Mamarazzi Knows Best

FIVE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS IN FIVE DAYS

Suzette Valle — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:01:00 -0800

With the first days of 2009 under our belts (only figuratively, of course!), it's a good time to take stock of those New Year's resolutions and make sure we are sticking to them. We resolved to do what every normal, average American family strives for: get organized, stay fit, do well in school and sports and travel. These five resolutions don't sound like much, but are at the core of family life today. Here's how we've tackled our five resolutions in the first five days of '09.

Travel - This New Year's eve my family, Bella, our new Malte-Poo, and I checked-in to a pet-friendly hotel for two nights to ring in 2009. Tradition says that if you start the New Year traveling, the rest of the year will be a trip! Since the financial outlook for us is rather bleak, taking any exotic jaunts around the world are out of the question, so we took up residence next door - literally - at the nearby resort. Hey, I didn't have to cook or clean, so in my book this counts as a Bon Voyage!

Bella - the family Christmas present

Getting Organized - I made a deal with the kids; clean out your backpacks and desks, and we'll watch TV and movies until your eyes start to water. My husband was especially thrilled with this arrangement, and it worked! All of us filled up the recycling bin 'til it overflowed with paper. The TV-movie-watching marathon wasn't that bad either. We caught up on several silver screen gems we'd missed like Eddy Murphy's Meet Dave, Role Models and Tropic Thunder. Fortunately, we didn't pay box office prices for these 'brain-teasers'.

School and Sports - This aspect of the resolution deal isn't just for the kids; parents drive them, sit there and wait, and pump them up to keep at it - all from the comfort of our SUVs. So far so good.

Staying Fit - This is the most challenging of all resolutions! Admittedly, these first five days have been difficult in this regard since it's been so cold (by San Diego standards 55 degrees is very cold!), to get out and move. But, we are trying hard to limit our intake and increase our physical output; we run to the car instead of walking, we run up the stairs and we run to the bathroom.

It's a start ...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2008

Suzette Valle — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:28:00 -0800

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and blessed Christmas! I will be away this holiday week, but I leave you the images below of a Living Nativity we attended in Rancho Santa Fe in North County, San Diego ...

Smile of the Week - The Kids Response to The Mom Song

Suzette Valle — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:20:00 -0800

One of my favorite bloggers, Vanessa Van Petten of On Teens Today, recorded what she calls The Kid's Response to Anita Renfroe's The Mom Song set to William Tell's Overture.

Hilariously accurate!! Click here to watch both videos. And be sure to share them with your kids too!

DEMI LOVATO ROCKED WINTERFEST 2008

Suzette Valle — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:31:00 -0800

Photo by Suzette Valle

Demi Lovato performed at a free concert for Winterfest 2008 sponsored by Radio Disney, the City of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Youth Foundation and Lift Up America. The day-long festival, where about 2,000 underpriviledged children were treated like VIPs for the day, included several free performances and activities just for them.

Photo by Suzette Valle

A very grown-up looking Corbin Blue shook hands and posed for pictures with the special guests as they walked the red carpet.

Photo by Suzette Valle

More information and photos about Winterfest 2008 perfomers, activities and the Hollywood Santa Parade will follow ... there's a special treat for you Twilighters too!

Incredible 2-Hour Turkey Recipe Worked for Me!

Suzette Valle — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:38:00 -0800

If you're like me, you probably don't have time to plan and cook a traditional Thanksgiving family feast from scratch, but I know we'd all love to this for our families. From purchasing a frozen turkey, making sure it's completely thawed by cooking time, to home-made stuffing and pumpkin pie, it's all very overwhelming.

Smile for Thanksgiving

Suzette Valle — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:09:00 -0800

Thanks to my friend Marcia for this unique turkey presentation!

