A New Home-Base!

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

As you know, three years ago I got myself a little “pied a terre” apartment in New York City since I’m there so often covering showbiz. In addition to enjoying the culture & excitement the great metropolis has to offer, I’ve been able to report stories that have been real career highlights for me. A private tour of Tony Bennett’s art studio, Lady Gaga’s family restaurant, Hugh Jackman on Broadway, the birth of Beyonce’s baby, NYC Fashion Week and interviews with superstars ranging from Dame Julie Andrews, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston to Matt Damon, Eddie Murphy and Mark Wahlberg.  Los Angeles may be a “factory town” where movies get made and promoted, but NYC is where the Entertainment Industry opts to live and play! A bonus is getting to be nearer my parents. Now that they’re both in their 80′s, it’s impossible for them to fly to California for visits.

Once my beloved dog, Lois, passed away at the ripe old age of nearly 16, the maintenance of my Hollywood hacienda seemed pointless. What do I need with all that property as a single guy who devotes himself almost solely to work and running?! Then, even in the downtrodden housing market, along came a couple who adore my house as much as I did the first time I laid eyes on it. Surprisingly, letting go of a lifetime of ”stuff” has been liberating! My siblings were eager to accept family heirlooms to pass on to their kids and I even managed to find loving owners for many of my other treasures…like my massive Oregon Barnwood dining table and antique player piano (Louise & her family will have many years of singalongs around it, just as we did when I was growing up).

Of course, there are some things I can never part with…so into storage they go and, as soon as I get through Oscars week (marking my 9th Anniversary with Australia’s #1 morning show, SUNRISE!), I will take a single carry-on bag and jump aboard the overnight flight across country. It’s a thrill!

There will be things to miss about LA (El Coyote Cafe, my neighbors, the mild weather), but I’ll be back frequently for interviews, Awards shows and red carpet events. You might not even notice the difference! I’ll just be “hanging my hat” in the City That Never Sleeps, instead of the City of Angels!

So stay tuned for my continued coverage of all things Showbiz. My proximity to the action out of Gotham City promises that it will be an exciting new chapter in my career and I’ll be bringing it to you as I always have…in TV, online, radio & print reports.

Movies About New York

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Zsa Zsa’s 95th Birthday

Posted on February 7, 2012 by admin

Zsa Zsa Gabor and her family (mom Jolie, sisters Magda & Eva) were famous in the heyday of the Hollywood social scene primarily solely for being famous! (Eva did prove herself an accomplished comedienne in the sitcom GREEN ACRES and similarly themed guest star roles and segued nicely into becoming a sought-after talk & game show participant and arm candy for mogul Merv Griffin…) For better or worse (a phrase Zsa Zsa would utter many times during her several marriage ceremonies), there would never have been a Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian if it weren’t for the Gabors: glamorous, flamboyant gals who flaunted their feminine wiles to adoring audiences.

Never one to eschew the spotlight, Zsa Zsa married nine times (eight legally) and found the perfect spouse in her Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, to whom she’s been wed since 1986.  While it’s easy to dismiss his presence by Zsa Zsa’s side purely as one seeking to bask in and/or steal away her fading spotlight, it should be remembered that he is also a constant companion and caretaker to the increasingly ailing Showbiz Legend.  He might smile for the paparazzi, but at home he’s taking care of a lot of unseemly nursing duties…according to my sources, without complaint or resentment.  Never has Ms. Gabor been rushed to the hospital while Frederic is lunching at Spago or prowling the Polo Lounge…he is always by her side (unfortunately, much to the chagrin or suspicion of the press and public).

For Zsa Zsa’s recent 95th birthday, a major milestone given her mounting ailments, Frederic threw a party for his wife…trying to make it an occasion she could enjoy from the confines of her bed, while still having the flair of a Hollywood event.  As a longtime friend and colleague, I had been invited to attend but was on the other side of the country at the time.  As usual, the press made the party sound like a scene from GREY GARDENS…with Zsa Zsa “kept behind closed doors” and even poking fun at the eclectic menu (Keep in mind Zsa Zsa is Hungarian* and Frederic is German).

