San Diego Woman Magazine's Inspirational Women Issue

LONNIE MURRAY A Special Brand of Sports Agent

PEARLS WISDOM

EGG FREEZING PARTIES?

The 9th Annual Boom Business Explosion!

Photos by Maggie Ramos

San Diego Woman Magazine was an exhibitor at the 9th annual Boom Business Explosion, held in the QLN in Oceanside.

The Business Explosion brought together local business professionals from all over San Diego and surrounding counties for an afternoon of networking, exhibiting, marketing, mixing, mingling, and socializing in a “laid back”, no pressure environment with a high-energy, explosive atmosphere!

It was a great event that mixed a mini conference with a business expo. One of our recent Cover Girls, Sarita Maybin, was a speaker at the event and spent time at our booth meeting our readers.

The Business Women’s Mega Mixer How many hats do women wear daily… weekly… monthly??… SOOOOO many! The theme of this year’s Business Women’s Mega Mixer was “One Woman” and they had some amazing happenings surrounding that theme, including a fashion show.

While attendees mixed and mingled, they learned about the many women throughout history and today who do so much… not just for work, but daily living, philanthropy, and more.

“The Business Women’s Mega Mixer was a celebration of women’s history month and fundraiser benefiting non-profits dedicated to helping women.

Our table was bustling with women from all walks of life who stopped by to say hi and pick-up magazines. We met a lot of amazing women and shared our past issues with more of our readers.

19

CONTENTS Dr. Jennifer (Konkin) Harper

7

Kay Bates: Real Estate Broker with a Purpose

8

Michele Ruppert “Be You, Naturally”

9

Anne McClure

11

Jonah A. Toleno Legal Powerhouse

13

Calling All Eggs!

18

Lonnie Murray CEO of Sports Management Partners

19

NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship

22

Jennifer Barnes Helping Your Business Run Better

24

Pearls of Wisdom Better Memory, Anyone?

25

Proper Financial Planning A Critical Step for Women

27

Ava Hansuvadha

29

David Dezan, Making Waves

30

A Girl Prodigy

31

Sleep Deprivation

32

Joannie’s Two Hands…

33

Karen Haze

34

A Gift of The Earth

37

Patricia Bustamante A New Approach to Human Resources

38

Debbra Sweet, An Inspiration to Us All

40

Achieving Success with Erica Nitti Becker

42

Atkins Nursery "Enjoying Fruit at Their Prime Time."

44

Music is My Therapy, How About You?

54

Dr. Shashita Inamdar, Achieving Results with TMS

55

What is Really Down Under?

57

SURVIVAL IS NOT ENOUGH

58

s d n i F s u o l u Fab

29 14

47

8

40 58

Letter From the Editor Dear Readers, Welcome to our “Inspirational Women,” issue. Over the past 11 years publishing San Diego Woman Magazine, we have shared stories of many women who have overcome obstacles, forged forward and accomplished that which they never thought possible. This issue pays homage to those women. Those who have in the past and those who continue to make a difference. Some in huge world-changing ways others in small unique ways that changed the lives of their families and those they loved.

What we have learned over the years is that Women can accomplish whatever they set out to accomplish. The best way to remind us is to share stories of those women who lived their dreams or in some cases designed new ones around what they had available. This issue is full of women in various industries. Be amazed at what our San Diegan Women are doing.

Our Cover Girl for this issue is the beautiful Lonnie Murray who is one of the only female Sports Agents in the country. She was kind enough to share her story with us about how she has prospered in a field which has always been exclusively male.

Let’s not forget our brave women in the military. In this issue, we highlight 11 Navy Women who are out there defending our country and who we want to thank for their service. Those who choose a military career are selfless individuals who truly put the country above themselves. Without our military, the freedoms we enjoy and expect would not be possible; our lives would be forever changed. Who can you think of who deserves more praise than these brave men and women? They are truly the meaning of the word “Inspirational.”

Don’t miss our San Diego Kids section and read about some of our amazing youngsters and some of the great contributions that make to our town. Do you know an amazing Kid? Share their story with us and see it in our next issue. Email kids@sdwomanmagazine.com with your suggested entries.

Thanks for reading San Diego Woman Magazine.

We are your magazine, so please keep in touch with us and let us know what you would like to see in upcoming issues.

Warm Regards, Judy

Letters to the Editor I always wanted to do public speaking but had no idea how to start. Thanks Sarita for motivating me to give it a try after reading your story.

ჸჸ Lisa from Rancho Bernardo The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort review caught my eye and my husband, and I decided to give it a try. We went there for the weekend and had a great time. Always looking for new getaways to try. Thanks for sharing this one with your readers.

ჸჸ Mary from San Diego Denise Mueller is an amazing woman to set such high goals and meet and then surpass them. I can’t believe anyone can go 150 mph on a bicycle. I have trouble keeping up with my Spin Class.

ჸჸ Leigh Anne from Encinitas I love the new Kids Section. Nini is adorable, and so is her friend that she wrote about. I think it is great to highlight the accomplishments of our children.

ჸჸ Connie from Coronado Oh, how I miss my homeland of Ireland and when I opened your magazine and saw all the pictures and the story I almost cried. It brought back my childhood to me. The story behind it was touching as well. So refreshing from what I read in other women’s magazines.

ჸჸ Tracy from Temecula Reading about the Chelsea King foundation, I felt such pain for the parents. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to lose a child and then set out to turn such a horror into a foundation to help other children. Hats off to the King family and my prayers are with you.

ჸჸ Lauren from Poway I can’t believe that is Vince Vaughn’s Mom. What a beautiful woman and If her exercise routines make me look that good, sign me up.

I started watching her shows on the Women’s Television Network, and they are so inspirational and filled with great information.

ჸჸ Lilly from Ramona Straight Talk is a great part of the magazine.

Carol expressed so many of the same opinions I hold, and it is great seeing them in print. I know it isn’t the opinions of everyone there, but nice to see one woman’s feelings get some traction.

ჸჸ Ruth from Escondido Seeing all the accomplishments of local women make me feel like I too can do something great with my life. I’m only 17, but I know I can be whatever I want to be. Thanks for showing what great women can do.

ჸჸ Alexis from Hillcrest

Contributors 1. Robert Tussey Robert has been a published writer for over thirty years and has been providing editing services for the past twenty-five. As a musician, he has written scores of songs.

His life has revolved around his music and writing, often melding the two into articles and interviews.

2. Carol Heath Carol is a Certified Clinical Master/Teacher; she is certified in a myriad of alternative modalities including Color and Sound therapy, Chakra therapy, Reflexology, Cranial and Lomi lomi massage and developed her own hands on healing method.

3. Gerald Neff With more than 40 years living and working in South America in the agriculture and forestry business. topped off with 25 years in the U.S. Em- bassy and Peace Corps.

His writing experience includes local publications and years of U.S. Embassy reports; so sit back and enjoy the ride.

Gerald Neff can be contacted at 760 796 4877.

4. Debbie Storms Debbie has enjoyed many careers from accountant to air traffic controller. She believes life is an adventure to be lived to its fullest. Growing up in New Jersey, she learned life skills to help her practice that credo. Her passion for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She is now focusing on writing about her travels and interviewing entertainers, which is a great combo!

5. Maggie Ramos Maggie Ramos is a student at MiraCosta College and is artistically multi talented. She is a great writer, painter and a skilled photographer, thanks to several recent courses. She puts her soul and heart in every piece she creates. Her art and writing pieces tend to be very emotional. Maggie creates art based on self experiences and from experiences of those around her.

6. Dawn Nicoli For over 20 years Dawn has owned and operated Nicoli Productions, an environmental portrait studio, run out of her two-acre property in Escondido.

Starting a new chapter of her life, when serenity has become so important, Dawn spends her time in her palapa tree house with her dog, Karma. exploring the world of writing.

7. Janice Carter-Booth Janice is a massage therapist who loves spending time with any amount of her 15 grandchildren. Her favorite activities are swimming and writing.

8. Dr. Mimi Guarneri Mimi Guarneri, MD is President of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Dr. Guarneri is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Integrative Medicine. She is the medical director and founder of Guarneri Integrative Health at Pacific Pearl La Jolla.

9. Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf, MD Nancy Lonsdorf, MD is a Johns Hopkins and Stanford- trained physician who is trained in the Bredesen ReCode Protocol for Reversing Cognitive Decline and helps patients restore memory and overall health, naturally. She practices Integrative Ayurveda and offers

the Healthy Brain Recode Success Program at Guarneri Integrative Health at the Pacific Pearl. Call 858-459-6919 for details.

10. Deana Carter Deana Carter provides clients with expert wealth management advice and guidance.

Over the past 25 years, Carter Financial has earned the respect and trust of clients throughout the region. Carter Financial benefits from the strong support and unbiased research of LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/ dealer in the country.

Carter Financial, headquartered in Rancho Santa Fe, offers a full complement of investment services including: financial and estate planning; asset management; insurance; and planning for comfortable retirement.

Clients range from individual investors to small and midsize businesses preparing for the future.

11. Jaime V. Habert Jaime is the Entertainment/ Events Editor of San Diego Woman and a freelance writer out of Carlsbad, CA. She loves to document topics of health and fitness, entrepreneurship, and body image.

Her dream is to have a notfor-profit which empowers young girls to focus on their goals in the business world.

I N F O R M I N G, E N T E R TA I N I N G, A N D F E AT U R I N G T H E W O M E N O F S A N D I E G O

Behind the Pages Judith A. Habert

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Carol Heath Assistant Editor

Jaime V. Habert

Entertainment/Events Editor

Dawn Nicoli Photographer

Judith A. Habert Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Maggie Ramos

editor@sdwomanmagazine.com

Photographer

Raya Tkachenko Graphic Designer

11835 Carmel Mountain Road Suite 1304-346 San Diego, CA 92128

888 275 7125 858 735 5301 www.sdwomanmagazine.com Carol Heath Assistant Editor Facebook.com/SanDiegoWoman

Jaime V. Habert Entertainment/Events Editor

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Annual subscriptions available on request Please send name, mailing address, and check for $25.00 payable to: San Diego Woman Magazine 11835 Carmel Mountain Road Suite 1304-346 San Diego, CA 92128 Subscriptions can also be purchased online at www.sdwomanmagazine.com

twitter.com/SanDiegoWoman

Disclaimer: Products, services, practices, websites or informational packets mentioned within our pages are in no way an endorsement by San Diego Woman, but are provided to our readers for informational purposes only.

Privacy Advisory: Personal information provided by our readers will be used solely for the purposes of providing requested information and will not be shared.

Inspirational Women

Dr. Jennifer (Konkin) Harper Helping to Create Great Leaders Photo by James Harper

Dr. Jennifer (Konkin) Harper is the principal of KoJeneration, chief investigator of the Leadership Studies, a published researcher, and a gifted designer of programs that facilitates and identifies leadership. My editor wanted to know what advice Dr. Harper would give to other women starting a business today.

Dr. Harper responded with “follow your passion and find a good mentor that is willing to help guide you.” Simply put, but eloquently stated. She also added, “work with people who will give you feedback and coach you, or get a coach yourself to take your skills to the next level. I was fortunate to have strong learning experiences with my mentors, they believed in me and set me up for success.”

Dr. Harper conducted nation-wide research into leadership behaviors that predict performance. “research shows leadership is more about the behaviors we choose to engage in instead of our individual characteristics or personality” she says. By creating greater insight into self-awareness around effective and ineffective workplace behaviors, the team at KoJeneration works to increase the performance of leaders through individual coaching, or group programs.

The Leadership Dashboard, the result of Dr. Harper’s research, is of particular interest to clients wanting to learn the strengths they may possess.

This data, compiled from the Dashboard, is transformed into a practical application of leadership and performance. The client can develop these qualities into tools they can effectively implement to become more effective managers.

I was curious how mentorship may have played into Jennifer’s research and the creation of her business. Did she live her own advice? She describes a number of research supervisors and supporters from the business community, but two stand out as key contributors.

Ron Rembisz helped her focus her research, so it was both scientific and impactful for the business community.

This mentoring and coaching must have

helped. Dr. Harper’s research won an award for research quality. She has been a featured guest on The Coaching Perspective Radio Show where Dr. Harper was interviewed on performance in the workplace, and impactful coaching techniques. She has been a facilitator for the Los Angeles Chapter of the International Coach Federation where Dr. Harper educated coaches on the effectiveness of coaching techniques. The results of this award-winning research have culminated in the Leadership Dashboard Assessments, and best practice approaches to leadership development available through KoJeneration.

She describes learning a lot about being a leader herself and about running a business from Michael Brainard. In looking through Dr. Harper’s history, I could see his influence in her success.

While working with him, she was the Chief Operations Officer of Brainard

Strategy. Here, Dr. Harper led a Center of Excellence that specialized in the custom design, delivery, and facilitation services of performance and development solutions to clients of all sizes, and gained greater international exposure.

She is now currently working in 7 countries and attributes the ability to customize programs to this experience.

Dr. Harper received her doctorate in Consulting Psychology with expertise in leadership development and workplace performance. She even remained to teach at Alliant in the area of organizational psychology after graduation.

Jennifer is Canadian and moved to the United States about ten years ago.

She is married to who she describes as “the most wonderful husband”, James Harper, who provides an effective sounding board for her thoughts and ideas. Together, they have two very affectionate four-legged miniature American Eskimo dogs. She is also a clarinetist and plays in the MiraCosta Symphony Orchestra. Playing the clarinet is a creative outlet for Jennifer, and she enjoys giving back to the community. She also enjoys the friends and colleagues she has met while performing concerts and other ‘gigs.’

When I asked Dr. Harper to tell me who she was in just a few words, she said, “I’m passionate, and I like working with people.”

I was able to ask her team, Rebecca and Hunter that same question, tell me in one word, who and what Dr. Harper is. Rebecca’s response was “authentic,” and Hunter added “inspirational.” What an appropriate term to use to describe Dr. Harper, since she is one of a select group of San Diego Woman, that are being featured in our brand new premier section, ‘an Diego Woman Magazine’s Inspirational Women.’

KoJeneration – 106A West Hawthorne Street - FALLBROOK, CA - 442.244.7441

7

Photo by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

Inspirational Women

I

’VE BEEN WRITING WITH SAN Diego Woman Magazine for a while now, and if I pair that with my prior career in Real Estate, I can say I’ve met A LOT OF REALTORS. I’ve come across your typical glam goddess with pristine hair and business cards, the ego-driven man that’s sold a home (or should I say an “estate”) in every rich community the coast has to offer, and the member of a team of 8 individuals all offering something unique and NECESSARY to your sale… or so they say. What I haven’t come across is a realtor with a purpose. When I say purpose, I don’t mean an agenda to sell your home based off a PowerPoint presentation of pretty graphics and pie charts, I mean, an individual who can look beyond the tangible and see a spiritual calling in their work. This is Kay Bates.

Coming from a small village in Trinidad, Kay has had a colorful background on her journey to becoming the superstar Broker she is today. “I was doing resale clothes, a boutique, in Trinidad, so I came, and I did the same thing here in downtown at Kobey’s when they had an indoor swap meet of sorts…

8

KAY BATES:

Real Estate Broker with a Purpose

By Jaime V. Habert

We would go down to LA, get clothing, and then come back and sell it. Then I decided to go to beauty school, and I did that and sold on the weekends… then when I left that I became a flight attendant.” This desire to continually learn new things is what propelled Mrs. Bates into her career in Real Estate.

With the basis of an Accounting degree, she began her work in San Diego with a prominent La Jolla Real Estate and Property Management firm. “It was very fulfilling to me because I really got into Real Estate. I started there in 1991, definitely a recession time, a lot of foreclosures… but I worked with the owner a lot, and I learned so much…” Being a natural born introvert, Kay never saw herself as a “salesperson” and initially laughed at the idea of pursuing real estate sales. After changing offices to GMS Realty in North County to be home more often with her children, she had a memorable conversation with her boss in which he insisted she go for sales training instead of working behind the scenes.

Her boss, William Gerrity, saw potential in her work ethic, intelligence, and persistence and knew these would be great assets in a sales environment.

These traits not only catapulted her into her current profession but gave her the ability to set herself apart from other agents. “The passion that has been burning inside me made me step out on my own. If I stayed in this corporate world, I would be helping Starbucks, not someone I could genuinely be in service of… I know my purpose is to be in a serving role … I knew I could have such a greater impact on people this way.” This was the incentive to pursue her career in sales. She

soon began working with a prominent firm and servicing clients as an agent.

“In 2016, I got the Top Producer along with the honor of being named one of the top 5% Realtors in San Diego County.

These occurrences gave me the push I needed to move forward and open my own office.

“At first I didn’t say anything to anyone, but I signed up for the Broker test, I took it the first time, and I failed. I took it again, and I passed. I then emailed my current boss and told him I would be moving on and opening my own office. As I made this choice in the back of my mind, I heard my mother saying “You could do anything.

You’re good enough”.

Good enough is an understatement. Actively serving her church, Kay mentors youth and works alongside Interfaith Charities in homeless outreach programs. This spiritual calling is what leads her to use Real Estate as her vehicle for change. “I want to use my platform to give back. I plan on selling everything just to be able to give it all away…that is my goal.” And this, I can tell you, is exactly what she will do.

“I want to use Real Estate to inspire and motivate others… my grandmother owned five homes; she would leave for 2-3 days and just work and then come back home and take care of everyone in our community”. With the future goals of setting up a faith-based foundation to provide compassion, grace, and guidance

to homeless teenagers, Kay is definitely mimicking the values of her family. She explains her endeavors, “Escondido has a lot of homeless teens, and I see it more and more. I want to find out why. Why would somebody have this struggle and how can I help.” Currently providing a scholarship opportunity for disenfranchised teens, it won’t be long before Mrs. Bates’ name is known beyond the Real Estate field.

Towards the end of our meeting, Kay uttered a sentence that I think most of us need to take to heart. “The best revenge is success… and success for me is attaining the goals I’ve set for myself. I don’t have to impact everybody; I just want people to know that any dream you have inside of you, you can do it. If I, from an island down in South America, can do this…so can you.” Success shouldn’t be a universal milestone. How often are we as women told what success is?

I know from my own experiences that success has been explained to me as having the husband, the kids, the steady career, but, is this my personal vision for my own success? I don’t think I ever took the time to figure that out.

What I have figured out is that this community is far better with having Kay Bates in it.

To contact Kay Bates for Real Estate or other opportunities, please visit www.batesrealtyca.com or call her office directly at 760-294-4848.

REALTOR SNAPSHOT WITH KAY BATES: • • • • • •

25+ Years of Experience in Commercial & Residential Real Estate 2016 Top 5% San Diego County Realtors Top Producer Award Winner 2017 Top 5% San Diego County Realtors Real Estate Portfolios in excess of $13 million Broker/Owner of Bates Realty & Property Management

Inspirational Women

Michele Ruppert “BE YOU, NATURALLY”

By Judith A. Habert

Photos by Daniel Bray http://www.danielbrayphotography.com/

M

ICHELE RUPPERT SERVED OUR country for 22 years in the United States (US) Navy. This was a career she had decided to pursue since the 8th grade. On one of her tours at Naval Base Point Loma, Michele was assigned to the USS CORONADO (AGF-11), the command ship for the U.S. 3rd Fleet with the most advanced network-centric technology in the world. While serving on the ship’s force, she was the Automatic Data Processing Officer in charge of four computer networks onboard. She later transferred to the Admiral’s staff onboard the USS CORONADO as the Fleet Information Officer. “I arrived at this assignment several months before 9/11. Before the west coast battlegroups deployed, USS Coronado would be the lead ship staging war exercises to test computer and communications systems. We worked closely with our US Allies, like Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, as well as some South American and Asian countries, so that we could communicate seamlessly anytime over voice and data systems.”

Michele enjoyed her time in the Navy and took pride in serving her country.

After retiring from the Navy, she had planned to become a park ranger due to her love of animals and the outdoors.

Meanwhile, the universe had other plans for Michele. While in the Navy she was training for a marathon to help benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma’s, Team.

While in training, she suffered a severe stress fracture in her right hip. At the age of 30, she was told that she would eventually need a hip replacement if she wanted to keep up an athletic lifestyle.

“All I remember saying to myself is, ‘I am way too young for a hip replacement at 30 years old!’ As I was healing from my stress fracture, one of my co-workers referred me to a man she just met giving a seminar about the Rolf Method. She told me that I must call him immediately since he was my ticket to avoiding hip surgery.

I called, and he said he could help, but I had to come in for a session to experience the Rolf Method. After my first appointment, I was grateful for my co-worker’s suggestion. This therapy is officially termed Structural Integration consisting of basically ten separate sessions, which I did once a month for ten months. At

the end of the ten sessions, not only was I pain-free, I was an inch and a half taller, and the work corrected my walking and running gaits, which were contributing to my hip pain. I also continued receiving monthly sessions so my body could hold all the positive changes.”

Structural Integration is also known to many as Rolfing or the Rolf Method, after its creator Ida Rolf. She had taken massage to the next level of healing.

The massage practitioners who practice Structural Integration stand out for the ability they have to get their clients out of pain, and in many cases help eliminate the need for unnecessary shots, surgeries, and pain medications. Ida Rolf’s theory and development of Structural Integration leads back to the 1920s. As the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration states, “In 1920, Ida Pauline Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Despite the resistance she faced as a woman in the field of science, she furthered her knowledge of the body through research in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute.” Much of the impetus for her research was her health problems and the health of her two sons.

What Ida Rolf created was a ten series of sessions consisting of very deep tissue massage focusing on the body’s connective tissue, with each session having a particular goal. Once Ida Rolf had proof that her method worked, she started teaching it to other practitioners so she could spread the healing.

“As I was retiring from the Navy in 2005, a friend suggested we get massages in Pacific Beach, and it just so happened to be at the International Professional School of Bodywork College. It was as if divine intervention led me to that particular location as this was the only school in San Diego County that taught Structural Integration. When I found out that they accepted the Military GI Bill, I decided it was a great opportunity to share this amazing method that helped end my suffering almost a decade before. When I completed my training and was about to start my practice, the man who did my initial ten series in the mid-1990’s, who had become a mentor to me, offered me a space to work with him in a wellness studio in Point Loma/Ocean Beach area and the rest is history.”

