Thankful

***WARNING***

This is my blog so I’m having a soap box moment. Take it or leave it!

Sometimes I have days when I wonder how AND why I ever got involved in the nonprofit world. I wasn’t one of those do-gooders who grew up wanting to save the world or who thought that working for a cause was more important than making a dollar. Instead I had big dreams of being J.Lo from the Wedding Planner and planning the most lavish weddings known to man.

I ended up working for a nonprofit by pure accident, and I suppose by pure convenience. One of the requirements for my degree was a nonprofit class that included 100 hours of volunteering at a local nonprofit organization. Through the recommendation of my professor I ended up volunteering for the Special Events Manager at a Volunteer Center. At the completion of the semester I took a Special Events Internship position with them and upon graduation was hired on as the Special Events Coordinator. Although I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay and start my career in a nonprofit, it was a job that was created for me, I loved the people, and it allowed me to go backpacking for three weeks after graduation before starting. I could either go away for three weeks with a job, or without. I choose with! Almost four years later I had moved up to the Special Events Manger, had created 3 new events/programs and was DONE with the nonprofit sector.  I decided that I would be much better suited for the corporate world and that the nonprofits were too lovey dovey for me. So, I moved to New Jersey, stopped working for a nonprofit and started working for Satan’s mistress instead. Hmmm that didn’t go as well as planned.

I loved being back up North and was much happier personally and socially but MISERABLE at my job. As I began looking for a new one, I still had no intentions of working for a nonprofit again – until however – I found a job that had my name written alllllll over it. And it of course was for a nonprofit. I decided to take my chances and apply. The bottom line was I needed a job and would figure out the rest later. The minute I came up the elevator for my interview, I knew this nonprofit was different. Don’t get me wrong, I worked for a great organization in Virginia, but it was a VERY different type of nonprofit. The funding was different, the operating budget was less and the office environment was much smaller. I had great co-workers but we were all always on top of each other and I always felt like everyone was more worried about hurting peoples feelings than about doing what was right for the organization.  When I walked into my new office, I knew it was different. Not only is it located in the middle of the greatest city in the world, but it’s an actual office – no more tiny house with deadly mold issues and rats – it had a staff of almost 60 people, has a real management structure and a HUGE operating budget. I’m planning Gala’s at The Plaza and fashion shows at CHANEL. I finally feel like I have arrived!

But here’s the thing. Behind the fancy events and sparkly names we’re doing something truly amazing. The organization I work for works to with teachers and principals to transform high-poverty, low-performing schools into self sustaining successful environments for students and teachers. Our schools are located in the most poverty stricken areas of NYC and D.C. – and expanding into other cities soon. Our kids’ struggle getting to school every morning because they may have not had enough to eat the night before, are running from gun shots to and from the subway, were taking care of their siblings, or up all night listening to the sometimes deadly sounds of their surroundings. They’re not learning because they are shouldering things that most adults will probably never have to go through. And their teachers – who were given no training on how to deal with this – are fighting every day to help these kids learn. It’s a constant struggle and sometimes they all end up on the loosing side.

As part of our Gala each spring we produce a film to show what our program does and to tell the real stories of the education system. Last week I spent time in a few of our schools. Two located in the Bronx and one in East Harlem. Every day I come to work and see how our organization works from the behind the scenes, but I’ve never had the opportunity to be on the front lines. To see what our field staff faces every day and to see the lives they are changing and the transformation they are making. I listened to the stories of students, teachers and principals for hours on end. A 15 year old girl taking care of her mother who is dying of stage 4 lung cancer all by herself; a young boy who saw his father shot and killed by a police officer and has no respect for authority figures; a girl who made her teacher promise she’d stay at school with her until she graduated because she couldn’t watch another teacher leave because it was just too hard to stay; teachers who would cry in their classrooms because no matter what they did they couldn’t control the chaos around them. And then I heard about the strength they found when our field staff showed them how to stop the chaos; how to get their children to learn and the students noticing a difference in themselves and their school. While sitting there, wiping tears from my eyes, I suddenly became very thankful. Thankful for the schools I went to. Thankful for the community that I grew up in. Thankful for the opportunities that have been offered me. Thankful for the chance to work for an organization that gives back in such a monumental way.

