Day 121: Only 90 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 120: Steroids, Acupuncture, & Chiropractor

Well, the college boy Brandon is not getting better, in fact he's gotten worse. So today the doc prescribed steroids and Tylenol with codeine. We hope once the meds kick in he will start to feel better. Real bummer to be so lethargic and uncomfortable and in pain.

The high school boy Spencer is still battling chronic neck pain. We have tried chiropractor visits, acupuncture treatments, traction and he has no relief from the pain. Not sure what our next steps will be to fix this pain. He's not sleeping well, and is constantly having to twitch his neck to decompress the vertebrates that are way too compressed for a 15 year old boy!

And while Harrison has no ailments, he's just being a pain in the ass about participating in the Camp Harmony program. Both Harrison & Spencer will be camp counselors at Camp Harmony -- a camp for underprivileged, homeless and foster children throughout Los Angeles. The campers spend one week at Camp Hess Kramer being free of the emotional and physical challenges of their lives.

Harrison's life is so perfect and blessed and he should give of his time, especially to children who need this week so much. I'm his mother and I need to guide him and teach him and if that means making him participate in a program that he doesn't want to because I believe it will enrich his life, then that's what I need to do. It's called parenting! He's really giving me a hard time about going and it's driving me crazy! He's acting like a spoiled teenager and I will have none of it!

Ahh the joys of parenting !

Day 119: Yep, He's Got It

So the college boy, Brandon, tested positive for Mononucleosis. Short name MONO or the Kissing Virus. Bummer. He's only got two weeks left until he returns to college and this pesty little virus knocks energy out of your system among other symptoms. I suppose it's better he got it while he's home over summer rather then while in school or goodness forbid during baseball season! That would have really sucked.

While people joke that it is the "kissing" virus, the truth is that there are hundreds of ways for saliva to be transmitted. Little children share lolly pops. Kids drink out of each others straws. In college students live in close quarters in the dormitories laying on one another's pillows ... so there are plenty of ways for saliva to be shared (gross, huh?). I guess it's just more fun to say you got it from kissing!

In any event there's nothing fun about the virus. Brandon's lymph glands are so swollen he can barely swallow anything. His eyes are so puffy he looks like he's having a bad allergic reaction. These are all symptoms of the virus.

Tomorrow he sees Dr. Bluestone, our pediatrician since birth, and there is a chance he'll have to go on steroids to combat this virus. All I know, is that he returns to school in two weeks and I'm really hoping the worst of it is over by then, even though many people experience mono symptoms for months! Ouch!

As a parent no matter what age your child is, you never want to see them not feeling well, but it is all part of the parenting process. Young boys grow into teenagers, they go away to college, they share saliva and they contract this icky virus.

Let's just hope Brandon recovers before the end of August!

Day 118: A Comment From The Author!

Oh my gosh I can't control my excitement or my honor! I received a comment today on my Blog regarding my Day: 110 post about Summer Reading Assignments. The post was about how my High School boys, Harrison & Spencer, have reading assignments over the summer and how I feel about such homework over the summer.

I listed the titles and authors of the books the boys selected to read and shared with my followers how I always read the boys' summer selected books. I had started this when Brandon, the college boy, entered Middle School because I was curious about adolescence and believed that reading novels directed to this age group could enlighten me more about what is going on in those crazy minds during teenage years.

I shared in this post how I find reading teenage books a tremendous insight into what our teenagers are going through developmentally in their lives. I have always enjoyed this summer treat of reading their books.

Well, can you believe that one of the authors I listed actually found my BLOG and sent me a message! I mean can you believe this!?! I really am still in shock that a published author took the time to send me a message on my silly Birthday Blog! I am so honored and moved by her comment. Below is the beautiful message she sent me:

I had to comment here even though writers are not supposed to admit they ego-google. But I'm outing myself because I wanted to congratulate you on your wonderful and responsible attitude toward your children's reading assignments. It is a refreshing change from the growing number of parents who read children's books in order to censor not only what their own children are allowed access to but in attempt to control the reading choices of other children. There is so much quality work being written and published for kids and teenagers. Kudos to you for recognizing its value. Melissa Wyatt

(If Harrison has any questions about Funny How Things Change, tell him to feel free to contact me through my website: www.melissawyatt.com. I'd be delighted to respond.)