Venice, California gets Loot

Suzette Valle — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:46:00 -0800

Photo by Suzette Valle

The week-end before Thanksgiving, we drove to Venice, California to attend a private party and presentation of LOOT, Sharon Waxman's latest piece de resistance about stolen antiquities. The gathering was hosted by three of Sharon's good friends, Paula Silver (marketing exec. for the now classic movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Liz Ondaatje, a public policy researcher at the RAND Corporation (and mother of four), and journalist and Green Mom blogger Liz Benenson.

The group was enthralled by the stories Sharon uncovered while researching the provenance of many statues, obelisks and other famous art pieces we have grown accustomed to seeing displayed in museums around the world, except in the very country where they came from.

From LootBook.com: "Why are the Elgin Marbles in London, and not on the Acropolis? Why do there seem to be as many mummies in French museums as there are in Egypt? Why are so many Etruscan masterworks in America? ... Where do these treasures belong? Sharon Waxman, a former culture reporter of The New York Times and longtime foreign correspondent, takes us inside this high-stakes conflict over who owns the treasures of antiquity, examining the implications for the preservation of the objects themselves and for how we understand our shared cultural heritage."

Sharon's fascinating journey and discovery of political maneuvering taking place in the world of antiquities -- from the Getty to the Louvre, to San Diego's Mingei Museum, all play a part in LOOT -- and the book is already garnering acclaim from both readers and critics.

Sharon and Suzette

So, how could parents connect some of these cultural aspects (which could seem too sophisticated or boring for some kids), with our current family routines? In doing a little research for this post, I came across a new website that does exactly this: KidsOffTheCouch.com.

"By the time they finish watching "The Hideaways," about a brother and sister who run away from

home and spend a week hiding out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, children just might be up

for visiting the Getty — not only to see the art, but also to figure out where they would sleep and

bathe if they were to take up residence there." (Read the LA Times article about the site here ).

Two moms created the site, and it links cultural activities to a related movie so kids will be interested in what might be an otherwise unpalatable outing. Happy Travels!

Articles of Interest

Suzette Valle — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:33:00 -0800

Beginning to Look a lot like (a glum) Christmas?

GM, Ford and Chrysler chiefs criticized for taking jets to bail-out hearing

Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World by Sharon Waxman

Twilight's advanced ticket sales setting records Midnight Show pre-sale tickets

MY PHONE IS PERSONAL, MOM!

Suzette Valle — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:25:00 -0800

A few weeks ago, I had to borrow my daughter's cell phone to make a call because I'd left mine at home. I thought this was a simple request; she would be at softball practice while I went grocery shopping so she wouldn't need her phone anyway. After posing the question, I got a serious stare accompanied by the declaration, "My phone is personal, mom". This one caught me off guard, but not off kilter. I quickly came back with the obvious retort, "It's not yours until you pay the bill your self. Until then, it's my phone and I'm letting you use it!" This was followed by a twisted smile, and the handing over of the equipment as she exited the car.

Her possessive statement led me to the next logical thread of questions: What is she hiding? Naughty photos? Boyfriend photos? Texts I shouldn't read? Girl gossip? What could a 13 year old possibly have in this apparatus that is so "personal"?

Prompted to dig a little more into this mentality, I quickly realized this is a widespread notion among today's cellular device-carrying teens. Besides the obvious numbers listed under Contacts, there is an enormous amount of other data, music and video which can be stored in a single portable communication contraption, and carried with one self at all times eliminating the need for a few old fashion items like: the address book, phone book, family/friends photo album, notes, letters and secret messages between friends.

Let's discuss some of these cell-phone capabilities to find out how much is stored in those cool mobile phones, and why our teens must have them even while they take a shower!

Photos - Initially, I thought the images stored in young users' wireless phones were simply that, photos. What I found out, is that they are key moments kids have to carry around to remind each other of the special bond they shared when the photos were taken: BFFs, fun times, places, faces, events, inside jokes; you name it, it's in that phone somewhere as proof that the adventure took place. These days, most teens are excellent self-photo takers, and have become very comfortable flipping the camera-phone on them selves practically anywhere.

