Day 174: Supporting Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project

Last night hubby Brian and I attended a fundraiser for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project -- the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Many of our friends have been supporters for years. This year we were invited by Board member and good friend Debra Spector. Her and her husband Bruce are generous donors. We applaud you both for your generosity and commitment to such an important organization.

The group's signature event, Politics, Sex & Cocktails raises substantial money to promote pro-choice, pro-family legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Your contributions help defeat efforts to curb access to medically-accurate sex education, family planning, and abortion services.

One of the Champion of Choice Honorees was Connie Britton. You might know her as Tammy Taylor, the High School counselor, wife of the East Dillion High football coach, and Mom extraordinaire on the hit TV show Friday Night Lights; one of my boys favorite TV programs and one of the best written TV shows on air today.

Ms. Britton was honored for her portrayal of Tammy Taylor, a woman who counsels a teenage girl on her choices after learning the student is pregnant. The dialogue is real and smart. The episode focuses on the reaction of the townspeople after learning that Ms. Britton's character has also included in the choices for the young woman, an abortion. The show did a marvelous job at portraying the reaction and emotional impact the choice issue still has among so many. Especially in a small Texas town where the TV show is set. Kudos to the writers for bringing this issue to the screen in a professional and yet personal way.

Brian and I have long supported the work performed by Planned Parenthood and believe strongly in their mission to provide access to all women for all their family planing decisions.

Maybe next year some of you will join us in attending and supporting such a great and important organization serving our community.

Day 173: You Got Style Girl

You wear it well, Robyn! You are always so put together! Loved hearing my friend and hairstylist (Rebecca at Salon Dione http://www.salondione.com/) tell me this today! Got me thinking about style. Not sure if having style is something you learn, something you are born with or a little bit of both. But I love it when people tell me they love my "style."

If you don't know, I am an accessory junkie, I mean really! The bigger, the glitzier, the more colorful, the better. But not gaudy or tacky... just enough to add a little "umph" to an outfit. Accessories are key in my mind. They can make or break the outfit.

I'm also a mixer-upper ... meaning I can piece together the real "stuff" such as jewelery, designer handbag & shoes with the Target purchased dress and look like I just stepped out of a magazine. That is a real talent to be able to have an eye for mixing up the labels.

I wrote a few days ago about some of the new fashion trends for Fall and how unhappy I was with the proposed "looks." Well, I did buy a wide, stretch belt and I did wear it over a beautiful long, plum color sweater. Guess what? Everyone loved the look! I couldn't believe it! I was so opposed to this style especially for women with full figures like me... but it all worked and I received many compliments on how it looked. Go figure. The stylists were right. You can make the look work.

Just goes to show you, if the look doesn't overwhelm you at first, give it a try anyway just in case you can rock it. You never know until you try.

Another style that I adore and has always worked for me -- long before it became hip, thanks to the popular television show Mad Man -- is the 50s era clothing. Tailored, fitted dresses with scoop necklines, lots of pearls, neat curled hair ... I just think it's such a classic (and well yeah lady-like) look and again for us full figured women it looks terrific. I'm not much of the messy, tousled I just rolled out of bed look. I mean people who spend hundreds of dollars on jeans that have holes and look worn, I just don't get that look at all. But then again I'm not much of a jean wearer either. I favor dresses, skirts or slacks to jeans. Although I do have jeans and wear them, I prefer a more cleaner, classier look.

What's your style? Find it, own it & flaunt it girlfriend!

Day 172: More Birthday's

The gals from University High School gathered tonight to celebrate October Birthday's. This is a group of gal pals I've known since Junior High School. Several of us have remained tight friends over the years while others reconnected last year in advance of our 30th High School Reunion. We've made an effort to get together every couple of months to celebrate Birthday's & life.

Life has turned out different for us all. Some are married, others divorced; some are sober; gay, have children, no children, have fulfilling careers, while others are just holding on paycheck to paycheck. We will all turn 50 next year.. I can still remember these gals with fresh 13 year old faces. My gosh how many years have gone by?

Tonight we were hosted by one of my oldest and dearest friends Farrel Freeman. Oh the memories we shared from Junior High and High School! Stories I'd never repeat to my children! She moved back to Los Angeles one year ago and it's been wonderful having her back in my life.

Gal pal Jill Offer of course was in attendance. Jill, Farrel and I not only were inseparable in high school, we also went off to college together in San Fransisco. Jill and I have parallel lives -- both married boys from high school, both had three children, each with one in college now! Damn where did those years go?

I look forward to our reunions together. The older I get the more I like to be in the company of familiarity -- people who came from where you came from; shared your experiences; truly care about you.

Happy October Birthday to the gals from High School!

