Day 153: Being A Better Person

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

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

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

Shana Tovah

Day 152: California's Attorney General's Race

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 151: A New Mattress

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

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


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

Day 150: Birthday Bliss

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 149: First Day of 10th Grade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oye, it's gonna be a long year!

Day 148: A Double Header

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 147: We Will Never Forget

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

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

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

Day 146: Dinner With My Niece

Every once in awhile your schedule opens up a window of opportunity. You can seize the moment or not. I of course always want to jump at the opportunity to have one-on-one time with any of my children -- my boys, my nieces, or nephews ... I consider them all my "children" ... it's a chance to connect with this special person in your life without other distractions.

Tonight I had the honor to spend time with my beautiful niece Olivia Bernstein. What a rock star this young woman is ... poised, smart, sensitive, beautiful ... I mean what else would you want to be at 17 years old? She is the entire package, that's for sure!

So her Mom, my sister Michele, is out of town, as is my hubby, her Uncle Brian... Big boy is at college and twin 15 year old sons, her cousins attended the Palisades High School Football game tonight, so I had the rare night to myself and I chose to be with my sweet niece, Miss Olivia as I call her.

We talked about her entering her senior year of school at Beverly Hills High School and how excited she is about this last year. We talked about her college applications, where she wants to attend, her first choice, her reach schools, her fall back campuses. All wonderful and exciting universities in terrific cities across the country.


Ah to be 17 again where you can have the adventure of college all over again.

What would you do if you had a chance to do it over? I recognize this is a loaded question!

So as we sat and talked about her life, her friends, her sisters, what she imagines and hopes for the next year and beyond, I was reminded of the circle of life. I can so clearly remember 17 and being in High School with her Mother, my sister, with Uncle Brian, my prom date, and how excited I was to be going away to college with best gal pal Jill who to this day is still a best gal pal.


Somethings will change along the adventure, but one thing is for sure and that's my love for Miss Olivia.

Day 145: May It Be A Sweet Year

Today is Rosh Hashanah. The holiday actually began at sundown last night. We kicked off the New Year with a sweet apples dipped in honey dinner with Aunt Michele & Uncle Michael, and cousins Esme and Olivia. We really missed Zoe and Brandon who are both off at college and Aunt Jennifer who is in New York and other family members that were not with us. (too many to list!)

At Rosh Hashanah we serve and eat a round Challah as opposed to the braided Challah eaten on Shabat. Do you know why this is? Because the round Challah signifies the circle of life. And this Holiday is about the circle of life and celebrating a fresh new beginning. It is a time for us to wash away bad feelings, thoughts, anger, resentment and start anew with our relationships and our life. (I recognize this is easier said then done!)

For those that know me well, and for those getting to know me better through my daily posts, you know that Fall is my favorite season of the four. I love when the cooler temperatures arrive and it's crisp outside. I love being able to light a fire to make the house cozy. I love the Autumn colors of burnt orange, brown and magenta. So when the Jewish New Year hits it's time for me to reflect on what the year has been about and what I'd like to have the New Year look like.

That requires a lot of self reflection and thought. Which relationships do I want to improve upon? Which relationships do I want to end as they are not healthy for me to be in or I don't get back what I give? How do I want to spend my time? With my children? With my partner? What professional work do I want to accomplish? How about personal goals. I've talked a lot about my running and my goals with respect to running a marathon. But what else? This is the time of year to wrap your head around such deep and meaningful questions.

So however you spend the Holiday... worshipping in synagogue, spending time with family and friends, being alone reflecting, I hope that you recommit to being the best person you can be... to continue helping others, and finding peace within yourself.

L'Shanah Tovah my friends ...

Day 144: The Annual Physical

Took the twin teenage boys for their annual physicals today. We have been patients of Dr. David Bluestone's since the boys have been born. It never fails that when I walk into his office I can still visualize myself schlepping there with two baby carriers, a baby in each, and Brandon the toddler shuffling along behind me. I would maneuver those boys like no bodies business.