Another way teens use the camera-phone is as a compact mirror. Just click the camera feature, point it at yourself and groom away!

Texts - As I wrote in a previous post, texting is the way to communicate among teens today. Kids are not simply exchanging information over text messages, but are also using this technology similar to passing notes in class. Remember when you passed notes, and then came home to put them in a safe spot because it confirmed that Johnny liked you? Or maybe it just reminded you of the moment you got away with it in class? Some of these notes are stored in the phone and then shared over giggles as the common link between BFFs at school. I also discovered another down-side about texting; you can get asked out or dumped by your boyfriend over a text. No more valiant, humbling tell-me-to-my face-you-want-to-go-out/break-up moments.

Secret Messages - The pervasive use of texting for the purpose of criticizing someone or avoiding an over-heard conversation such as sleep-over dates to not hurt others feelings is a negative side-effect of texting and cell phones. Not having to talk in front of someone to avoid confronting bad feelings only takes care of the problem at that particular moment. Usually, in what seems like a deliberate attempt to sabotage the secretive nature of texting, teen girls often giggle about their concealed plans at school the next day when they'll openly discuss the fun they had in front of -- or at least within earshot -- the un-invited person (so the hurt isn't avoided after all).

"In middle school, “can you come get me out of this dance” or “can so & so sleepover” is a great way to save face among peers without broadcasting intent or wounding feelings". In her excellent article posted on Shaping Youth , Amy Jussel wrote about this and many other aspects of current technology parents have to consider when acquiescing to their teens desire to own a cell phone. My earlier post, Tasteless Texting, is listed on her informative site as a related source too. Thanks Amy!

For now, I've decided to not pry too much into my teen's imagined privacy locked up on her cell phone. But if I'm ever tempted, I found a little gadget called a SIM card that will help me unlock all that 'personal' stuff if I need to. It's comforting to know that technology works both ways, isn't it?

After a few short inquisitive conversations, I probed both my kids one more time about their reluctance to relinquish the machines and they both had similar replies, "I guess I need to memorize my friends' phone numbers because if I ever loose my phone, I wouldn't know how to reach them!"

A simple statement, really, but yet another reminder of just how dependent this generation has become on technology -- and how memorizing phone numbers is so old school!

Twilight Promotes Teen Reading Frenzy

Suzette Valle — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:37:00 -0800

It's incredible to see teen-age girls carrying around the 500 plus page Stephanie Meyer novels and consuming them in a matter of days; over 17 million copies of "Twilight" have sold over the last few years, and I would think teachers probably wish this were the reaction to some of the reading material middle school and high school students are forced to read. Similar to how Ann Rice's vampire series captivated adults a few years ago, this young breed of blood-suckers also work themselves into young readers minds and hearts with gripping ease.

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen

The characters in the "Twilight" series are teen-agers and most of the action revolves around high school, an age and place readers can readily relate to. I've asked teen-aged readers why these voluminous books are so addictive, and the reply is universal; the writer's descriptions of the characters and settings are so detailed that the images instantly appear vividly in the minds eye. From the cold, damp weather providing the backdrop for the love story, to the physical characteristics of the protagonists, the four-book saga is the literary phenomenon teens can't get enough of.

The series consists of four books: "Twilight", "Eclipse", "New Moon" and "Breaking Dawn". The first book will be premiering as a movie on November 21st, and the anticipation of seeing this romantic vampire story come to life on the big screen has built-up at a frenetic pace. Edward (played by Robert Pattinson a relatively unknown actor who had a small part in Harry Potter), and Bella (Kristen Stewart, Panic Room and Zathura) are the central figures in the novels, and readers are enraptured by the couple's unlikely liaison.

At the center of the plot is the restraint Edward has to exercise to keep from killing his love interest; Meyers describes in excruciating detail the amount of sheer will power the enamored vampire needs to summon from the depths of his cold soul to save Bella from his own death-inflicting bite. Mind over matter is a message we can all understand and a lesson young readers can apply at some point in their lives.

