Day 332: 50 for 50 ... Are you Attending?

Do you like me? Do you like to support women running for office? Do you like to socialize with cool people? Do you like a swanky venue? How about good food & drinks, do you like them?

Well my dear, if you have answered YES to these questions then I better see you on Thursday, April 14th for the 50 for 50 Celebration!

You say, what is the 50 for 50 Event? Well, my lovelies, it is a chance to raise a little dough for my favorite political organization, National Women's Political Caucus, while also celebrating my milestone 5-0!

So for 50 bucks you can be a champ while also having fun ushering in 50 more years for me! Not a bad deal I say! And if you are feeling flush you can even consider sponsoring the event for a little more contribution!

Click the link below for all the lovely details... Hope to see your smiling & supportive faces on April 14 !

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

Day 331: 202 Calendar Project is On Baby

I hosted our National Women's Political Caucus communications meeting tonight and it was very productive. Among the many issues we covered, the one I'm most excited to share is that the NWPC Women's Leadership Calendar is on!

For those of you who joined me for three years at our calendar event, you know it's a super inspiring evening and one that I, along with Board members, Jill Prestup and Rebecca Simon, birthed several years ago.

The Board opted to skip production of a calendar last year for various reasons, but this year we are back on! This is an event where we get to showcase 12 outstanding women leaders in our community.

We also get to celebrate the success of our LA Westside chapter by honoring our endorsed women candidates, acknowledging our partners in the community who work with us to elect more pro choice women to office, and to provide a fabulous socializing event for our membership.

If you are a NWPC member and want to be part of the event planning, for what will surely be another spectacular event, please contact me... the more lovely hands we have, the more we can achieve!

If you are not yet a member of NWPC LA Westside, what are you waiting for... visit www.NWPCLAwestside.org

Day 330: One Week From Today

Well, this is it... countdown time! One week from today I will be finished with my first (and only!) marathon! Whew! It's been a long haul and I'm visualizing crossing that finish line! I have chronicled my running journey throughout this Blog, including all my aches, pains and challenges.

This personal birthday challenge has not been an easy one.... throughout the past year during training I have often asked myself, "Why the hell did I pick this as my Birthday present? Why not a trip to Hawaii, or the spa, or something that is more pampering?"

Well the answer is I wanted a physical & mental challenge... something I have never completed before, but had always wanted to achieve.. and if not now, then when? So one week from today, it will be Run Robyn Run! Join me at the finish line if you can!

Day 329: Check Out My Boy

Sometimes Mama Bear just has to share news about her cub! Check this boy out... College boy Brandon is having a stellar baseball season and we're just gettin' warmed up!

So very cool! Makes my day... makes me happy and places a giant smile on my face!

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

Day 328: A Full Day

It was a long, productive day. Kicked off with a great workout at the park in the sunshine... then a very informative meeting with the California Forward folks... check this group out they are performing some really terrific work on behalf of moving our State's economy forward and suggesting we rethink the way we govern (because it ain't workin' people). Check them out at
http://www.cafwd.org/ideas/entry/framework-home

Join the conversation by adding your thoughts, comments & suggestions!

After this very cool exchange Brian and I headed out to Birmingham High School to watch Harrison & Spencer play ball. Great game, and some great playin'. The boys batted one right after another and both got hits... watching them both on base together was so sweet! Harrison pitched 5 innings and had 5 strikeouts. Sweet again!

Then we joined Lu & Ron Barzilli and their son Elliot for a yummy dinner. It was a great way to spend a Friday, busy & productive, but very rewarding.

Day 327: My Zoe

After a week full of campaigning, and loss, and heartache... it was refreshing to host my niece Zoe for dinner tonight. She attends Utah State University and is in town for Spring Break. I was so happy she could join me and the boys for dinner tonight.

Harrison suggested we make lamb. Gotta love that child. I mean really seriously how many 15 year old boys suggest lamb for dinner? So we ate a yummy dinner and laughed and talked and it was great.

Can't believe how the kids are all growing... after this week it was refreshing to have the distraction of teenager issues and forget about my "big adult" campaign drama, etc. And for a person who is really not a fan of lamb, I gotta tell you, it was pretty damn good.

Maybe all in the world is working out.

Day 326: The Day After

Well there is carnage, that's for sure. How could two of my women incumbents lose their seats? How I ask? Damn!