Day 171: Getting Our Message Out

I hosted the NWPC LA Westside Communications Committee meeting this evening. We gathered to strategize on how to better communicate our mission, our activities and our goals.

I've been involved with the National Women's Political Caucus for years, both with the local LA Westside Chapter and on the state Board. We are an organization committed to recruiting, training and electing more pro choice women to public office.

With so many groups and organizations to be involved with you need to be selective with your time. My passion is gender parity in politics. Who we elect to office can have a profound impact on our lives; from the legislative polices they propose; to the appointments they make at the Judicial level and on Boards and Commissions; all of these decisions make an impact on your life. So it really does matter who we cast our vote for.

With the November 2 Election less than a month away, I hope you have been reading up on the candidates and issues on the ballot. I have written about my support for Kamala Harris for California State Attorney General and my support for Holly J. Mitchell, candidate for the 47th Assembly, my legislative district. And my opposition to Proposition 23, an initiative that would roll back environmental polices set forth by voters a few years ago.

So tonight some fabulous women I work with on the NWPC LA Westside Board of Directors gathered to figure out how best to insert our mission into the lives of women in our community. Lots of energy and buzz.

One Board member shared how she believed NWPC was a very inclusive group, I shared why I devote my time toward NWPC. It's a group focused on grassroots activism, it's multi partisan, and it is the only organization where the core issue is electing pro choice women.

To learn more about our local Chapter, please visit http://www.nwpcla.org/ or to learn more about our State activities, please visit http://www.nwpc.org/

Thanks to my NWPC sisters, Betsy Johnson, Lindsay Bubar, Karriann Farrell Hinds, Kristi Blicharski, and Rebecca Simon for taking your valuable time and contributing it toward such a worthy cause!

Day 170: My Favorite Time of Year

I've written before how the Fall Season is my favorite time of the year. Especially October. It's the time when our weather begins to shift from hot days to more warm days, and cool nights. When the sunrise and sunset have more burnt orange tones and when the days get shorter as the clocks get pushed back an hour. It is also the time when the boys have settled back-to-school and by now are in a full routine, albeit an always changing one when you have teenagers, and it's a time to celebrate my favorite Libra Birthday's and to celebrate my two favorite holiday's Halloween & Thanksgiving.

I love when the air is cool and you bundle up in your sweater. I love that tonight as my boys did their homework they asked for a cup of tea with honey as the rain came down outside. It's a night for a fire.

October is a month to honor two people I love. My Mom, Suzanne, was a Libra and my hubby Brian is a Libra too. Probably two of the most significant people in my life who share a birthday two days apart.

October kicks off a busy time in the Simon house. With Birthday's, our annual Halloween party and are annual Thanksgiving feast we are busy and full the entire month through.

This year we are not hosting Turkey Day and instead will be flying to New York to spend the holiday with kid sis Jennifer and her beau Kevin. A change of pace. A fresh landscape. An opportunity to travel with the boys. A chance to celebrate Turkey Day in the country on the East Coast.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I have always loved its meaning -- giving thanks for your lot in life. Taking stock in what you have, the people you care about, being grateful for your health. It's also my wedding anniversary. Brian and I specifically planned to get married on Thanksgiving weekend so it's also a time to honor our marriage. Going to New York is for us as well to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary.

I think it's only fitting that today it's raining as we begin the first week in October. Just the way I like it. Something about the weather, the change of seasons, the anticipation of Halloween, it all brings up such cozy memories for me. I'm hoping Brian and Harrison will cook their famous Simon Chili.

I will miss certain people this year. It won't be the same Holiday without Nat and his Pink's Hot Dogs. It won't be the same without one of my chicks, Brandon who is away at college. He and Papa Nat shared a special bond getting those Pink's Hot dogs for the big Halloween party. It's not the same without them together. And of course I'll miss my Mom, not only on her October Birthday, but at the festive Holidays as she is the one who started this whole crazy Fall kickoff of seasonal holidays.

Her traditions have been passed down to her daughters and in turn I have passed them on to my sons. They come to except our traditions and cherish them as much as I do ... well maybe not as much as me yet, that will come with time and even more so when I'm not around anymore to host them.

Enjoy the Fall season... be warm & cozy, and celebrate your traditions and family!

Day 169: Who Are You Supporting on November 2?

I volunteered for the Kamala Harris campaign today. She is a candidate for California Attorney General. If she wins she'll be the first woman, first African American and first Asian American to hold the seat as the the State's top cop. She is currently the District Attorney in San Francisco. I have written about Kamala before in my Blog and why I beleive she'd make an excellent AG. She has my vote on November 2. To learn more about Kamala visit her website st: http://www.kamalaharris.org/

I am supporting Holly J. Mitchell who is running for the State Assembly in the 47th District which is my legislative district. I have also written about Holly before in my Blog. To learn more about Holly, visit her website at: http://www.hollyjmitchell.com/

And very important to me is the defeat of Proposition 23.

