Day 215: Packing Anxiety

Okay, everyone has something that they do not do well ... cooking, dancing, gardening, driving, writing, the list goes on and on with how many tasks we manage daily and the degree in which we perform these chores or activities. Some we shy away from. Others we just never engage in. For me the task that causes me the most anxiety is packing for a trip! Sounds odd doesn't it... I mean you'd think one would be so excited about getting the heck out of town (which I am) that they'd happily throw some items in the bag and hit the road.

For me it's a bit more complicated then that. What if I bring too many clothes? Or not enough? Or not the right clothes... will it be very cold, mildly cold or will an unseasonal heat wave hit the city when I've packed all winter sweaters and scarfs? Such a dilemma I tell you.

The Simon gang departs on Saturday for New York City, yeah! We are going to spend the week and the Thanksgiving Holiday with kid sis Jennifer, her beau Kevin and his 6 year old son Zachary. We are all super excited to be on the East Coast with the cold wintry weather and to spend time with Jennifer & Kevin in their Country home in Hudson, New York.

As you know if you follow my Blog, we usually host Turkey Day and it is always fun & festive.... but this year due to numerous reasons we elected to change it up and try something new. So off we go on Saturday morning. College boy Brandon will fly out of Portland, Oregon on Tuesday and hook up with us then in Manhattan.

We have all kinds of fun activities planned, but that will be another post, today I need to vent about my anxiety surrounding packing the right items ... not just for myself but for the boys too! Can't have them showing up in the city not dressed properly!

So here's the deal for me... as you know I'm a huge accessory queen ... I change my handbag daily to match my outfit. Same with my jewelry... I know it's weird but that's who I am. So when I set out to pack I have to carefully imagine every accessory that goes with each outfit, I sound crazy don't I, again that's me! And I like to have options... do I want to wear slacks, leggings, a skirt out to dinner or walking around .... I don't know what mood I'll be in so I end up bringing all three choices.

It's similar to going to the grocery store and trying to plan dinner for the next 5 nights ... how the hell do I know what I'll want to eat on Thursday if I'm food shopping on a Monday? I need variety and options and don't want to be boxed in ... that's how it is for my clothes!

So tonight begins the process of laying everything out that I believe I will wear and then going crazy because it's all way too much and then I feel overwhelmed and just throw everything in the damn bag... oh such problems!

Day 214: Yep, That's Me

An old dear friend from High School, Beth Bonnet, sent me a message today. She said it reminded her of me ... and I'm flattered ...

Maybe I smile too much. Maybe I wear too much pink, but please remember I can rip your throat out if I need to ...

I laughed so hard when I read this message! It's spot on for me. I believe it characterizes me perfectly. I wake up everyday with intentions to be positive, grateful and happy, but if you cross me or god forbid harm my children or family, I will do serious damage.

So please understand that a happy, blond, pink wearing woman could be your fiercest opponent. My advice, don't mess with her.

And on that happy note ... have a great day :)

Day 213: Serving With Super Women

Tonight I hosted our monthly NWPC Board meeting here at the house. Wow, what a super fun & productive meeting we held. Wonder if it was the wine or just our fabulous energy. Most likely a little bit of both! Either way it was a great way to celebrate our November victories... all our chapter's endorsed candidates won their elections! This alone was cause for celebration.

Check out the fabulous women I serve with on the NWPC LA Westside Board, from left to right: Karriann Farrell Hinds, Rebecca Simon, Serena Josel, Betsy Johnson, Barbara Greene Ruskin, me and missing from the photo because she was taking the picture is co-president Lindsay Bubar!

And of course there was a lot of work to be performed. I have profiled my connection with the National Women's Political Caucus, and the organization's mission to see gender parity, many times on this Blog. I believe more women should be elected to office and in order to achieve this goal we need to fill the "pipeline" as they say ... meaning identifying possible women who demonstrate leadership capabilities, then mentoring them, guiding them and helping them run and be victorious! Sometimes a woman just needs to be asked to run!

