49th Birthday: A Year To 50

Political Posers

2012-02-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

In case you missed my post today in CityWatch, I'm re-posting it here so you can all see what's on my mind today! www.citywatchla.com

SIMON SAYS - It will come as no shock to readers of CityWatch that candidates seeking elected office or even those already in office and running for re-election, pander to constituents for votes and money. No revelation here, that’s for sure. But what makes the offense even more egregious is when a candidate is an out and out poser.

A poser is a candidate who bounces from one constituent group to the next saying how much they support that group and its mission, yet when given an opportunity to advance the organization’s agenda, the candidate is nowhere to be found. Give it a rest political poser; we know what’s up with your behavior.

Let me elaborate.

Let’s take a look at some women candidates and elected leaders who have been posing, resulting in a disturbing scenario brewing at LA City Hall. Their posing has sadly contributed to the reality that after next year we may not have one single woman serving on the LA City Council. You say what!?

Electing more women has been a passion of mine for a lifetime. I have a demonstrated track record of recruiting, training, and supporting women to run and then sticking with them the entire way, regardless of their chances of winning. I’m sometimes loyal to a fault. I have run for political office in my hometown of Los Angeles twice and know exactly who’s been truthful and who is a poser.

As an active Board member of the National Women’s Political Caucus, an organization striving to reach 50/50 by the year 2020 (50 percent representation by women and men by 2020) I am heavily submerged in encouraging women to run and I put my money and time behind them if I believe they are a formidable candidate who meets my bottom line issues. Yet, sadly, this is not always true for my fellow sisters who have been elected and who don’t reciprocate the love to those who helped propel them into office. So what gives?

This past weekend I received a phone call from a recently elected US Congresswoman from the LA area asking me for money and my support. Before I hit the delete button I had to chuckle at how out of touch this woman is with her own past conduct. I hope Washington is treating her well, because her inaction to cultivate a woman to replace her has contributed to us potentially not having one woman out of fifteen council members fill the LA City Council horseshoe come 2013.

When I was a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council (5th District) this very same woman barely met with me let alone lend her endorsement, even though I had been endorsed by every prominent women’s organization in the community – the same organizations that had endorsed and stood by her all these years. When she was a candidate she would attend the NWPC endorsement meetings and pontificate about how we need more women in public office, yet when given a chance to ensure that our LA City Council would not be left absent of a single woman, she chose not to engage.

She of course is entitled to support whomever she chooses, but she should know that her inaction has consequences. Several trips to the community that has helped put her in office with her hand out, without reciprocating the love, even if it means using up some of her political capital along the way, has left many of us who work hard to elect qualified women, shaking our heads with disbelief.

It should be offensive, not just to women, but to all Angeleno’s that not since 1953 when Roz Wyman was first elected to the Council that we may not have a single woman serving on this governing Board. How did this happen? Well, several of the women who have occupied a seat there recently share the blame in this sad commentary. They too will face consequences as they ramp up for their next campaign and push back from stalwart women leaders who are tired of financing campaigns to not see their goal of more women in office realized.

If you truly support the mission of organizations such as NWPC, which believe that it’s good public policy to include women’s voices at every level of government, then do what it takes to ensure this happens. Identify a woman in your community, cultivate her, encourage her, offer her the training necessary for assembling a competitive campaign, raise her money, support her and see her through to the finish line. That’s what true leaders do who support those people and groups who have been there for them when they were candidates.

A candidate and an elected official’s inaction have consequences sometimes greater than their actions. So for me and my like minded friends, we’ve been hitting the delete button to demonstrate we don’t support political posers, male or female.

(Robyn Ritter Simon is a CityWatch contributor. She ran for Los Angeles City Council, 5th District, in 2001 and again in 2009. She is a champion for ensuring more women serve in public office and spends her time actively supporting candidates who meet her bottom line issues. She is a sought after empowerment speaker encouraging young girls and women to engage more in the political arena. She was recently nominated as a Forward Thinker by the think tank, California Forward. To learn more about the NWPC 50/50 By 2020 Project visit www.NWPCLAWestside.org.)

Are We Full Yet?

2012-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

What is it with the Holidays and all the gorging!?

Who knows but did we eat our way to the New Year or what! I gotta say though it sure was fun.

Pictured above are Robyn & Brian at our annual Lawry's Holiday dinner. And to the right are friends Melody Roset & Ken Erlich at our holiday open house party!

There was a big family Hanukkah celebration, a holiday open house at the Simon's, the annual Lawry's dinner with Suzee and family ... and it just kept going! Here are some gorgeous pictures that captured all our fun!

The best holiday gift of course was having all the boy's home and under one roof... we partied with friends and family, we held to traditions, and we ate really scrumptious holiday dishes!

Look at these beautiful teenagers... above are Lisette, Brandon B., my Brandon and Kalli, all smiles and full of love.

To the right is proud mama with her teenagers Harrison & Spencer!

Pictured above are Robyn & Kalli and to the right are Suzee & Brian ... all smiles with full bellies of love, food & wine!

Whatever you did over the holidays or whomever you ushered the New Year in with, I hope it was full of love, laughter and gratitude!

Here we come 2012!

New York at Christmas Time

2012-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

So the college boy turns 21 in February. Like many folks do, they celebrate this milestone occasion in Las Vegas or a place where the kid can order a drink legally.

Well, Brandon will be in Idaho playing baseball on his 21st Birthday as the season will have begun. So he received an early birthday present... a trip to New York with his girlfriend Kalli to visit Aunt Jennifer.

Wow did these two kids have a wonderful time and we were so happy for them.

Something about New York in the winter and around the Holidays. So festive & sparkly and cozy. Aunt Jennifer and beau Kevin of course showered them with food & fun and they tooled around the city exploring and mastering the subways.

Pictured above is Brandon with Kalli and pictured to the right is Brandon with Aunt Jennifer.

They ate slices of pizza, visited the Statue of Liberty, checked out ice skating at Rockefeller Square, and absorbed the holiday spirit that is so prevalent in the city that never sleeps.

Jen and Kevin were wonderful hosts and the big kids had a great time ushering in the New Year with them.

There's a 12 year age difference between Jennifer and I. When she was born both my sister Michele and I treated her like a doll and an extension of our toy collection. We took her everywhere and she was part of our clique as the cute little baby.

It's wonderful to flash forward all these years and watch her relationship with my boy's. They are close enough in age that while they are not in the same stage of life, they certainly can relate to one another. Makes for a special bond.

What a splendid way to ring in 2012!

2012 New Beginnings

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ah it's been so long my dear followers of my Birthday Blog! But I'm back and fired up for the New Year, new beginnings, new friendships, new adventures and anything new that will contribute to my health, wealth or happiness. Doesn't that sound magical?!

I have missed sharing my daily musings with you all and look forward to re-connecting. As I close the chapter on 2011 I must acknowledge some milestones that shaped this past year.