So no matter what conspiracy theories you may read in the blogosphere, I thought you might like the straight talk from Zsa Zsa’s trusted (and trustworthy) publicist about what really went down in Beverly Hills.  He emailed me this morning:

Hello Nelson,

Zsa Zsa's birthday party was a big success.  About 150 people showed
up including Lou Diamond Phillips, Larry King, Lainie Kazan, Connie
Stevens, Beverly DeAngelo, Bruce Vilanch, Sid Croft and teen sensation Caleb
sang his new hit, "Turn On the Lights."  He also led the crowd in
singing "Happy Birthday" to Zsa Zsa.  

The room was full of flowers and other birthday gifts brought by
attendees.  Frederic was a terrific host and brought some of Wolfgang
Puck's Black Forest birthday cake in to Zsa Zsa.  She loves chocolate
and devoured her slice. Laughs and good cheer filled the evening.
They served Zsa Zsa's recipe for Hungarian Goulash, along with passed
hors d'oeuvres and sausages, pretzels which were flown in from Germany
that morning and baked in the kitchen oven before serving.  Plenty of
Moet Chandon Champagne flowed.

FYI Dr. Jedelson, her doctor, wouldn't allow cameras in the bedroom.
Frederic spent days preparing for this and it
was quite a spread and everyone had a great time.

There were lots of local dignitaries in attendance, Hollywood agents
and publicists.  The head of the Red Cross visited as well as the
Director of the Vera Davis Family Center in Venice, where she did her
community service for slapping the cop in 1989.

John

*Zsa Zsa’s amazing Hungarian Goulash recipe can be found in my book HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: EXPOSED! and is truly delicious!

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Gaga for Gaga’s Parents’ New Eatery!

Posted on February 4, 2012 by admin

For months, my Upper West Side neighborhood has been anticipating the renovation & opening of the restaurant purchased by Lady Gaga’s parents, Joseph & Cynthia Germanotta, long time residents. It was always a well-loved stopover for Lincoln Square denizens, so it would be interesting to see what they’d do with the space. Most of us hoped it would forego the temptation to be a trendy “destination” stop and continue to be a comfortable place for food, fun and conversation. They got it just right! “Joanne Trattoria” (Joanne is Gaga’s actual middle name) is an unpretentious, welcome addition to the area.

Opening on February 1st with a low profile “soft launch,” the Germanottas probably didn’t expect a food critic to show up when they were just getting their bearings with this massive undertaking. A NEW YORK POST writer not only wormed his way in, he seemed to revel slamming everything possible in a column published the next morning. Having eagerly awaited the opening, I already had reservations booked (by an uber charming and efficient Hostess) for 2 days later so when I read the hostile review, I was more keen than ever to see for myself! I don’t pretend to be a professional chef, but having written a few cookbooks of my own, I thought I was in a good position to make an informed opinion. And since the POST author mentioned Lady Gaga’s pal Tony Bennett showing up for the debut, I made sure to contact his rep to see how the coolest of crooners enjoyed his gastronomic experience (I recently got to spend a morning with Tony in his amazing painting studio overlooking Central Park…and we got on like gangbusters. I’d certainly trust his take on Italiana Cucina!). I discovered he was very happy with his Seafood Orechiette and Tuscan soup…and, had appetite allowed, there was a keen interest in the Mac n’ Cheese.

