Here’s my suggestion everyone. Come back down from up in the clouds. You watched a 30 minute video that I shall simply deem… a misleading promotional tool. I’m not saying that what invisible children created is right or wrong, I myself don’t know all of the facts. But I will say this…Clicking “Like” or “Share this” is not directing helping those kids or locking up criminals thousands of miles away.
If you want this world to change, if you’d like to see a difference in this world at all, sharing a video is not enough. The only way you can be fully certain that good is being done is if you do it yourself. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, an after-school program, a senior citizen center, the pediatric center of a hospital, or even an animal shelter (and this is call-to-action for myself as well). Whatever it is you’re so passionate about, go see it yourself. Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr aren’t going anywhere, reruns of teen mom will still be on tomorrow or next week, and your friend won’t disown you because you bailed on that mani/pedi date - hell, invite her to join you. Make your own damn video, one that’s pure and honest and doesn’t cost thousands of dollars to produce. Connect with people who are actually in need, not your friends that happen to repost the same video as you.
There’s been terrible tornadoes out in the midwest recently. Why don’t you use social media sites for something other than posting pictures of your keg stand and try and find a family in need instead? Throw a charity event for them. Donate old clothes or toys or gift cards. Send them a message or email just letting them know you’re praying/thinking of them.
As I’m writing this, I’m simply reminding myself of how much I’ve failed over these last few months. I haven’t done a single one of these things. I should have. There’s no excuse, but, I’m sharing this with everyone so I will. I’m asking all of you to hold me to it.
I want to take some time out of each week until I find a full-time job and do some good. I shall start next week. If anyone knows any charity events happening in the near future please fill me in. I might not have much money, but I have plenty of time and I’m sure if you rearranged a few things, you’d be able to find some time too.
Just remember, Kony isn’t the only piece of shit out there.
“I always think about us in Central Park that day and how I knew I loved you right then and there. You’re mine always. And I’ll forever be yours.”
This is my best friend. She’s perfect. She always listens, she loves to snuggle, and would never stab me in the back. #dog #puppy #love #rescuedog #annie (Taken with Instagram at Moores Landing)
Some nights when I’m bored I watch youtube videos of Bear and Bright Lights. Call me a groupie or whatever you want, but it’s indeed one of my favorite things to do when I’m bored.
And every single time, I can’t help but wonder…
Why the hell doesn’t my boyfriend sing anymore?
No disrespect to the Vinyls because they do make great music, and i love them dearly, but I miss Zach’s voice. I miss waking up and knowing that I’m headed to whatever shitty venue is left in this state in a few hours to hear his voice all around me.
I understand Bears had it’s run. I’ve even accepted that Gates moved on without him. Truth be told, I love the music Gates has put out. All of those guys are incredible musicians and the fact that they are touring in Europe soon is fucking incredible. I’m proud of them whether we’re close or not. I’m glad I know them and I hope they continue to great things. I truly mean that. (Side note, I’m looking forward to seeing them and marlo at the meatlocker tomorrow night. If you hadn’t planned on it, you should definitely come out!)
But I miss Zach’s voice. I miss him singing and expressing his emotions and connecting with the audience and everything else. I think I took it for granted. But even before we started dating, his songs struck a cord in me. They made a difference in me. And I don’t think talent like that should be wasted.
A few days ago Zach received some notes and songs his father wrote many years ago before he passed away. The first thing I noticed was that him and his father have not only the exact same facial features, but they have the exact same handwriting. The second thing I realized, is that 20 years from now, I want to have notebooks of Zach’s songs to show to our kids. I only have one piece of paper right now. “Hey Nineteen” from when he was in Learning Takes a Lifetime. I wasn’t even dating him when he wrote it but he knew I loved it so much that when he found the original notes for the lyrics he gave it to me. =]
I want more.
This world deserves more. Your voice and thoughts and ideas and feelings deserve to be heard.
I’ve told you a million times, so here’s a million and one. I love you, and your voice has changed my life. Let it change others.
Everybody Gets One. (Taken with instagram)
Today, I celebrate the far too short life of a man I never met. It seems odd, but Scott means more to me than most of the people I have met thus far. Scott was my best friend’s best friend.
