Dec 29
What I’m Thankful For
Gratitude and Covid-19 don’t usually go in the same sentence. But when my husband Steve and I recently tested positive, that is very much what I felt. Grateful we were fully vaccinated and boosted, with only cold-like symptoms. Grateful the positive result came one day before a scheduled trip to New York. And most grateful that if we had to get sick, it did not happen anywhere near our wedding last year or when we were flying regularly between NYC and Orlando.
Within about a week, we were feeling better and we’re back to our normal routine now.
“Good health – physical, mental, emotional — is everything,” my mom used to say. “With it, all things are possible. Without it, nothing else matters.”
Covid aside, this holiday season has brought sobering reminders of how true this is.
Earlier this month, my beautiful friend Rachel died of colon cancer. Just like when dear friend Molly passed away from breast cancer six years ago, I am devastated to see someone so young and vibrant taken. Molly was 45, Rachel only 38.
Truly incandescent souls, it doesn’t seem possible both of them are gone now.
My cousin says God needed Rachel to come home to be an angel, to be part of a bigger plan. An angel for sure, she made the transition of moving to Orlando from New York less lonely for me. After being introduced through a mutual friend, we clicked immediately. Though I mourn the memories we will not have, I cherish the ones we shared and will be forever grateful to have known her.
One of Rachel’s favorite things was Hallmark holiday movies. This year, for the first time and in her honor, I watched several. Spirited and fun – much like her – they injected an additional dose of festive cheer into the season. My favorites: the NYC-set Hanukkah on Rye, Eight Gifts of Hannukah and A Castle for Christmas.
I’m especially grateful that I’m beginning to feel more settled into life as a Floridian. Little by little, I am putting down roots here. Getting to know Orlando better, slowly making friends and soon, moving to a new house. Can’t think of a better way to ring in 2023.
Most of all, I remain overwhelmingly grateful for the blessings of married life with Steve and our beloved pup Benji. These two give me so much. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to share my days with them.
Happy New Year!
Jul 30
MISSING MY TRIBE
When you work in hospitality, changing zip codes is a fairly regular occurrence. Thankfully, in the ten years that I have been part of this industry, I only had to move once for a job. My boss at the fabulous Hyatt Regency Orlando made the move here from Atlanta in January. When his family recently joined him, I asked how his two kids are adjusting.
“They love the pool and the weather,” he said candidly. “But they miss their friends.”
I know exactly how they feel.
Whether you are eight or 48, establishing relationships in a new place isn’t easy. During an ill-fated, five-month stint as an L.A. resident, I made just one friend. Thankfully, Orlando is a much more welcoming city. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, it has plenty of friendly, genuine people — many of whom, like me, used to call New York home. Whenever I run into a former New Yorker here, there’s an instant camaraderie. A mutual appreciation for life in the Sunshine State being a nice change from the Big Apple’s hustle and bustle.
Still, it takes time to cultivate more than passing acquaintances. As that process slowly unfolds, I am missing my tribe back in NYC. And thinking about the misconceptions that happen when both your marital status and hometown change at the same time.
After I moved down to Florida in December, communication patterns with close friends began to change. At first, I chalked it up to the holiday season. And as my wise husband Steve observed, the fact that I was still visiting New York frequently, until May when I sold my apartment. I nevertheless asked two close friends about their radio silence. Both of them said they assumed I was busy settling into newlywed life and they didn’t want to intrude on that. This surprised me because nothing could be further from the truth.
As anyone who knows me will tell you, the ties that bind are and always have been a central, cherished part of my life. At a very young age, I learned from my mother that friendships deserve to be prioritized regardless of whether you’re single or partnered up. I adore my husband. But that will never change how much I love and need my friends.
To his credit, Steve often says that the value I place on friendship is one of the things he admires most about me. That’s a measure of who he is and how well he understands me. And something I never experienced until he came into my life.