As my date, I invited Royal Reporter Victoria Arbiter–a neighbor and friend with a discerning palate.    We loved our visit from the moment we walked in to the bustling bar…complete with a fireplace blazing on a chilly winter’s night.  We were warmly welcomed and taken to a table overlooking the patio…red brick, candlelight, happy Gothamites and a friendly attentive waiter who was chatty and enthusiastic.  The menu includes many family recipes from Gaga’s own grandmother and we scarffed down an amazing focaccia appetizer before settling down to the business of deciding on a main course.  She went for the Vegetarian Lasagna, I happily opted for Tony’s Orechiette and a glass of excellent Pinot Grigio.  We shared a side order of the Mac n’ Cheese and were delighted with all three.  By the end, we were so full that half the Mac n’ Cheese ended up coming home with me in a doggy bag!  And…no room for dessert (next time!).

If you’re like me, good food means nothing if it isn’t accompanied by good company.  I not only had that with Victoria (getting a bit of Windsor goss’ along the way!) but Chef Art Smith worked the room and we had a fun chat about our mutual dichotomy of being marathon runners (he’s run two) who are Foodies!  And our Hostess-with-the-Most’est, Gaga’s mom Cynthia –picture a mature and elegant version of the music superstar sans the outrageous costumes– chatted and cheek-kissed us with class and camaraderie.  We loved them both and had a ball!

By the time we finished, the place was in full swing for a NYC Friday night.  No movie stars or wanna be’s…just crowds of Manhattanites clamoring for a casual watering hole.  And that’s just what Joanne Trattoria delivers…exactly as promised!

Once outside it was a different story.  There was a contingent of “little monsters” gathered in hopes of spotting a glimpse of the Germanotta’s most famous progeny, Lady Gaga herself.  I asked one young fellow in thigh-high platform boots to take a happy snap of Victoria & me (pictured) and then we headed home…quite contented with our dinners and looking forward to our next visit…hanging out at the decidedly (and refreshingly) “un-showbiz” spot.

Katie Sokoler/Gothamist

Katie Sokoler/Gothamist

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Running Report 2011

Posted on December 31, 2011 by admin

NYC Marathon. 4:21:37

2011 was not only another year filled with “runner highs” and memorable moments, it marked my Tenth Anniversary as distance runner. I continue to be delighted that thru my Media appearances, blogs and Twitter posts, I can inspire others to get out and play with the sport. It requires no great skill, coordination, talent or investment…just a desire and love of moving one foot in front of the other. Many visitors to NYC, my favorite place to run, tell me I am an “Ambassador” for running in the Big Apple.

Thanks to my trainer, Blue, I’ve had a year of progress, without injury or compromise. He so inspires me that Marathon’ing can forever be a part of my life, I added a new “26.2″ tattoo to my collection.  …and THREE new “Personal Bests!”

My busy travel schedule commuting between LA & NYC, and a three week book tour around Australia, didn’t keep me from pounding out good mileage (and running along beautiful Bondi Beach and the Yarra River are experiences I wish for every runner!).  In fact, 2011 was my second-highest mileage year to date!

Here’s the annual rundown:

February.
*NYRR Gridiron 4 Miler. (33:38) Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with a short (and frigid!) run in Central Park. A personal best for this distance.

June.
*NYC Running Tours. Shooting a segment for SUNRISE, I got a personalized, guided running tour of some of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks including the Empire State Building, Times Square and Lincoln Center. I want to work for these guys!
*Achilles Hope & Possibility 8 km. (36:45) A fast, fun race in Central Park to support and celebrate the amazing achievements of physically challenged runners. A personal best for this distance.

Video: http://tinyurl.com/73vyteb

July.
*San Francisco Marathon. (4:25:37) My 17th Marathon was a feast for the eyes and a workout for the legs. Having Blue at the Starting Line and my friends Gena & Pankaj at the Finish made it all the more special. Thanks to my training, I was barely even sore afterward!

Blog: http://nelsonaspen.com/blog/2011/08/01/marathon-17-done-dusted/

Ted Corbitt 15k. 1:21:42

November.
*ING NYC Marathon. (4:21:37) Marathon #18…and a last minute decision, but an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. I ran to raise money for the City Meals on Wheels charity and partied with Blue, my best friend Glenn and my Aussie mate Kurt Fearnley, who placed #2 in the Wheelchair Division. This event is one for every runner’s Bucket List. I felt great the entire time!

