One Sweet World

Yesterday was a big day for me.  I made my television debut on the Today Show.  It still seems surreal to me because I’m one of those people that doesn’t think much about things like that.  Never would I have thought that 1) I would be on television and 2) I would be on there exercising!  The opportunity just fell into my lap without any kind of warning.  And when someone asks you seriously, “do you want to be on the Today Show?”…it’s really a no-brainer.  Only after laughing really hard and not believing them at all; did I think, WOW!  this is way cool!

So, we had to be at the set at 6am, many hours before our 9:45am segment.  Me, having anxiety-driven punctuality, show up at 5:30am with plenty of time to spare.  First one in the infamous “greenroom,” which isn’t at all green.  Actually, it was nothing like I had imagined it to be.  It felt more like a cheap hotel lobby/continental breakfast area.  The only difference is the people that cycle in and out of the room (everyone that will be appearing on the show + Al Roker) and the pictures of Matt, Meredith, Ann, Al, Natalie, Campbell, and Lester that hung on the walls.  And since we were not on until the last 15 minutes of the show, we got to see them all.

That’s good and bad.  Because, unfortunately, not everyone was there for such a momentous occassion as us.  As we were reveling in our 5 minutes of fame…laughing and enjoying each other’s company; the grieve-stricken, heartbroken Davis family was there.  Having just recovered the body of their beloved Jesse over the weekend, they were there under the worst circumstances imaginable…the last possible reason anyone would ever want to be on national television.  Yet another example of life’s greatest ironies…joy and despair.  A reality check of sorts.  In the height of our excitement and anticipation, they were in the depths of sadness and hell.  My mind quickly shifted to a greater sense of gratitude, because life changes in an instant.          

But on a much lighter note, the experience was incredible.  To actually be a part of a show that I have been watching since I was a (little) kid was quite surreal and dream-like.  I shook hands with Matt Lauer, who is just as adorable in person, took my picture with Hoda Kotb, chatted with Jeanine Pirro, hung out with Donny Deutsch, Martina McBride, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, a childrens’ toy expert, and the author of “The 4-Hour Work Week.”  Not bad for a morning’s work!  That was all before we even made our appearance.

The segment (which you can watch here)was great and went off without a hitch; well, besides me hitting Hoda with a jump rope.  Which I have already heard did not go unnoticed!  Besides that, it was alot of fun.  Everyone that works at the show was fabulous, kind and easy-going, even under that amount of stress.  It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.  Thank you to everyone that watched and has sent emails in response.  That was one of the best parts, hearing from all of you.   

• I figure Brooklyn can be one of the only places that you actually find out who your neighbors are by flipping through Rolling Stone.  Seriously, this has happened twice since I’ve lived here.  While I was doing my once over (which is all the time I usually spend on this magazine) of this week’s issue, I spotted a face that looked very familiar.  I knew this was the guy I had seen with his daughter at Brooklyn Label and then again at the thrift store just last week.  After doing a little internet search of his name to be sure this was indeed the same person…turns out Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio lives in Brooklyn and is a proud father of one.  Thought it was cool… 
• You see that little rectangular icon on the right side of the page that says I’M MAKING A DIFFERENCE.  I’ve had it there for some time now, but haven’t called any attention to it.  I would urge all of you who use Instant Messenger to check this out.  It only takes a minute to choose which organization you would like to support and download.  Then, everytime you use your Instant Messenger it contributes money to the organization you chose.  How much simpler could it be to help make a difference?? 
• I found this article in the NY Times to be mind-boggling and have thought about it several times this week since having read it in the Sunday paper.  I’m not exactly sure why, but it was definitely fascinating.
• Amai won it’s first award this week.  Pastryscoop.com’s Golden Scoop awards were given out at The French Culinary Institute last Monday evening, and Amai’s Green Tea Cookie walked away with “Best Bakery Recipe”.  Here’s a write up in NY Magazine.

For any of you out there, especially those living in the Tri-State area, the venue for the 2007 Farm Aid concert has been announced…it’s going to be here in the city at Randall’s Island.  

Over the past 22 years Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellancamp, and most recently (2001), Dave Matthews have raised over $30 million to help the family farms of this country.  Farm Aid is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Good Food - family farmed, local, organic and/or humanely raised.  Not only does the money raised help family farmers survive and thrive, but also helps sustain our natural resources and environment. 

Besides the aforementioned artists, the complete lineup has not been announced; however, these concerts always draw performances from some of the best musicians of our time. 

Tickets go on sale TOMORROW - Saturday, June 16 - at 10am EDT.
General Admission $52
Seating $102 - $302
 

Just wanted to share with y’all what someone in the blogosphere has to say/think about me and my running endeavor.  Apparently, it’s a ridiculous kind-of inspiration, but inspirational nonetheless.  It’s always great to hear what others think.  On that same token…greenLAgirl also followed my lead and has been walking all of the streets of Santa Monica.  These are just more reasons to keep pluggin’ along.  Thanks guys for reading and drawing inspiration from this ‘ridiculous’ goal…GOOD LUCK with your endeavors!