My dear friend Caroline knows about the challenges of starting over in a new place. She lives in Australia now and, with her French-born husband, did a spell in Paris for a few years. During a soul-soothing video chat, I shared both my current loneliness — and optimism about the possibility of connecting outside of work with a particular colleague.
“We have a love of boy bands, soap operas and roller coasters in common,” I said.
“That’s the basis for at least a three-month relationship,” Caroline joked.
Kidding aside, it’s reassuring to catch a glimpse of new beginnings on the horizon. No doubt, my boss’s kids will experience the same when they start school. Looking forward to hearing about their play dates with new friends. And to having a few of my own.
Jul 29
Forever Friends And Santa Barbara Fans
Thirty-five years ago this week, NBC’s Santa Barbara made its debut. Over the course of its nine-year, 2,137 episodes run, the offbeat, brilliantly written soap opera garnered critical acclaim and loyal fans around the globe – including me.
Like so many viewers, I was drawn in to the show by one particular storyline – the incredible pairing of star-crossed lovers Cruz (A Martinez) and Eden (Marcy Walker-Smith). During the ‘80s heyday of soaps, as the format churned out plenty of so-called supercouples, Cruz and Eden set the bar for all, capturing hearts with their against-all-odds, romantic and passionate love.
This timelessly magical duo also sparked three of the most cherished, enduring friendships of my life.
I first became pen pals with Kansas native and fellow C&E devotee Lisa in 1986. We clicked even more when we met in person months later. And so cemented a bond that has defied geographical odds to become the sisterhood closest to my heart.
Lisa is everything a best friend should be and more. A trusted advisor, sympathetic ear and the person I think of first whenever something really great (or really terrible) happens. Over the years, we’ve shared everything — celebrity gossip, love life highs and lows, job-related tribulations and triumphs and the seminal loss in each of our lives, that of our respective parents. I am so thankful and blessed to have known Lisa’s extraordinary Mom and Dad. I know she feels the same way about mine.
It was 1991 when I first met Ohio resident and retired teacher Marilyn. We connected through the informal Cruz and Eden fan club I had started. She was in town for an event with A and Marcy that we both attended. Marilyn is an amazing woman — intelligent, kind and joyful. Along with being a wonderful friend, she’s a devoted mother and grandmother with a great sense of fun and true appreciation of life’s pleasures, big and small.
I’ve lost count of how many times during my visits, we’ve curled up on her couch and shared hours of effortless conversation over a cup of tea. The pleasure of her company has comforted me through many a trial and remains one of life’s sweetest joys.
The most unexpected friendship to come from my affection for SB began on a summer day in 1988 at NYC’s legendary Waldorf=Astoria Hotel. It was my first time attending the Daytime Emmys. I was 14 years old.
In the star-studded crowd, I suddenly found myself face to face with Cruz Castillo himself, A. I immediately burst into tears. A pulled me into a comforting hug as Marcy, who also happened to be standing there (!), put her hand gently on my shoulder.
“Are you going to pass out?” she jokingly asked.
I somehow managed not to. But the diehard Cruz and Eden fan in me was beyond starstruck to meet these two beautiful people so instrumental in shaping my perception of true love.
In addition to being a tremendously talented actor/writer and dedicated human rights advocate, A has a well-deserved reputation for being gracious, down-to-earth and exceedingly kind. Over of the course of many delightful meals together, I’ve had the good fortune of experiencing his generous spirit first hand. He is also a devoted family man who adores his three grown children and lovely wife Leslie, always speaking with boundless pride about them. A remains one of my heroes, someone I love, admire and respect with all of my heart.
With all of us living in different places, I’ve never had the pleasure of being with A, Marilyn and Lisa at the same time. This November, it’s finally going to happen with the first-ever Santa Barbara Reunion Cruise. Joining us for the four-night sailing from Miami to The Bahamas will be four other original SB cast members and a few hundred fellow fans (more info here, booking ends August 9th). In a nice bit of symmetry, the ship is Royal Caribbean’s newly-upgraded Navigator of The Seas – the very same vessel on which Lisa and I did our first cruise together 11 years ago.
