Day 194: An Honor for Dad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 193: Running Up Temescal

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

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

We'll see! Run Robyn Run!

Day 192: The New Lingo

For those of you raising teenagers, you may be familiar with some of these words, or maybe not!

So tonight while eating dinner with Harrison & Spencer, and niece Olivia, my son Harrison says,

"Oh Mom that's because you're so FADED" ... I said what? How many of you know what that word/term means? Really, how many of you?

I consider myself a pretty cool & hip Mom ... I try to stay in tune with youthful attitudes through their music, interests and Face Book, but these terms just crack me up. What ever happened to Groovy, Bitchin' or Rad?

Turns out Faded means you are really high (as in stoned, not high on life!), but Harrison meant it as if I was so out of it not following their conversation so I was Faded, get it?

Or how about Sesh ... I'm in a sesh now (as I'm in a session of homework or whatever now).

Or you could use Dank to describe something really good.... this Blog is so Dank!

Stop being such a Noob, meaning a nerd or rookie!

You're looking so Fresh, as in fly or stylin'!

Or this is Legit, meaning you're down for this, it's legitimate!

Okay I'm laughing all over again just writing these silly words.... but every generation coins new phrases and words. I'm sure my parents laughed at all our "made-up" words and phrases to describe expressions, thoughts or feelings.

I mean "Face Book Me", didn't exist 7 years ago, now it's part of our English vernacular!

So I hope you think my blog is dank, I think it's pretty fresh ... I'm heading into another writing sesh and it will be legit because I won't be faded this time when I write my next post. Stop being a noob, and get with the program!

Day 191: Laugh A Little

With all the sad news and loss this past week I thought I'd post a photo that always makes me smile and laugh. It reminds me how we should never take ourselves too seriously ... as you can see from this photo my family doesn't take me very seriously sometimes ...

In a family portrait taken a few years ago, I said "now everyone smile" and look how my goofy boys smiled ...

Whenever I need a "pick me up" I look at this picture! I love the age of the boys here and where our life was at when this picture was captured ... all my chicks living at home... before they all became teenagers, when I could still dress them, hold them, and smother them with kisses ... this was one of those moments where I wanted to freeze time, have it stand still ... whenever I need to "regroup" and shake off whatever is tugging at me, this is my "go to" picture that can snap me out of a "blue" mood...

Doesn't it make you laugh too?

Day 190: Such Loss

I attended a Mass service this evening at a church in Sherman Oaks in honor of Conor Lynch, son of Jeri Lynch, a woman I met many years ago. Jeri and my good friend Matt Ober attended law school together. When Brian and I were introduced to Jeri many years ago she was an instant favorite. Full of life and always the life of a party.

The years have flown by and like us she too had three sons. I saw her about six years ago at Zachary Ober's Bar Mitzvah and we got all caught up on our boys and their very busy activities including lots of sports. Her son Conor was a cross country runner and a Junior at Notre Dame High School.

This week while running with his teammates he was hit and killed by a car. What a tragic loss for his beautiful Mom and Dad, his two Brothers, his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and for his community.

As I sat on a pew during tonight's service I was surrounded by beautiful teenagers all there to show their honor and respect for a friend who had fallen too young. I was so overcome with sadness seeing all their beautiful faces, so young and full of life having to confront death so early on in life. How do you tell your son his best friend, classmate, teammate, has been killed at just 16 years old?

There's just something so wrong with a child leaving before his parents. There are no magic or comforting words to say in a situation like this. It was a horrific accident with fatal consequences. As a Mom I can't possibly comprehend the anguish Jeri must be experiencing.

I said a private prayer for Conor. Once again, hug your children.

Day 189: Band of Boys

The college boy was in town for a few days -- semester break. Loved having him home, even for a brief stint. It felt like a fraternity house this weekend around the Simon house. We had a house full of boys which means lots of food & fun. Absolutely my favorite way to spend time ... cooking and hanging with my boys. I love them all...

Having Brandon home and Harrison & Spencer around with all their friends was the perfect medicine for my aching heart. This week was plagued by the loss of too many young sons. I have posted about their tragic deaths. I still can't wrap my arms around how a Mother ever gets over losing a child. I guess that's why I was feeling like we should really embrace the kids these past few days. Keep them close & snug to us. So we did.