Two Texas oil companies are spending millions to push Prop. 23, a deceptive ballot proposition that would kill California clean energy and air pollution reduction standards. Four years ago, California passed a clean air law (AB 32) that holds polluters accountable and requires them to reduce air pollution that threatens human health and contributes to global climate change. This law has launched California to the forefront of the clean technology industry, sparking innovation and clean energy businesses that are creating hundreds of thousands of new California jobs.

To learn more and to learn why I am opposed to Prop. 23 visit: http://www.stopthedirtyoilproposition.com/

Please join me in supporting the candidates and by voting NO on Prop. 23.

Day 168: Traveling Education

I attended a meeting this morning for an education travel program called People to People. My son Spencer was nominated for the program. It is a student Ambassador program where students from the United States travel to other countries to learn. Wow have times changed. As I listened during the parent orientation about how our world is more connected and global then ever before, in thanks to technology, the case for how important travel and foreign exposure are, has never resonated so much.

Well what a small world it is ... As I approached the registration table I saw a woman who I then realized was Spencer's 2nd grade teacher from Canfield Avenue Elementary School! We hugged each other and couldn't believe how the years had gone by. She was thrilled that I was there and was telling all the other travel leaders about my boy's. Amazing that she remembered my little boy from so many years ago. Spencer has that affect on people. He's worth remembering if you are a teacher. He's the type of student you wish all your classes were filled with.

I listened to the presentation and let my mind wonder about all the adventures my boys could have traveling with a guided tour with other teenagers from throughout the US. I have always believed that travel teaches you what you can not learn in a textbook.

Maybe Spencer will be an international diplomat, work at a consulate, speak several foreign languages, work toward peace ... ah the possibilities ... it was a very interesting morning.

Day 167: A Young Man's Suicide

What a tragedy. What a loss. And what immeasurable pain Tyler Clementi's parents must be experiencing.

Tyler is the young man, just 18 years old, a Freshman at Rutgers University who took his own life this past week. He ended his very promising life by jumping off a bridge into the Hudson River after learning that his college roommate (allegedly) secretly videotaped a sexual encounter between Tyler and another male.

What kind of person videotapes their roommate? And what kind of person then (allegedly) uploads the video to stream on the Internet as if it were a game or a sport. Well it was neither. It was a person. A student. An accomplished violinist. A son. A friend. A young person with a promising musical future.

I have three son's, one is a Sophomore in college. I know countless teenage boys and I can't imagine one of them EVER being so cruel or hateful. If I were the parents of the two alleged students, one Tyler's roommate the other a friend of his, I would be so ashamed that my child contributed to a student taking their own life. What kind of kids are these? What were they thinking? That it was funny? A college prank? What could posses a person to be so heartless? Personally I hope the New Jersey District Attorney throws the damn books at both of them.

My heart aches for Tyler's parents. Their beautiful son gone because others thought his life should be played out on the Internet.

Teach your children compassion, understanding, tolerance and grill it into them that while others may make different choices, all are to be accepted.

Rest in peace Tyler Clementi.

Day 166: 30 Plus Years To Wait

I am outraged. I am disgusted and I am really angry. How can a monster who was sentenced to die some 30 years ago still be alive and living on death row? I mean how much pain as Americans do we expect a family to endure? Have you been following the case this week in California where a death row inmates' execution was stayed ... wait for it ... because the lethal injection may not be "right".

Okay yeah I'm sure the two young girls aged 14 and 15 who he raped and then one that he murdered -- by strangling her with her own shoe lace -- didn't have the "right" methods of death applied to them either. I mean are you kidding? I think I'm going to throw up.

His last victim, a 15 year old girl from Riverside, California named Susan Jordan, walked her two younger siblings to school, then was walking herself to High School one early morning back in 1980. A piece of garbage grabbed her, raped her, removed her shoelace from her own shoe, and strangled her in a dirt field. I need you all to breathe, and pause for the gruesome, heinous crime that this was.

And as if that wasn't enough, he then called her family and taunted them by saying, "your daughter Susan won't be coming home from school today."

What sick mother fucker does this and lives for 30 more years because the State believes it isn't the right fucking lethal drug to kill the bastard?

Can you sense my outrage? I hope so because it is shameful and we should all be angry.

Look, do I believe that there are innocent people in prison, yes. Do I believe that mistakes can be made and death is final, yes. Do I believe that God maybe should have the only right to take a life, maybe. But there is no wavering on this case. The DNA, the evidence is rock solid. This bastard murdered a young girl while out on parole from prison from raping another girl. There's no mistake here.