9

Inspirational Women Michele practices advanced, medicinal, structural rehabilitative massage-bodywork therapies which is not your average massage therapy you would receive at spas and other local therapeutic offices. Many of us go to a local massage therapist for sheer relaxation with temporary pain relief. Michele can do these types of spa-like massages, but she doesn’t since the core of her practice involves saving her clients from unnecessary shots and surgeries and getting them out of pain so they can truly relax and lead healthy lives doing activities they enjoy.

Along with Structural Integration, Michele will be transitioning her practice to also include Structural Energetic Therapy to her clients. “Structural Energetic Therapy® is the only therapy that releases the spiral twist in the body back into weight bearing support relieving the stresses on joints, spine, and discs that lead to pain and dysfunction. We apply specialized myofascial (muscles and connective tissue) protocols to release myofascial holding patterns that maintain the distortions.

We also use energetic healing techniques to release energetic and emotional blockages creating pain, distortions, and dysfunction. I find that Structural Energetic Therapy is like the Ph.D. of massage-bodywork therapies which further help people live pain-free lives.” She also is certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine with specializations in Corrective Exercise for injury prevention and recovery and Sports Performance Enhancement. This is a massage practitioner who wants people to feel their best!

I asked Michele who would be a candidate for becoming a client of hers. “Anyone who is in pain, has an injury that will not go away, is told they need any type of shot or surgery, and is exploring natural therapies before going with medical recommendations. I have people who come in who just want to experience the work so they can be freer in their bodies, so they don’t have to experience “feeling old” and keep their active lifestyle with the things they love to do.”

There is another major element in Michele’s practice that she feels is essential to saving her clients from injury and illness. “I am convinced that many of the diseases and pain we suffer are

10

due to a lack of drinking water throughout the day. I have been studying the effects of water myself for many years; when I learned about Dr. Batmanghelidj’s research on the importance of water, I became an avid follower.

Dr. F. Batmanghelidj is often referred to as Dr. Water. He claimed that he discovered the medicinal value of water in treating the pain of peptic ulcers during his detention in prison in Iran in the late 70’s. When given no medication to help fellow inmates, he started treating them with water. Surprisingly they became better. In 1992, he authored the book,

“Your Body’s Many Cries for Water.” In this book, Dr. Batmanghelidj asserts that chronic dehydration is the cause of most pain and many ailments, opposing the use of drugs to cure conditions that he claimed could instead be addressed by increased water consumption. A second book, “You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty” further addressed his beliefs on the importance of water.

“I always recommend these books.

People are amazed when they learn how much water they need daily and how in two weeks they can start to reverse some illnesses and pain that they have been experiencing for decades. Michele also uses Dr. Batmanghelidj’s guidance and made certain that she gets her required

amount of water daily. “Since I’ve been following Dr. Batmanghelidj’s advice, I feel a 100% better than I did before when I had the stress fracture. It is now believed that diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, weight gain, heart disease, and much more can be avoided if you drink the necessary amount of water daily”.

Many of her clients are surprised with the amazing results of hydration and the therapy they receive from Michele.

Michele’s words of advice are clearly stated in her Slogan, “be you, naturally…”

She believes before receiving additional shots and medicine or having unnecessary surgery that people should get “back to the basics.” As simple as it sounds, it works, if people truly do them. One of the basics is drinking water to relieve what’s physically bothering you. After seriously getting rehydrated with water, if you are still hurting or have whatever ailment that is still bothering you, then consider your next step. Maybe that’s making an appointment with your physician or trying a natural modality like massage therapy, etc. to help you feel better. People want to heal immediately when it took them years to get into pain or have been in pain for years. What myofascial-specific massage therapy does is unravel the body through a series of sessions (varies from person to person) to where clients eventually find their natural alignment so that they can live pain-free lives. In the meantime, Michele provides a plethora of “back to basics” ideas and resources (called “homework”) for clients to think about and incorporate into their daily routines. Whatever you are doing now is contributing to the pain you are experiencing. Michele helps you change what might be causing the pain, along with drinking water, receiving deep and thoughtful massage-bodywork sessions, and incorporating more rest, gentle exercise, a better diet, etc., so you’ll eventually be your own natural you!

If you want a healthy natural alternative to pain relief contact Michele at: Business mobile phone, (619) 890-0111 Business, https://www.facebook.com/ MicheleRuppertLMT/ Website, http://micheleruppert.com/ Professional Network, https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleruppert/

Inspirational Women

A

NNE MCCLURE HAS an impressive title as Chief Operating Officer of Cabrillo Credit Union.

However, the title pales in comparison to how impressive the woman is. Anne has spent 26 years with Cabrillo alone and several additional years in the banking industry. A native of Southern California, she attended Poway High School and didn’t leave the San Diego area until she went away to college at UC Santa Cruz for a year, completing her college degree at UC Irvine in a total of 3 ½ years. The mother of three, Anne has shared her work ethics with her children who all worked throughout school. “I never believed that my kids should not work. You have to be able to multi-task in real life, so I felt it was a good life lesson for them to work their way through school.”

With a career working her way up the corporate ladder in the banking industry, I was curious if this was the field in which she had hoped to spend her career. “I didn’t come into banking as a career move.

Ironically, it was at the suggestion of a teller who I happened to start a conversation with while cashing my check from the two jobs that I held in college. She noted that I was working multiple jobs and commented. I jokingly said I would work more if I could.

I was currently paying my room and board to attend college while my parents took care of my tuition, but

I was still coming up short and really wanted to make more money. She suggested that I could if I applied for a job with the bank. So, I took her advice and I did.

I was hired, and the rest is history.”

important always to give it your all, because you never know who is watching. “I found out about a position at the credit union through somebody that I used to work with at the bank, again reinforcing my belief

Photo by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

Anne McClure

By Judith A Habert

What Anne has always believed is that no matter what position you hold in a company that you should always work as hard as you can and stand out as the best in that position. Whether you are a high-level executive or a beginning teller, it is

that you are always making an impression regardless of the position you hold.

He referred me to their CEO at the time. She was introduced to the credit union system and decided that this was a change she wanted to make. “Credit unions are in business to

serve their members/customers. In fact members are at the top of the org chart in a credit union.

That’s very different than a bank, who is in business for its stockholders, and the customers aren’t even on the org chart.”

Anne joined Cabrillo in 1992. “I came onboard as the research compliance and training manager, and within a couple of years I took over marketing and was juggling those different responsibilities. A few years after that, human resources became more of a need in the organization, and I took that on as well. I was wearing many different hats, which was kind of fun. In a small organization like Cabrillo was at the time, I never was bored handling a number of departments. As we grew it became evident that we needed an additional body, and I was given a choice whether I wanted to go to the marketing side or the human resources side. I had done marketing for a while, so I chose Human Resources which included training, an area I loved.”

Cabrillo has been in existence since 1955. They began as a credit union that served the Border Patrol and their original name was “Border Federal Credit Union.” In 1976 The Credit Union changed its name from Border Federal Credit Union to Cabrillo Federal Credit Union. In 2003 they merged with Sharp Federal Credit Union, so they have a large contingency of

11

Inspirational Women Sharp Employees. In 2004 Cabrillo merged yet again, this time with Carlsbad City Employees Credit Union. Today this credit union is open to serve anybody who lives or works in San Diego as well as Federal Employees in Imperial County. For more information visit their website at www.cabrillocu.com.

Anne is very proud of her employer in all that they do for their members. “I have seen a lot of changes in the credit union over the years. Cabrillo has always been progressive, introducing new products and services and is always on the cutting edge of technology. Being smaller than the large banking establishments, we could make changes more easily.

As an example, we were the first financial institution in San Diego to offer online banking back in the 90s.”

You can tell when Anne talks about Cabrillo that she is extremely proud to be part of such an outstanding organization. What makes her even prouder is what happens at her Credit Union in the month of May. In May credit unions around the country collectively raise funds for their local Children’s Hospital. Twenty-two years ago Anne established ‘Credit Unions for Kids’ in San Diego. She brought together San Diego Credit Unions to help support Children’s Miracle Network, in San Diego, it is Rady Children’s Hospital.

Cabrillo is consistently the

12

largest fundraiser amongst the local credit unions.

“In our 21 years of fundraising for Rady Children’s, last year was our biggest year yet. We raised more than $47,000!” The majority of funds raised came from paper balloons sold to members with the remainder a result of the hard work of Cabrillo employees who held department sponsored events and a silent auction.

“The atmosphere at Cabrillo is one of family.

Our employees have one thing in common, they love their jobs, and we see to it that we continue to make them feel that way.” Statistics prove that the more content the employee is at their job, the more enjoyable a place it is to work, and ultimately the better service they provide. This also increases employee retention, which is obvious by the long-term employees that remain at Cabrillo. Robin Lentz recently retired after 37 years as CEO of Cabrillo Credit Union. New CEO L. Dean Odle joined Cabrillo Credit Union in 2017.

There is definitely one characteristic of Anne’s personality which is evident from your first conversation with her. Anne is one of the most positive people I have ever met, so I had to ask her how she manages to maintain this wonderful part of her personality. “I have a positive outlook on life. I have always chosen to look through a lens of positivity. I probably got

this from my Dad and my faith. It’s really a choice.

You can choose to focus on the negative, or you can put your mental energy on all that is good. In the end, I am happier because of it.”

Anne McClure has spent most of her career with Cabrillo, moving her way up to her current position. When I asked her what has inspired her, she spoke of growing up in a strong, loving family with a stay-at-home mom who didn’t go out to work until Anne was in high school. “When I got into high school my mom went to work in the school district. She was working as an instructional aide in Special Ed, and I remember her asking me to help make sure the house was picked up because she didn’t want my dad to think things were suffering because she was working. This made an impact on me. I understood the responsibilities that we tend to have as women; those are thankfully more shared now. I was proud of my Mom because she had this desire and motivation to pursue something that was her own. This brave move of my mother’s at the time kept me from feeling guilty about being a working mom. It is rewarding to raise your kids, but I had to have something on the outside that made me feel that I was contributing to society.”

As a result, I never really felt that ‘mom guilt’ about working outside of the house. When my

Mom feared that I might, she shared something I will never forget; she said, “Decide what you decide and then be all in. Don’t look back; don’t second guess your decisions.

Never beat yourself up with the thought that if I stayed at home, maybe my kids would be better off.” Anne looks back over her 26 years at Cabrillo with pride.

“Even as a working mom I have always been fully engaged in my kids’ lives. I didn’t miss any of the important moments like when they took their first steps or uttered their first words, and I was always there for the water polo games or band performances. I certainly didn’t miss anything that I felt was significant in their lives and alternately in my life.”

Anne McClure is proof that we can have it all.

With a loving family, a devoted husband, and an important job there is one thing that I knew from the moment I met her, this was a nice lady, someone I would want as a friend.

Her pride in her family and her long-term place of employment is evident in her eyes when she speaks of them. There is only one more thing I can say, and that is Cabrillo Credit Union should be immensely proud to have a woman of such character and charm at the top of their organizational chart. For those at San Diego Woman, we can undoubtedly say Anne McClure is an Inspirational Woman.

Inspirational Women

T

HERE ARE SOME OF US who are born knowing exactly what we should be doing for a living. It’s almost as though we emerge from the womb with a purpose and our abilities manifest in such a manner as to fulfill that purpose. Jonah A. Toleno is one of those people. Currently practicing with Shustak, Reynolds, and Partners, Jonah has made a name for herself in her field and has numerous accolades to that fact. She holds an "AV" (Preeminent) ranking under the Martindale-Hubbell attorney rating system, with a 5.0 out of 5.0 overall rating in Securities Law, General Practice, and Business Law. Martindale-Hubbell reserves the "AV" ranking for those attorneys whose peers rank at the highest level of professional excellence and who adhere to the highest professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability, and diligence.

She was named a "SuperLawyer” by SuperLawyers in 2017 and 2018, a “Top Attorney” in Litigation by San Diego Magazine in 2017, and a “Best of the Bar” recipient in the San Diego Business Journal every year from 2014 to 2017. Earlier this month, The San Diego County Bar Association honored her with the Community Service Award for Commitment to Diversity.

Her list of accomplishments is impressive, but what is even more so is how Jonah came to be at the top of her industry. You could say law was in her blood. Her mother, Adel, a courthouse clerk in San Diego and criminal division records clerk in Alameda County, helped to build Jonah’s interest in law by encouraging her to volunteer at the courthouse. As a volunteer, she was able to observe trials and jury selections.

Jonah A. Toleno LEGAL POWERHOUSE

By Jaime V. Habert

While assisting the clerks with filing and their miscellaneous tasks, Jonah learned that her interests in reading, writing, and helping people would make her a natural fit for law.

Initially looking to pursue criminal law, Jonah found civil litigation a better fit for her.

After practicing in business litigation for several years, she joined her current firm as a partner, and 11 years later, is still a driving force behind their regional success.

She is licensed to practice in California and Arizona.

Her practice is focused on financial services law, securities arbitration and litigation, business litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. As a member of numerous bar association, Jonah lends her voice to speaking engagements for local law schools and association events. As a speaker, Jonah has much to discuss; as an accomplished woman, but also, as a Filipino American. Jonah has had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get where she is today.

“I work in the male-dominated field of securities and financial services, and people don’t always expect to see a diminutive, brown-skinned woman on the other side of the table or even when they meet me as their lawyer for the first time. I get underestimated all the time. Like many female attorneys, I have been mistaken for the court reporter or the assistant. It used to bother me, but now, I have

come through enough valleys and mountains of my own to know that what I bring to the table is valuable.”

This confidence is key to achieving the many accomplishments that are found in Jonah’s resume. Jonah uses her experience and passion to represent individuals and financial services businesses in a wide range of arbitration, litigation, and advisory matters. If you ask her, however, the biggest accomplishment comes with the role of Mom. With her daughter, Danielle and her son, Christian who admire her impact on their community, it’s highly likely we will be hearing more about the Toleno offspring!

I had to ask Jonah if either of her children had expressed an interest in the field of law? “They inspire me more than they ever will be able to comprehend. They are fun, witty, active in myriad sports, and always pushing me to reach for the stars even as I ask the same of them. They have talked about the possibility of being attorneys but are exploring lots of options still. I do think they would be excellent lawyers because they care deeply about people and justice. Of course, my husband, Doug, and I would be so proud if either of them became one, but at the end of the day, I want them to be fulfilled and healthy, whatever that looks like in their careers.”

It is quite obvious to us that Jonah is fulfilled in her

Photos Courtesy of Jonah A. Toleno

own career, and after speaking with her, I had to know if she had any advice for us upand-coming career women.

“Be open to possibilities and different experiences. Don’t sell yourself short. You never know what amazing opportunity might be awaiting you if just remain open to it.”

For More Information Please visit their site at http://www.shufirm.com/ or call (619) 696-9500

13

I N S P I R AT I O N A L W O M E N O F T H E M I L I TA R Y Chief Sonar Technician

KRYSTLE HARRIS Chief Petty Officer Krystle Harris serves as the Divisional Chief Petty Officer for Combat Acoustics Division on board USS Sampson (DDG 102) which is deployed conducting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations. A native of Chicago, she enlisted in the Navy in 1999 out of a passionate desire to serve her country. She quickly realized that the Navy provided her with the opportunity to achieve her full potential and has taken full advantage of that opportunity. In your first encounter with her, you can see her genuine enthusiasm and inherent leadership she projects which brings out the best in her Sailors. The Navy benefited from this when she requested to be stationed at Recruit Training Command where she was the first encounter for recruits and provided a positive influence before they headed out into the Fleet. On board Sampson, her philosophy of empowerment, ownership, and accountability has been the key contributor to the Division’s and ship’s success. While she is in her element serving aboard a warship ensuring her Division and Sailors succeed, it does come at a personal cost. It is a sacrifice many mothers are forced to make and live with, that of leaving a child behind for long periods of time. As painful as it is at times, she continues down that path to ensure her son, and all sons and daughters, has the opportunity for a safe upbringing. It is also proof that you can be happy and successful doing both. She continues to personify the best characteristics we seek in leaders and the Navy is fortunate to have her being a positive role model and bringing out the best in our Sailors.

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class

KATELEN NORRIS Katelen Norris, born in Ventura County, Calif., was destined to be a Boatswain’s Mate after enlisting in the Navy on July 2013. The BM rating is one of the oldest and richest rates in the United States Navy. She is currently serving at Beachmaster Unit ONE in Coronado, Calif., as the salvage officer, responsible for directing the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies over the beach, and directing salvage operations in the surf. She exhibits the same character, courage and leadership abilities that Medal of Honor recipient BM1 James Elliot Williams demonstrated during the Vietnam War. Growing up in the military community of Ventura, she was positively influenced through Navy outreach and volunteer programs.

Motivated by these experiences, she enlisted in the Navy after earning two associate degrees. She seizes every opportunity to give back to the local and overseas communities through Navy community service programs. In 2016, she deployed on board the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), where she earned her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In the fall of 2017, she opened her home to family members and friends who were displaced after losing their homes in Southern California wild fires. BM2 Norris recently returned from a successful deployment to the Middle East where she participated in Exercise Native Fury 2018 and worked with the U.S. Marine Corps and United Arab Emirates forces.

14

I N S P I R AT I O N A L W O M E N O F T H E M I L I TA R Y LT. MIRANDA WILLIAMS

LT KAYLEE SNYDER

Lt. Miranda Williams, right, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, has served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 24 years, enlisting as a journalist with plans to see the world and pay for college. She has been stationed in a variety of assignments including on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during Operation Enduring Freedom and on the hospital ship USNS Mercy (TA-19). She earned her commission as an officer in 2008 and currently works as the public affairs officer for Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE in San Diego, California. She and her husband, a retired U.S. Marine, have two daughters and they are all active volunteers in their community. Last year Lt. Williams conducted more than 500 hours of volunteer service at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, a local youth organization which empowers young women, and her local church. Highlights of her volunteer service include organizing bi-annual community mental health events and opening a community food box to help fight food insecurity.

Lt. Kailey Snyder, from Birmingham, Ala., is currently serving as the Operations Officer in the world’s most advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). As a Surface Warfare Officer, she deployed four times in USS Decatur (DDG 73) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom and in USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) including Operation Tomodachi in response to the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Most recently, she was forward deployed in USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducting maritime presence and ballistic missile operations in US Seventh Fleet. Lt. Snyder is the daughter of US Navy veterans. Her mother enlisted in 1974, served on active duty for 5 years, and was her inspiration to choose the path of military service, a road less traveled but full of opportunities to meet people from all over the world, be challenged, and serve alongside the best America has.

LTJG CARA FISHER Lt. j.g. Cara Fisher, from Highland, Md., is serving as the electrical officer on Pre-commissioning Unit Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). As a young officer, she leads a division of Sailors that maintain and repair the ship’s complex electrical distribution system. She’s a mature, effervescent, and polished officer that gets the job done right every time and is one of the most respected members of the crew. In addition to her duties as the Electrical Officer, she stands watch as one of the ship’s three Officers of the Deck - the person responsible to the commanding officer for the safe navigation of the ship as it sails the high seas. Lt. j.g. Fisher is the daughter of an Army veteran that was raised near the United States Naval Academy. During her junior year in high school, she attended a summer seminar at the Academy and fell in love with the institution. She relishes the opportunity to lead, work with, and learn from other Sailors. Her family is immensely proud of her achievements as a Naval Officer, especially her 1 year old niece that shouts out “ship” when asked where Aunt Cara is. She has over 20 family members and friends coming to support her at the ship’s upcoming Commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. Working with motivated Sailors that are willing to serve their country has always been inspiring to Cara and keeps her excited to show up to work every day.

15

I N S P I R AT I O N A L W O M E N O F T H E M I L I TA R Y Personnel Specialist 1st Class

ANTIRA MASSENBURG Antira Massenburg, left, is a native of Los Angeles, California. The eldest of eight siblings, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Sidfred and Sonia Gordon. PS1 Massenburg is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education. Her desire to be part of something greater than herself and give something back to others led her to enlist in the Navy as a Machinist Mate in 2009 and converted to the rate of Personnel Specialist in 2012. She is currently stationed at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One in San Diego, California and serves as Train-to-Qualify Department’s Leading Petty Officer and Education Service Officer (ESO). Her responsibilities include pay and personnel needs of over 1,800 Sailors for 26 commands. PS1 Massenburg is married and has one daughter. Her philosophy is that you can do whatever you set your mind to, and it is possible to be a wife, a mother, and to maintain a successful career.

Informations Systems Technician 2nd Class

WHITLEY EDGE Whitley Edge joined the U.S. Navy from Indian Land, S.C., and is currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. as an Information Technician. After completing her teaching degree, she taught for 5 years in Columbia, S.C. Edge She wanted to enhance her career options and felt the U.S. Navy meet her career goals by training her in the information technologies field. She is engaged to IT2 James Riley who is currently stationed at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HMS) Weapons School, North Island, Calif. She wants the American public to know that no matter where you are from, you always have the opportunity to succeed especially being a Female and you have the opportunity to influence other females.

Chief Electronics Technician

JODI GEIBEL Chief Electronics Technician Jodi Geibel was born was raised in Omaha, Neb., and is a single mother of 2 and is currently attached to Assault Craft Unit 5. She attended the University of Nebraska for a year and a half before joining the United States Navy in July 2000 in search of discipline, structure, and sound guidance. Chief Geibel served as Sea Service Leadership Association from 2011-2017 and was recently elected to the position of Executive Vice President. Co-Chaired the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium and is the Chair of the 2018 JWLS which garners over 1,000 services members from all five branches, including international allied service members. As part of the Enlisted Leadership Foundation, she was an LPO Academy Instructor 2015-2016 and now an LPO Academy Mentor and a committee member of the CPO Legacy Academy. In 2012, ETC was recognized as Instructor the Year and in 2013 the National Association of Professional Women’s Woman of the Year.

