Day 206: When A Friend Needs You

I cherish my friendships. Always have. And I take them seriously. I also give a hell of a lot to my relationships. I mean I really give. Of my time, energy, love and compassion. That's why if I feel you don't show me the respect and mutual love that I believe a friendship requires to be successful, then I move on. I have way too many people in my life and not enough time to waste it being in the company of those who I believe have either "dissed" me, not treated me right or basically don't give a damn about me. I give too much to be in this type of relationship.

Another quality I have is loyalty. I have written about my loyalty to people, vendors, friends, and family before on my Blog ... I stay forever... if you are a soul sister or brother, you'll have my heart forever, but not if you treat me wrong. As I approach 50 I have evaluated a lot of relationships ... those that don't offer me anything, have been dropped. I feel like it's an honor to have me in your life. And for my true, dear friends they are cherished and honored in my life.

I received a call today from a friend I met more than 30 years ago when we both were enrolled in an internship program in Washington, D.C. during our junior year of college. She was from New York, me from Los Angeles. She was an Italian Catholic, me an LA Jew. We bonded then and it's lasted all these years. We had our first child the same year. Her son is now a sophomore at University of California, Santa Cruz, mine at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. We both went on to have two more kids... I flew to Berkeley to attend her baby shower and she returned the love to me by flying to Los Angeles during my campaign.

She left a voicemail message today for me. After listening to it I had a pinge in my stomach. Something wasn't right. Her voice didn't sound like the soulful, joyful voice it had always been. This friend was so committed to our friendship that during my campaign for City Council in 2009 she flew to Los Angeles with her teenage daughter during the GOTV (Get Out The Vote) part of my campaign to walk precincts and cheer me on. She wanted to show her daughter a real woman's champion.... I couldn't have been more touched. I had friends here in LA that didn't show up for anything, yet here was a person who flew into town to be with me during one of the most significant times of my life. That says a lot about the character of a person and about our connection.

So today when I heard her voice I knew something was up. When I called her back I reached her voicemail ... I left a message saying I was worried... she sent me back an email saying that she was en route to pick her son up from school, but indeed she was in a funk, and asked how the hell did I know? I knew because that's what friends do. They know when a friend is hurting.

When was the last time you checked on those you cherish? If it's been awhile you better get a move on!

Day 205: Our Bed Update

Those of you following my Blog have read about our bed saga. After 10 years we purchased a new mattress. When the new mattress arrived and we slept on it for a few nights both Brian and I agreed it felt like sleeping on a slap of cement. While we both prefer a firm mattress to a soft one, this was way over firm!

So after some two months of giving it a try, we realized it was time to return the mattress and select a new one. As you know if you have ever bought a new mattress, this is no easy task. So today Brian and I were once again laying on several mattresses in the middle of the store. What an awkward experience it is... you feel like your sharing a bed with lots of strangers!

I almost fell asleep at one point on one of the mattresses. I figured that was the one to go with.... don't ya think? I couldn't decide though if it was such a great bed or my body was just so tired from running 7 miles up hills this morning and then running around like the mad woman I am. Come 4 o'clock when we met up at the store I was due for a nap I thought!

In any event, Macy's was terrific and agreed to take our mattress back for no restocking fee and we placed an order for the new mattress. Should arrive this week. I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep because I gotta tell you, it hasn't been a smooth sleep for the past two months.

Ah, what we do to sleep like a baby again!

Day 204: 15 Years Today

Crazy to imagine, but my mom, the beautiful Suzanne Sherman, passed away 15 years ago today, November 7th. She was 55 years young when her dreadful cancer got the best of her.

I know I join with my sisters and family & friends in saying that we all miss her. I went to the cemetery today with a huge bouquet of orange flowers. Like me, she loved Fall and all it had to offer. She was born in October, had auburn hair and loved Halloween & Thanksgiving as much as I do.

She loved the beach too. This picture is taken in front of her home (the grey one with the yellow staircase in the background) in Santa Monica. I am pregnant with my twin boys. I gave birth two weeks after this photo was taken. She died 3 months after this picture was captured.

When someone dies so young, you have to hold on tight to the memories you created together when they were alive, otherwise your mind drifts to all that was missed in their absence. Like how my twin sons Harrison & Spencer were only 3 months old when she died ... or that my niece Esme, wasn't even born. But she carries Mom's name, Suzanne, as her middle name. Or that she never got to see her daughter Jennifer graduate from college or fall in love. How many things she missed out on, and how much we all missed out on not having her here.