Photo of Harrison & Spencer sleeping on Mama ...check out my t-shirt... it says VOTE ...

Nurse Laurie who has been with Dr. B for 35 years still remembers those days when I would come in for the boys visits. Every year now when I see her at the annual check-up she says how awesome and calm I was with those babies. Warms my heart every time I hear her tell me. Of course I remember the boys screaming getting their shots while I'd have to undress and redress them for their exams. Little did she know I was sweating like crazy and it was quite an act to keep three little boys happy while in a doctor's office.

Those are some of my fondness memories. I loved when Dr. B would say,"The boys look good Robyn. They have gained X amount of ounces and grown X amount of inches." Today's visit was measured in inches and pounds and you wonder where the hell did 15 years go?

I'm very clear on where all these years have gone. I have made a point of being present. Being present for all three of my sons. Giving up other activities or goals to be with them... and doing it happily with no resentment, no quilt. Because wisdom allows you to see that you have such a very short time with your children and then it's gone, so you better soak it up daily for as long as you can.

So as we made the annual trek to visit Dr. B I giggle thinking about how different the visits are now. Now the boys go into the room and see the doc on their own. I am no longer invited in because let's face it what 15 year old teenage boy wants his Mom around when his testicles are being examined! I mean really!

So as one son goes in I sit with the other, rubbing his back and remembering every year, every visit to the office that still has walls covered with endless photographs of babies including the three Simon boys... my heart gets warm, my eyes fill up but then they say something so funny that I laugh and I know I'll be okay... I mean it's not even my doctor's visit !

Day 143: Celebrating Mid Century

Attended a gal pal's Mid Century Birthday celebration this evening. Fun, fun, fun! I have known Linda Fenton (used to be Grossman) since High School. She lives in the 'hood and we have a deep fondness for one another even though we don't spend that much time together. Between children, work and life that happens a lot with good people.

Linda and her adorable husband Mitch were great supporters of mine during my city council campaign. Mitch was so awesome ... he stood on the corner of Robertson & Pico Boulevards waving VOTE FOR ROBYN signs on Election Day. Only real friends show up to do that job!

So Linda turned 50 .. all the gals at the soiree were already 50 or like me will be celebrating this milestone birthday within months. We laughed, talked and drank probably too much tequila... but isn't that what you're suppose to do ... let lose, because you've reached a place in life where you should be very comfortable with who you are and where your life is at ... this being said that doesn't mean we are not all working on making ourselves better people. I suppose that's what my personal running goal is all about. About pushing my body and mind to do more, to be stronger. We can always work toward being better.

Nancy Heim Reskin hosted our beautiful gathering tonight in her perfectly decorated and manicured home in Beverly Hills. Nancy in her own right is a rock star. Beautiful, talented and an inspiration. Her husband Victor was also a superstar during my campaign. Showing up regularly to work our phone bank sessions, convincing voters why they should vote for Robyn. Again it takes a quality person and a good friend to give of their time like that.

For those that showed up, I will never foregt and never stop appreciating what you did for me. Thank you!

So Happy Mid-Century Birthday my friend Linda... It was wonderful to be in your company tonight and to celebrate. Mid Century looks pretty damn good!

Day 142: The Day After

Today is the day after the big run! I'm feeling great. My legs are sore, which is to be expected... and I'm still dealing with past blisters which have never completely healed, but all and all I feel terrific! Woke up early and have been on the run all day.

In reviewing my race time we calculated that I ran just shy of a 14 minute mile for 13 straight miles, which put me at the finish line in 3 hours, 1 minute. Sure I'd like to increase my time, but it's the distance that trips me up. I love to run super fast! Love to run sprints and shorter quicker distances, but for long distance runs I've got to pace myself so that I can sustain my energy to make it to the finish line. It would however be great to tighten that number up so that I can run the full marathon in March in a faster time. May add that to my goal list!