16

I N S P I R AT I O N A L W O M E N O F T H E M I L I TA R Y Master at Arms 2nd Class

ADDISON BREW Addison Brew, from Murfreesboro, Tenn., is currently assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 at Camp Pendleton, Ca. as a Force Protection Specialist. She joined the U.S. Navy after high school. The events of September 11, 2001 influenced her do something bigger in life and to serve her country. She wants the American public to know that there are strong female leaders in today’s military and their contributions every day are shaping the future of our military services and country. She is married to Marine Cpl. Matthew Brew and they have an 8 month old son named Jameson.

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class

JESSICA BUCHANAN Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Jessica Buchanan of Buna, Texas, has served ten years in the U.S. Navy. She is currently assigned to the Independence variant littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) in San Diego, California. EM1 Buchanan maintains the electrical power generation and distribution systems onboard the ship and was recently selected as the ship’s Sailor of the Quarter.

Previously she completed an Individual Augmentee tour in detainee operations as a corrections officer at Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. EM1 Buchanan joined the Navy at the age of 26 to help pay for her education and earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration in March 2017. She remains in the Navy because of the many opportunities she has had to advance and succeed. The Navy is a family affair for the Buchanans - her sister has served as a U.S. Navy Gas Systems Mechanic for the past ten years.

LCDR

CATHERINE REPPERT Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Repport hails from Westport, Mass. and earned a commission into the United States Navy through the United States Naval Academy in 2002. Lt. Cmdr. Reppert is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of USS Ardent (MCM 12), a Mine Countermeasures ship consisting of an all-male crew, except her, totaling 92 Sailors and is homeported in San Diego, California. She’s been drawn to the ocean since a young age and the Navy, with its superior mariners and leadership opportunities, proved an ideal career. Through her service on four ships and three overseas deployments, she’s continually impressed by the professionalism, character, and work ethic of her shipmates. She challenges her crew and herself every day to excel and thoroughly loves her job. She is married to Matthew Garcia-Bragiel, who is also a naval officer on active duty serving on board USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) as the Operations Officer. They have a daughter, Charlotte, who recently turned two.

17

CALLING ALL EGGS!

By Carol Heath

Y

OU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to, a Tupperware party, a Pleasure party, a Birthday party?

No sorry, none of the aforementioned, but you are invited to an Egg Freezing party. Yes, that is what I said "egg freezing." These parties are very popular in the more affluent areas like Manhattan, Orange County, and parts of San Francisco. You'll find a group of women usually in their 30's or

40's, most of them professional women, gathering for the same not so common cause.

Formally referred to as "oocyte cryopreservation," egg freezing has risen over the last decade.

The 11-fold increase in women who choose to "bank" their eggs according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine has boomed since 2009.

This practice is still a young industry and has seen very few numbers of successes or failures.

This procedure was considered experimental until 2012; the number of births born from frozen eggs is small. More than 99% of American clinics now offer this procedure.

The concern among many

18

physicians is that women may view this procedure as a guarantee of getting pregnant; it’s NOT! Well over one-third of infertility cases are unexplained and a third of all miscarriages have no explanation. It seems ludicrous that we are even talking about social egg freezing considering the fact that so little is known about the whys and wherefores of conception and carrying a child to full term.

There are two dynamics that affect women’s fertility; both transformed as a woman gets older. These dynamics are quantity and quality of a woman’s egg supply. Men make new sperm throughout their life, while women are born with all of their eggs.

Ergo, when a woman is in her 20’s the majority of her eggs will be normal and consist of the 23 chromosomes needed to pair with a man’s sperm to make a fetus.

By the time a woman reaches her 30's, the dynamics shift, and gradually she will have fewer eggs.

Chances are these eggs will have a higher proportion of abnormalities with 22 or 24 chromosomes.

By the time a woman is in her 40's, most fertility doctors think she will have to get donor eggs to get pregnant. Egg freezing, which was once reserved for cancer patients only, is becoming a solution to the problem.

Like so many things in life, money is a huge factor and creates a paradox for many women.

The cost for your average egg freezing procedure is $11,000. The best eggs to freeze are those of a 20-year-old, do you know a lot of 20-year-old women who could afford to freeze their eggs? This practice is becoming big business and even Wall Street is getting into the act and beginning to take notice.

What's that you say, you'd like a personal trainer for your eggs. I have a solution, well several actually. Forward-thinking companies like Apple and Facebook are now offering egg freezing as part of the benefits program to entice those qualified applicants. You could always apply at one of these companies and take your chances of being hired.

My other solution is a bit more challenging, unfortunately, yet we could easily fix the problem with no money or false promises of getting pregnant. How about this for a new and novel idea. How about society changes the archaic way of viewing working parents.

You wouldn’t have to worry about your fertility or that price tag of $11,000. If you found your suitable mate and wanted to start a family when mother nature intended, then voila, problem solved.

I am acutely aware that someday, most likely in the not too distant future, we will be able to order a baby like we order a car; don’t forget the heated seats. A woman’s body is made to have children for a limited amount of time. That time coincides with physical stamina. A 20-year-old is meant to chase after a little one, sometimes with limited sleep, not a 40-year-old; male or female.

Believe or not there is something to be said about the natural order of things.

I know, I know, there I go again talking about the old days. I have news for you the old days weren't as archaic as you may think.

Things were simpler, and guess what we didn't freeze eggs; we scrambled them, we cooked them over easy and sometimes sunny side up. They were usually served with bacon or sausage, toast, and jam, and they cost maybe two bucks at any coffee shop.

Inspirational Women

Lonnie Murray

CEO OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT PARTNERS

By Judith A. Habert

Photos by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

W

HEN YOU MEET Lonnie Murray, CEO of Sports Management Partners, you know right off the bat that she is a dynamic woman who is beautiful, loving, protective, and tough when necessary. Perhaps an unusual combination for the CEO of a company, but the perfect mix for one of the few Female Sports Agents in the industry. Although this is a

job predominantly held by males, make no mistake Lonnie Murray has made a mark in this industry managing to approach it in her own unique and impressive way.

When you consider the game of baseball it is clear that it is not one that is open to women in most aspects of the field. Consider the fact that there has never been a female MLB player in its 149-year history. We came close in 2015 when a 16-year-old girl from France, Melissa Mayeux, a shortstop on the French U-18 junior national team became the first known female baseball player to be added to the MLB’s international registration list. This meant that she would be eligible to be signed by a Major League club.

Sadly, this never happened.

So how did Lonnie break that ceiling and find her way into the Sports Agent business? Born in Camden New Jersey and raised in Washington state, Lonnie had no initial desire to be a part of the baseball industry. At the age of 17 she married her high school sweetheart, and due to the request of the U.S. Navy, she and her new husband were relocated to San Diego. The marriage was short-lived, but they both realized they were too young to make a major life decision like marriage.

“He went to work one day, and I packed my jeep up and drove to the Bay Area where my girlfriend

lived because I was just done. We were both young, and we realized it just wasn’t forever.”

Lonnie obtained a position working for a nonprofit and spent 15 years in this arena, “I loved working for nonprofits, I think it bleeds over to what I am doing now because I’m still helping families and kids. It is important to me that I am honest about what I’m doing, and that everything I do, is for the right reason.”

With convictions such as these, it is easy to see why Lonnie would be a success in whatever industry she tackled. While working in the nonprofit industry, she would come to meet her current husband, former Major League player and past General Manager of the Arizona Diamond Backs, Dave Stewart.

“I was working for a nonprofit ‘Team Up for Youth,’ and Dave was a member of the board of directors. I had been introduced when he came into the office for a board meeting, but it was just that, a business introduction.” It would be some time before they had their next encounter and this one almost lost Lonnie her job.

“I was given the task of emailing all of the board members to get a consensus on a project we were putting together. All of the members responded swiftly, except for Dave, he had been out of the country and didn’t get back to me for several weeks.” When he did call, he told Lonnie that he could not open the files she had sent, so she resent the email, and he still had a problem. “I have to admit that this irritated me and I responded in a way I probably shouldn’t have.” Since Dave was an admired baseball Icon, particularly in the Oakland area, after a stellar career with

19

Inspirational Women the Oakland A’s, I rethought my response shortly after I hit send.

I asked a co-worker what he thought of my email to Dave, and from his response, Lonnie knew she was in trouble. “There was a good chance I was going to lose my job, so I went into my bosses office and started the conversation by telling him how much I loved my job. I was just about to explain what happened when

this same co-worker interrupted our conversation and told me in private that Dave had responded.”

To Lonnie’s relief, he did so with a sense of humor, and shortly after that, the two managed to find themselves in a relationship.

Dave had started Sports Management Partners a year before he and Lonnie met, and his agency was thriving, representing some of the biggest names in baseball. Lonnie became an integral

20

part of the agency filling a void that few agencies even realize exists in Sports Management.

In addition to the day-to-day of contracts and operations, Lonnie had a remarkable aptitude for handling the people part of the business. “When I came onboard I started to notice things that I felt I could do better than other people working for the agency.

It wasn’t about the business part of her business; it was about the people part. To most it is just the business of baseball, to me, it was the business of people.” This approach quickly caused the agency to grow even greater because there was a new understanding of elements that were missing in this field of representation and Lonnie brought them to the forefront. “Each one of my players and their family become part of my family. In addition to every other aspect of the business, I guess I sort of add the motherly touch. I am there for them to talk to about everything, not just the game. I also represent a lot of Latin players that don’t even speak the language. They are often signed very young and are not necessarily trusting of our culture and methods, so I provide the much-needed level of trust they require to feel confident moving forward in their careers.”

Lonnie spent eight years building Sports Management Partners when her husband received the call up to become the General Manager of the Arizona Diamond Backs. “While he questioned what was going to happen with the agency, for me there was no question as to what would happen. I had been a partner for eight years, assumed a large percentage of responsibilities already, and these were MY kids. My guys! When I expressed

this to Dave, he never doubted that I could not only keep things going but that I would excel.” She did this and more. She built their numbers of players and now has 43 players both Major and Minor leaguers on her roster. Of this number 22 are Latin players who have come to SMP due to their strong reputation of fair management and loyalty to their players.

“I can’t utilize my experience of playing Major League baseball when I am recruiting a player because obviously I have not played the game, but I can get them in front of a multitude of people who have.” This fact has never been a problem for Lonnie. “Many of the Latin players that came here from other countries are leaving their families for the very first time.

They sign a Player Contract and are often not even sure what they have gotten themselves into.”

Lonnie is not like any other Sports Agent, she often finds herself in a motherly role, helping players and their families navigate their way through a system that isn’t easy for our young American men, let alone many who don’t even speak the language. “When players from another country are signed by a Major League team, they often believe that their next step will be wearing that team uniform on TV, living the glamorous life of the players they have idolized while playing in their own countries. Many of them don’t realize that they will begin their career on the minor league level, often in small town locations spending long hours on buses to other unknown towns to play other minor league players.”

Lonnie never sugar coats the long journey any of her players have ahead of them when they sign their contract. She is outspoken and honest that this is not going

Inspirational Women to be a piece of cake and there is going to be a lot of sweat and often disappointment for them along the way. “Doing this and being upfront with my players is why I believe they are so loyal to me.” Keep in mind that the sports agency business is not one that involves players signing contracts with their agents. A player is free to move from agent to agent if they choose, so seeing the longevity of the players who have signed with Lonnie is clear proof that she is doing it right and is, as such, constantly bombarded by referrals from her current players.”

“If I had to pick something that I am most proud of it would be that I have 22 Latin players, the majority of whom don’t speak English, and I don’t speak Spanish. We communicate using a translator app, or we communicate through another individual who speaks Spanish. We have sat at restaurants, or in the car and have been texting back and forth, so we could utilize the translator app on our phones. We tell jokes, talk about what’s happening on the field and in their lives, and what is going on in mine because we are family.”

In an industry dominated by male agents whose primary concern is often the bottom line and finding the one player who may one day sign for a multi-million dollar contract, it is clear that the emotions of the young men they sign may not be at the forefront of their concerns. This is not the case for Lonnie who is definitely a breath of fresh air in a tough often cutthroat industry.

The language difference does at times present a challenge.

Lonnie shared with me a story about one of her “babies,” the affectionate term she uses for the young men she represents.

“When one of my babies, Yoan Lopez, a Cuban pitcher, and I first met we looked at each other kind of cross-eyed. He seemed to not quite get me, and I couldn’t really figure him out either. At one point I felt, I don’t know if I like your attitude and I’m sure he was saying the same thing about me. I’m sure he wondered, how is this lady going to represent me when we are not even communicating? But our relationship grew so strong, two years later he asked me to walk him down the aisle at his wedding, having lost his mother to cancer as a teenager.”

This is only one of the many stories Lonnie shares about her Babies. Although she is caring, she is tough as well. “When one of my players is not living up to his potential I am the first to go out on the field and tell him that he isn’t doing what he should to progress his career. One player and I had many challenges in the beginning. He was a tough cookie and even had some issues with other players on the team.

So, I had to be tough. I basically told him if you don’t get your s**t together I am not going to represent you. So it was the last game of the season when they were able to play on the big league field, and they let their families go out on the field. Of course, I went out cause I’m his ‘mom.’ And I said to him; I’m proud of you, you had a great performance. I wish you nothing but success.

But I don’t like your attitude, I’ve warned you, and now I can no longer represent you. Back at the team hotel I was standing in front with seven other guys from the team, and he walked up to me and in front of everyone, with the help of one of the other players translating, he said he was sorry, and he never wanted to be

disrespectful. He said he did not want to leave the family. I was incredibly touched and proud. It has now been two offseasons in a row that he stayed with me at our home for the entire offseason. He is also getting along much better with his teammates, ‘his brothers.’”

Lonnie is tough, and she has to be in a field dominated by men, but often it is tough love that gets her players through those rough times. Disappointment is often a big part of life for these young men who sometimes put out stellar performances and yet due to the “Business of Baseball” may be released or kept at the minor league level. Having a manager like Lonnie can often make the difference for these players.

When Lonnie’s husband Dave Stewart left his position with the Arizona Diamond Backs she assumed he would come back on as a partner at Sports Management Partners, but when he realized how much improved and how much Lonnie had grown the business he simply said, “This is yours, you’ve got this.”

Thanks to women like Lonnie, we are seeing that women can accomplish whatever they set out to accomplish. Sometimes at great odds and with great struggle, but for Lonnie, much of this came naturally to her, and it is easy to see that she loves her job and all of the players that she calls family. As Lonnie admits, “There is nothing else I would rather be doing,” Thank you, Lonnie, for showing us what we can accomplish, not in spite of being women, but often because we are women.

For More Information Contact Sports Management Partners at (858) 613-1192

21

S P O R T S

NCAA Men's Division I

Basketball Championship Also known as March Madness or The Big Dance or My Favorite Time of the Year

By Carol Heath

I

N 1939, OHIO STATE University basketball coach Harold Olsen, along with the National Association of Basketball Coaches, came up with the idea of a single-elimination tournament to determine the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Division 1 Basketball Champions. Since these games are typically played in March, this tournament is referred to as March Madness.

Some devotees also call it the Big Dance, as this is for the whole enchilada. The beauty of this tournament is anybody can win, you can be ranked 16th , and if you win all the games in your bracket and go to the final four and win again, you could actually be in the championship game and win. It has become one of the most famous sporting events in the United States and watched by millions of viewers all over the world.

Currently this tournament consists of 68 college basketball

22

teams, including champions for 32 Division 1 conferences, which receive automatic bids. The remaining 36 teams are awarded at-large berths and they are chosen by the NCAA selection committee. The 68 teams are divided into four regions and organized into a single elimination bracket which pre-determines when a team wins a game who their next opponent will be. Each team is ranked within a region from 1-16. The first round consists of 64 teams all playing in their regions, these winners become the “Sweet Sixteen” and then out of these teams you get the Final Four which represents the top team of each region, East, South, Midwest and West. The Final Four play and then you have 2 teams left and they play for the National Title. This game is usually played the first week end in April, but is still considered part of March Madness.

I worked for the Golden State Warriors

as a stat crew member from 1984-2002.

I witnessed a lot of exciting games in that time, but one of the most emotional games I ever watched on the floor of the Oakland Coliseum, was the Sweet Sixteen games representing the western region in March of 1990. When we learned in mid-1988, that we were to host the NCAA Men’s Division 1 Basketball Champion Sweet Sixteen games, I was ecstatic. I love college sports of any kind, and followed college basketball religiously for over 20 years. My

team was Duke and I admired Coach K as a man and a coach. I was pretty confident that I was going to be able to meet him in person as Duke usually went to the final four and won many titles.

It was a long 2 years waiting for that tournament and I followed Duke and several other teams that I thought might make it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Duke was a given as they were playing some of the best ball in 3 seasons and they were ranked #1 most of the year. I started watching Loyola Mary-

S P O R T S

mount as they were an up and coming power house with one of the best forwards in the country, Hank Gathers and his teammate and best friend Bo Kimble leading the way as point guard, they seemed to be a shoe in for the tournament.

Gathers was the 2nd player in the history of the NCAA Division 1 to lead the nation in scoring and rebounding in the same season, with an average of 32.7 points and 13.7 rebounds a game. Also in the 1988 season, Hank scored a career-high 49 points along with 26 rebounds to lead his team to a 130-125 win over Nevada.

He won awards and was the West Coast Conference player of the year and was also named the MVP of the WCC tournament that same year. All this while he was just a junior in college.

In his senior year, Loyola, coached

by Paul Westhead, instituted what some would call an extraordinarily faced-paced game, which meant that the Lions ran up and down the court in a frenzy causing their opponents to become disorientated and out of their game plan. This fast-paced game lead the Lions of Loyola to lead in Division 1 in scoring in 1988, with averaging 110.3 points a game; in 1989 averaging 112.5 a game;

and in 1990, 122.4 points per game. These stats, some still in the record books, brought Loyola Marymount to the forefront of college basketball and highlighted their talented 6’ 7’’, 210 pound inside player, Eric “Hank” Gathers.

On December 9, 1989, while playing a home game against UC Santa Barbara, Gathers collapsed on the court. Two days later he was diagnosed with exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia and was prescribed beta blockers. He was cleared to continue playing basketball as long as he took the Inderal. Gathers became hesitant about taking the beta blocker, as it slowed down his play and his ability to become relevant in the fastpaced Westhead game plan. He continued to play and was the star of the LMU Lions.

He was interviewed by all the networks and it was common knowledge that Bo Kimble, his teammate and childhood friend, was not only his roommate, but also his best friend. Hank’s mother was Kimble’s mom, Kimble’s mom was Gather’s mom, the two families became intertwined through the years.

All this hype was leading up to another memorable March Madness, and I was

going to work the Sweet Sixteen. LMU, although respected as a force to be reckoned with was still the Cinderella team. I watched as many games as I could between Duke, LMU and UCLA, to become familiar with the players and their style of play. Number 44 was clearly going to be the player of the 1990 NCAA Men’s Division 1 Championship and I was looking forward to seeing him tear up the boards in Oakland. , On Sunday, March 4, 1990, I was watching Loyola play the Portland Pilots in the WCC tournament semifinals on tv. Before the game, Gather’s mom was interviewed with Kimble’s mom and they talked about the closeness of the families. Every time Hank would make a dunk, the cameras would search the crowd for his mom’s reaction.

I remember Gathers had just mad a monster dunk when on the way down the court to defend the LMU basket he collapsed.

There was 13:34 left in the first half and the star of the LMU Lions was on the floor struggling to get up and telling the team doctor he didn’t want to lie down. When it became apparent he was unable to get up his mother followed closely by Kimble’s mom made their way

to the basketball floor.

ESPN stopped broadcasting the game when Hank’s mom collapsed on the floor wailing in pain. The WCC suspended play and awarded LMU an automatic bid to the Big Dance. And, at 6:55 PM, PST, Hank Gathers was pronounced dead at the age of 23.

This story dominated the championship that year and as the games continued, the emotions grew deeper and deeper. Everyone connected with the NCAA, everyone who worked on the tournament, media, fans we all felt the loss of a 23-year-old super star. Hank’s best friend, Bo Kimble, chose to honor Gathers in a very special way. Bo, a right-handed player announced he would shoot the first free throws left handed in memory of Gathers, who was a poor freethrow shooter, tried shooting with his left hand in hopes that would improve his performance from the free throw line. A soldout Oakland coliseum was waiting to see Bo Kimble make the first free throw left handed, Bo never got to the line in the Sweet Sixteen win over Alabama. From this point, onward and into his professional career, Bo continued to honor his best friend by taking his first free throw shot left handed.

Loyola played Alabama on Saturday and won, pitting them against UNLV for Sunday’s game, they lost to the eventual winners of the championship UNLV coached

by Jerry Tarkanian.

That was the end of the LMU Cinderella season and everyone wondered how things would have turned out if #44 was on the court.

A caveat to this whole weekend of emotional basketball was that I did get a chance to meet Mike Krzyzewski or Coach K. I wasn’t disappointed, he was a very humble and soft spoken man even though he was one of the most decorated college basketball coaches in history.

Results for the 2018 NCAA Men’s Championship are in; Monday, April 2, 2018, in San Antonio, Michigan vs.

Villanova. Michigan came out strong with aggressive defense and it looked like they were taking charge.

However, Villanova’s guard and sixth man, Donte DiVincenzo, entered the game and “that’s all she wrote.”

DiVincenzo scored a total of 31 points and led Villanova to its’ second title in three years.

When the game was over, the buzzer rang, the scoreboard read 79-62, and the Wildcats mobbed number 10, Donte DiVincenzo.

23

Jennifer Barnes

HELPING YOUR BUSINESS RUN BETTER

By Carol Heath

J

ENNIFER BARNES IS THE CO-FOUNDer and President of Pro Back Office (PBO), a privately held company in San Diego that provides fractional accounting services and strategic consulting to growing business and not for profits.