I ran a Marathon, yes that's 26.2 miles! I turned 50 years old as did my life partner, Brian. We also celebrated our 24th Wedding Anniversary. I ushered our three teenage boys into their Junior years of school, one in college, two in High School. I worked on several political campaigns for rockin' women, some who won, others who sadly lost their races (other than losing their bids for office, they are truly winners for just running!)

Pictured here are me and friend & athletic trainer Melody Roset crossing the finish line of the LA Marathon in pouring down rain.

I helped my niece Olivia navigate the college maze and welcomed home my other niece Zoe from Utah; I cheered as my friend Eka re-kindled and married an old flame from years past; I lost my voice countless times chanting GO PALI as my twin sons Harrison & Spencer rocked the baseball field and ended the season making All League Conference; I traveled to Salem, Oregon to rally my son Brandon as he pitched his way to All Conference as well; and surprisingly for the first time since I was a child we spent two weeks in our beloved Bass Lake vacation house with a rotating door of fabulous friends & family.

Pictured here is my son Brandon & niece Olivia at Brandon's baseball game.

Of all the beautiful memories created in 2011, there were also pains and losses along the way. Mimi Martin, beloved mom-in-law to my dear friend Lisa Martin, lost her battle with cancer and we all had to say good-bye. Never easy to lose a loved one...

But of all the sorrows this past year the one that weighs the heaviest and is the most painful for me to reconcile, is having to console a dear friend whose one month old baby passed away from SIDS. There are few words to be uttered when such a horrific tragedy occurs. All I can say is rest in peace sweet baby Ethan, we all miss you.

Each of these reflections hold a special place in my heart and as we enter 2012 I may circle back to each of them to add more detail to the stories that touched me this past year. In the meantime, today is an opportunity to look forward, move forward and implement my intentions for 2012. For now it's off to hike with Brian, our trusted companion-dog Bailey and dear friend Suzee Markowitz. Great way to start the morning!

Pictured here to the left is me & Brian celebrating our joint 50th Birthdays!

PS The photo above captures Brandon, 20, Harrison, 16, and Spencer, 16, jumping for joy to ring in the New Year. They are my life & pride and joy!

Day 36: Why Women Don't Run

2011-05-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Did you read the article in the Los Angeles Times today about why so few women run for public office? Here's my response to the writer who wrote the article:

Greetings Kate,

Thanks for writing about an issue near and dear to me. As a former candidate for the Los Angeles City Council in 2001 & 2009 (5^th District), I am one of the brave women who did put it all on the line to run for an office I believed I could bring value to. As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, an active community member, a parent, and a passionate champion of more women in office, I applaud you for covering what our political landscape will sadly look like come 2013.

All the women you spoke with and had comment in your article are friends, colleagues and supporters of mine. I have spent a dozen years involved with and serving as a Board member with the National Women’s Political Caucus, a group committed to recruiting, training and supporting more women to run for office. The obstacles are huge for a candidate running in Los Angeles, money probably being the most challenging. Second, is that women still carry the primary responsibility of their families and are unwilling to jeopardize their family for the grueling scrutiny that accompanies a candidate on the campaign tail. I might also point out, that women don’t always support other women and it’s terribly frustrating.

Several of the women you quoted or write about in your article are in office because the women’s community backed them wholeheartedly, and not because they were female, but because they were the best candidates in their respective races. However, many of them do not stay true to the core values that helped elect them which included a commitment to more women in office. They do not mentor women in their communities to fill the pipeline when they move on, thus leaving a void when a seat becomes available. It is a recurring theme and one that now presents us with the possibility of no women on the LA City Council, a town that prides itself on being inclusive and progressive. Where will my voice be on the council?

NWPC’s mission is 50/50 by 2020, 50% men, 50% women representation in all branches of government by the year 2020. We will not achieve this goal at the rate we are progressing. This being said, I will continue working tirelessly to support women candidates with my energy, experience, money and encouragement that while the road may be brutal, and it is, the outcome of having her voice in the political dialogue, is well worth it.

Thanks again for writing an article that speaks volumes to me.

Day 27: Our Boys Are Back In Town

2011-05-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! The college boy's are home for the summer! My son, Brandon Simon, and gal pal Suzee's son Brandon Bank both returned this week from their respective colleges.

In honor of their completion of two years of college mama bears Suzee & Robyn took the big boys to their favorite meal of sushi!

Check out these beautiful boys. Here's Suzee with my son Brandon... Gorgeous!

If you haven't heard the story over the past twenty years... here goes... Suzee and I gave birth the same day twenty years ago, both to beautiful sons and we both named them Brandon!

Pictured here is me with Brandon Bank... what a handsome young man!

They've been pals ever since and Suzee and I have shared a bond of raising them together. I feel as if her son is like my son and I know the feeling is reciprocated on her part.

We laughed, talked about the time we took them skiing when they were barley three years old, how they have grown, how proud we are of them... it was a moment... our Brandon's out on a date with their Mama's...

Day 20: A Cure for Will

2011-05-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight Brian and I attended the Dealing for Duchenne's fundraiser. This is the third year we have attended and supported the efforts of these diligent parents working to find a cure for a deadly disease that affects their beautiful sons.

Duchenne Muscular Distrophy only affects boys. Not sure why, but only boys. A missing gene contributes to muscles not developing and eventually the body breaking down and ending in death. There is no cure for Duchenne. No cure for a disease that is so ugly.

Amy & Chris Martin are our friends, neighbors, and community members and we love their entire family. We met years ago when their son Derek and our boys Harrison & Spencer all played baseball at Cheviot Hills Park. Those were some fabulous days watching all our boys play great baseball. Now they've all moved on to High School. The Martin's also have a beautiful younger daughter, Natalie, and son Will who has Duchenne.

The Martin's are desperate to find a cure. While it's not much, we believe that attending and giving what we can is our way of showing support for their beautiful family while also hopefully contributing to finding a cure.

If you are wondering whose in that picture with me above... it's Super Bowl Champs, Green Bay Packers football star Clay Matthews and gal pal Lisa Martin.

Clay is a huge supporter of finding a cure for Duchenne and was gracious enough to take pictures with all the fawning women who couldn't wait to get their arms around him! He's quite a hunk both in his physic and in his heart for giving his time to help eradicate Duchenne.

Kudos to him and to Amy & Chris for being such wonderful parents, friends, and fundraisers for a very important cause. To learn more about Duchenne or to make a contribution in honor of Will Martin, please visit www.cureduchenne.org.

Day 19: Friendships & Birthday's

2011-05-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight Brian and I dined with dear friend's Lori & Steve Soll in honor of my big 5-0 birthday. What a lovely evening we shared.

The Soll's have been friends for more than 20 years... we have shared births, deaths, holidays, baseball and everything else life throws you, together!

There have been some beautiful memories made between our families. We have shared heartaches, challenges, illnesses, but in the end tonight was just a glorious celebration of life and health!

Thank you to the Soll's for honoring me and for being such wonderful friends.

