Thanks to Catherine and Alexis for a lively, informative, social wine tasting event!  Thanks to everyone for sharing such delicious food, too.  Post your recipes as a "comment" on this blog; especially, you Traci since all the Gals want to make that delicious vegetarian dish!

In preparing for last Saturday's event, Catherine so kindly put together thorough notes on the South American wine regions and types that we tasted.  I cut and paste her notes directly into the blog along with the wine labels that we drank. 

Similarities and difference between both Wine Regions.

• Argentina, like Chile, is unique in the wine world for the absence of the phylloxera threat that has devastated vineyards across the globe. Because of this most of the vineyards in Argentina are planted on ungrafted rootstock, Chile vineyards have no grafted root stock. 
  
• The Andes is a key factor in the climate of both regions with regards to viticulture.
• Argentina consumes approximately 80% of their wine; Chile exports approximately 80% of their wine.
• Both Chile and Argentina were introduced to wine making by the Spanish during the Spanish colonization of the Americas in the early 1500’s.
• In the late 1500’s cuttings from the Chilean Central Valley were brought to what is now the San Juan and Mendoza wine region which firmly established viticulture in Argentina.
• Carmenere was thought to be extinct, but discovered growing in Chile in the early 1900’s. This “lost Bordeaux varietal” was originally thought to be Merlot, and is no longer grown in its homeland.
• Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, both countries vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other grape diseases that affect vineyards in other countries. This allows cultivating with little or no pesticides, enabling even organic wines to be easily produced.

 1. Sauvignon Blanc -  Alabamar (2010) (William Cole) The varietal identity of Sauvignon Blanc is typically similar to grass, bell-pepper, or grapefruit in nature.  It is usually quite distinctive and one of the easier varietal wines to recognize by its often sharp, aggressive smell.  Sauvignon Blanc is probably the best dry white wine to accompany the greatest variety of foods.  It can handle components such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cilantro, raw garlic, smoked cheeses or other pungent flavors.

2. Torrontes - Serrera (2009) According to local Argentinean legend, Torrontes originated in Galicia, Spain, and was brought by the conquistadors in the 1800s. But in 2002, UC Davis studied the plant's genetic fingerprint and discovered that the varietal is actually a cross between two grapes: Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica, known in California as the Mission grape.  Aromas reminiscent of Viognier or Muscat, often with characteristics of white peach, citrus and flowers. Partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood. Great partner for spicy food and Thai as well

3. Pinot Noir - Bola (2008) Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. Ancient Romans knew this grape as Helvenacia Minor and vinified it as early as the first century AD.  Thanks to the movie Sideways, it has become one of the better known reds in the US.  Although Pinot Noir harmonizes well with a wide variety of foods, the best matches to show off the delicacy and texture of Pinot Noir are: grilled salmon, a good cut of plain roast beef, a dish that  features mushrooms as the main flavor element, roasted and braised preparations of lamb, pheasant, and duck, as well as grilled meaty fish, such as salmon, shark, and swordfish. Best are foods that are simple and rich.  

4. Malbec -  Mil Piedras (2008) Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I can be very deep color, have ample tannins, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends.

5. Chilean Blend - Maqui Lien (2007) In Chile's native Mapuche language, lien means “silver metal”—a reference to colonial Spanish coins that were once melted to make fine jewelry, like the lizard on the Maquis label.  This blend consists of 32% Syrah, 25% Carmenere, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, and 8% Malbec.

See everyone on March 10 for a night of pampering hosted by Laurie Parker, Arbonne.

Your Gal,

Jules

I'm finally posting the notes from our Global Gals Gathering on January 13, 2011.  At the meeting, we went around the room introducing ourselves by giving name, bithdate, and anything else we felt relevant.  As always, in this blog I will do my best to report on our lively discussion.

Julie - Nov.21 - Realtor and mother of 2.  Passionate about public schooling.
Suzanne - Sept 19 - artist and mother of 2.  Her website: www.remarkablebird.com Suzanne sells her artwork on her Etsy website at www.etsy.com.
Laurie - Spet 23.  She works at everyone's favorite shopping center: Costco.  She also sells fancy Arbonne skincare products www.laurieparker.myarbonne.com .
Marlene - Nov 18 - this was Marlene's first Global Gals Gathering.  She is a mother of two, a property manager, and a jewelry salesperson.  She represents Lia Sophia Jewelry.  It may be time for another jewelry party.
Janice - Nov 21. Mother of 2.  Janice works in the redevelopment office for the City of Chula Vista.
Heather - Mar 8. Mother of 2.  Be sure to come dance with her husband's band, The Weener Pigs, at a Silvergate Elementary School benefit concert on Jan 29.  Kids are welcome to come.  $10 at the door per adult.  The Weener Pigs play at 5-6:30 at Humpreys Backstage on Shelter Island.
Susan - Oct 5 - Social worker.  Susan is currently partner at Elder Care Guides, company that helps the elderly find appropriate care and housing.  Susan will be a featured guest speaker at a GGG some time this year.
Leigh - July 2.  Finishing her Ph.D. in Political Science.  She wants to be a professor/teacher.
Alexis - Nov 19.  Works at Sharp Health Care as a pathologist.
Carmen - July 26. Carmen joined us for teh first time.  She is from Spain, been married 31 years, and is a law librarian for Luce Forward Hamilton.  She likes to eat, drink, shop, and read.
Bonnie - Nov 18.  Received a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Harvard.  Mother of 2.  Just started playing the cello again, so we hope to be invited to listen at a future concert.

We talked about various topics to be covered this year including sex therapy, elder care, knitting, and skin care. I have determined topics for our next two gatherings, so mark you calendars and join in on the fun.
Feb  10 at Bonnie's home:  travel book/guide exchange. 
Feb 26 at Alexis's home:  wine tasting hosted by Catherine Uzeta.
Mar 10 at TBD:  skin care with Laurie from Arbonne.

I'll be sending the evites soon.

Other upcoming events:
Jan 29:  Silvergate Elementary benefit concert at Humpreys Backstage. 2-8pm.  Kids welcome.  $10 per adult at the door, all proceeds paid to Silvergate.  The Weener Pigs plat at 5-6:30 pm.
Mar 19: Annual Silent Auction benefiting Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School at Brick by Brick (Morena Blvd) at 7 pm.  $15 at the door.  The Weener Pigs will begin playing around 8:30.  This years theme: Life's a Beach.

Alright, I gotta get to bed.  I could be on this computer 24 hours a day!  Have a great day.

Jules

P.S.  Laurie Parker had wanted me to pass along the woman's info who knitted her scarf.  In case anyone wants to contact her:  Barbara Abrams, Company is Dream Knits, phone is 858-453-0953

Welcome to 2011!  Thanks to all of you for keeping the Global Gals alive and kicking for three years!  In 2010, we learned about healthy nutrition and estate planning.  We shared recipes and helped a family in need.  And we always have fun!  I am looking forward to even more in 2011.

Our gatherings are scheduled for the 2nd Thursday of each month so mark your calendar now.  We will determine possible topics in January so bring your ideas.
January 13 - Introduce yourself.  Be sure to invite a friend
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9
July 14
August 11
September 8
October 13
November 10
December 8

We are also planning a wine tasting hosted by my friend Catherine Uzeta on February 26.  Check your email for info.

I will send an official evite before each Global Gals Gathering so please RSVP on the evite so I know how many women will be attending. 

My Global Gals vision:  A gathering of girlfriends to discuss women's and girls' issues and to make changes locally with the global environment in mind.  Share ideas. Learn about your community.  Do something to make a positive difference in someone's life.

See  ya soon!
Jules

This blog entry is long overdue!  Golsa Soroya presented at our July 8 Global Gals Gathering.  When her son was just 2-years old, she started him on biofeedback.  He had experienced recurring fevers with no answer from doctors.  Golsa decided to try an alternative medical treatment and turned to bio-feedback.  After her son's positive results, Golsa studied and got certified to perform bio-feedback herself. 