All of Suzanne's children and grandchildren carry on her memory & legacy - that's what they mean about the circle of life. So invest everything you can in making memories with your loved one's so that when they are gone the warm thoughts of you being together will carry you through on dark days like today.

Rest in peace Susu.

Day 203: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwichs

I've lived in Los Angeles my entire life... 49 years. Except for 4 years in San Fransisco to attend college and 6 months in Washington, DC to do an internship at a television station during my junior year of college. So I am always up for finding a new spot that I have not visited before or even known of ... always a surprise to me to learn of a new eatery that's been around along time.

After Harrison & Spencer's baseball game this morning, a bunch of the Dad's were taking the boys for Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. Of course my meat eating boys wanted to join in. So off we went to find Philly West Bar & Grill on Westwood Boulevard in Westwood. Never heard of the place, but I was up for the adventure.

What a surprise. It's a little hole in the wall joint that serves one of the best beef sandwiches for 5 bucks! We gobbled our yummy sandwiches while 3 huge TV monitors played the college football games. To say my boys and their teammates were happy is an understatement! Watching them mow down their Philly steak sandwiches was so fun and I was so happy to find a new divvy bar & eatery! Can't wait to go again!

Day 202: Teenage Music

Until you've driven 5 teenage boys home on a Friday afternoon in bumper-to-bumper freeway traffic with rap music BLARING from the car, you really have not lived motherhood! Oh my gosh I believe my ears are still ringing, but I loved it!

We had all the windows down and the music -- no joke-- was pumping, you know loud enough to make the car vibrate! And the boys were singing and I was laughing! I'm sure neighboring cars thought I was a crazy woman (well that's partially true!) for playing my music so loud with so many kids packed in the car!

One of my favorite rap songs is "Thug Mansion" by Tupac... do you know that one.... Gotta Go To Thug Mansion ... recently they've introduced me to the group Atmosphere, a Latino rapper, and Kid Cudi ... are you up with these groups parents? Well ya ought to be because this is the happening music of the day... just like for me back in the day it was The Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire and Genesis.

Music changes every generation... and every generation complains about the current music ... always referring to their music as being better. But not me. I love listening to what they listen to, except all the profanity laced songs .... those I need to turn off as they just are not creative when you have to rely on swear words over and over again to make your point.

I love Usher, Nelly, Justin Timerlake, Kanye West, Jay-Z (although I love his wife even more!) and some of the more current Eminem music (his older material was way to full of rage and anger especially toward women). I suppose he's grown up and his music is reflective of that.

My favorite R & B and Pop women artists of the day include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and the fabulous country star Carrie Underwood. The boys think these women rock too.

Relating to your teenagers through their music is one more way to make a connection. You don't have to love every song or artist but at least give it a try .... it's fun and it sure helps you get through the long traffic jams on the LA freeways!

Day 201: They Remember & Care

Just when you think your children don't pay attention to you or your actions, or don't care, or don't remember or that you didn't leave an impression on them .... and an exchange comes along like this.

My teenage boys Harrison & Spencer have their Traditions Baseball Formal Dinner coming up next week. Coach is very strict and requires all players to wear a coat and tie, to show respect for their team and for their parents who graciously support the baseball program with their resources (So much for public education being free, that's a myth, you pay for everything!).

The annual dinner is for parents and players to become acquainted and is intended to raise money to fund the baseball program. It is very expensive to maintain a field, to purchase equipment, to hire umpires & coaches, etc. So it's a fundraising dinner. We attended last year and it was a lovely way to get to know parents and players.

The boys have outgrown every stitch of clothing in their closets so we had to make a dash to Macy's to buy formal wear. Harrison bought a beautiful new navy pinstripe suit (42 Long!) and Spencer selected a gorgeous Ralph Lauren blue blazer and khaki colored slacks. They both look smart in their new duds.

Mom saw a lovely silver dress ... when we got home I tried the dress & shoes on for Spencer to enlist his opinion of the outfit (don't want to embarrass my children at a baseball function that's for sure!)

Spencer said "great shoes" (love that!) and thought the dress looked fine. I said two things. One, we don't dress "fine" we dress outstanding or we don't go!