The race course began at the entrance to California Adventure Theme Park. The first 4 miles of the race took me through this theme park and then through Disneyland while Disney Characters cheered us runners on ... and keep in mind this race began at 6 a.m.! We ran out of Disneyland through Main Street and headed for the streets of Anaheim which were lined with Cheerleaders and school bands from a dozen or more local high Schools! So darling were all these young people to come out in uniform and cheer us on!

This was the Ferris Wheel in California Adventure all lit up with Mickey Mouse in the Center. This is what it looked like when we ran through the park!

Then we ran toward Honda Center and then we ran through the most amazing part of the run ... through Angel Stadium! We ran through the tunnel that all the athletes travel to enter the Stadium. We ran around the bases while the stands were again filled with spectators cheering us on. Family members had made signs for their loved one's wishing them Good Luck ! Little children were waving & cheering Go Mommy, Go Daddy as their folks ran by! It was very much a family and community event that gave you energy to keep going.

Running through Angel Stadium I of course could not stop thinking about two things. Both made me choke up as I was running in this beautiful stadium. One was thinking about the young pitcher Nick Adenhart just 22 years old who had his debut pitching night just a year ago at Angel Stadium only to end up dead later that night after being hit by a drunk driver. I could feel his families pain as I ran that Stadium. It gave me a painful sick feeling in my gut.

The other emotion I felt was visualizing my three sons as they take the field as pitchers and what that feeling must be like. When my son Brandon exits the bullpen and makes that sweet jog to the pitcher's mound while the stadium is packed with parents and adoring fans... what that sensation must be like... I tasted it for one sweet moment and I can see the attraction to this feeling.

That's how I felt when I ran across the finish line... pure exhilaration! The nerves were all gone, I just felt pure jubilation that I had made it... I had finished a very long goal and I was alive to share the memory!

Day 141: Hooray, I Finished My First Half Marathon!

I did it! I finished my first Half Marathon (13.1 miles)! I didn't get injured, didn't have a heart attack or other medical issue, didn't throw up and ran the heck out of that course! I completed the race in 3 hours, 1 minute which isn't too shabby considering I'm 49 years old and only took up running 6 months ago!

Thanks to my very supportive Hubby Brian for being at the finish line to capture this photo of me!

Wow! I can still remember huffing and puffing as I tried to make it one time around Rancho Park, which is only 2.2 miles. I was breathing so heavy that I truly thought I had a heart condition... I did not have the confidence that my heart would expand enough to allow me to run more. Now I can run around the park multiple times without even becoming winded. I mean can you imagine that! In 6 months I went from running Zero miles to running 13 miles in a half marathon.

No doubt this goal could not have been accomplished without my committed friend, running partner and athletic trainer Melody Roset. She pushed me and encouraged me that I could train my heart, my legs, my entire body for this race. And I did. Thank you my dear friend and awesome athlete Melody!

But these goals don't just happen, you gotta really want to make it across that finish line. I had a goal, I stayed focused, I trained hard and I competed hard. That's something to be proud of. Whatever we set our mind to do... whether it's a physical challenge such as running a marathon, or climbing a mountain, or strengthening our body, or finding a new more rewarding job, or bettering our personal relationships... no matter what your goal is, if you stay on the path toward that goal and you work hard, the benefits will pay off. I'm living proof of that!

And for all you naysayers who say, "I'm too old, I don't have the time, I'm busy" or whatever bullshit excuse you hold on to preventing you from getting fit... let me tell you.... there were 16,000 runners in this race. Did you hear me 16,000 people who trained and are committed enough to make a priority to get out there and run. They have jobs, they have children, they have ill parents they are caring for, they have it all, but 16,000 showed up. So stop making excuses and set your goals and go for it!

