Life Could Be So Sweet...

Yes, I think Bill Gates may be one of the sexiest men on earth.

 

Not only is he:

1) One of the most influential and powerful people in history, yet remains modest and continues to laugh at himself

2) Worth billions and is still frugal with his spending, donating billions to charity.

3) Will be leaving Microsoft to pursue philanthropy full time

 

Here is a funny video from CES which outlines his last day at MS -- complete with appearances by Bono, Jay-Z, George Clooney, Matthew Mcconaughey, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, and others.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip_DEUuuy5M

 

When the wrinkles set in, and gravity takes it's toll, the only thing we have left is what we contribute for the betterment of others -- that's why Bill Gates redefines bringing "sexyback". YEAH! 

I had the opportunity attend the banquet for this non-profit organization, one whom I had not worked with in the past.

What I saw absolutely floored me -- the organization's charter is to help businesses gain greater access to diverse talent through continuous leadership development of outstanding ethnically diverse students and placement of those students in internships at many of North America's top corporations, firms and organizations.

Represented were organizations such as Toyota, Kaiser, Disney, Beckman Coulter, and KPMG. 

The show was hosted by interns themselves, they were so eloquent -- many of them giving speeches that could floor you with their emotion and honesty.  In that room were America's future, some of the best and brightest, I was sitting next to an intern at ABC Studios who was actually able to use the word "Non sequitur" in a conversation with me.  Not even old enough to drink, he explained how he had developed a new HR benefits proposal for his department, and even held responsibility for budgeting and scheduling of top shows such as Desperate Housewives, etc.  This was in addition to the 400 page novel that he had written and hoped to publish.

I remembered when I was his age, I thought having a 3.7 GPA was some type of feat, I am humbled -- what I saw last night was true determination and talent.  And for that I am proud to have had the opportunity to participate in this event which celebrates the professional accomplishments of our college youth.

Organization:  INROADS

Website:  www.inroads.org

  

After months of planning, I finally hosted a "Princess" party for a young girl named Tiffany as part of my Make A Wish volunteer activities.

 

I put my heart and soul into this event, because this young girl -- suffering from a very rare type of cancer: Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor -- was so sweet and wonderful -- I simply wanted to make her dreams come true.

 

We shopped for hours across 2 weekends to find the perfect Disney princess gifts for each "princess" attendee.  My fiance and I spent our Saturday decorating the house, draping blue chiffon from the ceilings and setting up a long banquet table for Princess Tiffy and her "royal court".  One of my closest friends spent time setting up his camera equipment and printer to be ready to print out photos during the party, even bringing over his Nintendo WII for the children's entertainment.

 

I spent 3 hours making 54 cupcakes in pastel blue, pink, and green with sprinkles (her favorite colors) and placed them on a tiered maribou cupcake tray.

 

Tiffy arrived in royal fashion in a beautiful costume she had put together -- we applauded as she came in and with so many cameras clicking away -- it was as if she were surrounded by paparazzi.  As she was seated at the banquet table, we had another surprise for her -- a grand entrance by a stunning Cinderella.  This Cinderella, from "Once Upon a Princess" was AMAZING.  She had the look, the demeanor, and even the VOICE of Cinderella as she sang "Once Upon A Dream".  Many of the adults were moved to tears with how happy the children were, one of them, a 3 year old girl didn't want to let Cinderella go.

 

We set up a Nintendo WII to entertain the princesses while we cleared off the banquet table and set up the desserts.  I had Tiffy put on one of my blue evening gowns where she then made a grand entrance at the staircase.  She is soooo BEAUTIFUL!  We even had a single blue Cinderella shoe for her to pose next to.

 

Everyone kept thanking me for my efforts, but all I felt was -- there is no place in the world I would rather be.  I had so much joy inside to see how happy everyone in her family was, I could not ask for anything more.  I was so grateful to Audrey (the other wish granter),  to Cinderella (for donating her time), to my fiance, my friend, Tiffy's family for their help. 

 

This is why life is worth living -- and always sweeter when you give.

 

To learn more about this amazing young girl:  http://supporttiffany.blogspot.com/2007/05/make-wish-reveal-party.html

I began volunteering with Make A Wish last year, and I have been very passionate about my work with them ever since.  Nothing brings me greater joy than to see the happiness on a child's face, and of the family when they are about to have their dreams coming true.

The very first wish presentation party I ever hosted took place the day before Christmas eve, December 23, 2006.  It was for a young 13 year girl with Osteosarcoma, her dream was a Disney cruise with her family.  I remember getting her profile sheet, Elli K was her name -- where she said she loved purple, Indian food, and candy.

I remember shopping all day, to find her a purple backpack, purple bath gels, jewelery, and even a purple sign that said "Nobody's perfect, But I'm as close as it gets".  I had food ordered from Tandoori's, and a cupcake "cake" from Mrs. Beasleys with every flavor they had.  We decorated her dining table with deep purple fabric, plates, napkins, etc.

As we moved into 2007, we received regular updates from her family.  I then received the one that we all feared, Elli passed away on Monday April 23rd, at 5:00 pm. She left this world in peace and with no pain while overlooking her favorite painting of a little girl riding a purple dragonfly in the sky. 

With all the joy that comes with volunteering with Make A Wish, the sadness also comes as part of the package.  Elli K was a beautiful young girl and a survivor until her last breath.  I am grateful to have had just that one afternoon to spend with her.

To read more about this wonderful young girl's life:  http://www.ellnaz.com/