Update: A Date with Michael J. Fox at the Beverly Hills Montage Hotel

An update on our date with Michael J. Fox . . . 

Tuesday afternoon was a complete blur.  I babysat the girls until 3:10 P.M. (not that I was watching the clock), sped home (not my usual "grandma" driving), and sent the hubby out to gas up the car, while I jumped in the shower and dressed.  I was ready in a record time of 35 minutes.  I didn't want to be late, not for this event, and the thought of having to drive the 405 freeway during commute hours had me completely frazzled.

The hubby graciously put the pedal to the metal and before we knew it we were in Beverly Hills, pulling up to the valet at the beautiful Montage Hotel.  As one of the attendants helped me out of the car, the hubby and a second attendant went to the open tailgate of our vehicle.  I looked on completely confused as the hubby pulled out his overnight bag that just so happened to have our kitchen cutting board protruding from it.  "What are you doing?" I was mortified at first, and then ask, "Are we staying the night?"  Of course, the answer was yes; he didn't want me to miss American Idol.  My heart melted.

Standing just inside the hotel entry, a very polished looking young man offers a warm welcome (by name) and escorts us directly to our room.  The room was amazing, beautiful in design and very spacious.  With no time to waste, we were off to the hotel bar for a glass of wine.  I have to be honest, I needed something to calm my nerves.  I was a wreck, and anyone with Parkinson's knows that the symptoms of the disease increase during stressful moments.

Next we were off to the meeting.  Michael J. Fox gave the opening speech, and he was followed by two of the Foundation's key members and a panel of physicians with expertise in the field of Parkinson's Disease research and treatment.  Here's what I gleaned from the meeting:

• Parkinson's Disease research is suffering due to a lack of enrollment of patients in clinical trials.  The economy has affected this area greatly as most people do not have the time nor money to commit to the programs.
• I do not qualify for the recently funded 40 million dollar Biomarkers clinical trial.  (This news was devastating to me.)
• There is great frustration amongst the Parkinson's community, both patients and caretakers.  In some cases, a cure is needed now.
• PD patients are friendly.  I met a man who runs marathons, and he's been dealing with PD since '83.  (The hubby and I will meet up with him in July at the San Francisco Marathon.)
• Young patients (43 is considered young in PD terms) like me are rare.  I met a couple of ladies in their mid 50's, one of which lives in So Cal.  We are planning a date together.

After the meeting concluded, the panelists made themselves available for one-on-one time.  The hubby took the opportunity to ask a few questions, and I love him for that.  I, on the other hand, chose to speak with a few patients and exchange personal and treatment information.  Then we were off to our room to watch Idol.

The hubby prepared cheese, fruit, and crackers and together we ate and watched Crystal and Lee's final performances.  What a romantic my hubby is! 

I went to the meeting feeling very optimistic about PD research and possibly a cure, and I left feeling a little sad after hearing about and personally witnessing the effects of the disease.  It's a horrible disease, and I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel a little fear.

I want to thank everyone for their support and I hope you'll hang in there with me even when my smile fades here and there.  To my hubby, thank you for attending the meeting with me, thank you for the hotel stay and Idol, but most of all, thank you for your dedication and love.  I'm not sure where I would be without you.

kj

Shattered Mirrors

Do you believe in superstitions?

Before . . .

 After . . .

Culprit . . .

Josephine, our sweet little Dogue de Bordeaux, saw her bone in the reflection of our wall mirror and lunged for it.  Missed the bone; got the mirror!  So here's my dilemma, that is, if I truly believe in superstitions: When a person breaks a mirror, it's common knowledge that they'll be doomed to seven years bad luck.  But since Josey is the four-legged type and she broke the mirror, are we looking at serving a sentence of 49 years?

What superstitions do you believe in?  Come on, be honest! 

Romance 101

Lately, I've been consumed with thoughts of Romance, and I can't exactly pinpoint the reason why.  I love my hubby and he loves me, which is always a good start.  We're pretty good about expressing our feelings for one another, so there's no real serious issue there.  So maybe it's the lack of time we have together to show those feelings.  Busy, conflicting work schedules leave us with only one shared day off together.  Now I'm not complaining, I know how blessed we are to be gainfully employed during these very challenging economic times, but darn it, I miss my husband!   