I found this description of biofeedback on Wikipedia.
Three professional biofeedback organizations, the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback(AAP), Biofeedback Certification Institution of America (BCIA), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR), arrived at a consensus definition of biofeedback in 2008:  "Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately 'feed back' information to the user.The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument."
Back in 1960's, William Nelson, a NASA Scientist, invented a biofeedback machine to help his autistic son.  Your body's energy is an early warning system where imbalances in your body show up first.  Biofeedback is a non-invasive practice that requires no medication, has no side effects, and based on you as an individual. 

In her practice at Sisters Wellness, Golsa uses a machine known as SCIO, Scientific Consciousness Interface Operation.  She utilizes a 3-way system to treat her patients.  First, she completes a consultation session, then she works on what the person needs, and she uses the machine.  The SCIO reads over 8,000 reactions in the body.  It transmits 50 different corrective energies.  The machine assesses you then treats you. 

Contact Golsa to make an appointment at 562-489-3076 or golsa.soroya@gmail.com.  Of course, make sure she knows you are part of our Global Gals group!

Happy Day.
Jules

Thank you to Ms. Toni Atkins for speaking at our Global Gals Gathering on June 10.  She is the first local politician to make an appearance at our group.

Toni started off by giving us a history of her time in San Diego.  She moved here in 1985 and started to work in a women's health clinic.  She soon joined the Board of Planned Parenthood and the San Diego Democratic Club.  Christine Kehoe asked Toni to help her run for San Diego City Council, and starting in 1993, Toni ended up working for Christine for seven years. 

Toni herself ran for and won a seat on the City Council in 2000, when Dick Murphy was mayor.  During her time in the City Council, the city was trying to refinance a bond to get a better deal.  The Financial Manager and Auditor neglected to disclose the pension liability.  This marked the beginning of San Diego's current pension/financial mess.  The San Diego city budget is $2.5 billion, yes, billion.  No small potatoes!

In the upcoming November election, Toni is running for State Assembly Representative for District 76, which represents 475,000 San Diegans.  She will will be facing a State budget of $82 billion that just five years ago was $120 billion with a State population of 38.5 million.  She said her goal will be to start with tax reform to help stabilize the State's revenue.   The State pension is in bad shape.  Since the contracts are legal obligations, it will take open, firm, lengthy negotiations with the Unions to make a difference.  Since we will also be voting on Governor in November, Toni mentioned that she feels Jerry Brown knows how and will be willing to work with Unions.  Meg Whitman, on the other hand, will fight the Unions which will cause the Unions to dig in their heals and not compromise. 


For more information about creating a more responsive, representative and cost effective State government, visit www.caforward.org/ .

Toni believes that as an elected official, she is a public servant.  Let me end with a quote from Toni:   "If you want to make a change, get together with others with the same idea."

Please vote in November.
Your Gal,
Jules

Did you know the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice was Sandra Day O'Connor who came onto the bench in 1981?  The Court was almost 200 years old.  The second was Ruth Ginsberg while the third was Sonya Sotamayer.  Out of the 112 Supreme Court Justices, only these three were women.  Elena Kagan could be the 4th.  When Sandra Day O'Connor graduated Stanford Law School in the 1950's, she was unable to get hired as a lawyer - because she was a woman.  That was only fifty years ago!  Oh, enough about woman's lib.  Thanks Leigh, for sharing the Supreme Court chronicle.

This past week, the Global Gals talked about the upcoming California election without really knowing what we were talking about.  We pretty much concluded that the State Proposition system in California doesn't work because even a group a smart, educated women couldn't figure out what the laws mean!

In general, we steered away from any proposition that would change or instate a law that would require a 2/3 majority for making future changes. 

Keep in mind, for judge elections:  Judges are appointed then have to run for re-election here in California.  One way to know who to vote for is to vote for the currently sitting judge.  That means you are basically voting for whoever was originally appointed without worrying how much money is being spent in the judicial elections.  A current trend is to spend money on judicial campaigns to replace "liberal" judges with more "conservative" judges.

I don't think we made any concrete recommendations.    In my notes, this is what I wrote:
Prop 13 Yes
Prop 14 No
Prop 15 ?
Prop 16 NO
Prop 17 NO
Democrat Governor Jerry Brown
Lt Governor either Janice Hahn or Gavin Newsom
US Senator Barbara Boxer
Nobody liked Meg Whitman and most felt she isn't trustworthy

Below are some web pages that may help you with your research and voting decisions:
www.sddemocrats.org/sdcdp_endorsements.asp /> www.sandiegorepublicans.org/voterguide/ /> www.smartvoter.org/ca/state/ /> www.sierraclubcalifornia.org/elections.html />
I apologize for being so erratic in my reporting.  I experienced difficulty in following the conversation at times. Please, make comments if you have found any helpful information or if you have made a decision as to how your will be voting. 

Your Gal,
Jules

Hello Global Gals,

Last night, March 18, 2010, Megan and I attended a fun, informative event hosted by Run Women Run and The California List.  We listened to and met some local female politicians who are running for various positions this year.  Christine Kehoe, our State Senator, was in the audience listening, too.  Let me list the women we heard from:

Kamala Harris, running for Attorney General (Jerry Brown's open position).  Her mom once told her, "You may be the first to do many things, just make sure you are not the last."
Janice Hahn, Lt. Governor.  Currently an LA City Council member.  Running against Gavin Newsome, another Democrat from San Fran.
Mary Salas - State Senate District 40 (Denise Ducheny's seat).  Has tough primary against conservative Democrat Juan Vargas. She claims he is a friend of insurance and banking companies.
Toni Atkins - State Assembly District 76 (Replacing Lori Saldana, termed out)
Crystal Crawford - State Assembly District 74.  Currently on Del Mar City Council.
Pearl (did't get her last name) - State Assembly District 79 (replacing Mary Salas) 
Jill Galvez - Chula Vista City Council
Sheila Jackson - SD County Board of Supervisor District 4.  (currently on SDUSD School Board)
Francine Busby - 50th Congressional District

They all had similar talking points.  The main one being that the California legislation is in dire need of a change of direction.  They feel that California is headed down the wrong path.  They also each talked about the importance of local politicians who will then take the pathway to State and Federal government.

Both Run Women Run and The California List provide networking and campaign financing for women interested in running for office. In California, women account for 51% of the general population but we have only 13 State senators and 20 State Assembly women. Does anyone have interest in running for office?  They can help you!

I spoke with Toni Atkins after the event to ask if she would come to one of our Global Gals meetings and she said Yes!  She said it can be a small group or a large group, she just wants to meet people and learn about our neighborhoods.  Would you all be interested in having her as a special guest?  Even if District 76 is not your district, I think we could all learn from her about the local city government and the State political process.  I don't know much about her, so I think her visit to our group would be educational to me.  Click here

for Toni Atkins's website.

Visit the CA State Assembly website and click "Find My District" to determine your district and your representatives.  www.assembly.ca.gov/defaulttext.asp

Since Global Gals is about women helping women, I am glad I am able to share this info with you.

-Julie Moore
San Diego, CA

Hi there Readers,

It sure has been awhile since I last wrote.  Happy New Year to all.  Happy end of Winter and beginning of Spring!

I have been wanting to pass along the LifeFolio information from our Global Gals Gathering in January.  Natalie Stillman from New York Life was our presenter for the second time.  LifeFolio provides tools to assist people to organize their financial life.  Using a file cabinet and file folders you are able to have one place to find your necessary paperwork.  The paperwork is needed when you apply for loans, retire, get married, deal with death of a loved one, purchase a home, lose or leave a job, etc.  Be sure to tell at least one other person where this file cabinet is stored and how to access it in case of an emergency.

