Day 308: More Campaigning

You can surely tell we have an election coming up. Yep, March 8th is Election Day and there are lots of hot races around the county. Today I spent time phone banking for Abbe Land & Lindsey Horvath, both running for re-election in West Hollywood.

Unfortunately their campaigns, as many campaigns often do, have turned a bit ugly. Untruthful and nasty rumors being spread, accusations lobbied at them, unsubstantiated and unverified news reports being written, ah brings up all the fun stuff from campaigning - NOT!

It is really unfortunate that people can't just let the candidates have their positions, if you agree, great, if not support someone else. But don't go negative or ugly!

Check out my post #306 to learn more about Abbe & Lindsey, both committed public servants.

If you live in Beverly Hills you are not immune to nasty politics either.

Same rumor machine and misinformation... do your own research on your candidates, don't just believe everything you read or hear.

I'm supporting the re-election of Nancy Krasne, and the election of Lili Bosse.

Nancy was a champion of mine when I ran for Los Angeles City Council. As we know, I lost. Nancy then ran as a first time candidate and kicked ass!

She is direct and honest and the type of person you want watching the city coffers and business.

While Lili is a first time candidate, she is not new to politics in Beverly Hills. She is a long time public servant serving on many city boards and commissions for more than a decade. A reliable volunteer, and public school booster she learned the ropes by actually doing the work. She would be a great compliment to Nancy and I'd love to see these two women rock it together.

In the meantime, let's hope that over the next two weeks the ugliness of politics and campaigning will subside.

Day 307: More 50 Celebrations

This is the year that most of my dearest friends are celebrating their 50th Birthday's! It's so fun that we are all reaching this milestone together, and it's especially cool to have so many reasons to get together & celebrate.

Today we honored gal pal Ruthie Bailey. Talk about the original party, fun girl, she's a rock star in this department! And she's a blondie too, which in my book makes her even more special!

Remember when I wrote about the holiday cookie exchange party I attended back in December (post #244) well this was Ruthie's party! I met Ruthie through her wonderful husband Chip Bailey, who hired me at the Century City Chamber of Commerce a few years ago. I adore Chip and then when I met the wifey, I knew these were very special people. Of the three people I asked to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf when I applied to law school, Chip was one of those folks... that's how much respect I have for him.

Like us Simon's, the Bailey's have three children, have been married more than 20 years, love to party, laugh, work hard, and are devoted to their family like Brian and I. You never have a boring time when in the company of these friends. So it was an absolute pleasure to lunch with Ruthie today and celebrate her!

Happy 50th my friend!

Day 306: More Great Women Candidates

Tonight I did some campaigning on behalf of two outstanding women running for public office. West Hollywood city council members Abbe Land & Lindsey Horvath are running for re-election. Not only are they champions of women, community, health care, choice, environment, and all the other issues I carry near to my heart, they are also friends.

These are women, who over the years through our political circles, have always shared a fondness and mutual love & respect with me. Abbe is a true leader not only in West Hollywood but throughout Los Angeles County. She has mentored women, supported them, and along the way always displayed a calmness and grace even when confronting battle tough campaigns that turned very ugly over the years.

Lindsey is a young and inspiring woman with potential to continue building on her accomplishments and is not only making her peers proud, but also us "mama" figures too.

If you live in West Hollywood I implore you to cast your votes for these accomplished women on March 8th. If you live outside their city, you surely know people who live in West Hollywood, so please implore them to vote.

As I called voters tonight, I was pleased by Yes responses and dismayed by the negative No comments from voters. Brings back a lot of memories for me. Some very painful.

All the lies and negative items posted about you as a candidate. All the ugly people spewing inaccurate information about you as a person, your character, your accomplishments. It's so very painful, and that is why so few of us jump in the frying pan.

I must applaud my women colleagues, Abbe, Lindsey and my friend Marisa Perez all strong women running for office this election cycle. We also have two outstanding women running for city council in Beverly Hills, Nancy Krasne & Lili Bosse. I will post more about them tomorrow.

Use your voice, vote for these candidates and let women around the world know that we deserve to make the decisions that impact our lives!

Day 305: 20 Miles for 20 Years

Today my big boy Brandon turns 20 years old! In honor of his birth, I just ran 20 miles! Yes you read correctly. I ran 20 miles for 20 years.