Checkout this picture of us all at dinner...

lots of laughter & smiles! Given the sad news this week I was so happy to be surrounded by my family and to relish in their company ... it's what life is all about!

Day 188: Another Son Lost

Did you read about the shark attack today? Oh my goodness, a 19 year old college student was body-surfing in Santa Barbara and was attacked and killed by a great white shark. The shark tore the young man's leg off his body while his best friend watched in horror.

Another mother goes to bed tonight weeping for the loss of her son.

My eldest son is 19. He too is a college student. It's unimaginable for me to think about receiving the phone call that tells you your child is dead. Yet, this week alone two tragedies took the lives of two young promising men. Two days ago I posted about the 16 year old Sherman Oaks boy who was killed by a car while running with his cross-country track team.

The UC Santa Barbara student killed by the shark today was on the water polo team, he was a lifeguard, and an excellent swimmer. The LA Times quoted his father as saying they knew their son died doing what he loved, being in the water.

The teenager called his Mom right before he entered the ocean. He wanted to share with her how excited he was about the good waves... that was the last time his mother heard her son's voice.

I don't know why I'm so drawn to these stories. I suppose it's because I can't imagine anything more horrible than losing a child. So once again I remind us all to take stock in what we have.... to feel blessed that we are alive & healthy and that our children are safe.

Hug them again tonight very tightly.

Day 187: Fighting for Her Baby

Just when you think stories can not be any more heart wrenching, along comes a report that just breaks my heart.

How many of you caught the story this week on the nightly news about the would be purse snatcher in Venice? This thug attacked a woman from behind in the hopes of stealing her handbag. He was in for the fight of his life because there was no way this woman was going to give up her purse.

Now many of you are saying, "why the hell not, just give the thug your bag, and save your life," but some things are worth dying for.

Turns out the woman had in her bag a phone with a recorded message of her baby who had died the year before. The baby was saying "mama" and "cooing" ... it was the only memory left of her baby and she was willing to die to hold on to that special voice, that beautiful cooing, all she had left of her baby.

This thug messed with the wrong mother... she already lost a child, she'd be willing to die to hold on to the small memory left, and guess what, so would I ... how about you?

Click on the link below to see the violent attack. It will make you sick.

VENICE, Calif. ( KTLA) -- The victim of a violent purse-snatching attempt in Venice is speaking out exclusively to KTLA about why she would not let go of her bag, even when the suspect dragged her by it down the street.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-venice-purse-snatching-victim-speaks,0,6926679.story

Day 186: Still Recovering

Ran 12 miles today in the rain. Yep, there we were at 6:30 a.m. this morning running through Venice Beach in the rain. We watched the homeless wake up, the storefronts open up, and countless other dedicated runners out there hitting the pavement.

What a kick I got out of looking over at a fellow runner and being so surprised to see it was Congresswoman Jane Harmon! I mean there she was a United States Congresswoman out running by herself. No security detail. Rep. Harmon represents Venice so it was refreshing to see her out in her 'hood!


When we were finished we had clocked 12 miles. No wonder I'm sitting on ice packs with aching legs tonight. This is madness, that's for sure ... of course until next week when we'll do it all over again and probably add miles. Run Robyn Run!

Day 185: A Terrible Tragedy

My heart is so heavy tonight.

A young High School boy was hit by a car and killed while running during his cross country class today in Sherman Oaks. The story is horrific enough, especially for any parent of young teenage boys, but made even more horrible for me because I know the parents.

All I keep thinking about is Conor's mother and how her heart is broken into pieces that will never be repaired. This is the second Mother I know personally who has lost a son this year.

A few months ago I wrote about a woman whose son was shot while working at a legal marijuana dispensary. And today to learn of another son taken from his mother is just unbearable. I could not even comprehend the pain and loss the family is experiencing.

Hug your children tonight.

Day 184: Half Way Through

Wow, hard to believe I have hit the half way mark of my year long Birthday Blog!

Think about this? How many things do you do EVERYDAY? Hopefully bath & brush your teeth! But most of us don't exercise 7 days a week or work 7 days a week, or participate in our hobbies 7 days a week. But I have written an entry in my public life diary EVERYDAY since my 49th Birthday on April 17, 2010. That's a pretty cool accomplishment. I made a goal, a commitment and I have stuck with it.