And two, "I also have a great red dress I could wear instead." He said, "No you wore red last year!" I said how did you remember that? He says, "because you stood out, the only Mom in red!" I cracked up and said, "Well I'm glad you noticed and remembered. That's the way you want to dress so you stand out... you never want to blend in!"

Then I go downstairs to ask Harrison if he remembers what I wore the previous year and he too says a red dress! Oh my gosh I love these boys! Just like their Dad, they pay attention and notice the important things, like what their Mom was wearing!

So when you think your children don't care about you being around, or spending time with them, or talking with them or what you wear or how you present yourself in front of their school and friends, think again, because chances are they remember everything!

Day 200: Election Wrap Up & 200 Posts

Many of us are recovering from a very long political season. So many candidates and issues ... so much money raised & spent, too many phone calls & campaign literature ... too many television ads! I believe Californians were feeling besieged .. welcome to campaigns. Until the process is changed or voters adopt campaign finance reform, this will be the beast we contend with every election cycle.

Well, I'm very happy today with the results. My candidates WON and Prop 23 went down in defeat. While many other states may be licking their wounds, Californians had very few defeats. Yes, Nancy Pelosi lost her Speakership, and depending on how you felt about Prop 19, many see this as a victory that it lost. There are several other tight races yet to be called, but for most of my endorsed candidates, I saw victory.

All my gals won, Holly J. Mitchell, Laurie Lieberman, Barbara Boxer, Debra Bowen, Julia Brownley, Betsy Butler and maybe even Kamala Harris ... as this post is being written she is leading, but it's too soon to declare a victory just yet, not like her opponent did last night!

And I supported Chris Coons against Tea Party candidate Christine O'Donnell in Delaware and we won! I mean really anyone who doesn't "believe" in masturbation (never heard of that party affiliation before) didn't deserve to win! Congrats to Chris!

And today is symbolic as well for me! I can't believe this is my 200th Post on the Birthday Blog! Wow! Kudos to me and all the fabulous women candidates who will be leading our State!

Thank you all for being on this Birthday Blog Journey with me!

Day 199: VOTE

There is nothing else to talk about today then VOTING.

I have written for months about my thoughts on candidates and issues on the California ballot. I have also talked about important races throughout the Country.

Whatever your party affiliation or your political leanings, I urge you to exercise your right and VOTE today.

In my local Assembly District (47th) Holly J. Mitchell is my candidate.

In Santa Monica, I support a dynamic education leader and our friend, Laurie Lieberman for Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Board.

Also in Santa Monica is incumbent Assemblywoman Julia Brownley who is up for re-election, she has my endorsement.

For California Attorney General I am supporting San Fransisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

For Secretary of State incumbent Debra Bowen has my vote.

And if protecting choice for women is a concern for you, there is no other candidate then Barbara Boxer for the Senate.

And I have discussed my views on Proposition 23 frequently on my Blog. A NO VOTE of Prop 23 will protect California's powerful and vital environmental policies.

Please join with me to support these candidates and issues. Even if you disagree, still vote ... vote for all those around the world who don't have a voice and don't live in a democracy. Your VOTE really does count, and matter ... I know this first hand!

Day 198: More Great Shots (Not the Kind You Drink)

Today was a recovery day! Whew the house sure looks like a party happened here! But it also looks like a great time was had by all the trick-or-treaters!

Thanks for all the new great photos that were sent our way ... here are some more memories from the Simon Halloween Bash ...

Check out Farrel & Roe ... they looked great in their costumes! Love how creative adults get with their costumes!

And the little one's still floor me with how damn cute they look ... checkout Buzz Light Year!

And checkout the teenagers ... they are too cool to dress up, but they still enjoyed eating chili and watching the adults be so silly!

Pictured here are sons Harrison & Spencer and niece Olivia.

Another Halloween for the books ... can't believe it's already November 1st! Wow ... thank goodness I've been chronicling my daily happenings because I can't remember all the activities I've hosted or participated with, or all the people I spend time with, and all the issues that are important to me.

It's been great to be able to go back and read my previous posts... it always reminds me of what a full life I have and how blessed I am ... thank you all for being a part of this adventure!

Day 197: Trick-or-Treat

Wow, another fabulous Simon Halloween Party! If you didn't make it by our house tonight, then you missed a very festive event! We had delicious food, especially the five different chili's that our guest chefs cooked for the Chili Cook-Off! We drank lots of Black Vodka, we danced, we laughed and we celebrated! People wore terrific costumes and a good time was had by all!

