Day 46: More Career Moves

As a follow up to yesterday's post about professions and career choices I wanted to share what my next steps professionally will not include. I will not be attending Law School in September. Everybody take a sigh of relief, just like I did when I didn't have to send the tuition check this week!

So for those of you who didn't know, I applied to Law School some months back. I started the application process back in October of 2009. Studying for the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), compiling school transcripts some 25 years old, and collecting letters of recommendation. Wow, do you feel old when you start applying to learning institutions for yourself (not your kids) when you have been out of the game for so many years!

In addition to always wanting to study law, I applied with my winggal Rebecca Simon. Rebecca had already completed a year of law school, but had to suspended her studies to attend to family obligations. Unfortunately she lost those credits and has to retake the entire first year. But together we thought, we could do this -- after you run a political campaign in Los Angeles you are fearless and nothing seems too daunting of a task. So we applied together. Of course we are in different points in our lives.

While I did not get accepted to my first choice school, I was accepted at other local institutions. The problem is none of them offered the schedule I need nor the opportunity to go with Rebecca. In addition, there was the tuition thing! With three children to put through college over the next 10 years, I really needed to soul search about this expenditure.

Were there other ways that I could continue being an advocate for children and the causes near and dear to me without the law degree? Yes of course. Can I continue to lobby elected officials to see change in the arenas I care about without a law degree? Yes of course. So could I really justify the expense of law school versus my children's education? The answer is no, I can't.

Brian and I made a goal with each other that if at all possible we wanted to fund all three of our boys college educations so that they could graduate with little or no debt. I feel an obligation to this goal we set many moons ago when we were building our family.

Even with Brandon's baseball scholarship, sending him to a private high ranking university out of State is an enormous expense for our family. And I know we've got two more who will be shuffling off in 3 years. So the combination of not getting into the perfect school for my agenda, coupled with the expense, I have decided to place on hold my law school education. I say hold because I'm not saying I will never go, I'm just sayin' I'm not starting this year.

At first I was very disappointed, then I realized I was relieved. Relived about the money part, but also about the brain energy part. At 49, with a full house and active life, I was nervous about how my brain cells would absorb so much new material. While I know I could have done the work, the question was, at what cost? What cost to my family, my checkbook, and my health.

So now that this decision has been made, I can pursue other opportunities that have been presented which I had put on hold pending the law school decision. First up is to continue working on my nerve pain, continue running to accomplish my goal of completing a marathon next year, and continue building my Birthday Blog.

What is great about this story is that I went for it. Many of us hit a certain age and believe that we are "too old" to do fill in the blank... and the truth is you are not. Yes, it's more challenging pursuing difficult things the older we get and the more complicated our lives become, but who doesn't love a damn good challenge. I know I do and I am proud that I went through the process.

And I gotta say, I am relieved that I won't be pouring over textbooks, but rather pouring more wine for the next 4 years!

Day 45: Poker Face

I was getting badly needed hair color early this morning and the client after me was a woman who had just moved out of State. She was in town to see her family and her favorite stylist. We shared a laugh about how important it is to cover our grey and how much we both loved our hair stylist Eka of Salon Dione.

As we chatted she shared updates of her grown children and grandchildren. She said that her daughter-in-law had just dropped her off at the salon and she was off to Commerce to play poker. It was 9 in the morning and I said, "she's going to play poker now?" The woman responded that her daughter-in-law was a professional poker player! What!?!

She went on to tell me that she was also a practicing physician, but made more money playing poker. We are talking big poker here -- making 100k in a 24 hour period.

You can imagine me ... I had millions of questions for this unsuspecting woman who just wanted her hair colored. I was fascinated how someone becomes a professional poker player. How did she learn the game? How did she get so good at it? How does she stay in a dark casino for 24 hours straight? Really. I was fascinated how anyone chooses this particular profession.

It got me thinking about career paths and professional choices. How do many of us end up doing what we are currently doing for work? For some they always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up and they never wavered and are doing exactly that job. For others it's more of a journey. A lot of trial and errors until the right fit or profession came along. Some had opportunity. Right family business. Right contact. Right place at the right time.