Got me thinking about the goals we set for ourselves and how many of us really stick to them. I feel as if I'm on a roll sticking to commitments. I made a commitment some time ago to train to run a Marathon in advance of turning 50. I'm on my way with 6 months to go. If my body hangs on, then I'll be running 26.2 miles on March 20, 2011.

I made a goal to write daily about my life's musings ... even if the posts are mundane or silly or serious ... I wanted to keep a daily record of how I spent the year leading up to 50 years old. I made a commitment to be the ultimate support system for my three sons and their education and baseball activities. That means driving all over the county if need be to attend games or traveling to Oregon to watch my oldest son play ball. That means rising before 6 every morning to cook them a hot breakfast so their minds can function better. It means taking an active role in their homework and all school activities. Don't ever underestimate your role as a parent and the influence you carry over your children's lives.

So today I celebrate sticking to my daily entries. It hasn't been easy to always write, there are days that I'd rather not chronicle, but that too is why I write. Because the Blog project is about logging the good the bad the ugly, because that is real and honest.

So I'm toasting my half way mark today! Thank you to all my followers who have joined me on this journey and my celebration!

Day 183: My Friend the Opera Singer

Okay, how many of you can say you have a friend that sings Opera? I bet none of you! Can you believe I have a high school gal pal who has been a professional opera singer for more than 20 years!

Diana Tash and I attended junior high and high school together. Last year was our 30th High School reunion and many of the gals from the old gang began reconnecting in advance of the summer reunion. That has led to a rekindling of so many lovely friendships. Since then we have all gotten together every few months to stay connected. I have Blogged about these gatherings and my girlfriends several times.

Today Diana was performing locally so I attended to support her and to hear her beautiful voice. It was such a treat to listen to her sing and to watch her perform. She is just enchanting as an artist and a joy to support. My Dad loves opera so I took him with me to the performance. He has not seen Diana for 30 years and thought she was a marvelous singer. She was so kind to have sent him her CDs and when he heard her sing he thought she had a magial voice and wanted to see her perform live. Diana's mom attended today's performance too and I hadn't seen her for 30 years! It was a big love fest seeing the parents and the parents seeing us "kids" who are now grown women. A really touching afternoon.

It's so fascinating the careers we choose and the journey we take that leads us to our passions work-wise. I am so proud of Diana's accomplishments and her talent. I think it's really cool that I can say I have a friend who sings opera!

To learn more about Diana's performances, visit her website at http://www.dianatash.com/

Day 182: PSAT Day

You ask what is the PSAT? The Practice SAT of course! Harrison & Spencer and all their pals took the exam today. While they are only in 10th grade the idea is that you get students prepared by taking the test early on in High School. The score then can be used as a benchmark.

If you score poorly you've got plenty of time to bone up on your studies ... or if you do fairly well then you know you are on the right course. Key is exam strategy as these tests are timed and there is a lot of material to get through.

I picked up 6 boys after the test. I had to giggle at how damn cute these 15 year old boys are. They put a smile on my face everyday. Just the mundane simply things of listening to them talk in the car about music (mostly rap) or their friends or teachers ... I just relish being in their company.

They all reported that they felt the test was not too challenging, but that they didn't have enough time to complete all the sections. This is just a matter of learning test strategies and being more conscious of how much time you have per problem.

The reason we had so many kids to schelp home is because Spencer and his three classmates had to work on an English project. They read Cather in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger and had to put together an entire project on their thoughts of the book. They have worked all afternoon, with me feeding them for fuel. Talk about committed students!

All this was going on while my darling niece Olivia was over and we worked on her college application essays. What a massive undertaking that is! She has to submit different essays prompted by different questions for each University she is applying to. Geez, all the writing!

It's been a school day at the Simon's! All I can say is I'm really happy I'm not in school anymore, I couldn't keep up with these kids!

Day 181: A New Nail Polish Color

Well I took a leap of faith today! I selected a NEW nail polish color for my fingernails & toes! Now this may not seem like a big deal to most of you, but if you know me, you know I have my signature Pink polish color and I never waver from it. Not for years! The only time I wear a different color is in December around the Holidays where I wear Red, other than that no new color for me ever. It's Forget Me Not Pink Polish for me.

