Day 326: The Day After

Well there is carnage, that's for sure. How could two of my women incumbents lose their seats? How I ask? Damn!

Beverly Hills City Councilwoman Nancy Krasne, a true champion for her constituents, lost her seat. Nancy was a great supporter of mine when I ran for LA City Council and I'm just heartbroken over her loss.

NWPC endorsed candidate Lili Bosse did prevail so I am happy to welcome her to the council and to elected life... I just wish she was going to be joining Nancy on the council!

West Hollywood City Councilwoman, Lindsey Horvath lost her bid as well. Damn. I wrote a lot about Lindsey's race and the ugly tone the campaign took... what a disappointment and loss for us all. I'm heartbroken for her too!

Incumbent WeHo Councilwoman Abbe Land did prevail so thank goodness we still have her voice on the council.

And as I wrote last night, my Marisa Perez, candidate for Lakewood city council lost her bid too. And we wonder why more women don't' run.

Let me tell you a positive story...

Marisa called me this morning to debrief the campaign and reflect on the outcome... during her campaign a professor from Long Beach State University had offered his government class students an opportunity to receive school credit in exchange for real life experience working on a campaign.

Some 60 students showed up to work on Marisa's campaign after she visited their class and spoke passionately about why she was running. They volunteered by walking precincts, making phone calls to voters, assembling & delivering lawn signs... it was real hands-on experience for these students.

The professor phoned Marisa today to say he thought she ran a positive, professional campaign and thanked her for her interaction and mentoring efforts toward his students.

He then gave her the best compliment a candidate could hear, which brought her to tears... He said, "Marisa, you gave my students HOPE ...."

I cried too when she told me this story. The truth is in life we get so few opportunities to really make an impact and a difference, whether it is in our community or with young people.

Marisa showed these students that a young woman with a family and a passion could launch a professional campaign and have class throughout it all.

Hope, that is a gift that continues to give whether you win or lose.

Day 325: Disappointed

It's been a long day and night. And a very disappointing one... several of my gals had bad nights at the polls ... more than anyone I know how a loss can sting, and it does... it really hurts.

My sweet Marisa Perez was a complete unknown and gave the Lakewood establishment a good run.... but she came up short tonight in her bid for Lakewood City Council. We worked all day calling voters and gave it our best, but in the end we couldn't pull it off.

The thing is though, Marisa will wake up tomorrow morning and still have her darling parents in town visiting from Texas, her supportive hubby Rudy, and her three healthy precious children. I'd say she wakes up a winner no matter if the voters of Lakewood elected her to office.

And in West Hollywood it's a tragic loss. Lindsey Horvath who was appointed to the council two years ago, lost her seat tonight. What an ugly, nasty election .... don't know why people have to be so negative. Who cares if she was appointed ... you had a chance to vote this time around, you didn't need to be nasty.

And in Beverly Hills, Lili Bosse was victorious, but incumbent Nancy Krasne's race is too close to call. And we all wonder why more women don't run for public office... it's a tough business, very personal, emotional, ugly, and that's just the campaigning part! I'm exhausted from the past few weeks... more tomorrow!

Day 324: Abbe, Lindsey, Marisa, Nancy & Lili ... You Go Girls!

Oh my fabulous West Hollywood candidates... what an ordeal it has been. What a battle they have endured... the endless attacks on ridiculous Blogs, Facebook postings with no merit, countless unsubstantiated articles... it has been quite a spectacle. And it is painful when the attacks are directed at people you love and admire.

Wow, I've said it before on my Blog, it brings up horrible memories of what I went through. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone... the campaign attacks are brutal. They can be mean spirited and hurtful.

These two women are accomplished in their own right. If you do not want to support them, don't. But don't stoop so low as to write untruthful material anywhere you can find a keypad... be productive and spend your time supporting your candidate.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Los Angeles county.

I've got two great women in Beverly Hills that I'm supporting, Nancy Krasne & Lili Bosse; I've got my Marisa Perez down in Lakewood running for City Council; and I've got my two girls Lindsey Horvath & Abbe Land making us proud in West Hollywood.

Do what you can to spread the word about these terrific women who will make a difference in their communities. You want them at the table making policy for you... I assure you, you do, so make it happen!

Day 323: More Campaigning ... It Never Ends

The thing about Elections... is there is always one around the corner!

This Tuesday, March 8th is Election Day, you say, "what, I didn't know we have an Election!" Start paying attention people! Lots of great candidates (and not so great) and important issues that as voters you should all be paying attention to!

Today I spent the day stomping for my girl Marisa Perez. Marisa is running for Lakewood City Council. Wow it's been a battle, but she kicking ass!

Nothing like a small hometown community to get things shaken when you have a young, beautiful Latina woman with three young children running! Whew, the sparks can fly... but no worries, Marisa and all of us supporting her are cool and confidant that her outstanding record of public service will be all we need to say.

She is an accomplished woman with many accolades to her credit ... at just 38 years old she has 14 years of experience in public policy, including a stint as a budget analyst for a former President working in the White House... she is a loving mother to three adorable children all 5 and under... and she's a great friend. Her parents have traveled here from Texas to support their daughter in her run, it's an entire family affair!

Win or lose on Tuesday, Marisa is already a winner baby!

Now get out and vote on Tuesday!

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!