Los Angeles Book Signing

This past weekend, I went back to LA for a UCLA Gymnastics Pioneer Reunion; celebrating the athletes who were the foundation of this 5-time National Champion gymnastics team. It was truly an incredible experience. Spending time with my former teammates and others who came before me reminded me that once a Bruin always a Bruin. The reception we received was warm and meaningful to all of us.

THURSDAY

I stepped of the plane on Thursday Morning around 10 o'clock. Once my feet hit the ground it was non-stop. I met my mother, who flew in from Illinois, at her gate, battled the rental car line (packed with fans there to see the Rose Bowl) and headed straight for UCLA. We handled the logistics of my signing, which would take place at the season opener on Saturday, talked publicity and signed some books.

Next, I spent some time catching up with Head Coach, Valorie Kondos. Olympic Champion, Nastia Liukin was there as well as we reminisced about the earlier days.

After going all day without having a meal and enduring some nightmarish hotel issues, which I won't go into, Mom and I finally had a nice meal at Houston's and settled down for the night.

FRIDAY

I spent an hour with the UCLA Gymnastics Team. It was truly an honor to be back and to have the opportunity to sit with these incredibly talented athletes. I spoke to them about the importance of their choices when dealing with everyday life. Our choices directly affect our future, be it positively or negatively. After a Q and A session, I signed books for them before they went off to practice.

We hopped in the car to meet a friend for lunch at the Cabana Cafe in the Beverly Hills Hotel, did a quick walk on Rodeo Drive to do some window shopping and went back to our base for an hour or so before heading to BLT on Sunset Blvd. for dinner with my teammates.

SATURDAY

We slept in and got to UCLA around 1:00 PM. My sister in-law joined us to help with the book sales. I ran into former Bruin great, Tasha Shwikert, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. I was reminded about the days when I first met her as a 15 year old. My how time flies. We set up for the book signing in Pauley Pavilion then headed to a meet and greet at the UCLA Hall of Fame. It was great to see my former coaches Jerry Tomlinson and Scott Bull. It had been ages since I set eyes on them. After chit chat and tons of photos we rushed back to Pauley where long lines had already formed at the entrance. I'm told that UCLA gymnastics meets are the third highest attended sporting events behind men's Basketball and football.

The meet was a whirlwind as I scrambled to greet guests, sign books, and meet the requests of photographers and reporters. I was finally able to break away and find a seat on the front row next to the other Alumni. But by that time, the meet was almost over. So, the only part of the competition I got to watch was the last four UCLA floor exercise routines. I must say, the choreography and tumbling was so excellent, that they were worth the trip, alone.

The alumni were introduced, lots of photos were taken and I did another signing at the end of the meet. I enjoyed meeting gymnasts and parents alike, who were encouraged by my story and looking forward to reading the book.

After the meet was another late night with my former teammates. This time it was at West Restaurant at the top of Hotel Angeleno near Bel-Air.

SUNDAY

I slept in and then took my mom to the airport where she flew back to the cold of Illinois. From 2-5 PM Chet and Gloria Bias hosted a private book signing in Ladera Heights. It was a fabulous time of thought provoking conversation. Attendees included representatives from book clubs, who will consider making my book a part of their repetoire.

The evening closed out with the last few guests seeing me out as I rushed to catch the red-eye back to South Florida.

My cousin, Scottie (whom I love, dearly), drove me to the airport, where he happened to be picking up his boss, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. It was a special treat to see her and to sign a copy of my book for her. She was very warm and encouraging. It was the wonderful end to marvelous trip.