Needless to say I am in love with this woman for her thoughtfulness and that she took the time to respond so lovingly! You can bet that when Harrison & I finish reading Melissa Wyatt's book we will be following up with her! I'm thinking that perhaps we invite her to Palisades Charter High School to speak to his English class! I'm really so very touched that my post resonated with the author.

Maybe I am on to something with this blogging daily...maybe I do have some words that are worth reading...thank you Melissa for this wonderful boost for a local blogging writer!

Day 117: Where I'd Be Right Now

Had I opted to go to Law School, I'd be in class right now! School started this week. Not sure how I'm feeling about it. On one hand I'm bummed that another year will pass without working toward my law degree, but on the other hand I am relieved!

Relieved that I don't have the financial commitment and relieved I don't have the brain commitment.

I can't imagine juggling the class load with my boys still needing to be parented. I've talked about this before. For all you naysayers who don't believe teenagers need parenting, I'd like to see how screwed up your kids are... or you don't have children so I really don't give a damn what your opinion is on this parenting issue.

I opted to not pursue law school because it would cost me close to 100k and I just can't justify that expense with three sons to put through college. Brian and I made a pact a long time ago that if possible we want the boys to graduate school debt free. It's an ambitious goal considering the cost of college. We already have one in a private university and who knows what the other two will opt for.

I've had my run with school. I went to both undergraduate and graduate school and hold a Master's Degree. I paid for that degree for many years after graduating and it ain't fun, so if possible the boys will not have to carry this debt. That doesn't mean they don't have to pull their weight. Translation: they either are collegiate athletes or collegiate workers!

Anyway back to the law school issue... given the way our business has been the past few years (meaning very down!) and the uncertainty of the economy, I just couldn't make the plunge and feel like a responsible adult doing it ...

So while a part of me is very disappointed, the other part of me is happy that I can continue being the Mom I want to be to my boys while not running our family into debt. It means also that I can continue working in politics and continue to make change to better the lives of women. Not a bad gig I say.

Maybe I'll win the lottery when the boys are all in college and then I can enroll in law school... who knows, but for today, I'm content not laboring over law books!

Day 116: Here, There, and Everywhere

Here, there, everywhere... that's how I feel ... Running to this appointment, scheduling that appointment, juggling every one's schedules ... there's the orthodontist appointments, more than usual as we pray braces will be removed before school begins in September. There are chiropractor and acupuncture appointments for Spencer's chronic neck pain; ACN meetings to host at the house to promote our new business which is taking over Brian's life; College boy having blood work done to test for Mono, hoping it's just a sinus infection!; Visiting relatives post surgeries; School shopping for socks, shorts, backpacks and those damn school forms to be filled out; Apple computer appointments; work commitments; political commitments; blogging commitments; marketing, cooking, endless loads of laundry; gas for the car; new car has low tire pressure, why!!!! Birthday presents to buy ... I think I am going to SCREAM!!!

I feel like I look like this woman in the photo above!

People wonder why I can't see them or return their phone calls... I can barely breathe and take care of myself so if you feel slighted, get in line!

Some days it's all too much and today was one of those days ... it just never ends. I'm exhausted ...

Day 115: 9 Miles

As I write this post very late tonight, I'm still sitting on ice packs! Oh my gosh! Adding one mile a week is going to be very painful for me. I increased my beach run this morning to 9 miles.

As I write this post I'm wondering how, if I feel this sore and exhausted, am I going to run 13 miles in less than a month for the Disneyland Half Marathon? The answer is, I don't know!

Seriously, I really don't know how I could run more... maybe it's just how I feel at the moment: sore, aching, wiped out... that is creating these thoughts in my head, but the thought of pounding out an additional 4 miles seems unattainable.