PBO becomes a company’s internal team; onsite, hourly and ongoing. They provide superstar resources at every level, from the CFO to the bookkeeping role, along with HR services. “No company wants their CFO doing data entry, and there is a very small percentage of businesses whose staff accountant provides high-level financials, analytics, and high-level strategy," says Jennifer with a sense of confidence that helps us to understand why she runs one of the fastest growing companies in the United States.

In 2017 PBO was ranked #892 on the Inc. 5000 and #40 in the San Diego Business Journals fastest growing companies.

In the same year, they were also in the top places to work in San Diego in both the Union Tribune and the San Diego Business Journal, among several other

awards. The best thing about all of this is that Jennifer started the company with her partner Mike in mid-2012 out of her living room after being fired.

After speaking with Jennifer, it's easy to understand how she and her partner Mike have grown Pro Back Office to become one of the leading outsourced accounting firms in San Diego. Jennifer is a people over profits leader and thoroughly enjoys providing jobs. Some interesting info? PBO has 70 employees, who are 48% millennials, 67% female and are paid an average of $37 per hour. They have staff in their early twenties and some in their late sixties. PBO also offers a flexible schedule, and 65% of the Pro Back Office team works 24-32 hours a week.

“We love to give smart people a ton of flexibility and independence,” Says Jennifer with a smile. "I created a culture and an environment where I would want to work if I was still on the other side of the table. It's about work-life balance, a kind demeanor, and surrounding yourself with extremely smart people; both socially and intellectually.” How do they ensure everyone on the team is highly intelligent? “We make everyone take an IQ test before offering them a position," says Jennifer. Candidates also take an accounting assessment, a written and verbal essay and a behavioral assessment, administered by Jennifer personally. What’s even cooler? PBO has a 90% retention rate.

Jennifer is adamant about her philosophy of “Happy staff, happy clients.”

Jennifer is a tenacious and accomplished business woman who cares deeply about others and prides herself on making a difference. She is involved on numerous non-profit boards, including Junior Achievement and the BBB, and is a member of Rotary, Vistage, and EO. She also spends quite a bit of time being involved with San Diego State as a mentor for the Lavin Entrepreneur program, loves being a judge in numerous educational

Photos by Maggie Ramos

Inspirational Women

competitions and enjoys being a speaker to various college and high-schoolers.

One of her favorite presentations begins with how PBO was started and then launches into a presentation on how soft skills are incredibly important and how having a high EQ and possessing strong Social Intelligence Skills can make or break your career. “It isn’t just about the hard skills; it's about how you treat and interact with others. You should focus on how you make people feel, and always aim to bring out the best in those around you; especially those people who depend on you for guidance and direction”, says Jennifer Jennifer was born in Idaho, raised in Las Vegas and graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors’ degree in Finance and Marketing. After half a dozen years in the workforce, she earned an MBA from San Diego State University and then decided to take the Becker CPA curriculum. After a decade as a Controller for numerous companies through a couple of consulting firms, she was given the opportunity to start Pro Back Office. "Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to me," Jennifer tells us candidly. "I wasn't meant to work for others. At this point, I'm fairly unemployable!".

For more information visit their website at http://www.probackoffice.com/ or give them a call at 877-868-6164

24

Pearls of Wisdom

BETTER MEMORY, ANYONE? Reversal of Cognitive Decline Has Arrived

by Nancy Lonsdorf, MD and Mimi Guarneri MD FACC

E

VER FORGET A NAME, BLANK out on a word or walk into a room and forget why you’re there? Sure, we’ve all done it, and most of you under 40 don’t think twice about it.

For the rest of us, such slipups can leave us wondering, worrying, rationalizing, and otherwise wasting precious energy trying to convince ourselves that we are NOT careening down the slippery slope of no return called “Alzheimer’s disease.”

Game-Changer Ahead

Fortunately, the memory changes of Alzheimer’s vs. “normal aging” are readily distinguishable, and most “senior moments” are not harbingers of decline to come. For example, a lapsed name, word or item popping into your mind later is a good indication you’re exhibiting “normal aging” only.

Yet, the grounds for deeper Alzheimer’s fear relief is here. The impossible-- slowing, stopping or reversing memory decline-- has now become a reality. Yes, you heard us correctly, research now suggests that Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is reversible, especially if you act early.

And the solution is not the usual high tech medical breakthrough of expensive drugs, immune or gene therapy you might think. Rather, the effective approach is an amazingly low tech, multimodality, natural approach that is within reach of every individual right now.

The First Patient

Sound unbelievable? We would never have believed it either, if we hadn’t first heard it directly from a close colleague of Dale Bredesen, MD,

the pioneering UCLA Professor and Alzheimer’s researcher who discovered it.

Under the soft southern California sky, dining at dusk, she related the dramatic story of her best friend, “Patient Zero” (PZ.) In short, PZ is a globe-trotting, high-level consultant who speaks seven languages, yet called her friend (BFF) one day in a panic—she couldn’t remember what country she was in. PZ’s eventual diagnosis was not good. She had early Alzheimer’s disease (AD.) Devastated. PZ confessed she was going to commit suicide rather than suffer, as her mother had, a long, protracted death from AD. As a result of her friend’s urgent referral, Dr. Bredesen agreed to try his multimodality research protocol for the very first time, with PZ. Amazingly, within a few months, her memory began to recover, and she

eventually returned to her high-level job fulltime.

Medical Mind Bend

Soon after hearing this medically mind-bending story, Dr. Lonsdorf had the fantastic opportunity to study in person with Dr. Bredesen at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s Advanced Clinical Training in Reversing Cognitive Decline. To Dr. Guarneri, Dr. Bredesen was already a colleague, and had seen videos of his patients before his work became world renown.

In fact, Dr. Guarneri has featured Dr. Bredesen at the annual Natural Supplements conference and has him scheduled to speak in San Diego at the AIHM conference September 2018.

While we both had helped reverse memory loss in a handful of patients with heavy metal toxicity, B12 deficiency or memory-damaging medications, to learn a reliable protocol with

25

Pearls of Wisdom the potential to help anyone with cognitive decline was an opportunity we believe every clinician should jump at!

(Works best in those under 75 years old and in early stages.)

What’s The Discovery and How Can Lifestyle Turn AD Around?

The key point is that a healthy brain maintains balance between 2 critical factors: building new connections (memories and learning,) and breaking down connections (forgetting irrelevant details.) In Alzheimer’s, the breaking down exceeds the building up. The result is important memories and functions are progressively lost.

How to restore balance? Establish a healthy diet, good sleep, balanced blood sugar, normal blood flow, exercise and less stress for your neurons to grow and thrive. Ironically, these are the same treatments we have used for years to reverse and treat coronary artery disease.

Likewise, eliminate bad fats, environmental chemicals, nutritional and hormone deficiencies, and excess stress that cause your neurons to downsize and clog up with the memory-destroying protein “A-beta."

How Can It Work for You?

Step One is to find out your underlying vulnerabilities or potential causes for cognitive decline through thorough testing. The commonest ones define Bredesen’s 6 Subtypes of Alzheimer’s: Types: 1. Inflammatory, 1.5. Insulin Resistant/Sugar-related, 2. Trophic (lack of nutrients or hormones,) 3. Toxic, 4. Vascular, and 5. Traumatic. Many people will have challenges with more than one. For example, if you have coronary disease, you most likely have the same risk factors for vascular dementia, but you may also have a hormone imbalance.

26

Dr. Mimi Guarneri

Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf

Nancy Lonsdorf, MD is a Johns Hopkins and Stanford- trained physician who is trained in the Bredesen ReCode Protocol for Reversing Cognitive Decline and helps patients restore memory and overall health, naturally. She practices Integrative Ayurveda and offers the Healthy Brain Recode Success Program at Guarneri Integrative Health at the Pacific Pearl. Call 858-459-6919 for details.

Mimi Guarneri, MD is President of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Dr. Guarneri is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Integrative Medicine. She is the medical director and founder of Guarneri Integrative Health at Pacific Pearl La Jolla.

For more information on natural approaches to AD and cognitive decline or to hear Dr. Bredesen speak, join us at the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine Conference, Sept 22-25, 2018 San Diego California(www.AIHM.org).

Next, correct them with personalized diet, lifestyle, supplements and other therapies as needed. Shrunken brain areas have actually grown back as a result of diet, targeted supplements and lifestyle, including stress-reduction (Dr. Bredesen specifically recommends Transcendental Meditation for its neuroplasticity benefits.)

Where To Go From Here?

Dr. Bredesen and his colleagues have successfully treated over 200 patients with cognitive decline to date,

with the first nine documented in a case series published in 2014.

You can learn more in his scientifically thorough, yet highly readable bestselling book, The End of Alzheimer’s, which I highly recommend to anyone interested in optimizing memory and brain health for the long run.

Alzheimer’s Disease is now preventable and even potentially reversible, and the control is in our hands.

Learn your risk factors and correct them now to enjoy a youthful mind for many years to come!

PROPER FINANCIAL PLANNING A Critical Step for Women

By Deana Carter

T

HERE ARE MANY reasons why when it comes to saving for retirement women may need to save more than men. Does gender really play a part in your retirement planning?

A key goal of investing for retirement is making sure you save enough to make your money last throughout your lifetime.

On this score, women may need to save more than men. The current life expectancy of a female at birth is roughly 81 years, compared with 76 years for a male.1 Although five years may not appear significant, many people in this age group incur expenses for health care and other items while living off of Social Security and personal assets.

Keep in mind that life expectancy statistics are averages and many people live much longer. It is not unusual for an individual's retirement to last 20 or 30 years or more. There is also the issue of the length of a person's career and how much time an individual has to build retirement assets. Many women take time off for caregiving responsibilities, and during these years they may not add to their retirement portfolio.

Also, time off from work may affect Social Security benefits because those who are not working do not earn credits that are used to determine retirement benefits. Also, parents, children, and other loved ones often have financial needs, and both women and men may provide help for family members, which may divert funds from retirement savings.

Estimating How Much You'll Need Of course, every woman's life is unique, and many women capitalize on the

benefits available to them, including participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan or funding an IRA, to build the assets needed for their later years.

It's important not to underestimate how much you may need or the importance of ongoing contributions to retirement accounts to build assets over time. Although there are no guarantees, the longer you stay invested, the more likely that your contributions may benefit from compounding when investment gains are reinvested and potentially earn even more over time.

Your financial advisor can help you calculate how much you are likely to need for your later years. Be sure to consider how you will pay for health care expenses not covered by Medicare or other medical insurance.

When considering sources of retirement income, log on to www.ssa.gov or review your annual statement to estimate your retirement benefit from Social Security.

If you find that your retirement assets are coming up short, delaying retirement or saving more while you continue to work, may be helpful strategies.

Source/Disclaimer: 1Source: Center for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, 2014.

27

We Are So Proud…

We are proud to share the latest accomplishments of our San Diego Kids Head Writer, Nini Hodge. She recently won the ALL AMERICAN award given by and voted upon by NATIONAL HORSEMAN. She also won the People’s Choice award for equitation excellence.

In addition, Nini has won all her classes at Jungle Bell Horse Show in Del Mar, and all the Championships as well. The new show season is upon us and Nini will be out there competing once again.

Photos courtesy of Pamela Hodge

I N C R E D I B L E

K I D S

O F

S A N

D I E G O

Ava Hansuvadha

HEADED FOR GREATNESS

By Nini Hodge

T

HIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT A young superstar Gymnast from Poway who is nine years old and already taking the gymnastics world by storm.

Ava Hansuvadha started taking recreational gymnastics at Poway Gymnastics at age five. At age seven, Ava joined Pre-Team and competed in the Arizona Grand Invitational and the San Diego Classic.

At age eight, she advanced to Level three and has competed in nine meets for the season so far, with two more coming up at the end of April. Ava is so dedicated to Gymnastics that she practices Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for 4.5 hours each day. We could potentially be looking at the next Simone Biles. Her scores are exceptional in every meet in which she competes.

Considering the fact that she is just nine years old her top ranking scores are pretty impressive. She does all of this while maintaining very high grades. In addition to being an amazing gymnast, Ava is also an exceptional

student academically. When she isn’t studying, she is bouncing around the house.

To keep in shape for her competitions, she has her own set of bars and a beam in her home.

Ava is the baby of the family and has two older siblings, Andrew who is ten and Shelby who is twenty, though Ava claims she would like to be an only child and would gladly trade her brother and sister in for a Pug. She currently has a cat named midnight that she loves very much, but she still wants a Pug. Ava is just a simple girl.

She attends Tierra Bonita Elementary School and has lots of friends. She loves doing activities with her family such as watching movies and TV shows like "Fixer Upper." She loves to travel and especially likes the beach. You can often find Ava flip-flopping all over because she rarely sits down.

She is an avid reader and loves the quiet time when she does get to read a good book. She has dreams and

aspirations just like every other kid, she wants to be an Olympic Gymnast, she wants to be the world's fastest reader, and as a career, she would love to one day become a teacher.

Ava has some unique talents aside from gymnastics; she likes to impersonate and imitate family members, friends, teachers, and coaches, she also has a knack for re-enacting movies and TV show lines, she is really good at it too.

Fun Facts: Ava is silly and very animated. She is full of energy and is usually nonstop go-go-go. I personally think that Ava is headed for great things, I for one am on "TEAM AVA," thank you to her Mom Andrea, for sharing all of this info with me I hope you all stay tuned for my next article where I will be featuring another AMAZING kid Photos courtesy of Ava Hansuvadha from San Diego County,

29

I N C R E D I B L E

K I D S

O F

David Dezan MAKING WAVES

By Nini Hodge

D

Photos courtesy of David Dezan

30

AVID DEZAN IS A 12-year-old boy who was born and raised in Poway, California. He has been shooting guns since the age of five. When David first started shooting his Dad took him out to the desert to shoot a .22 caliber long rifle and revolver.

These guns are quiet and mainly used for shooting at targets.

The more David practiced, the better his aim became. This encouraged him to go shooting more often.

When David turned 8, his Dad started taking him to “Escondido Fish & Game,” every other month, to compete at the junior rifle and pistol matches. It was here that he won his first trophy in 2014, shooting a .22 caliber long rifle and pistol.

In 2015-2016, David started practicing with an airsoft pistol to learn safety procedures for competing in Action Pistol competitions.

He also trained by dry firing (practicing without ammunition) in his garage with his Dad 2-3 times a week. Also, he went to the shooting range in the Poway Business Park, where he learned to draw a pistol

S A N

D I E G O

from a holster, and performed speed reloads.

In August 2016, David started going to the Pala Indian reservation.

There, he would shoot with the shooting club called “Linea De Fuego," which means, "Line of Fire” in Spanish. On the weekends, he gets up at 5:00 A.M and drives 45 minutes, where he shoots until 3:00 P.M. Every other Saturday he competes at Pala, there are about 80-120 participants, and he's the only kid at the local matches.

There are six stages to a competition. A stage is like an obstacle course with guns, where speed and accuracy count the most. David says, “My Dad always told me ‘Be safe and have fun,' and my mom agrees with this statement."

In October of 2016, the shooting club sponsored the first ever “Waves Charity Match," a Wounded Warrior's fundraiser at Pala and David worked the match. They raised money to donate to the Waves Foundation.

David finally got his chance to compete at Waves charity, the same charity he worked at in 2016. David came in first as a junior shooter, and his Dad was so proud.

David states, "Although I am a lower-class shooter I was able to beat half of the shooters above me in the class and I was the only kid, the rest were all adults.”

David also states that he is very thankful

for the support of his parents, and is grateful that his Dad spends his time teaching him because this is something he really enjoys doing together with his Dad. He is fortunate to train with one of the top pro and semi-pro competitors in Southern California.

In October, this last year David was off to Utah with his Dad to compete at the Iron Sights National shooting competition, which was sponsored

by CZ-USA Firearms.

Although the competition was stretched out over a week, he only competed the last three days against almost 500 of the top competitors in the nation to place 3rd out of 7 adult men. David says “I hope to continue to improve with my Dad’s help and one day beat him on every stage. That may not be hard to do because as he gets slower, I am getting faster...hahaha."

David's Dad is proud of the progress he has made so far and will continue to support him.

David is a normal kid just like you and me, he enjoys hanging out with his best friend Billy with whom he skateboards and snowboards. Some other favorite things for David are dirt biking with his family, camping and of course video gaming.

A fun fact about David is that he has a twin sister named Jenna.

I N C R E D I B L E

C

laire Brynne Lewis is an amazing young lady who graduated from Pathways Academy High School and Palomar College at 13, the youngest graduate from Palomar ever. Along with being a very intelligent girl, she is very talented on the piano and 6 other instruments. Besides piano, her favorite, she also plays, violin, guitar, flute, clarinet, ukulele, and the cello. When I asked her who, or what, inspired her to start playing piano? She said, “Little Einsteins TV program.”

When she was about 6 years old. She started to play, “Für Elise”, one of the songs from an episode, of Little Einsteins on the piano by listening to the song a little, pausing the program, and attempting to find the notes on the piano.

She continued to memorize it by ear. Soon she found she could play the complete song by ear, even though she couldn’t read music.

In 2014, I met Claire at school on my first day.

She was in my first class, and we were partners in an assignment for making a marble track out of foam, dominoes, and marble. We soon became good friends and enjoyed talking about a great many things. Claire is very modest and did not hint to the fact she was smarter then most, in anyway. I was quite surprised to find out she graduated so fast. I didn’t find out until a few months ago that she had graduated in May of 2017.

Claire has earned many awards in her life so far. She received a County of San Diego California Proclamation award, given to her by Bill Horn, the supervisor of San Diego. Some of the things proclaimed in the

K I D S

O F

S A N

D I E G O

A Girl Prodigy

By Kiriann Booth

award were, at 9 years old she wanted to learn faster so she talked to her parents about home schooling. At the age of 10 she proceeded to join Pathways Academy for home school students. There she took Government, Economics and English. Besides her classes at Pathways, she took classes in Calculus, advanced History, Geography, and Geology, at Palomar. One thing that her first professor, Annette Squires, noticed about Claire was, her feet could not touch the floor while sitting in class. The city council of San Marcos also gave her an achievement award. Claire has received several awards performing in Musical competitions.

When we went to her

a dance similar to tap. She had decided to do this when she needed more activities for PE., but soon found, the dance was fun and that she really enjoyed it.

For the months she has been applying to colleges.

She has been invited to three very prestigious colleges to audition and attempt to get accepted. These colleges are US C, Curtis Institute of Music, in \Philadelphia, and Boston Conservatory.

The director of Pathways, Carol McIntosh, helped Claire and her Mom when she first started home-school toward the right direction and helped them choose classes for Claire. Claire’s Mom said. “I could not have done this without Carol

house for the interview she gladly played piano for us. It was very lovely, my grandma, who was with me said,” I got goose pumps just listening to her and watching how passionate she was when she played.” Other than piano she informed me her favorite past time was Clogging,

holding my hand and guiding us in the right direction with regards to furthering Claire’s education.” Claire, has been certified as a tutor, and at the moment while waiting to be accepted to a college, has a job tutoring students at Palomar in Calculus 1. Besides Tutoring, she also plays in

Photos courtesy of Claire Brynne Lewis

two Orchestras, San Diego Civic Youth, and Palomar College Symphony Orchestra.

She volunteers teaching in San Marcos Youth Strings, serving as Vice President.

Claire, expressed to me that when she graduates from college she would love to become an Orchestral Conductor. She seemed very definite on this decision.

For those young and upcoming musicians, the San Marcos Youth Strings, is a great program. Claire would like to promote this program, that meets at the Gateway Church on Fridays from 4-6.

This is a great opportunity for children that want to start playing a string instrument or one who wants to be able to practice and learn more in an orchestra setting.

As you see, Claire is truly a Child Prodigy, besides being a really good friend.

It is not everyday that one meets someone as special in so many ways as Claire, and also lucky enough to call her my friend, too!

31

B I T C H I N

I

HAVE RECENTLY REALIZED something really important about sleep, we all need it, some more than others. It is funny how when we are children we will do whatever we can to avoid going to sleep, but as we get older, we only wish we had taken more naps as a child. It seems at our current age no one will let us just lay down in the middle of the day and announce “I’m taking a nap, I will finish my work later when I’m not so grumpy.” I guess this realization came to me when I foolishly offered to give my daughter a break and have my fourteen-month-old granddaughter spend the night. What I didn’t know at the time was that my younger daughter would be in need of my grandma duties the same night and so I would also be taking care of Mocha her eight-month-old Frenchie Bulldog, who is now considered my furry granddaughter.

So, when you put 14-month-old baby with eight-month-old furry baby, the fun just never stops. The day started easy enough with Addy, my Granddaughter, crawling furiously across the living room, dining room, and kitchen area, with the little furry baby following right behind. They actually play together which is really cute I must say, in the beginning.

When breakfast time came, and Addy was in her highchair she proceeded to put her hand down on the side of the highchair and share some of her breakfast with Mocha. This would have been okay if Mocha took it, but instead, she would just lick it,

32

&

and then Addy would decide, “hmm she likes it, maybe I should try,” and the food went in her mouth before I was quick enough to grab it from her hand. All I could see were millions of doggie germs running rampant through her body as she chewed her food.

When feeding time was

M O A N I N G

a ride in the car might be a good move and possibly make her fall asleep, we set out to take a leisurely drive with Addy to the Oceanside pier to see the sea lions. A very successful outing until we made the mistake of stopping at a nice restaurant for lunch. Addy proceeded to scream as if I was feeding her

Sleep Deprivation

By Judith A. Habert

over, I thought a nap might be in order, Wrong! Apparently, Addy did not agree.

Off Addy went walking her wobbly walk, barely missing the edges of my coffee table and side tables, which are glass, but they were covered in blankets to minimize the effect of a possible slip. I didn’t’ foresee the emergency room as the way I wanted to spend the rest of my day.

Thinking that going for

to one of those sea lions. The reason? She needed sleep.

Well if she did, you can only imagine how much I did. So, I used her mother’s routine for getting her to take a nap.

