Day 121: Only 90 Years

I attended a panel discussion this evening reflecting on Women's Suffrage. For my followers who are too young to know what this is, it's when women won the right to VOTE. It's amazing to me that it's been only 90 years since women won their fight to participate in the voting process. Can you believe that? This means that if you have a Mom, Aunt, or Grandmother who is in her 90s, then when she was born her mother couldn't vote. That's worth taking a pause over. Can you imagine living in a country that doesn't allow the entire citizenry the right to vote.

Unfortunately many parts of the world today still deny women this right. It's criminal what many women endure in other countries. Denied access to education, health care, rights and yes of course the right to vote.

Tonight's event was co-sponsored by the National Women's Political Caucus, LA Westside chapter. I sit on the Board of Directors and have been an active member for a dozen years.

The title of this evening's panel was "We've Come Along Way, MAYBE". Women have made incredible strides over the past 90 years. Just last week we celebrated Elena Kagan being nominated to the United States Supreme Court-- now three women sit on this highest court of the land. Pretty impressive given we were only allowed to vote 90 years ago!

But there's no doubt we have not come as far as is necessary. Women still only make 70 cents on the dollar, far less than their male counterparts performing comparable work.

Today's panel included some of my favorite gal pals: Robin Sax who just rocks it when she speaks; Lindsay Bubar, NWPC co-President representing young women on the panel; and Holly J. Mitchell, who just won her primary for the 47th Assembly District (that's my neighborhood). These women each spoke about their experiences in the workplace and in life and how we've come along in many areas, but there is still much work to be accomplished.

Pictured here from left to right are Lindsay Bubar, co-President of NWPC, LA Westside and one of tonight's panelist; Robin Sax, Legal Analyst and Women & Children's Advocate; and Betsy Johnson, co-President of NWPC LA Westside.

All women in this country should give special thanks and recognition to our foremothers who fought, literally risked their lives, served in jail, were ridiculed by family and community so that today we can exercise our right to vote. Don't ever forget those that came before you and what they did and sacrificed so we can have what we have today.

Happy 90 Year's to The Woman's VOTE!

Day 66: Baubles With Bubbles

What could be better than shopping for baubles while being served the bubbly? The only thing better is spending your friends money!

I went shopping with two gal pals today and had so much fun telling boss lady Robin Sax to purchase an exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ring as we sipped yummy champagne! I felt like a tourist on vacation in my own home town!

We were celebrating the launching of one of the many projects we have collaborated on through Robin Sax Enterprises. The most recent project, a new show titled "Are You Kidding?" Look for more details coming shortly, but no doubt you will laugh hard watching us! Pictured here with me are my collaborating sister's Rebecca Simon & Robin Sax !

We had an office party luncheon and strategized the show over a scrumptious lunch at Crustacean in Beverly Hills and then made our way over to the jewelry store. We laughed the entire walk over to the store ... us silly women in our 20s, 30s & 40s!

Sometimes the girl's just gotta have fun... and bling & champagne are just the way!

Day 38: Supporting My Buddy Bloggers

Thank you to all who responded to my invitation to join my Birthday Blog as a follower! Several of you have asked why it's so important to join. At the end of my year long journey, I'd like to share my daily posts with many more readers in the form of a book. The more followers I have the stronger my argument is for a book deal. Followers are the only measurement tool to determine the success of readership. So if you like what you read with my postings, please share with your friends and encourage them to join!

Since I began my daily blogging journey -- just on April 17 -- I have learned of several friends who are also blogging important matters of their heart. Some are political, some our mechanisms to vent, and others are more serious about a chosen profession. All are good reads. I invite you to check out their writings and if the content fancies you, please support their journey by signing up as a follower.

Evelyn Jerome is a political friend who shares her intelligent thoughts at the following blog: http://ejalexander.wordpress.com/

Emilie Grosvenor is a young (I mean young as in 22) year old fabulous red head & mom who blogs about things that piss her off, check it out: http://www.mimigsrambling.blogspot.com/

Robin Sax is a colleague I have profiled before in my writings. She has a Blog committed to her work in the criminal justice arena. http://www.nothingbutthesax.blogspot.com/

I have always sought out and supported women business entrepreneurs by buying their products and services, supporting their political ambitions, and promoting their businesses. For me encouraging women to have a voice in print is no different. Blogging has created a forum for women to put their raw emotions out to readers, to share injustices they believe are happening or to tell anecdotal stories that make us laugh, smile or cry. I applaud my fellow women bloggers and invite you to share with me other blogs you may frequent. As time permits I'll do my best to promote their words as well.

Happy reading my friends!