The new problem are the blisters that develop after each long run on the side of my feet. Huge, painful blisters. Might be the fit of the running shoes ... and then there's the burning on the bottom of my feet generated from the nerve damage originating from my lower back. Ouch is all I can say. I am running with A LOT of pain and now blisters.

Gee, I can't wait till next week when I get to run 10 miles!

Day 114: School Emergency Forms

Ugh! The boy's school packets arrived today with endless forms to be filled out and dates to be paid attention to! UGH!!!! Once those arrive it's like you are suppose to shift back to school mode, but school doesn't start for a month already! Not until September 13! I do not even want to think about Brandon returning to college or Harrison & Spencer going back to High School!!

Juggling all the back-to-school dates: one for registration; one to change your class schedule; one to book airline ticket to send college boy back to Oregon; then all the holiday schedules and juggling every one's schedule so you can coordinate to be together! Ugh again!

I resented receiving the packets today because now my mind has to absorb all these dates and I feel pressure to get the forms filled out and returned by all the varying due dates! I don't want any more dates to remember in my head! It's enough with all that we have going on now... the new school year always brings endless dates and commitments and I'm not in the mood today!

While I know it's inevitable that the boys return to their studies, I just wasn't ready to get the packets today reminding me that it's just around the corner. I want to soak up every minute left of summer with them and these damn forms are an eyesore on my desk!

Day 113: It's Official

Well there's no turning back now! I have registered and paid for the 2011 Los Angeles Marathon! The commitment has been made and it is very real! Not sure if I'm happy or regretful with this decision! My legs and back ache and I'm scared to death of running 26.2 miles! But it's done.

First I have to accomplish the Labor Day half marathon at Disneyland. That's in less than a month. If I can complete that race successfully I'm sure it will give me a boost of confidence toward the full marathon.

The LA Marathon race is Sunday, March 20, 2011 beginning at Dodger Stadium and ending at Santa Monica beach. I'm running it, not walking it. There's a HUGE difference between the two. Believe me I've walked that many miles before and it is tough and requires lots of training as well. But to run that many miles requires even more attention and training as your body is just not designed for such a physical challenge.

I'm excited that I made the commitment to participate in such a physical challenge in advance of turning 50, but there are days when I ask myself, why this? Why didn't I choose something less strenuous to honor the Birthday? Well, it's a little late for that. I have always said that running a marathon was on the "bucket list" and I figured what better time to knock that item off the list then in advance of a milestone Birthday. So the commitment has been made, there's no turning back now.

My mantra, Run Robyn Run!

Day 112: Signifigant Friendships In Death

I attended a Celebration of Life today for a special friend of someone I care about. This woman was one of the original walking trainers for the very first Avon 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk back in 1998. That was the year that sister Michele and family gal pal Cheri and I all took this amazing journey together.


Our Mom had passed away just a few years before and it felt like the right project to throw our energy into. It was the VERY FIRST of the "walk" type charities that you now hear about daily. It was 25 miles per day for three days straight. We walked from Santa Barbara to Malibu, California. We slept in tents the two nights we were on the road. It was an amazing experience.

So there was a woman named Suzanne (which happens to be our Mom's name!) who put together training sessions in advance of our walk in order to train the folks participating on this trek. We would meet at Coldwater Canyon Park and walk up the trails. I was not a regular, choosing to train on my own time schedule as I had three little tots and needed to work around their schedules, but Cheri was a regular and remained friends with Suzanne until her unfortunate death a few months ago.

Cheri was left the executor of Suzanne's estate and today she hosted a beautiful memory to Suzanne's life. Women who were involved in the Avon walk for the past dozen years were all in attendance sharing their thoughts and memories of Suzanne.

Suzanne had been a survivor of breast cancer. When the horrible disease reared its ugly head again in her life, she knew it was just too much for her to fight. She opted for another course.

Suzanne didn't have any family in the area, and trusted Cheri enough to give her the difficult task of taking care of her effects after her death. Suzanne would be proud with what Cheri has accomplished. Today was a lovely ceremony about the beautiful life Suzanne lived, not the tragic circumstances in which she left us.