If you can see in this picture I have a black pole attached to my back, I was a pole dancer, hysterical! And hubby Brian was my biggest tipper.

Check out my friend Rebecca Sanchez and her darling husband and daughter Ava ... all dressed as Raggedy Ann & Andy... too cute!


And we had Batman & Catwoman looking fabulous! Underneath their masks are Greg Germansky & Jacky Holler.

And checkout Lisa & Gregg Martin as Teletubbies, too darling !!!








Jill Offer and sis Michele were a chef & a pumpkin ...



And the Bell's, Stacy & John were Pocahontas & the Lone Ranger!


And Halloween would not be complete this year without Snooki, attending the party! Check out Rebecca Simon as the Jersey Shore's Snooki!

I can tell you I enjoy Halloween more then my boys, that's for sure! I'm just a big kid... I love all the costumes and the creativity, I love giving out the candy to all the adorable little trick-or-treaters, and I love celebrating with friends on a very fun and festive Halloween. This is a wonderful tradition the Simon Spooky House has created!

Day 196: Chili Time

House smells so good tonight.... Brian and Harrison have been chopping and simmering and cooking for hours to prepare the famous Simon Chili for our Halloween Chili Cook-Off Contest! Lots of yummy meat and peppers ... mmmm good! So far we have 5 Chili entries for the Contest, so it should be fun to sample them all !

As I have written about before, Fall is my favorite time of the year ... the house is all decorated very festive for Halloween ... neighbors have been walking by for weeks saying, "we were waiting for you to put your Halloween decorations up!"

Just when you think no one cares, or notices! All the little kids in the hood have been having so much fun watching our electric spiders move back and forth, and the strop lights flashing on the ghosts & goblins draping from our roof. It sure is fun to watch their sweet faces light up!

So tonight we've been preparing for the big bash tomorrow... we even tested the Black Vodka out! Yummy to that too!

So who said Halloween is only for trick-or-treaters? The adults can have some fun too, and we intend too!

Day 195: My Long, Luscious Hair

Like most women, my hair is my biggest accessory! I mean let's face it, when your hair looks great, you feel great! And when it's a bad hair day, well let's just say it could be a bad day! You know what I'm talking about don't you gals!

And if you think I'm making this up, check out the billions spent on hair products and accessories every year by consumers. It's a booming business my friends. For most of us, regular maintenance of our mane includes a cut & color. But nowadays the stakes have been raised and there's so much more offered to "spoof" up the doo.

Everyone from celebrities to "housewives" are adding locks with extensions of every variety. It no longer is just for movie stars, the average gal can have the hair she's always desired!

I've worn hair extensions for years and the products keep improving. You have your weaves but now your wefts as well. There are sewn in weaves and clip ons. And your color options have increased as well. There's not just highlights anymore, but now lowlights to add dimension and character to your style, which I now have.

There's lots of discussion about whether women of a certain age should continue wearing their hair long, or cut it off. Are you kidding me! If women have beautiful and healthy locks, keep them any length that you are comfortable with is what I say! When I was young in my 20s and on television I had short hair. It was a great look for me. My hair was easy to manage and always looked professional, but fun and youthful too. Now in my 40s my hair is the longest it's ever been, of course with assistance (those extensions!).

I was never one of those girls with the long flowing thick hair and I always wanted that kind of hair. Now I get to have that hair and I'm lovin' it. Ladies, whatever makes you feel strong, powerful, sexy, and a champion is the look you should go for and if that means enhancing your hair, go for it!

Here are my recommended hair ladies. For the BEST cuts, color and blow-drys check out my ladies at Salon Dione, owners Rebecca & Eka will hook you up! http://www.salondione.com/

For extensions I've got two superstar ladies for you. Karisma has been weaving my locks for the past year and she makes house calls http://www.karismacompany.com/

And my sister Michele turned me on to another hot hair spot. Hair in Vogue in Brentwood. Owner Linda will analyze your hair and consult with you on her recommendations. She too provides gorgeous hair for purchase and performs outstanding weaves. http://www.hairinvogue.com/

Whatever your desired style, know that the options are limitless these days. I remember when the only hair accessory you could find was a wig, but nowadays we have many more choices. So if you are feeling like you need a "pick me up" with your style, color or length, I say go bold and go big girls!

