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

Beverly Hills Montage . . . sounds like a great place for a romantic getaway, doesn't it, but in my "local" travels, it's one hotel I've missed.  Not sure how that happened, but I'm certainly making up for it tomorrow; the hubby and I are attending a Michael J. Fox Foundation "research roundtable" at the hotel -- nice venue, MJF!

Usually when we sample a new hotel (of this caliber), it's during a great vacation, but on this occasion, I have to admit, it's not quite the getaway we had in mind.  First of all, we're going to the hotel on a Tuesday night, and if you're an Idol fan, you know where I'm going with that -- I'm giving up watching Lee and Crystal's final performances on American Idol, just to see what's going on with Parkinson's Disease research.  What's wrong with me???

I have Parkinson's Disease . . . that's what's wrong with me, duh!

Let me back up three years.  I'm a forty-year-old female, totally active, and I get PD.  Mind- blowing, yes, but I always say, that if someone has to have the disease, why not me.  I can handle it.  And I know that all those years of physical activity were due to the Man upstairs preparing
me for it.  Optimist, yes! 

Most people would say they are living with a disease.  Not me.  Parkinson's Disease is living with me.  I'm the landlord, and Parkinson's Disease is the tenant!  This is my body, and I will determine what it CAN and cannot do.   

I'm going to do everything in my power to learn about the disease and what I can do to help raise awareness and money.  Tomorrow night just might be the BEST date night of my life.

PS - I hope the bar at the hotel is showing American Idol . . . priorities, people!   kj

"Romance 101" Update

I worked late last night and went to the grocery store after work to pick up some last minute groceries for the big party today, grand baby Mia's 1st birthday. I usually despise grocery shopping, but last night I felt really happy to be there. I'm not sure what came over me, probably the happy anticipation of seeing family and close friends. I strolled over to the wine section to grab a couple of my favorite bottles, the brands that never disappoint, consistently good and usually crowd pleasers. But this time I was at a loss; I couldn't make up my mind. The bottles looked so uninspiring as I stood there for at least 15 minutes, staring lifelessly at my usual brands. Boring, I thought, I've been so predictably boring all these years. So without any provocation, I decided to change my wine selection strategy. From now on, I'm going to select brands based on the creativity of the name and the label design. (I wonder how many bottles I'll end up throwing out.)

After all the groceries were put away, I cracked open the first bottle, pro mis Q ous, a California red table wine. Interesting name, simple label, and absolutely delicious. Maybe, I thought, my wine selection technique will work after all. So I poured myself a glass and cozied up on the couch. I scanned the TV listings and noticed TBS was hosting a Sex in the City marathon. Perfect way to end the day.

When I tune in, Carrie and Big are sitting on the floor of Big's mostly empty apartment. There are a few packing boxes in the background and Big's holding a record. He places the record on a turntable, which is on the floor next to them. He lifts the arm and as the needle strikes the record, "Moon River" starts playing.  Carrie giggles for a moment, and with subtle emotion and sincerity, Big explains his love for the song. "Moon River" had been his parents' song, the song they played whenever they were preparing for an evening out. Big reaches for Carrie's hand and together they dance. In an empty apartment, just the two of them. Lost in one another. My eyes well up with tears, as I think about the many times I've watched my parents dance to a beautiful song. Like Big, I too have such wonderful childhood memories.

Life is so good, and Mom and Dad, I love you.  

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.