Career choice has been on my mind a lot lately. The job I wanted did not happen for me when I lost my campaign in March 2009. When I graduated high school I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up -- and I did it. I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. After graduating with a Master's Degree in broadcast management from Pepperdine University I scored the dream job of a life time at an NBC affiliate station. First as a general assignment reporter, then on to hosting my own public affairs show, "Robyn Ritter Reports". (pictured here anchoring the nightly news with my friend to this day Tom Catlin as my cameraman).

Journalism offers everything I love. Interaction with people. Asking questions, excitement, passion. As the journey went on, and the hubby and three children came along my career refocused on other passions, but every pursuit encompassed these original professional attractions. You gotta love people to work in media and you gotta love people to be in politics.

While I listened to the woman in the salon talk about poker I thought, damn this poker playing physician is having so much fun making money by playing a game! I thought of all the people in dead end professions, with no excitement or thrill or fun. I was grateful that I had had so many exciting professional opportunities along my career path. And I realized more then I had in a long time that what I love is talking with and to people. I love to stand in front of a camera or an audience of hundreds and tell a story. That's my poker game, and it's time to get back to it!

Side bar: In addition to Tom, my boss from the KMIR-NBC reporting gig is still a friend to this day -- from some twenty-five years ago! She is a follower on my blog ... check her cute picture out -- she and I are wearing hats! Best job I ever had and the best boss. I love you Tina!

Day 44: The Interview

My son Spencer had to interview me for a class project. The assignment required him to interview 3 people in his life. Two family members and a friend. He chose me, his brother Brandon, and his friend Daniel to interview. (Pictured here is Spencer on a family fishing & camping trip showing off his catches of the day! He's probably around 7 years old in this picture, he's 14 now!)

Spencer asked us each six questions about himself. The questions were supplied by the teacher and were the same questions for all 3 of the interviewees:

1. What are my strengths?
2. What are my weaknesses?

3. What do you know about me?

4. What can people count on me for?

5. What can people never count on me for?
6. What do you think I need to hear about myself that people may be reluctant to tell me?

If you ever want to peek into your teenagers life and learn the kind of person they have grown into, I suggest a similar exercise! I was crying by the time I finished reading the last response.

What was most fascinating for me as I read the answers to the assigned questions is that all our responses were exactly the same. There was no wishy-washy on who Spencer is, the kind of young man he will be and what makes him tick. With Spencer there is no grey. It's one way or the other. He views everything this way. If there's an assignment, you do it. If his parents ask him to do something or not do something, he does just that. If coach says run, he runs and he runs hard & fast. He tackles everything with gusto and passion, no hesitation.

As Spencer's mom all the responses made me proud. They listed his strengths as disciplined, focused, determined, kind, intelligent, and athletic. Who wouldn't want those attributes used to describe their son?

What made me especially proud were the answers to question #5: what you could never count on from Spencer for? He would never be disrespectful, rude, mean spirited, would never spread a rumor, would never let his parents, family, teachers, coaches or friends down. Knowing what your child won't do and what others can count on him to not do can tell you quite a bit about a person.

Today's post is a reminder that whenever we have an opportunity to learn about our children and the type of people they are maturing into, we should seize it and praise the child who is performing extraordinarily. This is my public shout out to my very special boy who is growing into a wonderful young adult. Kudos to you Spencer! Mama is proud!

Day 43: Health Updates

Thank you to all the readers who have asked how my big sis Michele is doing! You followers are really the best. Here's the update.

Michele is much better, thank goodness and after her last MRI she received a clean bill of health for her neck. This being said though, the mystery continues as none of the doctors on her medical team have been able to figure out what caused the initial injury to her neck or the large mass. With heavy antibiotics the mass has evaporated and she has total mobility of her neck, all good signs of healing. But we are still questioning how the mass got there in the first place, and has it truly been healed? The mystery continues and I will keep you posted.