We should all have a friend who will be so committed, loving, kind, respectful and sensitive when we pass. Especially in the absence of family. Cheri has been that person to Suzanne and so today I attended to support both Suzanne's life and Cheri's commitment to the value of a life.

May we all live our life so that it is rich with friendship and with people who are willing to care for us even when we are absent from the earth.

May Suzanne rest in peace wherever her soul and spirit have landed.

Day 111: Supportive Fathers

Lots of activity on the No on 8 issue here in California. Why can't people love who they want? Never quite understood why people are up in arms that gay and lesbian couples want to marry! I say let them have all the joys of marriage (ha ha). I mean seriously the rights afforded to a married couple, should also be extended to those that love one another and want to commit on that level.

An old high school buddy of mine named Sylvia has been in a relationship for years with her partner. Her parents have been in a 54 year marriage committed to each other. Here was her father's Letter to the Editor published in the Los Angeles Times. I found it so fabulous that I want to make it today's post:

After 54 years of marriage to the same woman, I must be near the top of the list of people who have credentials to talk about this subject. I don't want to hear anyone who has not been married for at least half a century to the same person to talk about how sacred or meaningful the institution of marriage is. That would reduce the noise level to a whisper.

I am particularly offended by the idea that if two people who happen to be the same sex are in love and want to make a commitment to each other, that they will destroy the nature of marriage.

Marriage is more likely to be diminished by the Bristol Palin/Levi Johnston marriage comedy.

I see no evidence that the politicians and crusaders have done anything to alter the 50% failure rate of American marriages.

It is time to change the subject and let people make their own decisions.

-Charles

While I haven't made it 54 years yet, I have been married for 23 years to the same person. I couldn't agree more with Charles and his opinion. Everybody calm down and let's allow more folks into the club!

Day 110: Summer Reading Assignments

Not sure if I appreciate the summer reading assignments given to the boys or resent the project. Haven't quite decided yet. Every summer I go through the same thoughts. Part of me rejoices that the boys have to read and are given this assignment. I feel grateful that they have to read a book or two accompanied by a very detailed writing assignment. The other part of me resents any assignment that interferes with summer. I tend to lean more in favor of the former, because if it were up to me I'd have them reading everyday, but I lost that battle a long time ago.

So today the boys selected their summer reading books. Harrison's going to read, Funny How Things Change, by Melissa Wyatt and Spencer will read All The Broken Pieces by Amy Burg. Neither one are easy reads. Both have difficult subject matter. The first deals with a teen struggling to make the right decisions post High School and the latter is about an adoptive Vietnamese boy who has to examine his past.

Call me funny or odd but I read the summer books they chose to read. I started this when Brandon hit High School. There's something very informative about reading novels directed to adolescence and the teenage years. When you read about characters in this age group and the issues they deal with, I believe it makes you appreciate and or understand what your own children might be going trhough in their lives. It's just another way for me to learn more about the developmental stages of this becoming of age period in their life.

I love to read and wish I found more time to do it. I go through periods where I always have a book on the nightstand and can't seem to put it down, to dry patches where I'm not reading anything. I can always count on the mid summer read with the teenage books though. Give it a try... read your son's or daughter's books this summer ... I think you just might enjoy the challenge and learn a little something a long the way.

Day 109: True Women's Empowerment

I can't control my excitement! Congratulations to Elena Kagan for winning the nomination to be our next Supreme Court Justice!

Wow. A Jewish gal from New York goin' all the way to the highest court of the land. You rock it sister and you make me so proud!

For the first time in history the Supreme Court will have 3 women justices. Thank you President Obama for nominating two of these accomplished women.

No doubt the dialogue in the court chambers will shift as the influence of a "women's perspective" will be contributed to the conversation. And this is a very good thing for all who come before the court.

I also love that Ms. Kagan is 50 years old! So young!

As this Blog is showing as I chronicle my days from 49 to 50 years old, life continues to be plentiful and magical at this ripe and seasoned age.