Day 194: An Honor for Dad

Tonight I took my Dad to an IREM Dinner. IREM is the Institute for Real Estate Management. A professional organization for property management leaders committed to education, training and professional development.

Dad was involved with this prestigious group for many, many years when he still owned his real estate property management company, The Joseph L. Yousem Company. He was both the LA Chapter President and National President of the organization. A very big deal.

I still remember my sister and I and Mom flying to San Fransisco in 1976 to attend his installation dinner, he was installed as national president. Tonight he was recognized as a President Emeritus and presented with a special recognition. I was his date and it was an honor.

Two former employees threw their arms around Dad when they saw him and told me he was the best boss they had ever had. They also said that because of him they continued their participation in IREM and had pursued leadership positions within the organization.

Pictured here with Dad and me is his former employee and friend Farzaneh Tofighi. She is a past President of the LA IREM Chapter and is the Chair of Education on the National Board of Directors. She credits Dad for introducing her to IREM many years ago.

I couldn't have been more proud of my Dad. At 80 years old he is still the man, still has the Mo-Jo... He was the elderly statesman in the room. I wasn't sure if this made him happy or reflective or both. How many years ago had he stood at the podium leading the group to prosperity... how many years ago had he built his business into one of the premier property management companies in all of Los Angeles and beyond ... he was a true leader in his profession.

Now his days are spent living a life full of rewards after working for so many years. His passions include golfing, reading, cooking, and spending time with his adult children and grandchildren. A very full life that was honored and remembered tonight. I was honored to be his date and his daughter tonight.

Day 193: Running Up Temescal

So this morning's run took a different course. We began our run at the usual spot, in front of Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica .... ran all the way up the bike path, heading North till the end, circled back and when we hit Temescal, we headed up the incline! Whew. Talk about using your calve muscles and your tush! WOW.... it's a killer run. May not appear that way when you're driving up, but try getting out of your car and walking or running it and you'll see what I'm talking about!

My boys have to run that loop for baseball practice and until you've done it you can't appreciate how challenging it is! Brian tells me he can bolt up the entire hill without stopping! Show off. I can't run the entire hill, but that's a goal for me... to be able to run the entire distance, from Pacific Coast Highway to Palisades High School without stopping!

We'll see! Run Robyn Run!

Day 192: The New Lingo

For those of you raising teenagers, you may be familiar with some of these words, or maybe not!

So tonight while eating dinner with Harrison & Spencer, and niece Olivia, my son Harrison says,

"Oh Mom that's because you're so FADED" ... I said what? How many of you know what that word/term means? Really, how many of you?

I consider myself a pretty cool & hip Mom ... I try to stay in tune with youthful attitudes through their music, interests and Face Book, but these terms just crack me up. What ever happened to Groovy, Bitchin' or Rad?

Turns out Faded means you are really high (as in stoned, not high on life!), but Harrison meant it as if I was so out of it not following their conversation so I was Faded, get it?

Or how about Sesh ... I'm in a sesh now (as I'm in a session of homework or whatever now).

Or you could use Dank to describe something really good.... this Blog is so Dank!

Stop being such a Noob, meaning a nerd or rookie!

You're looking so Fresh, as in fly or stylin'!

Or this is Legit, meaning you're down for this, it's legitimate!

Okay I'm laughing all over again just writing these silly words.... but every generation coins new phrases and words. I'm sure my parents laughed at all our "made-up" words and phrases to describe expressions, thoughts or feelings.

I mean "Face Book Me", didn't exist 7 years ago, now it's part of our English vernacular!

So I hope you think my blog is dank, I think it's pretty fresh ... I'm heading into another writing sesh and it will be legit because I won't be faded this time when I write my next post. Stop being a noob, and get with the program!

Day 191: Laugh A Little

With all the sad news and loss this past week I thought I'd post a photo that always makes me smile and laugh. It reminds me how we should never take ourselves too seriously ... as you can see from this photo my family doesn't take me very seriously sometimes ...

In a family portrait taken a few years ago, I said "now everyone smile" and look how my goofy boys smiled ...

Whenever I need a "pick me up" I look at this picture! I love the age of the boys here and where our life was at when this picture was captured ... all my chicks living at home... before they all became teenagers, when I could still dress them, hold them, and smother them with kisses ... this was one of those moments where I wanted to freeze time, have it stand still ... whenever I need to "regroup" and shake off whatever is tugging at me, this is my "go to" picture that can snap me out of a "blue" mood...