When you reach that goal it feels so good! Now I'm off to train for the full Marathon in March, oye vey how am I going to double what I ran today!? It's a little scary to think about that, but I will do exactly what I did to get to 13 miles ... one mile at a time...

thank you to all the friends and family that have been supporting me through this journey. All your messages, texts, and emails on race day made me so happy!

Day 140: Thank you My Wellwishers

Thank you to all my well wishers who have sent supportive messages and left encouraging messages in advance of my first half marathon run tomorrow morning! I'm off to Anaheim shortly ... will be staying the night there with friends who are also running. The race starts at 6 a.m. and runners are encouraged to be at the start line by 5 a.m. so that's a very early morning wake up call!

I will be finished by 9 a.m. if I run on pace. I've trained for a 13 or 14 minute mile for 13 miles straight. Hopefully most of you will just be waking up by then or sipping your coffee in your pajamas with the morning paper! Goodness knows if I wasn't running in this race that's what I'd be doing on a Sunday morning on Labor Day Weekend!

Remind me again ... why did I make this personal challenge!?!

I will post photos and a briefing of my experience after the race ... let's hope I survive and finish in the time allotment... how embarrassing if I have to be swept up when the time allotment concludes! I just can't let that happen!

Thanks again for all your support through my running journey! Run Robyn Run!

Day 139: Is Labor Day Weekend the End to Summer?

Ahh, it's already Labor Day Weekend! Used to be the bookends marked the change of seasons -- Memorial Day kicked summer off, and Labor Day weekend was the end of lazy summer days... I suppose that still holds true. The children all return to school shortly. The Jewish Holidays are here. The catalogs arriving daily are advertising already for Halloween and Christmas decorations. Yikes. I really don't care for this transitional weekend.

Maybe because I don't want the kids to return to their grueling school schedule, which means my grueling schedule. Even though I worked on many exciting projects over the summer, it's different not having the burden of walking out the door at 7:10 a.m. with lunches packed and dressed for the day in order to get the boys to class on time and me to my work appointments on time. That will all end in less then 10 days when they head back to High School.

The school meetings, the baseball fundraising, the endless homework while trying to make family dinners a priority, the endless baseball games all over the county every weekend which I need to drive to ... yes September is here ...

I will be marking this Labor Day weekend by running in my first half marathon. That's 13.1 miles. The race starts at 6 a.m Sunday morning so that means waking by 3:30 or 4 a.m. to prepare for the race. If I survive this race, then I feel like I've labored just plenty in honor of the Holiday!

Day 138: Look Mom, No More Braces!

After years of shiny metal spoiling those beautiful smiles, today was the day that the pearly whites got to shine through! My 15 year old twin teenagers

Harrison & Spencer ....

had their braces removed !

Cause for Celebration I say!

Check out those smiles!

Years of schlepping to the orthodontist office is about to come to an end. Hallelujah! Tomorrow we will return for the boys to pick up their retainers and so there is still some work to be accomplished to keep these beautiful smiles straight, but finally the silver glitter is gone. Now Spencer can stop taking photos as if he is in a mug shot-- never showing his teeth in a photo!

If you know me well, you know I have a "thing" for nice teeth and a big smile. I believe that your skin and your teeth are really great indicators of a person's health, self image, and it is important that both are kept up! Needless to say braces were a must for all three of my boys!

After thousands of dollars and endless trips to the orthodontist I can proudly say I am so happy we handled the boys teeth. I can't wait for family photos now when my boys will actually show those smiles! A beautiful smile is priceless!

Day 137: Backpacks, Levi's, and Socks

All the essentials for starting 10th grade! You gotta have your jeans, and the correct length sock (who knew there were so many levels of men's athletic socks) and you gotta have a clean new backpack especially if the zipper on last year's is shredded to pieces... oh my goodness we have not even made it to Office Depot yet to stock up on school supplies! Yikes so much to prepare for before school even begins.