Kagan will be sworn in on Saturday and join two other equally accomplished and remarkable women on the Court. A great day for American History and especially for women's accomplishments.

Day 108: Too Much Loyalty

When you have been a loyal patient of an office or a long time customer or client of say your hair salon, your dentist's office, your chiropractor's office, your nail salon, or any of the hundreds of offices we all visit regularly, don't ya think you deserve some special lovin' for all those years of loyalty? Well I sure do. I am a big fan of customer service and of taking care of the folks that keep comin' back to you. I do believe people who stick with their doctors and service providers for an extended period and are regular customers should be thanked for our long time commitment.

That's why I get so peeved when after YEARS of going to an establishment I either feel like there is no extra lovin' shared or I'm treated with out the respect I clearly believe any customer deserves. Is this just me or do you feel the same way?

Why is the dentist office receptionist so rude and unfriendly? All five of us Simon's visit the dentist each 3 to 4 times a year. We are very attentive to our dental hygiene! Do you know how much business that is? It's certainly not chump change. At least be nice when you greet us when we arrive to have our teeth polished.

Tried to refill Spencer's skin medication today. Same medication he's been using for some 5 months now. Need the dermatologist office to call back regarding filling the prescription. As I write this post I still have not received a call back from the doctor's office after two days of leaving voicemail messages. Really? After spending thousands of dollars in this office over the past 18 months for my skin cancer issues and Spencer's skin issues, you'd think a return phone call would be in order.

Last week I took the boys to our chiropractor for adjustments and I ran an errand while they ran up to the office. I returned 45 minutes later to find them STILL waiting to even see the doctor. What! I've been a patient of this office for 17 years, in case that didn't soak in ... 17 YEARS. I understand emergencies come up. I understand schedules get backed up. I know how to be flexible, but really the office didn't know for 45 minutes that they were running behind? You could have given the patient an option of rescheduling if you knew the back up was that long. It's called being considerate of our time too.

I could probably go on and on with examples of what I consider to be rude, inconsiderate, incompetent behavior by services providers who reap valuable resources from loyal patients, customer, and clients.

I could take my business elsewhere, and in the case of the hair salon I did. Couldn't deal with the rudeness and the waiting hours with a scheduled an appointment. Funny thing is after some 30 years - yes 30 years as a customer I have never even received a courtesy call as to why I don't come to the salon anymore. Really? How is that possible? I guess business is so good for them they don't need me after all these years and all my referrals ... just sayin' ...

But I can't finish this post without a positive story of AMAZING customer service. When we were in Las Vegas recently, my niece Olivia needed a prescription filled for a nagging deep hacking cough she couldn't shake. We headed to the Walgreen's to get the prescription filled which was not an easy task. First the doctor had to be called and connected with the pharmacist. Then Olivia had to reach her parents to get their insurance information and so on. But after an amazingly patient darling pharmacist did her job so well, Olivia was handed her drugs.

I casually mention that I too need a prescription filled -- my tummy pills -- which I ran out of that day but I told the pharmacist that I didn't have the medication information and that I'd come back tomorrow. She said, no worries I can fill the order with just your name and birth date... within 5 minutes I had my drugs too and a huge smile on my face. I didn't have to travel back to the drugstore while on vacation and hassle with filling the order. I was so impressed with this young woman that I posted a "Great Customer Service" comment on the Walgreen's website !

So as I said I could move my valuable business, I mean we are a family of five so a doctor's office benefits plenty from us being patients... but then it would just be starting all over, and I said I'm loyal sometimes to a fault.

Day 107: Back To Reality

Ahh, returning from vacation... always a drag, isn't it !?! All you want to be doing is going back to the fun and relaxation you experienced while you escaped your busy life, but reality kicks in and you've got to do what's got to be done! Bummer I say!

Oh well, we are back into the swing of things already! Both Brian and I worked out hard this morning -- I mean really, we had to after all the food we consumed during our Las Vegas get-away... did you read my posts with all the restaurants we visited? I'm stuffed just reading my entries!