I found the cozy blanket that I brought along, nestled her close, bottle placed in the mouth humming her favorite song at a low whisper, and as soon as the bottle was done, Addy picked her head up pushed off the blanket

and went back to screaming. I thought some Mac and Cheese would solve the problem, I mean isn’t that like a good shot of whiskey to an alcoholic. Not my granddaughter, she did, however, take a ten-minute break to partake of the cheesy delight and once again it was back to the screaming at decibel levels that would shatter glass. This was my cue to take her outside until she calmed down. Sleep, she needs sleep. Maybe the car ride home would do it. So in the car, we went, and she was sleepless in the car seat. Back home and some serious nap time was about to happen if it killed me, and it almost did.

Finally, snuggled in my bed with her, another bottle, and her favorite cartoon Peppa Pig, those eyelids finally closed. What a relief. I shut my eyes hoping to make up for the sleep deprivation that only a new parent understands, when my furry granddaughter decided she did not appropriately welcome me home. She jumped up on the bed and gave me a face full of kisses, and when she was done with me, she proceeded to lick the face off of Addy. So much for the nap. Off the two went, back and forth through the kitchen, dining room, and living room, crawling at full speed with my furry grandbaby close behind. No sleep for the weary as the saying goes, but if I put aside that pesky need for sleep, the truth is there is no better site than that innocent little face looking up at me and giggling. Hell, who needs sleep.

Inspirational Women

Joannie’s Two Hands…

By Carol Heath

Photo courtesy of Joannie Lee

S

AN DIEGO IS OFTEN REFERRED to as America’s “Finest City” for its weather, its beaches, and its people.

Joannie Lee is among those people, hardworking, astute and spunky.

Joannie grew up in Los Angeles, and at the age of 19, she moved to San Diego to attend design school. Somewhere along the way, she decided to use her two hands to heal the body instead of drawing the body. She chose the healing art of massage to help people in San Diego relax from their daily grind, to help injured athletes and to help ease the pain of people suffering from a terminal condition. Later she sought work with companies who provide their employees with the many benefits of massage and wellness.

So, when I use words like hard working to describe Joannie, I mean she works 10 to 12 hours a day, most of those hours she is on her feet. She told me “giving massages is not work to her because she is passionate about helping people.” There is an exchange of energy anytime someone places their hands on another person. That energy can

take many forms, but in the hands of a trained and compassionate massage therapist, that exchange can be magical.

I also called Joannie astute because she saw a need and decided to fill it, ergo the birth of her business, ‘Two Hands Mobile Massage and Wellness”.

The name describes her enterprise but doesn’t begin to depict all that goes into such an endeavor. Joannie employees 11 massage therapists and three yoga instructors. Each therapist has their own expertise to provide custom massage therapy. Therefore, you can request a Swedish, Thai, Deep Tissue, Sports, even a Pregnancy Massage or a blend of your choice.

Each therapist is put through a thorough job interview, including giving Joannie their designated expertise massage. Then, if you pass the grade, you can become one of Joannie’s independent contractors. She books the appointments and assigns the equitable therapist for each requested appointment. You have your choice of the therapist coming to you, or you going to them, but why would anyone want to actually have to get off a massage table, get dressed and drive home in traffic?

Talk about a buzz kill or defeating the purpose of the massage in the first place.

This you see is the gap that Joannie saw in the industry and decided to take the plunge and opened her business, and that is why I call her spunky or gutsy is probably a better word. It takes a certain amount of guts to take the plunge of leaving your very comfortable little domain to go forth into the world of being an entrepreneur. But that is what Joannie Lee did in 2012 when she opened ‘Two Hands Mobile Massage and Wellness..’

Joannie’s passion goes beyond massage however as in her free time she does yoga as part of her regime

of staying healthy and fit. That is why she offers yoga as part of the services her business provides. She can send out one of her three yoga instructors for private lessons or to a corporation for group therapy. Yes, yoga is therapy too and is one of the oldest and most accepted ways of relaxation known to humankind.

I asked Joannie if she ever got scared or worried about sending a therapist or going herself to an appointment. She explained that many of her clients were regulars or referred by other clients. When a new client called for an appointment, Joannie puts them through her paces. She screens them thoroughly on the phone and can pretty much tell if they are the type of client she will accept. Joannie’s business practice is to charge the client first before she goes or sends out anyone for a massage. That practice she has found weeds out the majority of people that are not on the up and up shall we say.

At this point in her career Joannie most likely would not have to do massages anymore, but as this is her passion she told me she would never stop doing massage therapy. As I said earlier in this article, there is something about the exchange of energy when you lay your hands on another person. It can be draining if the person is sick or in a very negative place, but it can also be energizing if your client is a positive, upbeat person sharing their energy with yours. Either way, it is always magical to know that your two hands have helped another person on their healing path.

Contact Information: Two Hands Mobile Massage and Wellness www.twohandsmobilemassage.com 858-540-1165 3320 3rd Avenue, Ste. B San Diego, CA. 92103

33

Inspirational Women

Karen Haze

By Judith A. Habert Photos courtesy of Karen Haze

“It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts.”

— Ella Fitzgerald

N

O ONE SYMBOLIZES this belief better than Karen Haze. Born in Manchester, England, to a young mom who had her first child, a son, at the age of 17.

"My mother was a baby herself when she had her first baby, my brother, who’s father was not in the picture. After becoming pregnant at 16 and running away from home, a man twice her age, and the Manager of a wrestling ring in a circus, took her in and asked her to marry him. Mom was thrilled to be provided with a home for her baby, albeit government subsidized housing. My mom was briefly ‘encouraged’ to be a wrestler also! I came along four years

34

later, the product of a brief affair outside of my mother’s marriage. I was 16 before I found out that the father I lived with my entire life wasn't actually my dad. He had been abusive to my Mom, and we didn’t get along at all, so I actually received this information rather well.”

Growing up on a Manchester Council Estate was tough; when money for their home’s electric meter ran out, they had no lights, nor heat.

Groceries often ran out before there was money for the next weekly shop. Karen and her brother thought their life was “normal,” as that’s how many of their neighbors lived too.

In elementary school, it was noted that both Karen and her brother were extremely intelligent, they were tested, and they both earned places at separate, prestigious Grammar schools. At the allgirls Grammar School, while making friends and having sleepovers, Karen realized her home life wasn't the same as the rest of her friends.

This new school had students who came from a much higher economic stratum then she did. This did not deter Karen academically nor socially, “Seeing how my friends lived made me hopeful. Their parents were affectionate and loving to each other, something I was not used to but liked a lot.

Most people who lived on the council estate where I grew up were disparaging of those who were wealthy. I learned that there were no differences

in the people, rich or poor, it was simply that they had been presented with different opportunities, made some good choices, put in hard work and perhaps had a little luck along the way. I wanted to work hard and achieve all I could achieve.”

So how did a young woman in Karen’s position end up in the U.S as a Corporate Development Executive for KPBS Public Media?

“I did my first study abroad program after graduating from High School, spending the summer in Spain. Towards the end of the summer, I hadn't thought about attending college; I knew there was no money for it. The family I stayed with in Spain was extremely affluent, and although the couple spoke little English, the woman kept pushing for me to leave Spain and attend college back in England. To appease her I told her that, yes, I would go to college and so she bought me a plane ticket that week to return to England, right before classes were to start." In reality, Karen had nowhere to go when she returned home, as her parents had divorced and her mother had left the family home.

"I wasn't going to live with my "father," so for a short time; I was homeless. Actually, I was couch surfing at friends' houses, until my brother found a flat for us to rent. I was 18, and he was 22. It was a ramshackle mansion house that was hundreds of years old, it had been converted into

flats, and it had no heat, no shower, no hot water unless you waited for an hour for it to warm up. In the mornings we would have frost on the inside of the windows, but we had a ton of fun in that flat, and I was happy to have a roof over my head. It was so dilapidated that they tore it down soon after we had moved out.

In the days after I returned home from Spain, I walked into the admissions office at Manchester Metropolitan University. It was the week before school started and I asked if there was room in any courses for me. The woman I spoke to found a place for me and filled out all the paperwork for grants. I also got a housing allowance for the flat, and I was on my way to getting the college education that I never thought possible."

Karen worked at a local shoe store through college, which in England is three years of study. After graduation, she knew she wanted to do more than live in the old, cold apartment and work in a shoe shop full time, there were few opportunities in Manchester at that time, and she had no money to fund travel to find new opportunities. "I found a study abroad program in America. With this program, they would fly you to American and could place you anywhere. They placed me in Washington DC for one year, and oh I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I first landed in New York for orientation. I was mesmerized

and excited by America."

Karen was studying Marketing at night and helping to take care of three young children in the family's home where she was staying. "It was here that I met a young American man and, by the end of the year, it became serious. When her year in America was over, this young man followed her back to England. He was an up and coming Chef in Washington DC at one of the best restaurants in town, but there were no restaurants of that caliber where she lived in England, so he went back to DC to continue his career. He wasn't there long when he called said he missed her and asked Karen to marry him and to move back to DC. She agreed, packed up some belongings and sold what was left.

Karen's first full-time job in Washington DC was as an Office Manager for a temp agency, four blocks from the White House. It was a great job, but it was not fulfilling.

"It was just a job, I wasn't very happy and decided I needed to find something about which I was passionate At about this time, a friend asked if I would accompany her to an audition to be a volunteer at our favorite radio station, WKYS." It was a fun volunteer job, with the opportunity to see concerts, go to movie premieres and station events.

Karen went along for moral support. However, the people at the radio station had other ideas and recruited Karen, not her friend.

"Volunteering at the radio station was brilliant, and I knew that I had found my passion." When they offered her a full-time job to work at WKYS, at the NBC studios, at less money than she was making at her current

InspirationalmajorWomen hit. " While I was build-

position, she jumped at the opportunity.

“I'd been there just over a year and was very happy, I learned a lot, both radio and TV, and knew I was going to stay in broadcasting.”

It was at this point that her fiance was offered a prestigious position as a Sous Chef at Lowe's Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego. They packed up and relocated to San Diego. On their drive from East Coast to West, they made several stops including Berkeley, where Damon’s family lived and Lake Tahoe, where they were married.

ing my career in San Diego, my husband was getting involved with drugs and having an affair with a waitress. I was devastated, and our marriage ended. We had not yet bought a house, nor had children, so it was a straightforward dissolution - at least on paper!"

“I realized I was on my own and 6,000 miles from home, however, due to the momentum in my career and the friends and contacts I had, I made a very conscious decision to stay in San Diego. I landed a position with KFMB TV and radio stations, which

"Broadcasting was my passion, and over the years I would manage to work for just about every station group in San Diego, big and small.

I worked for Clear Channel, which is now iheart. I worked for KPRI FM, KFMB AM/ FM/TV, Entercom and for then Mexican owned and operated XHRM FM. I held several different positions at the stations, including Promotions Director, Local Sales Executive, National and Regional Sales Manager. I have never been afraid to get my hands dirty.

Though her professional life was going well her personal life was about to take a

was one of the most beloved broadcasting companies, it was family owned and operated and very well respected in the industry. I started there as an executive assistant to the General Manager.”

Radio consolidation began, and my then boss at KFMB was let go. I left to join a fast growing radio company named Capstar, which merged with Chancellor to become AM/ FM and then within a year, we were all Clear Channel employees.

There were six of us in a corporate office responsible for overseeing 40 radio stations in the beginning and then it grew to 256 stations.”

"I focused on my career and put everything into my work. After some time I met an English man who was a musician, and eventually, we moved in together. I became pregnant, and we moved into a bigger apartment, and I had our son, but we never married, let's just say, he was a free spirit."

So Karen worked on her career and caring for her son, Finchley, "I tried to make the relationship with Finchley's father work, but he was absent evenings and weekends with his music, triathlon training, soccer, and squash. Family life wasn't happening; except for my son and I. By the time my son was eight years old, I decided to separate from his father."

Finchley was diagnosed with a serious neurological medical condition at age 7, so on top of being a single parent, Karen had to be there for her son through several hospitalizations and many doctors and therapists visits.

Karen's son is about to turn 18, is doing great health-wise, is a straight-A student and is off to college this coming year.

Karen was delighted at the offer to return to KFMB TV/Radio for a second tour, this time as National Sales Manager, and was there for seven years when she received an offer she could not refuse from Entercom radio, in 2015, which meant bigger responsibilities, more stations, and a two-year contract.

"Not long after I joined Entercom, they merged with CBS, and my position was eliminated. I realized a new career path might be in order, as commercial TV and Radio revenues continued to be in rapid decline and as consolidation and layoffs continued.

I wondered what might be next; the bulk of my expe-

35

Inspirational Women rience was in broadcasting, with some volunteerism and a little non-profit work history too. With a son in high school and no husband nor family to help financially, I found myself in a bit of a pickle!"

"After six weeks of unemployment, I accepted an offer to work in technical sales for Xerox. I challenged myself and was so surprised at the results, beating the revenue goals in triple digits. However, this was not the right fit industry for me."

In October of 2017, Karen was thrilled to accept what is the favorite position of her career. After six interviews and an extensive background check, she obtained a position with KPBS TV & Radio in San Diego, as a Corporate Development Executive.

"I feel so good about what I do now. Everything we are doing at KPBS is for the public good, for this community, and focuses on news, information, the arts, and education. It is a quality organization, of which I am so proud to be a part. I loved commercial radio and TV for many years, it had been so much fun, but due to the cutbacks, I was no longer proud of the product we were putting out. It was constantly downgraded.

At KPBS, I am so proud of the product, both Radio (NPR) and TV (PBS). Also, I now work with companies who want to do more than push out their advertising messages; they are organizations who want to show their support for this community, to give back and to support quality programming."

Unlike commercial stations that can air practically any ad content, with a massive amount of spots per hour, KPBS has carefully crafted guidelines regarding what can

36

be said on the air and only run a few sponsor announcements per hour, to provide viewers and listeners with the best possible programming experience.

The spots are tasteful, none promotional and are informative, so the audience stays with the announcements, rather than switching to another channel or station when the ads come on.

KPBS is membership driven and increasingly delivers quality news along with educational and inspirational programming.

"KPBS viewers and listeners have trust in what they are hearing, seeing and experiencing, especially in this era of Fake News. KPBS news is the the opposite of Fake News, and because of this, we continue to see tremendous audience growth with NPR, and with the BBC and local KPBS news programs. I grew up with the BBC, so I was not used to the sensationalism of the typical news in the USA. The BBC respectfully, tastefully and accurately report the news. There is no laughing and joking, nor shock tactics to go for ratings. The news is serious, and that is how it should be delivered. San Diegans won't tolerate less than professionalism. This is San Diego, America's finest city, more is expected of us, and at KPBS we take this community’s trust very seriously. KPBS is very grateful to all of those listeners who make KPBS FM the number one most listened to radio station in San Diego.”

What Karen does is only one part of the fundraising efforts of the non-profit KPBS TV and Radio stations. The quality programming on KPBS is made possible by approximately 55,000 contributing members, plus grants and donors who pledge money

through their trusts, or make generous donations throughout their lifetimes.

Karen has come a long way, literally and figuratively, from her childhood and young adult days in Manchester. She has proven that when

you are dedicated, passionate and work hard, anything is possible. Thanks to this community, to the staff who are working hard at KPBS, and to Karen, for bringing us the very best programming available on San Diego’s airwaves.

My Tips for Getting into the Radio/TV Broadcasting Industry

By Karen Haze

I asked Karen Haze to share with our readers some suggestions for getting into her industry. She suggested the following: 1. Research companies that are in that industry find ones that are growing in the city that you are in, or might want to move to, and keep reaching out to those companies in as many creative ways as possible.

2. Gear your areas of study to this particular field so that you have the knowledge to back up your enthusiasm.

3. Don’t give up. When you find companies which you are interested in, don’t give up. Sometimes your timing might not be right, but six months or a year later there might be a position available. If you have to get a job in a shoe store or coffee shop in the meantime, then do that, just don’t give up your dream of working for your ideal company. Persistence pays off.

“To prove persistence pays off I personally knew I wanted to work for a specific station group and I couldn’t get noticed by them. So, I decided to go to their offices and sit in the lobby, and ask for the hiring manager, until I could find a way to get an interview. One morning, I brought Starbucks® coffee for the General Manager and told the receptionist that I needed to see him, or his coffee would be cold. That didn't work. She just grabbed it and took it to him. The next day I came back with a scone from Starbucks® and told the receptionist that I had forgotten to give him a scone when I dropped off the coffee the day before. After a few laughs and being so persistent, I finally got to sit down in front of him, and he pointed to the large pile of resumes on his desk, telling me that once he got through all of the resumes, if I qualified, he would call me in for an interview. I told him that I was qualified, he could hire me and I would be happy to let each person who’d sent in a resume know that the position was filled. I got his attention and ended up being hired at the company that I so wanted to work for.

E KAREN HAZ

tive Account Execu

elopment Corporate Dev

rg khaze@kpbs.o 85 24 4.

59 ).

O: (619 17 29 2.

65 ).

58 C: (8 48 F: (619).594.04 TV, S 89.5 FM, KPB g or www.KPBS. le Dr., 5200 Campani 92182 A C , go San Die

Inspirational Women

A Gift of The Earth

By Janice Carter-Booth Photos Courtesy of Pam Greer

I

HAVE BEEN USING ESSENTIAL OILS for more than 25 years, so I knew the instant I inhaled dōTERRA brand oils that they were excellent oils. I was feeling a little under the weather while I was interviewing a remarkable woman named, Pam Greer, so she immediately put some frankincense on my neck, and within moments I felt the fogginess lift from me.

It's interesting to note; Pam was childhood friends with her husband, Scott. Now five children and 47 years of marriage later; then, unknown to her just around the corner, there was to be a compelling journey with dōTERRA. It started with physical healing and led to financial success as well. Ten years ago, Pam's husband, Scott, was diagnosed with a debilitating health condition. This changed everything in their lives, Scott could no longer work due to his condition, and Pam had to leave her part-time job in Ramona school district, and a lovely daughter, still at home who struggles with her own challenges as well, to work full time in a downtown law office. Worst of all, there was no fix for Scott's problem.

“It simply came down to pain management, which meant heavy- duty medication for the rest of his life,” Pam explained.

It was during these trying times that Pam was introduced to dōTERRA essential oils. In the past she had been skeptical about holistic medicine, but now, desperate for a solution to the nerve pain, for her husband, she was willing to try almost anything.

Pam began learning everything she could about essential oils, and dōTERRA company. Scott started faithfully applying the oils Pam had researched, and within days he began to notice a change.

By three weeks out, the change was dramatic. “We were shocked!” exclaimed Pam. “How in the world could little drops of oil create such monumental change?”

It was a true miracle for them. “I really

had to humble myself, and recognize that maybe I had been wrong to dismiss the healing power of natural, plant-based products,” admitted Pam. 2018 will be dōTERRA's tenth year in business. Pam became a Wellness Advocate with dōTERRA, an entrepreneur, and educator, and built a business teaching anyone who would listen about the incredible benefits of essential oils. Pam truly loves this company that has not only brought her family to financial stability but most importantly, introduced them to a healthier way of life.

Pam explained how dōTERRA can produce such pure and potent oils. They find the areas of the world, many of them in third world countries, which provide optimal growing conditions for each particular oil, and, and partner with local farmers in a practice called Co-Impact Sourcing. This means they pay a fair wage, year round, not just during the harvest as had been the industry practice until dōTERRA began. Through the company's humanitarian arm, Healing Hands, they also help meet the living necessities of the communities with whom they partner. For example, dōTERRA went to Haiti where the best Vetiver plants are grown, and they realized the Haitian workers had to walk three hours to get water every day, for cooking and drinking. The company began putting in wells and pipelines, bringing the water to the people. Many water supplies, schools, clinics, and other community services have been built globally through Healing Hands, dōTERRA also partners with many organizations such as Operation Underground Railroad which rescues people trapped in human trafficking, and Days for Girls which works to provide feminine hygiene kits to women and girls in third world countries.

Happily, hospitals and medical facilities are opening up to using essential

oils in combination with more traditional treatments, and dōTERRA is on the forefront of helping to bring essential oils into the mainstream of healthcare.

The most commonly used essential oil is Lavender, with healing properties of calming, clear breathing, and headache relief. I have a personal story about Lavender, I worked at an exclusive spa, and one day I came into work with the worst sinus headache imaginable. My supervisor handed me a bottle of Lavender oil from France and said, “Dab this on your temples and sinus areas, it should help you.”

Within ten minutes my headache was almost non-existent! I was reminded of this when I first tried dōTERRA, at my interview with Pam, and experienced instant relief. I realized again just how effective a great essential oil can be!

Frankincense was brought to the manger for that special baby because it was a protector from disease, but it helps with just about everything in our body- the heart, the brain, inflammation, pain, and the immune system.

I have not only had the privilege to get to know a wonderful woman, but also to find a great product that I have been searching for – fast, effective, and healing, like I once encountered so long ago!

If you would like to learn more about dōTERRA essential oils or request a free oil sample, visit Pam's website at www.oilsforyou.com, call/ text her at 760-975-5252

37

Inspirational Women

Patricia Bustamante A NEW APPROACH TO HUMAN RESOURCES

By Judith A. Habert

W

HEN YOU MEET SOMEONE for the first time, it is often common to form first impressions about them which may not always be accurate. With Patricia Bustamante, my impression was right on target. Patricia is a consummate professional. She exudes confidence and experience, but more importantly, she is an extremely nice person.

This last fact is undoubtedly how she ended up as an atypical Human Resources professional. “I started working for a startup Tech company, and before too long the CEO informed me of an upcoming divestiture and the company would be needing its own Human Resources Department. He asked me if I would be willing to create and run this new department.” Patricia was honored that the CEO chose to put so much trust in her, but at the same time, she felt she was facing a dilemma.

38

In her past work experience, she realized that most people at the companies where she worked didn’t particularly like the members of the Human Resources department of their firms.

They feared them and rarely went to them when a problem existed. Patricia was not the type of person, and if she took the job heading the Human Resources Department, she did not want to be viewed as an obstacle among the other employees. “In no uncertain terms I told the CEO that I would be thrilled to take the job, but under one condition. I told him that I needed to put ‘me’ into the position. I needed to be there for the employees, to help them in any way I could. They needed to look at me as an ally and a partner.