Well it is fitting that today is September 1st and the boys and I took a trek to the mall to buy Levi's, socks, t-shirts and new athletic shoes for their cross training & baseball practice which will kick in the first day! Yikes those boys are worked so hard.

For those of you who have children who attend Palisades High School or are familiar with the Pacific Palisades then you know all too well what Temescal's incline is like ... believe me I know as I train up that hill for my running and folks it is a bitch! Brutal, Brutal. And the boys run that thing like it's nobodies business.

Every September it is a ritual for all families with school aged children. Lists of school supplies issued by the teacher or school; new clothes and shoes; new backpacks; it is part of the "Back to School Regime."

I was thinking today as I sat in Macy's waiting for the boys to finish trying on their jeans, that I've been school shopping for 14 years. I figured from Kindergarten on ... and Brandon began Kindergarten at age 5 and now he is 19. So for 14 years I have made the pilgrimage to the stores to prepare my boys for the new school year. WOW. And they say Mom's don't do anything! Well those naysayers should spend the day with me as we have this ritual.

Buying all these supplies makes it feel real that school is around the corner for my boys. And it is ... first day is September 13th. The college boy started classes this week.

It's another year. Another season. Another grade. Another year closer to them leaving childhood. Damn can I just stop the clock!? Really, I'm not kidding!

Day 136: The Test Kitchen

Went to a FABULOUS new joint in the 'hood tonight with the family. We met family friends -- The Ross Family -- at a new Hot Spot right here in Beverlywood, called the TEST KITCHEN. Wow, what a treat!

The location holds special memories for me... it's the sight of the old Orsini's, which was my neighborhood "Cheers" hangout where Igor always greeted me warmly and took care of me. From healthy poured drinks and specially prepared meals for the boys, to my campaign election night party, to Brian's 40th Birthday party, lots of memories made in that venue. I loved that the new owners kept the beautiful wood bar... brought a smile to my face as I sipped my vodka martini.

The concept for the Test Kitchen is such: Each week or there about a new celebrity chef is invited in to the kitchen to prepare a 6 or 7 course meal for guests. As the chef rotates so does the menu and type of fare. Tonight we were treated to a delicious meal prepared by famed chef Neil Fraser (formerly of GRACE in Los Angeles).

It was a scrumptious meal ... the adults and the teenagers gobbled every bit of the meal up! It is a set menu and price, not inexpensive so it is a treat, but not over the top like many restaurants in Los Angeles. To learn more you can either visit The Daily Candy link: http://www.dailycandy.com/los-angeles/articles/87221/Test-Kitchen-Opens-in-Beverlywood or www.testkitchenla.com

The Test Kitchen is downstairs, while the upstairs space is being built out for a famous Peruvian chef and should be completed in two months. The third level will house a speak-easy! I can't wait!

I do not believe you or your family will be disappointed by the ambiance, the food or the lovely new French owner, Stephan. Bon Appetite my friends!

Day 135: Humble Teenagers

The teenagers, Harrison & Spencer returned from their one week assignment as camp counselors at Camp Harmony. I have written several times on my Blog about Camp Harmony. It is a camp for underprivileged children -- mostly homeless or close to it. The camp allows them to be kids for one week out of their hectic and chaotic and sometimes violent lives.

Pictured here is Harrison's cabin ... my boy is the tall one to the far right.

I am SO PROUD of my 15 year old boys. Not only did they give one week of their time and energy, they absorbed and embraced it. I think it is all summed up when they both told me they cried at the closing ceremony where the campers were all saying good-bye. Can you imagine teenage boys feeling so connected that they cried? They had raw emotion and connection with these campers whom they had never met before one week ago.

As a Mom, there are few words to express how happy I am that they spent time doing for "others". Unconditional attention to children who so need to be loved, hugged and cared for.