Next up, thank you for your concerns about my health as well. If you are a regular reader of my Blog, then you undoubtedly know that on Sunday Brian and I ran a 10k race (that's 6.2 miles). Not too shabby for a girl with severe nerve pain and a hole in her stomach caused by an ulcer!

I feel much better now that I am on some medication, but am not really 100 percent. I have a nagging, constant soreness in my stomach... I'm hoping that the hole will close with continued medication. But for those of you who know me, I am not a medicine taker. Never have been.

But as you can see from the fun photo to the right, none of our ailments keep Michele or I from partying with the girls, or from running in races, or going to work, or caring for children, or cooking, cleaning, flossing, shopping, or blogging ... we are like ox, nothing keeps us down!

Strong women, that's the only way to be!

Day 42: Thanking the Past for Today

Today is Memorial Day. Every year small American flags are placed on every grave at the National Memorial Cemetery in Westwood Village. It's quite a powerful image to see so many red, white and blue flags on so many graves. I have grown up seeing this image for 49 years ... to this day it still gives me goose bumps. To think of all those young lives cut short fighting for us...

Today is a day we should pause and give thanks to those that came before us. The men and women who served bravely to protect the freedoms we have in our country is what today's "day off from work & school" is suppose to be about.

So while you're grilling the chicken & sipping margarita's with friends this afternoon, be grateful that despite its' faults, America is still the best country in the world to live. May it be a peaceful day and a somber day of remembrance.

Take a few minutes to give thanks.

Day 41: 6 Miles Down, 20 More To Go

Today Brian and I ran a 10k race in Brentwood to support the Westside YMCA. If you read my Blog you know that one of my goals for my 49th year is to run a marathon. In order to accomplish this goal I need to increase my running miles daily. So the hubby and I challenged ourselves to run today's race. A 10k is 6.2 miles. I'm happy to report that we ran it successfully!

It felt great to run across the finish line! I had only been up to 5 miles so this extra mile and change was a super push for me and brings me closer to my goal of 26 miles. Brian doesn't have the desire to run a marathon but is an amazing athlete and is running to stay fit and personally challenge his fitness.

I have to give kudos to our athletic trainer & friend Melody Roset who has been encouraging me to run throughout my goal. Again if you read my posts you know that I live with severe nerve pain. The damage to my nerves was brought on during my campaign and I have been working hard for the past year to increase my core strength and work through the pain. The pain is constant & daily. In a strange way running stretches and works that part of my body.

Next up is a half marathon (13 miles) in September with several smaller races in between. Having a set goal and chipping away daily at reaching that goal is a great feeling of accomplishment!

Run Robyn Run!!!

Day 40: The New York Gals Made Me Laugh

Sometimes we all need a good laugh! I know I sure needed to laugh last night after a full week. Went with the girls to see Sex and the City 2. Laughed my head off. The movie has been panned ... not sure why. The point of the movie is nothing but to make you laugh, view fabulous fashion and for two hours imagine being in a country that is so far away that many of us will never go there. And to me it did all that.

I never watched SATC when it was on TV. People are always surprised when I tell them that ... you never watched the show? ... they exclaim! No. It aired during a time in my life when our boys were young, I was working long hours as an executive, I was serving as a city planning commissioner and oh yeah, running for public office. So watching TV was a luxury I just didn't have.

I didn't even see the original movie until this year on my 49th Birthday when I was visiting the kid sister in New York. How appropriate, huh? She bought me the video (so did gal pal Lisa which I thought was so funny that they both bought me the DVD). In any event we watched it on my actual birthday in New York while sipping champagne. Can't get much better then that! I felt like I finally got to know these New York gals and learn about their characters. They are fun girls with great style and lots of disposable income. And a few who are having great sex!

So I laughed and just enjoyed for two hours plus. I didn't have to think about a story plot, or figure out the who done it. I just got to sit and look at great clothes and pretty people.

In a world where we are bombarded with images of destruction, death & sadness it was a relief to just see pretty images. My heart is aching for the destruction caused to our environment due to the oil spill in Louisiana and the devastation caused to an entire region and industry. I think we are all still so saddened by the absolute collapse of a country with the Haiti earthquake and the unmeasurable sadness of the young girls who have recently been murdered by monsters. So yeah, it was comforting to sit and laugh and forget about it all.