Well, here’s yet another addition to the neighborhood…Top Chef wanna-be Camille Becerra who owns Paloma Restaurant here in Greenpoint.  I had no idea - about the restaurant or her Top Chef appearance - until reading some graffitti scribbled on the poster ad for Season 3, while waiting on the G train.  This also answered the question that I had concerning a restaurant/bar I just spotted in the neighborhood but had no idea what it was.  Wow!  Who knew you could actually learn something from the ‘G’?  The Season 3 Premiere airs tomorrow night at 10/9c on Bravo.

FOR ALL YOU WOMEN OUT THERE:  This is a must read - an article in Women’s Health magazine this month reminding us women that there is much more to life than men.  Whether you are single or committed, there is definitely life beyond relationships, and we must continue to work towards fulfilling our dreams.  I know I am of the age where most of my friends are either married or seeking that one true love.  And being in a commited relationship myself, I am disheartened by the amount of broken promises and marriages that happen all around me.  I start to wonder if there is such a thing as lasting love.  And in the end, there are no guarantees.  That is precisely why the author of this article, now 57 and married, can wisely say that “you need to live your own life because most women end up alone, one way or another.  You must decide who you want to be, not in relation to a man…”  Now those are words to live by.

As I reported about a month ago, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is moving into the neighborhood.  And since then, I have taken a walk down to that end of Manhattan Avenue each week to check in on the progress, which is coming along nicely.  Today as I was doing my weekly pass-by, I noticed a new sign in the window, which turned out to be the “opening” hours starting TOMORROW - Thursday, June 7.  Of course, I had my camera with me to document just this sort of thing.  During which time, the owner came over and began talking to us.  Turns out, this is a quiet opening for now due to pending inspections.  If all inspections come through tomorrow as planned, they will be open for business from 3 - 9 pm; otherwise, he will still be there giving out FREE cones.  Either way…I know where I’ll be!

BROOKLYN ICE CREAM FACTORY
97 COMMERCIAL STREET
GREENPOINT, NY 11222    

UPDATE 6/7/07: We passed by tonight and sure enough…FREE MINI CONES for us!  I believe the owner, Mark Thompson, will be there all weekend serving them up - your choice of 7 flavors- so go check it out! 

…on the street…

That’s the best way to sum up my thoughts as I’m running through the streets of Manhattan these days.  For the past couple of weeks, the temperatures and humidity just continue to rise and radiate off of the asphalt, sidewalks, and buildings - leaving little place to hide or seek relief.  And the worst is still yet to come.  Summers, like winters, here are harsh.  And that’s coming from a girl raised in the deep South. 

But just as the seasons have changed since starting this journey over 4 months ago…so have I.  I’m a walking calender (as Victor puts it)…always acutely aware of time and how fast it passes.  It’s both a quality and a flaw.  I like to reflect back and evaluate what I have (or have not) accomplished, as well as, look forward and make note of what I still need to do.  Yet, somehow, I just end up panic stricken and anxiety-ridden.  Because mostly, I just feel like I haven’t done enough and am running out of time. 

This is exactly the case as I chart my progress since February 1.  I know in my heart that I have covered alot of ground, yet, it just doesn’t seem to be enough.  And I mean that both literally and figuratively.  This endeavor has not only been about running, but about re-discovering myself.  My legs and heart have become strong again and so has my outlook on life.  Perspectives have shifted, altered and done 180’s, in some cases…leading to a euphoric feeling of empowerment.  (Something I was in desperate need of when I began.)  However, my view of the road ahead is still blurry.  Leaving me to feel like I am, again, falling short.  Short of what?  Of some silly goal I made up for myself?  Or is it a reflection of the bigger picture of my life?  Maybe a little of both.  But just as the rain brought much needed relief from the heat yesterday, and I managed to run the longest yet, I know that there will soon be a light or sign on this blurry path leading me in the direction of my dreams.   
[The picture above is to date - middle of Week #19.  Check out the Running Endeavor page to see each week's progress.]

NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY!

Front window of Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop

Ok…since that may be the best excuse for a holiday ever, and somehow I’ve never heard of this oh-so-glorious day.  Seriously, how have I lived the past 28 years oblivious to this celebration.  And before you ask, yes, the doughnut has had it’s day of appreciation since 1938, when the Chicago Salvation Army established it as both a fundraiser and a way to honor the World War I volunteers who prepared doughnuts for the troops.  Sounds pretty legitimate to me!  And every year (on the first Friday of June), in honor of this very special occasion, Krispy Kreme gives out free donuts.  I’m just bummed that I didn’t know about this earlier.

Funny thing is, as of late, I have been on somewhat of an abnormal donut craze.  Just the other day, I jumped on my bike and pedaled like crazy down Manhattan Avenue, in hopes of scoring a few at our local donut spot, Peter Pan, before it closed.  Then a couple days later, while waiting on Victor in the city, I walked several blocks out of the way to try out a couple at The Donut Pub.  Which I have to admit, do not measure up to those little gems at Peter Pan.  And to make it fair, I had the same kind in both places - white cream filled and jelly.  That led me to my next mission - after my excursion to The Donut Pub and still killing time waiting on Victor - I went on a search for a deep frying thermometer.  Next up: HOMEMADE!   

So, has anyone else ever heard of this?

More Donut Love:
The Serious Eats National Doughnut Honor Roll  - lists some great donut spots all over the country.

The Blognut - for everything donuts.

The Donut Pub                          Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
203 W. 14th Street                   727 Manhattan Avenue
New York, NY                            Greenpoint, Brooklyn