Such beautiful connections forged because of one unforgettable show. Happy Anniversary, Santa Barbara. To celebrate, I’m raising a symbolic glass to Lisa, Marilyn and A. Love you all dearly and can’t wait to be together on the high seas!
Oct 7
To Vegas With Love
Over the years, I’ve had many wonderful times in Las Vegas. Like everyone else, I was heartbroken about last Sunday’s tragic events. And a little unnerved because, during my recent visit a few weeks ago, I stayed right next door to Mandalay Bay. It was a sobering reminder of how fragile life is–and how important it is to live every day fully, as tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.
Vegas has always been a place about making the most of every moment, by experiencing the joys of good hospitality, great entertainment and fantastic food. I was fortunate to enjoy all three during my recent weekend getaway.
I had already been to Sin City with family, friends and significant others. This was the first big trip with my beloved dog Benji. And it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Our JetBlue flight was easy breezy, as both Benj and I slept for the duration. Upon arriving at the swanky Delano Hotel, our host for one night, I knew immediately this would be a much more relaxing stay than I’ve had at other Vegas properties.
Benji relaxing in our suite with his Delano welcome amenity: biscuits, a poop bag and leather toy
A non-gaming, non-smoking hotel, the Delano has an inviting boutique vibe that makes you forget you’re right on the Strip. Spacious accommodations, first class staff and pet-friendly amenities—including dog walking services and a pet relief area right in front—made for a perfect night (full hotel review coming soon in 25A Magazine!).
One of the major highlights—Rivea, the Delano’s Alain Ducasse rooftop restaurant on the 64th floor.
Rivea: the terrace view from 64 stories above
Joining me for a decadent multi-course dinner on the terrace was college friend Tiffany. Though we hadn’t seen each other in about twenty years, that time melted away as we talked about life, work, singlehood and getting through tough times. We talked for hours and didn’t want the night to end.
Tiff and me and my first-ever bubble tea
Friday, Benji and I moved to the Residence Inn across from the Convention Center. Part of a complex of three Marriott properties, the all-suite hotel is an ideal choice if you want to be off the Strip but still in a central, convenient location.
As soon as we arrived, I was treated to the warmth and home away from home atmosphere for which Marriott is known. I checked in with an upset stomach and having just caught my finger painfully in a door. The kind front desk agent offered Band Aids, first aid ointment and a handful of herbal tea packets.
Our spacious digs at the Residence Inn
We were upgraded to a penthouse suite—a spacious loft with a living room, eat-in, fully-equipped kitchen, loft bedroom and two full bathrooms. Plenty of room for Benji and me to roam around and kick back. The pool was modest but well maintained, and blissfully quiet compared to the loud, crowded scene at most Sin City resort pools.
The Residence Inn’s pool: a low-key haven of relaxation
Much like trips to Vegas with my parents back in the 80’s, this one afforded the opportunity to see some amazing entertainers.
Despite lip synching for most of her 90-minute set, Jennifer Lopez dazzled with flawless dancing and eye-popping costumes, performing most of her hits and an unexpectedly beautiful cover of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” My beloved Ricky Martin–the reason for my trip–blew the roof off of the Park Theater with incredible singing and dancing, playing an energetic mix of his signature pop tunes and soulful ballads.
All In: Ricky’s Vegas show was one of his best productions ever
For the last show of the weekend, I went old school with Tiffany (and Benji too!), visiting the Tropicana’s Laugh Factory to see Rich Little. At 78, the legendary comedian is just as hilarious as I remembered him to be when I saw him decades ago. And I had the pleasure of telling him so at a meet and greet afterward.
Rich Little and me
Definitely a memorable, exhilaratingly fun weekend from start to finish.
Sending so much love to everyone in this amazing city–and praying for healing.