Then it was off to the grocery store because your cupboards are always bare when you leave town; then off to take Spencer for his Acupuncture treatment; then loads of laundry; then endless errands including a stop at the Santa Monica Seafood Market to buy fresh fish for dinner! Feeling like we need to eat lite after all that was consumed the past few days!

While I was tending to our home & children, Brian was laboring away at the office and then is hosting an ACN meeting tonight so his first day back will be long and brutal. I'm catching up on all the mail, emails, voice messages, paying household bills, and running kids here and there while also updating my Blog!

One thing I always love about going away, is not driving! Not to get in the car and fight traffic is such a delight for me! Not sure how you feel about it, but never having to worry about driving is a pleasure for me. We walked everywhere in Las Vegas and that was such a treat! Today I was all over the City fighting stupid drivers and traffic and wishing really I was anywhere but behind the damn wheel of a car!

So back to reality ... you have to live through this in order to have the vacations... so here we go again ...

Day 106: Final Day in Las Vegas

I've lost track of dates and times because we've been on the "go" and having so much fun! Today of course began with a beautiful brunch, followed by fun in the sun and then off to see the O Show, a Cirque Du Soleil performance at the Bellagio Hotel. I think we hit almost every fabulous hotel during our visit to Vegas, just crazy how much we have accomplished!

The show was beautiful! It was a water themed performance with magnificent gymnasts, divers, dancers, contortionists, and many former Olympians. A real treat to watch their beautiful bodies and showmanship. We all loved it! Given it was our last night we had one last unbelievable meal at Le Cirque, the famous French New York restaurant. Oh my gosh! I wish I had a video of what was consumed and the looks on the kids faces as they gobbled lobster, foie gras, risotto, souffles and goodness knows what else! A very special way to top off a very special 4 days with the family!

The boys are ready anytime we say "Vegas Baby!"

Day 105: 3rd Day in Las Vegas

Well we are really on a roll now! Unbelievable dinners, great entertainment, great people watching and sight seeing! We hit the roller coaster at New York, New York Hotel for Spencer to ride. He is an insane roller coaster rider! We hit the M & M Factory, always a treat for us chocolate lovers. The kids toured the wildlife exhibit at the Mirage where the lions, tigers and sharks are on display. They loved it!

Took a trip over to the Mandalay Bay Hotel to eat another amazing meal and we learned that this particular night the hotel was hosting one of the biggest boxing matches of the year! Who knew! Diaz & Marquez, a rematch between these two sluggers. If you follow boxing you'd know this match. The place was insane!

Pictured here to the right are the "boys" Harrison, Spencer & Brian with the boxing Tecate Gal! You should have seen those boys faces!

Well Harrison went crazy wanting to see a live boxing match with 12,000 spectators. Brian has never been to a real boxing match so I said go for it... we are in Vegas baby! The boys hit the fight while the niece and I relaxed back at the Hotel and rested our feet from all the walking!

Later we met the boys for once again another delicious meal at NOBU, the famous sushi place at the Hard Rock Hotel. My beautiful niece proceeded to get "hit" on from a handsome young man from Montreal... but when he learned she was only 17, he said call me when you are 18! We had a real good laugh on that one! Another action packed, fun filled day in Las Vegas!

Day 104: 2nd Day in Las Vegas

Slept great in the suite with the black-out shades! We do not have curtains in our bedroom at home (that's a long story and a post for another day!) so it is really a treat to sleep in a hotel room where it is completely dark and the linens are so crisp and yummy!

We of course awoke hours before the teenagers so we wondered down to check out what was being served for breakfast at Bouchon, a beautiful French bistro --- original location is in Yountville in Napa Valley and founded by famed chef Thomas Keller. He recently opened a Bouchon at The Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills and we love it! So it was a treat that this restaurant was in our Hotel and we were so excited to try their yummy breakfast. Eating breakfast together on a weekday is such a treat for Brian and I and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

I had my favorite morning beverage -- an Americana coffee and Brian drank a freshly dark brewed cup of Joe. We were in heaven. We then toured the entire property and were amazed that even though we have visited Vegas many times in the past -- beginning when we were young and pre-marriage and family -- we had never seen all the amenities at this particular hotel. The teenagers didn't awake until noon -- but you know they didn't go to bed until 2 a.m. so this was very Las Vegas!