Drawing from her Mormon background, the author deliberately avoids describing any explicit scenes – the effects of hand-holding and lingering scents are perfectly spelled out and leave nothing to the imagination -- leading to the ultimate moment, a kiss.

"That's the power of the Twilight books: they're squeaky, geeky clean on the surface, but right below it, they are absolutely, deliciously filthy" wrote Lev Grossman for Time Entertainment. Some will argue the scenes described in the books are too steamy for the mostly teen-aged audience, but the popularity of these books is also due to the appeal it has for both young and old, mothers and daughters, and is similar to Harry Potter who was read by a wide range of ages.

How did a mother of three, age 34, come up with this story line that takes up about 2,000 pages? On Meyer’s website, you'll find out how the idea for the story came to her in a dream, and how from then on she couldn't stop writing -- a bit reminiscent of J.K. Rowling's epiphany about her Harry Potter plot and writing it on a napkin which resulted in 40 million copies sold worldwide. I won't re-tell the author's complete biography here either because you can read it on her website in full detail. What is worth mentioning about Stephanie Meyer is that before she became a published author, she was an otherwise normal housewife and mother whom any of us could have been selecting produce next to at the supermarket.

The relationship between a vampire and a human has impressionable minds entranced and longing for an encounter of their own. At lunch time at my daughter's middle school, the girls sit in a circle and compare the emotions each felt while reading certain passages in the books: "What did you think when Bella wanted him to kiss her?" Should she do it?" "I wanted to cry when it finally happened!" they comment to each other in shrieking voices. At least for now, the teen-girl set has replaced chasing school boys with following the fictitious lives of vampires as though they truly existed.

The wait is almost over. By this time next week, giddy teens will have real images to go along with the imaginary settings conjured up while reading the Twilight series. For the brave and die-hard fans, the first showing is at 12:01 am on Thursday, and tickets have already sold out in many cities. Pale and sleep-deprived faces will almost certainly roam the hall ways at school the following day and teachers will likely be battling short attention spans in the morning. On the upside, many students often do not comply with the mandatory 30 minute daily reading requirement, but with the time students have expended on the inventive copious publications, it sounds like a win-win situation for all.

Think of it as the Romeo and Juliet of this generation. And it has caused quite a reading frenzy!

YOU ARE MY LIFE NOW

Madonna Celebrates Obama

Suzette Valle — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:17:00 -0800

"This is a historical evening ... We are lucky to be sharing it with each other" Madonna exclaimed after announcing to her captive audience that Barrack Obama had been elected President of the United States. In the middle of an outstanding performance, the long awaited results of the presidential election came in, and while the 50 year old music icon tried to concentrate on playing the guitar and singing, the significance of the moment overcame her.

We're History! Threats from Hollywood on Eve of Election

Suzette Valle — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:01:00 -0800

Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye in German) are the last words Heidi Klum declares to the losers on her Bravo show Project Runway, and apparently will be the same parting words she and husband Seal will use if John McCain wins the presidential election. In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, the foreign power couple threatened to leave the United States if the Republican emerges victorious.

As far as I know, neither of them is a US citizen so they can't vote. Or is this a tactical move, as suggested by the LA Times blog, to persuade Seal and Heidi's fans to vote for Obama? Whatever their reasons are for uttering this ultimatum, I'll be very glad once this election is over. And I hope it's a decisive win so we don't have to suffer through the shenanigans of hanging chads and the courts having the last word on this process.

Speaking of goodbyes, I'll be distracted for a good part of this suspenseful evening -- especially during those crucial last hours before all the polls close and we're down to biting our fingers -- because I'll be at the Madonna concert at PETCO park. This, for me, is an event of historic proportions too. After all, The Sweet and Sticky Tour might be her last as Mrs. Ritchie, and since she is 50, who knows, it could be her last.

Do you care what Seal and Heidi do if Obama doesn't win? I'd be curious to see who Klum's replacement would be on Project Runway if she did leave ... any suggestions?