I surprised myself today by saying to my manicurist, "Let's try this new color." It helped that the shade was made by Chanel, my favorite designer of everything! It's a mix between a deep, deep purple and a hint of black.

Sometimes you just gotta change it up. Whether it's your nail color, your haircut, your fashion, your sunglasses, somethings got to change to keep you current! So today for me it was trying a new polish shade. We'll just have to see if I still like it over the next few days.... for now every time I look at my nails I'm wondering where my pretty pink hands went!

Day 180: Back-to-School

The hubby Brian and I attended Back-to-School Night at Palisades Charter High School this week for our two sons Harrison & Spencer. Both boys are sophomores.

We always enjoy the opportunity to visit the classrooms where the boys spend hours over the year and meeting the teachers who are charged with keeping some 40 plus teenagers alert, inspired, and interested. Certainly no easy task for a teacher or anyone!


We were so impressed with the caliber of education their teachers had received. Three teachers have earned Doctorate degrees. All the others Master's Degree. Their passion for wanting their students to have a love for their respective subject was refreshing and almost made me want to return to school myself! It was a relief to know that the boys are receiving not just a good education, but an outstanding education.

Spencer is enrolled in an Advanced Placement History class - AP courses are college level classes. His teacher is a retired businessman who followed his passion and love of history to the classroom. When you have a person who doesn't have to be there, but chooses to be there for the love of teaching, you are bound to get the best.

There is no greater gift a parent can give their child then education. Both in the classroom and outside in the real world. We worked hard to ensure that the boys could attend Palisades Charter High School and we are thrilled with our decision.

Stay on top of your child's education, it is so very important! Go Pali, Go Dolphins!

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 178: Trick or Treat

It's that time of year again! Halloween is weeks away... finally got our Evite invitation out today for the Simon Annual Halloween Party! Hosting a Chili Cook-Off this year... should be fun!

The Simon boys have been cooking Chili for many years... Brian started the tradition and has passed the recipe on to Harrison. It's so yummy with all their secret spices and ingredients. MMM-Good!

Will start the decorating this week... that's always a major undertaking as over the years we've accumulated countless decorations. The house always looks festive and the neighborhood children come to see all the lights and ghosts & goblins. It's so cute to see their trick or treating faces. Of course my boys are too old and too cool to dress up anymore. But that doesn't prevent us adults from dressing up and acting like the kids!

It's a silly Holiday, but when the boys were young it was so fun to dress them up and take them from house to house for candy. Really a silly tradition, but one with wonderful memories for me. Now it's the adults who try to outdo themselves with the costumes, that's so fun too!

My Mom always hosted Halloween, decorated like crazy and always made yummy chili. I guess that contributes to why the Halloween and all that surrounds it, means osmuch to me. We've carried on the tradition. I hope my boys will make Halloween a treat for their children. I mean who will I pass all these crazy decorations on to... they better host an annual party!

We had thought about skipping on our annual party this year... but I just couldn't stand having my house be empty on such a lively night. All the disappointed children who would come by and say, "hey the Halloween lady didn't decorate her house this year!"

So let the craziness begin as we kick-off Fall and prepare for Halloween ... what's your costume this year?

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 176: Supporting Great Leadership

Today the hubby and I attended a great meet & greet for Laurie Lieberman, candidate for Santa Monica School Board. Coincidentally both Brian and I met Laurie through different channels.

Laurie and her husband were referred to Brian through dear mutual friends of ours Elizabeth & Richard Stearns. The Lieberman's are interested in remodeling their home.

Pictured here are me, NWPC endorsed candidate, Laurie Lieberman, and host & friend Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns.

I met Laurie through my political circles. She came before the National Women's Political Caucus - Political Action Committee seeking an endorsement. She received the endorsement unanimously.


Laurie is a talented and qualified candidate who would be an asset to the School Board or frankly any Board she served on. The children and families of Santa Monica would be fortunate to have a leader with her experience and commitment toward children and their education.

We are thrilled to support Laurie in her bid for the Santa Monica School Board and we encourage all of you to do the same. To learn more about Laurie, please visit: http://www.liebermanforschoolboard.com/

Day 175: The Social Network

The hubby Brian and I went to see The Social Network movie tonight... you know the one about the creator(s) of Facebook. LOVED it! I've been fascinated by this story and the creator. He created Facebook at age 19, while attending Harvard. The same age my son is now. It's mind boggling to think of that.