Day 18: More Birthday Fun

2011-05-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

I was turning 50 and our fabulous family friends' son Tanner was turning 16 so we all decided to celebrate in style together!

Here's me with 16 year old Tanner... best pal of my son's Harrison & Spencer!

Jenny & Steve Savitsky and their children, Tanner & Nicole, Jenny's mom Pam, and Brian, me, Harrison & Spencer cruised in luxury in a limo to a delicious special dinner at Saddle Peak Lodge in the Malibu hills near Calabassas. We sipped champagne while cruising along the beautiful coastline and laughed the entire way!

It's so nice to spend your milestone celebrations with friends you love and doing something really different & fun.

Pictured here are all the lovely Mom's, Pam, Jenny, Me and lovely sister Nicole!

The boy's loved the Lodge and of course were adventuresome and tried game-type meats! We had a great evening celebrating birthday's and friendships!

Day 17: Birthday Friendship

2011-05-04T23:30:00.000-07:00

The Birthday celebrations continue... oh my gosh I'm going to be huge with all the luncheons, dinner's and cocktails being showered upon me for my 50th Birthday! Whew!

It's been so fun and I feel so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life that want to shower me with affection (and food & drink!).

Pictured here with me is gal pal Nancy Ross out on one of my Birthday celebrations!

Truly the greatest gift in life, other then your health, is the company you keep. The people you choose to spend your time with, share your lives with, and celebrate milestones together.

It's been one festive event after another and I thank you all for reaching out to me to spend time with me, honor me and celebrate how fabulous 50 can be! I'm feeling so good today!

Day 16: Honoring Cool Women

2011-05-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard over the past few days reaching out to our hopeful honorees for the 2012 National Women's Political Caucus Women's Leadership Calendar!

I love this event. It's an opportunity to profile outstanding women leaders in a fun & festive way. We produce an actual calendar and it's a great way to raise money for our organization's Political Action Committee, while also hosting a fabulous signature event.

Save the date now! We have secured Thursday, October 20 for the event and it will be happening at the fabulous The Mark for Events. I hope you will all reserve the night to be with me and honor these women while also feeding our PAC. I'll be announcing who the lucky "calender girls" are as soon as I've confirmed all 12 women... stay tuned!

Day 9: Feeling Loved

2011-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Not sure how many of you spend time with elderly parents. If you know me well you know over my years I've been blessed to have a lot of parents! I know one should only have two, but in my case there have been more then that with all the marriages, divorces, and re-marriages.

Pictured here is Papa Jack with his six grandchildren.

Today I spent time with Papa Jack. He's pushing 83 now. Time has worn his face, his memory, but not his love for me. He brags to the waiter at the restaurant about how I just ran the marathon. He tells me how beautiful I am, how fantastic my husband Brian is, and how athletic my boy's are. He loves us all so very much and I feel his love to my core.

He repeats himself often. Okay maybe more then often. He shares the same stories more then once, or twice, but I don't mind. I just enjoy his company and listening to him reminisce. We talk about what a bitch it is to get old. You lose your life pretty much. He was a brilliant attorney for some 50 years. Now he watches as many Dodger & Laker games as he can. Not a bad gig, I know, but it just doesn't seem fair.

You live an enriched life, then everything slows down. Your body, your mind, pretty much everything.

He tells me he spends a lot of time just thinking. Pondering. He believes in an after-life. That by believing in his God you could live for eternity. He wishes I shared his religious commitment so that I could live forever too with him. I think one of the kindest words someone ever told me was when he told me how much he'd want me to truly live forever because I am such a good person.

This was a really, genuine from the heart compliment and I've been joked up ever since he told me this earlier today. I feel really loved.

Day 8: More Baseball

2011-04-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Well we were back at Palisades High School today for yet another game! We played mine & Brian's alma mater, University High School.

Amazing to think that it's been 30 years since Brian wore a Uni High Baseball uniform... isn't that just crazy to imagine that I used to watch my hubby play ball in High School!

The years fly by, don't they? I can see so clearly my High School years, my time as a TV reporter (best job I ever had) my children as babies ... it's been a very full & colorful life and I'm looking forward to the next 50!

Day 7: Survived 50 for One Week

2011-04-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Well I survived my first week as a 50 year old woman! And what a week it has been! I've spent wonderful times with friends celebrating this milestone birthday and I feel as if the celebration just keeps goin' ...

Pictured here are gal pals Stacy Bell, me, and Lissa Solomon before we went out to celebrate! Don't we look fabulous & 50!

Most of my lovely lady gal pals are turning the big 5-0 either this year or in the next one or two so we are all facing the same issues of dealing with age, what we want out of the next 50 years for ourselves, our families, and who we want to spend our precious time with. No doubt this makes for some lively & truthful conversations.

I'm in a place where really I don't want to take bullshit anymore nor be in the company of people who are toxic. So this is my new mantra... I'm tired of being nice when you have offended me so I'm not going to pretend it's okay that you have disappointed me.

As I said in one of my Robynisms, I Expect A Lot Because I Give A Lot...

It's a new decade and I'm choosing my company much more wisely!

Day 6: Friendship

2011-04-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

So you thought the tournament all week in San Diego would be enough baseball, no way! We headed down to Palos Verdes Estates today for a game as part of the Redondo Baseball Tournament.

Didn't you know baseball never ends! Then tonight we joined terrific friends Ruthie & Chip Bailey for dinner and the theater in downtown Los Angeles.

The Bailey's treated us to the show God of Carnage playing at the Ahmanson Theater. Fabulous production and we all thoroughly enjoyed!

But more then the production, we enjoyed spending time with good friends who are at the same place in life that Brian and I are in... juggling kids in college, never ending schedules full of children's activities, marriages approaching the 25 year mark... we just all "get it" and it was wonderful to laugh and be together.

Spending time with precious friends is a true gift!

Day 5: Re-Grouping Day

2011-04-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a whirlwind it has been these past 7 days! The Birthday festivities kicked-off with the 50 for 50 event, hosted by NWPC in honor of my 50th Birthday.

Pictured here is me blowing out my birthday candle at the 50 for 50 reception! Fabulous evening!

It's been a week full of festivities to celebrate turning 50, including a get-away to San Diego for the boy's baseball tournament... and now we are finally home and re-grouping!

Started the day with a great well needed workout! Yikes I've got to get back on track with my running after a hiatus this past week. As I have written, I am going to attempt to run another marathon so I can have a more successful race and hopefully in dry weather!

So today was about a lot of housekeeping ... laundry, marketing, work, blogging, and re-grouping!

Whew it's exhausting having all this fun!

Day 4: One More Day in San Diego

2011-04-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Well our Palisades Dolphins made it to the play-offs here in San Diego in the Lions Tournament. Very exciting. We played hard today, but just couldn't secure the win losing 10 - 8.

Pictured here is Harrison with his Dolphin Teammates.