Aug 7
Reuniting With A Dear Friend
Twenty two years ago, I embarked on a whirlwind three-week Contiki tour around Europe. The trip introduced me to two wonderful people who became cherished friends–Australians Sue and Dave. This week, I had the great pleasure of being reunited with Dave, for the first time since my last visit Down Under in 2009.
Way back when: Dave, me and Sue in Europe, May 1994.
As soon as I saw Dave, it felt like no time at all had passed. We picked up right where we left off–enjoying some beloved NYC haunts along the way.
Dave and me at the Gansevoort Hotel’s rooftop bar Plunge
We brunched outside at neighborhood eateries Beach Cafe and Five Napkin Burger, both of which I love even more now because they’re dog-friendly. My sweet Benji joined me and Dave, quietly taking in the scenery while we ate.
Dave took this photo of me and Benji at Beach Café
Taking advantage of picture perfect weather, Dave and I also strolled around Central Park and the High Line, and did rooftop drinks at Meatpacking District hipster hotspot the Gansevoort Hotel. For dinner, we lingered at The Plaza’s Food Hall by Todd English (epic truffled lobster mac and cheese), savored the Greek delights of Gramercy bistro Barbounia and indulged in Italian fare at favorite UES Bottega restaurant (Tiramisu to die for).
Truffled lobster mac and cheese at The Plaza Hotel’s Food Hall. Yum!!!
Throughout the delicious meals and engaging local sights, Dave and I shared wonderful, soul-soothing conversations about life, love, loss, careers and travel. I was in awe when Dave told me about his post-tsunami volunteer work in Sri Lanka. And he listened with compassion as I confided what I have been through over the last year.
I’m a big believer in the saying that friends are the family we choose for ourselves. God has truly blessed me in my extended family–and I am so thankful Dave is a part of it.
Til next time, my dear friend.
Apr 30
A New Chapter Begins
Two of my favorite things about living in NYC are discovering new favorite places and rediscovering old ones. Thursday, I got to experience both during a night out in Midtown with my good friend Derek and his boyfriend Ricardo.
The evening began at 230 Fifth, a happening hotspot for many years now, attracting a good looking crowd to its expansive rooftop with dazzling city views. This time, since it was overcast, I parked myself near the spacious indoor bar, enjoying a Shirley Temple with vodka. There’s something about drinking an adult version of my favorite mocktail as a child that hits all the right notes.
Boozy Shirley Temple = cocktail bliss!
Speaking of hitting high notes, our dining destination, Raymi did so and then some. The Peruvian restaurant offers warm ambience, friendly service and fare that’s truly delicioso. We started off with pisco sours and canchita, roasted unpopped popcorn that is sinfully addictive. I also savored my entree, arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood).
Over dinner and drinks, Derek, Ricardo and I talked about their upcoming European getaway, work and my exciting new job–Marketing Executive for The Pierre Hotel.
The five-star luxury property has a long and storied history of 87 years. It’s a registered historic landmark and one of the only hotels left offering white gloved service and elevator operators. I couldn’t be more proud to help tell the Pierre’s rich story–and more grateful for the support family and friends gave me throughout the five-month job search process.
During this time, I did something I’ve never done in my professional life–worked in retail.
Thanks to a referral from longtime dear friend and style maven Heidi, I joined her in becoming a Brand Ambassador at Banana Republic’s Rockefeller Center location. The brand’s flagship store, it has a deservedly strong reputation for both product selection (3 floors of BR fashion) and service. Being part of the team gave me a much needed anchor when I was feeling very low. And I have an even deeper appreciation now for what it takes to work in a customer service role. It’s harder than you might think and I admire people who make a career of it.
I can’t wait to return to hospitality, my true passion. Thank God for new beginnings.
May 6
Life In L.A. Begins
It has been nearly four weeks since I left my beloved New York for Los Angeles. And, as I had hoped and expected, picking up and moving across the country has been an exhilarating, emotional and revelatory experience.
