I don't think every woman should support Hillary Clinton just because she's a woman. Smart women disagree all the time, and that has never been more obvious than in our heated discussions about Clinton.

I do, however, think every woman should support the notion of Hillary Clinton. That means judging her by her record and her plans for our future, not by her marital stamina, her choice in suits or her version of femininity. Even if we can't support her as a candidate, we ought to acknowledge the history that she is making -- for us and for our daughters and granddaughters. And we ought to point out to them that making history sure has a downside.

This is a quote from an article written by Connie Schultz in the Cleveland Plain Dealer

At the same time, I think that Senator Clinton has a great responsibility too as a role model for our daughters. Playing the victim is not one of the traits I think she should promote. I don't think it works in politics, at least not long-term. And, for sure, it never works in business.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have been working many hours a day on the Obama Campaign in Texas. One of the things I have been most struck with is all of the young adults accompanying their parents to help out. And they are fired up. They know all of the issues, they can't wait to watch the debates and discuss them with you afterwards. They accuse their parents of making them miss a life-changing event, if they weren't allowed to skip school the day of the 17,000 person rally at a local arena.

One of the more touching moments was a 9 year old girl who was at the HQ the other day. She was making posters for Obama. She had Hillary as the turtle and Obama as the 'bunny', which, I guess, is just as good as a hare. Obama, of course, was flying across the finish line. I am still pondering what all of this means in terms of an outcome.

She asked me, "What color do you think I am?" I was sort of startled. "Black, I guess?" I replied. But I am something else too, she said. "Brown, white?" I guessed. "No," she said, "Indian." And then she related to me her complicated heritage and the complex dynamics of her family and her life.

And for all that, she was a wonderful little girl who will long remember the time she hung out around a political headquarters and how fun it was. And when she is older, she will know she was part of making history..one bunny at a time.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 6:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is why he will win. A broad consensus of diverse participants. The people are amassing to take back their country.

Thank goodness, we do it in a lot more orderly fashion than in Pakistan.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen.com

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michelle Obama said the following the other night, and has been taken to task over and over again for it:

What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I’ve seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it’s made me proud.

Cindy McCain took her to task without naming her:

I am proud of my country. I don’t know about you. If you heard those words earlier, I am very proud of my country.

Be careful Cindy. Something about not throwing stones when you live in a glass house. I think being a drug addict and, worse still, stealing from your own charity for your stash, and then trying like crazy to cover it up, might give you a little more compassion as to how much pressure is put on political wives, who never asked to be in the spotlight.

A little solidarity and respect among politician's spouses - is that too much to ask?

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 3:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sacramento Executive and SacWomen sponsors Caroline Jensen, Coldwell Banker and Dave Mendoza, Managing Broker, Comstock Mortgage are holding a very informative seminar that will provide you with much needed information on how to buy bank-owned, foreclosed homes.

The seminar is complimentary for accredited investors who are interested in buying Bank Owned Foreclosed Homes (Real Estate Owned, REO) and taking advantage of the current real estate market for Bank Owned homes.

This seminar is not for homeowners facing foreclosure.

Please call (916) 607-7313 to reserve your seat today. (Seating is limited)

This educational seminar will cover the following topics:
• The Foreclosure Process
• Why buy Foreclosed (REO) property?
• How to buy Real Estate at Foreclosure Auctions
• Advantages of REO vs. Pre-Foreclosure Property
• How to evaluate and select REO property

Due to the popularity of their programs, your RSVP is required. Seating is limited. Call to reserve your seat, 916.607.7313

Saturday, March 1, 2008
9:00 AM
Del Paso Country Club
3333 Marconi Ave
Sacramento, Ca 95821
This venue has a dress code, please call for details.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 12:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I went shopping for a Valentine's card yesterday. I ended up buying two. One because it was romantic, and the other because it made me laugh out loud. I almost bought three because I found the perfect one for my husband to buy for me, but that seemed a little too planned!

Here's the romantic one:

I believe
that we
are magic,
that all things are possible,
that life is precious,
that peace is reasonable
that laughter is special,
that blessings are divine,
that love is grand,
and that you are
the best thing that's every happened to me.

I love you

And now for the funny one:

if we weren't together and i
saw you on the street, i'd bash
your head in with a brick so
you would fall down and i
could be there to catch you.

First one is a Recycled Paper Greetings and the second is from uncooked.

Have a fabulous day and celebrate it any way that feels great for you.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 4:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am in heaven. Or, more exactly, I am in the middle of a perfect storm -Texas, a very meaningful battleground in the war for the Democratic presidential nomination. I am a political junkie, which means I am glued to MSNBC 24/7, even watching the guys on death row in case there is a break for some political news! I imagined that it would all be over by February 5th, and Texas, with its primary process on March 4th, would be much too late. But the fates intervened and here I am in Texas, a make or break state for Hillary.