I want to tell you all about the run, but I have to recover right now ! I'll post all the fun details, and the route that included 5 beach cities, in tomorrow's post. And yes we ran in the rain & cold, it was insane, but no way was I going to let this day not be marked with a huge challenge.

Funny thing is the run took longer then it took for me to birth the boy. Birthing was easy, some 20 minutes, running was close to 5 damn hours!

Can't believe my son has left the teenage years and is 20! Where have the years gone... I love him to the Moon & Stars and Back Again... and I LOVE running, just not 20 miles! More later on today's adventure!

PS I have to give a shout out to gal pal Suzee Markowitz mother of Brandon Bank, also turning 20 today. These boys were born next to each other in the hospital 20 years ago today. What a day & what a memory!

Day 303: Hallmark Holiday

Today is the day for lovers...it's Valentine's Day. While it is an adorable holiday, full of teddy bears, chocolate and red roses, especially for very little children who still hand out valentine's day cards to their classmates at school, I gotta say it ain't one of my favorite holidays.

Now, I'm not a love cynic. Really, I'm not, but I believe it's just become so commercialized and truthfully you should display your affection for your amour everyday, not just on a hyped up day that says you should be in love.

If you truly care about your partner, then hopefully you shower him or her on a daily basis (okay maybe weekly, daily might be too much) and don't just wait for today!

If you really love that someone special, then you do what makes them happy, even if it's not what you want to do. That's how you show someone that you care about them.... you put what that person cares about above your own desires (again not all the time!), but often enough that your significant other knows you care & love them.

So while today is fun and gimmicky, let's profess our love all the time! Big hugs & kisses to all my followers!

Day 302: Ah, To Be 18 Again

My niece Olivia Bernstein turned 18 this week. She's an adult now, well at least that's how she's recognized by the law. She can join the military, vote for her favorite candidates, and is no longer considered a minor. It is a big deal, yet to me she's a darling young woman just beginning her adult life!

We hosted a little party in her honor for her and her friends. Just a gathering to shower her with some special attention, and well deserved glory. This week my son Brandon turns 20 years old! Oh my gosh, I just can't believe how these kids are growing. It's bittersweet for me. As much as I love the more adult like relationship with my nieces and son as they grow & mature, I often long for the days when they crawled up on my lap for a hug. Precious time and imprinted memories in my heart.

But we can't stop the clock, and life does march on. The question is, are you absorbing all that your days have to offer?

Day 301: Three Hundred Days

Hard to believe I started this Birthday Blog project 300 days ago! Today I've blogged 301 days! Wow. As I have said before, there are very few tasks we accomplish daily... hopefully brushing our teeth, kissing our children, eating & sleeping, but everything else is hard to make happen everyday.

It's been a terrific project, posting daily about life's musings... I've thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and hope you are all enjoying the journey with me. Can't believe I have 65 days till the big 5-0!

Day 300: Special Friend & Gucci Shoes

Today I celebrated the 50th Birthday of one of my favorite, oldest, and dearest friends! Tina Stein Segel, was my boss at KMIR-TV in Palm Springs many years ago.

Tina hired me as a general assignment reporter and then gave me the chance of a lifetime to host my own public affairs program, Robyn Ritter Reports. One of the BEST jobs and times in my life! We had a GREAT crew and we worked hard and partied hard. Ah, to be in my 20s again. No children and only focused on my career. It was heavenly!

Then life happened. We both married, both had three children, all teenagers now. She and her adorable husband Dave Segel moved to London where they lived up until two years ago when they moved back to the United States, to Brentwood!

Tina is one of those gals that if life were not so complicated & full, we'd hang out much more! I adore this woman. Her spirit, her values her devotion to her children and her family. Like me she has parents, sisters, always a lot going on. She never stops!

So here we are both turning the big 5-0 two months apart from one another. And after so many years, can you believe that we showed up for our lunch date today BOTH in the SAME Gucci shoes... mine in beige, hers in black. What are the odds of that? I bought these shoes almost 4 years ago when hubby Brian and I travelled to Paris for our 20th wedding anniversary. But there Tina and I sat with our matching shoes ... so many years have gone by, yet we are still so connected and so much alike.

It was a GREAT way to kick start all the 50 birthday celebrations! With a dear friend, and in Gucci shoes!

Day 299: Harrison's Pot Roast

Last night teenager Harrison made a pot roast. He wasn't happy with how it tasted, so he asked if I could get another roast for tonight for him to try again. Me being the most patient and understanding mother around (if I don't say so myself) I accommodated his desire and picked up another roast!