All smiles at Yamashiro Restaurant with a panoramic view of LA behind me
First and foremost in this journey is the job which brought me here — Marketing Manager for the SLS at Beverly Hills. In the short time that I have been a part of the team, I have felt truly welcomed and utterly impressed by my smart, spirited and dedicated colleagues.
Altitude Pool: one of many spectacular amenities at the SLS
The hotel itself is a dream for a storyteller like me — rich in its design, service and food and beverage offerings. During a rotation at The Bazaar restaurant, in which I had the pleasure of sampling several innovative tapas, I told a coworker I was running out of synonyms for delicious and awestruck. Wow.
One of the best parts of this move – and a key factor in my decision to do this — has been the many wonderful friends and acquaintances I know out here. Like longtime galpal Natasha, with whom I enjoyed a girls night out in Pasadena, a charming little town not far from LA. And blogger/author Kelly Seal, who gave me my first taste of local Mexican food and margaritas at Mercado on West Third Street, a stretch known for great eateries. And my dear friend from high school Allison, who moved here from Toronto nine years ago and understands the inevitable adjustment period that accompanies such a huge life change.
I am blessed to know alot of awesome people here and can’t wait to catch up with all of them.
In the meantime, this New York City Gal is appreciating the differences between the Big Apple and my new hometown. Among those I’ve noticed so far…
Quiet. With its sprawling nature, LA has a lot less noise pollution than NYC.
LA is also far more pedestrian friendly than you would think. An amalgam of neighborhoods with varied personalities, LA has several walkable areas. While I am looking forward to eventually getting a car, I haven’t felt stranded thanks to Uber (much cheaper and faster here in the state where it launched) and Zipcar.
Plenty of New Yorkers live here. I’ve met them at work and out and about, feeling an instant kinship with all of them. But I’m also enjoying getting to know the locals. And looking forward to feeling more like a local myself. In the meantime, I’m truly enjoying the honeymoon period.
It’s truly amazing when you follow your bliss and it leads to an incredible fresh start.
Mar 31
A New Chapter Begins
When it comes to embarking on a new chapter in life, I’m rediscovering that timing really is everything. The time has never felt more right for me to take an extended break from New York. So it is with the happiest heart that I prepare to leave my beloved Big Apple for LA.
All smiles in Santa Monica (July 2013)
My journey to becoming an Angeleno began, in some ways, half a lifetime ago, when I fell in love for the first time with a California guy. During the year of that bicoastal romance, I was introduced to some of the West Coast’s varied attractions–from the charms of Santa Monica and majesty of the Pacific Coast Highway to quaint beachside town Morro Bay. Though the love affair ended, it was only the beginning of my fondness for Cali.
Over the years, I have enjoyed a weekend getaway to San Francisco and Napa, unexpected romance in San Diego and many, many trips to visit friends in L.A. It was during one particular visit nearly 3 years ago that my California dreaming began.
Longtime dear friend A invited me to join his wife at Malibu Winery to watch their incredibly talented daughter Ren perform outdoors. Sitting there in the sunshine with the mountains behind us, I found myself wondering–why have I never lived here??
A glorious afternoon at Malibu Winery with A and his wife Leslie
That question intensified when I applied for a job in LA. The news that I didn’t get it came as I headed West for a third time in six months. At this point, the question shifted to, can this born and bred New Yorker navigate LA’s car – based lifestyle? Was I really ready to bid farewell to my hometown, or just going through the inevitable weariness that comes with living in the city synonymous with hustle and bustle?
So I settled back into NYC life, or I tried to at least. What I found, though, was that it became increasingly more difficult to keep up with the relentlessly fast pace here. Travels to other places only amplified my desire to slow down. And once again, my thoughts turned to LA.
Despite the frequent rivalry between my first and future hometowns, I have always felt that New York is yin to LA’s yang. Opposites that compliment one another. And for this Big Apple native, there’s no other city which feels more appropriate to explore as a local.