Blog: http://nelsonaspen.com/blog/2011/10/08/marathon-madness-here-i-go-again/

December.

*Ted Corbitt Run 15km.  (1:21:42) I had fun with this freezing run last year, so decided to do it again–better insulated & another personal best!  Ran into my pal, Lauren, just as we were approaching the Finish Line and we got to catch up over a post-race Bagel.
http://twitpic.com/7wtbk0

2011 – 1200 (1931.21 km)
2010 – 1105.6 (1779.29 km)
2009 – 1070.1 (1722.16 km)
2008 – 1152 (1853.96 km)
2007 – 1300 (2091.7 km)
2006 – 1064 (1712.34 km)
2005 – 1143 (1839.08 km)
2004 – 944.9 (1520.34 km)
2003 – 834.2 (1342.22 km)

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MARATHON MADNESS – Here I Go Again!

Posted on October 8, 2011 by admin

“Moderation” has never been a discipline I’ve mastered. When I eat, I tend to overindulge. If I like a certain shirt or brand of underwear, I stock up with some in every color. Hosting a simple dinner party for four usually turns into a gastronomic Bacchanal for ten or more. If I’m not careful with this blog entry, it could easily spiral into a Sidney Sheldon-esque trilogy of novels! You get the idea… I’m not one to know when to stop. Every marathon I’ve trained for has been, I swore at some stage, THE LAST ONE. But after completing #17 in July (San Francisco), I decided not to make excuses for my obsession. Why should I feel guilty about the only completely non-work activity I enjoy? Instead, why not CELEBRATE it while my body still allows me to pound out those miles and collect such lovely race medals!? Sure, it’s a little looney…but it’s MY looney! And the other marathon maniacs out there (you know who you are) understand completely. It was then that I acquiesced to finally getting a “running” tattoo…a big commitment unless I planned to keep on being a Marathon Man!

Interestingly, everyone assumes because I live part-time in NYC that I have or want to have run the famous NYC Marathon: one of the world’s most famous annual sporting events, with 45,000 runners making their way through the city’s 5 boroughs, finishing in bucolic Central Park…a block from my apartment! For years I have enjoyed cheering participants from the sidelines, swept up in the excitement and sense of community this wonderful race inspires. But I have never had ANY interest in doing it myself. As a mid-pack runner, I don’t welcome the thought of schlepping out to Staten Island in the predawn hours and then being crushed between thousands of other people for the many hours before-during-and-after the run. I prefer small events where runners spread out and I can enjoy the solitude of sightseeing. NYC weather is unpredictable at that time of year…it’s often miserably cold and wet. No, thank you. I’ll stay as a cheerleader and save my participation for other Fall races that give me some elbow room and a holiday-like experience.

But the siren call of the NYC Marathon is ever present. Would I go my entire life always answering “No” when the inevitable “Have you ever…Will you ever…?” questions are posed?

My SUNRISE colleague, Mark Beretta, was first to ask this year. He had a friend running and wanted me to be on the lookout for him.

My Aussie mate, Kurt Fearnley, touched base about getting together when he’d be in town to attempt reclaiming his title as Wheelchair Champion.

My best friend, Glenn, spontaneously decided he’d enter for his charity, Sanctuary for Families. He’s accompanied me on many marathon adventures over the years…notably the Hamptons and Bermuda. But I’d run the full marathon (26.2 miles) and he’d run the half distance (13.1). I began to feel like I might be missing out on something. Two of my friends who are legends in the sport of Marathon’ing are Roger Robinson and Kathrine Switzer…who’d be doing broadcast commentary. And another pal, Mike, would be producing the network TV coverage. It was shaping up to be a party I wouldn’t be attending.

Then, my running hero: my coach, Blue, told me during one of our workouts that he’d be jetting into New York to do it, too. Even my (LA) dentist, Kenny, had signed up!