Yummy is all I can say. How ever he prepared it differently, he scored. Spencer and I were in heaven. He also prepared homemade mashed potatoes (yes he boiled the potatoes, then mashed them, then added real butter and cream!) and with the juices from the roast we had ourselves a delicious pot roast dinner!

I love having a son that loves to cook! It's fabulous!

Day 298: Run Robyn Run

Today was Wednesday long distance run day! I changed it up a bit this morning. First I didn't have my devoted running partner, Melody Roset, joining me so I had to get my behind to the beach on my own and really push myself.

I didn't log as many miles as last week (last week we ran 19 miles), but I ran much faster. My trainer calls it interval training, where I run my long distance pace, but inject quick sprints! It was awesome to run fast and hard! And for the first time I ran with music, borrowing hubby's IPOD (no I do not own an IPOD!) But if I did it would be pink like the one pictured here! The music was inspiring and really made the run a different experience. I loved it!

And it was another gorgeous day in sunny Santa Monica along the bike path parallel to Pacific Coast Highway at the beach. Just invigorating to have clear blue skies, the magnificent ocean, and ti think that this is all in my backyard. Why do people live anywhere else? What a way to start your day!

Day 297: Women's Leadership Conference

April is shaping up to be a great month! Not only will I be finished with my marathon training -- the race is March 20th -- and not only is it my 50th Birthday with a great event in my honor hosted by NWPC on April 14th, but I have also been hired as a speaker for the West Hollywood Women's Leadership Conference! Whew, I'm so excited.

Please join me on Saturday, April 9th for the 5th Annual West Hollywood Women's Conference as I kick-off a day of women's empowerment! I have been asked to welcome attendees and share what the day's activities offer for participants. I will lay-out the benefits of each break-out workshop guiding attendees on the best fit for their goals. I will encourage collaboration and mentoring and challenge participants to walk away with tools that can aid them in achieving their goals. It's going to be a powerful day with amazing energy and I hope you will join me.

I was a panelist at the 3rd annual conference and it was an invigorating day! I spoke about women and politics and the challenges of running for public office. A role I know all to well!

I will be posting more about the conference, but encourage you to register now. To learn more about the day long conference, please visit

http://www.ci.west-hollywood.ca.us/ or www.weho.org/wlc

Hope to see you there!

Day 296: What Are You Doing on April 14th?

I hope you will spend Thursday, April 14th partying with me to celebrate my 50th Birthday and more importantly, to support my favorite cause....

raising funds to support women running for public office! What could be better?

The event is $50 for 50 in Honor of Robyn's 50th Birthday. The National Women's Political Caucus, the organization I BLOG about often and which I have been affiliated with for a dozen years, is hosting a celebration for me to raise money for our endorsed candidates. This is the best birthday present I could ask for, as it has the most meaning.

Save-the-evening, invite your friends, family and colleagues to join in what will no doubt be a fun gathering of great politically active men & women who support me and support more women in public office.

Sponsorships are available for this event... if you want to be a sponsor, please contact me! NWPCs goal is to achieve 50/50 by 2020, 50% women representation in all levels of government by the year 2020. This event is one way we can work toward achieving this goal!

Day 295: What A Way to Start a Sunday

Neighbor and gal pal Teresa Jones Grossman invited me over this morning to soak my aching body in her new backyard jacuzzi! Wow! What a way to kick start your Sunday morning.

We soaked in her fabulous huge hot tub, sprinkled with aromatherapy muscle relaxing bath salts, while the sunshine warmed our faces. Teresa made me yummy coffee and we talked and soaked for an hour. It was a glorious way to recap the past week and to rejuvenate for the week that lies ahead.

With all the running I'm logging, soaking my muscles was heavenly. I'm in pain and or soreness every minute of the day, everyday. There is no relief as we push to add more miles weekly. No one ever said this challenge would be easy.

I'm so thankful for my friend Teresa and her luscious beautiful backyard sanctuary! I plan on soaking again next Sunday!

Day 294: Celebrating Women Candidates

Spent this beautiful Saturday stomping for my gal pal Marisa Perez, a candidate for Lakewood City Council. I've written about Marisa and her campaign often on my BLOG. I invite you to learn more about her and her passion for making her community a great place to raise a family. www.MarisaForLakewoodCouncil.com

Later in the day I had the honor of meeting another candidate who is running for City Council in Beverly Hills. The National Women's Political Caucus, the political group I serve on the Board of, has a PAC (political action committee) and we interview candidates who seek an endorsement from our organization.

