Day 19: Friendships & Birthday's

Tonight Brian and I dined with dear friend's Lori & Steve Soll in honor of my big 5-0 birthday. What a lovely evening we shared.

The Soll's have been friends for more than 20 years... we have shared births, deaths, holidays, baseball and everything else life throws you, together!

There have been some beautiful memories made between our families. We have shared heartaches, challenges, illnesses, but in the end tonight was just a glorious celebration of life and health!

Thank you to the Soll's for honoring me and for being such wonderful friends.

Day 17: Birthday Friendship

The Birthday celebrations continue... oh my gosh I'm going to be huge with all the luncheons, dinner's and cocktails being showered upon me for my 50th Birthday! Whew!

It's been so fun and I feel so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life that want to shower me with affection (and food & drink!).

Pictured here with me is gal pal Nancy Ross out on one of my Birthday celebrations!

Truly the greatest gift in life, other then your health, is the company you keep. The people you choose to spend your time with, share your lives with, and celebrate milestones together.

It's been one festive event after another and I thank you all for reaching out to me to spend time with me, honor me and celebrate how fabulous 50 can be! I'm feeling so good today!

Day 365: Happy 50 Years to Me

50 ROBYNISMS

Pink is my signature color

When listening to Gospel Music I cry because I’m so moved

I’m obsessed with cocktail napkins & you having one under your drink

I light candles every night in my house even if it’s just me home alone

I say intentions for the day ahead every morning when I wake up

I drink gallons of water a day

I won most Vivacious in High School, Brian won most Understanding, they still hold true

I get anxiety going to Costco

I would have my hair styled everyday if I could afford to

I have worn the same fragrance for 25 years, Tiffany

My favorite designer is Coco Chanel

I’m obsessed with your beverage being served in the correct stemware

The more bling & glitz, the better

My favorite sport is of course Baseball

I hold a Master’s Degree in Broadcast Management from Pepperdine University

I expect a lot, because I give a lot

Fine is never acceptable, you should aim for outstanding

I drink vodka martinis up, cold and with olives

I believe in equal rights for all

I would die for my children

I hosted my own public affairs television show at the age of 27

I wish we could all be foster parents

I’m passionate about more women in public office

. I cry watching the news

I believe being graceful is always in style

I believe intelligence is sexy

I was born a blonde & believe we do have more fun

Peonies are my favorite flowers

I adore my big & blended family & feel blessed to have them in my life

I love my children to the moon & the stars & back again

I believe motherhood is a job, and the best one to hold

I love drinking champagne anytime of the day or night

I miss my mom Suzanne everyday

I believe we can all do better

I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without my partner Brian

I love to travel, but always miss home

I believe in Sisterhood

My daily beverages include coffee, water, vodka & wine

I am passionate about food

I love to dress up

I love to soak in a swimming pool with a cocktail

I’m too old to drink cheap wine & it must be chilled

I’m blessed to have a circle of friends who enrich my life

I’m grateful for my beautiful home built my builder hubby

I have no regrets about running for office, except maybe that I didn’t win

I feel like a winner in life because I at least tried

It has been a colorful 50 years

I have a long to do list for the next 50

I hope you will all be with me on the journey

I’m at peace, but not finished

Day 364: On the Eve of One Year

Wow, I can't believe tonight is the eve of ONE year since I launched my Birthday Blog! One year of sharing my life from the most mundane activities or thoughts, to the extravagant & outrageous. It's been a fabulous journey to chronicle my daily life.

The beauty of this Blog is that I now I have a living diary full of animation and color and it makes me so happy. I set this goal and stuck to it and now I can review everything I did, felt, and experienced from my 49th Birthday celebration in New York until tonight.

Many of you have asked if I was going to continue posting about my life and the answer is YES! I want to keep this living, open book alive. Writing daily gives me an outlet to reflect, share, grow, explore and give shout outs to special people in my life.

I set many goals on my 49th Birthday ... to launch a daily blog, to run a marathon, to get healthy & fit, to be strong, to help women run for office, to attend as many of my boy's baseball games as possible, and I have accomplished all of this.

WOW! it feels amazing!

Day 332: 50 for 50 ... Are you Attending?

Do you like me? Do you like to support women running for office? Do you like to socialize with cool people? Do you like a swanky venue? How about good food & drinks, do you like them?

Well my dear, if you have answered YES to these questions then I better see you on Thursday, April 14th for the 50 for 50 Celebration!

You say, what is the 50 for 50 Event? Well, my lovelies, it is a chance to raise a little dough for my favorite political organization, National Women's Political Caucus, while also celebrating my milestone 5-0!