Natalie recommends using  fireproof file cabinet.  Put most current paperwork in the front of each section.  She also has a checklist on which to track where each documnet is such as birth certificate and social security card. 

A few weeks ago, my daughter Isabel helped me begin the filing process.  For her, its a game of playing "office" or "school," for me, it was a liberating cleanse!  Now my husband and I know where our passports, life insurance, credit card, mutual fund, and estate plannig documents are kept.  And all in one file drawer!  My daughter and son have their own drawer where we keep medical records, passports, bank statements, and birth certificates. 

Another benefit of going thru this process is that you have a chance to evaluate the current status of such items as your will, your beneficiaries, your financial goals.  For example, do you have enough life insurance?  Be sure to work with your financial planner, CPA, and attorney to help you determine if you need to take any further steps.

Natalie has been a valuable resource.  She can help you with your financial plan and provide possible CPAs, attorneys, and life insurance providers.  Natalie also has the LifeFolio tools and checklist which makes it easy to get started.  No more excuses!  She can be reached at 858-623-8795.  Be sure to let her know you are part of the Global Gals group!

Happy Organizing!
Until next time...
Jules

I've been watching action movies since I was 6 years old when Dad brought me to see Alien at the theater. Maybe that's why my expectations for action movies are so high. All I want is a strong, female action hero (in action clothes - no that doesn't mean wearing aerosoles heels) to be the main star of an adventure film. How hard is that? Search the World Wide Web, and you'll see I'm not the only one complaining. But at least now I know why: The Hollywood movie formula.

It started out in the 70's with movies like Rocky and Jaws. It's still around today. Any popular non-indie movie follows the 'high concept' formula. It's simple. The hero has a flaw (so you can relate). There are enabling circumstances surrounding that flaw. Suddenly, there's a life-changing event. The hero faces obstacles and an opponent. The hero also has an ally that either shows an example of how to change, or how not to be. The hero has many chances to overcome his flaw but still doesn't. The stakes change (climax). Then there's a choice to be made, but the flaw is tested many times before this happens. The choice then leads to a resolution which in Hollywood always equates to 'getting the girl.'

For example, in As Good As It Gets. Melvin Udall is OCD. He has a way of life, a job and a waitress (ally) who support his OCD (flaw). The life-changing event happens when Frank (opponent) tells him to take care of Simon's dog, and the waitress's son gets so sick she can't keep her job. Melvin has many opportunities to change, but instead chooses to keep the flaw and change others. Until he has an opportunity to 'get the girl' (the stakes) and then tries to take his pills and gets the girl.

This formula can be applied to almost all successful movies today that have immediate success in the box office. Of course there are movies that don't follow the formula and are successful, but these are what the producers look for. So why no women?

The movie that made me realize what was wrong was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The movie follows three very strong, very beautiful, very powerful women. None of them 'Get the Girl' in the end. In fact, they all lose! Now there are formulas where the hero doesn't 'get the girl' - a perfect example is Leaving Las Vegas. In this case Nicholas Cage is an alcoholic (flaw), he meets Elizabeth Shue (ally) but in the end he chooses to die with his flaw. But that's not how action movies go, and I'm talking about action movies.

In Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, there is a woman warrior who is in love. Her love is away meditating on a mountaintop somewhere. There is a younger woman. She falls in love. She is also arranged to be married and must do so to uphold her family's honor. There is another woman, a woman without honor, who fights for her right to learn as men do, the secrets of a certain school of martial arts. They each stay strong until the very end. Amazingly, their strength is not in their physical ability, but in their solitude. They never 'give in' to their relationships with their lovers. They never allow themselves to give up on their honor or their obligations to their family and the one they love. The older woman has a job to do and so does her husband, they honor their positions, far away from each other despite how much they love each other. The younger woman longs for a life with her rogue boyfriend but holds the responsibility of honoring her family so much so, that she jumps off a sacred mountain believing that it will make her dreams come true. The woman with no honor is looking for justice and instead gets revenge, killing and being killed by, the man the older woman loves.

Are men the reason women cannot be strong in today's movies? A strong female figure cannot star with a male figure without disabling both characters. Either the woman has to be strong and the man has to be a wimp or there is no man at all, and if that's the case, is there a large enough audience to support a movie with a single, strong female character? If so, would the movie producers see it that way? I don't think so.if it doesn't fit the formula, it doesn't fit their budgets.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon obviously does not fit the Hollywood Formula - for many reasons. Yet it was successful. James Cameron directed Aliens. He understands the money-making power of a strong female character. Yet in Avatar, Neytiri was a perfect opportunity to capitalize on this, and in a way he did, but following the formula (and not in a good way), Neytiri gives up and stands BEHIND her man, immediately stripping her of all her strength.

More examples (Please keep in mind that most of these characters are not even leading women):

True Lies.Jamie Lee Curtis has the guts to prostitute herself to save the world until her husband 'saves the day!'

Star Wars, Princess Leia kicks ass and brings down the whole entire empire only to give in to Han Solo with "I love you!" and the perfect response, "I know."

The Matrix - Trinity is the star until 'the one' has to save everyone.

Kill Bill - Lots of great female characters of course and you can see how it worked so well - the fiancé died at the very beginning of the movie!

Harry Potter - Hermione is always second wand, but not bad.

Fifth Element - probably one of the best in my book but of course she's not allowed to have a man as she has to 'stay pure!' (A Fifth Element II would've been bad).

Pirates of the Carribean - They did this well - keeping the lovebirds apart!

The Incredibles - great but once again, second fiddle.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider - Just not a good character.

So what do I want? What would satisfy me? An action heroine (who has a flaw), on an adventure (not a killing spree in heels), who overcomes her flaw (without being hated), and saves the world. How much is that to ask?

 

(Information on "High Concept Movie" formula/term taken from "How to write High Structure High Concept Movies")

- Heather Harris

Fashion.  Fiction.  Humor.   Heartbreak.  So many books to choose from at our Global Gals book exchange.  I would ask that anyone reading this blog to share your favorite books that you either lent or borrowed at the exchange.  As you might have guessed, I did not write down any titles or authors that we discussed.  Each person got a chance to give a brief synopsis of the book and tell us what they liked or didn't like about it.  Thanks to Bonnie for taking the remaining stack of books to Goodwill.

We decided that for the holiday season, we would again participate in the SAY San Diego adopt-a-family gift giving.   Everyone is also open to participating more actively in a volunteer program such as a food bank or women's shelter.  If you have any ideas on how we can assist a worthy cause this year, please let me know so we can put an event into our calendars.

Our next gathering will be a jewelry party at Susan's on November 19.  On December 10, plan on holiday cheer while gift wrapping our SAY San Diego gifts.

Until next time,  "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."(Dr. Seuss)

-Jules

P.S.  You can subscribe to this blog on the left side, bottom of your screen.  Just enter your email address.  Then in the future, you will receive an email whenever I blog.  Thanks for your interest in Global Gals!

This past week I implemented something I learned from a recent Global Gals Gathering.  I paid my 6-year old daughter her first official $6 bi-weekly allowance.  Six bucks?  For a six year old?  Read on, and it will all make sense.

Financial responsibility is not taught in most schools.  Its up to us parents to teach accountability and responsibility when it comes to money.  As with everything we teach our children, remember that each child has his/her own personality and way of doing things.  So what works for my child may not work for yours.  Take what you can from this blog and apply it or modify it as necessary.

Natalie Stillman from New York Life presented to us "It's Common Cents" by Neale S. Godfrey.  (Godfrey also wrote the book Money Doesn't Grow on Trees.)  When following the basic concepts in this program, you teach your child that the only way to get money is to earn it.  You can begin teaching this concept at a young age, 2-3 years old, as soon as your child takes interest in money.