Last night was their first night home and already three campers had called Spencer ... just to talk, just to ask what was up? My boys were physically & emotionally exhausted... each slept for close to 13 hours. The administrators of the camp had told us that our children would get very little sleep ... working close to 18 hours a day ... and they were correct. But my boys were smiling and happy when they returned. So what's a few nights without sleep when you know you are doing such good!

Pictured here are Spencer's campers ... Spencer is the one to the far left in the back row.

It was not all fun and games, the boys had to deal with a lot of sadness too. Spencer had a camper that had to be sent home for excessive fighting. Other campers were just totally out of control and needed to be handled non stop ... not an easy task for a 15 year old boy who has never had training in child development.

Thank you to my beautiful niece Olivia Bernstein for introducing the boys to this program. Thank you Olivia for sharing your wisdom of 17 years to the boys and encouraging them to attend. I am so happy that we made this happen. It was not always an easy road to travel ... with forms, and money, and coordinating shedules and hesitation, but I held my ground as a parent on this one... I mean I really stood on cement, there was no wavering for me. And they did it ... they accomplished the week successfully and we are all so happy and feeling so blessed today!

If you want to help or make a contribution to Camp Harmony, please visit www.UnitedInHarmony.com

Day 134: Remembering Hurricane Katrina

As the Nation and especially the Gulf Coast acknowledges the 5 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina today, I have my own very personal story to share of this disaster.

I like to mark my birthday's with significant acts. That's why I plan to run the LA Marathon in honor of my 50th Birthday next April. When I turned 40 I celebrated my first political campaign with what was suppose to be a Victory party, but I lost ... we celebrated anyway and I couldn't imagine a better 40th birthday present then to have completed a run for political office! How many folks can say that!

For my 45th Birthday I celebrated by giving 5 days to volunteer to rebuild homes damaged in Mississippi due to Hurricane Katrina. I was part of a delegation organized by The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. We flew into Biloxi, Mississippi and stayed in barrack type housing adjacent to a church which was our partner in the mission.

I had never spent anytime before on a roof with machinery and yet there I was with a pink tool belt (compliments from my gal pals, Lissa Solomon, Stacy Bell & Jenny Savitsky) and a nail gun. Wow, was that a trip and an experience.

I met some wonderful people -- other volunteers from all over the country. I met beautiful Mississippians who were working feverishly to help their community. I saw devastation like I had never seen before. Rows and rows and rows of streets which use to hold homes devastated ... I mean completely gone. Piles and piles of rubble from what remained. Endless Federal trailers housing people left homeless from the destruction. Memories you never forget.

So today, as you sit comfortably in your home, remember the thousands of people still left homeless from one of the worst natural disasters to hit America. To all the people still trying to rebuild their lives, we have not forgotten you.

Day 133: Road Trip

The hubby Brian and the college boy Brandon headed out on their road trip Friday morning. They have safely arrived in Salem, Oregon as I write this post. First leg of the trip took them from Los Angeles to Redding where they crashed for the night. Then today they drove the second half of the journey up the coast to Oregon.

I can just picture my two big guys cruisin along in Brandon's Honda Civic. Father and son. What a wonderful opportunity for them both to have this time together to just "be" in each other's company while heading up the beautiful coastline through California to Oregon. An opportunity to have lengthy conversations; not rushed ones that so often occur as everyone is so busy. But a chance to discuss more in depth issues going on with one another.

When you are in the car together for some 14 to 16 hours you can learn a lot about what's going on in some one's life. And that's what my two special men did.

At first we were all scheduled to fly back to Oregon and help Brandon move in to his new dorm room. His freshman year he didn't take his car. But this year we thought it might allow him more opportunity to explore and get around if he had wheels. After researching what's involved to ship the car, we all decided that it was easier and less expensive to drive the car up. So hence a road trip was birthed.

I'm grateful Brian is such a marvelous navigator and coordinator. I knew Brandon would be in angels' hands as they made the trek. I'm grateful too that my big guys have had this time together.

