Distance Don't Know Us.

When I first met Caleb Lovely, I was 14. He was playing at Cornerstone Church and I remember the first thing I noticed was his suave attire and height. He walked on stage and had the crowd on their feet. During the intermission he walked out and I caught up with him and nervously and politely asked for a picture. He agreed and after taking the photo, I thanked him and we went our separate ways. We became friends on Facebook and for now, that was the end of that. Years passed and Caleb released songs and I followed him on Twitter and eventually Instagram. I fell in love with his music and every new single he released over the years. His songs told stories of love and loss; tales of heartbreak and abandonment; songs that made tears flow from sadness and smiles emerge from fond memories. I followed Caleb throughout his musical career and watched as he grew and released more songs. The passion in the songs was undeniable.
Months ago, Caleb followed me on Twitter and Instagram, and I was ecstatic. Throughout the years, Caleb and I had tweeted back and forth as I promoted his music to my followers. About a month ago, he announced he was going to be around me. He had moved to Houston, so it was pretty difficult for me to see him when he did shows. I bought a ticket to see him, and was extremely excited.
I counted down the days until finally July 8th arrived. Now, here is where perhaps, paying attention in elementary/middle school might have been helpful. It seems I forgot that Pittsburgh is quite a ways away from Philly. Regardless, I had made long trips before and this one, a mere 5.5 hours would not defer me. I started my adventure to Club Cafe and let Caleb know I was on my way.
Fast forward 5 hours.
I had arrived and I was so freaking excited. Caleb tweeted and let us know he was chilling at a local Starbucks, so I meandered on over to the Starbucks. I entered and looked around and laid my eyes on someone I hadn't seen in over 6 years. A smile of fondness emerged over his face and I felt one cross my face as well. Clad in a snug green button down, showing off his multiple tattoos, and skinny jeans, Caleb stood and greeted me with a hug. 6 years of waiting and 5 hours of driving had lead me to this hug. This hug encompassed 6 years of friendship.
Caleb gave me his seat and as he pulled up another chair, he introduced me to his brother. Caleb and I caught up on the past 6+ years. We talked about traveling and dreams we had, places we planned to travel, and compared tattoos (his more extensive than mine). Over the short 15 minutes we had before he had sound check, we caught up. Caleb stood to leave because he was 5 minutes late for sound check, and before he left, he gave me another hug and promised we would get a photo.
When the time came for Caleb to take the stage, the crowd went silent and Caleb began to sing. Notes flowed from his mouth and the crowd was enraptured. He serenaded the crowd without even trying. His entire essence flowed through the room. Even though there were multiple people in the room, Caleb had a way of making it seem like it was only you and him in the room. As if the songs were just for you. That's how much passion and emotion he placed in his music.
He opened with a song he had just released via a music video. When he finished his first song, he introduced himself and throughout the set, he joked and laughed with the crowd. He told stories of his songs, how he wrote them, and what they meant to him.  He gave us a preview of songs on his upcoming album, one called Yours, which he played with such emotion and passion. He moved with the music, and it made you want to sway and dance to the song, though the tempo was slow and the content was heartbreaking.
I met up with Caleb again after his set, and we talked for a moment, and he thanked me countless times for coming to the show before he was pulled in a thousand different directions, none of which bothered me. Such is the life for a musician as talented and passionate as Caleb. The night passed, and before I left, Caleb and I took a picture together that we've waited 6+ years to take. I bid him goodbye, and received one last hug.
There is such a passion in Caleb's music and songs. Caleb breaks through the barrier that exists between artist and audience. He lets us into his life, and he shows venerability and strength. His songs connect strangers and brings people from all walks of life together. He plays with such passion and beauty. During the songs, his face would light up with memories of love, anger, sadness, and fondness. He expresses his emotions with extreme clarity through his songs. He puts his whole heart and soul in the songs. There is so much talent in this man, I cannot wait to see what God has in store for him.

Below the Line: Day 5

Here we are at the end of this challenge and I find myself actually more inspired to do this challenge next year. This year was a little more rough for me than last year, mostly because it was right during finals week during my senior year of college. Smart move, I know. A lot of my friends were worried when I suggested doing the challenge during this time, and I understand why. I had a friend comment how hungry and worn out I looked, midway through the challenge and I reminded him that this was all for charity to help remind people that children live like this everyday and it isn't going to kill me to spend 5 days living off of $1.50 a day.
I've noticed many people ask me why I do this challenge year after year and my answer to them is always the same, to raise awareness of child hunger across the US. I do get some smartass responses, like, "well I'm sure by now you're aware" or "why don't you just send them $1.50 and help them out?"
The challenge isn't about me, it's about the 1.5 billion children who live their lives on $1.50 a day.
Tomorrow I get to eat whatever I so choose and I am reminded that while I get to go back to eating normally, there are children who are still starving.
This year, the challenge was a lot harder for me because I had to take finals and I was working. I'm glad I did it this week though, because it made me realize how privileged I am to be able to actually have finals to worry about.