I would create a friendly, people-centric and nurturing Human Resources department, where staff would be eager to share any concerns and allow me to be part of solving their problems and be part of their success.” The CEO agreed, and Patricia began her career as a Human Resources professional. “I am so glad he gave me that opportunity to discover my passion. If I can’t help people by what I am doing, I am not happy.”

The job went so well for Patricia that when the CEO left for a position at another firm six years later, he invited her to come along and she did. “I love what I do particularly my opportunities to interact with people. Setting up an HR department from the ground up was a great learning experience.” This experience allows Patricia to now work

independently as an HR Consultant helping companies successfully set up and maintain Human Resources departments in their organizations.

Born in the Philippines, Patricia’s family relocated to Hawaii when Patricia was 9. An outdoor enthusiast, she was in her element. She attended the University of Hawaii, during which time she did a test to determine what her future career should be. The top three professions were Human Resources, Medicine, or Law. She remained in Hawaii through college, but after graduating, she felt the need to explore and ended up in Newport Beach and eventually San Diego. Her move to California allowed her to build her skills in operations but soon discovered her passion in the Human Resources field when you joined a start-up tech company.

She has now spent thirteen years as a Human Resources Specialist, definitely proving that college career test correct. “It’s been a wonderful ride, 13 years in HR. For the last two years, Patricia has been an outside consultant.

“I’ve spent most of this time helping startups create fully functional HR departments.”

I had to ask if there was a part of her business she disliked. Immediately my mind went to how difficult it must be to fire someone from their position.

Although, Patricia admits it is hard to do she has always maintained relationships with those whom she had to release from employment,

Inspirational Women HOW TO BECOME A HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL

By Patricia Bustamante As with most of my interview subjects, I asked Patricia for three tips for anyone wanting to become a Human Resources Specialist.

1. Obtain an education in the field of Human Resources Management 2. Fully understand the company for which you choose to work.

As I did with my first position in HR, I started at the bottom and worked my way up. This puts you in a great position as an HR professional because it allows you to know the way every department works within your firm. Go to department team meetings and absorb all you can. Shadow different employees in different department to fully understand the different roles and how each contributes to the whole This will make you better at your job – in recruitment, in developing programs and processes, and in managing the needs of each department, each individual and the company as a whole

Photos by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

often coaching them through new job interviews, or working to help them improve their resume, so they would have a better chance of getting hired by another employer.

One factor that Patricia is keenly aware of is that in her position you need to become the example of how you want the employees to behave.

“You are under a microscope, so if you do things like gossip, the employees will take your lead and do the same.

You know you are constantly being watched, so you need to be an example.

If I make a mistake, I am human, and I own up to it, which is a good example for your employees to follow.”

What Patricia loves most about her job is getting to know the employees and learning how each is unique.

“One of my strengths, when I go into an organization, is that I spend a lot of time getting to know the employees.

It’s not just what they have going on at work, sometimes it is about what is going on at home. So, if you get to know them, and they open up to you, it is easier to try and help when you know what is truly behind their problems at work. In the end, It’s all about truly caring about your employee. When they realize that you care about them as a person, it builds trust, respect, and understanding. Doing this allows me to be a successful HR partner long-term and allows me to successfully align the HR initiatives to the organization’s goals and objectives while maintaining a great place for the employees.”

After spending time with Patricia, I can honestly say that my first impression was definitely correct. Besides being a consummate professional in everything she does and an asset to any firm that chooses to hire her, she is a really nice person.

For more information contact Patricia at http://linkedin.com/in/pbustamante http://www.hrextensionus.com/

3. To truly understand HR and be successful you need to have a desire to help other people. If you are all about your own success, you won't be good at the job. You have to care about the employees and work with them so they can do their job better and be successful.

39

Inspirational Women hen you meet Debbra Sweet, it is easy to see what a dynamic individual she is. When she speaks, people listen; not only due to her delivery and positive attitude but because she is right on target with what she has to say about what it takes to be a successful business person in today's economy.

Debbra was introduced to business early. Her father, an entrepreneur, bought his first bowling alley when she was just four. He ended up owning several bowling alleys throughout Wisconsin. As family businesses, there was no question that everyone in the household would contribute. "I got my first paycheck at the age of nine making $2.15 an hour. By the time I was 17, I was managing one of my father's businesses. Innovative for the time, I came up with creative ways to get more customers and make money. My dad approached me about buying one of the companies that year."

They could not see eye to eye on which one she should buy. She wanted the one in the city. He felt she should buy one in the smaller town. Debbra’s instinct was that she was meant to be on stage sharing her creative side through music. She chose college, knowing she would have her own businesses someday.

Just a week before high school graduation her life was impacted in a way she would never have imagined. "In a moment of time, I had a life-altering experience. I tried to move a brick wall with my head!"

Debbra loved riding her bicycle and one day competed in a bike marathon raising money for charity. At the end of the 52-mile event, she was riding to cool down and swerved to avoid a car coming up behind her. Instead of colliding with the car, the bike flipped out from under her. Flying over the handlebars of the bike she hit a solid brick wall, head first! The car drove on. Debbra

40

was by herself, knowing that something felt different, very different.

"Helmets weren't required at that time. I stood back up and fell down. I stood back up again and fell down. I got mad and then reached up to my head. I had a pear size welt on the top right side my head.

No blood, but it hurt. Out of

checked into the E.R., and then I blacked out. Later coming too, I was released from the hospital with a guarantee that I was fine, that there was no concussion or anything, but if something changed to call them. This was the beginning of a very long detour in my life.

I was functioning, but things were not the same."

Debbra Sweet

Photos by Marcy Browe/www.MarcyBrowe.com

W

AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL

By Judith A. Habert sheer will and determination, I got up, stayed up, got to my bike and then rode back to the event to tell the coordinators what happened and that I was going to the hospital."

“No one believed it was a serious incident. Even at the hospital, I had to convince them to admit me. Thankfully they eventually did. I was

She was unaware the accident shocked, locked and rocked the very foundation of her life plan. She was just 18.

Leaving her father’s business she attended college for a while with a major in Music Performance. Debbra’s musical talents include; singing, writing, singing, writing,and playing many instruments, with her

specialty being the Saxophone.

This was not an easy time for her, yet ever visionary and entrepreneurial, Debbra moved forward with her life moving to California to follow her deepest passion: music.

"Since the accident, I have had three seasons, periods, where I lost normal function and mobility. I couldn't talk, couldn't walk, or remember, and my internal organs started shutting down. In 1991 I was working in Mission Valley. I went to take a break, went into the ladies room. When I stood up, my back snapped. That was the beginning of one of the worst season of my life. I call it round 2.”

During this period, her life entailed visiting a wide variety of doctors. She wanted to know why she couldn't walk. They kept saying it was multiple sclerosis. Not one to sit quietly on the sidelines and let status quo be status quo, she dug deeper. After a year and a half of medical visits, not happy with their narrow focus of MS, she fired her doctors. "During this time I met my husband. He had some knowledge of Alternative Approaches to medicine.

He brought me a ton of books from the library, and I started my research."

Highly sensitive to drugs, Debbra needed a solution that did not require the use of medication. Trailblazing here, they started using alternative methods until they created a program that worked to improve her condition. Eventually reintegrating into ‘normal life,' yet without an understanding as to the cause of the health issue, they married and had two children. "My husband and I started a carpet cleaning business, and that was a pivotal time for us in our professional career. He did the jobs, and I handled the business end of things. We are both musicians, so we ran the business by day and continued playing music at night.”

Inspirational Women That company became the proving ground for how to do business better. Once again trailblazing, Debbra refused to let the business stagnate as most do after a while by seeking help from ‘experts.' Only, what they gave her was not helpful. She leveraged her natural aptitude towards marketing, promotion, sales, years of hands-on experience managing, and dug deep into learning how to effectively market. What she learned she applied daily in their company. The result: she helped scale up and later created the exit strategy to sell that first company after successfully running it for 14 years.

Ever entrepreneurial, she took what she did privately and made it public. "In 2002, l took my knowledge of marketing and passion for helping others and started ‘Sweet Marketing Solutions.' I've led this company by honing our talent for strategic thinking, marketing plan writing, development, and implementation. This year I'm pivoting the company again, and we're still running strong."

She says every business has influencers of results. In 2012 another health detour showed up. Debbra calls this round 3. “I lost all function and mobility, again. Up to this point, my doctors had still not figured out what the cause was of these episodes. This put a big damper on the timing of plans I had to build my business even further. Throughout my career I have always been an innovative thinker and ahead of the pack. This has led me to where I am today. I did the same with my health.”

After much research, varied approaches and not settling for status quo, Debbra finally found the answer to her recurring episodes of loss of mobility and bodily function. Debbra had sustained a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury when she hit that brick wall decades before.

It took a new type of doctor to help with her rehabilitation.

This was extensive rehabilita-

tion setting out to reprogram her brain. "When I first found these amazing doctors, and they told me of their treatment I was so relieved and happy to finally have an answer. What I wasn't happy about is they told me the treatment would take a year. They had to reprogram my brain, taking me back to day zero of infancy and moving up to present day." Not knowing at the time how severe her

ness growth for the long haul."

Her specialty is trailblazing with growth-minded businesses and entrepreneurs. Taking what she's lived through in business, infused with firsthand experience about how the brain learns, she helps you leverage the power of your thinking so you can short track your efforts & time it takes to attract, convert & retain more clients.

TBI was, it didn't take one year to accomplish this goal, it took five years.

Through all of her health issues, Debbra kept working at her business concepts. Knowing she was on to something, in spite of her physicals, she couldn't wait to share her approach to better train, educate and support companies who are out there struggling with overwork and overwhelm, lack work-life balance and have stagnation of growth from ‘status quo’ concepts.

"I have so much to give to entrepreneurs. I believe businesses deserve to stay in business and make moneybut the traditional ‘how' of achieving this isn't working. I had been extremely frustrated seeing businesses get stuck, get off track, and not grow as they should… all due to a lack of specialized knowledge that quickly bridges the gaps in growth. So, I innovated again.

During my rehab, I launched ‘Thrive Right Consulting.' This business helps you confidently master the stages of entrepreneurship and navigate busi-

“By innovating Entrepreneurial Education that is easy for you to learn, apply and do, I’m trailblazing a mission to build better education to build better entrepreneurs to build better businesses for the long haul. We need to change how business is done. It’s doable.

I’m doing it. I refuse to accept the grim statistics that are cited for entrepreneurs. There are gaps in business knowledge that make businesses close down too fast or not grow.

Those gaps can be avoided.”

Today Debbra walks her clients through the process every step of the way. She has online courses, seminars, and weekend business retreats.

She has one to one key man Goal Achievement Sessions with clients that create breakthrough outcomes for issues that arise in their businesses.

Surprisingly when asked about the horrors of her medical incidents, Debbra amazed me with the following, “The accident saved my life. Literally. It took me away from a path I was walking on which would not have ended up with a good

outcome. Instead, it led me to where I am today; with the knowledge of HOW the brain learns. I’m bringing that into business to make a profitable impact for those who want to learn.”

Today Debbra is a N.Y. Times Best Selling Author, Speaker, Trainer and a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury survivor.

She’s a multiprenuer, mom, wife and loves the outdoor life San Diego offers. Through her journey, she has been working to improve herself and businesses every single day. She continues to lead the pack by living what she teaches.

This is a woman with a penchant for business. Her vision is big, but she authentically cares for those who are the backbone of our country. “Women are currently the largest growing demographic for business ownership. I have always believed, and have voiced that the concept of my training will allow women to bust the myth of the six-figure mindset and step into the seven-figure lifestyle. Six figures is great, but it still creates too many challenges personally and professionally. My upcoming business leadership conference, “Dare To Be D.I.N.O!” delivers powerful, practical and transformational insights that you can apply right away to Raise the Bar in Body, Mind & Business. For those who register to attend, we’re going to start your training even before the event.”

When you are ready to move forward with innovating your business to achieve the time and money freedom you desire, visit her site at www. debbrasweet.com and be sure to attend her Dare To Be D.I.N.O! Business Leadership Conference which runs October 19-21, 2018 at the Springhill Suites by Marriott in Oceanside CA. (www.daretobedino.com) For more information contact Debbra Sweet “The Trailblazing Entrepreneur” 760-542-8817

41

Inspirational Women

Achieving Success with Erica Nitti Becker

By Judith A. Habert

Photos by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

W

HEN YOU EXPERIENCE a near-death experience, life changes forever more. Suddenly a new understanding of how precious life is, and how fleeting it can be, develops and the need to make your time here as fruitful as possible blossoms. For Erica Nitti Becker this experience was one that molded who she was to become and what her goals would be.

At the age of 13, Erica was in a horrific car accident in Seattle and had to be airlifted to Harborview Trauma Center, however before arriving she was pronounced dead in flight.

“Miraculously, I pulled through, after I had been pronounced, and slipped into a comma. When I awoke a few days later, I vividly remembered everything that had happened in that helicopter. After I came out of the comma, I immediately went into surgery. My parents and I were told I would never live an athletic lifestyle, or worse, never walk again. I should also expect to have lifelong problems with learning disabilities-due to the brain trauma.”

42

That hospital had no idea with whom they were dealing. Erica is a fighter, a hard worker and a positive individual who was not ok with their diagnosis. The local newspaper referred to her as the “Miracle Child,” being discharged just one week later. “Having a near-death experience changed me.

From the moment I woke up everything was different, I knew I was here for a reason, a purpose, and I had a strong

with over 3,000 clients including some very notable Celebrity figures. Erica was no stranger to how crucial it was to know yourself and use your talents to improve your life.

“I am a success coach. I know that there are so many different ideas about what that means. What I help people do at the end of the day is to thrive in life, to be consistent, stay on track, and live a life by choice, on their terms.”

desire to do everything. I was just so gung-ho on life.”

Erica would go on to pushing her physical and mental limits through adventure races and marathons. It was a hunger for her to prove her body and mind were not going to fail, and to beat the odds.

Erica later found her way to San Diego.”It was at this point that I discovered my true calling in life, and began to study personal development” Erica’s father was a Master Coach who worked

The concept may sound simple, but I couldn’t help but ask Erica how she does that, because as we all know, this is not as easy as it sounds.

“Getting people to stay on track is difficult. Through coaching sessions with my clients, I listen to what they are trying to achieve, whether in their business or personal life. I have the ability to pick up on things as we talk. I am listening to what they are not saying, their language patterns, word choices, and tonality. It all means something.

I become a mirror for them. I am there as this non-biased, non-judgmental person for them to talk with, and I ask very directed and mindful questions.” Erica’s clients often stay with her for years.

Having become certified through The International Coaching Federation as well as having gone through Tony Robbin’s advanced coach training, Erica also holds additional leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and NLP certifications. She has completed over 8000 one on one coaching hours. Erica sees things that her clients can’t and sometimes won’t see for themselves. This frequently results in them having breakthroughs that they would never have had.

So, who are Erica’s clients?

“Corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and people building their side hustles.

People come to me for business and personal coaching, one always leads to the other.

For example, The CEO wants to make better decisions, have a stronger presence with their teams. At the same time, they are working on their personal relationships, their exit strategy, their health, or the life goal they gave up on ten years ago.

Ultimately I work with anyone who wants more in their life, who knows that they are not playing as big as they could be. That in order to get to the next level it means they must break through their perceived

Inspirational Women fears. The closer you get to the top, fear creeps in where you would never expect. Ego is involved more than ever.”

Often Erica’s job includes a combination of hand-holding mixed with tough love throughout the process. “I have to tell them the truth, the truth of who they are capable of becoming and what fears are holding them back.

It can be very hard at times”.

“What generally brings clients to me is that they believe they have a problem that is keeping them from living their best life, and they need help working their way through it. People come in and think it will be a year before they solve their problems, whether it is in their business or their relationship.

Often within the first 3-4 sessions we can identify what’s really holding them back and will quickly have a plan in place for them. Most people want answers right away, but it is a process. Sometimes the biggest obstacle they face is lack of patience.”

We spoke of a few of her clients, no names of course. “I had one client who came because her husband moved out and she had children at home.

Her reason for considering coaching was to gain clarity and decide if she wanted to stay in the relationship, and also to start her own business.

She realized that she couldn’t change the other person and that she could only work on making herself the best person she could be. Her confidence increased almost immediately and starting her own business became clear for her. After three sessions her husband called and said.

‘What are you doing with her.

She has completely turned around.’ He was so surprised

at her progress that he asked if he could become a client.”

Erica finds that people will turn to coaching because they want something fixed or they feel stuck. “Clients will say ‘here is what I want, I know what I should be doing but I’m not doing it, now fix me.” The most common question Erica gets is “why am I not doing what I know I should be doing.” In order for Erica to take on new clients, she has to know that they must be coachable. “They must be open to the process, to doing the work, to hearing the truth and be ok with being uncomfortable. One client I’ve had was trying many different healing methods and had been on many medications. As we started talking, I realized she was ready for coaching. She was willing to do the work. Pain is often involved because you sometimes have to be able to break down before you break through. She had lost her son in a custody battle and wanted a career in music, but wasn’t finding one. I worked with her for two years. In the first 4-6 months, she gained a different awareness. She realized that she had a victim’s mentality and the way she perceived things were part of the problem. When she recognized this, she started to heal. She became an athletic instructor, started modeling, and began a new relationship with her son.

She also accomplished one of her lifelong goals; she published her first song. I don’t only help my clients through tough times; my clients often inspire me with the inroads they make. If you as a client are not willing to do the work I can’t help you. I truly believe everything is possible and

if you set your mind to it, I believe you can do anything.”

Another client who Erica coaches primarily on Leadership and communications, directly related an increase of 10 million dollars to the changes her team was making.

“I had spent the first 20 years of my life all about me, living it to the fullest, being fearless, adventure seeking. For the next 20 years, I implemented everything into creating my own success and learning everything I could by surrounding myself with experts. Now, I feel it is time to give back. To share, to give, to contribute. I believe that’s the evolution of life. If I don’t give back, how selfish of me.

What was it all for? ”

Erica’s positivity and determination in life are contagious, and during our interview, I felt lifted into a place of positivity.

It is easy to tell that Erica loves what she does and has plans shortly to write a book and will be teaming up with her Dad to provide events and products in which she can share her knowledge, inspire, empower, and reach more people.

For the time being, tune into Erica’s podcast “Real Raw Truth,” where she tackles the type of problems and issues she views every day with clients. Look for “Real Raw Truth” on iTunes or her website https://ericanittibecker.com

SEYTÚ is part of my beauty...

My family extends to Omnilife~Vitamins and Supplements and to SEYTÚ Cosmetics. SEYTÚ Cosmetics are created with fine natural herbs and are at least 90% organic.

I am a grateful Independent Distributor for Omnilife International with 10+yrs. experience.

To place an order and have the privilege to be part of my beauty extended family, please text me, Maggie @ (760)-695-2525

43

Atkins Nursery

"ENJOYING FRUIT AT THEIR PRIME TIME." Feature and Photos by Maggie Ramos When we go grocery shopping, by nature, we often take the time to find the perfectly shaped oranges, avocados, apples, pears, etc., but is the appearance of the fruit the most important element? In reality, the external look of the fruit may not be the best indication for selection. Often when we get home and slice open the perfectly shaped fruit, we are filled with disappointment since it doesn't taste as good as it looks.

On the other hand, what do you think about having a healthy, juicy, and sweet piece of fruit not only produced in a healthier manner but also picked at a prime time? This is the essential ingredient which determines selecting the best produce available. Don’t you want to enjoy a great piece of fruit without being disappointed?

Well farmers markets not only offer fresh produce, but they are also locally grown; which means the transit distance and time to get the fruit to your table is shortened. Therefore, when we cut open our fruits on our tables, we can happily be satisfied after enjoying a fruit picked at its prime time.

Because farmers markets farmers are local, we also have the opportunity to purchase directly from some growing grounds at a wholesale price. Perhaps you want to grow your own fruit on your own tree in your own backyard? Well, Atkins can help you select and care for your own fruit trees.

The best farm that I have come across is Atkins Nursery; which is located in the North County area of San Diego in the outskirts of Fallbrook Ca. I have to admit Atkins became one of my favorite growing grounds to purchase from, because they carry over 400 variety of trees that you can purchase and grow your own fresh fruits on your own property. They also have a large selection of fresh herbs that can be enjoyed directly from your own home garden.

Atkins is one of the few growing grounds, which carries a variety of rare or hard to find fruits. For example, exotic tropical fruits, including passion fruit, chirimoyas, guavas, pitayas, dragon fruit, mangos, jujube apples, papaya, pomegranates, and the list goes on.

Atkins has been in business for over 55 years; therefore, you will find expertise from experienced growers, they are especially good when it comes to avocado and other fruit trees.

Fresh healthier eating's is reflected in our general wellbeing and can be seen in the glow of our skin and enhanced energy and stamina from eating a healthy diet which is not full of manufactured food, but natural food, grown locally.

Victor Gonzalez is the owner and CEO of Atkins Nursery and a Master Grower. He can best direct you when it comes to growing or experiencing great fresh fruits. You can visit his growing grounds at 3129 Reche Rd. Fallbrook Ca. 92028. Tel~(760) 801-3605 cell Office (760) 723-1610

44

Fabulous Finds 1

2 1. BUBS Naturals CHANGE YOUR DIET, CHANGE YOUR LIFE In Southern California, fitness is a way of life. When you go to grab a latte, you have the option of customizing it to be sugar-free, dairy-free, or organic. When you go out to eat, you can get your burger made “protein style,” devoid of that pesky carbohydrate-filled bun, or go for a “skinny” entrée; a calorie-reduced amalgamation of what was your meal.

These changes in your diet are definitely a great decision, but it is consistency in any nutritional plan that makes for lifelong results.

BUBS Naturals is a supplement company dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. It began as a way to pay tribute to business owner Sean Lake’s Navy SEAL friend, Glen “Bubs” Doherty. “Bubs,” a local Encinitas resident, was named the Union-Tribune “Person of the Year” for his bravery in the Benghazi, Libya terror attacks.