So we headed back home today with two very exhausted teenagers. What a great 4-day get-away it was for us all. Harrison & Spencer had a blast with their teammates while Mom & Dad soaked up great baseball and enjoyed getting to know our fellow baseball families.

A great time was had by all!

Day 3: More Fun In San Diego

2011-04-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

We are staying at the coolest hip boutique hotel called Andaz here in the Gas Lamp district in San Diego. We can see Petco Park where the Padres play ball from our hotel rooftop. It's just a very cool venue and we are having a great time!

Our baseball friends Lu & Ron Brazilli are staying here as well and in between running to the boy's games we are having fun eating, drinking and relaxing together.

Check out my boy Spencer! He's a grinder on the field that's for sure. Money is on Spencer, the boy can deliver. While he may not always receive the glory that his two brothers do since they are pitchers, there's no debating Spencer's contributions to the team. It's so fun to watch him hit and field.

Go Pali Dolphins!

Day 2: Day 2 of Being 50

2011-04-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Still trying to determine if I feel any different now that I'm 50? Hmm, not really! It's been a marathon of celebrations... all fabulous!

Pictured here are me and my darling Miss Rebecca Simon at the National Women's Political Caucus 50 for 50 Event!

Today the hubby Brian and I headed to San Diego for four days to attend Harrison & Spencer's baseball tournament. We are having a blast!

Nothing better then being with my boys and my man watching baseball! So much fun to watch all these teenager's play competitive ball! And who knew it would also be a little get away for the hubby and I to reconnect after a whirlwind of Birthday festivities!

It's been fun hanging with all the baseball families and getting to know everyone better! Long legged Harry pitched an entire game today against a tough opponent and he rocked it baby!

While the opposing team had an obnoxious coach and student athletes who consistently haggled Harrison, he never wavered.

True leadership on the mound and a real treat to watch. It was a victorious game and one of those moments for Brian and I ... just magical... life is really good today!

Day 1: New Year

2011-04-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, today I woke up and it's the first day of my 50th year! Still reeling from the past week and all the birthday celebrations!

The festivities kicked off with the NWPC 50 for 50 event! If you missed this exciting evening, then it was your loss.

Pictured here are two of my most favorite women! Eka Ninuea, me, and Rebecca Sanchez. These ladies are not only big time gal pals, and business owners of Salon Dione, but they make sure my locks are always looking great!

I am so touched by all the accolades and words of accommodation from so many elected officials and community leaders. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, always a supporter of NWPC and of mentoring women to run for office, attended despite her challenging schedule as Secretary of State and as a candidate for US Congress.

She is a good friend to women and to ensuring that we have more women in office. If you live in her district, please support her for her bid for Congress.

My Assembly member Holly Mitchell attended and honored me with her generous words and I am proud to have supported her.

West Hollywood City Councilwoman Abbe Land, one of my favorite women leaders, attended and shared such an adorable tribute to me! It was precious, and so is she.

Former NWPC-California President Celeste Weingardt drove all the way from Ventura County to be with me tonight and to shower me with love & support.

I felt very special and blessed tonight. And I feel as if my Birthday had purpose... By using my 50th Birthday to raise money for our Political Action Committee I am ensuring that we have the resources to support our endorsed women candidates. What a cool way to usher in the next 50 years!

Day 365: Happy 50 Years to Me

2011-04-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

50 ROBYNISMS

Pink is my signature color

When listening to Gospel Music I cry because I’m so moved

I’m obsessed with cocktail napkins & you having one under your drink

I light candles every night in my house even if it’s just me home alone

I say intentions for the day ahead every morning when I wake up

I drink gallons of water a day

I won most Vivacious in High School, Brian won most Understanding, they still hold true

I get anxiety going to Costco

I would have my hair styled everyday if I could afford to

I have worn the same fragrance for 25 years, Tiffany

My favorite designer is Coco Chanel

I’m obsessed with your beverage being served in the correct stemware

The more bling & glitz, the better

My favorite sport is of course Baseball

I hold a Master’s Degree in Broadcast Management from Pepperdine University

I expect a lot, because I give a lot

Fine is never acceptable, you should aim for outstanding

I drink vodka martinis up, cold and with olives

I believe in equal rights for all

I would die for my children

I hosted my own public affairs television show at the age of 27

I wish we could all be foster parents

I’m passionate about more women in public office

. I cry watching the news

I believe being graceful is always in style

I believe intelligence is sexy

I was born a blonde & believe we do have more fun

Peonies are my favorite flowers

I adore my big & blended family & feel blessed to have them in my life

I love my children to the moon & the stars & back again

I believe motherhood is a job, and the best one to hold

I love drinking champagne anytime of the day or night

I miss my mom Suzanne everyday

I believe we can all do better

I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without my partner Brian

I love to travel, but always miss home

I believe in Sisterhood

My daily beverages include coffee, water, vodka & wine

I am passionate about food

I love to dress up

I love to soak in a swimming pool with a cocktail

I’m too old to drink cheap wine & it must be chilled

I’m blessed to have a circle of friends who enrich my life

I’m grateful for my beautiful home built my builder hubby

I have no regrets about running for office, except maybe that I didn’t win

I feel like a winner in life because I at least tried

It has been a colorful 50 years

I have a long to do list for the next 50

I hope you will all be with me on the journey

I’m at peace, but not finished

Day 364: On the Eve of One Year

2011-04-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe tonight is the eve of ONE year since I launched my Birthday Blog! One year of sharing my life from the most mundane activities or thoughts, to the extravagant & outrageous. It's been a fabulous journey to chronicle my daily life.

The beauty of this Blog is that I now I have a living diary full of animation and color and it makes me so happy. I set this goal and stuck to it and now I can review everything I did, felt, and experienced from my 49th Birthday celebration in New York until tonight.

Many of you have asked if I was going to continue posting about my life and the answer is YES! I want to keep this living, open book alive. Writing daily gives me an outlet to reflect, share, grow, explore and give shout outs to special people in my life.

I set many goals on my 49th Birthday ... to launch a daily blog, to run a marathon, to get healthy & fit, to be strong, to help women run for office, to attend as many of my boy's baseball games as possible, and I have accomplished all of this.

WOW! it feels amazing!

Day 362: 50 for 50 ... What A Night

2011-04-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

What a very special evening it was. I was honored at the 50 for 50 event! The Los Angeles Westside chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus hosted an energetic event to help me usher in my 5oth Birthday while also raising money for an important cause.

I was so very touched and moved by the terrific accolades and thoughtful remarks bestowed upon me. What a fabulous surprise to have so many respected and admired elected leaders attend to honor me! Joining us was Secretary of State Debra Bowen, Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell, West Hollywood Councilwoman Abbe Land, and former NWPC-California President Celeste Weingardt.

I am honored by their words, leadership and friendship. I was equally honored by my friends, colleagues, and family who joined me tonight!

I felt supported, loved and very special to be recognized by my peers for my commitment to seeing more women elected into office. I live with great passion to this cause and it is my absolute joy to work with talented women to ensure they are victorious.