IF YOU DON'T VOTE DON'T COMPLAIN

Jury Duty Part 2

Suzette Valle — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:47:00 -0700

My quest for freedom continues ...

Smile of the Week

Suzette Valle — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:46:00 -0700

Happy Halloween!

My Family's Week-End Box Office Review

Suzette Valle — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:30:00 -0700

Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year (PG), proved that a film can hold a 13 or 14 year old girl's attention without resorting to cheap skin scenes or potty-mouths. On the other hand, Max Payne (PG-13), staying true to it's rating was a pleasant surprise because apart from one revealing scene, the only body parts we saw in this movie were scattered around as a result of violent shoot-em-ups ...

Trials and Tribulations - Mamarazzi has Jury Duty

Suzette Valle — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:40:00 -0700

Jury Duty is unavoidable unless you are physically impaired. It was my turn last week. I survived it, but not with out its trying moments!

TATTOOS FOR JONAS BROTHERS TICKETS: Parent Caves into Child's Desire

Suzette Valle — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:22:00 -0700

The excitement over the upcoming Jonas Brothers concert is certainly getting the better of people in San Diego, California. Radio station Channel 933, the concert's sponsors, held a contest this morning for second row seats to the show, and all you had to do was compete with others in a radio challenge to find out what you'd be willing to permanently ink on yourself for these seats.

DEMI LOVATO TO HEADLINE HOLLYWOOD SANTA PARADE AND WINTERFEST

Suzette Valle — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:12:00 -0700

The City of Los Angeles announced that Disney Channel's Demi Lovato will headline the Hollywood Santa Parade and Winterfest on November 30^th!

Actress and singer Demi Lovato, who also co-stared with the Jonas Brothers in Disney's Camp Rock, will help kick off the holiday season with the festivities taking place at their new location at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

According to the official press release, the Hollywood Santa Parade will take place in conjunction with Winterfest, "an all-day street festival that will include an entertainment stage where families can enjoy live performances throughout the day plus an exclusive Radio Disney concert."

This fun-filled day called Hollywood Holiday, will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday after Thanksgiving. The parade will roll down Hollywood Blvd. at 5 p.m. and will feature marching bands, floats and Santa Claus himself.

City Council President Eric Garcetti said, "We are very pleased to announce we are working with Radio Disney and the participation of some of today's hottest young talents like Demi Lovato. It's going to be a great way to start the holiday season".

Whether other Disney personalities will be joining the parade is uncertain, but I would anticipate the announcement of a special guest as Grand Marshal keeping with the theme of this spectacular procession.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, several organizations are collaborating to continue with this long-standing tradition: Hollywood's Santa Parade, LLC, Radio Disney, Lift Up America, and The Hollywood Youth Foundation. Winterfest still has sponsorship opportunities for the event. Click on the banner for more information.

If you’re thinking about watching the parade at Hollywood and Highland, here are some useful tips to help you plan a memorable day:

* Grandstand seats are available for $35. Ticket information is available by calling (866) PARADE1, or logging on to www.HollywoodSantaParade.com.

* Parking is available at the Hollywood and Highland complex.

* Get there early and dress warmly, evenings tend to get chilly.

* For the truly star struck, don't forget your camera!

WINTERFEST UPDATE!

Suzette Valle — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 21:58:00 -0700

Major Disney Channel personality to headline free concert at Winterfest and Hollywood Santa Parade

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOLLYWOOD!

Suzette Valle — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:27:00 -0700

With the Holidays around the corner, it's not too early to consider making a difference in someone's life, but also having a little piece of Hollywood and Disney magic touch your life would be a new twist on the season of giving. I found a wonderful organization that intends to do just that, and I want to share their cause with you.