The girl who never thought she’d work for a nonprofit and landed their by accident, no longer thinks it’s an accident. I work long, hard hours. I get frustrated and annoyed at some of the petty things that are requested of me for our Gala. But then I remember why I’m here. I remember that the money I help raise at our Gala will be used to help these kids, to strengthen these schools and to inevitably provide these students with a better future – with an exceptional future and school that these kids deserve. I may not work in nonprofits for ever but I WILL always find a way to give back. A way to say thank you for the life I’ve been given. Good or bad, ups or downs, happy or sad I’m lucky. Sometimes it’s important to just sit back and remember that. Sometimes it’s important to remember that there really are no accidents.

Back on the Horse

So, I’ve clearly been a really terrible blogger. I could sit here and give you a list of excuses, but I won’t. The only thing I can say is that I’ve been busy BUT the reality of the situation is that I’m always going to be busy so the only solution is to try and be better about finding time to stay on top of this. Because yes, I know, there is no point in having a blog if I don’t intend to keep it up to date. So this is my attempt of getting back on the horse as they say, and starting fresh!

I figure the best way to start of is to give a quick holiday recap. I know it’s late, but January isn’t quite over yet so I figure it’s not completely appalling to still be talking about the holidays! This holiday season was spent as it should be, with family and friends. My brother was in town from Austin for a week for the first time since LAST Christmas! It is insane and should be illegal to go that long without coming home so he has vowed to some how find a way to make more trips back East. Thankfully with cell phones and Facebook we are able to stay updated on each others lives and remember what one another looks like, but there is nothing better than spending quality face to face time. With Christmas on a weekend, I worked the entire week, so since Zach got in on Thursday night he came into Hoboken on Friday to FINALLY see where I live and to spend some QT time with his only favorite big sister. I couldn’t have asked for a better evening! We go to spend time together just us, which doesn’t happen often enough and then met up with some of my friends, his friends and mutual friends. He loved my apartment, of course, and I feel better now that he finally has a real picture in his head of where I live. As most siblings do our age we bonded while drinking, dancing and of course, laughing.

Christmas was spent as always at our house with our aunt and uncle and our neighbors across the street that are as close to family to us as you can get. They have 6 year old twin girls who helped to make Christmas magical again as we went over their house the night before to help “Santa” get ready for the next morning. I’ll always remember how wonderful it was to come downstairs Christmas morning to see all the goodies that Santa had spoiled us with. It was a real trip seeing it produced from the other side! Christmas day was spent opening presents, eating tons of yummy food and with lots and lots of music! As I’ve bragged before my brother is a very talented musician and of course goes NOWHERE without his guitar. Our neighbor David plays the guitar a little as well so we all gathered in the living room around the tree and listened as Zach and David jammed together, and Caleigh, one of the twins had an impromptu dance party behind them.

I’m pretty sure she had a tiny crush on Zach so she made sure he couldn’t see her! The minute he turned around she started giggling, blushing and running away. But I caught her giving him some cute hugs through out the night so I guess she didn’t let her crush get the best of her! At one point I couldn’t help but look around the room at everyone laughing, singing and smiling and thinking to myself….Who the hell are we?!?!?!?! As corny as it may seem it was absolutely P.E.R.F.E.C.T.  After Christmas I was lucky enough to take a few days off work and spend some extra time at home with my family and brother. Here's a little sibling photo shoot for ya!

As quickly as Christmas came and went, so did New Years Eve. I spent New Years Eve at a party at Carries house with tons of great friends. On Monday morning I woke up with my own New Years Miracle! After partying at Carrie’s house a bunch of us went to a bar. Somehow between her house and the bar I managed to drop my wallet! I hadn’t noticed until I got home because I didn’t spend any money at the bar (it’s pretty great being a girl sometimes!). So at 3:30 in the morning I’m panicking but finally decided there was nothing I could do about it now. I’d call the bar in the morning and go back to Carries house to be sure it wasn’t there. Well, at 8:30am my apartment buzzer went off. Usually, we don’t answer it unless we know someone is coming since people press our apartment on accident allll the time. But for some reason I decided to answer it. GOOD THING I DID! Some guy found my wallet while walking home at 2:30am in the morning and since there was no number in it (it was my “going” out wallet so it just had my I.D. and debit card), his lovely wife decided to walk to my apartment to return it! She was so lovely and started my year off on the right foot! I hope Karma is good to her!

The holidays were filled with lots of family, friends and love as they should be! To top it all off, one of my oldest and best friends Sally got engaged and two of my closest college friends, Kendayl and Mike got engaged as well! All in all, it looks like 2012 is off to a promising start. I hope the holidays treated you all wonderfully as well. Cheers to the New Year, (and being a better blogger)!