California voters voted for the Death Penalty and it's criminal that it's not applied. Instead your tax dollars have fed this monster three meals a day for 30 years. You've paid for his medical needs, his dental needs, anything he needed.

I have been obsessing over this young woman. How afraid she must have been during her final moments on earth. If she were alive, she would be just 4 years younger then me, 45. Maybe she would have gone to college. Maybe she would have discovered a cure for cancer. Maybe she'd be my friend. Had children. Worked toward peace around the world. Cared for her elderly parents.

The possibilities of her life have never been fulfilled because some disgusting person felt that his needs were worthy of her life. And you want me to feel sorry that the lethal injection may be a little painful? Just stop it ... All I can think about is her family waiting 30 years for the nightmare to maybe be over. But is it ever over? Their daughter is DEAD and they were robbed of her life.

End this nightmare.

Day 165: 12 Miles

Oh my gosh, I thought I wouldn't make it today! I have not run a long distance since the Disneyland Half Marathon 4 weeks ago. And keep in mind I had only run 13 miles once in my life and that was on race day.


Today is Wednesday, long run day on my training schedule. Melody and I met at 7 a.m. at the beach determined to get my running miles moving up.

It was hot, I was winded and it wasn't pretty that's for sure (not the beach, my running!). So as I write this I sit on ice packs again on my ass, and I've got blisters on my feet, and everything aches. But nobody said it would be easy to train for a marathon. I mean if it was, more people would be running.

I was inspired by a fellow runner today ... we asked her how many miles she was doing this morning and she said "20" ... she runs the Chicago Marathon in two weeks and this was her last big run before race day. I thought, wow, 20 miles, will I ever be able to do that?!

As I've said before, one mile at a time, baby! Run Robyn Run!

Day 164: An Old Friend

Tonight I attended a fundraiser for West Hollywood City Council member Abbe Land. Abbe is not only a terrific public official but she has been a great supporter of mine for years and throughout my campaign for office. She is up for reelection next March 2011 and I wanted to join her at her kick off campaign event. All was good there.

As I was leaving the venue on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood I ran right into my dear, dear, wonderful friend Igor. If you remember, Igor is the "man" from my old stomping joint, Orsini's Ristorante on Pico. He now runs his own joint up on Sunset called Isla.

I had my, "I Lost but am Endorsing Paul Party" at Isla..." Many of you attended that shin-dig. Bittersweet event.

Well this man has been so good to me for so many years I could not pass up a chance to join Igor for one drink up at his place ... so there I was ... sitting at his bar reminiscing about the old times, asking where the years had gone, catching up on family, work and his business. Ah, such comfort...

Sometimes it's the people you see least, but have made indelible impacts on your life, that you feel the most comfortable with and the most excited to spend time with...

Who will join me to go visit Igor up at ISLA in the next week or so... I didn't get enough of an Igor fix! Let's go!

Day 163: The College Application

My niece, Olivia, came over tonight for us to edit her college application essay. Whew! Happy I'm not in college anymore or applying to school! It's exhausting compiling all your accomplishments and attempting to present them in a clever way so your essay will stand out among thousands of essays college admissions counselors review. Such competition!

But this is the time of year where thousands of senior high school students are busy putting their applications together. It's either a very exciting time for the student or a very anxiety ridden time causing a lot of stress in a family. Students are nervously narrowing down their college wish list, fine tuning their essay, taking a few extra rigorous courses to bump up their GPA, all in an effort to strengthen their chances of being admitted.

You have to have a game plan and a solid strategy to play this game. Yes a strategy for applying to college. And even with the best of everything - application, essay, GPA, SAT score, there is no guarantee that your student will be accepted to their dream university. Such is life.

When Brandon applied to college we were able to narrow the choices down to where he could play baseball and receive a scholarship. This helped with the process. However, being a collegiate athlete is no easy task once the kids get to the school and start playing sports at the college level. It's an entirely different game at that level.

Well my darling niece Olivia has a stellar application based on her years of community service. She has given her time and energy to so many worthy causes over the years. She is a trained teen counselor at Teen Line, a peer-to-peer crisis call in center for teens to call and talk about their problems. She is a counselor and mentor with Camp Harmony, a camp for underprivileged children. She has worked with Best Buddies, an organization focused on intellectually challenged children. The list goes on and on so do the hours she gave of herself above and beyond her academics.

Surely one or more of the University's she is applying to will see her gift for giving and that will be her winning entrance ticket! Good luck to all the College bound Seniors!

Day 162: Running With The Dolphins

Took a beautiful early morning run at the beach today and was greeted by an exciting treat! I'm running along and look over and there are dolphins jumping in the ocean. What a sight! Just beautiful! And not just one or two dolphins, some 10 graceful dolphins leaping from the water.