This week has been amazing and I am so glad I was able to participate in the challenge this year.

Until next year,
Erin

Below the Line: Day 4

4 days down and one to go.
Wow, today was really tough for me. Not only was I given gifts from a professor, but my other professor decided to bring in pizza and snacks for our final, and guess who couldn't eat any of it? It took every ounce of restraint I could muster to not eat the food that was presented in front of me.
I took my final final I am ever going to take an an undergrad today. It's been surreal.
It is late, and I won't bore you with a long post.
Run down of my meals:

Breakfast:
2 eggs seasoned with pepper, salt, and Old Bay:
$0.40

Dinner:

2 slices of bread with a sliver of butter:
$0.16
1 Egg seasoned with pepper, salt, and Old Bay:
$0.20
1 slice of bread with a sliver of butter:
$0.08

Total:

$0.84

One day left!!

Erin

Below the Line: Day 3

I'm writing this entry early today because I have a lot to do tonight and I want to make sure that it get written.

Today has been a little more rough than the previous days. I went to sleep hungry and woke up starving. It was the type of starving that made me not want to eat, because I was that hungry. On my way to school this morning, I started getting a small headache from lack of food, and I remembered I still have two cans of tuna fish I can eat. I can assure you that canned tuna fish has never sounded so delicious.

Oh!! If you want to donate to the cause go here to donate to my page and your donation will go to my charity of choice which is Concern Worldwide!! It would mean a lot to me!!!


Quick run down of my meals today:

Breakfast:
Banana:
$0.11

Lunch:
2 cups of rice with corn:
$0.36

Dinner:
1 can of tuna fish:
$0.65

Total:
$1.12

Not too bad. I think I'm making up for not really eating yesterday.

I took my final final for Dr. Gibson today and like many of his finals, it was surprisingly easy. I have one more final to take today and a movie to watch tomorrow. Today/Tonight I do have to write 2 more short (2-3 page) essays and then my undergrad career is over. I'm too hungry to comprehend how I feel about that right now, but I'm sure Monday it will hit me like a ton of bricks.

Oh, so a quick shoutout to one of my previous professors, who I won't mention unless she is okay with, but I posted yesterday's blog on my Facebook and she commented on it "I really admire you for doing this, Erin, and for taking it so seriously." I was so happy that this challenge has brought such kind words. I really enjoy this challenge, and I'll talk more about it why on the last day, when I have all my thoughts and the challenge is over, but it reminds me of how privileged I am and how much I have.

Food for thought,
Erin

Below the Line: Day 2

Okay, so it's day 2 and I've taken my final final I will ever take for my advisor and professor. Not only was I taking a final, but as you know, I was also doing it while living below the line. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but I went to bed hungry and woke up hungrier.
I left for my final around 9:30 and was at Wesley until 12:30. When I got home, I did some chores around the house and made dinner for my parents. As I was making the steaks stuffed with spinach, rice, and carrots, I realized this would be the first meal I've made that I would not eat. It was odd. After I made the dinner, I finished the several take-home exams I had, and didn't realize I hadn't eaten dinner until a few minutes ago. Here's a quick breakdown of my meals today:

Breakfast:
2 eggs seasoned with pepper, salt, and Old Bay:
$0.40
1 Banana:
$0.11

Dinner:
1 cup of rice:
$0.08
1/2 cup of corn:
$0.16

Total: $0.75

I'll probably have a late night snack of bread and butter, which will bring my total to $0.83.
Big spender over here.

Tomorrow I have 2 finals, one at 9am and the other at 2. I'm going to try and make eggs for breakfast, if not, I'll grab the banana and splurge on an extra helping of rice and corn.

Still going strong,
Erin

Below the Line: Day 1

Okay, so it's day 1 of  the #BelowTheLine challenge.

Here's a breakdown of my meals today:

Breakfast:
2 eggs seasoned with pepper, salt, and Old Bay:
$0.40
1 Banana:
$0.11

Lunch:
2 cups of rice with a sliver of butter:
$0.20
2 slices of bread with a sliver of butter:
$0.16

Snack:
1 Egg seasoned with pepper, salt, and Old Bay:
$0.20
1 slice of bread with a sliver of butter:
$0.08

Dinner:
1 cup of rice with a sliver of butter:
$0.10
1/2 cup of corn:
$0.16

Total:
$1.28

Today was actually rough for me. I had all these temptations around me and I felt sluggish and weak. I don't remember last year being this difficult. The one good thing about this challenge is how much water is makes me drink.