I want to give a special shout out of gratitude to all my NWPC sisters especially Jane Hasler Henick, Lindsay Bubar, Betsy Johnson, and Rebecca Simon for working hard to make tonight's event a success.

Day 361: Beautiful Beach Day

2011-04-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Had a fabulous beach run today with gal pal Melody Roset! We ran our favorite course along Pacific Coast Highway and even pushed ourselves to run up Temescal Canyon!

Well it really wasn't a push for Melody, but it was for me! Ouch! Have you ever run up that incline? Let me tell you... you want a good looking booty for your bikini this summer, then get your hide over to the Palisades and up that route. It felt GREAT! A wonderful challenge!

And then I was rewarded and treated by Melody to a delicious lunch at Back on the Beach! One of my FAVORITE spots along the coast! We sipped wine (don't tell anyone) and shared a delicious salad & sandwich. It was a perfect way to kick start my birthday week! Thank you dear Melody for working my ass so hard then treating me to a priceless lunch on the beach!

Day 360: Birthday Festivities

2011-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe I am days away from the Big 5-0! Can't believe I've been writing my Birthday BLOG for 360 days either! Double snaps for me, that's for sure! This is a big week for me with all types of birthday festivities on the calendar!

On Thursday, we have our 50 for 50 celebration! My board sisters of the National Women's Political Caucus are hosting a 50 for 50 party... a $50 contribution in honor of my 50 years! Pretty cool if you ask me!

I'm honored to be honored! It's taken a lot of effort to produce the event, but the end result will be a healthy PAC account for us to share with our endorsed women candidates! And all while we kick start the 50 Birthday festivities.

I hope you'll be there on Thursday to support NWPC & me!

Day 359: Really ... A Cavity?

2011-04-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

Went to the dentist today for my bi-yearly teeth cleaning appointment. Always an activity I look forward to, not! Oh well, it's all part of the maintenance which I write about frequently.

Keeping the teeth clean, polished and germ free is just what ya got to do to stay healthy. Of course I needed a set of x-rays, I swear every time I visit that office I'm paying for more then just the teeth cleaning.

Anyway the dentist says I have the beginnings of a cavity. Really? How does a woman, days away from turning 50, have a cavity! Oh the joy's of maintenance!

Day 358: 7 Days to 50

2011-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! Hard to believe we are closing in on one year since I launched my Birthday Blog! Oh my goodness one week from today I will be 50 years old and will have BLOGGED faithfully daily for an entire year.... wow!! Yippee for me! Kudos to me! Snaps for me for sure!!!

What an accomplishment to set goals and see them through to fruition. Not only did I keep my commitment to BLOG daily, but to also train tirelessly to run my first Marathon, which I completed as well. And to enter my 50s healthy & happy! Wow again for me. Snaps again for me!!!

I can not impress upon you all enough how important it is that we set goals for ourselves. For us personally, for our career, families, relationships and do whatever we can to keep those commitments and see them through till completion... it's been a wonderful year from 49 to almost 50 ... hard to believe I was in New York one year ago plotting my strategy to BLOG and to run a marathon ... and PUFF one year later and I can check those items off my TO DO list... feels great!

Day 357: Powerful Women

2011-04-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Powerful day! A room full of energetic women!

I spoke at the West Hollywood Women's Leadership Conference this morning and stayed to soak up some of the terrific speakers throughout the day.

Pictured here with me is Genevieve Morrill President & CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and one of our terrific lunchtime panelists. So enjoyed her remarks!

I was hired to kick off the morning session and get the attendees energized for the day ahead of them. I believe I succeeded in making all participants feel comfortable and good about their choice to spend their Saturday at the Conference!

These are some of my remarks which I shared with attendees:
We are all works-in-progress no matter what age or stage of life we are in. Continuing to learn and grow is healthy and vital to staying current and fresh. Sometimes a new idea can aid us in viewing our work, our family, or community from a different lens. We are never finished; we should always aspire to be better, stronger, and more purposeful.

Later in the afternoon I supported my NWPC sisters Lindsay Bubar & Betsy Johnson as they led a workshop on How to Get Elected or Appointed to Office.

Pictured here is me attending the workshop and sharing a funny antidote from my campaign trails!

There's something very powerful & invigorating when you spend the day in the company of talented, strong and passionate women... all sharing their ideas, thoughts and energy. I applaud the organizers of the conference and hope that all who attended enjoyed their day!

Go Women Power!

Day 356: My Beautiful BEARCAT

2011-04-08T16:31:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't care for baseball or reading about my son's accomplishments, skip this post! Because this is all about the college boy! 5 minute interview about his OUTSTANDING season!

Today's a GREAT day to be a Mama of a BEARCAT!

Athletics: Bearcat Sports Network Video Archive | Willamette University

www.willamette.edu

Day 355: Aries Baseball Mom's

2011-04-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

I adore my baseball Mom's. That's right, my baseball mom's. These are the women I spend HOURS with in the stands. Schmoozing about our son's; tracking the game activities; gossiping a bit about anything; I mean the games can run over two hours, some three times a week so seriously, you have to have some bonds to chat the hours away!

I had lunch with a baseball mom today to celebrate our shared Aries Birthday's. Too fun to talk about our boy's, their talents, their weaknesses, what the future could be for them... I'm grateful for these ladies.

Can you imagine if you didn't bond with your baseball gals how long these game could be! Today was another game, thank goodness a victory for our Palisades Team. Life is sweet.

Day 354: The Gift of More Numbers

2011-04-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Okay people I need your help! I need to get my Followers number up to 100 in the next 11 days!

I've posted about this before... I know there are many of you who are sneakers on to my site, or checking it out, but you are not registering as a follower and it's killing me!

In order for me to use my BLOG to advance my goals I need you to let the world know that you follow my musings! So please register as a follower... shout it from the roof tops... tell your friends to sign up too!

I really want to make this goal of 100 Followers by my 50th Birthday on April 17 ... help me reach this goal ... it's the BEST Birthday present you could give me!

Day 353: Have You Registered Yet?

2011-04-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Have you signed up yet to attend the West Hollywood Women's Leadership Conference this Saturday? I hope you have!

I've been hired to kick-off the conference during the morning session beginning at 9 a.m. I'll be getting attendees pumped up for the day that awaits them, and incorporating a few activities to get the audience participating. The conference has terrific speakers to lead wonderful workshops on everything from building your brand, increasing your public relations knowledge, to how to run for public office.

To learn more about the conference & to register visit:
www.WEHO.org/WLC

I hope to see you Saturday morning!

Day 352: Exercise, Politics & Motherhood

2011-04-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Started the day with a very intense workout - The Bar Method! If you have not tried these classes yet, I HIGHLY recommend you check them out! Very intense, specific body sculpting! I must have done 40 push-ups and my back muscles are feeling the effects of such a workout! Wow! Yikes...