Doesn't it make you laugh too?

Day 190: Such Loss

I attended a Mass service this evening at a church in Sherman Oaks in honor of Conor Lynch, son of Jeri Lynch, a woman I met many years ago. Jeri and my good friend Matt Ober attended law school together. When Brian and I were introduced to Jeri many years ago she was an instant favorite. Full of life and always the life of a party.

The years have flown by and like us she too had three sons. I saw her about six years ago at Zachary Ober's Bar Mitzvah and we got all caught up on our boys and their very busy activities including lots of sports. Her son Conor was a cross country runner and a Junior at Notre Dame High School.

This week while running with his teammates he was hit and killed by a car. What a tragic loss for his beautiful Mom and Dad, his two Brothers, his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and for his community.

As I sat on a pew during tonight's service I was surrounded by beautiful teenagers all there to show their honor and respect for a friend who had fallen too young. I was so overcome with sadness seeing all their beautiful faces, so young and full of life having to confront death so early on in life. How do you tell your son his best friend, classmate, teammate, has been killed at just 16 years old?

There's just something so wrong with a child leaving before his parents. There are no magic or comforting words to say in a situation like this. It was a horrific accident with fatal consequences. As a Mom I can't possibly comprehend the anguish Jeri must be experiencing.

I said a private prayer for Conor. Once again, hug your children.

Day 189: Band of Boys

The college boy was in town for a few days -- semester break. Loved having him home, even for a brief stint. It felt like a fraternity house this weekend around the Simon house. We had a house full of boys which means lots of food & fun. Absolutely my favorite way to spend time ... cooking and hanging with my boys. I love them all...

Having Brandon home and Harrison & Spencer around with all their friends was the perfect medicine for my aching heart. This week was plagued by the loss of too many young sons. I have posted about their tragic deaths. I still can't wrap my arms around how a Mother ever gets over losing a child. I guess that's why I was feeling like we should really embrace the kids these past few days. Keep them close & snug to us. So we did.

Checkout this picture of us all at dinner...

lots of laughter & smiles! Given the sad news this week I was so happy to be surrounded by my family and to relish in their company ... it's what life is all about!

Day 188: Another Son Lost

Did you read about the shark attack today? Oh my goodness, a 19 year old college student was body-surfing in Santa Barbara and was attacked and killed by a great white shark. The shark tore the young man's leg off his body while his best friend watched in horror.

Another mother goes to bed tonight weeping for the loss of her son.

My eldest son is 19. He too is a college student. It's unimaginable for me to think about receiving the phone call that tells you your child is dead. Yet, this week alone two tragedies took the lives of two young promising men. Two days ago I posted about the 16 year old Sherman Oaks boy who was killed by a car while running with his cross-country track team.

The UC Santa Barbara student killed by the shark today was on the water polo team, he was a lifeguard, and an excellent swimmer. The LA Times quoted his father as saying they knew their son died doing what he loved, being in the water.

The teenager called his Mom right before he entered the ocean. He wanted to share with her how excited he was about the good waves... that was the last time his mother heard her son's voice.

I don't know why I'm so drawn to these stories. I suppose it's because I can't imagine anything more horrible than losing a child. So once again I remind us all to take stock in what we have.... to feel blessed that we are alive & healthy and that our children are safe.

Hug them again tonight very tightly.

Day 187: Fighting for Her Baby

Just when you think stories can not be any more heart wrenching, along comes a report that just breaks my heart.

How many of you caught the story this week on the nightly news about the would be purse snatcher in Venice? This thug attacked a woman from behind in the hopes of stealing her handbag. He was in for the fight of his life because there was no way this woman was going to give up her purse.

Now many of you are saying, "why the hell not, just give the thug your bag, and save your life," but some things are worth dying for.

Turns out the woman had in her bag a phone with a recorded message of her baby who had died the year before. The baby was saying "mama" and "cooing" ... it was the only memory left of her baby and she was willing to die to hold on to that special voice, that beautiful cooing, all she had left of her baby.

This thug messed with the wrong mother... she already lost a child, she'd be willing to die to hold on to the small memory left, and guess what, so would I ... how about you?

Click on the link below to see the violent attack. It will make you sick.

