s a little more accurate. I didn’t move here solely for love, but I wouldn’t kick it to the curb if it came along either. Thanks to romantic comedies and past experiences, my expectations for love are higher than ever. And Mr. Big continues to set the bar.

I couldn’t sleep when I got home last night – the last time I looked at the clock, it was 4:30AM. The movie kept playing over and over in my head when I was lying in bed. It just made me think about their lives and mine – just like every episode used to – except now, I know exactly how they all end up. And maybe it just made me wonder where I’d end my search, too…

But lucky for me, I’m happy. I’m healthy. And I’m in a solid relationship. With New York City. And that’s all a girl really needs.

“If Louis was right, and you only get one great love, then New York may just be mine…and I can’t have nobody talkin’ shit about my boyfriend.” – Carrie

[Side note: Michael was interviewed on the way out of the theater about the movie by NYMag.com, and his first response when asked what he thought of the movie was: “It was nice.” WTF!? Lucky for all of us, they posted the video today and it is GENIUS. The interviewer makes fun of him hardcore. Fast forward to about 2:00 to see the best. part. ever.]