Many of us forget that we live next to one of the most beautiful beach's in the world here in Southern California. One of the perks of my son's Harrison & Spencer attending Palisades High School is that we get to drive on Pacific Coast Highway everyday and take in the gorgeous coastline. One of the perks of me taking up running has also been enjoying our beaches as that's my favorite place to run.

There's something very peaceful about an early run on the beach with the ocean and fresh air joining you the entire length of your run. And taking in the coastline and it's beauty is just very invigorating. Seeing the dolphins this morning really made me happy ... graceful, free, and a beautiful pleasure to take in for us humans.

If you haven't visited the beach in awhile... go take a walk, a run, or a bike ride and breathe in the air and view the beauty of the ocean!

Day 161: Damn The Packaging!

I don't know about you, but I am finding it more challenging everyday to just open what should be simple and easy packages! Why do manufacturers have to seal up their products as if they need to be stored for eternity?

I get so frustrated that I usually end up taking a knife to the wrapped too tight package and stabbing it with knife wounds just to prey the damn thing open! What's up with that!?

If you have the sligest arthritis in your hands, forget about it! There's no way you'd be able to open a jar of jam, or plastic containers holding lunch meet or cheese... I have strong hands and I still can't get the things open. Why oh why do these products have to be sealed so tight?

I'm calling all manufacturing companies and their product packaging departments to hear me... loosen up on the air tight, suction tight packaging so us normal folks who are busy running around can actually use your products without a battle trying to get the items opened!

Day 160: I'm A Celebrity Among the Neighborhood Children

Tonight Brian and I were getting in the car to attend a dinner party at our friend's Debbie & Bruce Spector's house. As I was waiting for hubby Brian to pull the car up my neighbors from down the street -- father & son-- came walking down the street, most likely on their way to Shabbat services. I was greeted with the biggest "Hi Robyn!". Warms my heart every time the neighborhood children walk by and say hello to me by name!

I'm convinced the children were more excited about my political run then most adults (as evident by the vote count ... if only the kids could have voted!). To the children I'm a bit of a celebrity ... they saw my name on lawn signs littered throughout the community and thought that was so cool! They loved my Green Smart Car with "Vote Smart... Vote for Robyn" plastered on the sides, and of course they love visiting me for my always stocked candy drawers in the kitchen! It's the simple things that brings a smile to a child's face.

One of the sweetest feelings for me is when my doorbell rings and I'm greeted with hugs and smiles by the neighborhood kids. When I ask "do you want some candy," there is a resounding "yes" and a bolt toward my kitchen. For those that know me well, you know that I always have an abundance of candy for all my guests! Does my soul really good to know that the kids in the 'hood think so highly of me! (Or just really love that I offer them sweets!)

So among the children in Beverlywood, I'm not only known as the Halloween lady, or the candy lady, but also the lady that ran for some crazy public office!

Honestly I like children more than most adults I come across, especially those I met on the campaign trail. Children love you as long as you smile at them and show them some love. They don't judge or snarl or spread nasty rumors about you ... they are honest and raw and it's so refreshing to be in their company.

So I love it when my doorbell rings and behind the door is an adorable child with a big smile saying Hi Robyn! Warms my heart every time!

Day 159: A Son's Love

Just when you feel as if your children don't appreciate all you do for them ... a beautiful reminder comes along to let you know that all your years of making them a priority, made a difference...

All the endless cooking,
And all the endless cleaning,
All the endless times at the park,
And all the times you sat in the dark,
That is love.

When you read me stories, by my bed at night,
It was nothing short of a beautiful sight,
And even when I was having a rough day,
I was able to see, that everything, would be okay,
That is love.

Not only she, but he as well,
You were there every time I fell,
Every hit I got and every pitch I made,
You were constantly there, in the giant crowd,
No matter what, always proud,
That is love.

That is love; it makes us rise above,
Stronger than ever,
Without us, there's no one better,
I love you both as you do me,
I love you Mom and Dad,
You and me will gladly be,family forever...
Because that is love.

Don't ever underestimate the power of parenting or the importance of the work you perform. There is no greater bond then the love between child and parent. My 19 year old son, Brandon wrote this poem in his college creative writing course.

Day 158: Fall Fashion Confusion

Calling all my fashion sisters, I need some guidance here!

Okay my lady gal pals, I'm so confused about this Fall's fashion! As we usher in the first day of Fall today, I'm seeing more and more styles splashed in fashion magazines, catalogs and of course stores! But I'm not getting it. I am usually a really good fashionista -- always have been -- I mean heck Suzanne was my mother and nobody could out-dress her. She had impeccable taste and style in her wardrobe. She passed that gene on to her three daughters who are all super fashionistas. We may have different styles, but we are always pulled together!