Data reflects that people will vote by gender, ethnicity or by common interests. If a candidate has the NWPC LOGO on her campaign collateral, it tells voters that this candidate supports a woman's right to choice, pay equity, and fostering more women leaders. That might just be enough for a voter to cast a vote for this candidate so an endorsement from our group is significant and meaningful.

Lili Bosse met with our PAC and outlined her campaign strategy and reasons for seeking a seat on the Beverly Hills Council. I thoroughly enjoy meeting candidates. As a former candidate and a person who spends a bulk of my time in politics and on campaigns, I find it fascinating and inspiring to meet women candidates and hear their passion about their race.

Lili is a life long resident of Beverly Hills and a very cemented community leader. Years serving on various Boards and Commissions, including the Planning Commission, will serve her well in her post as a council member. To learn more about Lili, her vision for the city, and what motivates her to run, visit http://www.electlilibosse.com/

It was a great day for women candidates and I was proud to share a small part of it!

Day 293: Pali Baseball Mom's Rock

Tonight several of the Palisades High School Baseball mom's gathered at Gladstone's on PCH for some fun away from the baseball field, the hubby's and the teenagers! What a hoot!

After a long week full of work, life, politics, drama, and craziness it was great for me to meet fun women and relax!

Our connection to one another is that we are all mothers, and we have sons that love the game of baseball! And this group also loves their wine! We laughed, drank, ate, and had a really fun time!

Can't wait till our next rendezvous!

Day 292: Interesting Lecture

This morning I attended a lecture offered at the boys school sponsored by the PTA at Palisades Charter High School. Neighbor and dear gal pal Teresa Jones and I went together. The monthly programs have always sounded interesting, but with my crazy schedule I've never been able to attend. Today I made it happen!

The guest speaker was Dr. Richard Cohen, a well sought-after and respected psychologist who specializes in teens and their behaviors, and relationships with their families. He covers teen drugs, alcohol, sex, relationships, anger, and a whole host of teenage related issues. And as we know there can be quite a few!

Teenagers are a breed to themselves. With changing hormones, peer pressure, wanting to fit "in", competitive school work, and exploring their sexuality, it is a rough time for them and can be a challenge for us parents as well.

So today Dr. Cohen discussed anger, and how it is a behavior so prevalent in teens. He is a licensed anger management specialist. He offered strategies parents can implement to avoid engaging in "battle" with their teens. He discussed how it's very "normal" behavior for teens to have angst, pressure, anxiety, and to take all these emotions out on their parents.

So if you are a parent raising teens now, know that you are not alone in this awkward stage in your child's life. Part of the separation process for adolescents is that they challenge their parents and assert their independence.

Know that as the parent you have the power to control the situation by how you react, how you engage, and what you say during these encounters.

It was a very interesting conversation and I benefited from hearing Dr. Cohen's thoughts and strategies. Parenting like marriage, and all our relationships, takes work, commitment and love. It is not by luck that your kids will ride these years absent of "issues", you must ensure that they do.

Day 291: Odds & Ends

Here's a recap of some loose ends ... When I shared with my boys that I had posted on my BLOG about the "driving experience", Spencer asked if I mentioned the part where I was crying? Sadly I had blocked that part out, so in full disclosure, YES I was actually crying when I said, "you've got to pull over". It was that bad!

Big brother college boy Brandon even posted a comment on my BLOG saying he'd teach them to drive. Thank goodness is all I can.

My running log... I clocked 19 miles today! A first for this distance... I'm feeling much more confidant about finishing the full length of the Los Angeles Marathon which is 26.2 miles... but remember 19 miles is still 7.2 miles short of what I'll have to perform on race day!

Harrison's cumin, coriander, and fennel chicken was delicious! Yummy!

That's all the tidbits for today!

Day 290: Cumin Seeds, Fennel Seeds, and Coriander Seeds?

Have you ever bought the following seeds at the market: Fennel, Coriander or Cumin? I actually stumped the produce manager at a very nice market today when I asked for these items. You ask why the heck was I even buying these seasonings... well my budding chef Harrison requested them for a chicken dish he plans to prepare tonight for dinner! Ya gotta love it!