Start kids on an allowance system that pays for completing chores.  Two basic types of chores exist:  (1) Citizen of the Household and (2) Work for Pay.  My child is responsible for keeping her bedroom and playroom picked up and brushing her teeth as part of being a household citizen.  Just recently, we decided together on her Work for Pay Chores: feeding our pet cat, emptying small trashcans once a week, clearing and setting the table.  I am quite lenient at this stage but expect to get more structured as she gets older.  Just tonight I reminded her to empty the trashcans, and she did it all on her own, no questions asked.  She gets paid $6 every other week ($1 for each year of her age).

Here's the kicker.  She has four bins to keep her money, which we labeled and discussed together.  In the first, "Charity," she puts 10% of her allowance.  She can use this money to donate to any organization that interests her.  We talked about the women's shelter, her elementary school, or the junior theater.  The second, "Long-term savings," gets 30% and will eventually go into her bank account.  The third, "Medium-term savings," gets another 30% and is for her to buy something "big" with her own money.  At this point, she is saving for a dollhouse.  Finally, number 4, "Fast cash," gets the last 30%.  This is her spending money for things such as that pack of gum or shiny lipgloss she always asks for when we are at Target.

Teenagers will need a more formal budget and may be able to get paid once a month.  Of course, the teen can complete other chores for additional money.  Also, if a child is saving for an expensive purchase, you can help to achieve the goal by rewarding their savings efforts.  For each dollar saved, you can match it in order to reach the savings goal a little bit quicker.

By following these guidelines, you can start teaching our child the difference between "want" and "need."  The child will begin to make different buying decisions because its his/her own money.  Don't fret if you have an older child, its never too late to start teaching financial responsibility.

Thanks to Natalie Stillman for her time and for being so open about her own experiences.

Until next time,
Jules

Our children are growing up fast.  We are getting older.  Our parents are getting even older.  It may be difficult but is important to talk about your plans if you were to become incapacitated or to pass away or if something were to happen with your parents.

Our guest speaker, one of our own gals, JJ Nadicksbernd, talked to us about Advance Finance Directives, Advance Health Directives, and the new California POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment.   An Advance Directive is the legal definition of your health  or financial care if you can not handle it yourself.  Advance Directives are (a) completely voluntary (b) for people 18 years or older and (c) legal forms can be found online.  Be sure to name two different people as your agent, the second being a backup in case the first is not available, and do not use the word "and."  It makes it difficult for health care providers if more than one person is names.  First, we took a quick look at a Financial Power of Attorney (POA).

Financial POA can be temporary or longterm.  The forms can be obtained online and have to notarized.  Check with your bank because some banks require their own form.   

Don't keep your POA forms in a safety deposit box because it becomes difficult for someone to find if you are unable to get it yourself.  Tell someone where it is and make a copy for that person.  Have a copy easily accessible so that someone can bring it to the hospital.  It is advisable to give a copy of your health directive to your primary doctor and to talk about it with the doctor.  That way, someone in your medical group knows your wishes in advance. 

Law 1990 requires that a hospital has to ask if you have a health directive but keep in mind the hospital can not force you to have one.  It is voluntary but the hospital has to ask you.

A Living Will is pretty much the same as a POA but it gives power to the doctor.  The POA gives power to whomever you state in the form. A living will only takes affect if you are terminally ill or completely incapacitated.  JJ recommends a POA instead of a living will. If you do not have a living will or POA, the doctor makes the decision.  Within our society, the doctor will do what it takes to cure the patient.  Only about 5% of patients actually survive resuscitation and only 2% of elderly. 

Within your health directive, you can put exceptions such as feeding tube or blood transfusion.  Be specific as you can.  You can also state that you would like to donate body parts as part of your POA.  JJ recommends you talk to your primary physician about choices; especially for younger healthier people.  Each person is different and each situation is different.  It is better to talk about it in advance.  A health directive requires two witnesses, does not need to be notarized.  If you get separated or divorced, void the POA and do another. 

Whomever you wan to name as your agent, be sure you trust them and talk about your wishes.  Heather recommends choosing someone who can be rational during an emotional situation.  Talk to your agent and ask, "What do you think?" so that you can be sure they understand your wishes and are able to carry them out.  JJ handed out a list of "tough questions" for you to discuss with your doctor, agent, lawyer, loved one, etc.  The handout came from Caring Connections at www.caringinfo.org. 

For health directives, there is a lot of gray area.  Talk to your physician and be medically aware.  Make decisions based on your health at the time. 

Finally, JJ brought us up-to-date regarding the new California Law implemented in January 2009:  Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST).  POLST is for the terminally ill.  By law, any medical system must follow such as hospital, ambulance, hospice, etc.  You can find detailed information at www.finalchoices.org.  The patient has to be terminally ill and the form has to be signed by a physician.  The patient can be as specific as he/she wants on the form. 

I hope this information is helpful.  I know I wrote alot, but its a big important topic.  Thanks to JJ for spending her time teaching us.  Remember, this info applies to you or to your parents.  Talk about these topics in advance so that it is easier for everyone if such an emotional situation arises.

Your gal,
Jules

Spring is officially here, so its time to put on the gardening gloves.  At our GGG on April 9, we talked about gardening and how we don't have enough time to do it!  Although some of us wouldn't do it, even if we did have the time!

Our favorite nursery:  Walter Andersen's in Point Loma. www.walterandersen.com/    They have an online newsletter, weekly classes, orchid experts, architect referrals, and a lot of gardening expertise. 

Our favorite books:
Sunset Western Garden Book by Sunset Magazine
Pat Welsh's Southern California Gardening
California Home Landscaping by Roger Holmes and Lance Walheim
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Our favorite brand of plant:  Monrovia

Our favorite irrigation store:   Hydroscape located on Kearny Villa Road  www.hydroscape.com

Tips:
Home Depot takes back any plant that dies - keep the receipt.
Buy potted herbs - Trader Joes.
Rosemary and mint grow anywhere.
Spanish Lavender is low maintenance.
When buying grass fertilizer, buy the highest middle number.
Proven Winner is a local grower that has genetically engineered plants to grow in the area.

Check out or Global Gals website for uncoming events at www.global-gals.com.
See you on May 14.

- Jules

Thanks to Megan for keeping such thorough notes at our last gathering.  Listed below are a few of the Global Gals’ Favorite Things.

 

Susan’s Favorite Things:

·         www.pandora.com: a web site that allows you to enter a favorite artist and then plays songs by that person and similar artists.  If there is a song you don’t enjoy, then you can give it a thumbs down and it will alter the playlist accordingly.

·         Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious for fine hair: All you do is stick it in your hair and let it dry. Smells nice.

 

Heather's Favorite Things:

·         Bella Sun Luci Tomato Pesto: You can buy this at Barrons, which is located in Del Mar Heights and OB (at W. Point Loma & Midway.)  The lid has recipes, and Heather love the chicken sundried tomato fettuccine.  Thanks for the samples, Heather!

·         Olympus Digital voice recorder: costs $75 - $80. You can record your own thoughts, but you can also hook it up to your computer and have the file.  This one Heather bought at Target and it is nice and compact.  She uses it to records her kid’s voices, but mostly to record random thoughts when she’s driving or doing other activities during which she doesn’t have time to stop & write it down. 

·         Orchid Garden Hotel: Green hotel in San Fran that Heather loved. 

·         La Pinata: Heather’s favorite restaurant which is in Old Town.  On Juan Street behind Guadalajara.  It’s the oldest restaurant in San Diego.  All the servers are women and most of them are older.  The food is traditional Mexican, decent margaritas, AND, for those of us w/ children, the food comes out FAST! Casual and kids can run around.  Don’t get the light menu: eat the lard!

