Things of Interest

The Start of the US Open Tennis Tournament-Part 1

August 22, 2014 By denise 7 Comments

The US Open Tennis Tournament gets ready to begin on August 25th 2014, even before the first star hits the court and official ball is struck, I am heading up to the National Tennis Center in Queens.

As I step off the 7 train and walk down the board walk, I am overwhelmed of years gone by and how I felt attending matches with my dad and younger sister. I instantly am reminded that they are not here with me anymore and I miss them even more because I can not share this experience with them.

As I continue to walk and pass the LIRR station, I flooded with memories of matches that I have seen over the years, some made me cry for joy others made me cry because of disappointment. What would this year bring, and why as a fan do I keep returning to work the Open each year. As I continue down the path to my destination, my answer stares in front of me. The Mercedes Benz display is already up and staring from a billboard is my favorite athlete Roger Federer. I am reminded that I am so lucky that I get to see him play and to have watched him over the years. I am reminded that people keep saying he is too old and will not win another Grand Slam (he holds the record with 18). I pass the exhibit and I catch myself smiling.

I made a promise to myself that I would enjoy the time I get to see him play win or lose I would just take it all in. I walk through the park on my way to my spot at the South Gate, and watch as the area is transformed into a tennis haven for the next two weeks.

I watch all the kids come from around the city to get a taste of tennis in New York.

This reminds me own lucky I am to be able to see all of these players and the upcoming stars.

I plan to write a series about my experiences over the next two weeks and share pictures of my adventures. I hope this will give those who wish they could be here some insight into the tournament.

NFL Draft Experience

May 30, 2014 By denise 1 Comment

This was my eleventh year attending the NFL Draft in New York. I love attending every year not only because I get to see the top prospects get selected, but that I am one of the few women who attend and I have gotten the privilege to speak with NFL executives about Women’s Initiatives. I have even had a breakfast with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The NFL does a good job in trying to make the experience very fan-friendly.

On the first night of the draft which is now on a Thursday, be prepared to stand in line at Radio City Music Hall. The crowd is rowdy to be there and the media is looking for fans to talk to. The best part is that while in line you run into some interesting fans representing team from all of the country, it is so great to see them come and support their teams. I am a Chiefs fan and everyone always finds that interesting. The first question they ask is are you from there, when I saw no that I grew up in Brooklyn; they are left with a dumbfounded look on their faces. It is not until I saw that I grew up a 49ers fan, they the moment of connections comes that when Legendary Quarterback Joe Montana went to Kansas City I went with him.

Being in the building with over 4,000 people is quite exciting. You listen as the picks are made and the reaction of the fans is priceless. They either up and down with excitement or boo the pick. The first Day is always the best day.

On Friday we have to return for the next rounds. It is less crazy than the media hype of the first day of the draft, but just as much fun. In these rounds you can see some gems get drafted and wonder what their careers are going to turn out to be.

Saturday is Die Hard Day. Die Hard Fans have special passes that we get to use every year, as long as we stay all day Saturday and turn in our Die Hard Card. They started out as a large group but we have dwindled down quite a bit over the year. Some Die Hard Fans joke that they are going to will there card to their families. If you do not stay you lose your privilege. One of the keys to this day is that the NFL sets out food for you and you eat all you want.

From the first to the last pick, I endured the weekend in Radio City. If you have a bucket list as an NFL fan I highly recommend attending the NFL Draft.

My Day at the Rachael Ray Show

January 22, 2014 By denise Leave a Comment

I was lucky enough to visit the Rachael Ray show last week with my two niece in laws, Ellie and Rachael. Lucky for two reasons. First, we got tickets and Second, it was the week sandwiched between the coldest Tuesday and the snowiest one.
As we waited on line we talked about what the show would be about and chatted with others on the line about the show and how we hoped we would get in soon.

Then Rachael came on to tell us that we were having a special guest today and gave us some hints but no one could quite figure it out. The show was about to start and for those of you who have never seen the show, Rachael comes down in an elevator either by herself or with the guest, in this case it was with the guest. As the elevator started down we saw the person was tall, blonde and was dressed causally, not until the doors opened that we realized it was Cameron Diaz.

I have to say that she looks great in person and is a really down to earth woman. She chatted with Rachael regarding her new book entitled “The Body”, she talked about how she sat around the table and wrote with the help of a writer about these issues. The theme of the book is that we may not all get the body that Cameron has but we need to take of the best body that we have. She stated “The only way you can know that body is by taking care of it properly. If you are eating processed foods, and you’re not getting all your nutrients, not exercising properly, then you are not living in the body that you were meant to live in.” Her focus is on having women change the way they view their bodies through, mind, body, and nutrition. It is a really great book and has tools for everyone. I struggle to gain weight so it is helping me look at ways to work on that with exercise and better eating.

It was great to hear from someone who looks perfect that even she falls off the track and has to get back on it. She answered audience questions, and was funny and out-going. I really was glad that she was our special guest.

We also had a visit from the Discovery Channel’s host Jason Silva of Brain Games. He showed us how on brains respond to certain things and we don’t even know it. Some of the audience were called upon to do taste test blindfolded to see if their other senses would help them. They did pretty good.

Finally Rachael demonstrated for us the perfect way to make a Nutty Chicken Cutlet. The recipe can be found on her website and highlights of the show at
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/