Day 322: And I Wonder Why I Am Tired?

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

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

Day 321: The Rookie Takes to the Mound

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 320: GOTV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 319: 23 Miles...

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

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

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

Day 318: One Week Until Election Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 317: Remembering Papa Nat

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

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

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

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

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

Day 316: Go Willamette University

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictured here are Brandon & Kalli...

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

Day 315: Go Bearcats, Go Brandon!

Oh my gosh! Today was a moment in time. Have you ever experienced a time where you just want to freeze the moment so you can soak it up more? Well that was me today.

Being a parent is the most challenging & rewarding work a person can perform... and when a moment like today comes along, you know all your efforts were worth the heartache.

College boy Brandon was starting today... meaning the starting pitcher for the second game in a 4 game series that Willamette University was playing in Southern California. This morning's game was against Claremont-McKenna, part of the 5 Claremont Colleges, in Claremont, California. If you live in the area you know that today was the coldest day on record for Los Angeles county.

We arrived prepared with jackets, hats, blankets, and umbrellas. When we arrived at the ball field after an hour drive, a stop at Subway to pick up 50 sandwiches for Brandon's teammates, a caravan of two cars with 8 people, and a hot chocolate stop... we finally sat in the stands and thought the sky has cleared, we are good to go for Brandon's starting game. And then all hell broke loose.

It began to hail, no joke, down pouring of rain and hail! It was crazy. The hosting ball players had to roll out the tarp (no easy job!) to cover the field to prevent damage and we had to wait it out. Luckily mother nature was on our side and after about 15 minutes the skies opened up again and the sun peered through. While it was freezing, it was not raining so it was time to PLAY BALL. And did we play ball!

Brandon Simon took the mound like a pro ... even after 15 years of watching him pitch, my stomach still swirled especially because here he was in front of his parents, his brothers, his brother's friends, his Aunt Michele and cousins Esme & Olivia and all the fans and I know he wanted to deliver.

Pictured here with Brandon is his cousin Olivia, aka, his little sister!

And deliver he did. He pitched 8 innings out of a 9 inning game. He threw 99 pitches, 6 strikeouts and the Bearcats won with a 4-1 score. It was magical. Pure excellence and command of the field. It was a moment, and one I will never forget!

Your children will make choices you may not support, they may disappoint you with decisions you believe to be foolish, but a day like today reinforces that all the hours you spent at the ball park watching them play t-ball and beyond, all the meals you prepared, all the time you gave to them and not yourself, does pay-off. Luck doesn't raise healthy children, you do!

Thank you Brandon for being a remarkable 20 year old young man!

Day 314: PLAY BALL

Today Willamette University is in town for a 4-game tournament! Yeah, that means I get to see college boy Brandon and his teammates play some great college ball!

Today was their first game against Chapman University in Orange County. Two of Brandon's best pals, Ryan Wysocki & Kalli Norimoto met Brian and I at the house and we drove together to the game.

After the game Brandon was able to join us for dinner so we headed off to a belated Birthday dinner for him ! We had such a great time being with him and the college age kids and celebrating his Birthday!

Yes, can you believe we have a 20 year old child, wow! He had a 1o o'clock curfew so we dropped him back at the hotel and headed home. We clocked 9 hours today of baseball and driving! I'm exhausted and off to bed to get up and do it all over again tomorrow!

GO BEARCATS!

Day 313: Computer Saga

Ugh! Still challenged by computer complications! While technology has certainly made parts of our lives more current, convenient, and fun... the downside is that we are so dependent on our "tools" that when they malfunction, you feel like you are malfunctioning!

So today was more fine tuning, and trying to get me up and running smoothly. Meanwhile, I am behind on submitting proposals, updating my Blog, and responding to emails. I'm not in a very happy mood about all this computer mess!

I did however, make it over to Abbe Land & Lindsey Horvath's campaign offices to make more voter phone calls on behalf of their campaigns. At least that was a productive part of my day!

Day 312: Birthday Tunes

I'm going to hold off on updating you on my computer ordeal until tomorrow and instead post about my long distance run today & my fabulous early Birthday present from kid sis Jennifer!

Remember a few days ago I posted about borrowing hubby Brian's ipod and how fun it was to run with music... well the little one and her darling beau Kevin, bought me an early 50th Birthday present... a PINK ipod.

Pictured here is the kid sis and me in New York over our Thanksgiving trip this past November.

This past weekend teenager Harrison transferred my play list from Brian's ipod on to the little bugger and today was my first time using it! Wow, how cool... it's tiny enough to clip on anywhere and the music was terrific! He even downloaded two of my favorite songs to add to the list... Thug Mansion by Tupac (2pac) and Forget You, by Cee Lo Green, awesome!