VENICE, Calif. ( KTLA) -- The victim of a violent purse-snatching attempt in Venice is speaking out exclusively to KTLA about why she would not let go of her bag, even when the suspect dragged her by it down the street.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-venice-purse-snatching-victim-speaks,0,6926679.story

Day 186: Still Recovering

Ran 12 miles today in the rain. Yep, there we were at 6:30 a.m. this morning running through Venice Beach in the rain. We watched the homeless wake up, the storefronts open up, and countless other dedicated runners out there hitting the pavement.

What a kick I got out of looking over at a fellow runner and being so surprised to see it was Congresswoman Jane Harmon! I mean there she was a United States Congresswoman out running by herself. No security detail. Rep. Harmon represents Venice so it was refreshing to see her out in her 'hood!


When we were finished we had clocked 12 miles. No wonder I'm sitting on ice packs with aching legs tonight. This is madness, that's for sure ... of course until next week when we'll do it all over again and probably add miles. Run Robyn Run!

Day 185: A Terrible Tragedy

My heart is so heavy tonight.

A young High School boy was hit by a car and killed while running during his cross country class today in Sherman Oaks. The story is horrific enough, especially for any parent of young teenage boys, but made even more horrible for me because I know the parents.

All I keep thinking about is Conor's mother and how her heart is broken into pieces that will never be repaired. This is the second Mother I know personally who has lost a son this year.

A few months ago I wrote about a woman whose son was shot while working at a legal marijuana dispensary. And today to learn of another son taken from his mother is just unbearable. I could not even comprehend the pain and loss the family is experiencing.

Hug your children tonight.

Day 184: Half Way Through

Wow, hard to believe I have hit the half way mark of my year long Birthday Blog!

Think about this? How many things do you do EVERYDAY? Hopefully bath & brush your teeth! But most of us don't exercise 7 days a week or work 7 days a week, or participate in our hobbies 7 days a week. But I have written an entry in my public life diary EVERYDAY since my 49th Birthday on April 17, 2010. That's a pretty cool accomplishment. I made a goal, a commitment and I have stuck with it.

Got me thinking about the goals we set for ourselves and how many of us really stick to them. I feel as if I'm on a roll sticking to commitments. I made a commitment some time ago to train to run a Marathon in advance of turning 50. I'm on my way with 6 months to go. If my body hangs on, then I'll be running 26.2 miles on March 20, 2011.

I made a goal to write daily about my life's musings ... even if the posts are mundane or silly or serious ... I wanted to keep a daily record of how I spent the year leading up to 50 years old. I made a commitment to be the ultimate support system for my three sons and their education and baseball activities. That means driving all over the county if need be to attend games or traveling to Oregon to watch my oldest son play ball. That means rising before 6 every morning to cook them a hot breakfast so their minds can function better. It means taking an active role in their homework and all school activities. Don't ever underestimate your role as a parent and the influence you carry over your children's lives.

So today I celebrate sticking to my daily entries. It hasn't been easy to always write, there are days that I'd rather not chronicle, but that too is why I write. Because the Blog project is about logging the good the bad the ugly, because that is real and honest.

So I'm toasting my half way mark today! Thank you to all my followers who have joined me on this journey and my celebration!

Day 183: My Friend the Opera Singer

Okay, how many of you can say you have a friend that sings Opera? I bet none of you! Can you believe I have a high school gal pal who has been a professional opera singer for more than 20 years!

Diana Tash and I attended junior high and high school together. Last year was our 30th High School reunion and many of the gals from the old gang began reconnecting in advance of the summer reunion. That has led to a rekindling of so many lovely friendships. Since then we have all gotten together every few months to stay connected. I have Blogged about these gatherings and my girlfriends several times.

Today Diana was performing locally so I attended to support her and to hear her beautiful voice. It was such a treat to listen to her sing and to watch her perform. She is just enchanting as an artist and a joy to support. My Dad loves opera so I took him with me to the performance. He has not seen Diana for 30 years and thought she was a marvelous singer. She was so kind to have sent him her CDs and when he heard her sing he thought she had a magial voice and wanted to see her perform live. Diana's mom attended today's performance too and I hadn't seen her for 30 years! It was a big love fest seeing the parents and the parents seeing us "kids" who are now grown women. A really touching afternoon.

It's so fascinating the careers we choose and the journey we take that leads us to our passions work-wise. I am so proud of Diana's accomplishments and her talent. I think it's really cool that I can say I have a friend who sings opera!

To learn more about Diana's performances, visit her website at http://www.dianatash.com/