Zach, keep your head up. The talent you possess is rare and indescribable. It’s a gift from the gods, and you should be so proud of yourself. I’m sure Scott is. Always remember that in the same way Scott inspired you, you inspire me every single day. Be thankful for the time you spent with him and revisit the good times in your mind often. They’ll help you get through the hard times, and they’ll remind you to cherish every second of these short lives we were given.
Scott, every time I worry about Zach for whatever reason, be it his health driving so much or anything else my crazy mind allows me to worry about, I feel better knowing you’re near him. You’ve kept him safe. You’ve inspired him. You’ve helped to mold him into the caring, sensitive, incredibly strong, unique individual I adore.
Thank you for being the love of my life’s guardian angel. I owe you.
(Source: temperatelivesnj)
Picky picky came all the way into my room today. Climbed all over my stuff and just stared at me. #kitty #cat #kitten #adorable #rescue #animal #rescuecat #love (Taken with Instagram at Governor’s Pointe)
Spending quality time with mom. Trying to remind myself what Christmas is all about. #family #love #happiness (Taken with instagram)
Meet picky picky. One day soon, I shall catch her. #cat #cute #stray #animal #love (Taken with Instagram at Governor’s Pointe)
Meeting this fellow is most certainly the greatest thing to ever happen to me. @vikinglimbs #love #handsome (Taken with instagram)
I have the greatest family and friends. #graduation #cards #family #love #happy #college (Taken with instagram)
:) I feel loved and very lucky. #flowers #pink #roses #love (Taken with instagram)
Not my actual home. But my heart’s home. Zach’s home. I’ve never witnessed destruction and devastation from a natural disaster like this first hand. I’ve never seen a room that I spent many days and nights in torn to shreds until now. It’s gut wrenching to say the least.
But of course, when things like this happen, we see the good in people. We see people bend over backwards to help a neighbor. And, like it should, that gives me hope. Because whether it’s delivering a meal, lending a hand, or providing a nice hot shower, every little bit helps. Every bit makes the load a little lighter. And it wasn’t one person at Zach’s house helping out, it was dozens of people. Family, friends, neighbors, neighbor’s family, and even strangers.
I originally wanted to write about how hard it’s been for Zach and his family. And don’t get me wrong, it has been so very hard. Most people would’ve crumbled where Donna (Zach’s mom) stood tall and kept going. That woman was a warrior in another life, I swear. She’s wise and thoughtful and clever and loving too, but she’s so so strong.
But now, I want to be the one who’s thinking positive and not dwelling on the past. I want to be strong like Zach’s mom and look to the future rather than get overwhelmed and sad. They’ve come so far already, and before they know it, they’ll be back in their home where they belong.
If it didn’t all happen smack dab in the middle of me finishing my internship, packing, moving down to school, and getting ready for classes, I would’ve done more. I really wish I could’ve done more.
I just hope whatever I did, made something a littler easier for them. The whole family deserves greatness and I really pray nothing even close to this happens to them ever again. I hope they get help from the government, and I hope the rest of the homes in their neighborhood get help too. There were far too many homes destroyed for this to go overlooked.
Most importantly, I hope they know how much I love them. I hope they know I’m so thankful that they themselves were safe and weren’t harmed in Hurricane Irene. They mean the world to me, all three of them. They all have taught me something different since I’ve met them.
Josh (Zach’s brother) reminds me every day that “judging a book by it’s cover” is never fair. He’s also brilliant, and has the greatest laugh I’ve ever heard. Donna has made me believe that anything is possible. She’s been through so much and she still makes life seem so easy, and always manages to stay positive. She’s truly inspiring.
And Zach, well Zach has taught me so many things, but he’s taught me the most important thing of all. Zach has taught me that soul mates exist. That true true love can be found, even when you’re young. And that there’s no greater feeling than being freezing and held by him, under one million blankets, in the middle of winter, because he couldn’t afford to turn the heat up.
Two years.
Thank you for every single day. Even the tough ones. They only brought us closer.
I love you.