Last Saturday night I went to delegate training. The voting process in Texas is very odd - truly the Texas Two Step. Vote early or on the day and then you are eligible to come back at 7:15 PM to be part of the caucus process. Historically, this is a non-event, but this year, expect big crowds.

Last night, we went to meet the national Obama team who had just arrived in town. Both events were mobbed - black, brown, white, able, disabled, young, old, rich, poor. It was truly inspiring. I saw the same guy at both events - lying prone in his wheelchair with breathing tube in his mouth, signing in with his foot. Wow, if this guy is ready to step out and support a presidential candidate, how can any of us doing anything less?

Sitting next to us was a young African American family with several small children. What an amazing memory this will be for them years from now. Or maybe not. Maybe they will not remember a time when having an African American presidential candidate was ever a big deal.

People were in long lines signing up to provide food, housing, phone-banking, office space - anything the campaign needs. We have signed up to have volunteers stay at our house and I am eagerly waiting a call to volunteer to do whatever is most helpful.

But no campagin material. Maybe that will come later when they move into their office space. So, not being one to wait around when I want something, I ordered 100 of these today. Please note the clever use of Dallas Cowboy's blue for the lettering!

I am pouring over blogs and writeups and anything that says that Obama can win Texas. I have started blogging on the Obama website. Last night, one of his supporters, a Latino politician, told us that in Texas there has never been contention between black and brown (his words). With that fact and the fact that Obama has been increasing his vote rate with Latinos in each of the previous contests, Texas could put an end to that perceived weakness.

I will keep you all posted on what's happening in the next 3 weeks from the middle of this perfect storm.

If you guys couldn't get an outcome in California, us Texans will have to jump in. After all, we owe you for the last Texan we gave you for President!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Latino Coalition for a Healthy California is looking for an executive director.

The Executive Director is the visionary responsible for taking LCHC to a new level by overseeing the development and implementation of LCHC’s operational and policy strategic plan and serving as its chief fundraiser. Specifically, s/he is responsible for financial management and reporting, fundraising, program development and implementation, public policy and advocacy, managing staff and board development, and communication.

More info on the website.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 8:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out an interesting way of fighting global poverty while beautifying your home.

A much better way of helping out the world than using bombs!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I forgot I had downloaded the song Feminist by Andrea Florian a few months ago and stumbled upon it when I was listening to my iPod the other day. I love it. It has such great attitude. It was written in 1997, but it's still so appropriate.

Here are the lyrics. But it's better with the music and the voice. You can download it off iTunes:

i am a feminist and i'm not scared to say it.
i'm not scared of what the word means.
i'm not scaed of how you'll take it.
and if you're intimidated, then please don't blame your fear on me.
don't let it close you off from reality.
cuz in reality.. shit happens

i am a feminist and it doesn't mean i hate all men,
although i may be concerned about a few of them.
it doesn't mean i think the whole whorld should be governed only by women.
though on a second thought, maybe that own't be such a bad option.

twist my words 'til nothing's what i really said,
you can make it sound absurd, make it all lose sense.
it still doesn't mean a thing , since in the end i know where i stand,
sometimes i wonder if you have a clue of where you do

i listen to people saying that the feminist movement is over, so baby, baby, baby, why don't you take that chip off your shoulder. i guess my standing here is proof that it's not, there's thousands others who would agree, thing is, they do it silently.. and statistics will say a certain number of women are raped by men. i want to know about the ones who don't announce it to the government.

call me crazycrazycrazy, call me anything you like,
cuz i'm screaming truths out in the streets,
and i didn't think you'd like it.
i knew you wouldn't like it.

i am a feminist, and i claim the word proudly,
it doesn't necessarily mean i'm a lesbian,
but then again, maybe i am.
and maybe my sexual preference is really none of your business
i said its none of your business, but you still don't get it
maybe i'm living in a world full of isms,
but i'm not singing to you,
cuz i've got nothing better to do.
and maybe if you still don't understand the word, then for God's sake open up a book and look it up.
it's all about respect, such a simple thing really.
too bad that in 1997, so many of us still don't get it.

it doesn't mean that i'm ugly,
or that i'll die lonely,
or that i have to be angry all the time.
in fact it doesn't mean much of what you think

i am a feminist and it doesn't mean i hate all men,
it doesn't mean i want them dead.
it doesn't mean i have to have hairy armpits or hairy legs,
or that i have to shave my head,
it doesn't mean that i'm bitter cuz i can't get laid, cuz honey i can.

i am a feminist, and i'm not scared to say it,
i'm not scared of what the word means,
i'm not scared of how you'll take it, and if you're initmidated, then please don't blame your fear on me.
i have no use for it.
i simply won't have it

If you like that, I have more suggestions! Maybe I will make a compilation of music for strong women.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Congratulations to Rebecca Reichardt, Tazzina Bistro, Woodland, CA

Tazzina Bistro is a full service restaurant and bar focused on creativity and quality ingredients. By tying in with local producers, we are able to provide a superior dining experience that is at once upscale and welcoming.