While I know that eggplant, light grey and green are hot color palates for your wardrobe this season, and of course boots, boots and more boots are a must. And yes I know the military jacket, and fur, lots of faux fur, along with leopard print on anything from shoes to apparel or handbags, are all must-haves ... I'm just not getting how these pieces collectively work? Is it just me or what? And what's with the big wide belts over bulky sweaters? That can't possibly be a good fashion look for more full figured women like myself, can it be?

I'm trying to get my fashion groove on as the season has changed, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with what is offered. I am not a fan of leggings as a substitute for pants... they are not flattering on most women and they look like you are either wearing your exercise clothing or a pair of tights... I say put a skirt or a pair of pants on!

So I have my leopard dress for the season, thanks to gal pal Lori Soll and her beautiful Ecetera clothing line, and I have a light grey leather jacket, but then what? I'm going to try those big belts, even though I'm really not a belt person. I am, however, a huge accessory gal, which you all know... I love big chunky costume jewelry, especially big rings... the more bling the better, but always tasteful!

I love bright colors so the purple/eggplant shade will work for me as will the green. I love handbags, I mean I am the gal that changes her handbag daily to coordinate with my outfit... I know how crazy huh, but I just love handbags!

So as I flip through the countless catalogs I receive, and cruise through the stores, I need some direction on how to pull this Fall's fashion together? I love dresses, I love the 50s era fashion, I love broaches, designer handbags, lots of jewelry ... love the look of Tory Burch, and of course Chanel, but also wear a lot of INC, the clothing line exclusively at Bloomingdale's and Macy's. So if you have suggestions, will you please send them along with pictures of how to pull it all off!

Day 157: Running Sprints

Yes, I'm sore. I'm sore almost daily from intense workouts. I keep asking, "when will I not be in pain?" Well it's been more than one year and I'm still pushing. Today was sprint running. Suicides as they are called. Have you ever run a suicide? Oh my gosh. You want to increase your running time and your strength, give these babies a try!

Had to pull out the ice for my rear today to get some relief. Tomorrow will be strengthening meaning lots of push-ups, planks, and lunges. Ouch. I can already feel the burning in my behind.

So you ask why do I keep pushing with these intense workouts? Well, the answer is I want to be strong. I want to be mentally strong and physically strong.

I can't turn the clock back and I intend to preserve what I've got. So yes I'm sore, tired, and know I'll have a grueling workout tomorrow, then a long beach run on Friday. It never really ends. But I have a goal, I have a plan and I have an intention. So the only way to accomplish this is to work hard even if that means working through the soreness and the pain. So keep it comin', I'm ready!

Day 156: A Race in Delaware

You say why should I care about a Senate race in the state of Delaware? You may even say where is Delaware? But if you have followed the news in recent days you are well aware that Delaware has been turned upside down politically.

Both candidates who made it past their primary and are now in a General Election in November, could not be farther apart from one another. And here's why it should matter to you.

I met Chris Coons tonight at an event hosted for his Delaware Senate campaign here in Los Angeles. You say why would I have attended an event for a senate candidate from Delaware? Well his opponent is a Tea Party Republican woman, endorsed by Sarah Palin (do I need to say more?) who believes we should have prayer in school, believes we should teach abstinence to our students, as well as creationism, believes being gay is a genetically immoral behavior, is anti-choice ... shall I continue or are you sick enough?

While I rarely dabble in National politics - for two reasons - One, I am a local political gal ... I want to have a say and influence on the issues that directly impact my daily life and I feel more empowered being involved locally. And second, National politics is expensive. But on Friday I received a phone call from candidate Chris Coons. Yes, a personal phone call inviting me to tonight's event and sharing with me why this race mattered to me - a woman here in Los Angeles. I have to tell you I was impressed.

Impressed that he took the time to make a call to me -- a low profile pisher donor and as a former candidate impressed that he was reaching out beyond his home state for well needed resources. Since his opponent won her Republican nomination one week ago she has raised a whopping 2 million dollars on line. So yes he needs the resources badly! So his personal call weighed heavy on me. And so did what was at stake if he lost.

A woman who would have a vote on all the issues I care deeply about could be elected to the US Senate and I couldn't allow that to happen. This woman wants to deny people the right to marry whomever they chose to; deny us the right to make our own family planning decisions; implement prayer in the classroom; and deny our children correct sex education while promoting abstinence as a sex education lesson plan.

So for many reasons that I care deeply about, I ventured out on a Monday night to support a man who is incredibly impressive - for his intelligence, his passion for the issues I care about, his poise and his commitment to help both Delaware residents, and all Americans get their lives back on track. I'm hoping you'll join with me to support Chris Coons -- anyway you can.

