Award-winning comedian Richard Jeni.

A few weeks ago, I went to Los Angeles to watch award-winning comedian Richard Jeni's third HBO comedy special taping. Richards's stomach-crunching, cheek-hurting, mental-cartooning talent kept the audience rolling around in their seats with laughter. Even offstage, Richard inevitably possesses a comedic personality. Thanks to my friend Jeff Franklin, I was able to meet Richard and his crew backstage after the show. Jeff is known in the entertainment industry as the Creator and Director of the primetime sitcom, Full House, a TV series that launched the careers of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Relaxing at the pool.

My visit to Los Angeles was short because I was scheduled to return to Vancouver before the 2004 Vancouver Power 50 event. This event was put together to celebrate fifty most influential people in Vancouver. This was also an inspirational opportunity to experience the exhilarating energy of a room filled with influential individuals. Nevertheless, before I returned to Vancouver, I didn't fail to fulfill my list of sinful indulgences while in Los Angeles. I had started by checking off two things on my list: Richard's show and my visit with Jeff and his new twenty thousand square foot mansion built on four acres of Beverly Hills property. That was inspiring!

Up on the Hills.	Looking out my window.
My view of the L.A smog.	Visiting my buddy, Full House Producer Jeff.

With only a short weekend ahead, I sashayed into one of my favorite restaurants, L'Orangerie, the most renowned French restaurant in Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to visit with chef-owner Francois and his gracious staff as I satisfied my appetite with their delightful caviar, juicy tenderloin, sensual chocolate souffle, fine wine and champagne. As I was leaving, they generously gifted me with a Relais and Chateaux book of best restaurants and hotels in the world.

Wine tasting with Dolce's sommelier Adam.

Co-hosting MTV spring concert in Negril , Jamaica .

On the following evening, I spent time with some friends at Ashton Kutcher's Dolce Restaurant. Most of my evening consisted of tasting exquisite new wines on the menu with Dolce's sommelier Adam. On the last day, I checked off the rest of my list by guzzling a few drinks at Justin Timberlake's Chi Lounge, attacking some sushi at Koi Restaurant, and swinging by the House of Blues for the last hour of performance by Rafael Sedik.

Left: Backstage watching the concert.
Right: After the concert with superstar reggae singer Sean Paul.

While I was on the plane back to Vancouver, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences in my life. It was during that moment when I was reminded of saying this to you in one of my last articles: People who live with passion exude an alluring energy within themselves that magnetizes great people, situations, and circumstances into their lives. At that moment, remembering this concept brought me further clarity on the understanding that our spirits within are all equally precious no matter how different we are on the surface. After all, aren't we all feeding off each other's energy to experience a better life for ourselves?

Left:Hanging out with heavyweight champion boxer Lennox Lewis.
Right: Hanging out with reggae singer Snow.

Think about it for a moment. Do we not try to learn from someone else's mistakes or success? Do we give generously so to help others and/or to feel better about ourselves? Are we not reminded to be grateful for what we have when we meet others less fortunate than us? Do we not feel grateful that the garbage man magically takes away our smelly garbage so we can have a cleaner, healthier environment?

My life didn't start out the way it looks right now. Neither did yours, am I right? We all know that the road in life can get really bumpy. Now, think of all the precious spirits that came along to guide you on your journey in life. You were never alone. There might have been times when you were running late, and under pressure, and a janitor warned you about the wet floor ahead so you don't fall and crack your head. There might have been times when you thought you were broke and a homeless person reminded you that you have some change to spare. This makes me wonder, Isn't everyone around us serving a purpose to each other one way or another, whether we know it or not?

Backstage with Sean Paul's dancers.

Hanging out with rapper Romeo.

Left:My sponsored child Lasi, when she was 5 years old.
Right: My sponsored child Doreen, 4 years old.

My sponsored children in Africa were born into undeveloped conditions that truly challenged their role to survive. At the tender young age of four or five, most of them have had to endure manual labor for a little food and water. For them, having water, food, and shelter is like a dream come true. Ironically, we are living their dream everyday. In fact, most of us take these simple pleasures in life (their dream) for granted.

Left: Lasi and younger sister Thembi posing with the stuffed bears I sent them.
Right: Lasi, all grown up.

Couple months ago, I received a letter informing me that one of my sponsored children named Lasi no longer needed my sponsorship. My contribution of thirty dollars a month since 1994 (when Lasi was only five years old) has not only given her health and education, but it has also helped her to build a good life for her family. Lasi and her family built a home and a small farm that provides them with a steady income. They are now also able to contribute to their community and help others who are less fortunate. Lasi and I continue to keep in touch. She loves to draw flowers for me. Her drawing skills have blossomed through the years. I still receive her report cards from school. She does very well in all her classes except for Math and English.

Left: Time for some after school homework.
Right: Lasi loves to draw with the crayons I sent her.

As I am thinking about my sponsored children at this moment, I remember a young Jamaican boy named Benny. Over a year ago, I was flown to Negril, Jamaica, to co-host the MTV spring concert that featured superstar reggae singer Sean Paul. I was there for five days hosting numerous promotional events that led to the day of the big concert. When I was off camera, I would take the opportunity to explore the island on my own. That was when I met Benny. He was playing baseball with a group of older boys. He was evidently the youngest in the group and was regarded as the weakest player. Nevertheless, I was his biggest cheerleader. When I was treating him and his younger sister to some jerk chicken, he told me about his dream of becoming a baseball star. I was saddened when he added that the older boys made fun of him and discouraged him because he couldn't run as fast as the rest of them.

Presents!

We've all had times in our lives when someone discouraged our beliefs or even passions in life. Maybe someone told us that we couldn't do something because of who we are or where we come from. Maybe they told us that we weren't "good" enough. Those comments, however small they may seem, could actually become loud voices in our heads eating away at our self-esteem. For someone unsure of themselves, these statements could destroy their spirit. I explained this to Benny and told him to never allow anyone to hurt his precious spirit. Then, for some unknown reason, I blurted out, Benny, the more you run the faster you'll become. In the meantime, you can spank that ball out of the field and then take your time to walk around the bases. He stared at me like I was crazy.

I ordered some animals for the children through World Vision Canada’s Christmas Catalogue. Please visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts to look through all the wonderful gifts you can purchase to donate.

Spending time with some friends in Vancouver before flying back to L.A.

Cheeeese…

The day before I had to leave the island, I walked over to Benny's to say good bye. Before I could get there, I saw Benny running towards me from a distance. When he got closer, I noticed a big grin on his face. He couldn't refrain from hopping around as he explained excitedly, I dit what you tell! I hit di baseball so hard dat-it fly out di field and go in di bush. I no run around di base! I walk! (Maybe what I said wasn't so crazy after all.)

Whether we are blessed with incredible riches or not, our spirits within remain equally as precious. Every person has a role in society; they can function as doormen, parents, celebrities, janitors, entertainers, students, politicians, waiters, athletes, and much more. Each function within our society aids our detailed technical lifestyles and well being. From a store clerk to a business executive, each position is an intricate part of the matrix of our society. We rely on these functions without even realizing their value or contribution to our daily activities. Each person has their place and their purpose. How we think determines the way we function and the roles we choose to accept. Every role is significant in its own way just as every spirit is precious in its own way. Each of them has to deal with a unique set of challenges and decision-making process that can effect the world.