Smarty Girl Leadership

My WordPress Blog

  • About The Editors
    • About Erica
      • Erica on Fashion/Tech in Vegas
  • Home
    • Tech News
      • Wired’s Clive Thompson Interview
    • Entrepreneur Tips
      • CEO Beer Summits
    • Entertainment
      • Live Concert Review
      • Book Reviews
  • Dating & Other Sports
    • Dating Soccer Players
    • Bicycling
      • Bike Pretty Blogger Melissa Davies
  • DIY
    • Photo Editing Tutorial
    • Fitness Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • #FilmRace
  • Audio Scriptwriting and Video Storytelling Services

Nepal Earthquake Fundraiser: A Journey to Gorkha by SmartyGirl Alicia

April 29, 2015 by Alicia Forbrich Leave a Comment

Nepal Lending Promise Volunteer

Photo Credit: Lending Promise Nepal Volunteer Alicia Forbrich & Lisa Lau

In November 2014, I went to Nepal with my best friend to not only hike the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, but also to volunteer at a small, remote village called Gorkha.  The first couple of days in Nepal were absolutely amazing… everything looked different, smelled different, the food was amazingly different and delicious, and the people were extremely friendly!  We immediately felt comfortable and “at home” in Nepal… it is one of the most welcoming countries I’ve ever experienced.

We soon met up with a guide from the Gorkha Foundation, which is the only charity foundation in this tiny village, located about 4 hours away from Kathmandu.  At about 5:00am, the driver took us away from the big, familiar city and drove us for many miles over very bumpy, dusty and undeveloped roads.  This was an adventure in itself!  And it reminded me that visiting countries is not only about the big, popular cities, but also the smaller towns that are rich in culture and history.

Several hours later, we were greeted by several villagers who graciously decorated us with hand-made leis.  They invited us into their home for a home cooked meal, which consisted mainly of rice, some steamed vegetables and a little meat.  This ritual – of the leis and food offering – is the official way this village brings guests into their community.  They welcomed us with great big smiles and open arms… my friend and I felt very loved!

Nepal Volunteer Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich

Photo Credit: Lending Promise Volunteer Nepal Alicia Forbrich & Lisa Lau

Lisa and I were in Gorkha on behalf of an organization called Lending Promise, which provides micro loans to women to start their own businesses and establish independent lives.  With these micro loans (about $100), these women usually purchase livestock to breed, to milk, and to use their fur to make clothing and other goods. Some of them choose to buy plants and create a small farm to feed their families and trade with other villagers for other goods.  Our job that day was to interview 12 ladies who received the micro loans and see how these loans have changed their lives.  After interviewing them one by one, there was no doubt that the loans have helped all these women in providing food for their families, supplies for their children to go to school, and create more independent, happy lives.

financial empowerment women micro loans nepal Lending Promise

Photo Credit: LendingPromise.org logo

After several hours of touring the village, exploring the farms, and meeting many of the residents, my friend and I were off to our next mission.  We had brought tons of schools supplies, books, badminton rackets, soccer balls, and other items that Gorkha’s local elementary school were in need of.  Bringing all these things from the US was quite a challenge (including a few negotiations with the airlines), but we did it!

When we approached the school, we were greeted with dozens and dozens of leis!  The children made a long row for Lisa and I to walk down, and every child put a hand-made lei over our heads.  By the time we got to the end of the row, we could barely breathe above the leis!  Our hearts were beaming with love.  Shortly thereafter, we met with the leaders of the Gorkha Foundation, the school’s principle and several of teachers.  During the conference, we discussed how the school was managed and their current needs.  We also received a tour around the school, which was a great eye opener.

Nepal School Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich

Photo Credit: Nepal School Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich & Lisa Lau

The school basically has 2 buildings of 4 adobe walls and a few benches inside.  No desks, no comfortable chairs, no supplies, no books.  Their biggest recent upgrade was getting whiteboards (place over their blackboards).  But now a new problem is that they cannot afford whiteboard markers!  I thought to myself that we (Americans) really have it great for the most part and take these “little” things for granted.  While were we taking the tour around the school buildings, the kids were peeping their heads through the windows and giggling at the site of us funny looking people.  They were so cute and so happy, even with so little!  My heart really goes out to these humble, sweet children.