So there I was today running around the market on a hunt for items I didn't even know existed! And either did the produce manager who was stumped to learn that not only does fennel come fresh, but it is also sold as a seed where the seasonings are displayed. We all had a good laugh and once again I was perplexed at where this boy comes up with his recipes. I mean who uses these ingredients? I now know who!

Hope the chicken is yummy, I'll let you know!

Day 289: Can't Teach the Teenagers to Drive

I just can't do it. Had a panic attack this afternoon and had to have one of the boys pull over as he was practicing driving with me. Poor kid, it wasn't his fault he was driving great!

For those of you who have had me as a passenger in their car, you know my phobia of others driving. I need to drive to have control. I am a horrible passenger and I will own that. So can you imagine me teaching two 15 year old boys how to drive!? I feel so bad that I can't do this, but I really can't ... too much fear of death or maiming!

I am a great Mom and have taught more things then I can remember to all three of my sons, but I am a failure at this one. I just don't have the nerves to be an effective and calm driving teacher. I truly fear for my life or of being maimed. I feel really sad that I can't let them drive me all over, but to preserve my sanity and our healthy relationship I believe it's best that they only drive with their Dad!

Ah, parenting!

Day 288: First Driving Lesson

Today teenagers Harrison & Spencer took their first "professional" driving lessons. They both drove for two hours... on Sunset Boulevard & Pacific Coast Highway! Yikes is all I can say. Can't believe the instructor took them on such busy streets their first time out on the road, but hey if they are going to drive in Los Angeles they better get very comfortable with our crazy, boulevards, highways, and freeways!

All I can say is better the instructor from the driving school, then me! I know they are going to be asking to drive home after school on a daily basis... that means driving on PCH and the 405 freeway. I better wrap my arms around the adventure that will be mine for the next 6 months!

Ah, parenting!

Day 287: More Baseball, So What's New

It's Saturday so you know what that means for us Simon's... PLAY BALL!

Today was another double header for us at Palisades High School. We are still in Winter ball, with the regular season due to start mid-February. These practice games serve as a great way for the coaches to move players around to assemble a strong fielding & hitting team.

The teams are starting to take shape, but more grooming is still required. It's wonderful to see Harrison & Spencer's progress and their growth.

I'm looking forward to a competitive and quality spring baseball season. I'm also eager to watch college boy Brandon play ball when his Willamette University baseball team heads South to play a tournament here in Los Angeles at the end of February.

One of my most favorite ways to spend time is watching all three of my boys play ball. It never gets old or tiring. And with baseball, there's always another game! Play Ball Boys!

Go Dolphins! Go Bearcats!

Day 286: When Your Child Has A Bad Day

Hey parents, bet no one told you this in the delivery room!

When your son or daughter is in pain, the world feels like it's off-balance. No parent wants to see their child hurt, disappointed, pained, angry, or frustrated, but these are emotions we all confront in life.

Allowing your child to experience defeat, or frustration or disappointment is being a good parent. We can't always "save" them. Can't always make it "better." We can, however, let them know that we love them, are here for them if they need to talk, and will always support them.

So today one of my son's had a tough day. We talked, made a plan of action, and I gave him all the space and support he needed. I encouraged him, and then I had to let him go. He would either survive the "challenge" or not. But the power was and is within him.

Thankfully he weathered "the storm" successfully and it was a good day. Not sure what tomorrow will bring. No parent is. You can only lay a solid foundation of what your expectations are for your children, instilling them with the values you hold to be true, love them, cuddle them, discipline them... and then trust that with your guidance they will make the right decisions.

No one ever said parenting was easy.

Day 285: Supporting Women Candidates

I know I may sound like a broken record on this issue, but that's just fine by me. I am passionate about ensuring that we have more women in public office. I write extensively on my blog and on other electronic publications about the benefits of women in appointed or elected office. I speak elaborately about my mission to recruit, train and support women to run for office.

I have also been writing a lot lately about my association to the Marisa Perez campaign. Marisa is running for city council in Lakewood. I am committed to seeing her be victorious.

Tonight I hosted a fundraiser in her honor. In addition to training and supporting women candidates, we also need to raise them resources in order for them to communicate their message with voters. With no funds, there is no campaign. It's that simple. It's very costly to run a campaign and spread your vision for the community. A team must be built, mail collateral designed and mailed, lawn signs printed, voter data purchased, and on and on. It's not a cheap enterprise.