 

Alexis' Favorite Things:

·         A giant zester that she found in Cook’s Illustrated.  It makes nice zest and hold it so it you have it all of it.  It’s great for parmesan cheese and fruit zest.  It came w/ the cookbook!

·         Alfonso’s margaritas on Prospect in La Jolla. 

·         Mama Mia’s Italian restaurant on Grand in PB.  Near 1932 Balboa Ave (between Grand Ave & Lamont St). Near a hair salon.

 

Lisa’s Favorite Things:

·         Vidalia Chop Wizard.  It chops everything uniformly.  It comes w/ two different sizes.  Lisa uses it not only for onions but also for salads and her daughter’s food.  She has sliced zucchini fries using this, too.  It also comes w/ a cleaner.

·         Restaurant:  Urban Solace at University & 30^th in North Park: Heather is an investor in their new restaurant, so she said GO!

·         Accupuncturist:  Liman Wang on Black Mountain Road.

·         www.acufinder.com: Finds acupuncturists for certain things.

 

Meg's Favorite Things:

·         http://www.sandiegohalfoff.com/intro.php: A website you can go to and get gift certificates to restaurants, spas, and other services, for half off.  Usually, you get a $50 gift certificate but pay only $50.00.

·         www.tripadvisor.com: A website where folks can provide feedback about hotels, restaurants, and local attractions from all over the world.  You can enter the location you plan to visit, and it will provide recommendations based on user reviews.  The reviews will often tell you exactly how to get to the place, where to sit, what to order, which room number to request, etc.  It’s great!

·         Blackberry: can connect to the Internet; can open Word docs and ExCel; GPS.  Meg uses hers for email, her calendar, and to play games.

·         Doublsided fabric tape: can be used to “fix” hems in a pinch or stick bras to shirts.  Can be purchased at fabric stores or at Target. 

 

Janice’s Favorite Things:

·         Janice loves any type of wipes.  Stain removal. Clorox Wipes seem to be everyone’s favorite.  Not only do they get the mold off lunch boxes, but they also clean stains off clothes.  Another favorite is “Kandoo” wipes, which are for cleaning one’s heiny.

·         Strawberry Husker (stem pickers): Julie has one but Janice can’t find where to buy it anywhere!  Try Great News kitchen store in PB.

 

Andrea’s Favorite Things:

·         The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: Gives ideas for how to get a squirmy kid into a story, inspirational stories, and generally helps adults get into reading aloud w/ their kids.  It also has a list of specific books for recommended reading. 

·         In the Convent of Little Flowers by Indu Sundaresan: Book of short stories all about relationships written by an Indian woman.  Some stories about elder abuse, arranged marriages, etc.

·         www.sdmaritime.org: Maritime Museum at the Star of India.  You Pay admission to the museum and then can ride the pilot boat for $3.  Pilot boat holds 20 – 25 people. It’s $3 for 45 minutes to 1hour.  Andrea chose the $40/year long membership. 

 

Julie's Favorite Things:

·         Braun Handmixer (as seen at the UCSD cooking class):  Can use it to make soup, smoothies, etc.  Julie’s comes w/ a chopping and whisk attachment.  Tracy makes smoothies almost every day.  The Gals raved about making soups with this.

·         The wine vacuum: It vacuums the air out of the wine bottle and keeps the wine fresh.

·         Garlic press: presses garlic with no chopping or smashing with a knife. One doesn’t even need to peel the clove.

Have a happy day!

Jules

I am not sure why it's taken me so long to write this blog.  I have been thinking about it since last Thursday when I saw the movie A Powerful Noise.  I saw the movie hoping to learn more about issues women face around the world.  I saw the story of three strong, caring women who live difficult , rough lives.  I will never encounter the challenges they face here in the U.S.

The three women portrayed in the film inspire women, and men, to do just a little bit more in their own communities.   Just by reaching out to neighbors and community members can make a big positive impact on someone's life.  These days I have been doubting if human's have it in them, but in the movie I did see how humans can be nice, comforting, giving, joyful to others.  We can touch another's life with just a small action.  It may be small to us but perhaps quite large to someone else.  As Gandhi said, "You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result." 

Each of the women gave themselves to others, women, men, and children, and were all the more fulfilled themselves.  A Vietnamese HIV-positive woman teaches her community about HIV, Aids, and prevention.  Another woman, from Bosnia, has been helping women farmers create a co-op to affectively sell their goods and make income to take care of their families.  The third woman, from Mali, helps girls who come to the city from rural areas looking for jobs. It would take me pages to accurately reflect their experiences and efforts; I can say that they were each inspirational. 

The panel discussion follwing reminded us here in the U.S. not to forget about all of those living in poverty throughout the world.  Women and children are affected the most by poverty.  We really do have quite the comfortable easy life here and tend to forget about the challenges other women face on a daily basis - War, AIDS, hunger, disease.   Former Secretary of State Albright siad that extreme poverty throughout the world is the biggerst threat to U.S. security which is why we should all care about what happens in these poverty stricken, war torn, faraway lands.

You can get involved just by being part of CARE or ONE.  Check out the websites. 
www.care.org
www.one.org

As Dr. Gayle, CARE President/CEO said, "Be a voice for the voiceless."

- Jules

With the lead found in children's products that have come out of China from corporate giants such as Mattel, there has been an outcry for testing for anything sold to children under 12.  Being a mom of a 2 year old this does make sense.  I want to know what I purchase for my little girl is safe and non toxic.  But this law is killing handmade America, the economy, mommypreneurs, small happy businesses, antiques, and publishing companies.  Let's say I wanted to make really cool modern baby clothes and sell them on line.  I go to the fabric store, purchase non-toxic lead free material, buttons, and thread.  I go home make my little clothes.  With this new law I am now required to have my finished product tested.  Every item I make has to undergo it's own testing even if each item is made from the exact same bolt of fabric.  Also under this law it requires that everything is made from "New Materials"  that means antique toys (like the Fisher price record player I purchased for Emma off EBay) or up cycled/ recycled items can no longer be sold.  And wait there's more, books have never had to undergo such testing but under this law they would.  Now each book has to undergo testing if made for Children under the age of 12.  Libraries are in a panic because they will either have to toss all current books for children or pay to have them tested.  Either way they can't afford this cost.  I really thought us artists in the children's industry had a strong voice, but it just isn't strong enough.  We were able to get the law to hold off on their February 10 deadline, but if you see this link, you will note that it's not enough http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/message-from-senator-demint-call-your-senators-about-the-cps-3370/  No one is safe from what this law requires.  This doesn't mean we are making wonderful items for children using lead products, it means that we can't afford the testing to prove we are not using led therefore we legally can't sell "handmade", antiques, or books for children unless they are tested.  This will significantly hurt the economy and ruin the children's art and crafts of America.

Here is the CPSIA Action Kit
http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/CPSIA-Etsy-Resources.pdf

I know that I can't be the only mom that has bought wonderful handmade clothes, toys, blankets, burp clothes, dolls and more.  I am sure any mom can look in her child's room and see a favorite handmade wood car, child's chair, or stool, or even know a good friend that crafts out beautiful blankets, clothes, or dolls.  I want to keep the creative people that have enriched my daughters early years alive.  I am not a huge buyer of giant corporate American products that have been licensed to death.  But that soon may be my and others only option.  Very few handmade companies will be able to meet the cost of these tests.

Do you think Global Gals will want to help??

-Suzanne (posted by Julie)

Eight of us participated in the UCSD Moores Cancer Center Healing Foods Kitchen class.  The course topic was "Mood Foods" and Susan, the main chef, talked about how various types of food can affect your mood and energy level.  Did you know that Boron affects eye-hand coordination?  Or that the smell of lemons can induce the feeling of alertness?  Did you know that Seratonin regulates mood and reduces irritability?

