Tag: los angeles

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Gone But Certainly Not Forgotten

With the recent passing of Dr. Jerry Buss, the legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of remembering loved ones who may be gone but certainly not forgotten.

Like my Uncle Mickey who left us in 2003. Also know as Dr. Cook by his WWII comrades, I fondly remember our weekly talks and brisk walks around the nursing home where he spent his final days.

And although he suffered from an unsympathetic Alzheimer’s disease that made him progressively distant each time I visited, Uncle Mickey remained ever so sweet, benevolent and respectful to everyone he met. Not to mention his charming old school ways – he wore a three piece suit every single day until he could no longer dress himself – and his school-boy crush on Avril Lavigne!

Little did I know that 10 years later I would find this poem I wrote for him the day he passed:

Ode to Mickey

Sitting in my chair, bent head held low,
Oh what I’ve seen, from this window seat row

This is my story, no fear for me now,
Can’t wait for my walks, with my nephew so proud

Cold wars, New York terror, amazing Ali,
Just like my true brethren, please let me be me

Hold onto the past, try not to be seen,
Smile time for my chats, with sweet Avril Lavigne

Nobody can hear me, I’m in the abyss,
What did I do, what in life did I miss

This world did I change, like the high rolling seas,
No chance for me now, against this ugly disease

But worry none friends, fight hard, freedom ring,
Keep faith til the end, cause in life we’re all Kings.

RIP Uncle Mickey (and Dr. Buss)…I’ll always remember you! – R

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Thank you Manny Ramirez

About 20 years ago my father showed me a baseball card of a rookie he said would become one of the greatest.  His name was Manny Ramirez.  My father was right.  In 19 years in the majors, Manny hit more home runs (555) and drove in more runs (1,831) than Mickey Mantle.  As a long time New Yorker and Yankee fan at heart, this means something.  And with a lifetime batting average of .312, not to mention his ability to intimidate opposing pitchers by just stepping into the on-deck circle, he’s a Hall of Famer in my book.  What I remember most about Manny was the way he electrified the city of Los Angeles and led the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series in 2008. The energy and excitement was something the whole city felt, whether at Dodger Stadium or Venice Beach.  Yes, he violated baseball’s drug policy (2 times), and yes, there was always Manny being Manny. Yet he played with such confidence and poise that it inspired everyone, especially his younger teammates.  Love him or hate him, he was the ultimate baseball warrior.  Thank you Manny Ramirez. My best always – Rich

And don’t forget today’s 5 minute workout #45 – because we all could use some Balance!

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Change is good

For the past week I’ve had the fortunate, albeit stressful task of moving my home and office.  I say fortunate because whether you see the cup half full or half empty, change is good.  As humans, we suffer from what behaviorists call homeostasis.  Simply put, we don’t like change because our internal tendency is to maintain a stable and constant condition. So if you’ve ever moved you know how challenging it is to pack up your life, ship it another neighborhood (in my case 12 miles away which in Los Angeles is like another state), unpack and reorder everything in your new home or office, become familiar with all the retail and convenience stores, gas stations, dry cleaners, gyms and yoga studios, and most importantly, changing your address for your multitude of accounts like banks, credit cards, postal service, magazines, drivers license, health care providers, and professional organizations.  Not to mention all your family and friends.  So much for homeostasis.  That said, moving gives you an excellent opportunity to explore new markets and expand your world.  To meet new people, to experience new beginnings.  Change is good.  Especially when it comes to improving yourself and your life.  Like embracing a daily fitness program.  However stressful and challenging you may think it is to get started, it’s well worth the effort.  So if you haven’t made the change, one that truly improves your overall well being, get a move on it.  And enjoy your workout!