So yes in addition to handling our chapter's business as officers on the Board, tonight was also a time for us to connect, eat & drink and celebrate our hard work over the past year in getting some superstar women elected to office.

If you want to learn more about NWPC and our chapter's activities, please visit http://www.nwpclawestside.org/ and become our friend by joining NWPC LA Westside's FaceBook page! Also mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 16th at the Stone Rose Lounge at Sofitel Hotel. This is a great opportunity to mingle with elected leaders, candidates and empowering women. Hope to see you all there!

Day 212: Roasting Peppers

So my kid sis Jennifer is in town for the week for work. She's an analyst at Paramount Pictures. When she comes to town she stays with one of several different family members. With the college boy Brandon away we have an extra room so I always beg her to stay with the crazy Simon's.

So tonight in her honor I decided to make tacos with all the fixings. Fresh cilantro, tomatoes, guacamole... I picked the boys up at 4 from baseball practice and we made the almost hour drive home (damn that LA traffic). We unload the groceries and I tell the boys to try the guacamole and salsa. Spencer and I dig in to taste the samplings.

Only my Harrison would go to the refrigerator, pull out peppers and start slicing them, drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning ... then he proceeds to roast them in the oven! Who the heck roasts peppers at 15 years old (or at any age!) for an after-school snack.

Gotta love my budding chef!

Day 211: The Wooden Bat Tournament

Today the boys had their championship game for the Wooden Bat Tournament which they have been playing in since September. They WON! It was a great team effort by all the players and all the parents were so proud of the boys' performance.

It was a magnificent day here in Los Angeles today. Sun was shining and it was a glorious day to be at the ballpark. Good thing Brian and I enjoy watching the boys play ball because we sure do spend hours sitting in the stands at the baseball field. But it is a wonderful way to spend your time. Outdoors, with friends and watching your children. Can't get much better than that!

It was a great way to end the weekend after the baseball fundraiser last night. I really adore the parents and the boy's on the team. So many of these boys came up to me at the dinner last night to hug me and say hello. The greatest compliment you can receive is when teenagers seek you out to say hello. I feel so honored. I just adore these kids and love being in their company. I love listening to their rap music, watching them play baseball and watching them mature into young men.

It was a terrific championship win and a great day to be at the ball field.

Day 210: Palisades Baseball Traditions

We attended the Palisades High School Baseball Traditions dinner & auction tonight with Harrison & Spencer. All the players are required to attend, and be dressed in coat & ties. This is the annual fundraiser to raise money to fund the baseball program at the boys High School.

Public schools no longer have the funds to support athletic, music, drama or art programs. It's up to the parents and community to supplement the budget shortfall.

So off we went all dolled up with the boys looking so dapper in their new suits -- I only wish teenage girls were in attendance because all the baseball players looked so handsome & dapper!

Brian and I had a blast visiting with fellow baseball parents! One of the guest speakers was a real treat to hear, especially for Brian. It was Brian's old baseball coach from University High School -- Frank Cruz, now the baseball Coach at University of Southern California.

Frank spent twelve years as the head coach at Loyola Maramount University, before moving over to USC this year. Well the sweetest thing is when Coach Cruz gave a "shout out" to his former baseball player Brian Simon! What a treat for Brian's boys to hear that even after so many years, coach still remembers the outstanding baller and promising player Brian was ... only if a different course had been encouraged, who knows what Brian's life would have been had he pursued baseball!

The entire evening was a plus for us as we watched our young, maturing teenage boys laugh with their teammates and listen to the great speakers. Not only did prominent coaches speak, but a baseball recruiter from the Washington Mariners talked about what he looks for in players ... and a former Palisades High School baseball player spoke about how he is now in the MLB, drafted in the 5th round out of Pepperdine University (my Alma mater) and what it took to get him where he is today.