It's also crazy to wrap your arms around Mark Zuckerberg being the YOUNGEST BILLIONAIRE in the world. Wow, now that's some serious bank to throw around!

Anyway, I'm not sure if he is the "original" creator or not of Facebook. Yes, the hunky handsome Harvard twin boys may have had an idea and they may have brought it to Zuckerberg, but the nerdy computer kid is the one who built and launched a social networking site. He out foxed the other Harvard boys. Not the first time business will go down this way, nor will it be the last.

What is genius is the idea that a boy, a teenager, developed a site that some are predicting will have more users than not. The site is only 7 years old and has 500 million friends.

It has changed the way we communicate forever -- for good or bad. For a candidate it was a magic tool. We used it to invite people to my campaign events, to post endorsements and other campaign related stories. How else could you communicate your message so broadly and effectively with so little resources? You can't. So for you naysayers, get on board. Facebook is great, if used for its' creator's intent.

Just like Apple, Microsoft, HP (Hewlett Packard), now Facebook will share the story of a young entrepreneur with a genius IQ who created a piece of technology that is now in our vernacular ... FaceBook me!

Day 174: Supporting Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project

Last night hubby Brian and I attended a fundraiser for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project -- the advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Many of our friends have been supporters for years. This year we were invited by Board member and good friend Debra Spector. Her and her husband Bruce are generous donors. We applaud you both for your generosity and commitment to such an important organization.

The group's signature event, Politics, Sex & Cocktails raises substantial money to promote pro-choice, pro-family legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Your contributions help defeat efforts to curb access to medically-accurate sex education, family planning, and abortion services.

One of the Champion of Choice Honorees was Connie Britton. You might know her as Tammy Taylor, the High School counselor, wife of the East Dillion High football coach, and Mom extraordinaire on the hit TV show Friday Night Lights; one of my boys favorite TV programs and one of the best written TV shows on air today.

Ms. Britton was honored for her portrayal of Tammy Taylor, a woman who counsels a teenage girl on her choices after learning the student is pregnant. The dialogue is real and smart. The episode focuses on the reaction of the townspeople after learning that Ms. Britton's character has also included in the choices for the young woman, an abortion. The show did a marvelous job at portraying the reaction and emotional impact the choice issue still has among so many. Especially in a small Texas town where the TV show is set. Kudos to the writers for bringing this issue to the screen in a professional and yet personal way.

Brian and I have long supported the work performed by Planned Parenthood and believe strongly in their mission to provide access to all women for all their family planing decisions.

Maybe next year some of you will join us in attending and supporting such a great and important organization serving our community.

Day 173: You Got Style Girl

You wear it well, Robyn! You are always so put together! Loved hearing my friend and hairstylist (Rebecca at Salon Dione http://www.salondione.com/) tell me this today! Got me thinking about style. Not sure if having style is something you learn, something you are born with or a little bit of both. But I love it when people tell me they love my "style."

If you don't know, I am an accessory junkie, I mean really! The bigger, the glitzier, the more colorful, the better. But not gaudy or tacky... just enough to add a little "umph" to an outfit. Accessories are key in my mind. They can make or break the outfit.

I'm also a mixer-upper ... meaning I can piece together the real "stuff" such as jewelery, designer handbag & shoes with the Target purchased dress and look like I just stepped out of a magazine. That is a real talent to be able to have an eye for mixing up the labels.

I wrote a few days ago about some of the new fashion trends for Fall and how unhappy I was with the proposed "looks." Well, I did buy a wide, stretch belt and I did wear it over a beautiful long, plum color sweater. Guess what? Everyone loved the look! I couldn't believe it! I was so opposed to this style especially for women with full figures like me... but it all worked and I received many compliments on how it looked. Go figure. The stylists were right. You can make the look work.

Just goes to show you, if the look doesn't overwhelm you at first, give it a try anyway just in case you can rock it. You never know until you try.