Soon we approached the “Computer Room” where the principle proudly showed off their 3 (very, very old) desktop computers, which were recently donated by some company.  I sat down at one of the desks to try it out, but it didn’t turn on.  The principle explained to me that because they cannot afford to plaster their adobe walls, the rats get inside the school building and chew away at the computer cords.  Now they have 3 computers that don’t work.  The project to plaster the walls of the computer room would cost them a grand total of $250 (an amount I later sent to them when I returned home).

After our interesting tour, we were surprised to see the entire school of children sitting on nearby steps, all starting at Lisa and me.  “The children would like to sing you their national anthem”, explained the principle.  Gladly, Lisa and I sat amongst them and listed to the most beautiful national anthem we have ever heard.  Sung with so much pride, and so much heart.  This was one of the most memorable moments of my entire life!

Lastly, we returned to the conference room and presented all the school supplies that we brought to Gorkha.  The teachers, principals, and organization leaders so were so incredibly thankful for everything.  They were so happy just to have the simplest things – pencils, pens, notebooks, and a few toys.  They promised to share the supplies with Gorkha’s only other school just down the road.  Their gratitude for our donation was truly appreciated and all I could think of is how I wanted to help them even more!

Nepal School Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich

Photo Credit: Nepal School Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich

A few hours later, our visit came to an end.  Lisa and I had to return to Kathmandu before it got too dark.  We had a 6-day trek planned throughout the Himalayan Mountains in which we had to start early the next morning.  Although that trek was one of the greatest adventures ever, the overwhelming feeling of love that I received in Gorkha could never be matched.  During this trip, I established the Gorkha Elementary School and the San Jose Learning Center as Sister Schools.  I vowed to help this school, and its small village, in any way that I can.

Nepal Gorkha Lending Promise Alicia Forbrich

Photo Credit: Lending Promise Volunteer Alicia Forbrich & Lisa Lau in Nepal

I don’t know what really brought me to Nepal in the first place, and even to Gorkha.  Something inside of me just said that I need to meet, and help this village.  Now, 5 months later, Gorkha is the epicentre of one of the most devastating earthquakes Nepal has ever experienced… what a sad coincidence!  The leaders of the Gorkha Foundation told me that 90% of the village has been destroyed and almost everything that I saw there no longer exists.  I cannot express the deep, deep depression I felt when hearing this news.  I felt sick to my stomach, so helpless and so sad.  Immediately I vowed that the San Jose Learning Center will donate $5 for every class registration it receives for its May/June program.  In addition, I created my own fundraising website to raise money for the Gorkha Foundation.

Nepal Gorka Volunteer Lending Promise

Photo Credit: Nepal Gorka Lending Promise Volunteer Alicia Forbrich

I chose to donate the money to the Gorkha Foundation because I know that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the victims (the organization does not keep any overhead).  I also have met the leaders personally, and spent time with their local residents.  Because this is an emergency, I will be donating all the funds this coming Sunday, May 3rd.  If you are interested in donating any amount, please feel free to do so at:

Gorkha Nepal School

Photo Credit: GoFundMe Alicia Forbrich Gorkha Nepal Sister School San Jose Learning Center

 

SmartyGirl Alicia Forbich is Founder of San Jose Learning Center, photographer and athletic model. Support her GoFundMe for Nepal above.

Spring 2015 Update: Nutrition and Exercise Interview with High Five Fitness TV Founder Denet Lewis

April 28, 2015 by Renee Marchol Leave a Comment

Hearing yet again about the harm of HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) would be a Debbie Downer before a Spring gathering of friends in front of the grill, right?

So instead of boring “shoulds” and “should nots” , we invited an expert guide this Spring, to present options, so that we can make our own decision how to reduce harmful habits without making smoked meats part of our no-no list.

For an audio version of this article, click below for our pilot Google Hangout on Air, broadcast recorded live.