To learn more about the candidate I am supporting, visit: www.ChrisCoons.com

Day 155: A Tough Night's Sleep

Well, we are not sure about our new mattress. In our effort to get a firmer more supportive mattress, we may have gone overboard. Our new mattress feels more like a cement slab then a comfy support for your body.

If you have not purchased a mattress in many years, like most people as they should be good for some ten years, then you are in for a shock with all the choices.

So there hubby Brian and I were lying on bed after bed. Laying on our right, then our left side, then our back and finally on our tummy all in an effort to determine if the mattress was a good fit for us.

We both agreed we wanted a firm, supportive bed because we just have not been sleeping well and since our mattress was ten plus years old, we agreed that it was time to lend our back some more support. Hmm, not sure if we have accomplished our goal or not. It's been four night's now, and it still feels rock hard, but we are going to give it some more time.

There's nothing better then a solid good night's rest, and the older you get and the more you physically push your body, the more you crave a cozy supportive mattress to sleep on. We will see... keep you posted.

Day 154: A Time to Reflect

Spent the day at Temple today in observance of Yom Kippur. The holiest of the Jewish Holidays. A day to repent, to atone your sins, a time to commit to being a better person. Beautiful music, inspiring sermon, surrounded by family and friends. A day of reflection. A day to ponder where your life is at and where you are headed. Lots of decisions to be made. Perhaps some big changes.

Then had a scrumptious break-fast at our lovely friend's home. Lori & Steve Soll have been dear family friends for more years than I can remember. We shared their wedding together, the birth of their two sons together, and have spent countless family holidays in one another's company. Isn't that what it's about? Being in the company of those you love.

As you set your gaols for the coming year, remember to share your time wisely and spend it with those you cherish and love.

May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Day 153: Being A Better Person

Tonight at sundown begins the Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur. A time to reflect, forgive, atone and to ask the boss upstairs for another chance. It is also a 24 hour period where many faithful fast. It is a somber day intended for us followers to not focus on ourselves, our bodies, or our appearance, but to really give pause to the greater world and to make a deep conscious decision to be a better person the following year.

That's a pretty big "ask". While we all can say we are going to be nicer to our co-workers, our friends, our family members (even the one's that drive us crazy), and that we are going to be more patient, more forgiving and kind to everyone we encounter, the truth is that it's not an easy task... it's something you have to really want and really make an effort to strive to accomplish.

So tomorrow when I'm observing the day at services, I will be praying for the strength to be a better person. And I hope all of you will join me so we can work toward a kinder and more tolerant community and world.

Shana Tovah

Day 152: California's Attorney General's Race

Okay I know you are all going crazy with the abundance of political ads airing now for California's Governor's race and the Senate race. Lots of money being spent by all the candidates, whether by them personally like Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina, or by independent groups such as unions and organizations who are bankrolling ads for Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer.

But one race equally important to California is the Attorney General race. You say what? You didn't know there was a race for this office! Well, Jerry Brown, our current AG is running for Governor and will be vacating the top gun's spot for California. Do you know who the two candidates are running for this top legal and law enforcement position in the state of California? You should, as this person dictates a lot in your life!

I am supporting San Fransisco District Attorney Kamala Harris. I had the chance to finally meet this woman who I had heard so much about. I attended an event in her honor this week and wow I was dazzled and quite smitten when I left.

There were so many stories she shared that motivated me to support her, but one really stood out. As my children returned to school this week in Los Angeles along with some 700,000 other students, attendance is a priority for teachers, principals, and administrators. These education leaders recognize that attendance is paramount to receiving a quality education. All students should be going to class daily, but they don't. Truancy is an enormous issue in LA and throughout the state. Statistics prove that truant children have a lower graduation rate then those students who attend school regularly, and truant students are more inclined to dabble in illegal behavior while skipping classes.

And then once those students fail to graduate, their job prospects are slim to nothing making a life of crime more attractive. There is a direct correlation between education and crime. Truancy, a very serious issue that has grave consequences for our future should not be taken lightly. Ms. Harris authored legislation that makes parents accountable for their children. If your kid is truant you will be fined or arrested.

Right on is what I say! Of course there are many circumstances that lead to a child's absence, but she took a bold move to make parents accountable. Thank goodness. This is the kind of leadership we need. She absolutely has my vote in November. I hope you will consider joining me and cast your vote for this terrific leader! To learn more about this very accomplished and talented woman visit http://www.kamalaharris.org/

Day 151: A New Mattress

After 10 years and lots of hours spent sleeping on the same mattress we have traded in our old one for a new one! Talk about a FIRM mattress... wow... were we sleeping on a soft pillow or is this new mattress just so firm? Well I'll let you know tomorrow after our first night's sleep tonight!