So tonight I had Marisa share with my friends & colleagues why she is running and what she plans to deliver for her community. It was an invigorating evening full of inspiring conversation and hope for the future. I'm so proud of Marisa and all my women friends who are brave enough to add their names to the ballot.

To support Marisa by volunteering or making a contribution, please visit www.MarisaForLakewoodCouncil.com

Day 284: Winter Wonderland, Not So Much

I ran on the beach this morning along the bike path in Venice and Santa Monica. Logged 18 miles! Sun was shinning, just a magnificent day for a long distance run.

But as I was getting suntan on my arms, my kid sister Jennifer was being pounded by a winter storm like no other! How can this be? Check out the photo of the street in front of her apartment in Manhattan, New York! How is anyone suppose to live in these conditions?

It's crazy that there is such a weather discrepancy! Really a drastic one! I suppose we pay the enormous mortgages, insane property taxes, and state taxes in California to be able to absorb this sunshine ... I just don't know how people run, walk, work, go to school, do anything in those conditions hitting the east coast!

Bundle up, cuddle someone, and stay warm! Or come visit me in sunny California !

Day 283: Protecting Our Bodies

Today marks the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v.Wade - the landmark decision that made abortion legal in the United States.

I join with other pro-choice supporters and those whose lives have been deeply impacted by this law in saying thank you to those who fought so diligently to ensure women have access to safe healthy reproductive procedures.

Thank you to the young, passionate attorneys who successfully argued the case, Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee; the women who have marched to protect the right, the legislators who have fought to defeat measures that would erode that right, and the courageous doctors who continue to make this important procedure safe and available to women, despite threats to the safety of themselves and their families.

Below is an excerpt from Lulu Flores, President of the National Women's Political Caucus:

The 112th Congress ushers in a renewed effort to reverse women's rights. John Boehner (R-OH), the new Speaker of the House, made campaign promises to be the most "pro-life speaker in history."

Anti-abortion rights groups, including Susan B. Anthony List and Americans United for Life (AUL), announced plans to pressure Congress to pass the No Tax Payer Funding for Abortion Act, sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL), and the Title X Abortion Provider Act, introduced by Representative Mike Pence (R-IN).

The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would prohibit taxpayer funding of abortions and would ensure that health care reform law does not cover the cost of abortions. The Title X Abortion Provider Act would prevent tax dollars from being sent to abortion providers receiving Title X family-planning grants. AUL has drafted 38 additional model anti-abortion bills.

We need more pro-choice, feminist women (and men) in our Congress. Your contribution to NWPC helps us to continue to recruit, train, and support great women candidates across the country.

Our work is never finished. There will always be those who want to deny women choice. Don't ever become complacent.

Day 282: Nothing Like Old Friends

Tonight two of my oldest and closest friends came over for a visit. I have known Farrel Freeman and Jill Offer since I was 13 years old.

We attended middle school and high school together; were college roommates in San Francisco together; experienced our parent's get divorced together; lost our mom's together; shared boyfriends, girlfriends, marriages, and life together for more than 30 years.

This year we all turn 50! Wow.

There is nothing quite like an old friend who has known you for so long ... they know your history, how you grew up, your family dynamics, your quirks, your secrets, your dreams & aspirations.

Oh the crazy stories we shared as kids, stories none of us would want repeated today. We've gone through loss, and broken hearts, career changes, child birth... you name it! And it never ends. As we all enter our 50th year we face challenges, reflections, and thoughts about how we want to spend the next 50 years of our colorful lives.

One thing is a solid, we will travel this next chapter together.

Day 281: Play Ball

What a gorgeous day to be outside! And that's exactly how the Simon's spent the day! Baseball all day at the boys' high school in Pacific Palisades! Lovely sunshine all day as the teenagers Harrison & Spencer played some great ball.

Pictured here is Spencer, 15 years old, and below is Harrison, also 15 years old

It's really great too because we have terrific families to socialize with while in the stands for some 6 to 7 hours! Really wonderful mom's and dad's and the camaraderie is really super. Makes the long days go by with great conversation while watching all our children play.

Great way to spend a Sunday ...

Day 280: Trolling for Votes

Today was a gorgeous sunshine day in Southern California! A day to be outside that's for sure. I spent the day walking precincts for my friend Marisa Perez who is a candidate for Lakewood City Council. Nothing like getting out and meeting voters face-to-face!