PS: A quick correction. Yesterday I wrote about how happy I am that my sons will be participating in a camp this summer for underprivileged youth. The program is Camp Harmony under the parent group of United in Harmony. I listed the incorrect website. I really want you all to research this group and consider getting your children involved and or you yourself participating. So here's the correct web address: www.UnitedinHarmony.org

Day 36: Robin Rocks

I attended the annual Los Angeles Business Journal Women Making a Difference Luncheon today. I have been nominated for this fun award in the past and it's always a honor to be in the company of such accomplished women. Pictured here with me are Robin Sax in the center, and our colleague and gal pal Rebecca Simon.

Today I attended to support my friend & business companion Robin Sax. She was one of the finalists for the Rising Star award. If you don't know who Robin Sax is, then you should, as the work she performs daily contributes to making our communities safer from predators & creeps.

As a former prosecutor with the Los Angeles District Attorney's office for more then a decade, Robin is now a media commentator and legal analyst for NBC News as well as a frequent guest on such programs as Nancy Grace, Larry King, and Headline News. Robin is an author of six books that draw upon her vast experience as a sex-crimes prosecutor, legal commentator, child advocate and parenting expert. She speaks throughout the country to law enforcement, parents, attorneys, and engaged people who want a more effective way of keeping predators away from our children and off the streets. Visit www.RobinSax.com to learn more.

She is witty, sassy, & smart. She is well deserving of all accolades given to her for being a champion for children and safer cities. In addition to her smarty pants legal work, she is also a dressing diva & deal seeker. She authors a weekly e-newsletter titled The Sax Facts which profiles trends & tips for the sophisticated woman. You must visit her site and become a subscriber so you can stay in the know of what's hot www.SaxFacts.com

Robin was one of the shining stars of my political campaign. She sought me out after reading my campaign literature and from the moment we met, we connected. She supported me wholeheartedly with no agenda. Those are the kind of supporters you want when campaigning. I will always hold her and her husband Andy in my heart for opening their hearts & wallets to support me.

And as if that was not enough, she is also a wife, mom, daughter, sister and a damn good friend. I'm proud to be part of Sax Enterprises as a colleague, but more importantly as someone who can say "I knew her when", because Robin Sax is on fire and there's no stopping this woman! From one Robyn to another ... Rock it Robin baby!

Day: 24 Gastritis & Ulcers

A few days ago I posted about health and how important it is. I shared that dear people in my life were experiencing health challenges- some explained with a course of action in place, others unexplained and scary. Well, sadly I have joined this category! A few years ago I was diagnosed with Gastritis (sexy name, huh?) which means inflammation of the stomach lining. I also have Gall Stones -- which are not like kidney stones -- you don't "pass" them you have to have your gallbladder removed if you have on going problems.

But back to the tummy. My body does not break down acid as perfectly as it should causing acidic build up which causes an inflamed stomach lining resulting in doubled over abdominal pain. Contrary to popular belief it is not related to diet or stress, it's just how my body breaks down certain enzymes and there is no warning when an outbreak will hit.

Today I had my third Endoscopy to take a look at what is going on and to determine if in fact the inflammation is what's causing my pain. An endoscopy is when you are fully knocked out by an anesthesiologist and my terrific Dr. Soraya Ross inserts a long instrument down your throat with a camera on the end so they can have a look around your intestines.

Of course this interruption in my daily routine pisses me off, especially because today was a running at the beach day and I cherish that time. I've got lots of miles to get under my feet if I'm going to run that marathon next year.

The test showed progressed Gastritis, and in non doctor speak that means they now have turned into ulcers! Ahh, that explains the pain I've been in. With some medication I should be feeling better in a few days. In the meantime, I have a wonderful present being delivered shortly. My son Brandon is returning from his first year of college tonight! So while I'm not feeling my peppy self at the moment, knowing that he'll be back in the house for the summer and my family unit will be complete, helps lessen the pain.

Since Brian is out of town, I relied on my gal pals today who helped get me to the surgical center and back home and my niece Olivia for picking up the crazy teenagers from school for me ... and to my Blog sister and much more Robin Sax for the EXQUISITE floral bouquet that I received upon my return today! Wow... purple and yellow tulips can always put a smile on your face.

Well, life is never dull that's for sure.

Day 16: I Have Haters! Hurray!

Chris Rock once said, "You know you made it when you have Haters!" and I know this all too well ... When I was running for City Council I am PROUD to share that I had MANY haters! But now that I am no longer a candidate, I still have people 'hating on' my success.... For example, Robin Sax totally hates me for how many followers I have on my newly launched Blog ... She's so jealous! CLICK HERE TO VIEW! I gotta admit, I love it!!

But this brings up a more serious topic: how do we measure success? Do we measure the successes in our life based on how much money we make -- because no one is paying me to write this blog (yet!) ... Or do we measure the success of our ventures by how many people we touch ...? And even though this is a tongue-in-cheek kind of thing (i.e. the "Haters") it's still a serious question in our lives. I am always examining what matters most. And this blog is an outlet to explore that daily. So suck on that Robin! Haha! If you want to help spur on the rivalry, become a follower of both my Blog & Robin Sax at Robin Sax Blog.