Those times become too far in between as life can get so complicated and full. So they are snuggled into their hotel room for the night. Tomorrow brings another day. They will be moving Brandon into his new dorm room. Another school year about to begin. Another season. It's all part of the journey ...

Day 132: Meditation Night

Tonight I hosted some girlfriends for a meditation session. Thought it was a perfect night to be surrounded by some peace and relaxation. It's been a long, emotional week getting the college boy ready to head back to school.

Gal pal Rebecca Simon introduced me to a cognitive hypnosis therapist who she highly recommended. She suggested I have some of the girls over for a session to see what this type of meditation is all about. So tonight was the night.

We spread out on our mats on the floor and once we laid down and closed our eyes I think most of us were already at peace. After a hectic day, week, one filled with lots of emotions everyone was in the space to just be quiet. Silence is sometimes so beautiful. Just to be quiet. I like the sound.

Luca Bosurgi brought his Tibetan gong and led us through a journey with the musical reverberations of the instrument. Pictured here are Luca and me before we began our session.

Cognitive Hypnosis takes your body and mind to a place where you are not completely asleep, but in a deep place where you allow your mind to let past experiences surface to be dealt with.

"Clear psychological blockages and childhood traumas. Reconnect with your spiritual guides. Remember who you truly are. Claim your personal powers."

Those that have engaged in Luca's treatments have been freed from past negative "junk" that we all drag around with ourselves. Sometimes weighing us down and not allowing us to move where we want to be.

Afterwards we talked about how this type of treatment works. It's a different approach to unlocking past experiences that may have left remnants that continue to trip us up in our daily lives. We all enjoyed the conversation and again the peace of just sitting comfortably. If you want to learn more about Luca's treatments, please visit him at www.lucabosurgi.com

Then of course it was time for food & spirits. I mean what would a gathering at my house be like if it didn't include treats! Us girls sat and talked and enjoyed our relaxed state of mind. It was a lovely way to end an emotional day.

Day 130: Saying Good-Bye

As fun as reunions are, sadly there is always an end to them. My son Brandon leaves early tomorrow morning to drive back to Oregon to return to school. My niece Zoe, flies out of Los Angeles tomorrow to head back to Utah to continue her college studies as well.

Photo above circa 1994 in La Quinta, California with Grandma Susu & Papa Nat, Brian and me and our precious Brandon.

Both Zoe & Brandon are working hard toward their respective goals. It makes me happy for both of them. My heart is feeling a little sad and empty knowing that I won't see either one of them for months. It's all part of life's journey. You birth them, raise them, teach them, encourage them to be independent, then a little part of you wants them back. Back to the days when they all lived full time under your roof. Funny how that is.

One of Brandon's oldest and dearest friends Gabe Devorris joined us for the bon voyage dinner tonight. We have known Gabe and his family since the boys were two years old and attended Temple Isaiah pre school together. Then they went on to Westwood Charter Elementary School together. Now they are both 19 years old. I think of Gabe as another son.

Gabe's mom Kim was a dear mother friend. She lost her battle with the dreadful Lou Gehrig's disease (also known as ALS) when Gabe was barely turning 13 years old. It's been a rough road. Anyone of you feeling sorry for your aches and pains and bullshit should shut up ... if you knew what this woman went through and what her family endured you would thankfully welcome your ailments.

Sitting with the two boys tonight I felt joy in my heart. Joy that Gabe has such resilience; such strength way beyond most 19 year olds. Joy that the boys are still so close. Joy that I get them both in my life. Joy that they still allow me in their lives.

So as they grow up, life always brings you more joy. It just may be packaged differently then when they were snuggled in their blankets and you held them tightly to your chest. Tonight it still felt like I could squeeze them tight, just in a different way.

May this new school year bring them both peace. Lots of peace. May they have the strength to do and be the best they can ... and I know in my heart that mother Kim is smiling down at her son Gabe and happy that he and Brandon are still bros. We miss you Kim ...