Okay, so maybe my body wasn’t fully recovered from San Francisco yet, but…dagnabit!! I wanted in!!! At this late date, the only way to register for this long sold-out event was by partnering with an affiliated charity…and I chose one that felt instantly “right” for me: City Meals on Wheels, one of the largest meals on wheels programs in the U.S., delivering 2 million meals to over 16,000 seniors each year. Along with delivering nutritionally balanced senior meals, Citymeals coordinates thousands of devoted volunteers to provide human companionship. I love spending time with older folks and can’t stand the thought of anyone being lonely, let alone hungry! And, as a foodie, it was a perfect fit!

So I run on behalf of the wonderful people who benefit from City Meals on Wheels…and the people who make the program possible. And I also run on behalf of the kind hearted donors who are contributing to my marathon efforts. Any contribution, in any dollar amount, not only goes 100% to the charity, but certainly helps inspire and encourage me when I am out there on the road putting in the long miles of training. And all those people will certainly be with me on the big race day, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6!

Please join me by making a contribution through my Marathon web page and placing your name on my “Honor Roll!” I will carry you in my heart all along the route…and you will have the satisfaction of helping a great cause and, hopefully, a bit of excitement on race day, too, knowing you are a part of my 26.2 mile experience. Ok, now I can admit it: I”M RUNNING THE NYC MARATHON AND I’M SO EXCITED!

Link to the webpage:

http://tinyurl.com/3zqlcnw

My current Honor Roll List (won’t you add your name?!):

Alli & Peter D’Andrea
Brian O’Donnell
El Coyote Cafe
Gena Desclos
Jo Daniel
Joan Louth
Joel & Deven Bryant
Keith Dixon
Lauren Turner
Lee Fryd
Lori Haddad
Marcia McCabe
Mark Winter
Martha Cantarini
Mike Mathis
Monica Rosenthal
Naomi Watson
Nelson & Joyce Ann Aspen
Pamela Hubbard
Pamela Aspen
Sharon Burgess
Rosemary Killeen
Wolfgang Neumann

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It Gets Better

Posted on September 26, 2011 by admin

The latest headline-making teen suicide blamed on bullying brought the name Jamey Rodemeyer to everyone’s attention…including his idol, Lady Gaga (props to her for the emotional tribute she performed last weekend). As someone who was bullied relentlessly throughout my adolescence, I continue to be dismayed that this is not only still an issue for youngsters…but that it seems to only have gotten worse as Social Networking has exploded.

I attended the Trevor Project’s annual gala fundraiser which honored Daniel Radcliffe for his public stand against discrimination and bullying.  Lots of other celebrity names were in attendance and have supported the organization’s important work.  But if “it takes a Village,” we are all going to have to strive for a zero tolerance when it comes to bullying.  I’d like to think that parents and teachers can control it….but they couldn’t when I was a kid and they still can’t today.

I invite you to check out the “It Gets Better” page at www.trevorproject.com and perhaps you’ll make an “It Gets Better” video, too, to help support and encourage bullied kids.

It Gets Better – Nelson Aspen Video

And here’s my report on Lady Gaga’s tribute to her “little monster,” Jamey Rodemeyer:

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A Memorable TV Fireman Remembers 9-11

Posted on September 5, 2011 by admin

I had the chance to catch up with Eddie Cibrian (ex-Sunset Beach, Young & Restless) in advance of the 10 year anniversary of 9-11. I first interviewed him in NYC years ago when he was playing fireman Jimmy Doherty on the popular TV series THIRD WATCH. I assumed that his Manhattan residency, combined with portraying one of the city’s first responders and learning so much about the special qualities it takes to hold such a job, would give him an interesting perspective on the emotional milestone.

Nelson: What are your memories of 9-11?