Another style that I adore and has always worked for me -- long before it became hip, thanks to the popular television show Mad Man -- is the 50s era clothing. Tailored, fitted dresses with scoop necklines, lots of pearls, neat curled hair ... I just think it's such a classic (and well yeah lady-like) look and again for us full figured women it looks terrific. I'm not much of the messy, tousled I just rolled out of bed look. I mean people who spend hundreds of dollars on jeans that have holes and look worn, I just don't get that look at all. But then again I'm not much of a jean wearer either. I favor dresses, skirts or slacks to jeans. Although I do have jeans and wear them, I prefer a more cleaner, classier look.

What's your style? Find it, own it & flaunt it girlfriend!

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 171: Getting Our Message Out

I hosted the NWPC LA Westside Communications Committee meeting this evening. We gathered to strategize on how to better communicate our mission, our activities and our goals.

I've been involved with the National Women's Political Caucus for years, both with the local LA Westside Chapter and on the state Board. We are an organization committed to recruiting, training and electing more pro choice women to public office.

With so many groups and organizations to be involved with you need to be selective with your time. My passion is gender parity in politics. Who we elect to office can have a profound impact on our lives; from the legislative polices they propose; to the appointments they make at the Judicial level and on Boards and Commissions; all of these decisions make an impact on your life. So it really does matter who we cast our vote for.

With the November 2 Election less than a month away, I hope you have been reading up on the candidates and issues on the ballot. I have written about my support for Kamala Harris for California State Attorney General and my support for Holly J. Mitchell, candidate for the 47th Assembly, my legislative district. And my opposition to Proposition 23, an initiative that would roll back environmental polices set forth by voters a few years ago.

So tonight some fabulous women I work with on the NWPC LA Westside Board of Directors gathered to figure out how best to insert our mission into the lives of women in our community. Lots of energy and buzz.

One Board member shared how she believed NWPC was a very inclusive group, I shared why I devote my time toward NWPC. It's a group focused on grassroots activism, it's multi partisan, and it is the only organization where the core issue is electing pro choice women.

To learn more about our local Chapter, please visit http://www.nwpcla.org/ or to learn more about our State activities, please visit http://www.nwpc.org/

Thanks to my NWPC sisters, Betsy Johnson, Lindsay Bubar, Karriann Farrell Hinds, Kristi Blicharski, and Rebecca Simon for taking your valuable time and contributing it toward such a worthy cause!

Day 170: My Favorite Time of Year

I've written before how the Fall Season is my favorite time of the year. Especially October. It's the time when our weather begins to shift from hot days to more warm days, and cool nights. When the sunrise and sunset have more burnt orange tones and when the days get shorter as the clocks get pushed back an hour. It is also the time when the boys have settled back-to-school and by now are in a full routine, albeit an always changing one when you have teenagers, and it's a time to celebrate my favorite Libra Birthday's and to celebrate my two favorite holiday's Halloween & Thanksgiving.

I love when the air is cool and you bundle up in your sweater. I love that tonight as my boys did their homework they asked for a cup of tea with honey as the rain came down outside. It's a night for a fire.

October is a month to honor two people I love. My Mom, Suzanne, was a Libra and my hubby Brian is a Libra too. Probably two of the most significant people in my life who share a birthday two days apart.

October kicks off a busy time in the Simon house. With Birthday's, our annual Halloween party and are annual Thanksgiving feast we are busy and full the entire month through.

This year we are not hosting Turkey Day and instead will be flying to New York to spend the holiday with kid sis Jennifer and her beau Kevin. A change of pace. A fresh landscape. An opportunity to travel with the boys. A chance to celebrate Turkey Day in the country on the East Coast.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I have always loved its meaning -- giving thanks for your lot in life. Taking stock in what you have, the people you care about, being grateful for your health. It's also my wedding anniversary. Brian and I specifically planned to get married on Thanksgiving weekend so it's also a time to honor our marriage. Going to New York is for us as well to celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary.

I think it's only fitting that today it's raining as we begin the first week in October. Just the way I like it. Something about the weather, the change of seasons, the anticipation of Halloween, it all brings up such cozy memories for me. I'm hoping Brian and Harrison will cook their famous Simon Chili.

I will miss certain people this year. It won't be the same Holiday without Nat and his Pink's Hot Dogs. It won't be the same without one of my chicks, Brandon who is away at college. He and Papa Nat shared a special bond getting those Pink's Hot dogs for the big Halloween party. It's not the same without them together. And of course I'll miss my Mom, not only on her October Birthday, but at the festive Holidays as she is the one who started this whole crazy Fall kickoff of seasonal holidays.