Then it was off to meet with Board of Equalization Member Betty Yee along with some of my National Women's Political Caucus sisters. Betty is eying the State Controller's seat for the year 2014. Crazy to think that to run a state wide campaign in California you have to begin laying your groundwork so many years in advance. But that's the way it's done, especially if you are serious and want to garner as much support as possible. Betty is on target on all the issues I care about... check her out if you get the chance and I'm sure I'll be spreading her candidacy more with you over the next few years!

Then it was off to the hand specialist to have Spencer checked again. Spencer was hit on his left hand by a pitch and it cracked his bone! Can you believe it, cracked his bone in his hand! He's been in a brace for two weeks and not able to play ball. Doc said he is recovering & healing and can get back to practices later this week. Thank goodness there's no permanent damage.

Then we headed to Santa Monica Seafood to pick up fresh fish for dinner... oh my goodness, I'm exhausted. Too many activities on the agenda, too much to pay attention to ...

I'm off to bed now.

Day 351: The Morning After

2011-04-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I can't remember the last time hubby Brian and I stayed out until 3 a.m.! Oh my gosh! Wow did we have fun! We attended a friends' 50th Birthday party at a magnificent and new beautiful restaurant in West Hollywood... Fig & Olive! It was scrumptious & elegant!

We had so much fun visiting with guests, eating a delicious meal, and it was a special treat because our two teenage boys Harrison & Spencer were also invited! They were all dressed up looking very dapper & handsome and it was nice to be out on a Saturday night with them!

When the party was winding down we were invited to join my friend and her family in a limo ride for some late night cocktails! Oh my goodness, we rode around in a disco lit Hummer limo! I was cracking up! It's been years since Brian and I had so much fun dancing along with stropping lights & blaring music! We hit a few hot spots for cocktails and ended arriving home at 3 in the morning.

Oh my gosh is all I can say!

Day 350: More Maintenance

2011-04-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

My routine has now become so extensive and involved that it takes me two days to get my act together to be presentable! Damn when did this all happen?

We are attending a friend's 50th Birthday party tonight so it's off to the hair salon for perfect curls with a slight up-do, it's off to the manicure shop for cuticle cutting and fresh nail polish, it's off to the cosmetic counter for fresh new sparkling lip gloss... sometimes I'm more exhausted prepping for the party, then I am from attending our soirees (ha-ha).

No one ever said getting older would be easy, but damn this is a battle. I feel like I'm at war with my bulge, gray hair and everything else in between!

Well, don't you worry I'm going to WIN this battle if it kills me!

Day 349: Maintenance

2011-04-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's a lot of work to maintain this face & body of mine! It's hair color, new weaves, tinting eyebrows, new moisturizers & cosmetics... just keeping up with everything can be overwhelming! And the more years that are piled on, the more work this maintaining becomes.

I mean it used to be that the expression "keeping up with the Jones'" meant you had to achieve and strive for everything everyone else has! Well that's just nonsense, the only thing I'm keeping up with is myself!

And it takes a lot of time, effort, resources, and energy! I'm exhausted with just getting myself ready for the weekend (ha-ha).

Manicure & pedicure, blow-dry, eyelash extensions, hair color, shopping, accessorizing.... when did it become such a struggle to just maintain!

Day 348: Beach Walking with Gal Pal Jill

2011-03-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, what a glorious way to kick start your day! I was back at the beach this morning, this time not to run, but to power walk with gal pal Jill. Oh, what a glorious morning!

We walked at least 6 miles and then rewarded ourselves with a yummy breakfast at Back on the Beach! Talk about feeling like being on vacation in your own city!

We marveled at all the babies and mommies playing at the Annenberg Park right next to the restaurant. We reminisced about when our now college and high school aged children, were that young and scrumptious. Part of us felt a yearning to go back to those days of cuddles and cuteness, while the other part rejoiced in a life lived full and now an opportunity to take a walk and not have the demand of babies. Although we both agreed, raising teenagers and college aged children might not be as physically demanding, but it certainly tests your parenting skills mentally!

Jill and I met when we were 13 years old, the same age we met Brian Simon too. We both turn 50 in the next few weeks. Wow! So many years, so many memories. As we sat on the beach watching youth in front of us, we reflected on life, marriage, parenting, careers, friendships, vacations, death ... and of course what we vision for the next chapter, the next 50 years of our life.

It was a beautiful morning and I felt blessed to share it with with my dear, special friend Jill. Take stock folks in what you have, friendships are a gift, make sure you nurture them.

Day 347: Beach Sand Running

2011-03-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day here in Los Angeles today! It felt great to get back to my running after a little post marathon break. Today Melody and I headed back to one of our favorite spots to run... Santa Monica beach.

We changed it up a bit and ran in the sand. Oh my gosh, talk about a killer workout for your tushy and calves. It felt great! As crazy as it might sound, given the marathon was not even two weeks ago, I want to run another race!

I know it's crazy thinking, but I want to run and have a "happier" race with better elements and a better finish time! So I'm going to run a half marathon in the next couple months and then figure out which next Marathon to sign up for!

Run Robyn Run!

Day 346: Please Follow Me

2011-03-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings my devoted BLOG supporters! Hard to believe that I am closing in on one year of daily posting on my Birthday BLOG... a project I began, April 17, 2010 and have been faithful with through now.

I love having an outlet to share thoughts, musings, opinions, sarcasm, love, anger... and everything in between! I love writing about my family, especially my sons, and I love writing about my wonderful friends and the very active life I lead. Sometimes I will go back and read posts, and even I am impressed with how much I juggle!

So here's the dealio ... many of you visit this site, because you tell me you have read a particular post, but you are not signed up as a follower. Here's my challenge... I want to have 100 followers (minimum) by my 50th Birthday on April 17.

Can you help me achieve this very simple goal by becoming a follower if you are not already and then share my BLOG with your contacts and invite them to sign up to follow me. It sure would make me happy...

Day 345: Recovering

2011-03-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

While it's always terrific to go away, returning home is a struggle. All the tasks you perform on a daily basis are backlogged, and you spend the first 24 hours upon returning just playing catch-up. Here are just a few of the projects I am juggling today and beyond...

Preparing for my speaking engagement at the West Hollywood Women's Leadership Conference on April 9th... are you registered yet? www.weho.org/wlc/

Organizing for the 50 for 50 National Women's Political Caucus event on April 14th in which I am being honored for turning 50 ... who knew getting older had such benefits! Please join me! Invitation link below:

http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/1889442-national-women-s-political-caucus-la-westside-present-s-50-for-50

Filling forms out and writing deposits for the boy's San Diego Spring break baseball tournament... April 18 - 21

Filling out forms and writing checks for Camp Harmony for the boys volunteer work over the summer... www.UnitedinHarmony.org

Keeping baseball uniforms clean for 3 games this week.... that's a minimum of 9 hours at the baseball field watching baseball in 5 days, that doesn't include the 12 hours this past weekend at the field in Salem, Oregon at Willamette University...

Securing, filling out applications and sending deposit for housing for the college boy in Oregon for next year...