Athletic trainer & friend Melody kicked my ass once again today... 21 fucking miles is all I can say. Everything hurts. My feet, knees, hips, lower back, bowels, and new blisters on my boobs, is there anything left on my body?

Pictured here is me and Melody celebrating her birthday last year!

So I have made it to 21, which still leaves 5.2 more miles to go to 26.2, and one month left. No doubt I'll finish the race, I have always finished every project I have ever begun, I'm not a quitter. But it hurts, I mean really hurts!

Thank goodness for my little pink friend, she'll come in handy when I need a little inspiration to keep me logging those miles. Thank you Jennifer & Kevin for what is truly a very thoughtful, useful and loving gift! They even had it engraved to say Happy 50th Birthday! What could be better?

Day 311: Computer Update

Oh my goodness... nothing is ever easy, is it! So if you read yesterday's post you obviously know how pissed off I was about my computer. So today was the day to take action and get this problem resolved! I made contact with my tech gal, Kristie Davidson (more on her later) and on her professional recommendation, I headed to Costco to make my hefty purchase.

Well, if you know me you know I don't "do" Costco... makes me anxious with all the people and crazy crowds, too much product, too many choices, and then I end up leaving the store spending $500 dollars! But today I was on a mission. Just a computer & printer. No other items!

I didn't feel confident taking this adventure alone, so I enlisted gal pal Lisa Martin to go with me! She maneuvers these stores and missions very well!

Pictured here are me and kid sis Jennifer with Lisa last year in New York for my 49th Birthday!

Of course the salespeople in the electronics department were horrible. They were not knowledgeable on the products they carry and could care less if I was about to drop $1,000 in their store. Well they should because customers like me help them keep their jobs! Why can't any sales clerk take pride in their damn job! UGH!

Well the first Costco didn't have the computer I wanted (what a surprise), but I was told that the Hawthorne location had several Sony all-in-one wireless computers in stock. So gal pal Lisa, being the BFF that she is, said, "let's head to Hawthorne." Ugh! again!

Of course the Costco dude doesn't tell us there are TWO Hawthorne locations (of course) so then I had to call and can you believe the woman HUNG UP on me when I inquired on store location and about the inventory for the computer I was looking for!

By this point I am sweating, I mean really shivitsing! Well we finally found the correct store (very easy, right off the 405 freeway!) and unit I wanted, with thanks to Kristie who I kept calling to make sure I was buying the right products! Whew!

First phase of my mission was completed!

Tomorrow will be phase two... hours spent on setting the new system up! Can you say Kristie "Help me!" Stay tuned!

Day 310: So Furious!!!!

I'm so angry, frustrated, furious, pissed off I really can't see straight -- nor can I adequately post on my daily Blog! My computer has exploded. I'm lost without access to my documents, and life! So sit patiently my dedicated followers as I won't be able to post in the fashion I like to... this post is being written from my son's Mac computer and I'm just not a mac user... everything is different about this device, I don't have my images stored here, or all the other bells & whistles I use to make my Blog look "pretty."

With so much going on politically, in my life, with the boys, I'm so mad that I can't share with you my daily observations, thoughts, passions & musings! Check back tomorrow and maybe my head & computer will be acting more appropriately!

Fucking technology is all I can say!

Day 309: 30th Birthday Party & Lakewood Campaigning

Today I headed out to Lakewood to walk precincts for gal pal and fabulous city council candidate Marisa Perez. This was on the heels of a fabulous 30th birthday party I attended last night for Melissa Solomon. Melissa is Lissa & Ken Solomon's daughter and those Solomon's really know how to host a party!

Pictured here is me and Ken (holding the slider) and gal pals Stacy Bell & Stacy Fischler.

They had a fabulous food truck parked in front of the house offering sliders and onion rings, so yummy. All the cocktails were "pink" and there was a fun photo booth ... all this despite the downpour of rain! But they pulled it off and a great time was had by all.

Today the sun was shining and it was crisp and cool, a perfect day to walk and talk to voters. Marisa is in a tough race up against the "establishment" which doesn't welcome fresh new players very often. Most of the incumbents have been in office for 20 or 30 years (no term limits, although voting is considered a term limit, and these guys have had few challengers & never got voted out of office).

She's working very hard and knows what she's talking about... I just hope the Lakewood voters recognize what she offers and cast their votes for her on March 8th.

Campaigning can be very rewarding, but also very frustrating. But today we walked, and talked to voters, and spread her message. It was all good!

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!