Her traditions have been passed down to her daughters and in turn I have passed them on to my sons. They come to except our traditions and cherish them as much as I do ... well maybe not as much as me yet, that will come with time and even more so when I'm not around anymore to host them.

Enjoy the Fall season... be warm & cozy, and celebrate your traditions and family!

Day 169: Who Are You Supporting on November 2?

I volunteered for the Kamala Harris campaign today. She is a candidate for California Attorney General. If she wins she'll be the first woman, first African American and first Asian American to hold the seat as the the State's top cop. She is currently the District Attorney in San Francisco. I have written about Kamala before in my Blog and why I beleive she'd make an excellent AG. She has my vote on November 2. To learn more about Kamala visit her website st: http://www.kamalaharris.org/

I am supporting Holly J. Mitchell who is running for the State Assembly in the 47th District which is my legislative district. I have also written about Holly before in my Blog. To learn more about Holly, visit her website at: http://www.hollyjmitchell.com/

And very important to me is the defeat of Proposition 23.

Two Texas oil companies are spending millions to push Prop. 23, a deceptive ballot proposition that would kill California clean energy and air pollution reduction standards. Four years ago, California passed a clean air law (AB 32) that holds polluters accountable and requires them to reduce air pollution that threatens human health and contributes to global climate change. This law has launched California to the forefront of the clean technology industry, sparking innovation and clean energy businesses that are creating hundreds of thousands of new California jobs.

To learn more and to learn why I am opposed to Prop. 23 visit: http://www.stopthedirtyoilproposition.com/

Please join me in supporting the candidates and by voting NO on Prop. 23.

Day 168: Traveling Education

I attended a meeting this morning for an education travel program called People to People. My son Spencer was nominated for the program. It is a student Ambassador program where students from the United States travel to other countries to learn. Wow have times changed. As I listened during the parent orientation about how our world is more connected and global then ever before, in thanks to technology, the case for how important travel and foreign exposure are, has never resonated so much.

Well what a small world it is ... As I approached the registration table I saw a woman who I then realized was Spencer's 2nd grade teacher from Canfield Avenue Elementary School! We hugged each other and couldn't believe how the years had gone by. She was thrilled that I was there and was telling all the other travel leaders about my boy's. Amazing that she remembered my little boy from so many years ago. Spencer has that affect on people. He's worth remembering if you are a teacher. He's the type of student you wish all your classes were filled with.

I listened to the presentation and let my mind wonder about all the adventures my boys could have traveling with a guided tour with other teenagers from throughout the US. I have always believed that travel teaches you what you can not learn in a textbook.

Maybe Spencer will be an international diplomat, work at a consulate, speak several foreign languages, work toward peace ... ah the possibilities ... it was a very interesting morning.

Day 167: A Young Man's Suicide

What a tragedy. What a loss. And what immeasurable pain Tyler Clementi's parents must be experiencing.

Tyler is the young man, just 18 years old, a Freshman at Rutgers University who took his own life this past week. He ended his very promising life by jumping off a bridge into the Hudson River after learning that his college roommate (allegedly) secretly videotaped a sexual encounter between Tyler and another male.

What kind of person videotapes their roommate? And what kind of person then (allegedly) uploads the video to stream on the Internet as if it were a game or a sport. Well it was neither. It was a person. A student. An accomplished violinist. A son. A friend. A young person with a promising musical future.

I have three son's, one is a Sophomore in college. I know countless teenage boys and I can't imagine one of them EVER being so cruel or hateful. If I were the parents of the two alleged students, one Tyler's roommate the other a friend of his, I would be so ashamed that my child contributed to a student taking their own life. What kind of kids are these? What were they thinking? That it was funny? A college prank? What could posses a person to be so heartless? Personally I hope the New Jersey District Attorney throws the damn books at both of them.

My heart aches for Tyler's parents. Their beautiful son gone because others thought his life should be played out on the Internet.

Teach your children compassion, understanding, tolerance and grill it into them that while others may make different choices, all are to be accepted.

Rest in peace Tyler Clementi.