Making sure proper attire is on hand for teenage boys and myself for big 50th birthday shin-dig this weekend for a good friend ...

Bringing down the Valentine's candy (yes I'm a little behind) and getting Spring candy filled in the famous kitchen candy drawers...

Trying to figure out how to get the boys to both the orthodontist and dentist when baseball means they are not home till 7 or later every night...

Buying new boxers for the boys since every pair either has holes or doesn't belong to them (what's with all these teenage boys leaving their underwear everywhere they sleep!)

Stocking the frig with food after being out of town and of course retuning with nothing left in the cupboards...

Visiting the DMV to get license plates put on the car ...

Coordinating with the computer tech gal to get printer up and running (it was working before I left for Oregon and surprisingly I return and it's broken now, wonder how that happened?)

Running, yes have to get back on the road, don't want to lose all my hard work...

It just goes on and on and on.... it is a full and active life that is for sure, I just need to also find time to BREATHE ...

I'm tired writing this list, and now I've got to actually execute all this ...

Day 344: College Life

2011-03-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, to be in college again. It really is a very fascinating and fabulous time in one's life. The opportunity to learn, absorb, grow as a person, meet new friends, dream, ponder, be excited about the future and be in love. What could be better?

Not really sure when in life you have the opportunity to focus on just YOURSELF. Many never get the chance. For those that are lucky enough to attend college, it really is something to relish and appreciate! Once you graduate it's into the real world... well that's a post for another day... today's remarks are about how much fun I am having here in Salem, Oregon with my college son Brandon and his fabulous friends!

Check out my boy Brandon (on the right) talking with his pitching coach after throwing another stellar game and picking up the WIN!

I had such a wonderful visit meeting and spending time with Brandon's friends and hanging out with all the parent's in the stands. It made me feel so happy to meet the terrific friends Brandon has selected. Our friend and fabulous photographer Kalli Norimoto joined the weekend fun to watch the baseball games with us and we all laughed, ate and had fun together.

Pictured to the right are Brandon and Kalli in their Willamette University gear! Go Bearcats!

Tonight Brandon, his friends and I headed to dinner. Too fun for me to listen to them talk about the future, the moment, what's important.... was I ever that young?

Pictured here is Brandon's baseball teammate Chris and his girlfriend Alex, both good friends of Brandon's up at Willamette! Too cute!

Spending time with your children, no matter their age, is a gift. Your children wanting you to spend time with them and their friends, is priceless.

I was honored and proud to be his Mom and he was happy I was there with him. Love to Brandon, Kalli, Alex, Chris, Jake, Parker and his beautiful mom Sue. Here's to more great times at Willamette University.

It was a Good Day to be a BEARCAT!

Day 343: College B-Ball

2011-03-26T23:00:00.001-07:00

I'm in Salem, Oregon this weekend to watch my college boy play baseball! Today was a double header so a long day at the field.

Brandon started the first game and was outstanding! He is having a spectacular baseball season and it has been a thrill to watch him play, read about his talent, and follow his stats! Very exciting!

However, there is nothing fun about watching baseball in pouring down rain! These poor boys are constantly covering the field with a tarp, prepping the field after a downpour while the fans sit, and sit, and sit in the cold & rain!

Ugh, playing an outside sport in the Pacific Northwest is certainly got its drawbacks, and the climate is the biggest! Brandon picked up the W for the first game, unfortunately the Bearcats lost the second one.

Then tonight Brandon, his friends and I headed to dinner where we laughed and ate... It was a perfect way to end a long day at the baseball field.

And guess what, we get to do it all over again tomorrow. Check this post out about my big boy!

http://www.willamette.edu/athletics/news/archive/2011/03/12_BSB_Linfield.php

GO BEARCATS!

Day 342: The Finish Line

2011-03-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Still reeling over the LA Marathon this past Sunday and the challenging conditions we ran in... this is me at the Finish Line... I look like a soaking mess! Which I was! But check out how Melody and I are smiling! Love that we finished happy because the actual run was far from happy, it was miserable!

Pictured here at the Finish Line at Santa Monica beach... Melody Roset of Mako Training and me!

It's been quite a week for me! I ran my first Marathon, my son Spencer cracked his hand bone when an errant pitch nailed him - he'll be out of baseball for a minimum of two weeks, my son Harrison pitched the game of his career, and I flew to Salem, Oregon to visit my college boy Brandon.

It will be a weekend of baseball in the rain, lots of good meals and company with his college friends and baseball teammates. Ah, it's never dull in the Simon house... always on the move!

More tomorrow ...

Day 341: My Rock Star Son

2011-03-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

If you follow my BIRTHDAY BLOG, or you know me well, you know I am passionate about my family and especially my three sons. Brandon, Harrison & Spencer rock my world and make each day a joy to live for... now I'm not saying they don't also piss me off, I mean let's be honest, kids can really get on your nerves too!

But this week my son Harrison created a magical moment for Brian and I. As parent's we were kvelling!

Pictured here is Harrison working his magic on the pitcher's mound.

At Tuesday night's baseball game at Palisades Charter High School this 15 year-old, gentle giant stood on the pitcher's mound for 7 innings heaving the ball, and contributing to a nail biting game. He threw 11 STRIKEOUTS... and his teammates backed him up perfectly... it was a fabulous night with lots of celebration for all the players and their parents.

Today the Palisadian Post Newspaper wrote an article about the team... it's just too sweet not to share... Enjoy the read...

http://www.palisadespost.com/sports/content.php?id=6497

Day 340: Women's Leadership Conference

2011-03-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today I had a meeting with the organizer's of the West Hollywood Women's Leadership Conference, of which I am the opening speaker for on Saturday, April 9th.

I'm looking forward to kicking the day off and getting attendees pumped for what the day will offer. Nothing like being in a room full of creative, talented and passionate women to make you want to be a better person!

I really do hope you will consider attending this empowering conference. The day's programs will offer attendees an opportunity to mingle with other energetic and passionate women; learn how to run for public office or become appointed to a Board or Commission; help you fine tune your public relations skills; and hopefully have you all leaving rejuvenated and ready to implement the tools you learn to grow your business, or feel more empowered at work and in your lives!

Please join me for the morning session at 9 a.m. and help me get the day started with a boost of energy! Hope to see you on April 9th!

To register and to view all the speakers, please visit: www.weho.org/wlc/

Day 339: My Throbbing Toenail

2011-03-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, the only casualty from my running in Sunday's Los Angeles Marathon is my bruised and battered left large toenail. The pain is excruciating... throbbing pain... who knew a damaged nail could cause so much pain!

Other then this issue, I'm feeling great two days after torrential rains dampened my spirit and my first marathon. But not to fret I finished the race with a smile on my face... and now I've an insanely painful nail to prove I ran all 26.2 miles !

Day 338: The Day After ...