Does Anyone Watch the Weather?

I get it. It’s December and customarily, December is mighty cold, especially in the great city of New York. If I remember correctly, this time last year we had already had a few massive snow storms and were necessarily bundled up. HOWEVER – this is not last year people – and there is no blizzard outside! This past week has been in the upper 50’s as have many of the previous weeks. We have even seen some 60+ degree weather this month. Now, I know that I tend to be shall we say…slightly hotter than the average Jane, BUT that still does not excuse the excessive outwear I have witnessed recently.

Let’s take today for example. When I left my house this morning the Today Show had already told me that at 8:00am it was already 54 degrees with a high 56. So, when making my selection of appropriate outerwear I chose my stylish, yet practical, red H&M trench coat. It is warm enough to protect me from a slight chill but is not designed to protect me from a freak snow storm. No gloves, earmuffs or even scarf were necessary on this fall like brisk morning. Apparently, I was one of the only people in the city to look at the weather before leaving my house because everyone was dressed as the abominable snow man, ESPECIALLY those that are clearly not from the area.

People were bundled up with their massive down coats with lined fur hoods zipped up to their noises. Their scarves are wrapped tightly around their neck and their hands are protected by gloves. I also saw quite a few ski jackets, snow boots, ear warmers and those stupid animal hats that have “gloves” attached.

Seriously people, get a grip! I know, I know, I, like you, would LOVE to get more use out of the beautiful Michael Kors down jacket that I purchased this fall (which I bought for $100 less that it was marked for!) but it is just not appropriate.

Yes, it is similar to the coat I mocked earlier but I'm not wearing it in 55 degree weather!

I know you people own TV’s or have the internet, AND, if you don’t – or don’t speak English as many tourists don’t – I’m SURE that when you step out side and realize that it feels like FALL that you could take off a layer or two and stop living in a false reality. THANK YOU.

On a side note: I have a HUGE bone to pick with Mother Nature, or Global Warming, whoever is currently processing complaints. Winter is MY time of year. It is the one time that I can look forward to NOT sweating on my way to work (besides for when I entered a heated building or bus) and can wear all the cute winter clothes I own. But NOOOOOO you think you’re cute and have completely messed with my favorite time of year. Now, I have to find ways to “dress” for the season without sweating my ass off and sit with my fan constantly on at my desk because the heat is pumping at the office because it’s supposed to be cold. Enough is enough. Please accept this as my formal complaint. January better not fail me, or you’ll be hearing from my lawyer.

P.S. – Yes, I am blatantly ignoring the fact that it has been 21 days since my last post. This has been my month from hell and I have been busy. Deal with it. THANKS! J Love you, mean it!

Cha Cha Changes

They say that copying is the best form of flattery so I am going to flatter my bff Heather and take inspiration from one of her most recent blog posts. Let’s talk about hair.

For those that know me well, they know that I LOVE to change my hair. Sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad but always for something different. For awhile I used the changing of my hair to get back some control in my life. You may not know this about me, but I’m a bit a lot of a control freak. So, sometimes when other things in my life are out of my own hands, I find another way to take it back -and usually that means taking it out on my poor head. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane shall we???

We all remember this oldie but goodie!

No more perm, but eventually a little shorter with some blonde highlights

Brown and a short...short bob

My mom's personal favorite, NOT...blonde!

We have Heather to thank for this one! No more blonde for her wedding!

Finally a little darker and back to my natural hue

Let it grow let it grow let it grow!

Add a little dash of red(ish)

Well recently I decided to make another change, to say the least. However this time it wasn’t because I was feeling out of control, or was testing an experiment to see if blondes have more fun, but it was more practical. Recently my hair had become VERY long, quite possibly the longest it had ever been. Although I loved my long locks, they were starting to weigh me down and look a little less flattering. I have VERY thick hair and sometimes when it gets to long it starts to just hang…and not in an attractive way. On top of that, as you all know, I am constantly hot and found that my hair was not helping my case. For a few work events I’d spend hours getting my hair just perfect and after being at the event for 5 minutes it was glued to the back of my neck, curling – not in a good way – and eventually ending up in a ponytail. I just couldn’t manage to keep it long and professional at the same time so I decided to take the plunge. Ten inches later this is where we are…

The evidence left behind

Tada!!! The final product! Short and professional! (and much cooler!)

I’m very happy with the change and have even been able to do a couple different cute things with it. I’ve cut my hair drying time in half and have been left with healthy hair that is PERFECT for twirling, my favorite thing to do!