Sleep becomes more and more important the older we become and both hubby and I were complaining of not receiving a quality night's sleep. We attributed this to the old mattress.


So I'll keep you posted if our new bed aids in a good night's rest!

Day 150: Birthday Bliss

We celebrated my friend Melody's Birthday tonight! It's wonderful to honor your friends and to shower them with special attention. So gal pal Rebecca Simon, my sister Michele, and the birthday gal had a fun night out...

Pictured here are the "girls" out celebrating...

Birthday's, I have often written about on my blog, are a time for reflection. Was the past year what I wanted it to be? What do I want for the coming year? What goals do I want to set for myself? What do I want to accomplish for the next year? Who do I want to spend time with?

The last one is very important. The older we get the less time and patience we have to be in the company of people who don't offer any value to our lives. We become more selective about who we chose to spend time with. We really evaluate our relationships and whether we are getting out of them what we put in.

One of my goals for this 49th year leading up to 50 was to spend time only with people who value me and my friendship. I believe this is a good policy for us all to adopt. Be in the company of those you love and cherish and celebrate at every opportunity you have!

Pictured here are Melody and Robyn celebrating another year for Miss Mel!

Day 149: First Day of 10th Grade

Today was the first day of 10th grade for Harrison & Spencer at Palisades High School. Wow, already 10th grade for my two babies. Brandon began his second year of college a few weeks ago... still can't believe that either!

As is tradition in the Simon house - since the boys began pre-school - we have been taking a picture of them on their first day of school in the same spot in front of our house. Oh my gosh how they have grown over the years.

Pictured above are all three of my scrumptious boys from L-R, Spencer, Brandon, and Harrison... photo taken on Harrison & Spencer's first day of Kindergarten at Canfield Avenue Elementary and Brandon's first day of 3rd grade at Westwood Charter Elementary School! Oh the memories!

So my boys joined some 700,000 students today across Los Angeles -- some entering Kindergarten others entering Senior year -- all beginning the year with a fresh start ... a chance to have a productive, healthy, and fun new year in school.

Parents across the district were scrambling today with logistical concerns ... some buses have been halted due to budget cuts so there's the transportation issue ... there's the "what to pack for lunch" question as the lunch lines are way too long to stand in during a very brief lunch period ... there's a new bus route to take home from school, the new time schedule, the new baseball schedule... all honors and AP courses ... it's going to be a rigorous year with challenges, but no doubt incredible rewards as well.

Pictured here are my 15 year old teenagers Spencer & Harrison on the first day of 10th grade (today) ... in the same spot in our front yard on Canfield Avenue ... the only home they have ever known!

So we kicked off the day easy-peasy... boys rise early, get ready, eat a hearty breakfast and out the door they go ... pick up was a breeze and a stop once again by Office Depot for more school supplies... dinner, homework... we are back to the grind already on the first day!

Oye, it's gonna be a long year!

Day 148: A Double Header

Ah, after a 6 week hiatus today we sprung back into High School baseball with a double header no less! So let's see ... I was at the baseball field for 7 and a half hours today ... wow, and I wonder where the time goes!

Given that the boys were off for these past few weeks I gotta say they played very well. Both Harrison & Spencer pitched beautifully, like real pros and Spencer had a a great hit which should have taken him just to first base, but because of errors on the opposing team he got all the way to third base. Granted it was Spencer running. That kid has wheels like nobodies business.

It was great to see all the parents after our brief break. There were mixed feelings and conversations among the parents about school starting tomorrow. Some parents were looking forward to getting their children back into a routine while others were dreading the grueling grind of up early, early bus drop offs, crazy studying & homework and of course high school sports which really do take over a family's home life.

I'm ambivalent. Part of me looks forward to the boys having a routine and learning, yet there is something great about not driving in traffic across town to get to class on time (we are NEVER late) and watching them labor over their school homework for hours. I never remember school being this difficult or challenging. Their classes are insane and now entering 10th grade they have AP classes (Advance Placement courses) which are college level courses. We never had this offered to us in 10th grade!

So my boys along with 600,000 plus students will return to school tomorrow. All their parents are laboring over the same logistical issues... LAUSD is the largest school district in the country and tomorrow these students return to school.

If you are wondering whether your morning commute to the office will be impacted, the answer is yes!

Happy Back to School Los Angeles students! May the year be productive and successful for you and your families!

Day 147: We Will Never Forget

As the country takes a few somber minutes to honor those that perished on September 11, 2001, I too take a deep breathe and a moment of reflection to remember all the innocent lives lost on that tragic American day.

I think of all the men and women serving around the world to defend our rights to be educated, to practice our faith, to vote, to have a democracy to live in ...

God Bless them all ... and God Bless America...