The menu:
Beet, Chickpea and Almond dip with Jicama
Carrot with Toasted Almond Soup
Spicy Asian-Style Pasta Salad
Scallops in Orange/Ginger Sauce with Raspberries and Mint
Roasted Chicken Breast with Salsa/Dijon Marinade
Orange-Infused Roasted Green Beans and Red Peppers
Poached Pears with Chocolate-Pear Sauce
Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies (gluten free)

Susan and her helpers did all the cooking and we got  to enjoy all the food!  Yes, all of it!  I have the recipes if anyone would like a copy. 

This cooking program is so amazing.  The goal is to teach people about healthy cooking and eating habits which will hopefully prevent cancer.  Susan runs the program as a volunteer.  The Healthy Foods Kitchen does one fundraiser a year and the funds are matched.  They do not get additional funding from the Moores Cancer Center.  The fundraiser, a Mad Hatter Tea Party, will be occurring in May so I will keep everyone posted.  You can visit the website for additional information and class schedule.  Some of the Gals already signed up for more classes.  They are free and well worth two hours of your time.  I would recommend these courses to anyone who is interested in learning how to combine interesting healthy ingredients to make a healthy meal.

http://health.ucsd.edu/cancer/prevention/healthyeating/classdates.htm

Thanks to Sharon for introducing us to the Healthy Foods Kitchen.

Your gal,
Jules

Happy New Year Gals!

Thanks for a great kickoff to our Global Gals Gatherings.  We talked about our New Year's Resolutions and how our friends can help us to achieve our goals.  My resolution is to update www.global-gals.com and learn about creating and maintaining a website.  I may be asking for help along the way and I do ask that you all check-in with me periodically by just asking "Hey, how is our website coming along?"  I won't post everyone's resolution here but I will keep them on hand so we can see how each of us progressed throughout the year. 

While sharing our resolutions, we came up with ways that the Global Gals can provide help tools.  For example, everyone wants to exercise more so we can go on Global Gals hikes.  Another common theme was healthy eating so we would like to take cooking classes together (the first one being February 5 at UCSD Moores Cancer Center.)  And we still want to have a technology themed gathering to teach each other the latest in cell phone, IPOD, and computer usage. 

Other action items included:
Janice will be sharing her findings on local organic food delivery.
Julie will look into cooking classes at Great News and dinner food prep such as Healthy Creations and Souper Suppers.
Julie will investigate a private yoga class.

We have an abundance of topic ideas for future Gatherings so I think our year will be full and exciting!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Feb 12, but for those interested, we will be attending a free cooking class on Feb 5.  You can see the Healing Foods Cooking Classes info at health.ucsd.edu/cancer/prevention/healthyeating/classdates.htm.  Advance registration is required and you are able to download the forms from the website.  I hope everyone can make it.

Until then,
Keep smiling,
Jules

My neighbor, and friend, Audrey O'Neill passed away on Christmas Day.  She was 39 years old and survived by her husband, 9 year-old daughter, and 19 year-old stepson.  I attended her Memorial Service yesterday and was really touched by her husband's eulogy.  She had been diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and had started a journal a few days after her diagnosis.  He read a couple of pages from her journal. 

One of her last entries was written this year (2008) when she and her husband returned from a trip to Prague.  What struck me is that she wrote a list of 10 things she was grateful for just for that one particular day.  Her husband said she tried to write 10 things each time she wrote in her journal.  I thought it was such a great idea.  She was grateful for "small" items such as returning safely from her trip; her children were safe; her mother, who took care of the house and kids, loved her; she was happy to see her two dogs; etc.  These are things that some of us may take for granted, but Audrey was able to recognize the importance of those things just on that one day.

She told her husband many times, just live for the day.  Be grateful for the day.  You may plan for the week, the month, or the year, but the one day is so precious.

So as we all get older, busier, overwhelmed, let's take Audrey's advise and be grateful for the day. 

Thanks for reading,
Jules

Thanks Gals!  For remembering those in need right here in our San Diego community during this holiday season. 

Thanks JJ for coming up with the idea on a gift wrapping party.  We had fun today wrapping gifts while drinking coffee, juice, and mimosas and eating bagels, sweets, and a home made Spanish tortilla (thanks to my husband who likes to cook).

We assembled gift bags and gift cards for a family from SAY San Diego which I will deliver tomorrow.  To learn more about the organization, visit their website at www.saysandiego.org/.

This has been such a rewarding way to end our first year of Global Gals.  Next year I would like to expand our group and I personally want to work on an improved, updated website.  Thanks to everyone's enthusiasm and involvement this year.  Let me know if you have any other topics to cover next year so we can get it on the schedule.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.  I know I am looking forward to renewed energy across the country in 2009! 

Your Gal,
Jules

First off, thanks to Jennifer for visiting with our group and for answering such a wide variety of questions.  While I am thinking about it, I have packets and business cards for anyone who missed our gathering - I can mail one to you or you can pick it up next time.

Even though its hard to discuss death or becoming incapacitated, it became clear to me that an estate plan and trust benefit everyone because it makes taking care of things after death much easier for those alive - whether you are single, married, or have children.  Going through the probate process can be costly and extensive.  Average cost of an estate plan is around $1,200 to $1,800.  Of course, if you have a greater number of assets then the cost could be as high as $5,000. 

Let me try to list the highlights:
-For those with children, it is important that ALL children be named so that there is no question - no "pretermitted heir." 
-According to Jennifer, there are two goals of a Trust: (1) avoid state tax and (2) avoid probate court. 
-A trust can help protect privacy because it does not go through probate. 
-Amended and Restated Trust puts all wording up to date.  No need to look at old trust.  More expensive than an Amendment.
-Make sure assets are transferred into the trust.  I.E. property tax should reference trust.
-Schedule A in the trust details the property such as jewelry.
-Pour Over Will (aka Last Will & Testament) all assets go into the trust.  Beneficially lists the trust.
-In general, 401K, Life Insurance, IRA and other retirement accounts have a named beneficiary.  If it goes into a trust, all money goes into a bucket and all taxes are due.
-Beneficiary can question trustee and file petition with court.  Guardian can petition on behalf of child.  Trustee distributes property/money to beneficiaries. 

Jennifer has kindly offered a discount to any of our Global Gals so be sure to contact her for a quote.  Of course, if you have any questions or need clarification on the above info, please email Jennifer directly.  I tend to take a lot of notes as the discussion moves rapidly from one topic to another, so forgive me if it doesn't make sense.

Please, post comments regarding this blog, especially if you have more to add.

Until next time,
Jules

Thanks to all the gals participating in this important election discussion.  We tried to focus on San Diego and California ballot initiatives.  I will list the Propositions with our recommendation.  Keep in mind that we did not make decisions on each item and I still encourage discussion and comments on your own ideas.

San Diego
Prop A - yes
Prop B - no
Prop C - yes (more research may be forthcoming)
Prop D - ?? (We had opinions flying from both sides, no group concensus.  I plan to vote No.)
Prop S - yes


California
Prop 1 -  no
Prop 2 - yes
Prop 3 - some yes, some no - mostly yes.
Prop 4 - No
Prop 5 - yes
Prop 6 - No
Prop 7 - No (more research forthcoming.  Sierra Club says No)
Prop 8 - No
Prop 9 - No
Prop 10 - ?? (more research forthcoming.  I plan to vote No)
Prop 11 - No (League of Women Voters says Yes)
Prop 12 - yes

US Rep 53rd District - Susan Davis
State Senator 3th District - Christine Kehoe
State Assembly 76th District - Lori Saldana
San Diego City Attorney - no consensus
SD Community College - ??
SD Unified School District - ??

If anyone has info or an opinion on the School Board of Education selections, please share.