Beverly Hills City Councilwoman Nancy Krasne, a true champion for her constituents, lost her seat. Nancy was a great supporter of mine when I ran for LA City Council and I'm just heartbroken over her loss.

NWPC endorsed candidate Lili Bosse did prevail so I am happy to welcome her to the council and to elected life... I just wish she was going to be joining Nancy on the council!

West Hollywood City Councilwoman, Lindsey Horvath lost her bid as well. Damn. I wrote a lot about Lindsey's race and the ugly tone the campaign took... what a disappointment and loss for us all. I'm heartbroken for her too!

Incumbent WeHo Councilwoman Abbe Land did prevail so thank goodness we still have her voice on the council.

And as I wrote last night, my Marisa Perez, candidate for Lakewood city council lost her bid too. And we wonder why more women don't' run.

Let me tell you a positive story...

Marisa called me this morning to debrief the campaign and reflect on the outcome... during her campaign a professor from Long Beach State University had offered his government class students an opportunity to receive school credit in exchange for real life experience working on a campaign.

Some 60 students showed up to work on Marisa's campaign after she visited their class and spoke passionately about why she was running. They volunteered by walking precincts, making phone calls to voters, assembling & delivering lawn signs... it was real hands-on experience for these students.

The professor phoned Marisa today to say he thought she ran a positive, professional campaign and thanked her for her interaction and mentoring efforts toward his students.

He then gave her the best compliment a candidate could hear, which brought her to tears... He said, "Marisa, you gave my students HOPE ...."

I cried too when she told me this story. The truth is in life we get so few opportunities to really make an impact and a difference, whether it is in our community or with young people.

Marisa showed these students that a young woman with a family and a passion could launch a professional campaign and have class throughout it all.

Hope, that is a gift that continues to give whether you win or lose.

Day 325: Disappointed

It's been a long day and night. And a very disappointing one... several of my gals had bad nights at the polls ... more than anyone I know how a loss can sting, and it does... it really hurts.

My sweet Marisa Perez was a complete unknown and gave the Lakewood establishment a good run.... but she came up short tonight in her bid for Lakewood City Council. We worked all day calling voters and gave it our best, but in the end we couldn't pull it off.

The thing is though, Marisa will wake up tomorrow morning and still have her darling parents in town visiting from Texas, her supportive hubby Rudy, and her three healthy precious children. I'd say she wakes up a winner no matter if the voters of Lakewood elected her to office.

And in West Hollywood it's a tragic loss. Lindsey Horvath who was appointed to the council two years ago, lost her seat tonight. What an ugly, nasty election .... don't know why people have to be so negative. Who cares if she was appointed ... you had a chance to vote this time around, you didn't need to be nasty.

And in Beverly Hills, Lili Bosse was victorious, but incumbent Nancy Krasne's race is too close to call. And we all wonder why more women don't run for public office... it's a tough business, very personal, emotional, ugly, and that's just the campaigning part! I'm exhausted from the past few weeks... more tomorrow!

Day 324: Abbe, Lindsey, Marisa, Nancy & Lili ... You Go Girls!

Oh my fabulous West Hollywood candidates... what an ordeal it has been. What a battle they have endured... the endless attacks on ridiculous Blogs, Facebook postings with no merit, countless unsubstantiated articles... it has been quite a spectacle. And it is painful when the attacks are directed at people you love and admire.

Wow, I've said it before on my Blog, it brings up horrible memories of what I went through. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone... the campaign attacks are brutal. They can be mean spirited and hurtful.

These two women are accomplished in their own right. If you do not want to support them, don't. But don't stoop so low as to write untruthful material anywhere you can find a keypad... be productive and spend your time supporting your candidate.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Los Angeles county.

I've got two great women in Beverly Hills that I'm supporting, Nancy Krasne & Lili Bosse; I've got my Marisa Perez down in Lakewood running for City Council; and I've got my two girls Lindsey Horvath & Abbe Land making us proud in West Hollywood.

Do what you can to spread the word about these terrific women who will make a difference in their communities. You want them at the table making policy for you... I assure you, you do, so make it happen!

Day 323: More Campaigning ... It Never Ends

The thing about Elections... is there is always one around the corner!