Day 166: 30 Plus Years To Wait

I am outraged. I am disgusted and I am really angry. How can a monster who was sentenced to die some 30 years ago still be alive and living on death row? I mean how much pain as Americans do we expect a family to endure? Have you been following the case this week in California where a death row inmates' execution was stayed ... wait for it ... because the lethal injection may not be "right".

Okay yeah I'm sure the two young girls aged 14 and 15 who he raped and then one that he murdered -- by strangling her with her own shoe lace -- didn't have the "right" methods of death applied to them either. I mean are you kidding? I think I'm going to throw up.

His last victim, a 15 year old girl from Riverside, California named Susan Jordan, walked her two younger siblings to school, then was walking herself to High School one early morning back in 1980. A piece of garbage grabbed her, raped her, removed her shoelace from her own shoe, and strangled her in a dirt field. I need you all to breathe, and pause for the gruesome, heinous crime that this was.

And as if that wasn't enough, he then called her family and taunted them by saying, "your daughter Susan won't be coming home from school today."

What sick mother fucker does this and lives for 30 more years because the State believes it isn't the right fucking lethal drug to kill the bastard?

Can you sense my outrage? I hope so because it is shameful and we should all be angry.

Look, do I believe that there are innocent people in prison, yes. Do I believe that mistakes can be made and death is final, yes. Do I believe that God maybe should have the only right to take a life, maybe. But there is no wavering on this case. The DNA, the evidence is rock solid. This bastard murdered a young girl while out on parole from prison from raping another girl. There's no mistake here.

California voters voted for the Death Penalty and it's criminal that it's not applied. Instead your tax dollars have fed this monster three meals a day for 30 years. You've paid for his medical needs, his dental needs, anything he needed.

I have been obsessing over this young woman. How afraid she must have been during her final moments on earth. If she were alive, she would be just 4 years younger then me, 45. Maybe she would have gone to college. Maybe she would have discovered a cure for cancer. Maybe she'd be my friend. Had children. Worked toward peace around the world. Cared for her elderly parents.

The possibilities of her life have never been fulfilled because some disgusting person felt that his needs were worthy of her life. And you want me to feel sorry that the lethal injection may be a little painful? Just stop it ... All I can think about is her family waiting 30 years for the nightmare to maybe be over. But is it ever over? Their daughter is DEAD and they were robbed of her life.

End this nightmare.

Day 165: 12 Miles

Oh my gosh, I thought I wouldn't make it today! I have not run a long distance since the Disneyland Half Marathon 4 weeks ago. And keep in mind I had only run 13 miles once in my life and that was on race day.


Today is Wednesday, long run day on my training schedule. Melody and I met at 7 a.m. at the beach determined to get my running miles moving up.

It was hot, I was winded and it wasn't pretty that's for sure (not the beach, my running!). So as I write this I sit on ice packs again on my ass, and I've got blisters on my feet, and everything aches. But nobody said it would be easy to train for a marathon. I mean if it was, more people would be running.

I was inspired by a fellow runner today ... we asked her how many miles she was doing this morning and she said "20" ... she runs the Chicago Marathon in two weeks and this was her last big run before race day. I thought, wow, 20 miles, will I ever be able to do that?!

As I've said before, one mile at a time, baby! Run Robyn Run!

Day 164: An Old Friend

Tonight I attended a fundraiser for West Hollywood City Council member Abbe Land. Abbe is not only a terrific public official but she has been a great supporter of mine for years and throughout my campaign for office. She is up for reelection next March 2011 and I wanted to join her at her kick off campaign event. All was good there.

As I was leaving the venue on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood I ran right into my dear, dear, wonderful friend Igor. If you remember, Igor is the "man" from my old stomping joint, Orsini's Ristorante on Pico. He now runs his own joint up on Sunset called Isla.

I had my, "I Lost but am Endorsing Paul Party" at Isla..." Many of you attended that shin-dig. Bittersweet event.

Well this man has been so good to me for so many years I could not pass up a chance to join Igor for one drink up at his place ... so there I was ... sitting at his bar reminiscing about the old times, asking where the years had gone, catching up on family, work and his business. Ah, such comfort...

Sometimes it's the people you see least, but have made indelible impacts on your life, that you feel the most comfortable with and the most excited to spend time with...

Who will join me to go visit Igor up at ISLA in the next week or so... I didn't get enough of an Igor fix! Let's go!