Whatever happens with the boys and their baseball careers, the experience and the program they are involved in is teaching them far more than just how to swing a bat or throw a perfect pitch. It is developing them into young men who can be leaders and tonight we couldn't have been more proud of our young men!

Day 209: Who Is That Woman Driving?

I'm sorry but I've never seen a more gorgeous and adorable Indy Race Car Driver! Oh my gosh could she be any cuter? I don't think so!

It's Heather Carter, Brian's fearless right hand person at Corner Construction Co., Inc. Last weekend she went to Las Vegas to the Mario Andretti driving academy and drove laps just like the real race car drivers. Crazy!

This was one of her "bucket list" items and so now she can check it off the list! She tells me she also wants to do NASCAR driving and trapeze... lots of chutzpa for such a small cookie!

Heather tells me she was the only woman driving the course that day! You Go Girl!

How wonderful to go for your dreams, as wild or crazy as they may be.... Miss Heather has just gone for it! I love her spirit. I know people thought I was crazy when I ran for public office. And maybe I was. But I did it and am still standing to talk about it, loss and all. And others think I'm crazy for attempting to run a marathon - all 26.2 miles.

But these are the things that make our lives challenging. When we step out of our comfort zone and fulfill our "bucket list" items, we feel alive. You can't always play it safe, adventure gets the blood pumpin' in your soul and it's so important.

Taking risks, attempting difficult challenges, going for your goals, trying new experiences, this is what living is!

Kudos to Heather for being such an inspiration and fulfilling one of her many "bucket list " items. I'm not sure if I want to drive a race car, but my marathon running is plenty fast for me!

If you have an adventure you are working towards or have already accomplished and you want to share, please send me photos as we all need a little inspiration daily!

Girl Power Rocks! Keep making us proud Heather!

Day 208: Thank You

Thank you to all the men and women who serve in our military. Today is their day to be recognized, appreciated and honored. Whatever your plans include, I hope you take a moment to pause and give thanks for all the freedoms we enjoy in America. Too often we take our liberties for granted. Look around the world and you will see how lucky we are to live in a democracy.

I am grateful and I say thank you to all our service people stationed abroad and here in the United States.

Peace.

Day 207: What's Going On?

Ugh, I'm so sad and anxious tonight. On the heels of so many tragic losses of young people in our community, today I have heard more stories about challenges with freinds' children then my heart can process.

No matter what the issue, school, mental illness, sickness when your child is hurting your world is turned upside down. If an adult is sick your heart aches too, but not the same way as when it is a child. Our children are suppose to skip through life healthy and happy and we do everything possible to ensure no tragedy crosses their path. It's an impossible task even for the best of parents.

All you have to do is watch the news, or read the newspaper to know how terrible children's lives around the world are, breaks your heart that that level of pain and suffering exists. You pray it never enters your world, but it does. Pain, illness, sickness have no boundaries and all our children are susceptible to these ailments.

I remember two years ago when my son's pal was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were all devastated. How could a young boy just 13 years old have cancer? While my rational brain knows this happens everyday, until it personally touches you or your family, you don't want to beleive it happens.

I just have such a heavy heart. I want all the problems to go away. I want all the children to be healthy.

Day 206: When A Friend Needs You

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 205: Our Bed Update

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

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

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

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

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

Day 204: 15 Years Today

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

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

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

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

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

Rest in peace Susu.

Day 203: Philly Cheese Steak Sandwichs

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

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

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

Day 202: Teenage Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 201: They Remember & Care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 200: Election Wrap Up & 200 Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 199: VOTE

There is nothing else to talk about today then VOTING.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Secretary of State incumbent Debra Bowen has my vote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictured here are sons Harrison & Spencer and niece Olivia.

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

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

Day 197: Trick-or-Treat

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

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

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


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

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








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



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


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

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

Day 196: Chili Time

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

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

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

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

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

Day 195: My Long, Luscious Hair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 194: An Honor for Dad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 193: Running Up Temescal

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

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

We'll see! Run Robyn Run!