Day 129: 11 Miles

Oh my gosh just when you think the pain can't be any worse! Ouch! Well, up until about mile 6 or 7 everything was great, I was cruising along. Good pace, feeling great.

Then the burning sensation on the bottom of my feet started to kick in. And then those nasty blisters. By mile 9 I could feel something terribly wrong with my left foot where the blisters had been such an issue. Even with Moleskin applied (an adhesive applied to reduce runner's blisters, looks like a band-aid) I removed my shoes and saw the damage. Not only regular blisters but a huge blood blister. Very painful. Very sore.

I was also experiencing terrible chafing as I bought a running skirt to try running in instead of my running leggings. It didn't work for me and I have rashes in between my thighs -- you know where the flubber rubs together --- really pretty image isn't it! Anyway I think I'll stick to my running leggings!

But despite these issues, I made the 11 miles! Of course I thought I might collapse, but I didn't. Had a very hard time recovering this afternoon, but after sitting on ice (which I am doing as I write this post), I'm slowly starting to feel better.

Funny thing is, my body feels pretty damn good for taking a pounding like that. Yes the usual lower back and nerve pain, the burning on the soles of my feet, the rashes betwee my legs, and of course the blisters, but my heart never gave out, my breathing was very good throughout the run and it wasn't a tired feeling I had at all, it was a pain issue.

So with the Disneyland Half Marathon coming up in two weeks my mission is to address the blisters issue. Might require purchasing new wider running shoes, applying more Dr. Scholl's Moleskin , not really sure.

I am having anxiety about the race though. I was hurtin' as we completed 11 miles and I was thinking how the heck will I be able to run two more miles to the finish line? Hopefully adrenaline and the excitement of the Disneyland venue will carry me those last two miles. I certainly hope so!

Mickey & Minnie I hope you'll have a lot of energy for me come race day!

Day 128: Camp Harmony

Today is day two for Harrison & Spencer working as camp counselors at Camp Harmony. The camp is a haven for homeless children residing in homeless shelters and foster care homes throughout Los Angeles. For many of these campers they have never attended camp, never seen the beach, never slept in a bed, never had three meals a day, never been given clean clothes and toiletries -- these children have never had a lot of nevers.

For one week they get to have a lot of whatever they want especially hugs and love from the teenage counselors who serve as their friends for one week at sleep-away camp.

I am so happy that my niece Olivia Bernstein made us aware of this worthy camp. She was a counselor last summer and was so impacted by her experience that she enlisted her two young cousins to join with her this summer.

My three sons have had a charmed life. They want for nothing. Not for love, affection, warmth, shelter, food, parents, family, or education. It breaks my heart to know that so many children live in poverty right here in the City of Angels. That so many children go to bed with hungry tummies. That many have none of the bare necessities that we all take for granted.

When given the opportunity to be counselors and spend one week with such children I knew I wanted my boys to have this experience. You can not teach poverty. You can read about it but unless you experience it, touch it, see it close-up you really can't begin to understand the depth of this issue and the sorrow that it burdens our children with.

When I was in college I did many, many internships dealing with abused, troubled or homeless children working with such wonderful programs such as Children of the Night based here in the San Fernando Valley, Delancy Street in San Fransisco for young boys and in Santa Monica at a homeless shelter. I stood in food lines and scooped out food to shelter attendees. I listened to young girls talk about pimping themselves out to survive. While you may momentarily feel good that you are giving back and making use of your time, it really just makes you sick to see that in this rich country, there are so many that have so little.

So yes, my children can afford one week of their summer vacation to give to other children. They can give up sleeping in comfortable beds, having clean clothes, having endless food, having all the comforts of their home. It will be an invaluable experience I am sure as it was and has been for me. What a great lesson for our boys. I feel blessed that there is a Camp Harmony and that my children are participating. If you want to help or make a contribution, please visit www.UnitedInHarmony.com