This Tuesday, March 8th is Election Day, you say, "what, I didn't know we have an Election!" Start paying attention people! Lots of great candidates (and not so great) and important issues that as voters you should all be paying attention to!

Today I spent the day stomping for my girl Marisa Perez. Marisa is running for Lakewood City Council. Wow it's been a battle, but she kicking ass!

Nothing like a small hometown community to get things shaken when you have a young, beautiful Latina woman with three young children running! Whew, the sparks can fly... but no worries, Marisa and all of us supporting her are cool and confidant that her outstanding record of public service will be all we need to say.

She is an accomplished woman with many accolades to her credit ... at just 38 years old she has 14 years of experience in public policy, including a stint as a budget analyst for a former President working in the White House... she is a loving mother to three adorable children all 5 and under... and she's a great friend. Her parents have traveled here from Texas to support their daughter in her run, it's an entire family affair!

Win or lose on Tuesday, Marisa is already a winner baby!

Now get out and vote on Tuesday!

Day 322: And I Wonder Why I Am Tired?

I logged 34 miles of running in five days this past week. I am mentally & physically exhausted. I can not absorb one more person, thought, project, chore, ask... between juggling work on several campaigns for women I am very committed to, training for a marathon in 15 days, shuttling boys to far away baseball games, planning meals, consoling grieving friends, counseling others, tending to elderly parents, I'm done. Toast as they. I really need to rest.

That's not gonna happen though because tomorrow I'm off to Lakewood to walk precincts, then family Sunday dinner at Dad's and then on Monday the running starts all over again... oh please give me the strength for my body and mind to persevere as I am being very tested.

Day 321: The Rookie Takes to the Mound

Play Ball! Today was the first league game for Palisades High School Baseball! The boys play ball year round, but today the season kicked off. We are playing in the Royal Tournament and this afternoon we were at Granada Hills High School in the San Fernando Valley.

We didn't know if teenagers Harrison & Spencer would get a chance to play much as this was their first game as official Varsity roster players. Spencer had moved up months ago and was playing regularly in the pre-season games, both pitching and playing infield.

Today it was his brother's turn. Harrison Simon took to the mound like a pro. With his long lanky legs and beautiful form he released that sweet baseball and let the batters have it. It was beautiful! He delivered for his team and showed why he was asked to move up as a sophomore pitcher.

If you follow my Blog regularly you know that baseball is a constant theme. Not just in my posts, but in my life. With three sons who all play ball, and have since they were 5 years old, you can bet I love this game and I LOVE watching them play.

Honestly there are few activities I enjoy more then watching their beautiful faces & bodies when standing tall and strong on the mound ... such poise, and control... it warms my heart and never gets old.

Good thing too, because tomorrow there's another game!

Day 320: GOTV

Get-Out-The-Vote... I was back phone banking tonight in West Hollywood for Abbe Land & Lindsey Horvath. Yikes the campaign has developed such an ugly tone.

Pictured here are Lindsey and me at the 2009 National Women's Political Caucus Calendar event!

Why can't voters just use their ballot to mark their decision... why all the nasty comments on Blogs, FaceBook, trashy newspapers... you want to support a particular candidate, great go for it, and if you don't then exercise your right and vote for the candidate of your choice.

When I was running for LA City Council, in a city and district multiple times larger then West Hollywood or Lakewood where Marisa Perez is running or Beverly Hills where Lili Bosse & Nancy Krasne are seeking election, the Blog-machine was a war of words. Nasty, negative, unproductive garbage was posted about me and other candidates as well. Just rhetoric based on nonsense. And very hurtful too.

Marisa called me today to say she had read a very nasty post about herself on a local Blog, I immediately said, "Don't read that garbage!" It's mean spirited, full of lies and is written by people who have nothing better to do then right crap on the Internet.

Ah, such is the life of a candidate. There are good days, and there are rough days. You do have to be tough, thick-skinned and believe that you are running to make a difference.

I applaud all my sisters who are on the ballot next Tuesday, Election Day, March 8th! So Get-Out-The-Vote for these wonder women!

Day 319: 23 Miles...

Whew! Today was the last long distance run before race day on March 20th. Just 18 days away now till the LA Marathon. Hard to believe I have been training for one year for this race! We ran 23 miles today! And I felt great when we finished... so I'd say I'm ready! Months ago I couldn't even imagine running 20 miles, let alone going over that to 23 miles.

