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

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.