She competed in the Make Mine A Million $ Contest and was one of the 10 nationwide winners. This is what she received:

Coaching, Mentoring, Financing and Community
Up to $50,000 in financing from OPEN from American Express and Count Me In.
Cisco® Smart Business Communication network from Cisco Systems valued at up to $20,000 for select awardees.
Discounts from FedEx select shipping and office and print services.
A marketing consultation from QVC.
A $500 credit for hotel stays at any Marriott in the U.S.
Dell Vostro notebook™, built exclusively for small business valued up to $1000
A round trip ticket to any of the 54 cities served by Jet Blue.

Rebecca is most excited about the coaching which is already spurring her to think big. Read the whole story in Bob Shallit's column.

And if you are feeling mad/sad/blue that you weren't the winner because you didn't even apply, this is an I told you so....I highlighted this contest in a post in November!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In December, I had a post about discrimination that had been introduced into the Workers' Compensation Legislation introduced in 2004. Because the law allowed doctors to take into consideration 'other factors' that might have contributed to a worker's disability, factors such as osteoporosis in older women were limiting their awards. Other awards considered such factors as age, race, gender, national origin or genetic disposition.

San Francisco Democratic lawmaker, Carole Midgen, has introduced a bill to take away this unfairness. She will hold a press conference at the Capitol tomorrow, February 11th.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, we know we are spending a fortune in Iraq every day, but do you know what we could be funding instead?

What would you choose? If it's not the war, then contact your politicians and tell them, no more!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am spending time with my grandchildren. I am cooking, something my husband doesn't encourage me to do very often. Over time, he has taken over most of the cooking duties because he enjoys it and frankly it shows!

But to my grandchildren, I am quite the champ at cooking. The other night, my 7-year old grandson walks through the door and tells me how good my cooking smells. Later I find out he has asked his mother on the way home what I am making. She tells him the menu and he responds that no matter what it is, it will be good, "because Granny is making it".

Wow, I have Rachael Ray status to the 7, 6 and 4 year-old.

And when they figure out that cooking is not my passion, it will be fine because I have lots of other useful skills. Just today I figured out how to download the new version of Google Earth, which includes Google Sky and the 3-D building options.

Wow, this morning, I have Bill Gates status to the 7 year-old.

And I have plenty more tricks up my sleeve as they grow. Gin rummy anyone?

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you sare registered as Decline to State in California, you can still vote for a Presidential candidate. Here's how:

Or Republican!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am visiting my daughter and grandchildren in Oregon. On Sunday, there was an hour to spare before the guests arrived for the Superbowl Party. I turned on CSpan and so began one of the most inspiring couple of hours that I have witnessed in a very long time. I think the closest was at the Women's March on Washington many years ago when I got the opportunity to watch Mollly Ivins, Anne Richards and Sara Weddington. This time, it was Caroline Kennedy, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and surprise, last minute guest, Maria Shriver.

Michelle Obama blew me away. What an amazing woman she is - smart, beautiful, strong, willing to say what is in her heart without wondering if it is politically expedient.

Oprah talking about being called a traitor for not endorsing Hillary and explaing that free women get to decide for themselves and even change their mind.

And Maria talking about the quote she has over her desk from Eleanor Roosevelt, that says everyday do something to scare yourself and how deciding to come and speak out today had been today's scary moment. And shes came without a fancy hairdo, makeup, jewelry, but to me, she looked beautiful because she came to share what was in her heart.

And Caroline Kennedy stepping out of her comfort zone to do what she overwhelmingly believed she must.

This is the group of women I believe can really make change happen because they know that change is about bringing empathy back to this country, measuring this nation on how we treat the weakest amongst us, and not on how much the rich can own. This is a group of women that can be great inspirational role models to the generation of young women and girls that will empower a strong country that can once again be a beacon of hope around the world.

Later that evening my daughter got an email from a woman she hadn't heard from in a long time crowing about this same event and how inspired she was to come back into the politlcal process that she had put aside many years ago.

I hope you will take the time to watch this amazing video. It's hard to find on the Internet but try this.

Today I was thrilled to see and hear and celebrate with the next generation of women who will stop making women stay in line through guilt and inspire them to go do their research and make the choice they feel is best for them - gender, race and party neutral. That's real power.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)