It's been a very long, and strenuous challenge. I am tired and sore on a daily basis. I have experienced incredible almost debilitating pain in my feet, lower back and tush area. Excruciating pain to the point where I questioned what the hell was I doing.

But I made a commitment. A personal challenge to usher in my 50th year of life with a physical goal, and I'm sticking to it. The goal and victory is so close now. Just need to continue being healthy, have no injuries and continue training so I'm as fit as possible on race day. It has not been easy, but I know crossing the finish line will be filled with sweetness (and relief that it is over!).

Day 318: One Week Until Election Day

Okay kids, we've got one week to get the message out about our endorsed candidates! What are you doing to help make this happen? I hope you can take a couple of hours over the next week to support one of your favorite candidates be victorious on March 8th.

It is very important that women, and these women, have a voice for the policy that will be set forth in your communities. If you have not read my previous Blog posts about who I am supporting...here's a recap.

In the city of West Hollywood I am supporting incumbents Abbe Land & Lindsey Horvath.

Both in a tough battle, especially Lindsey, who was appointed to office two years ago and has push back from some who were not happy about the process. The campaign has taken a very ugly tone. I phoned banked again last night for these two candidates and believe me any time you can give to connect with voters and encourage them to support Abbe & Lindsey, will make a difference.

If you have never made calls on behalf of a candidate, join me this Thursday at Abbe & Lindsey's campaign office and we'll do it together! I promise you will feel so proud that you took an active role in your civic responsibility!

In Beverly Hills I am supporting incumbent Nancy Krasne and first time candidate Lili Bosse.

Pictured here is me with Nancy at an event that she attended on my behalf when I was a candidate for city council.

Both Nancy & Lili will continue to serve their city well and make us proud!

In the city of Lakewood I am supporting Marisa Perez. She too is in a very tough race, running against a very entrenched bureaucracy where council members have held office for 30 plus years. On Election Day I will be pounding the pavement for Marisa encouraging her supporters to get out and VOTE.

These are accomplished women and they have made a very tough decision to run for office. I know this first hand. It is tough, emotional and personal to run for office and be pounded everyday by your opponents and naysayers. Please do what you can to ensure a victory for these fabulous women who will truly make the decisions you would make if you were in their role!

Day 317: Remembering Papa Nat

Today is the one year anniversary of the passing of a very special man. Papa Nat as he was known to so many, has been gone for one year. Hard to believe that a year has passed.

Pictured here is me with Nat and Suzee Markowitz. Nat is responsible for introducing Suzee and I 20 years ago, and as you know she is a dear special friend.

Nat Sherman touched the lives of so many and has left an indelible mark on all our hearts. His grand generosity, kindness, tenacity, and love was shared with everyone he met. Not just his immediate family, including his beloved wife Lois, and children and grandchildren, but all the people whose lives he touched a long the way.

The memories created with Nat over a relationship that spanned some 30 years is what warms my heart. He loved my mother Suzanne unconditionally and was an outstanding father & grandfather. He is missed very much today, but remembered in the hearts of us all.

Pictured here is Nat with his lovely Lois... We miss you very much Papa Nat!

Day 316: Go Willamette University

Today Willamette University wrapped up their fourth and final game in a 4 game series in Southern California.

Yesterday they played a double header. First game at Claremont-Mckenna, a win for Willamette ... second game against Pomona College, unfortunately a loss for Willamette.

Today we played Occidental College in Eagle Rock, California. It was pretty much a blow-out, Willamette 17, Occidental 2. It was a beautiful day, with sunshine, a beautiful campus and surrounded by fabulous Willamette parents and family Auntie Stacie and cousins Elias & Gabriella. Brandon sure is a loved kid that is for sure!

I am exhausted from all this baseball, driving, conversations... every bone in my body is aching and I didn't even take to the field (ha-ha!).

In all seriousness, thank you to all the dear family & friends who came out to show their support & love for Brandon and us... it was a magical weekend, with a birthday celebration, lots of great baseball at the college level, dear friends & family...

A special thanks to Brandon's good friend Kalli Norimoto for coming home from her Arizona State University to celebrate Brandon's birthday and attend his games, and for taking all the fabulous photos you view on my Blog...

Pictured here are Brandon & Kalli...

It was a whirlwind weekend... Go Bearcats, Go Brandon...