They say laughter is one of the best remedies for illness or sadness. While I'm not a doctor, I agree wholeheartedly. Laughter feels good. When you smile & laugh you are in a better mood, at least I am. It's an expression that we all need to experience and a good laugh daily has got to be the best gift we can give ourselves.

So treat yourself today to a gift of laughter by checking out the movie or find something else today that makes you happy and go for it. I'm smiling just thinking of you all smiling.

Day 39: Annoying & Stupid Comments

Why do people say stupid & unfounded comments? Such as ....

Little children, little problems - big children, big problems. What? A problem is a problem no matter the age of the child. It's relative to the age and it is painful at any age.

When boys grow up they leave their mothers. What? If you've parented well you don't lose a son, you GAIN a daughter if your son partners with someone.

When someone dies people say "time will heal". Fuck that. Time doesn't heal, the wound and hole in your heart remain open and sore, you just are not hemorrhaging as time passes and you learn to manage it better.

Here's a goody: "I'm a single parent" as if that's a license to complain that your parenting is more challenging. What? I'm a married parent and it's equally hard to parent if not harder because you also have to manage the husband. When you're single you don't have to consult with anyone on anything. When you're in a relationship with a partner it's work and one more to do on the list of a 100. Parenting is hard no matter what form it comes in ... Stop it with the I'm a single parent bullshit already.

Here's a good one: Once you have teenagers it's not really a full time parent gig anymore. Really? I guess that's why you have fucked up kids. Maybe you stopped parenting when your kids hit adolescence. I have always prescribed to the doctrine that when your children are young it's far more physical, that's why we are meant to have children when we are young! Mother nature had it right on that one. But as our children grow the challenge of parenting is all mental. A problem can no longer be solved with an ice cream. The stakes are high, the consequences more severe as they enter adolescence and the teenage years. You need to parent even more. You need to use your words wisely and thoughtfully. You need to be involved, be attentive be on them like a bat out of hell because if you are not the choices they make can be detrimental to the rest of their lives. So yeah, it is a full time gig raising teenagers.

A classic: ... I'm a working Mom. What? If you're a Mom you're working. Doesn't matter where the work occurs -- whether it's in the house or not. Fuck those that don't place value on parenthood. I've done it both ways and they both have their own set of built in challenges. Women need to stop beating other women up on this issue. It's old and annoying. Find another cause to crusade for.

How about this one: I really didn't eat much today. Oh take a look in the mirror. You're fat because you ate too much. Bottom line shut your mouth and stop making excuses.

This one drives me crazy: I don't have time to FILL IN THE BLANK because I'm FILL IN THE BLANK... stop telling us how busy you are, no one cares because they are busy too. We live in an overachieving, overdoing world so everyone is juggling too much. Don't try to outdo people with how busy you are, it's really annoying!

Drives me crazy: Put the damn phone down when you are in the post office line, bank line, gas line, carpool lane, etc. No one wants to hear your argument about bad sex with your boyfriend the night before! Or anything else you have to say. Talk about rude. Just shut up or take your call outside away from people!

Here's a favorite... Drinking alcohol is not good for you! What? Whomever said that obviously has no fun in life. Lighten up! I can't wait for my vodka martini tonight!

Got some annoying stuff people do? Post a comment and share with us all!

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 37: Purposeful & Fun Summers

Summer is quickly approaching and all the kids will be returning from college or finishing up their studies very soon at neighborhood schools. It's the time of year that parents ponder about what activities to plan for their tykes.

When our children were younger we wanted to ensure that they had "activities" to keep them occupied. I was always the worst with this as I was much more free form and wanted the boys to just play! To be creative and find things to occupy their time, without it being a scheduled activity.

This philosophy worked for our family because with three boys they always had a play mate. It also worked because my boys are homebodies -- meaning they really like hanging at home with all the comforts it has to offer. Even when I was working 12 hour days they still were content in finding enjoyment in being curious and creative. Of course I did have to ensure that there was lots of food in the house!

