Last night I attended a private book signing in Palo Alto featuring writer and California First Lady Maria Shriver. A group of us mom bloggers gathered for some Lovin' Scoopful ice cream-- a business venture by Shriver and her brothers to also benefit the Special Olympics -- and to hear her discuss her latest book, Just Who Will You Be? ($15). The tiny 91-page-tome is a commencement speech she gave at her nephew's high school graduation. It is peppered with inspirational quotes and would make a good graduation gift or stocking stuffer.

After her spiel, she took questions from the audience, although I did not feel comfortable posing mine amidst fluff like "how do you fit in time to meditate?" Once I reached the front of the line for her to sign my book I asked her, "So, are you encouraging Arnold to fund our schools?"

"I am encouraging him to put money in a lot of places."

The problem, she said, is identifying other sources of revenue for the state. She was not sure how we could pay for education and other services without increasing taxes. Fair enough.

"He wants to," she said of her husband's willingness to fund our schools. If he puts his money where his mouth is, he will encourage his fellow Republicans to support the necessary tax increases. Of course, lack of federal funding and Proposition 13, which puts a tight cap on property tax revenue, doesn't help.

Anyways, Shriver was really friendly and articulate. Also, what can't money buy, including a killer body after having 4 children? Seriously, she looked more amazing in person than on television!