They awoke and ate and we all spent the day poolside! Then we caught the LOVE Show, the Beatles musical created by Cirque de Soliel, performing at the Mirage Hotel. We were all so impressed and thoroughly entertained by the beautiful athleticism and set production of this production! Really a treat to take your children to live theatre!

The show was followed by a delicious dinner at famed chef Mario Batalli's restaurant B & B Ristorante back at The Venetian Hotel. A scrumptious Italian meal was had by all!

Day 103: 1st Day in Las Vegas

Well we arrived safely in Las Vegas yesterday afternoon ... drove up in the new car with complete comfort! The three teenagers in the backseat all plugged into their technology -- Apple computers watching a movie! Brian and I had a chance to breathe and catch-up and just sit together! Life is always crazy for us and we needed some time to just "be" together in the same space!

Pictured above are Harrison, Olivia, and Spencer under the GORGEOUS floral garden at the Wynn Hotel. A must stay hotel for our next visit to Vegas!

Remember Harrison & Spencer have never been to Las Vegas before so you can imagine their surprise when we rolled into town and the chaos began! We stayed at The Venetian Hotel-- two suites and the kids were drooling! So were the Mom & Dad!

Pictured here to the right is Spencer checking out the "Venice Canal" at the Venetian Hotel!

After we dropped our luggage and oohed over the rooms we headed out to give the kids a quick tour of the property. Wow! Las Vegas is a food heaven for us foodies, endless choices of fine dining and casual eating!

The first night we had a beautiful dinner at CUT, Wolfgang Puck's steak house which you can imagine with growing teenage sons and the niece who loves beef too, this was the bomb of a way to kick start our trip! We dined, laughed and toasted that we finally got these kids on a road trip to the wild desert!

It was a sweet way to begin our mini getaway!

Day 102: Vegas Baby

We are loading the car up and heading to the Big Lights today! We are taking a road trip to Las Vegas with Harrison, Spencer and beautiful 17 year old niece Olivia. The boys have never been to sin city, I mean they just turned 15, why should they have been there before!

Given that we are such a foodie family, we will be checking out the great restaurants and hope they live up to the boys standards, especially budding chef Harrison! We have a list going of all the favorites we want to dine out... And I have always wanted to see the LOVE Show, the Beatles musical so we will be seeing this show. The teenagers should know who the Beatles are and be exposed to their music!

We've been told there's a roller coaster and Amusement Park at Hotel New York, New York so that's on the list as well. Spencer loves rollercoasters, me I can't stand them!

Then there's the M & M Candy Factory, a must!

We are staying at the Venetian Hotel for free! We used our American Express points and scored two adjoining suites! Look, we are spending the money anyway to pay for groceries and life so it feels good to get a little something back for our many purchases!

Brian and I love the sun and lounging by the pool so we are hoping to sneak some time to do this as we both need some downtime and relaxation, although I'm not sure how relaxing Las Vegas is! But just being with my family together on a road trip in the sun showing them a place they've never seen before will be a pleasure! And having the niece along is a sweet treat!

I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun stories to share! I only wish Spencer was 21 so he could play poker and win us some money! Ahh, soon enough!

Vegas here we come!

Day 101: 8 Miles

Wednesday's are beach run mornings. Today was gorgeous. One of the first days where the sky was blue and the sun was shinning ... for the past few months early Wednesday morning's have been white skies and overcast.

I have carved out Wednesday morning's for the long run of the week with shorter runs and cross training on alternate days. Today was great. I ran from the Casa Del Mar Hotel past Temescal to the County Lifeguard Station and back. 8.2 miles. My legs are fine it's the blisters on my feet and my nerve pain in my lower back and tush that are on fire. So as I write this post I am sitting on two ice packs, one on each cheek of my behind! Good times!