Now that all three boys are teenagers there is an emphasis to perhaps have some more purpose to the lazy days of summer. The belief is that responsibility builds character and too much idle time can lead to bad stuff. So finding the right balance of kicking back and meaningful activities is the key.

Brandon is home from college and occupied with baseball and work, so he is set and doing exactly what a 19-year old teenager should be doing.

Harrison & Spencer, the 14 year old teenagers, will of course be playing baseball all summer with their American Legion Team. But more importantly, I am happy to share that they will be participating in a one week camp program designed for underprivileged children.

It's called Camp Harmony, and was created to allow kids from broken homes & lives to just be kids for one week out of the year. My boys will be counselors and working, they are not campers. At the orientation meeting the camp Executive Director said "expect the counselors to work an 18 hour day." A little hard work never killed anyone!

We learned of the program from my beautiful niece Olivia Bernstein who was a counselor last summer and has remained a mentor to many of these children. Her enthusiasm for the campers that attend & the program encouraged the boys to participate.

The boys will be responsible for children who may not have a home, may be in the foster care system, may have witnessed domestic violence, may be a victim of domestic violence themselves, may go to bed hungry and in dirty clothing, may not bath regularly or brush their teeth daily, may have learning challenges, may not trust others, may be depressed and sad or angry, may have never been swimming before or seen the ocean before, but all children are worthy of love and a summer filled with activities and laughter. If my children can play a small or large role in making a child's life brighter even for just one week, then I've done my job in creating the best summer of all.

To learn more about United in Harmony and their Camp Harmony program, please visit http://www.campharmony.com/ Seeing a child smile & be happy is the greatest gift we can give.

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 34 & 35: The Bond of Old Friends

This afternoon I attended a beautiful performance at the Foundation House in Beverly Glen Canyon to listen to a High School friend sing. How many of us can say we have an old chum who became an opera singer! Well our class of '79 University High School gals can!

Diana Tash is a talented soprano and mezzo opera singer who has performed at Carnegie Hall, Zipper Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and has performed with the LA Opera the Master LA Chorale and many other groups around the world for the past 20 years. It was such a treat to attend her performance along with my high school gal pals. Pictured above are Beth Bonnet and me in the walkway of the beautifully landscaped Foundation Home. And pictured to the right is our beautiful opera singer friend Diana Tash.

Ever since our 30 year High School reunion last summer we have made an effort to spend time together when possible. There's something very natural and easy about spending time with people who have known you since your teen years. There are funny stories to reminisce about, lives to catch up on and lots of laughs in between. It's amazing how comfortable you feel and how you can pick up on a conversation as if you left off talking just yesterday. Pictured here from left to right are Andrea Honoroff Lurie, Alexis Engel Phillips, Beth Bonnet (top), Diana Tash (bottom), Farrel Freeman, Laura Weber, and me.

Us gals were a fabulous (and wild!) group of young girls in High School who have grown into strong & accomplished women. Many of us have children or pets who are like our kids; we have partners and spouses; we have divorces and never married; we have lost parents and are caring for ailing ones; we have dreams yet to be fulfilled and others that have already come to fruition; we live in and around the Los Angeles community; and what connects us is that while we may not speak daily or even for years we shared a part of our lives together that will never be forgotten. Collectively we have an abundance of memories. Pictured above to the right are Farrel & Me. Pictured to the left are Jill & Farrel.

In addition to being two of my oldest and best friends from Emerson Junior High, Jill, Farrel and I went on to be college students together at San Francisco State University -- Jill and I were dorm roommates and then Jill, Farrel and I all lived together in San Fransisco. Those memories would fill a volume of Blogs!

Following Diana's performance us Uni High gal pals dined together and laughed some more. Several of these women I see regularly and have remained intimately close with. Others I had not seen in 20 plus years until the pre-reunion festivities last summer. What a treat it has been to reconnect with these women over the past year. Pictured left are Andrea Lurie & Vicky Margolis. Pictured below are Beth Bonnet & Alexis Engel Phillips.

