Running, elephants and a boy named Jeremy

Way back when I started two weeks ago, the weather was somewhat unfortunate. As a runner, I didn't mind the cold; in fact the cold air enabled me to run longer. But it discouraged all of the other regulars who travel the path everyday, such as mothers and children, and those hoping to catch some fresh air.

Yesterday, though, was absolutely beautiful. As a result, there were tons of people out walking their dogs and playing in the parks situated every six blocks or so. At times, the mad rush of people can be irritating and I often have to dodge in between little children playing tag or catch. But boredom has always been my biggest problem when I've tried running before and it certainly isn't an issue anymore. Now, with New York City as my runner's paradise, I can run forever without seeing the same thing twice; plus, the people-watching keeps my attention away from the exercising aspect.

My mom, however, is insisting that I change my running route. According to her, Riverside Park is where "they find all the bodies on Law and Order." I explained to her it is just a show. But to her it's so much more. It's really a way of life.

***

My roommate Jen is my primary source for interesting events going on around the city. She is solely reasonable for getting me a job as a special events/premieres volunteer at Robert DeNiro's "Tribeca Film Festival" later this month. And she is the reason I watched the Barnum & Bailey elephants march through Times Square at midnight last week.

You see, Jen has her computer programmed to inform her of fun and hip stuff happening in Manhattan. And whenever there is something going on, it's guaranteed Jen will be there. She's very "in the know." So every now and then I like to tag along. I felt elephants marching down 34th Street qualified as a big deal.

So there I was, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan watching these huge, massive mammals parade through the streets. I didn't get to see them as long as I would have liked though. Unfortunately I was rudely pushed aside by insane PETA protesters holding anti-Barnum & Bailey Circus posters. But I got a couple of good pictures and left feeling satisfied.

***

At any given moment in New York City, you never know who you're going to run into. While we were waiting for the massive mammals to do their catwalk, my friends and I were approached by a father pushing a little boy in a stroller.

He, too, had been waiting in the cold for some time and was curious to know whether we knew what time the elephants were set to march. Sadly, we were just as clueless as he was, but his son was adorable and I began playing with him to pass the time.

As I was playing with the little boy, he seemed completely normal. Little did I know he was mini-celebrity. Just a few minutes later, a young couple in their early 20s came up to the father, pointed to the little boy I was holding, and asked "Is that Jeremy?"

"Why yes it is." He replied. The people seemed excited. I was just really confused. Who had I been playing with? Later, after the couple left with a photograph of themselves and Jeremy, the father explained to us how they recognized the child.

It seems that ever since Jeremy was a few months old, the father has been taking his picture with celebrities that he meets at movie premieres, book signings and other various events throughout the city. On his Web site, "www.whoisthatwithjeremy.com," visitors can see pictures of the toddler with the likes of Billy Joel, Jon Stewart and Sarah Jessica Parker. Not to mention, according to the Web site, various Oscar winners, Grammy winners and a former president.

Can you imagine? Not even in pre-school and the kid's a mini-mogul. I think it's the catchy slogan on Jeremy's business card, which his father gave me as we were all leaving the parade: "Where the Elite Meet the Petite." Brilliant, just brilliant.

Grace Kallis is a graduate of Aragon High School. She is currently attending Barnard College in New York City. Her column, Graceland, appears every other Tuesday. If you have some news you'd like to send Grace's way, e-mail her at gk2143@barnard.edu.