On November 30th, The Hollywood Youth Foundation (HYF) is partnering with Lift Up America, Radio Disney and Pink Cadillac Entertainment to provide Winterfest, an event dedicated to giving back to less-fortunate children in Los Angeles, California. HYF is a newly established non-profit organization planning to provide food, toys, a live concert featuring current pop artists and a red-carpet greeting to underprivileged children, or “VIPs” as they are called on this special day, from local LA organizations like Ronald McDonald House, children’s hospitals, the Boys and Girls Clubs and others.

What’s my connection to this organization when I live in San Diego, you ask? I had the good fortune of meeting Greg Durfee at the taping of the Jonas Brothers mini-outdoor concert for the Jimmy Kimmel Show in March of this year. While waiting for the show to begin, Greg told me about his successful effort last year to keep the Hollywood Christmas Parade alive, and his work assisting needy kids as part of this annual event. Having experienced rock-bottom himself, he has taken on the purpose of providing children with a lot of cheer, sprinkled with a bit of Hollywood glitter, during the holidays.

The Los Angeles Hollywood community almost lost the 79 year-old parade in 2007 when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced it couldn’t support the event any longer. The LA Times reported: “The city’s decision to save the parade followed a months-long lobbying effort by a private group that sprang up days after the event’s demise was announced. Organizer Greg Durfee, a production-company operator who lives in Hollywood, donned a Santa Suit and led an impromptu protest down Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.”

Courtesy Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Today, what Mr. Durfee started by helping one family several years ago, has grown to an organization with the noble cause of helping thousands of children in the LA area. Winterfest, together with the annual re-named Hollywood Santa Parade, strive to provide an unforgettable day for about four thousand less-fortunate kids. But, to accomplish this they need your help!

You, your business or group can lend a hand by becoming a sponsor, or making a tax-deductible donation, to be used to pay anything from toys to the extravagant staging area planned for the children to enjoy. Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, and donations in any amount (every little bit helps!) are welcomed too. Advertising in the Winterfest program, and VIP seating for the concert and parade are some of the benefits you'll enjoy as a sponsor.

To find out more about sponsorship packages visit their website at www.hollywoodyouthfoundation.org and click on the green gift-tag.

If you would like to help by making a financial gift, you can also send your tax deductible contribution to:

Hollywood Youth Foundation
P.O. Box 4061
Hollywood, CA 90078-4061

Or contact:

Greg Durfee

Executive Director

323.317.5186

Greg@HollywoodYouthFoundation.org

David Ruiz

President

David@HollywoodYouthFoundation.org

When contacting HYF, please mention you heard about them on my blog, and feel free to forward or link this post so we can help spread the word.

Of course, what kind of Hollywood event would this be without a little star power? Click here to read about past celebrities who've participated in the parade. And be sure to come back later this month to find out what stars will be shinning bright down Hollywood Boulevard this year ... when Disney's involved, you never know who might show up!

The Hollywood Youth Foundation and the City of Los Angeles are preparing to continue Tinsel town’s traditional procession down the heart of Hollywood with the 77th annual Hollywood Santa Parade. With your generosity, Winterfest will be filling needy children's hearts with the joy of the season too.

Got Yard Signs?

Suzette Valle — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:31:00 -0700

During election time, candidates in our area set their sights on prime pieces of land -- not for personal investment, but for personal use nonetheless -- our front yards.

Smile of the Week

Suzette Valle — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:55:00 -0700

Women are Complicated ...

Who Are The New Disney Pop Teen Queens?

Suzette Valle — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:46:00 -0700

Given Miley Cyrus' less than becoming behavior of late, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez have been singled out as Disney's new pop princesses ready to sit on Cyrus' throne. Parents who keep an eye on what their children watch on television, may want to take note of what the up-and-coming pair are up to.

Among Lions, Bulls and Bears the Mouse is Clever

Suzette Valle — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:59:00 -0700

After a harrowing week of continuously depressing news coming out of Wall Street, we really needed the mental escape of a movie this week-end. Going to the movies is an exciting prospect in our home, and adding to this is the perception that since frivolous summer movies are no longer monopolizing the local cinema, fall is the harbinger of the "serious" movie season.