Like I said, timing is everything. Two years ago, I reached out to a Starwood colleague who was making the move from LA to NYC. She graciously shared her insights about her life and career in Cali. We had the chance to work together while she was here, and stayed in touch after she went back last fall. She is now going to be my boss and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Along with congratulations and best wishes, I’ve received some questions from family and friends. Among the most popular–how can I possibly leave NYC?
Quite easily, actually. Having already lived in Sydney, I know I’m going to love the beach – cosmopolitan city lifestyle of LA. And I’m also going to love spending more time with A and my other friends out there.
And, even though my zip code is about to change, one thing most assuredly will not–I am a New York City Gal. Forever proud to be, just ready to adopt a new hometown.
The adventure begins April 10th!
Dec 1
A Mini MHC Reunion In NYC
One of my favorite things to do is play tourist in my hometown. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of doing just that. The occasion — a mini NYC Mount Holyoke reunion with my fellow class of ’95-ers.
Our big 20-year on campus reunion in May left us nostalgic for our alma mater, and newly appreciative of the sisterhood it provided. So, about fifteen of us alums, some local and many from out of state, enjoyed an action packed Saturday taking in some of the Big Apple’s best sights.
Our first stop — the Whitney Museum of American Art. Now located in a brand new building in the Meatpacking District after years in a much smaller venue on the Upper East Side, the Whitney offers a much greater wow factor now. In addition to featuring a better showcase for the likes of Pollock, Hopper and more contemporary artists, it boasts outdoor patios with fantastic views of the Hudson River. A must see for sure.
After strolling through Chelsea Market — and savoring the varied aromas of its many food purveyors — we made our way down to NoLita. First stop, The Daily, a cozy bar with a speakeasy vibe and robust cocktails (that change daily) with names like El Presidente.
MHC women: (from left) Sara, me and Sara T.
For dinner, we enjoyed the rustic charms of the downstairs room at Peasant. Seated a long, distressed wood table by candlelight, we were well taken care of and well fed. The restaurant’s family style menu included three courses, all equally delicious.
As the food kept coming, I had the pleasure of catching up with classmates Sara T., Gretchen and my MHC bff, NYC-based Sara. We reminisced about our college days and the unnervingly swift passage of time since then.
After saying goodnight to the rest of the crew, Sara and I headed uptown to THE LCL: Bar & Kitchen at my work home, The Westin Grand Central. Over cosmos, we talked about relationships, travels and the importance of maintaining life balance, whether you’re a city dweller or country mouse.
Even in the frenetic pace that is life in NYC, finding that balance is doable. Especially when you’re fortunate to have great friends to do it with.
May 3
Two Memorable Nights With Members of My Tribe
One of the great delights of living in NYC is experiencing something new right in your neighborhood. I enjoyed exactly that during a recent girls night out with my dear friend Crystal.
We met up at Jones Wood Foundry, a gastropub that made me nostalgic for my other favorite city, London. The cozy venue has British knickknacks on the walls (i.e. signs from the London underground) and affable staff — including a great bartender with that charming UK accent.
All smiles in Central Park
After drinks, a delicious cheese plate and dinner, Crystal and I headed over to Central Park, just in time to catch the sunset. We walked around for awhile, savoring the beautiful spring weather and our good fortune to live in a city with such a horticultural jewel.
Gratitude was also part of the conversation when I caught up this week with gal pal Carla at Latin-Asian fusion eatery Zengo in Midtown.
A supermom of four who juggles family and work and always looks fabulously stylish, Carla is an inspiration in addition to being a good friend.
Over sangria, shared dumplings and dessert, we talked about work, recent travels and the importance of friends. Carla mentioned a blog post that talks about how an amazing woman we both knew who recently died unexpectedly cultivated a tribe of wonderful friends.
As she said that, I thought about my own tribe, of which Carla and Crystal are cherished members. My tribe of friends have seen me through so many trials and triumphs. They are, to paraphrase one of my favorite sayings, the family I have chosen for myself.
I couldn’t have chosen any better.