Eddie: I was living in NYC on the west side 8 blocks away from the World Trade Center at the time. I remember looking out my window at the Westside Highway and seeing an exodus of people. I went outside and saw both towers on fire. I remember it vividly. I went back up to my apartment to check the news and by the time I returned outside, it was like someone took an eraser to the skyline; the towers were gone.  It was the most vulnerable time for me as an American and strangely the most inspiring time. The loss, the disbelief, lead way to unity, unselfishness and sacrifice that occurred in the days that followed. People coming together to help people. The human spirit at its finest.

Nelson: Are you doing anything in particular to commemorate the anniversary?

Eddie: I will be in NY on the 10th anniversary of 9-11. I plan to go to the corner where I used to live-where I stood 10 years ago and witnessed the most tragic event in US history- and just silently….say a prayer.

In addition to a new wife, LeAnn Rimes, Eddie will premiere in the new TV series THE PLAYBOY CLUB this fall. He is also the “spokeshunk” for Charisma’s new line of bedding & towels. See? Even in primetime, the Soap is never far away!

To read Nelson’s reflections on 9-11: http://nelsonaspen.com/blog/2011/08/29/ten-year-anniversary-of-9-11/

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Ten Year Anniversary of 9-11

Posted on August 29, 2011 by admin

Every generation has a “Where Were You When…?” moment, but it’s impossible to name a bigger event for a global remembrance than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Growing up outside Philadelphia, New York City was a frequent destination for me. School trips, Broadway matinees and occasional jobs as a child actor. As soon as I graduated high school, I hightailed it to there to continue my education and fully pursue my acting aspirations. I stayed there happily until late 1990 when my career dictated a move to the West Coast.  I left begrudgingly…hating to give up the glories of Gotham.  “Hollywood…wow!” I can still hear my mentor, Mary Stuart, trying to enthuse over the telephone. New Yorkers are rarely impressed with Los Angeles…a city as vastly different as their two climates. LA is a “factory” town where TV & film are produced and promoted, but the real arts & entertainment spring out of Manhattan, which is why the stars prefer to live and play there.

But Hollywood has always been kind to me. And on 9-11-01, I had just canceled a planned week in NYC to accept a guest-starring role on the drama series ANY DAY NOW and was on location with Annie Potts and scores of cast & crew in a cemetery in Glendale, CA. When we got the news of the attacks, we all crowded into my trailer–which had the only working television. We took turns watching in horror as events unfolded, still trying to complete a day’s shooting in spite of the distraction and anxiety for our loved ones back East. All flights were grounded and highways closed…there was nowhere we could go, so the decision had been made to forge ahead with the production schedule. “The Show Must Go On,” I guess.

But by the time we wrapped and found exit routes out of Glendale, it was very clear that the world had changed. For the next several days, the show DIDN’T go on. No one went to work. We were glued to our TVs…bonding with friends, families and neighbors…praying for each other. It didn’t matter what state or what country you were in…EVERYBODY was united. Everyone was a New Yorker.

I liked President Obama’s call to service for all of us as we approach the ten year anniversary…a way to recapture that sense of unity and simultaneously honor the memories & sacrifice of those who died on or as a result of that day’s events.  Since becoming “bicoastal” two years ago, I have reclaimed my allegiance to the Big Apple.  I’m proud of my “New York-ness” and the qualities it represents: resilience, courage and community-service.  So I’m going to be spending 9-11 there: with my family, my neighbors, my lifelong friends and several “newly acquired” friends, too.  Visitors from all over the world, including many of my International colleagues, will also be there and I look forward to a solemn celebration of our collective, democratic spirit.

With a nod to one of TV’s great programs, GUIDING LIGHT, these words may be even more meaningful than when they were written over a half-century ago:

There is a destiny that makes us brothers,
No one goes his way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others,
Comes back into our own.

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Marathon #17 – Done & Dusted!