For A Little Inspiration Read This Little Book

Suzette Valle — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:15:00 -0700

What is a mom suppose to do after dedicating all her time and energy to her family? Is the empty-nest looming in your near future? Are you ready to be yourself again?

I've started to ask myself these questions lately, and was lucky to find help answering them in Maria Shriver's book titled Just Who Will You Be? Big Question, Little Book, Answer Within. Only 91 pages long, it's a very quick read and quick to inspire. Shriver was the keynote speaker at her nephew's high school graduation, and the advise she professed that day resulted in this little gem.

Preparing your children to join the real world as productive, compassionate and successful citizens is a full time job; once they leave the nest, are you ready to fill in the empty time slots once occupied by carpools, homework and PTA meetings?

This can be a daunting prospect for most of us who have been disconnected from the work force for a long time, and like Shriver, find ourselves feeling lost after our parenting "job" is done. In her book, Maria tells us she had to leave her news reporting position at NBC to join her husband, newly-elected Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Sacramento. She left behind her identity and her life's work, and had to re-invent herself again.

In the book, she relates how she was struck by statements her children made about her change in careers which stopped her dead in her tracks:

"Not too long ago, I was whining to my teenage daughter. 'I don't know what I want to be when I grow up!' She took me by the shoulders, looked me dead in the eye, and said, 'I hate to break it to you, Mom, but this is it for you! You are all grown up! You're cooked!'"

Not wanting to accept she was washed-up, she set out on a self-discovery path, and realized she still had much to offer -- maybe not as a journalist anymore, but as someone else.

"I've learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives ... " wrote Maria realizing that her self-worth was based on her accomplishments, and not on the person she was.

I recommend this book not only to those whose careers are taking a turn, but also to moms (dads, aunts, uncles, grand parents and friends too!) who are looking to get back the ambition, creativity, meaning or inspiration to start doing something fulfilling for themselves again.

Aspire to Inspire Before you Expire

Smile of the Week

Suzette Valle — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:08:00 -0700

The Lost Dr. Seuss Poem. Enjoy!

WALL STREET CRISIS HITS HOME

Suzette Valle — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:23:00 -0700

We woke up late this morning due to a power outage in our area. Instead of our electric clock-radios going off, my husband rustled the kids out of bed since he’d been up most of the night glued to the television anxiously waiting for news on the fate of several Wall Street institutions, and consequently his clients’ investments and our livelihood.

NEW FEATURE FOR MY BLOG

Suzette Valle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:38:00 -0700

Like most of us these days, I get many funny e-mails about family life, thoughts or life observations that I read and then delete. I really like some of them, and thought I'd share the best with you before they hit the recycle bin.

Mamarazzi Knows Best

FIVE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS IN FIVE DAYS

TOP FIVE MOST POPULAR ARTICLES OF 2008!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2008

Smile of the Week - The Kids Response to The Mom Song

DEMI LOVATO ROCKED WINTERFEST 2008

Incredible 2-Hour Turkey Recipe Worked for Me!

Smile for Thanksgiving

Venice, California gets Loot

Articles of Interest

MY PHONE IS PERSONAL, MOM!

Twilight Promotes Teen Reading Frenzy

Madonna Celebrates Obama

We're History! Threats from Hollywood on Eve of Election

Jury Duty Part 2

Smile of the Week

My Family's Week-End Box Office Review

Trials and Tribulations - Mamarazzi has Jury Duty

TATTOOS FOR JONAS BROTHERS TICKETS: Parent Caves into Child's Desire

DEMI LOVATO TO HEADLINE HOLLYWOOD SANTA PARADE AND WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST UPDATE!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOLLYWOOD!

Got Yard Signs?

Smile of the Week

Who Are The New Disney Pop Teen Queens?

Among Lions, Bulls and Bears the Mouse is Clever

For A Little Inspiration Read This Little Book

Smile of the Week

WALL STREET CRISIS HITS HOME

NEW FEATURE FOR MY BLOG