SGL High Five Fitness TV Founder Denet Lewis: Spring 2015 Update Interview from Renee Marchol on Vimeo.

SmartyFella Denet Lewis prefers a baked yam over a modest helping of white rice after a hard workout to replace glycogen stores. Why? For the taste and the higher nutrition density. Why is our SmartyGirl ally talking to us about The Truth About Carbs by Nate Miyaki? Because the scientific community has learned more about what keeps us healthy and new information about agricultural practices that affect our food supply, reducing the consumption of carcinogens, and battling seasonal allergies with more outdoor exercise since our last visit with Denet Lewis in May 2013.

okinawan yam purple sweet potato

Photo Credit: SpaceGirlOrganics Maggie Purple Sweet Potato

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Cancer-causing Effects of BBQ Foods

1. Remove the skin of the smoked meat after grilling

2. Marinate the meat with a fresh squeezed lemon/lime juice before putting over charcoal

3. Dip the raw meat in a beer bath before exposing it to open flame

We met with competitive bodybuilder, fitness tv host and scientist Denet, by phone on Friday afternoon before our weekend barbecue. Here’s what he had to say paraphrased below.

What is the top health news story for SmartyFella Denet in 2015?

Denet Lewis is concerned with the use of herbicides such as brand name Roundup to ripen non genetically modified (GMO) food crops for grains such as wheat. Yes, you read that right: herbicide to ripen wheat. You may already be aware of the effect of pesticides on the food you buy. The use of this herbicide has its upsides: as a mass agricultural practice this allows the wheat harvest to ripen at the same time and produces heavier wheat. However, this use of herbicide kills the root of the plant. SmartyFella Denet is wary of this herbicide in his food supply so he suggests eating grain-free, gluten-free or organic.

 

The Truth About Carbs nutrition

Photo Credit: Amazon.com Nate Miyaki’s The Truth About Carbs

What nutrition fact would you like to share with our readers that you have learned in the past two years? 

It’s acceptable to enjoy a treat of white rice after a hard work out. You need to replenish fuel for your muscles after glycogen depletion. To quantify what makes a lean-muscle building hard work out, see the previous link by AskMen.com.

Many SmartyGirls and SmartyFellas carry tissues because of seasonal Spring allergies. Any exercise advice for severe allergy sufferers? We miss the outdoors.

Caution: please go to your doctor first. This is not substitute for medical advice but you might have a holistic alternative to antihistamines. However, Denet Lewis consulted his doctor because he has allergies too. It shows in a runny nose after a warm up and lifting weights. Denet believes that pressing through with exercise, increases blood circulation, which in turns improves the clearing of his sinuses. It might be as simple as accepting that you will need to blow your nose. 

BMX Denet Lewis High Five Fitenss

Photo Credit: High Five Fitness TV Facebook Denet Lewis as BMX Kid

Denet Lewis has been a lifelong SmartyFella from solar car building to BMX racing. Subscribe to the High Five Fitness YouTube channel for daily motivation! Until his next visit, he reminds us how gemstones are made. A diamond is the birthstone for April. It is formed only in extreme pressure and heat over time. Take the stress and pressure in your life to form and grow yourself.  Use knowledge, passion and drive and get motivated. Underneath that rough stone is a rare, unique and most beautiful diamond just waiting to be polished, just waiting to shine.

3 Travel Habits to Start This Spring to Increase Serendipity

April 2, 2015 by Phillip Tau Leave a Comment

Serendipity. When Lady Luck smiles on you. Our Editor-in-Chief Renee Marchol met Travel Tech expert SmartyFella Phillip Tau at Vegas CES 2015. Another definition of serendipity: a pleasant surprise. Can travel habits like his increase favorable outcomes? Try his thought-starters for yourself. Phillip shares his smarts with us below.

Travel Guide Philip Tau

Photo Credit: SmartyFella Travel Tech Phillip Tau

I overhear people say they hate the travel process but enjoy the end destination. This is befuddling because the old adage stipulates that it is not the end result but the journey that matters most. Adages are not always right but there are truths to them and this case is no different. Let me tell you a short anecdote about the birth of travel technology.