We all agreed we have reluctance to vote in favor of any item that changes the CA State Constitution.  We also found it a challenge to spend California money knowing that the California budget is in such disarray.  As a group, we tended to agree that money should be spent on people in need and children. 

We used the Democratic website and the League of Women Voters as reference. 
http://www.sddemocrats.org/2008_candidates.html
http://www.sandiegorepublicans.org/voterguide/
http://www.lwv.org/Election2008/index.html

I hope you find this information helpful.  Again, please post any other info or opinion so that anyone reading this blog can make an informed decision when she goes to the polls November 4.

Go Obama!

-Jules

Dr. Ziainia joined us this week to answer our questions regarding women's health.  I will once again do my best to document our questions and answers. 

-What do you recommend to find an OB/Gyn?  For HMOs, look on the internet for a list of approved doctors.  Its very important to ask friends and family for personal recommendations.

-What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner Medical Doctor?  NP has a Masters in Nursing and takes two more years of training above nursing (total 6 years of education).  A NP does not attend medical school.   A NP Can prescribe some medications.

- What is a Medical Assistant?  A medical assistant takes a 6 month or one year course - no college. 

- What is a Physician Assistant?  A PA attends college and an additional 2 years of training. 

- What is the difference between a Mirena IUD an a Copper IUD?  A copper IUD is a nonhormonal form of IUD and lasts 10 years. The IUD can be used in women that have not had children but it is a relative contraindication.  It's better for women who have had children.    Some have complained that the Mirena "pokes" their partner.   It's the strings that people claim they feel or poke (most doctors don't believe this and think it may be psychological).  The IUD should be used in monogamous relationship,  because if you get an infection it can potentially damage the fallopian tubes.

- Is RU486 the same as the Morning After Pill?  No. RU486 can be taken 49 days after first day of last menstrual cycle.  Every doctor can not get it.  You can get it from Planned Parenthood.  Current laws make it difficult for Doctors to obtain for patients. 

- When should I get a mammogram?  At 40 years old.  Remember to always do a self test.  Some women get one at 35 to have a baseline.  It is recommended at age 35 if breast cancer has affected a family member.

- What is the HPV vaccine?  The vaccine covers 4 of types of the HPV virus (there are 100+ types).  The vaccine can be obtained between ages 9 and 26 years.  Remember to get a PAP smear once a year!  Condoms do not protect against HPV, herpes, or crabs because they can occur around external areas.

- What about cord blood banking?  The patient has to request it be taken.  Cord blood can be donated if the patient requests it. 

- When should I take prenatal vitamins?  It is best to have the vitamins in your system three months before conception.

- What can be done to strengthen bladder muscles after giving birth to two babies?  Kegel exercises - 100 per day for 5 seconds each time.  Go to the bathroom every three hours. 

Dr. Ziainia believes that accupuncture can help as a alternative treatment, in general.  She attended a UCLA course designed for MDs. 

Thank you Doctor Ziainia for your time and open conversation.  We of course gabbed on for hours, until about 11:30 at night.  We knew it was time to break up the party when husbands starting calling the cell phones.  Our next gathering is October 9 and will be covering the November 4 election, specifically San Diego and California ballots.  See you then!

-Jules

I really like the way this guy talks.  He uses language that I can understand.  If you can, take 40 minutes to listen and learn about the US and world economy.  Interesting and informative.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94686428

-Jules

Remember to vote this November.  Remind all of your friends and family to register to vote and get out there on election day!  The last day to register is October 20. 

Hopefully this gathering got everyone motivated to take a look at their financial plan.  Whether you're single, married, or with children, its important to check in once a while to make sure you are still on the right track to take care of yourself and/or your family in the future. 

After this get together, I feel motivated to meet with a Financial Planner to check on mine and my husband's retirement savings thus far.  I think we might not be on the right track because we've have been doing our own planning for many, many years. 

For those with children,  the best financial plan is one that takes care of your retirement first and your children's education second.  Your children will have various options to pay for their college education. 

Some action items we took away from the meeting:
- Credit reports.  Check your credit rating to make sure there are no discrepancies. 

- Review costs and terms of current insurance coverage.

- Review your life stage and financial goals with a trusted investment professional and develop an asset allocation strategy.

- Pay yourself first each month by establishing an automatic investment plan.

- consult with your investment professional to ensure you are capitalizing on the appropriate investment vehicles for your portfolio.

- Consult with investment professional to ensure you are capitalizing on appropriate planning vehicles. 

- If you are married, make sure you know where the insurance and financial files are kept so that you have access to the accounts in case of an emergency.

Thanks to David Lam from Edward Jones for presenting the material and getting us discussing issues that are important to women.

Until next month,
Jules

This came from our gal Sharon:

Subject: Tell McCain: Viagra is not more important than birth control.

Dear Friend,

Last week a reporter asked Sen. John McCain whether he thinks it's fair for insurance companies to cover Viagra for men, but not birth control for women.

To tell you his reply simply doesn't do it justice. Watch this video to learn his response. Then take action.

I just signed a petition calling on Senator McCain to stand up for affordable birth control -- I hope you will too.

Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/mccain_respect_contraception/?r_by=574-1602721-SD2O0rx&rc=confemail

Thanks!

Boy, with just four of us at last night's gathering, we were still able to yak away until 11:30.  We love to talk, and to argue, and to give advice.  The topic of the evening was "Charities" and we hoped to share information on our favorite organizations and develop one or two ideas that we could work together on as a group.

As far as charities, we talked quite a long time about two topics close to our hearts that aren't really charities but inspired lively chat:  (1) education and (2) conservation (aka "green").  I am not sure if I can even reveal any of the details of our conversations because we were babbling on so long.  As far as education, we know that its not really a charity but it is a big issue for all of us whether we have kids or not.  I will be doing some research on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in that they support education specifically an organization called Strong American Schools.  We of course agreed that education is a huge hurdle and we don't really know how to help with the lack of public school funding but we will continue to look for ways to make it a high priority for our local community and the nation. 

Regarding being green, again after lengthy discussion, we decided to focus on a way to decrease the use of plastic bags.  And yet again, we didn't really think of a specific charity.  Alexis is to research the San Fransisco ban on plastic bags and the status of such a ban in San Diego.  We brainstormed on one of Heather's ideas to someone place signage in grocery parking lots reminding consumers to bring their own bags.  We also agreed that as a group, a beach cleanup would be very easy to participate in with each other and with our children.  I will do some research on upcoming beach cleanups and the local organization of I Love A Clean San Diego.

We also decided that over the holiday season, as a group, we would participate in San Diego's "Adopt-A-Family" program.  I have done it at my work many times.  A group of people buy gifts and gift cards for a specific needy family and deliver them right before Christmas.  I believe the program is run through the SD County and families are chosen based on needs.  A family may be an abused mother and her children or may be a victim of a wildfire.  More info on that as the time comes.

Sharon likes to donate money to the Moores Cancer Center UCSD (as opposed to the Cancer Society).  We talked about the free cooking classes at the Cancer Center and we will look into taking a class together as a group.  The website talks about healthy eating and the program.   http://www.healthyeatingucsd.org/

Heather did some research on charities and found a helpful website www.charitynavigator.org/ which helps to research the top fundraisers in a particular city.

Needless to say, we will continue this conversation at another GGG at some future time.  Please let me know if you are fundraising or involved in a charity that you would like me to post on our website.  Our next gathering will be on Aug 21 and we have a guest speaker planned!  See ya around, gals.

-Julie

From one of our Gals. 

I watched the video but haven't listened yet to the audio.  Its all quite confusing and I feel that the rich are definitely getting richer.  Remember, this is just one side of the story. 

Do you ever get those emails that have been sent by someone to someone else to someone else to someone else to your friend to you?  Before your pass on or believe the info, check out snopes.com.  Its a great website that puts an end to the myths that fly around the internet.  It will tell you what is true in that email and what is not.