So for 50 bucks you can be a champ while also having fun ushering in 50 more years for me! Not a bad deal I say! And if you are feeling flush you can even consider sponsoring the event for a little more contribution!

Click the link below for all the lovely details... Hope to see your smiling & supportive faces on April 14 !

http://www.punchbowl.com/parties/1889442-national-women-s-political-caucus-la-westside-present-s-50-for-50

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 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 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 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 276: 50 For My 50th

Tonight was the first board meeting of 2011 for the National Women's Political Caucus, the political organization I am passionately committed to and serve as a member on the Board of Directors.

We laid out an ambitious year of events all designed to encourage more women to run for public office. As with most causes, resources are always what is needed.

I was thrilled that the Board had cooked up an idea where I can be intimately involved in raising money for a mission I care deeply about.

In honor of my 50th Birthday, NWPC - LA Westside is hosting a 50 for 50 Birthday Party for me. A $50 contribution to my favorite political organization, in honor of me turning 50! This is the best gift I could receive... I don't need more stuff, I need more women in public office.

Details about the party are being flushed out, but reserve Thursday, April 14, to party, celebrate and help elect more women during my 50th year of life!

I'm so excited with the idea, I'm actually giddy! Hope you can join the festivities and give me the best present... more women in office!

Day 264: Happy Birthday Papa Joe

What a perfect day for a golf game, and what a perfect way to celebrate Papa Joe's Birthday! Hubby Brian, and teenagers Harrison & Spencer met Dad at Penmar golf course this morning for a round of golf.

Check out how damn cute they are Harrison, Dad, and Spencer

Afterwards college boy Brandon, niece Zoe, and I met them all for lunch. We went to a FABULOUS BBQ joint in Venice. It's called Baby Blues BBQ and if you are ever in Venice on Lincoln Boulevard you must visit this delicious southern home cooked BBQ place. What a yummy lunch we had and a fabulous celebration.

Seems like we just celebrated Papa Joe's 80th Birthday one year ago -- how fast the year has passed. It has been a year full of great happiness and some sorrow. We lost Papa Nat last March, hard to believe we are coming up on one year for that. The kids have all grown and are happy and healthy. Life keeps tickin'.

Pictured here are Spencer, Me, Dad, Zoe, Harrison and Brandon.

Make sure you make an effort to see the one's you love and care about, because someday we'll all be gone.

Day 254: The "Other" Simon's

Today is Miss Rebecca's birthday. Rebecca Simon was my campaign manager for my city council race in 2009.

For those of you who know me well, you know that she became much more to me then the manager of my political campaign. In addition to becoming a trusted ally and confidant, she has also become like a daughter to hubby Brian and I and a sister to my boys.

Pictured here is Rebecca's family from L-R: Me, Brian, Birthday girl Rebecca, grandma, brother David, Mom Joan and Dad Craig Simon.

If you are lucky enough in life to meet special people along your journey who leave indelible marks on your heart, than you are blessed. I am blessed to have Rebecca in my life.

She comes from a beautiful family, the "other" Simon's and tonight they generously invited us to join them for a birthday celebration for Rebecca.

I feel blessed that our two families have merged, surely one of the best byproducts of my campaign. We shared a special journey in my life, and have continued to work on projects and share one another's lives way past Election Day.

A solid friend is a gift to be treasured. We feel like we received a gorgeous trinket with Rebecca... thank you to Joan & Craig Simon for sharing your beautiful daughter with us Simon's.

Day 179: Happy Birthday Mom

Hard to believe it's been 15 years since our Mom passed away. Suzanne Sherman would be 70 years old today. No doubt we'd be hosting an extravaganza in her honor! She was the original party girl. Nobody partied better than her... always the life of a party!

Pictured here is Mom and Me at my Baby Shower for the twins. She was so ill here... she was gone months later.

It's difficult to sometimes comprehend that she passed at 55 years old ... as I approach my 50th Birthday I think how YOUNG that was. I can't imagine not being around after 55. I was 33 years old when she died, sis Linda was 34, sis Michele was 35, and kid sister Jennifer only 21 years old. My twin sons, Harrison & Spencer were just 3 months old.

She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at age 50. She battled for 5 years. All three of my children born during her illness. Today we remember her.

Hug your loved one's tight today as tomorrow they may be gone.

Day 177: Happy Birthday Hubby

Today is my handsome, hunky, hubby's Birthday! For those that don't know, Brian and I met when we were 13 years old! He attended my Sweet Sixteen Birthday party! We've shared more Birthday's together, than not. That's pretty crazy, isn't it?