If you have never stomped for votes, I recommend you give it a try. It can be very empowering and invigorating. It also can be very frustrating to see how few people really care about who their elected leaders are... yet they are probably the loudest complainers!

Walking door-to-door today brought up a lot of emotions for me about my own campaign and the experiences I encountered when knocking on my neighbor's doors. Residents in the 5th district in Los Angeles, where I ran for city council, were far more rude and hostile then in the small town of Lakewood. It's also different when you are not the candidate. It's not as personal. It's hard to stand at someones door and have them size you up, make rude comments, slam the door, or yell at you ... yet it is the most effective tool when campaigning for a municipal race.

The personal connection leaves an indelible mark on voters. They are impressed that you have come to their door, taken your time to share a candidate with them.

If you really want to help a candidate win, their are two invaluable tasks you can perform to ensure victory ... make a contribution & walk on their behalf! To learn more about my friend Marisa, visit www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com

Day 279: They Passed, Should I be Happy?

So the twin teenagers Harrison & Spencer passed their written driver's exam today, means they are now licensed to drive (with an adult 25 years or older in the car)! Be warned I say, stay off the road. All their friends are getting their learner's permits... it's the year of turning 16.

While I know it is a rite of passage to get your license and experience freedom in a car, it's not exactly something I relish. At 16 years young your brain is still mush. Your judgement is poor, your instincts not trained, your driving skills mild at best, and yet thousands of kids hit the road with a machine that is deadly.

I remember going through this entire experience with college boy. We had him drive us everywhere so he got as much experience behind-the-wheel as possible. That was a very smart move on our part. But it still scared the heck out of me. I never really slept till I heard him come home. Now that I think about it, I've really never slept deep since having children.

As with my older boy, we had Harrison & Spencer take their exam today, January 21, which is exactly 6 months till their 16th birthday's on July 21st. That way if they pass the driving test in July they will receive their license on their 16th birthday. That's a very cool feeling and I'm happy for them, just so ambivalent about it myself.

The thought of them driving on Pacific Coast Highway and so much freeway driving to get to and from their school scares the heck out of me. Oh well, I suppose we'll cross that impasse when it arrives.

In the meantime, we hit another milestone today in the raising of children. Why is it that none of these experiences, feelings, emotions, fears, or worries were ever explained in the delivery room?

Day 278: So Young, So Much Pain

Many of us are trying to grasp the unexplainable act of a teenage boy who jumped to his death this past Friday. A freshman at Santa Monica High School, a diligent student, a member of his high school baseball team, a boy with so much to live for and so many more years to travel.

I've been told his parents are inconsolable. I would only expect that. I mean my goodness, how could you continue to live knowing that your son was in so much pain that he chose to take his own life?

Did he call out for help? Did he tell his friends of his pain? His parents? Anyone? What goes through the mind of such a young person to push them to the point that they will jump from the 10th floor of a Hotel in front of his teammates? What rage? How aggressive. How terribly sad.

Not too long ago I wrote about a woman in our community who lost her son to a tragic accident. He was running with his track team when a car hit and killed him. I attended a memorial for this young boy and the pain was unbearable. A loss.

What I write about today has even more layers of pain. This boy chose to end his own life. The unbearable pain his parents, friends, classmates, coaches, community, Rabbi must all feel... did they do enough to recognize any signs he may have displayed? Did they pick up on any signals? How they are probably suffering second guessing all their actions.

This story just makes me sick to my core. As a mom of three teenage boys who have, and are still, travelling through adolescents -- no doubt a challenging time in one's young life -- I just can't bare this one.

What a loss. I'm so sad for his family. I really have no words to make this one better. Hug your children tightly tonight.

Day 277: Digging the New Judge

Tonight was the opening season for American Idol! I know it sounds corny, but the boys and I love to watch this show and it's a show we have watched together for years. The truth is, there is very limited programming where teenagers and parents can both watch with interest.

We love to watch the contestants - both the talented & shameful one's - and we love hearing the personal stories. Kudos to the American Idol producers who seek out the heart wrenching stories profiling those auditioning. Always makes me cry.

And this year of course as we all know, offered two new judges. I adore Jennifer Lopez so I was thrilled to have her joining the judging team, but I was a little confused about the Steven Tyler selection ... that is until I saw him tonight! Wow! He dazzled me. I thought he did an excellent job... and believe me I am not a rocker or a groupie of aging rockers.

I'm excited for this season... love witnessing young people's dreams come true!