Friendship is a gift. Long lived friendships are a treasure. I feel blessed to be back in the spirit and company of all you amazing women! Thank you for making so many long lasting memories with me!

If you'd like to hear Diana's beautiful voice, please purchase a CD by visiting www.DianaTash.com Thank you to Laura Weber & Farrel Freeman for the beautiful photos of a very special afternoon!

Day 32 & 33: Holly Visits My Synagogue

I have not attended Friday Shabbat Services in a long time. Tonight I did. I invited my friend Holly J. Mitchell (pictured left) to join me for services. Holly is a candidate for the 47th Assembly District. That's my community and also Temple Isaiah's so I wanted her to meet the congregants.

I have never been more proud to be a member of Temple Isaiah as I was tonight. Here's why. From the moment we walked into the synagogue we were greeted with warmth and hugs and "it's so good to see you" comments. Holly was thanked for making Isaiah one of her campaign destinations. I was grateful for the respect my fellow members gave to my guest. Temple Isaiah has a long & rich political action agenda and this is one of the reasons we joined as a family 17 years ago.

The service was rich with music and prayer and of course listening to Rabbi Zoe Klein speak is a treat within itself. Her magical way of using descriptive words to illustrate a point about God or faith or justice is an art. She is truly a gifted orator.


Cantor Evan Kent's voice fills the room and gives me goose bumps. You can't help but feel wrapped in love when he sings. And his special tribute to slain gay activist & elected official, Harvey Milk (pictured left) was powerful and painful. Milk was an inspiration to me, not only for his relentless belief that all people, including gays & lesbians, be part of the political structure, but also because he ran for office 4 times. He did not win until his 4th race. He never gave up. I remember the day he and Mayor George Moscone were gunned down by a former colleague. Truly a loss and a painful part of our history.

When we think of history and how we have mistreated people for the color of their skin or their sexual preferences, I am embarrassed. But tonight I was proud that I sat among people who shared my belief that all people should be accepted regardless of their ethnicity, religion, color, or choice of partner.


The service was made even more special because the 2010 Confirmation Class of students were graduating and we heard 8 teenagers talk about why Judaism and their faith are so important to them. I was moved to tears as I listened to these young adults, several who I have known since they were babies, talk about their ideas for a better world and a brighter future. It was so refreshing and inspiring to hear young people talk with such passion about the world they want. I was so proud that Holly had joined me this particular night and that she could hear and see what a beautiful community Temple Isaiah is.

I was so happy that Holly was fed spiritual nourishment as she battles the next two weeks for a victory. I know all too well how difficult and emotional campaigning can be and if we can find a little peace in the words of our clergy leaders then maybe we will have the extra energy to be even better campaigners. I hope Holly gained strength from the words shared tonight.

The election is June 8th and I invite you to learn more about Holly and her issues. You can visit her website at http://www.hollyjmitchell.com/ We need political leaders like Holly & Harvey, and we need spiritual leaders like Rabbi Zoe, Rabbi Rick and Cantor Even.

Day 30 & 31: Vote for Ethan ... Deadline is TOMORROW!

Some things are just too precious not to share. For those of you who know Ethan Altshuler, Linda Sherman's son, my nephew, you know what a gifted artist and talented young boy he is. He is far wiser then most of his 5th grade peers, made evident by his drawings and powerful and descriptive words. So today's post is about two events happening in Ethan's life.

For one, he is a finalist in the Aaron Brothers Art Contest for 9 -12 year olds. If he is selected, he and his family win a 3 day trip to the Crayola Factory. You must see his drawing and I know you will be compelled to vote for him. Visit www.aaronbrothers.com/vote On the left side you will see “VOTE” He is in the 9-12 age group. His picture is called “Ways to be Green”. Please vote for Ethan's art work today as May 21 is the deadline.

Second, Ethan left this week for his class trip to Astro Camp. Before he departed he wrote his Mom a note:

If every Mommy received a note like this from their son when he departed on an adventute, the world would be perfect. Enjoy this happy story!

And don't forget to vote for Ethan's artwork.