One of the major travel technology providers, Sabre, came about because of the serendipity of travel. As a preface, Sabre is a global distribution system (GDS); airline, hotel, car, rail, cruise content is aggregated in a GDS which then travel agents, companies, travelers access to search for availability and rates. Sabre, Semi-automated Business Research Environment, was a collaboration between American Airlines and IBM. This came about on a random flight when a top IBM sales exec sat next to AA’s CEO and discovered they both had the same last name. The rest as they say is history.

The moral of the story is that the travel process itself has many fruits to bear. Whether you are traveling for business or for leisure, there is always something or someone to be gained. It is not glamorous to be that guy who chats everyone up on the plane but don’t be the sour Sally who refuses to talk to anyone. For the most part our lives are based around routine, we go to the same places, see the same people, eat the same things. Travel is one aspect that allows us to come into contact with the new new, let this apply to all parts of travel including the journey.

Here are some of my tips to increase serendipity while traveling.

  1. Smile
  2. Share
  3. Get Off Your Phone

I am a habitual smiler, you’re already going to get crows feet, you might as well earn them the proper way. Nothing is more inviting than a smile, you never know who might say hi in return or pass on a smile after seeing yours.

Sharing is caring as they say and traveling is no different. This can happen in many ways, whether you share your trip plans on social media or buy an extra big bag of chips to share while you wait. Foster positivity through sharing.

I am guilty of being glued to my phone like most everyone else but this is something that must stop. I assure you that another tweet or Facebook like won’t change your future. What might though is meeting a new friend or travel buddy.

At the end of the day, your travel serendipity might not result in the creation of the backbone of travel, but it is within your locus of control. As in the rest of life, you are the master and commander of your ship, don’t waste sailing to your destination without enjoying the journey there.

Phillip Tau leads business development and product strategy at Cornerstone Information Systems and is Executive Director at Run Up Labs, a travel specific startup accelerator program. More tips on travel serendipity and a bag of chips? Follow him @PTau. Views and bag of chips are his own and do not represent the opinions or chip flavor preferences of business entities.

Connect with me

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Twitter

Subscribe to new post alerts

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Popular Posts

Meet Team Tacoma: The 48 Hour Film Project Seattle

By smartygirl on July 25, 2014

  My white Nokia smartphone is smeared with mini chocolate donut and I couldn’t be happier. Why? Tonight was the kickoff production meeting for The 48 Hour Film Project Seattle. These are a few of production crew who aren’t camera shy. From left to right: Jon Spieth, Iver Nitz, Serena Berry and Greyson Boevers. I […]

Stunts, Safety & Saving Innocence: An Interview with Stuntwoman Emily Hopkins

By smartygirl on September 16, 2013

Associate Editor Erica Tyler is in charge of identifying 20 Ordinary Heroes in the Community this fall. At the end of the summer the Editor-in-Chief stumbled upon a league of such in West Los Angeles. Would you like to know one of them? She works on the team of Saving Innocence as an Intake and […]

Butterfly Ball Light by Diffuse Lighting

By smartygirl on October 7, 2011

Butterfly Ball Light By Diffuse Lighting When I was 12-years-old I showed my 14-year-old cousin the newest silhouettes I made out of a department store catalog. This was the wrong thing to do on a summer morning. It marked me as a weirdo for the rest of the summer. She was more interested in the […]

3 Female DIY Interior Design Bloggers Aunt Renee Admires

By smartygirl on October 15, 2011

My interest in reading interior design blogs written by women with children began with one blog post perfectly suited to me, “Tentacle Pot Pie“. Notmartha.org Blogger Megan Reardon won me as a fan with her unusual presentation of conventional recipes such as meatloaf. She shapes unassuming meatloaf into oven-crisped amputated hands. Her chicken pot pie […]

Embed Our Badge

Smarty Girl Leadership

Archives

  • May 2018
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • July 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011

Copyright © 2019 · Beautiful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in