How I met Monica . . .
As I mentioned above, I love Deli food and during the time I've lived in Studio City, I've been a regular at Art's Deli.
Unlike our pal, Randy, I don't cook. I also don't think much about food until I'm really hungry, but when I am, I like to eat.
About a year before Monica and I went out, I moved to Studio City, and was within walking distance to anything I needed.
I was working at the CBS Studio Center which was once Republic Pictures, and before that the Mack Sennett Studios when it opened in 1927.
I live about a half block from the Studio's front gate, and can walk to just about any place I need to.
When I was hungry, I was close to quite a few good eating places, but the best is Art's, about two blocks from our condo.
In my refrig I usually had bottled water, beer, and that was about it. When I was hungry, I'd walk over to the studio, visit some friends on some production, and grab a bite since food is served all-day on film sets, good food. However, I'd usually start with breakfast at Art's if I wasn't working. Monica was a waitress at Art's. We'd see each other, say hello, I'd order breakfast and read the L.A. Times while I ate. I didn't talk much to anybody, and usually came in alone.
About four years ago, when I joined the WBHOF, I became friends with referee Gwen Adair.
Gwen lives in nearby Sherman Oaks. One afternoon, I had to discuss a project I was involved with for the WBHOF and invited Gwen to meet me for lunch so we could discuss it. We met at Art's, and our server was Monica. Monica and I had never really had a conversation, but she and Gwen visited briefly. I liked Monica and so did Gwen. We had a great lunch, and I was happy with meeting, service, etc. so I left a $20. tip. A twenty was the smallest bill I had on me and Monica was very good. When Gwen and I stand to leave, Monica notices that I left her $20. She picks up the bill and hands it to me, "That's too much, you are a regular here." I was shocked, didn't know what to say except, "that's OK I want you to have this." She took the bill, got change, and gave me back $10. I was really caught off guard, when does a woman give money back to a man???? I said thank you but insisted she keep the money, I was somewhat uncomfortable.
As we were leaving, Gwen and I commented on the waitress trying to give back part of the tip. "Wow, She's really a special person." I thought so too. After that, Monica and I would visit a little and I would request one of her tables to sit at when I was there. One day, as I was reading a story in the Times sports section, about Olympian Marian Jones and her steroid accusations when Monica stopped at my table and commented on Jones. I looked at her, and out of nowhere said what Gwen had mentioned about Monica, "You are a very special person." Monica smiled, and answered "So are you".
A few months later, we were married.
Monica was in her mid-40's and had never before been married.
I was in my mid-50's and had been married more than once, and had two grown children from my 2nd marriage. I had also lived with numerous women over time, but hadn't been with anybody seriously for a half dozen years.
Monica and I were total opposites, and have little in common. She isn't a boxing fan and is very sensitive about violence. She supports me at boxing functions and thinks the world of my friends she's met, Dan Hanley, Randy & Jeri, Brian Higgins, John Bardelli, and she knows how much I value Frank and the Balatzar family. As long as I don't insist she attend fights with me, she'd behind my boxing activities 100%.
On Jan 2nd, the day of Don Fraser's 84th birthday party, Monica and I will celebrate our third anniversary.
It's taken a lot of adjusting for both of us to get used to each other, but things seems to be working.
I will say this, I think I got the best end of this deal.