Mary Ellen recommended a movie:  Citizen Ruth about the battle between pro-life and pro-choice.

Laura, another global gal, recommends the magazine "Pink."  Its for business women and the message is bascially its okay to be a woman, to like the color pink, and to be a professional.  What did Laura say?   "You don't have to give up feminity to be a feminist."  ... something like that.

Suzanne reads the London Times online.

Global Gals Gathering took place on Thursday night, June 19.  Now that I am sitting here writing the blog, I wish I would have taken better notes!  I will do my best to document the highlights of the evening's discussion.

First off, a BIG thank you to Mary Ellen for joining us at our Gathering #2!  As guest speaker, Mary Ellen opened up the discussion quite easily.  We found out that she was the Publisher and Editor of the newspaper "Women's Times" back in the early 90's.  (Heather met Mary Ellen while working for the newspaper.)  When the newspaper proved not to be a successful ongoing business, Mary Ellen became the Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood San Diego/Riverside Counties.  She worked there until about a year ago when she retired to move to San Francisco to be closer to her grandchildren.

We each introduced ourselves and mentioned one or two hot topics that interest us regarding women's issues.  Some hot topics:
Have a positive affect on grandchildren
Inform woman on latest health topics (i.e. HPV)
Assist battered women (Rachel's Women's Center)
Spending research dollars on women’s health
Healthcare overall
Breaking the pink/blue barrier
Educating ourselves on how to take care of our children
"Dress Angels" (non-profit)
"ARTS" (non-profit)
Teaching good values - being conscious of others
Education - public schools

I really liked a couple of Mary Ellen's quotes right away.  She said, "The biggest changes we ever make are the ones we make within ourselves."  So just by getting together as a group, we are already making changes within ourselves.  She added that "making an impact doesn't have to be large and splashy.  You have a small impact all the time."  You just never know when or how your actions will influence another life.  That is why it is important to make even the smallest efforts.  What is insignificant in your mind may be highly influential in someone else's mind.

As far as becoming activists, she suggested picking a local issue and writing letters, talking to local officials; starting with City Council members working our way up to California Representatives and US Representatives.  At a future gathering, we can pick issues that we would like to tackle and discuss ways to do it.  I don't want to scare anyone away from our group, though, and remember to only participate when you are willing and able!

We learned a bit more about Planned Parenthood and their desire to have all children wanted and loved.  They give information to woman about their bodies and give access to birth control.  International Aid for Family Planning has been cut starting back in the Reagan years.  Pres Clinton brought back some of the aid only to have it cut again by Pres Bush.  Basically, the US will stop providing monetary aid to countries that discuss family planning (birth control) and abortion.  Does this mean the US is not supporting a country’s freedom of speech as we supposedly protect in our own country?  Quite hypocritical to me.

While at Planned Parenthood, Mary Ellen lobbied against the Parental Notification act.  (The bill requires parents to be notified of a girl's wish for an abortion.)  She met most of the local SD politicians and traveled to Sacramento to meet with other representatives.  She feels that men in general do not want the woman to have rights because then it puts the woman in control of herself.  One representative, a male, said that he did not want his wife and daughter to have easy access to birth control because that meant that they could have sexual relationships safely and they wouldn’t be scared of the consequences.  Most of us didn't quite get that logic! 

Mary Ellen also traveled to the Philippines as a Planned Parenthood representative.  She said that she saw intense poverty, battered women, and children living in shacks.  She went there hoping to learn something from the Filipinos, and she did.

One of our gals, Suzanne, asked if Mary Ellen was aware of London's new law specifying that the woman has to provide the fathers name when giving birth.   According to the London Times, the women's rights activists are up in arms because that takes away the woman's right to privacy.  There could be numerous reasons why a woman didn't want to or couldn't provide the father's name.  Maybe she doesn't even know who the father is!  Suzanne suggested linking to the London Times to gather more info. 

Another thing to keep in mind, just because a woman is "pro-choice" does not mean that she would choose an abortion for herself.  It means that she supports women making their own decisions about their bodies, not the government. 

I could go on and on...   I will wrap up with a thought that I took away from our discussion: even a small action can make a difference.  You just never know how/who you will affect.

Thanks to Heather for hosting, providing fine wine and chocolate chunk cookies, and for introducing us to Mary Ellen.

 

-- Julie

http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/06/03/ca/sd/vote/kirvin_e/

I just heard on KPBS this morning that they are hosting a Mayoral Debate on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m. You can watch it on KPBS channel 11 or HD, or listen on KPBS 89.5 FM.

This may be a good chance to help make an informed decision prior to June 3. 

- Jules

The San Diego Zoo has setup a donation page for those wishing to donate money to assist the Chinese earthquake aftermath.  The money will go directly to Wolong to help with the Panda research center rebuild.  This is a great way to donate to China without the fear of your money going into never never land.  Visit the link at www.sandiegozoo.org/sl/wishlist/pandaearthquake.cfm

Or visit www.sandiegozoo.org and click on Earthquake Relief Fund.

Thanks.
 - Jules

Last night we had our first global gals gathering and it proved to be a huge success.  Lively discussion, a little bit of wine drinking, and some decisions on how to vote on June 3.  Since our topic was the upcoming California election we obviously talked about politics, the candidates, the propositions, and websites to help make sense of it all.  I hope that I can remember and cover it all.

A couple of things that I learned were:
1) Pay attention to your local judicial candidates.  They really are more important than you think.  Judges, as well as any political position, turn out to be life long politicians.  So once they get into a judgeship at the local level they can move up in ranks.  So make sure the person you are voting in agrees with some of your fundamental political values such as pro-choice.  These judges can be making decision that affect your local community which can eventually lead to a national position.  You can call any candidates office and ask their stance on some basic issues:  Are you pro-choice?  Are you religious?

2) School Boards members are also important because they can affect change in "political" items such as teaching sex ed in the class rooms. 

3) Outsourcing for city projects is generally not a good idea.  It usually ends up costing the city more because of unknown costs.  And the employees usually lose because they have to give up some benefits even though they will probably be employed by the new contractor.  One example given was the San Diego Library online catalog system that was outsourced.  The program had problems and for two weeks, no one could check out a book from the library!  Unbelievable.  The city also tends to take the cheapest bid which can lead to the cheapest product which costs more in the long run to fix the problems. 

We decided that we need more research done on the judicial candidates, the school board, the city attorney, and the mayor.  We did not have consensus on the mayoral candidates.  Some felt Sanders is fine others said they were definitely not voting for Sanders.  It was the same with the city attorney, some people do not like Aguirre, but weren't so sure of the other candidates.  Some people know that Aguirre is mean but felt he fights for the rights of the San Diego citizens. 

Here is our official recommendation for the Propositions:
98 - NO
99 - NO
City A - YES
City B- YES
City C- NO

Be sure to visit our website, www.global-gals.com to find out more.  Its under the "News" section and lists some helpful websites.  We'll post more as gather more info about the candidates.

Encourage your friends and families to get out the vote on June 3.  Participation is important even at these smaller elections. 

We plan on meeting every third Thursday so our next Global Gals gathering will be June 19.  I don't have a topic yet but some possibilities:  Womens Health and an OB/GYN guest speaker; financial planning and a financial advisor guest speaker; modern technology; favorite charities. 

Thanks gals!  Please make your comments and keep the dialogue moving.

I just started blogging so we shall see how this goes.  I also just started a woman's group here in San Diego.  A group of friends getting together every once and awhile to discuss women's and girls' issues we face today. Our first get-together is in a couple of weeks and our topic will be "The June 3 California Election."

I setup this blog as a place to track our progress and allow our group to make comments.  Maybe we will reach outside of our little community and motivate woman across the country to come together to make a difference in their own local community. 

As the old saying goes, "Act locally.  Think globally."