I know this is the point where I’m supposed to ask if you love it or hate it but to be honest, if you hate it I don’t want to hear it…10 inches is going to take a looooooong time to grow back!

Jersey Strong

I had a very interesting conversation with my boss the other day. We were on our way to a meeting and were having a conversation regarding the Friday dress code. First I need to give you a little background on my boss. She is quite the pit bull and is EXTREMELY blunt, she makes me look timid. Sometimes I think she would really benefit from having a filter – I’m not even going to say a better filter because literally one does NOT exist – but I am currently in no position to tell her that. She LOVES judging which is why we probably get along so well because lets be honest, I can judge with the best of them. What makes her sharp tongue even better is that she’s a very short/petite Italian woman in her early 50’s with a pixie haircut (she sorta reminds me of Peter Pan, like the Cathy Rigby version but only because of her hair.. and come to think of it her hair is red so that’s a terrible example, but I digress…) and one would expect her to probably be much more tactful than she is. But lucky for me, I think she’s hilarious and we get along famously – thank god – she loves my sarcasm and allows me to be myself (within professional reason). Anyways I’ve almost moved completely off topic…back to my story.

Like I said, we were discussing our Friday dress code. Most people in the office on Friday’s wear jeans; however my boss is not the hugest fan of them. She is really fashionable and is one of those women that I can’t picture wearing a pair of jeans, let alone owning a pair. Because of her distain for jeans in the workplace, my colleague and I (who started a week after me) have both refrained from casual Friday that is unless, our boss is out of the office. One afternoon, on a Friday, the topic of jeans came up and I decided to take the plunge and ask her if we could wear them. She kinda just stared at me, begrudgingly said yes and I thought it was over. Success.   

Now we are at Monday, on our walk. She brings up the jeans topic and thus our convo unfolds:

G: So, I’m ok with you guys wearing jeans, but they have to be good jeans.

Me: Ok, how do you qualify what “good” jeans are, other than I’m assuming no holes.

G: Well, they have to be dark, cannot be skinny, can be boot cut if you want, and I’d prefer trouser style.

Me: Hmm ok, those are a lot of parameters but I think I can handle it.

G: Also, they can’t have “stuff” on them.

Me: “Stuff” what do you mean “stuff”?

G: Ya know, they can’t have like gems, or like embellishments on them.

Me: You mean like they can’t be bedazzled?

G: Yea, none of that crap.

Me: G, do I look like someone who would wear bedazzled jeans, I would never do that!

G: Well…. You are from Jersey….

Me: WHAT! ( and then I pushed her…)

G: Yea well I don’t know what you wear in your own time….you people from Jersey can be a little questionable.

Me: (I stared at her with my mouth wide open for a while) I don’t know what to say.

G: Yea well, I’m just saying…

As I sat there slightly offended, I thought for awhile. Thankfully, she confirmed that I do dress very well for work so she’s not 100% surprised that I don’t have bedazzled jeans. But I did begin to think back to my pre- Virginia days and admit to myself that yes, I, Samantha Watson, was at one point a little bit of a Jersey girl…well at least as far as my hair was concerned. As many of you know during high school I had the brilliant idea to perm my hair. Why none of my family or so-called friends stopped me, I will never know, but at the end of the day I was pretty sure that I looked damn good! To make matters worse I insisted on holding on to my Jersey bangs as well – made for a really awesome combination.  I’ve joked before that one of the best things about going to school in VA is that by Christmas break of my Freshman year I realized how terrible I looked and finally made a change. But now, many years later, I have come to terms with my “past” and can look back at myself and laugh. So, I invite you all to laugh with me and have a few gems to share with you.

 

At least Zach and I both look awkward here...

My mom says I look like a Springer Spaniel here...and yet she didn't stop me...thanks Mom.

Yea Carrie and I are real hott! Can you feel that sizzle?!

Poster from my Graduation Party...lots of Gems here.

Close-up of my Senior Picture. If you look close you can see the acrylic nails that were color coordinated to match the shirt. At least i straightned the hair here, but the bangs are there to stay!

I was even brave enough to show my boss these pictures. And, with that, in true G form, I leave you with this:

“ Wow, those are awesome! Are you wearing bedazzled jeans in any of those?????????”

VA in the Big Apple

I’m a little late on this, I am very well aware, but sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. Or at least that is what people with patience have told me, however that is not a virtue that I possess (nor does anyone else in my family – well maybe my dad, but only on a good day).