So recently it hit me:  How else can one obtain Romance?

That's where the movie Under the Tuscan Sun comes into play, yes, a "chick-flick," Ladies and Gents.  Romance is everywhere in the movie, but it's not a literal translation of the word, meaning a romantic relationship between man and woman.  In Under the Tuscan Sun, Romance is truly in the eye of the beholder:  the friendships, the food, the Italian customs, the language, the scenery, and the music -- I found Romance everywhere.

So, what does all this gibberish mean, and why did I title this piece "Romance 101"?   Because Romance is basic; it surrounds us.  In everything we do, see, our friendships that we cherish, our family relationships that we nourish, Romance can be found.  Take a moment this weekend to spend time with those you love.  Eat good food, drink great wine, and take in the beautiful Spring scenery -- by Sunday night you'll be bubbling over with Romance.  That is a promise.

For your enjoyment and as a reminder of how accessible Romance is, a film clip from Under the Tuscan Sun.

The Perfect Little Black Dress

Before going to my parents' house last weekend, I dropped by their local market to pick up some wine and deli items for a small gathering they were hosting.  It was just your ordinary Sunday afternoon -- lots of shoppers bustling around the store, who like me, were grabbing only a few special items before heading off to their own Sunday gatherings.  As I walked toward the deli aisle, I spotted a woman, probably in her mid to late 40's, wearing a black, floor-length jersey dress.  The bodice of the dress was sleeveless with tank style straps, the neckline was beaded with rhinestones, and the jersey fabric flowed freely to the floor, unobstructed by a waistline.  As she walked toward me I noticed she was wearing a simple black summer sandal, which in my opinion was the perfect choice, making her little black dress day (and market) wear appropriate.  Casual elegance, I thought to myself.  She looked absolutely stunning in her little black, age appropriate, figure flattering dress.

This little fashion "Aha" (to borrow a term from Oprah) moment got me thinking about the perfect little black dress, and the fact that I don't own one anymore.  Immediately, it became very obvious to me that I'd lost my exterior elegance, but then I started thinking...have I lost my inner elegance, too?

For me, the best and quickest way to answer that question was to reach out to Google images in search of spring fashions for 2010.  After hours of fashion viewing enjoyment, I'm happy to report that I'm on my way to a full inner elegance recovery.  Enjoy the fashions! 

New York Fashion Week - Spring 2010

 Squiggly flower patterns.

DKNY

Beautiful turquoise print and flattering shape.

Diane von Furstenberg

Love the simplicity of the shape and print.

Diane von Furstenberg

Perfection! Diane von Furstenberg.

Stunning, yet conservative.

Badgley Mischka

Pure elegance! Narciso Rodriguez

Calvin Klein.  Need I say more?

Have a wonderful and elegant summer!

Smile and Wave

This morning I met my daughter and granddaughters at a local Starbucks for coffee and a bagel.  I arrived shortly after they did.  As I strolled up to the coffee shop, my granddaughter Alana and I locked eyes with each other immediately.  Much to my surprise, she squealed with delight, waved both hands furiously at me, and ran towards me with open arms.  What a greeting!  Alana's smile and wave immediately lifted my spirits and reminded me how truly great life is.

And so it is to Alana I dedicate this post: a collection of photos of celebrities and politicians whose smiles and waves have affected each of us in one way or another.

  

President Ronald Reagan ran for office the year I turned 18.  

I am so honored to have had the opportunity to vote for him.

 

 My daughter loves Elvis, and from this pic,
I can certainly see why!

The Twilight cast: two smiles and a wave.

  

A very authentic smile and wave from actress Jennifer Aniston.

 A wave, yes.  A smile, no.  But who cares -- it's Johnny Depp, 

and this Grandma thinks he's smokin' hot!

I had to include Angelina Jolie to make up for my Johnny Depp
comment. My hubby thinks she's smokin' hot,
and I'd have to agree.

President Obama is to my daughter what
President Reagan was to me. 

Although our political views differ, I am very
proud that she cares enough 

about her country to raise her hand and vote.

  

Sarah Palin, the future of the Republican Party, a wife, a mother, 

and one heck of a fabulous grandma!