As a way to honor Doherty’s memory, Sean started the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation alongside Doherty’s family. This foundation has the mission of helping Special Ops soldiers transition to civilian life through educational scholarships and recreational opportunities.

10% off all sales are going DIRECTLY to this organization.

Doherty lived a life dedicated to this country and health and wellness, so it is no surprise that this company has those aspects as its cornerstones.

“Bubs talked about proper nutrition as the best compliment to hard work.

We had mason jars of pre-workout powders, various proteins, post-workout supplements, hydration powder, and of course...metamucil®...because as he’d say ‘you just can’t get enough fiber.’ To say the BUBS brand is inspired by him is only part of the story. This is a tribute to Bubs and a way of life. It is a life of constant evolution and self-improvement where you work hard and play harder.”

BUBS Natural Collagen Protein is the miraculous result of honoring Bubs and our bodies. As described on the company’s website, Bubsnaturals.com; “Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. But naturally, with age, the body’s production of collagen slows down. Collagen’s essential benefit is promoting health and healing from the inside out. Scientifically speaking, the amino acid glycine found in collagen supports metabolic functions.

The proteins and amino acids in BUBS’ collagen help strengthen skin, promote increased elasticity, and benefit smoothness while supporting healthy hair and nails. Studies show that collagen is critical to the support and reconstruction of joints (cartilage / synovial fluids) and is indispensable if used as a recovery tool in regenerating muscles after exercise.”

This keto-friendly, NON-GMO, USA produced protein powder is our favorite new supplement. It’s unflavored, so

here at SDWM, we love the fact that we can put it in LITERALLY anything. From coffee, to orange juice, to acai bowls, putting this collagen protein in your day is easier than you think. It’s all natural ingredients and 18g of protein per serving, paired with Hydrolyzed, Grass Fed & Pasture Raised Peptides, make this protein in a class of its own.

Visit www.bubsnaturals.com to shop now!

2. HSI Groove Master Kit I have read countless advertisements for hair products which claim that they will do away for your need for a trip to the Salon. Well in the case of HSI Groove Master Kit, it is the honest truth. Well, unless you want a haircut. For that you still will need the Salon, but for getting that perfect hairstyle for any special occasion, or just that special night out, who needs a professional?

There are so many good points to this new product that I don’t know where to begin. First of all, you can create whatever type of curls you desire with a simple click to change the curling barrel. You can go from corkscrew curls to loose beachy waves in minutes. You are no longer limited by the one barrel at the end of your curling iron because HSI Groove Master has ten interchangeable barrels in just one curling iron.

In a hurry? The HSI Groove Master Kit heats up in just 60 seconds. That’s not

45

Fabulous Finds

3 all, the people at HSI have also included a heat-resistant glove to protect users from accidentally burned fingers.

One of the main reasons we continue going back to the salon for that perfect hairstyle is that we can’t get to those hard to reach spots, so we always manage to have one side of our hair looking good, while the other is obviously lacking. This outstanding product solves this problem with a 360-degree swivel cord which makes it easy to curl even those tough to reach locks.

HSI Professional is a long time manufacturer of quality curling irons, flat irons and hair dryers which are loved by pros and novices alike. There was no detail left out in the creation of this marvelous hair salon in a box. They even provided a carrying case so you could take it with you on trips or to your office, so you are always ready for that impromptu happy hour or last-minute business function.

We put it to the test with the ladies of San Diego Woman Magazine, and in less than twenty minutes we were all party ready. Go online today and order your HSI Grove Master Kit and be the envy of your next event.

For more information visit https:// www.hsiprofessional.com/.

3. Tranquilo Soothing Mat When a product hits the market, there is often the question of where

46

4 it originated and how? At San Diego Woman, this is often an important bit of info we like to know before we decide to test out a product and feature it in our Magazine.

Featuring the Tranquilo Soothing Mat was a no-brainer. First off, with a new granddaughter, I totally understood sleep deprivation as I often do overnights to give her working mom, my daughter, a reprieve. Since it has been decades since my children were this small, I forgot how important getting the little one to sleep is, and sometimes how difficult it can be. This was until I did a product test on the Tranquilo Soothing Mat. When I learned that the creators and team behind this product were a Maternity Nurse, Seasoned Mom, and a Loving aunt, I knew the product came out of love and need. So I gave it a try.

I wanted to give a great big hug to the creators. The fussing stopped, sleep came quickly, and this tired Grandma enjoyed the sight of a happy sleeping little angel. So, what is the Tranquilo Mat and how do you get one?

The Tranquilo Soothing Mat helps babies to sleep by mimicking the sounds and motions of a mother’s womb using vibrations and white noise. It helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. How does it accomplish this?

It has four levels of vibration and two heartbeat settings. The Mat has a remov-

able and washable 100% cotton cover, is CPSIA safety tested, has no weight limit, has a water-resistant interior and can run continuously or can be set to shut off after 60 minutes. The Mat comes in two sizes, large which is great for the crib or bassinet and a smaller one great for on the go use in car seats or visits to grandparents homes. The Tranquilo Soothing Mat is best for ages 0-6 months.

If a happy infant is what you desire and a good night’s sleep is what you crave, pick up a Tranquilo Soothing Mat today.

Visit https://www.tranquilomat.com/

4. Romp and Roost Leave it to a Mom to come up with a product that was lacking in the market.

Owner and Creator of Romp and Roost, Ashley Whitman, did just that. As an entrepreneur and mom, Ashley knew what it was that she needed to make life easier for her and her children. She searched for it, but it didn’t exist, so she did what any entrepreneur in a similar position would do, she created it.

Romp and Roost is a large playpen for one or two children. It includes a divider which can be inserted when using the playpen for two infants or toddlers, when the divider is left out it provides a large safe area for a single child to sleep, play, or even safely learn to walk. When two infants or toddlers utilize it, one

Fabulous Finds 6

5 can be playing while the other can be sleeping, and you can rest assured both children will be safe and happy. This product is a lifesaver to the parents of twins who no longer have to carry two pack and plays or bassinets with them when they travel.

Our Moms gave it a whirl and were thrilled with it. They used it during a staff meeting when two of our staff were invited to bring in their children to our weekly meeting. With a two-year-old and an eleven-month-old occupying the Romp and Roost, we were actually able to get through a meeting undisturbed.

I watched amazed at how well it worked. The infant was enthralled with what the two-year-old was up to and just sat watching quietly and happily, and when the toddler got wind of her attentive admirer, she did even more to entertain her audience. All I can say, and the moms agreed, what a great invention! Go to http://www.rompandroost.com/ for more information, to purchase it directly, or to find stores near you where you can pick up a romp and roost of your own.

5. The Chocolate Pizza Company It started as a dream of a 15-year-old who was mopping floors in a small town chocolate shop. He knew that one day he would own this shop and build it into a national brand. At the age of 21, the

dream of owning this business became a reality. Today Ryan Novak has turned this small chocolate shop into a national brand. After trying their products, it is not hard to understand why.

Currently, Chocolate Pizza® is so in demand that it has been ordered by Chocolate Lovers on six continents. Their Chocolate Pizza®, their signature item, has so many varieties it is a challenge to pick which one you want. The chocolate is decadent, rich milk chocolate or dark chocolate with homemade English toffee from a recipe dating back to 1919, ground and mixed in.. The mixture is then poured into real pizza pans, topped by hand with your choice of toppings, and served in a custom pizza box. Let me tell you, this item will make you forget that calorie counting, trust me it is worth it.

To my surprise, they also provided me with a sample of their Peanut Butter Wings® If your mouth is not watering now, just wait until you hear about this creation. Imagine crisp, rippled potato chips covered in creamy peanut butter and drenched in your choice of rich milk or dark chocolate. The salty-sweet combination in every bite is a taste masterpiece so distinctive it has been granted a federal trademark. Their Peanut Butter Wings® are to die for as is every product they create.

Besides making these amazing taste sensations The Chocolate Pizza Compa-

ny®, will custom make items and even provide favors for your wedding or special occasion.

All I can say is thank you, Ryan, for making chocolate lover’s dreams come true.

To order go to https://www.chocolatepizza.com/about-us/.

6. Swell Coffee At San Diego Woman Magazine, we enjoy nothing more than to review local companies that love being in San Diego.

This definitely describes Swell Coffee.

Swell was founded by John Vallas in 2011. Vallas is passionate about creating a coffee that is roasted to its most flavorful moment. Their coffee is roasted fresh, bagged, and shipped that same day to arrive fresh for your enjoyment.

The result is amazing specialty roasted coffees which are unique in flavor and quality. Once you try Swell, you will never want to have another brand of coffee. The topper is that you don’t have to stand on long lines to get your favorite cup of coffee anymore. It will come to your door, so you can get out of bed and have that taste you crave without getting out of your pjs.

Swell is a San Diego specialty coffee roaster that believes in the value of single origin. They search the globe to find the most amazing coffees that they can responsibly source. Swell was born

47

Fabulous Finds 7 8 9 from a passion to live life to its fullest - friends, family, surf, good health, and great coffee. They continuously explore the globe to discover new flavors while keeping their feet in the sand in sunny San Diego, California.

Swell is a coffee subscription service which guarantees you will never find yourself without great coffee on hand.

The subscription can be adjusted to meet your individual coffee drinking needs and preferences. As Swell Coffee notes, “Running out of Coffee is never Swell.” To find out more, and start experiencing this outstanding product in your own home, go to: https://swellcoffeeco.com/

7. KRUPS Savoy 2 XL Thermobrew Coffee Maker In recent years Coffee has become a new art form and no one has done it better than KRUPS with the release of their latest the KRUPS Savoy 2XL Thermobrew Coffee Maker.

All coffee enthusiast know that the brewing temperature plays a huge part in the final flavor of the coffee, KRUPS uses a Thermobrew technology that maintains temperature for optimal extraction.

In addition, the oversized showerhead evenly wets grounds for a smooth even brew while the Flavormix Tube retains heat and balance of the coffee flavor which can be adjusted to coincide

48

with the exact way you like your coffee, regular or bold.

This coffee maker even allows you multiple programming, so you can set it for one leisurely time on weekends and another when you have to rush out the door to get to work.

This brand new coffee maker, just launched in April of this year also has a 14 cup capacity which means you won’t have to be running back and forth to the coffee maker to stick in another pod. At San Diego Woman Magazine, we were all thrilled with it at our weekly staff meeting when there was no waiting around to make your own individual cup of coffee.

So, when you get right down to it what does all of this technical coffee jargon mean? A delicious, flavorful cup of coffee possible in your own home without waiting on lines for your morning brew.

Visit https://www.krupsusa.com/ to order a KRUPS online or to locate a store near you that carries this amazing machine.

8. BUMP IT OFF Leave it to a single mom of two, otherwise known as the Goddess of Gadgets, to come up with this unique and versatile product. Who would have thought that one item could be used for everything from brushing

your pets to using it on yourself in the shower?

BUMP IT OFF is a reusable silicone sleeve that fits on your hand in multiple positions, enabling you to concentrate scrubbing power in the palm of your hand or on your fingertips.

Since BUMP IT OFF is made from 100% silicone it is non-toxic and dishwasher friendly if placed on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Unlike your traditional sponge BUMP IT OFF is antibacterial and will not absorb odors, so it will always be clean and ready for the next task at hand.

With so many varied uses pick up one for each room of the house.

Go to http://www.goddessofgadgets. com/

9. Fresh Patch It’s been about six months since I adopted my adorable French Bulldog, Miss Mocha. She has brought an insane amount of joy into the lives of my boyfriend and me. Along with that joy, however, is a new normal. This normal includes bringing her everywhere (due to some unexpected anxiety issues) and puppy-proofing everything Miss Mocha would come in contact with in her environment.

Puppies bring along with them a certain ability to make everything smell like… well… puppy. Keeping a growing

Fabulous Finds 11

10

dog inside a studio-sized apartment while two people work full-time jobs leaves the inevitable to occur. Bathroom messes were a problem we faced early on. We invested in jumbo-sized pee pads that left our room smelling like a public park. Our fur child also had a propensity to find them very entertaining and tore up as many as we put down.

After so many frustrations with training our adorable bulldog, we searched for a solution. Insert here our knight in shining armor, FRESH PATCH. FRESH PATCH is a revolutionary service that sends large cuts of grass in a sturdy cardboard box straight to your door on a weekly or monthly basis. These grass patches are fresh, lush, and green. For someone like me who faces not only time challenges with giving walks to my pup, but also the outdoor space to do so, FRESH PATCH was a godsend. Miss Mocha took to the patches, so naturally, it was as though she trained herself.

We placed the patch on our balcony, and at first, she would sniff it, walk over it, and come back in. Then, we started using training techniques to show her this was her new bathroom. By the time another patch found its way to our door, Miss Mocha was loving having her own personal potty right outside. She was actually waking me up in the middle of the night to go on our balcony rather than use a pee pad we apprehensively kept

around. Within about two months, she completely transitioned to the outdoor patches, and these grass squares being so fresh, we’ve been able to keep them for longer than I even thought.

For anyone looking to give their pet the joy of the outdoors, I fully recommend FRESH PATCH Order some and make your Pet happy.

Go to https://www.freshpatch.com/

10. DONA BELA SHREDS They say that everything has already been done, then there are DONA BELA SHREDS. DONA BELA SHREDS is a fashion accessory line that upcycles textile remnants & designs them into unique, one-of-a-kind creations.

DONA BELA SHREDS are created for the fashion-forward, eco-conscious woman. The creators have found a way to use fabric scraps that often ended up in landfills to create beautiful neck, wrist, and headwear. They are unique looking and will definitely have heads turning. The color palettes used are bold and eye-catching. There are a variety of styles, and each piece is a one of a kind creation. Not only are DONA BELA SHREDS changing the way we look at neckwear, but they are a company that shows their charitable side donating $1 from every piece of neckwear sold.

To order your own Dona Bela Shreds go to https://www.donabelashreds.com/.

11. PodPockets If you are the lucky owners of one of the most popular Apple products, the Apple AirPods you will be relieved to know that you can protect your investment.

The PodPocket Airpods Case has won rave reviews from users and sellers alike. It is the most reviewed case on Amazon.

The PodPockets AirPods Case is molded from high-grade silicone making sure that your AirPods have a secure fit and won’t slip out of the case. It comes with a premium key ring and clasp so that it can be attached to a bag or keychain. Don’t take a chance that your AirPods may be stolen if you turn your back for a moment. By having them attached to your bag or keyring, you can be certain that they are safe and within reach at all times.

The easy access along the bottom allows you to charge your AirPods without having to remove them from the case, and the safety it provides. This keeps them secure at all times. This company is so sure that you will be thrilled with this product that they provide a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

At San Diego Woman our editors who own the Apple AirPods and tested the PodPocket agreed with the rave reviews.

They loved them and wouldn’t give them up for anything. Visit https://podpockets.com/ to order your PodPocket today!

49

Fabulous Finds

12

12. Ohbases The home page of their website says it best,”OhBases makes effective, unpretentious products for the betterment of Mom & Baby.”

But there is more to Ohbases than just that. Their products are wonderful, and you know when you use them that all of the ingredients are safe, not only for you but for your most precious cargo…your baby.

As a new Grandma, I was happy to be able to sample products from such a fine company that truly cares about their customers. Ohbases search for ingredients from plants which have been farmed organically and are of the highest quality. These ingredients are chosen for their therapeutic value and practical everyday application.

OhBases Little Face Cream is a product I love and felt confident massaging a little on my granddaughter’s precious little face. It is a gentle, all-natural moisturizer made with all-natural ingredients that keeps your baby's facial skin soft and smooth. Is there anything more soft than a newborn babies skin. This product helps to keep it that way. It is made with soothing Calendula and flower extracts, OhBases Little Face Cream only has natural ingredients to enrich and care for the skin on your baby’s face. I could see a difference when using this

50

cream to help protect her delicate skin against dryness and chapping.

Let’s not forget mommy or grandma.

I particularly liked their product Bee My Magic Pot, which transform your skin to a younger naturally healthy and radiant glow! OhBases blends raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis to make an amazing nourishing moisturizer that can minimize fine lines and wrinkles... and who doesn’t want to ward off those wrinkles.

These are just two of there great products. So far I have not found one that I did not like. Oh and let’s not forget the thoughtful applicator that comes with these items, no messy hands or nails after using it. Try some for yourself and your little one. You will be thrilled with the results.

Get some for yourself at https://www. ohbases.com.

13. Ecuadane This is probably one of the most beautiful blankets you will ever own.

Calling it a blanket does a disservice to the product, it is actually a work of art.

Ecuadane’s unique hand-woven blankets are crafted by artisans in Ecuador and procured by three sisters who set out on a journey to share their culture with the world. The name Ecuadane is a combination of Ecuador and Denmark. The

13

three young founders chose the name to honor the countries where their parents were born. Their family traveled often, and the girls decided that needed to introduce others to the hidden treasures of little-known places around the globe.

They even managed to take it a step further and donate a portion of the proceeds to orphanages in Ecuador.

These beautiful blankets are versatile and can be packed in a travel bag or in your car to be used for all your travel needs. Made of a high-quality blend of alpaca and synthetic materials, Ecuadane’s blankets are lightweight, breathable and durable and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. They’re also machine washable and don’t itch!

The blankets are made in Otavalo, Ecuador by a family who has been doing so for generations. The art and design of which will continue to be passed on for generations to come. Own one of these artisan creations and know that it will start a conversation with anyone who sees it, for its unique look and feel.

Support Ecuadane in their quest to share the beauty of the world with as many people as they can, and by doing so, they will help preserve these cultures one blanket at a time.

To order your Ecuadane Artisan Blanket go to https://www.ecuadane. com/.

W E LCO M E TO T H E P I N K PA G E S Operational Accounting JENNIFER BARNES Pro Back Office

FEMALE FOCUSED CARDIOLOGISTS North Coast Cardiology Dr. Katherine Ludington and Dr Pargol Samani are thrilled to announce the expansion of their successful comprehensive heart and vascular care program into North County. North Coast Cardiology has provided caring, thorough and woman-focused heart health to the Encinitas community for 10 years. Now, a new office in Oceanside makes it more convenient for patients to choose from either location. Dr. Ludington graduated from Stanford University and has a special interest in women’s heart disease. Dr. Samani trained at UCLA and her focus is preventative cardiology for men and women. Please call our office at (760) 753-0220 to make an appointment or visit www.NorthCoastCardiology.com for information about our offices and caring staff.

As your business grows, Pro Back Office will surround you with the talent and expertise needed to track revenue, expenses and profitability as well as maintaining the appropriate levels of governance, risk, and compliance.

Whether you need day to day transactional accounting or a seasoned CFO or consultant for your strategic initiatives, Pro Back Office will exceed your expectations. We are hourly, onsite, or remote, P/T fractional resources from the CFO to the Staff Accountant. We can be your entire department, or we can fill the gaps. Our Team Is Your Team.

Office:858-622-1681 Jenniferb@probackoffice.com https://www.facebook.com/ProBackOffice https://twitter.com/ProBackOffice https://www.linkedin.com/company/3599313/?trk=tya h&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2Cidx%3A11-1%2CtarId%3A1430502859749%2Ctas%3Apro%20 back%20office https://www.instagram.com/probackofficephoenix/?hl=en https://www.yelp.com/biz/pro-back-office-san-diego

Do You Want To Be A Writer For San Diego Woman Magazine?

San Diego Writing Academy in Conjunction with San Diego Woman Magazine is offering a 6 week online course for Magazine Writing. Upon Successful Completion you will obtain an internship as a writer and finally see your name in print.

Start your career today and become a part of San Diego Woman Magazine!

Contact info@sdwomanmagazine.com for more information or call 888 275 7125

51

He Said

She Said Robert Tussey

Change is difficult, seemingly impossible. From racial bias to gender bias to age bias, across the board society has a mandate for change that is rarely met with open arms. Whether we like it or not people don’t enjoy altering their perceptions and beliefs. It takes generations for real change despite legislation and good intentions. That said, altering ‘societal norms’ is necessary for the progression and growth in a forwardthinking world. Join the crowd or sit on the sidelines, either way, it’s going to happen.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about discrimination against men. Articles and blogs and vlogs all speaking about men being marginalized and many men taking umbrage at the fact we are being pushed into the corner of the conversation on equality. One man is suing a women’s group [Here in San Diego] for not including men in one of their events – a girl’s night out dancing.

For generations, women have wanted to join men-only clubs, gyms, organizations, Boy Scouts (Boy Scouts will now be called Scouts as the young ladies join the ranks), the military, corporate boardrooms and such, and it has taken its toll on the larger issue of gender equality. And, men are fighting back with the same argument. Why not?

On the one hand, if women want equality on all issues, then we have to extend men the same courtesy (look, I know that for years men ran the world – I don’t disagree with that point). Some women are arguing for this lawsuit. On the other hand – why? Some say the natural flow of this change will include men. I don’t see it that way. I have watched, for decades, this battle for what’s right against what’s wrong. From the feminism of the sixties to the neo-feminism of today, the battle call is the same, me first. I have always been on the side of equal pay and equal treatment. My ten years of articles in this magazine support that. But I am also seeing the trend of marginalization of men as a means to achieve equality for women. Men, for centuries, have had it their way. But, not all men were the bad guys. It truly is time for an aggressive change for women. But do not leave the good and true men out of the equation. I have said many times over the years that a partner in change is far more effective than leaving your advocates at the altar.

If total equality is the goal then shouldn’t we leave the seats up and the doors unopened? You get the picture. If we can agree that we are all in this together, then we better make this work for all. Our world is moving faster than at any time in history, and we all need to be on the right track making the necessary changes to build a foundation of equality and equanimity. Anything less will drag us all down in an age where too few have too much power.

52

Judith A. Habert

I am truly an advocate of equal rights between the sexes. I am not in favor of litigious individuals looking for a way to make a buck, while they attempt to make you believe they are doing it for the good of our country. For decades women have suffered the lower pay for doing the same job, and to date, in 2018 they are still being penalized for not having a penis.

