Diary of a City Mom - Part 5 - "Does This Sum Things Up?"

This picture summarizes more than I can possibly say!  Imagine if my girls feel that way...I am NOT tired, I am NOT tired, I am NOT tired.  I work hard to convince myself.

Things are getting pretty exciting at California Girls State.  City and County governments are elected and the race for governor is on.  Potential candidates filed papers, got signatures and began the campaign process.  Elections are today! 

I have heard some amazing speeches and better platforms than our real government...unfortunately, I have to go.  It is time for another session. (We don't much down time or sleep!)  I will get back to regular posts soon :)  And I do plan on giving you a little history of this amazing program,

Diary of a City Mom - Part 4 - "Hollywood?"

Am in Hollywood?  No.... but I am the "City Mom" for the Marshall Movie Stars! We are the City of Marshall in the County of Bidwell in the California Girls State of California.

We have 31 citizens, two counselors and a "City Mom". We are Marshall!  This is our city...our city of stars!

Yesterday was a fun day as the citizens continued to build their state.  We now have city government, and just voted for county government after a day of filing, campaigning and speeches.  There are parties established, Whig and Tory, and platforms and legislation is being discussed.

Today is the big day...filing for state office.

This process at Girls State takes the delegates through the process of true government.  They come with their own legislation and are ready to fight passionately for what they believe.  It is an amazing process to watch.  My city of Marshall has elected some great officials and more are ready to campaign.

As for me, what do I do...just be a mom.  I have 31 girls calling me Mama Val.  I provide snacks, encouragement and bed checks.  I listen to speeches, learn about these great young ladies and where they are from and don't get much sleep.  

Am I glad I am here? Definitely...I will catch up on my sleep later :)

Diary of a City Mom - Part 3 - "Do You Like My Hat?"

High fashion in Hollywood? No, just fashion at Girls State in Claremont!  As a "City Mom"  I was presented with this lovely oversized version of my girl's hats.  It is tradition that all of the city moms get their hats presented at dinner in front of  all 500 girls...there were some things I definitely didn't know before coming here :)

On a serious note, it is great!  Aside from being very tired, I am holding up well. The days are packed FULL!  This is an amazing program for young ladies to develop leadership, learn about government and make a lot of friends.

I love my "city" girls.  They are diverse and unique and a lot of fun with endless energy.  My daughter is here, but in a different "city"  I don't even see here and since they are strict with cell phone rules, I don't really get to talk to her.  I hear from her "city mom" Jane, she is doing just fine.

So, off to another session...I wonder what surprise I will get tonight?

Diary of a "City Mom" Day 2....Is Sleep on the Schedule?

Sleep? What is that?  I feel like I am in college again!  This is my dorm room where I am staying for the next week.  As a city mom it sis my job to stay up until everyone goes to sleep...then be up again at 6:00 am...Kind of like college, staying up late, but it doesn't include the sleeping in part.

The actual first day of the conference was great...very busy.  They don't give us a minute to spare.  Today's schedule is even fuller!  

In my city group I found out what a small world it is  I have two girls from small towns that Fall River sometimes plays in sports.  They knew where Fall River is!  One girl is from Maxwell and is their catcher on their softball team and knows my daughter! 

Speaking of my daughter, I don't see her here at all!  I am imagining she is having a great time.  This is a very interesting experience and I wish I could share more...but I have to get the girls to breakfast now :)

Diary of a City Mom - Day 1

Day One was travel day on my way to be a "City Mom"  So far I haven't got that city thing going.  A few interesting thoughts and experiences from the day deserve mention!

-First of all, what is wrong with people?  Can't they tell you are trying to move over if they would just give you a chance. When they slink by you on the right and snake back it before you even have a chance to pull over..Patience!

-Cindy, if you are reading...I used cruise control...I know I became a conformist, but I had to, otherwise I would have been going 80 mph like the rest of the traffic and I would have been the one to get a ticket!  I called and told my husband, I think he was at a loss for words...I don't like cruise control.  I like to be in control!

-I found out just how much stuff you can fit in the trunk of a Chevy Malibu.  Four females bring a lot of stuff, four suitcases, and more! If there would have been one more pair of shoes, it would not have closed!

-I stopped along the way and bought a California road map.  I have OnStar and the Garmin, but I really wanted to look at a real map.  My daughter was fascinated. She had the map open and couldn't believe how far it is from Fall River Mills to Los Angeles.  I think the map kept her occupied for at least 15 minutes!  I tried to explain how we used to always have to go by a map, we had no navigation systems!

-How many bikes can you strap on a Ford Explorer?...try six and a ladder.   The guy didn't use cruise control he passed and re-passed me for hours!

-Did you know there is a town in California called "Buttonwillow?"  There is, we stayed the night there...probably won't again!  We did get a good night's sleep though despite the room with a broken air conditioner!

We have already made memories! Today is the big day, the start of the conference. I will keep you posted!
This country mom is now a city mom, at least for the next week!

Why not go out on a limb?  Isn't that where the fruit is?  ~Frank Scully