2011-03-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so very, very much for your wonderful congratulations, accolades, and kudos toward my completion of yesterday's marathon. Your sentiments mean so much to me and really warm my heart! All your calls, cards, texts, emails, Face Book posts, they all made me smile today!

I'm feeling GREAT ... Given I ran for 6 hours in torrential rains! I ran in wet socks, shoes and clothing and it was brutal, just miserable. The casualty to my body seems to be that I'll be losing a toenail on my left foot... you can't expect to run in wet socks sliding up and down for hours in the rain and not have some fallout!

In my case it is an incredibly sore toenail, I mean excruciating pain. I'm wearing Brian's compression socks for some ankle swelling, but I feel pretty damn good. Was up early walking up and down the stairs...

Below are some of my favorite words of inspiration...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Mom,

Just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow on your marathon. I'm super proud of you and proud that I have a Mom that can actually do that. I even told some of my friends that you were running. Regardless of your time you should be proud. I don't know very many people than can run a marathon, and I'm pretty sure I don't know any moms that can run one. You set out a goal from last year and no matter your time, you accomplished it... so congratulations!

I love you! Good luck, Brandon

-------------------------------------------------------------

The great ones empower people by BOTH words and deeds. You are a Renaissance woman and I hear you roar!!! Love, An admirer.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Robyn, I am so deeply moved by what you accomplished today. It was an honor to watch you do it. You inspire me beyond words!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------

I could not have persevered without all of you supporting me the entire journey. A special and very loud shout out to my friend and trainer Melody Roset, who has run-side-by-side with me for an entire year. She never gave up on me despite my bitching and moaning with all my ailments. She was always a source of encouragement and her skillful training is what led me to the Finish Line successfully and why I'm feeling so good post-the-run.

And a huge thank you too to hubby Brian Simon and Rebecca Simon for planning a post celebration for me ... the rain may have dampened our party, but knowing that they put so much love into organizing this for me, is truly the gift.

I need to go take another Epsom salt bath for my bod and for this throbbing toenail... love you all. Run Robyn Run!

DAY 337: RACE DAY

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, really... more rain today then any other day in the history of rain in Los Angeles. Are you kidding me? Let me be very clear with comments here.... the race was BRUTAL.

There are no words to describe what it is like to run for 6 hours in a DOWNPOUR of rain, wind, and very cold temperatures... and WET socks, shoes and clothing... I might as well of wrapped 10 pound weights around my ankles because that's what it was like to run today!

But let's start with the beginning... up at 3:30 a.m. Off to Dodger Stadium at 5:30 a.m. Thanks to gal pal Stacy Bell for the ride that early in the morning. Hubby Brian and gal pal Rebecca Simon were off to the Finish Line to reserve seating for a surprise cheering party for me... I didn't know that these two darlings were planning such a grand finale for me! Check out the adorable invitation and t-shirts that they designed for my cheerleaders!

I only wish their beautiful plans had worked out, but who the heck could have projected these torrential rains!

Here are Rebecca & Brian hunkering down to ensure a front row seat to view me coming across the Finish Line... I can't stand how committed and devoted they are to me! Thank you both from the bottom of my heart for making such a special plan for my special race day!

While these two were handling the end-game plans, my running partner Melody and I were at Dodger Stadium waiting for the sun to rise! Oh my gosh, I couldn't believe I was finally at the start line. A year long journey that was all on the line now...

For those who've been reading my running posts, you know what I have endured and here it was the moment I had trained for... I wasn't nervous at all, just eager to start running ... the organizers of the race deserve a failing grade for their logistics (that's a post for another day) and it started with the race beginning late!

Pictured here are my devoted fans standing in the pouring rain... my sons Harrison & Spencer, sisters Michele & Linda, nieces, Olivia, Esme & Sophia, brother Josh, gal pal Farrel, the organizers Rebecca & Brian...

Melody and I made our way out to the Stadium and on to the streets of downtown Los Angeles. We ran through Chinatown, past City Hall, through Little Tokyo, up Hill Street past Disney Concert Hall... and we just kept goin'.

The rain NEVER stopped. It was relentless, Mother Nature was pretty pissed and she was testing all 26,000 runners. No doubt fellow runners were hurting and many gave up... the weather conditions were more then most could take. Torrential rain, wind, and running in wet clothes is just not the way you want to run your first marathon ... but what could I do... I had to keep going. I was not happy. It was not a happy run.

Along the course fellow baseball Mom, Jennie Fahn came out to cheer me on, and dear friends Steve & Jenny Savitsky greeted us at mile 24... we needed their big hugs and encouragement to finish the last two miles! A big thank you to gal pals Cheri & Teresa and daughter Carrie, who volunteered at Mile 16 but who we missed as we ran by, but knowing they were out there to support us was awesome!

The BEST part of the entire course was heading up to the Finish Line and hearing my family & friends yell out "Robyn"... I was so excited to see their smiling faces and to know that I was steps away from the finish line, it was a euphoric feeling ...

I did it... Run Robyn Run!

Day 336: The Day Before the Race

2011-03-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it kids. I've trained for an entire year to run in the Los Angeles Marathon. All the painful runs, the endless search for the best fitted running shoe, visiting the podiatrist to get fitted for orthodics, early morning runs before the sun was up, blisters, aches, pains, nauseousness, stomach rumblings, frustration ... I mean with all these symptoms it's a wonder anyone would go through with the actual run!

I'm not exaggerating when I say there were runs over the past year that were downright brutal. Intense pain to the point of excruciating. I just wouldn't let up. I want to run this race and finish and I can't let my mind, or my body be weak.

But today it is all about staying focused and being mentally prepared to face the day tomorrow. Go to bed early, wake at 3:30 a.m. and don't look back.

I remember telling my friend and trainer Melody Roset, "I want to run a marathon in honor of my 50th Birthday," ... that was a year ago... I couldn't even run one mile without being winded... I couldn't even visualize running 26 miles... couldn't comprehend it... but every week we ran one more mile, one more mile... I ran a 5k, then a 10k, then a half marathon.... I trained VERY, VERY hard.

I was focused, committed and goal driven. For those of you who know me well, you know that if I commit to something, somebody, I will follow through. I will not let you down and I will not let myself down.

Run Robyn Run!

Day 335: Shopping at the Marathon Expo

2011-03-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today Melody Roset, my incredible trainer and soul sister on this running journey, and I headed to Dodger Stadium, the site of the start line for Sunday's LA Marathon. All runners have to pick up their registration & bib number prior to race day ... so off we went!

Very exciting to be around so many committed people to fitness and challenging themselves to this awesome feat of a marathon!

And can you believe it... I was one of the first 250 runners to register so my NAME was painted on a Honda ... check it out... so cool.... maybe I'll win a new car, since I know I'm not winning the race Ha Ha!

And to be around vendors, suppliers, products all geared to runners! So fun!

And of course Robyn couldn't resist shopping for all the fun accessories that accompany runners....

I mean a girl's gotta look good when she's sweating, right?

It was a great day to get even more energized for Sunday's run! Run Robyn Run!