I couldn't think of a better way to spend Cinco de Mayo!

JDRF GALA! I promised you a all an update and here we go! Arrrriiiba!!!

Not going to lie...I was a little nervous about volunteering since I didn't know anyone and this was my first LA JDRF Gala. As I walked into the Beverly Hilton Hotel, I saw this fancy backdrop that celebrities usually stand in front of so that photographers can take their pictures and everyone will know where the photo was taken. I was really impressed they had one, and I wondered what kind of celebs were actually coming to this....


This was not helping my nerves. The funny thing about me is you would NEVER guess I was shy. EVER. Guess what though, I AM! I cover my shyness with me being outgoing and once I am all warmed up I am fine. As I continue to try to figure my way around the hotel I nervously approach the volunteer room. RIGHT when I walked in Andrea, the volunteer coordinator, remembered my name! She and I had connected on facebook and she made me feel so welcome and appreciated. She gave me this neat-o landyard to wear while I was helping out.

This was turning out to be much fancier than the Orange County Gala, and the night wasn't even getting started...The ballroom was just beautiful!!

My job for the night was to spot during the live auction. As I stand in the back of the room waiting for the live auction part to start, I see two parents standing on the stage. I know what this part is. The part that makes me so uncomfortable and depressed. The death story. Every gala I've been to has parents who talk about how their child died of diabetes. I really can't handle hearing these stories. I know that I can die from this disease, but something about seeing the parents, makes me depressed. I get why JDRF has this right before the live auction though. People feel sad and they want to do want they can to help. I agree this does work, but I never can recover from such sad stories. I suppose that is part of the point as well.

As the story is being told of the death of their 14 year old son, I hear a loud noise from the back of the room. To my surprise, in walks Charlie Sheen. Yes everyone. CHARLIE SHEEN. In my head I thought, WHAT? WHY? But as he rudely made his way through the ballroom with his entourage, (remember this is during the sad story), I thought, well if this brings awareness...then I should be happy. And awareness it did. Even Perez Hilton wrote an article about him going! Maybe this one article will spark some interest in JDRF...who knows!

Now on to celebrities I actually care about...Al Pacino, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett and other celebrities were all there as well.

Ray Romano and Brad Garrett led the live auction with the professional auctioner and it was hilarious! Many jokes were made, including when they were auctioning off an adorable puppy, "Hey Charlie, get one for your goddess!" LOL Overall, I have to say what a difference having those celebrities there was.

I don't really care if it's for their own PR or Publicity, it was cool! To be honest though, the BEST part of the night, was getting to talk to other type 1's. One kid blew me away! As a freshman in college, he was in a bio lab and they were testing their own urine and he noticed he had ketons in it! He had diagnosed himself as a diabetic! I was blown away. Once again, I am reminded how unique each diabetic is. How unique each one of our stories are. We must all tell each other our stories and spread awareness.

I highly recommend volunteering or attending your local JDRF gala. It really is a touching event, no mater what you are.

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On a side note, I HAD THE BEST ENDO APPOINTMENT EVER TODAY!!!!! WOW! I can't believe it. I first got to meet with this awesome representative from Medtronic who went through my charts with me and then I meet with my endo and we both had smiles on our faces the entire time. I FINALLY feel in control of my diabetes. I would no longer consider myself out of control. Today has been one of the most joyous days of my life. I had days when every number is in range. THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO BE BEFORE. Oh and I'm losing weight. Does this get better??

I haven't included a picture of my garden in a while, and it's coming along.

Life is good. Very good.