Two weekends ago two of my very closest friends from Virginia came to visit me in the big City(s).  Becca and Kendayl took the bus up from Arlington, VA into NYC. They came in on Friday evening so I decided to stay in the city after work and have dinner with one of my best friends Kerri (brown haired Kerri as I usually reference her). We had a fabulous dinner and she did a great job keeping me distracted as I waited anxiously for my friends to arrive. As the time was approaching I shot Kendayl a text and told her to let me know when they were going through the Lincoln Tunnel so I knew when to leave to meet them. Something that I thought was a simple request turned out to be slightly more complicated for my Southern friends. Please see the below text message exchange…

After Kerri and I were finally able to stop laughing, I got in a cab and went to meet the girls. In the meantime, I needed to call and share this hilarious exchange with my parents. As I am explaining to them what Kendayl had sad, I can see the cab driver laughing in the rear view mirror. After I hung up the phone, he politely waited a few minutes before finally speaking.

Cab driver: “Did your friends really think you could walk through the Lincoln Tunnel?”

Me: “Yes sir, they did. They’re from Virginia, so they’re a little special.”

Cab driver: “But, I don’t know of any tunnels you can really walk through? Have they been in a tunnel before?”

Me: “Yes, they have. They are near the Ft. McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore.”

Cab driver: “That is a very large tunnel. How can they think that?”

Me: “I’m not sure sir… I’m not sure…”

They hadn’t even arrived yet, and I knew it was going to be a great weekend! We finally met up, had quite a laugh over the tunnel confusion and headed back to Hoboken. We had an easy Friday night and went to sleep as we had a big Saturday ahead of us.

Kendayl was a very brave sole and immediately after waking up she headed out for a 7 mile run around Hoboken. (She was training for her first marathon that she actually ran yesterday!! Congratulations Kendayl!!!!) As I am not much of the outdoor runner – or really much of a runner at all for that matter – I told her it would be easy and she’d figure it out. Thankfully she did and made it back in one piece, a little dizzy but in one piece. Hoboken is only 1 square mile, so she did a lot of running in circles! Once she was home, we got ready and jumped on the bus into the City.

We entered the City at Port Authority, so we were just a few blocks away from Times Square. While in Times Square we saw not only Elmo and Spongebob, but Minnie Mouse and Grover. The characters were out in full force!  While touring the city we:

·         Went all through Times Square

·         Visited the Hershey Store

Kendayl in her heaven...Everything Reeses Pieces!

·         Walked past my office (our floor is locked on off hours so no visiting my cube)

·         Bought LOTS of pashminas on the street

·         Stopped and watched street drummers

They were incredible, we could have stayed forever!

·         Walked all down 5^th Avenue looking at all the storefronts

·         Stopped by Rockefeller Center

·         Strolled through a street fair on Madison Avenue

·         Braved the crowd and toured through FAO Schwartz

Kendayl and Fancy Nancy... apparently some character first grade teachers know about.

Barbie Foosball table. Can be yours for only $25,000!

·         Day dreamed at the The Plaza

Pigeons outside The Plaza

·         Walked briskly through Central Park

Remember that sign I talked about in "I Spy"?? I found it in a magnet! "I'm not REALLY a Bitch...I just play one in your life!"

·         Walked down 7^th Avenue to the Path Station

It was quite the busy day filled with tons of walking, laughing and catching up. To top off our fabulous day, the girls were lucky enough to experience one of the best things cities and public transportation has to offer…. Crazy people! On the Path ride home, we were graced with the presence of a lovely woman who stood RIGHT in front of us and had multiple conversations with herself. By multiple I mean she switched into about 3 or 4 different persona's all in the span of our 15 minute ride.  She looked very normal at first – except for her lack of stalkings with her very short dress on a not so warm day.  The moment the train took off so did she. She began talking in many different tones and talked a lot about someone named Frank, and was very upset with some weasel who had swindled her out of some money. She also was not a fan of her three sisters who are always leaving her out of things. It was bizarre to say the least.  

On our walk back to my apartment, we of course stopped for Kendayl to take a picture in front of Carlos Bakery, otherwise known as the Cake Boss. Although she would have loved to go in, Becca and I refused to wait in the 3+ hour line just for her to get a treat. It’s just a bakery people…you are across from the greatest city in the world… go explore it and stop blocking the sidewalks of Hoboken!