Posted on August 1, 2011 by admin

Gearing up for another marathon, I was ready for the training regimen: a series of “maintenance” and long runs calculated into my calendar based on the event date: July 31. When you plan something far in advance (a wedding, vacation or Marathon), it usually feels like the far-off day will never come. I impulsively registered for the San Francisco Marathon on New Years Eve, 2010, after a few glasses of champagne. It seemed like a worthy commitment to fitness for a new year. I also started working with a new coach to improve and preserve my ability to run distances. Blue is a race director and running superstar (he finished this year’s SF Marathon, 7th Overall!) who changed my life with his smart, inspiring workouts. I don’t know if it’s simply a matter of endorphins, but every morning that I train with Blue is the start of a great day.

My prep progressed smoothly in the months leading up to race day. Cross country travel and its inherent inconveniences, some weather hiccups and a sprained ankle (watch out for camouflaged potholes!) all combined to keep me from ever getting overconfident. I knew I’d done everything right and according to plan…all I had to do was show up and put one foot in front of the other. Easier said than done. San Francisco’s notorious fog caused flight delays and momentarily threatened the trip. But a few prayers later, I found myself queued up with 25,000 other runners alongside the Bay Bridge.


If childbirth is “the kind of pain you forget,” the same could be said of San Francisco’s infamous hills! Having run there in 2007, I’d blotted out the memory of the torturous inclines…and even more insidious DE-clines! The cool, overcast morning and spectacular scenery were a welcome distaction. I got to run over the Golden Gate Bridge (and witness a surprise marriage proposal), in and around the Presidio (yes, that was a buffalo amid the flora and fauna!) and along the charming city streets bustling with colorful, cheering crowds. Thanks to training, I didn’t “hit the wall” until Mile 26…right before Giants Stadium…so only had to suffer a few minutes of pain.

That all melted away as the Finish Line came into sight and my pal Gena (coincidentally vacationing in SF that weekend) started screaming “Go, Nelson!” She even had temporary tattoos of my initials on her face, bless her! The heavy medal was placed around my neck and I devoured two scones before finding Gena among the crowds. After a shower and nap, I enjoyed a terrific dinner with her & her family…an overdue, serendipitous reunion.

The San Francisco Marathon’s slogan is “Worth the Hurt.” It sure was. But will there be a Marathon #18? Time will tell. For now, I’m just enjoying this latest notch on my running belt!

Results:
4:25:37
Overall: 2933/5920
Men: 2201/3944
Division: 251/413
Age Adjusted: 2692

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Taking Home Wherever You Go

Posted on July 3, 2011 by admin

With all the back and forth of my bicoastal life, I’ve needed to cultivate more than an adaptable body clock and duel sets of toiletries and bedding. I’ve learned to take “home” with me wherever I go. We know the old expression “home is where the heart is,” but it’s also where your HEAD is. As much as I cherish the elbow room, agreeable weather and Spanish charm of my California bungalow, there’s great appeal in the compact hustle and bustle of a Gothamist pied a terre. Instead of being homesick for one place, I enjoy where I am and look forward to the next time I get to “swap” coasts. Rather than feel torn between two worlds, I strive to enjoy the best of both. In LA, I love to prepare and host elaborate meals but in NYC, it’s a different restaurant every night or slices of the world’s best pizza. Nothing beats crashing on the couch for a Dodgers game…except maybe a beer in a Midtown sports bar during a Yankees/Mets subway series.

Speaking of subways, I try not to be rattled by the crush of my work commute on the “2″ train…it’s not any worse than sitting in gridlock on Olympic Boulevard.  I find it impossible to choose which is more glorious: a long morning run along the Santa Monica bike path or a late day loop of Central Park.  How lucky I am that whether I’m flying to JFK or LAX, I’m always heading HOME.

I take this attitude on the road when I’m on assignment, too.  The first thing I’ll do when I check into a hotel room is “set up” house.  That can be as simple as putting on a pair of comfy sweats, finding some fresh flowers to stick in a glass of water or setting your screensaver to a photo of family/friends/beloved pet.  Keeping a journal or “Book of Blessings” is also a top way I remind myself to always: BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED!

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