While I applaud myself for completing the 8 miles without dying I still can't believe I need to get to 13 miles by Labor Day weekend. That's when I'll be running in the Disneyland half marathon with my pals Mickey & Minnie Mouse ... so I've still got to continue increasing my miles to reach this half way goal of 13 miles.

The strategy is one step at a time, one mile at a time and the inner belief that my body is strong and I can make it to the finish line. No different than the strategy applied for most goals we want to achieve. Whether it's physical fitness, diet, child rearing, work advancement, relationship improvement, all of these take a plan to achieve.

So while I am in pain, and discomfort, I know this will pass as I continue training my body for the physical challenges of running a full marathon. I want to be strong and able for many, many years to come and giving in to your age or your aching ailments as excuses for not pushing yourself, is just a weak state of mind and not a place I want to live in.

So I'll lace up those cute pink Nike running shoes I have again next Wednesday and head to the gorgeous coastline to run another 8 miles, and then 9, 10, 11 , and well you get my plan!

Day 100: 100 Days Toward 50

Wow, I can't believe I have been 49 years old for 100 days now! And I'm even more surprised that I have written 100 posts to my daily Birthday Blog! It feels great to stay focused and committed to a goal that you have personally set for yourself.

Other goals I have stayed true to include my running and training for a Marathon in advance of turning 50 years old. Also, flossing, I've stayed true to this goal too! What goals are you working on? Are you keeping them? Send me a note with what personal goals you have set for yourself and how you are doing on that journey.

Writing daily about the musings of my life is very cathartic. You get to share the happy going ons and also vent about what's bothering you or pissing you off. You get to share interesting articles you read and lend your voice to them. You get to be inspirational and share anecdotes that might encourage someone to be uplifted. Or might make someone pause and think about something I have written about.

Remember when you were little, many of us kept journals or dairies. We wrote down every tiny little detail about our lives. What cute boy we liked at school. What teacher was a meany. What we thought about our parents and siblings. It was like a treasure book -- full of our life and everything important to us.

Writing a daily Blog about your life is really no different except it's shared with the world. One thing age offers you is the strength to not hide anymore what you are feeling. There's no reason to have a shield anymore... in other words what you see or read, is what you get.

I'm not trying to be the best of anything, I'm just trying to live each day to its fullest -- some days I succeed in this mission and other days I fall very short of this expectation. I hope you are enjoying reading about my daily happenings as much as I enjoy writing daily.

As I celebrate the 100th post, I hope you will share with me what more you'd like to read about ... you are on this journey with me and I'd love to hear from you.

Day 99: Embracing Eastern Medicine

Took Spencer for his first Acupuncture treatment today. He has been experiencing severe neck pain for some time now. He sees our trusted chiropractor regularly, but has not received enough relief from the adjustments alone so we thought we'd incorporate Acupuncture to his physical therapy routine.

Gal pal Caren recommended an Acupuncturist who she and her son Jake have been seeing with great results. So Spencer and I ventured to Dr. Tan's Art of Wellness in Santa Monica. Got to hand it to the 15 year old teenager for not losing it with all this holistic and nontraditional therapies we introduce him too. Part of that is because all my boys have been seeing Dr. Khalsa, our family chiropractor since birth.

So there we sat Spencer and I in the waiting room that reeked of Chinese herbs awaiting our consultation with Dr. Qineng Tan. After our meeting Dr. Tan explained the needle placement and the treatment. Forty-five minutes later Spencer emerged from the treatment room like a zombie, in another zone, totally relaxed. I was so happy to see him be so calm and peaceful and hoping that our new treatment plan will bring him some relief from his neck pain.

Dr. Tan suggested a blend of herbs for Spencer to drink in addition to the acupuncture treatments. It's no fun living with constant pain as I can attest to since I live with it daily. My nerve pain in my lower back and tush area is a constant and it makes my intense exercise routine even more challenging. But Spencer and I are troopers and we keep on goin' despite the discomfort. Hopefully this new treatment will work and if he finds relief, I may just have to follow him into the treatment room for some needle injections too!

We will keep you posted!