We came back to my apartment, rested and cleaned up a bit and headed out for dinner in Hoboken. We grabbed a late dinner with my best friend Carrie and then went to a few different bars in town. We had a great girl’s night and then headed back to my apartment to crash after a long, fun filled day.  Sunday morning we enjoyed our extra hour of sleep thanks to daylight savings, walked around Hoboken, grabbed some brunch marveled at the skyline and headed back into the city to say our farewells. 

View of NYC from Hoboken

 It was a quick weekend but absolutely wonderful. I loved every minute of showing my friends my new world, and enjoyed even more how pleased they were with being introduced to it. We could not have had better weather (thankfully the sun was on, right Becca!), or better company! It meant so much to me that these girls came to visit me and graciously put up with me showing them everything and anything! Can’t wait for them to return this spring for some Broadway!

Proud Big Sister

So I know that we all think we have the most amazing siblings and parents and yadda yadda yadda but I truly do have the most amazingly talented little brother. Some how the “gene” gods decided to give Zachary all of the good ones:

·         Big blue eyes – they force you to say yes to his every request event if you realllly don’t want too. But for some reason, no matter what all he has to do is bat them and all your better instincts disappear and he gets his way. Now before you say it, yes, I am aware that I do have very beautiful and captivating blue eyes as well… however, at least up until this point in my life, they’ve never made anyone do something for me. Maybe I should work on that.

·         Skinny – the kid is literally so skinny that he HAS to wear skinny jeans. He’s been wearing them since before they were popular because baggy ones look incredibly stupid on him. Thankfully he can actually really rock them. I never found it fair that he got to be the skinny one, shouldn’t the girl have gotten that right?! When I was a baby I was really fat…like legit really fat and to make me feel better my mom always told me that everyone has a fat period in their life and that was mine. So obviously as a typical big sister I informed him that since he was a skinny baby he’d be fat one day when it was really inconvenient. I think this may end up being an empty threat….

·         Talent – Zach is one of the most talented people I have ever met. Not only was he a star soccer player and captain of his Varsity soccer team he also is an exceptionally talented musician. Growing up my parents had always hoped that he would go to college on a soccer scholarship and continue his love for the game; however Zach had very different plans in mind. While still playing soccer he began to teach himself how to play guitar. He eventually began lessons and started a band. When it became time for college Zach had one college in mind: Berklee College of Music in Boston. Berklee had a lot to offer Zach, except for soccer. Although I’m sure my dad’s dreams were crushed for a quick hot second, he knew that this school would allow Zach to pursue his other talent and his real passion, Music. Zach got in and after 2 full years, he took a summer internship in LA working for a couple record labels. As soon as he was there he was quickly bitten by the bug that is LA and there was no turning back. He has spent the last 4 plus years perusing his dream and doing everything in his power to make his dreams come true. Zach not only plays guitar but he is the lead singer, song writer and music composer for his band, Lucy Ryder.

In February of 2011 Zach and his bassist Dane decided that they needed to try a new scene and picked up their lives and moved to Austin, Texas the “Live Music Capital of the World.” They found a new lead guitarist and drummer and are on their way once again to making it to the top. However, there is one more quality about my brother that I truly see as his best:

·         Determination – No matter how hard things get, or how far away in the distance his dreams seem to be he NEVER gives up. He believes in his talent and his passion and is determined to do whatever it takes to make this happen. It takes a whole hell of a lot of courage to do this and I’m not sure that I could do the things he has. He picked up and moved to LA without knowing a sole and turned around a few years later and did the same thing in his move to Texas. I know that it’s been tough for him being so far away from our family and it sometimes feels like he’s not “apart” of it, but the truth is, without him, we’re just three people…he  completes us and makes us a family. At the end of the day, Zach… you really are my hero. You’re the one that gave me the courage to pick up my life and move to where I’d be happy, and I can’t thank you enough for that push I needed. I love you little brother.

Me and Zach in Austin, TX this summer

When I started writing this, I really didn’t mean for it to turn into such a mushy mess, so my apologies to anyone that wants to poke their eyes out after reading this. But when I think of how proud I am of my brother, I just can’t help it. We are two of the most opposite siblings you will ever meet, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. He keeps me from taking myself too seriously and I think sometimes I bring him back down to earth. I may be biased, but I think my parents did a pretty good job!

Anyways….! The whole point of this post was to share a video of Lucy Ryder’s most recent show played on Halloween. It’s a new song and I personally love getting to see him perform. Hope everyone enjoys it!!