Now some greedy men are saying, wait being at the head of the herd for centuries just isn’t enough. We need to crash an innocent “Girls Night Out,” to make a point. But, what point are they making? That their life would not be complete if they don’t ruin an event for women. One where women can let down their hair and not care about their makeup being perfect or wearing that dreaded pair of spanks. Do men not realize how much work most women put into looking perfect around men. Do men not realize that many of the hoops we jump through are for them to think positively about us? Once in a while, a woman or women’s group will give other women a break. Hey, let’s enjoy a night out when all we think about is having fun, not how we look or what the men in the room will be saying about us.

There are still so many areas in which women are not allowed to participate. Read the cover story, and maybe it will hit home that in 149 years there has never been a female major league baseball player. How many women are down at Petco Park with picket signs and filing lawsuits?

No one denies the fact that business has been a bastion of male society for years. So why do men have a problem when women organize and attend seminars and other functions to help them gain knowledge of the business world. It was noted in the 70’s that lower-income youths needed some help in being able to attend college, so they could compete with those who were better off economically. These wealthier students most likely received a better education during grades k-12. I don’t recall stories about well-off high schoolers objecting or suing those who were given opportunities to better themselves and their station in life? No, they welcomed the new competition and believed, in the long run, it would be better for our country. Why can’t men feel the same way about these women-only networking events, unless they are afraid of having to compete with women? Maybe the fact that more women are opening businesses today than men does give them a reason to fear allowing women to get up to speed in the business arena.

I guess we will have to start banning man caves too pretty soon, and maybe all dressing rooms at spas or gyms now have to be open to both men and women since wouldn’t we be discriminating calling an area the Women’s Locker Room and not allowing men to enter?

Restrooms would have to come under fire as well. No more men’s or women’s restroom since that is discriminating telling a man he can’t go in a women’s restroom. Do we realize how out of control this concept can become?

If men have chambers of commerce with men’s groups and women have networking events that are women focused, why is there such an issue? I truly would understand and agree if a service was only available to women and not men, but there are many men’s organizations out there that provide the same service as women’s groups. So what makes it so necessary for these men to join in on the women organized and run events.

At San Diego Woman Magazine, we have male writers and contributors, we provide topics that may be of interest to both men and women, and as you are reading, we run a He Said/She Said column allowing both the male and female opinion to be voiced. Should we be forced to change the name of our publication to appease a group of men who find it distasteful? At San Diego Women all men are welcome to attend any of our events or functions, but rarely are they busting down the doors to attend. Why is this? Because I do believe both genders need time to bond with their own gender. Not everything has to be a group activity.

The Girls Night Out event was not the only recent lawsuit. It seems a local law firm has been specializing in these sort of cases, with positive outcomes. I do understand the need to speak up when you feel you are being discriminated against, but how about suing for $1 if you are only doing so to prove a point or champion a cause?

W H A T

I

R E A L L Y

W A N T

I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Success-How Do We Measure It?

By Debbie Storms

D

REAMS, WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF? Grandiosity, riches, mansions, and finding your prince charming? Well, we all are not Meagan Markle, right? So do we just want more possessions and are those true measurements of success?

Is the desire for more, what is blinding us from what we already have--and should already be grateful for. Counting your blessing will change your life. An attitude of gratitude is a choice for today.

Don’t wait for your happiness to come tomorrow, celebrate this day.

I say, roll out your own red carpet!

Follow your path with an open heart because it will lead you to feelings of extreme gratitude. Bringing goodness into your life will keep you in harmony with yourself. If you can make the best of how things turn out then you are on your way to having a successful life.

The key to really living for yourself is learning how to grasp the awareness that you are enough. This begins with you; your happiness is an inside job. Success is not bestowed upon us by others.

Instead, we feel it from within. The great Maya Angelou’s take on success was,

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Your personal core values define who you are.

People who consistently maintain a sense of gratitude report a number of personal benefits: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The measures of success that go beyond money and power have been told to be our gratefulness for; well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving. We have all been given so much that we take for granted. With our use of things such as wonder and giving, we ought to be as generous as possible.

We should be measuring the heart and soul of humanity, rather than weighing the material items in our lives. The heart and soul of humanity are internal and not external in nature. Therefore, success is not a thing, but a process.

Greater contentment comes your way with more actively and passionately engaging in life. As it has been said, life is a journey, not a destination.

Walk your own red carpet that is focused on your passions, and your soul will blossom. Allow yourself and others the freedom to be who they are. If you

lead from inside, then you can find true happiness. Expressing gratitude will teach you to focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have. The more that you look, the more you will find.

You will become inspired to be your best self. Then you can form your life sculpted by your own true happiness.

Having gratitude despite the ups and downs of your circumstances and finding contentment in either circumstance will bestow richness into your life.

It is with gratitude that life becomes rich.

Then you are lead to a life, filled with happiness, that is reaping the benefits of your most successful life.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” Oprah Winfrey How do you measure success? Don’t fear to look at what you already have.

Expressing gratitude is the only path to finding what you really want.

Debbie Storms dstorms88@gmail.com

53

Inspirational Women

I

HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF speaking with another one of San Diego’s Inspirational Women, Barbara Reuer, Founder, CEO, and Internship Director of MusicWorx. Before I talk about MusicWorx, great name, I’d like to tell you a little about its’ founder. Barbara Reuer, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Iowa. Master of Music Education, University of Kansas. Bachelor of Music

played the clarinet and cymbals in the marching band and the bass clarinet and oboe in the concert band.

In 1970, Barbara was heading to Northern State College, and she was undecided as to what her major would be; languages, math or music. It was then her life would change when her youngest brother, Ronnie, stricken with muscular dystrophy subsequently

Music is My Therapy, How About You?

By Carol Heath

Photos by Dawn Nicoli/Nicoli Productions

I believe it was Shakespeare who said: "When words fail, music speaks." I've always found when I'm sad; music makes me happy; if I'm stressed music relaxes me; if I feel lonely music is a great friend. I could go on with just about every feeling one can experience, but I think you are beginning to see why I acquaint music with therapy.

54

Education, Northern State University, and I need to add a gutsy woman.

I would never put words in Dr. Reuer’s mouth, but after speaking to her and reading about her, I think she would agree when I say music therapy picked her she didn’t pick it per se. She pursued her passion by following a path that led her from the plains of South Dakota to the sunny shores of San Diego, California.

Barbara was born in South Dakota, the eldest of six children which brought a lot of responsibility. She learned a work ethic that was instilled in her as a young farm girl, and she was the example that her siblings emulated. Her early education consisted of a one-room schoolhouse with just 13 students in 8 grades.

By the time Barbara got to high school, she was ready to participate in just about every activity her new school of 99 students had to offer. Music began to pull her, and she

died in Barbara’s freshmen year. She made a vow to herself when Ronnie succumbed to complications from pneumonia, that she would honor his memory somehow.

Again, music called her when a visiting professor mentioned a career in music therapy, a fairly new field at the time.

Barbara decided right then and there that was the road she was going to follow.

She pursued her education and wanted to work with disabled children, but she would accept jobs that presented themselves along the way and ended up working with adults. Then in 1975 with the passage of a new law concerning disabled children, a new position presented itself, and Barbara's wish of working with disabled children finally came to fruition. And the rest, as they say, is history. History except for the part where armed with lots of degrees she decided to sell everything she owned, asked friends to store her books, packed up

her car and with $100 in her pocket moved to San Diego.

I asked her what she was thinking when she decided to move, and she responded with "Obviously I wasn't." We joked about how when you are young nothing seems crazy or impossible. After one week in San Diego, Dr. Barbara Reuer registered her brandnew business, MusicWorx.

Now you know why I called her gutsy!

“Founded in 1987, MusicWorx Inc. is a music therapy and wellness agency whose mission is to create, nurture, and maintain an environment of growth and unlimited potential for those around us. The company executive office is located near Del Mar in north coastal San Diego County, California.” This is the statement that appears on the MusicWorx website. I guess I could have paraphrased it, but why tinker with perfection.

Barbara is a dedicated professional and shared with me the many ways music is used in therapy. She has some 40 years of clinical and administrative experience. This includes a myriad of different ways music can achieve her personal goal: “My life aspiration is to develop music therapy and wellness programs nationwide, create opportunities for other music therapists, build a music therapy and consulting agency that sets a precedent for superior quality, ethics, morals, and program delivery."

For further information about Dr. Reuer or MusicWorx, please check their website which lists in detail their services (clinical, corporate, and wellness needs), the staff of music therapist, the internship program, past and upcoming events, at www.musicworxinc.com.

Inspirational Women

Dr. Shashita Inamdar, W

E'VE ALL HEARD THE PHRASE, "think positive" or "be grateful," but for some, being happy is not a choice that they get to make. For some, being happy is a daily struggle. The Mayo Clinic defines depression as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment.

This long-term treatment has typically been a cocktail of medications; however, a new answer has come in the form of TMS. TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and it is a treatment option that is now FDA cleared for depression and covered by every major commercial insurance carrier. This safe, localized and non-invasive treatment involves magnetic pulses that penetrate the cerebral cortex to stimulate the mood center of the brain. It works by placing a cushioned helmet with a magnetic coil on the patient’s head.

MRI-strength magnetic pulses are then directed into the mood center of the brain where they stimulate and depolarize cortical neurons that are underactive in depressed brains, improving neural conduction and promoting the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. You can think of it as a traffic jam on the freeway with TMS opening up lanes that free up blockages and get everything moving again.

Patients begin treatment by receiving an initial brain mapping where the mood center of the brain is identified

and targeted. Once this area is located, a certified and trained technician administers the treatments while patients comfortably recline in a chair surrounded by soothing music or entertainment.

Patients report that treatment feels like a pulsed tapping on the side of the forehead. The typical course of treatment approved by most insurances is a 20-minute treatment five days per week for six weeks. The response rate for TMS vs. medications is staggering. Where medications show a 30-40% response rate, TMS has a 70-75 % response rate and remission rates of 45-50% meaning no depressive symptoms for these patients when treatment ends.

Unlike medication which must go through the entire body and GI tract before making its way to the brain, TMS treats the exact area of need. When an individual takes prescription medication such as Prozac or Zoloft only a small amount reaches the brain. Not to mention, that there are generally sexual, emotional, and physical side effects with prescription medication.

At Achieve TMS Centers, a multidisciplinary approach to treating depression and anxiety is used incorporating a wide array of healthcare providers to ensure the best possible result for each patient, Achieve TMS is committed to making TMS treatment available and accessible.

The doctor behind this revolutionary treatment center is Shashita Inamdar.

Dr. Inamdar is the Medical Director of Achieve Medical. Beyond being an extremely accomplished professional, she is the driving force behind Achieve TMS’ success and one of the most powerful influences in bringing TMS treatment to the masses. Dr. Inamdar is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as well as the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Board. This medical genius has over 20 years of expertise in

Photos courtesy of Dr. Inamdar

ACHIEVING RESULTS WITH TMS

By Jaime V. Habert

the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Achieve TMS’s principle concept comes from Dr. Inamdar’s belief that an all-encompassing and comprehensive take on psychiatric care is the only proven method of treatment.

This comprehensive care includes a 360-degree approach to healthcare.

Achieve TMS advocates for both therapy and medications when necessary, but, also looks to each patient’s individual needs first and foremost. An innovator in her own right, Dr. Inamdar seeks to work with clients on their own terms; finding alternative methods of treatment that may not be in the mainstream diagnosis.

Often, she finds her clients respond best to a combination of diet, personal training, counseling, and TMS sessions.

Micronutrient Testing is a pillar of treatment. With Micronutrient Testing, a comprehensive nutrient analysis of one’s dietary intake is taken, and functional deficiencies are measured at the cellular level. This allows us to assess how well your body utilizes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites while meeting the body's need for micronutrients and enabling the production of enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for proper growth, and development. There is overwhelming evidence that micronutrient deficiencies are

55

Inspirational Women associated with chronic diseases and therefore affect a patient’s physical and mental health.

Other innovative treatments are Pharamacogenomic testing and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes gene variants that can influence how a person may respond to specific medications and can help guide treatment decisions. A simple, noninvasive buccal-swab test helps eliminate the need for trial-and-error treatment

by revealing personalized information about drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions/events for each patient. This information helps clinicians design a customized treatment plan to maximize impact Hyperbaric oxygen therapy releases air pressure at a rate of three times the norm which allows for your lungs to gather more oxygen that can be transmitted through blood to fight bacteria and stimulate the release of stem cells that promote healing. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been shown to increase memory, balance, and circula-

56

tion. The benefits are neurological (depression, anxiety, autism, concussions), rheumatological (arthritis, fibromyalgia), musculoskeletal (soft tissue injuries, fractures), cardiovascular (diabetes, aging), and relate as well to immunology, and chronic pain disorders. HBOT sessions last 60 minutes, and it is recommended that patients receive 40 sessions in order to gain the full physiological and neurological benefits. Most people who receive HBOT see results after only a few sessions with antioxidant and protective responses appearing 24 hours from treatment. HBOT is used in conjunction with TMS at Achieve Centers to help moderate the effects of traumatic brain injuries and provide a full recovery from high-impact insults to the body received by athletes.

At Achieve, Dr. Inamdar has done wonders with familiarizing the public with alternative answers to depression and anxiety. Her work within her field is unmatched, and while we are in awe of her intelligence, we are more impressed by her dedication to helping those affected by such illnesses. She is approaching medicine from the human perspective, holding counseling sessions with clients and getting to know their individual needs before prescribing any medications or methods of treatment.

TMS was foreign to me when I stepped through the doors at Achieve in La Jolla, but when I left, I was well informed about the benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. I met with technicians and Doctors with whom I would entrust my health, not only because of their vast knowledge of the field, but because of their desire to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every individual that steps foot through those doors. It is refreshing to see medicine through the eyes of people who genuinely care and are taking every effort to educate themselves on new innovations in the industry. If there was anywhere that was on the cutting edge of psychiatric care; it would be Achieve.

TMS ,Dr. Inamdar and her team set out to constantly better themselves and provide the highest level of care for their patients.

For information visit AchieveTMS. com or call 844-HOPE-TMS.

WHAT I S R W

HY AUSTRALIA, OF course! This island continent is almost the same size as the continental USA. This enormous land which barely has 24.77 million inhabitants, contains approximately 7.6 million square miles, while the continental USA is 7.9 million square miles.

In Australia, everyone travels to know their own country as do the foreign visitors who flood to this place all year long. Australia has a lot of camping grounds for your trailer, the traveler, or tent with full amenities including hot water, bathroom services and sometimes even laundry and ice. They are in almost every town and dell. The weather from May to November is sunny without hardly ever a drop of rain. Skies are a bright, beautiful azure-blue. Normally the temperatures are hovering between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. The nights are so clear that you can almost touch the stars and travel in your spirit through the clear, crisp, clean air atmosphere, all toward the Southern Cross that dominates the skies in this part of the world.

In this article, I will concentrate on three months into our meandering trip.

It took my wife Betssy and I almost an entire year to drive around and through some six thousand kilometers, and we did not even go through the South West Sandy Dessert which is another one thousand two hundred kilometers.

After several months of blowing our money, hours on the beach, consorting with the friendly locals in the pubs and even in their homes, we were broke.

Upon arriving at Katherine in the top center corner of the Northern Territory, we needed a quick solution. The bulletin board in our campground had all kinds of wanted ads for work. Australia has lots going for it but lacks people, and the immigration laws are quite strict in the coastal states such as Victoria or Queensland. However, the laws are more flexible in the interior, such as the Northern Territory, where you find all kinds of foreign visitors like myself and Betssy who need a job just to eat. The best ad for us said: WANTED: Cowhands male or female. Beautiful ranch/ station with all included. Good wages for the coming three-month cattle round-up (July to September). So I made a phone call, and it took us a long day's drive

R E ALLY D OWN U NDE R ?

By Gerald M. Neff

from the nearest civilization of Katherine to find the job site in the solitary outback. The closest little town was Top Springs; then we arrived at the station a couple of hours more down the road.

The welcoming sign said: Outback Land and Cattle Station.

Here I must inject this prominent fact that with the opening of China to the world (trip-year 2002), the Chinese have formed a never as before appetite for beef, any kind of beef, and not necessarily very refined. All of Northern and Central Australia with its dry open spaces can only support one cow per square hector (2.4 acres per hector); but if you have several million hectors, you have a large number of cattle. These cattle must all be taken care of within this short period -July to September- with the necessary participation of the very talented Aborigine cowboys on foot and horseback supported by helicopters and as many visitors as you can convince to go to this isolated oasis. Every two to four days a large double semi-trailer-truck full of two hundred head of cattle leave for Canton and other ports in China. There are dozens of these outback centers all over the northern and central parts of the country from Alice Springs all the way through to the Northern Port of Darwin, which is just in front of Indonesia.

For three months I was part of this process of round-up of cattle sorting and shipping, assisted by my ten aborigine friends, ten visitors, and ten real live beer drinking hard swearing sons of kangaroos or local Australian cowboys. All of us were living together in the beautiful green oasis of Outback Cattle Station located in the middle of nowhere Northern Territory, Australia for the cattle round-up.

Australians are the salt of the earth, friendly, and helpful. We were all one big happy family working 12 to 14 hours a day, but there was always plenty of local oranges, apples, and beef for every meal with silver-side or corned beef which we

prepared locally, and the inevitable overboiled veggies and fried tomatoes. It is hard work, and even if you drink several beers an evening you have to have an escape-valve, the rodeos or get-to-gathers with neighboring stations are almost an exact copy of our celebrations. Lassoing, bulldogging, horse-riding plus plenty of violin, mandolin and guitar music accompanied by everyone dancing with pretty girls dressed in brightly colored full skirts and blue-jeans, and everybody wearing the popular white cowboy hat.

All of us enjoying piles of food including chunks of roasted meat, potatoes, squash, and again the inevitable fried tomatoes. The most common desert was lots of yellow custard accompanied by fruits with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

The beer with Bundeburg Rum were all brought in by helicopter with the bosses from Katherine and Darwin. What a breathtaking experience!

Try and buy a round-trip-ticket to Australia because if you have to save-up for the return fare, it is a rough job and expensive. We sold our car and from our cattle earnings just made it out of Perth for Los Angeles on the newly inaugurated "South East Asian Airplane" for US$2,500 each. It is a long flight of fourteen hours, but nice flight attendants and plenty of international joy of edibles and drinkables make the trip go quickly.

Anywhere in the many youth hostels or even hotels are lots of offers for work, tours, and opportunities of side trips; all seem on the up and up because in Australia as the Kangaroos says " No Worries Mate, There is Just Not Any Place You Can Run Away To." Go online for tours or give it a try by yourself, or with friends.

It is a wonderful experience, and you will always yearn to go back to see the real land of the big sky...DOWN UNDER !!! http://thenewdaily.com.au/life/ travel/2014/02/06/outback-adventures-city-slickers/

Poetry Corner My Present

By Maggie Ramos You became part of my past.

You are now my present.

I would like you to be, part of my future.

When we are distant I feel you closer, I can feel you, When you think of me.

Whether we are together or apart you will always be part of my heart.

I gave you my soul and placed it in your hands.

Without a doubt I gave you my presence, But with second thoughts for a moment I felt rejected.

Hard it became for us to love.

Easier it was for us to hate.

So hurt we both are, hard it is for us to understand.

No need to express it.

With a kiss under the moon glide everything is reflected into our essence.

Pain walks by my side holding my hand with confidence.

Certain that together we will be, with intrigue patiently I shall wait for a silent moment with you to strengthly embrace. ŠBy Maggie Ramos

57

M

Nat Tapia, “Leucadia Bar, located in Leucadia”

iraCosta College students celebrated their talents and insight at a recent photo exhibition entitled SURVIVAL IS NOT ENOUGH, held at Civic Center Library in Oceanside. The photographers represented in the show were students of Art 251, a digital photography class held at MiraCosta College. The exhibit opened on April 6th with a celebratory reception attended by the artists, family, friends, and some past students of this same digital photography class.

After viewing the work of these talented Artists, San Diego Woman Magazine hopes that in the future we can share more of their work through the pages of our Magazine. Congratulations to all who participated and shared their artistic talents and skills in this wonderful exhibition.

S U R V I VA L I S N O T E N O U G H

Professor Christina Ree’s class; Beginning Digital Photography, Art 251 Spring, 2018

Christina Viveros-Cruz, “My grandma’s backyard.

My cousins and I would play ball and accidently throw it to the neighbor’s house. I wanted to recreate the actual angle we had seen it from.”

Proud Family, Nat’s #1 Fans

58

David Marchetti, “Inspired by James Mc Neill Whistler Based on the painting Nocturne In Blue And Silver. Strong connection with childhood memories”

Carolin Meinhardt, “It provides you with a view of Moonlight Beach in the fog, which is not the typical weather you want to experience when you go to the beach”.

Artist List

Sofia Deva Long, “The whole time I felt like I was on Mars. It just kind of looks like another planet and right at dusk it looked really, really cool and the ground was orange”.

Lauren Llera, “I really love to paint and this photo looks like a painting.”

Rebecca Avetisian, “I just thought of it as something that was beauty and something that somebody might overlook. Overlooked beauty”.

Alyssa Church, “My photo is a cabin, its beautiful. I’ve had it in my family since I was a child”.

Rebecca Avetisian Hunter Bowen Alyssa Church Alex Cruz Natalile Ewing Frank Jasper Delilah LaValle Steve Leisher II Lauren Llera Sofia Deva Long David Marchetti Korey Marshall Alanna Martinez Carolin Meinhardt Yadimir Mendoza Garcia Maria Michel Katherine Moser Jef Orellana Tristen Pehoviack Vincent Pugliese Sabrina Ruediger Sophia Thim Nat Thornton Christina Viveros-Cruz Masumi Yamaguchi Ismael Cervantes Mia Snyder CHRISTINA REE Associate Faculty Art Department MiraCosta College 1 Barnard Drive Oceanside, CA 92056

59