I'm six months older, he likes to say he prefers older women! Next year we both turn the Big 5-0 and have had many discussions about how to honor this milestone together. As you know I am running a full marathon. It's always been something I've wanted to challenge my mind and body to accomplish, and I thought if not now, when!?! Brian hasn't decided on some "BIG" thing to "do" to honor the Birthday. I think it's different for men then women?

We talked about taking an adventuresome trip with the boys. Maybe Africa? Maybe to Italy or Israel. We are not sure, but we feel like we'd love to usher the year in with a memorable family adventure -- something that both Brian and I and the boys can look back and say, "what a fabulous time together we had back when Mom & Dad turned 50."

But a trip like that takes a lot of planning & resources. It's ok for us to dream and maybe we can make it a reality, but if not we'll get to these places with the boys one of these days.

In the meantime, Brian and I are content with knowing that physically we are both in the best shape we've ever been in; we have three healthy sons; we have a beautiful, warm home; we have a loving extended family; fabulous friends; and a bond between us that I hope lasts forever. I'd say that trumps any trip we could take and is worthy of a celebration everyday!

Happy Birthday Brian! May all your wishes come true this year and beyond!

Day 172: More Birthday's

The gals from University High School gathered tonight to celebrate October Birthday's. This is a group of gal pals I've known since Junior High School. Several of us have remained tight friends over the years while others reconnected last year in advance of our 30th High School Reunion. We've made an effort to get together every couple of months to celebrate Birthday's & life.

Life has turned out different for us all. Some are married, others divorced; some are sober; gay, have children, no children, have fulfilling careers, while others are just holding on paycheck to paycheck. We will all turn 50 next year.. I can still remember these gals with fresh 13 year old faces. My gosh how many years have gone by?

Tonight we were hosted by one of my oldest and dearest friends Farrel Freeman. Oh the memories we shared from Junior High and High School! Stories I'd never repeat to my children! She moved back to Los Angeles one year ago and it's been wonderful having her back in my life.

Gal pal Jill Offer of course was in attendance. Jill, Farrel and I not only were inseparable in high school, we also went off to college together in San Fransisco. Jill and I have parallel lives -- both married boys from high school, both had three children, each with one in college now! Damn where did those years go?

I look forward to our reunions together. The older I get the more I like to be in the company of familiarity -- people who came from where you came from; shared your experiences; truly care about you.

Happy October Birthday to the gals from High School!

Day 150: Birthday Bliss

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 143: Celebrating Mid Century

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 134: Remembering Hurricane Katrina

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 94: Happy 15th Birthday Boy's

Wow, hard to believe that 15 years ago we ushered Harrison & Spencer into this world! What an experience that was, giving birth to two beautiful baby boys! Just 10 minutes apart ... I'll never forget how they were swaddled so snugly then placed face-to-face inside the little bassinet at the hospital.

And now look at my handsome sons... Spencer pictured with me on the left and Harrison on the right at their Birthday celebration dinner tonight ... yummy! These boys can eat!

Funny how birthdays are great measuring tools... you can reflect on what has gone on over the past 15 years, and imagine what the next 15 years might bring. I remember being so happy that my Mom hung on to see Harrison & Spencer born. I can still see her beautiful red hair shining as she held them at their Bris... she passed away 3 months later...

Their first year of life was bittersweet. I was so happy to have these bundles of joy to care for, but so sad to have lost my Mom at such a cherished time in my life. Births play a number on you too, and so does death and to have both of these significant events happen within months of one another, was well, there are really no words to describe the feelings.

I know my Mom would be so proud if she could see the boys today. Handsome, smart, athletic, empathetic, loving, and really just all around good kids. What a loss for her, and for them. But today is a celebration of life, and the greatest gifts I was given on this day.

Happy 15th Birthday to my beautiful Happy Harrison & Sweet Spencer!

My Birthday April 17, 2010

My Birthday is today! Happy 49th Birthday to Me ...

Top Five Intentions Before 50

1. Run a Marathon
2. Attend Law School
3. Finish My Book
4. Be A Political Reporter (again!)
5. Be As Physically Fit & Healthy As Possible

note: I would say "Own at least one handbag from all my favorite designers" however, I am aiming to be more spiritual with my top five goals - haha!

Top 5 That Won't Happen Before 50

1. I won't stop drinking Martini's

2. I won't go under the knife for plastic surgery

3. I won't hang out with people that annoy me

4. I won't continue to beat myself up for losing two political campaigns

5. I won't ever stop calling my hubby & boys delicious!

But for today, I am in New York City with my kid sister (Jennifer) and wonderful friend (Lisa) about to embrace all that Manhattan has to offer -- including good coffee to start the day! Here is to a fabulous year ahead!