Until tomorrow,

Erin

Live Below the Line Shopping Day

Okay, so it's Friday and I have decided to go shopping for the Below the Line Challenge.
Here is my grocery list:

• Banana
• Bread
• Eggs
• Tunafish
• Pasta/Rice
• Frozen Corn

I have decided to go price checking at three different stores to see where I could get the best deals. I have decided to go to Walmart and ALDI. Here is how the prices panned out:

Walmart:

• Bananas
•  .57
• Bread
•  1.00
• Eggs
•  1.44
• Tunafish
•  .68
• Pasta
• 1.24
• Rice
•  (2 lb bag) 1.48
• Canned Corn
•  .68

ALDI:

• Bananas
•  .69
• Bread
•  1.04
• Eggs
•  1.45
• Tunafish
•  .65
• Pasta
• .89
• Rice
•  (3 lb bag) 1.49
• Canned Corn
•  .49

I ended up buying everything from Aldi because it was mostly cheaper when I added everything up.

So all in all, I spent 8.09; however, the cashier overcharged me for the bread; he charged me 1.49 instead of the 1.04 it was actually priced. Also the bananas were 2lbs not 1lb, so instead of being .69, it was 1.38. So technically, my total is 7.46.  Later I will divide up the portions so they will last me all five days.

Along with this challenge I will also be taking my finals for my final semester of college. I'll write a blog entry about that as well later. Don't you worry. 

Okay, so I'll be adding another entry Sunday after an awards ceremony I'll be attending and then Monday will start the Below the Line Challenge, which will be updated daily. 

Wish me luck,

Erin 

Live Below the Line 2015

The time to participate in the Live Below the Line Challenge is almost upon us. The challenge starts on April 27th and ends May 1.
For those of you who are unsure what this challenge consists of, I'll give you a quick overview.
For 5 days, I get to live off of 1.50 a day. That's it. Just $1.50. Last year I did the challenge and it was really tough for me. I learned a lot and gained a lot of experience and knowledge that hopefully will help me with the challenge this year.
I have made my shopping list and now all I need to do is go shopping and plan my meals. This challenge is going to be harder for me as I will be in the final week of college and I have yet to do this challenge during a very important week of my college career.

Grocery list:

• Eggs
• Rice/Pasta
• Fruit (bananas probably)
• Corn
• Potatoes

Just like last year, I'll keep you updated daily.

Wish me luck!

Hold On, Small One

I wanted to write a post today about this past weekend, but as I started writing, I kept deleting and retyping an opening. I couldn't find the words to convey my thoughts, and even now, as I free write, I still feel as if this is inadequate. I guess I'll start at the beginning.

For those of you who don't know, I went and saw this band, Loftland, one of my all time favorite bands, this weekend. I saw them about a year ago for the first time and just like last time, they were absolutely brilliant. They pulled the crowd in and even though this time they had a few new members in the band, they were still brilliant. My friend, Sarah, and I drove a total of 13 hours this weekend to see Loftland in both WV and VA. Also there was Shuree and Shonlock. Both absolutely amazing.

On Saturday night, I asked Dom, the lead singer if he would write the words, "Hold on, Small One" so I could get that tattooed on my foot. He looked at my oddly, and I assured him I was serious. I never told him why I wanted those words on my foot, I just did. After about 5 different tries, he gave up and handed me a piece of paper that had those words on it. I'm sure he thought my request was quite odd, but being as I never explained why I wanted those words tattooed on my body forever, I don't disagree with him.

Sunday night, Sarah and I drove to VA to see them one last time. At the end of the show, Sarah and I were talking to Shuree and she asked us about our story. After I told her mine, and explained that I was getting "Hold on, Small One" tattooed on my foot, she asked if Loftland knew the reasoning behind the tattoo. I shook my head and she walked with me over to Loftland's booth and asked me to share my story with them. 

When I was 14, I met who I thought would be the love of my life. Little did I know how wrong I really was. This was the relationship that not only changed me, but changed my life, and not in a good way. It was the relationship that started me with self-harm. For 8 years, I fought with this demon and I never saw an end. I felt so alone and I felt as if I was the only one who felt this pain. I never thought I would stop cutting, until one night when I was driving home from a friend's house. It was late and the roads were empty. I had been through a bad breakup and I was already weeping. My iPod was hooked up to my radio, and I wasn't too interested in the song that was playing and so I skipped to the next song, by an artist I knew all too well, Loftland. The song, "Hold On, Small One" played through my speakers and the words hit me with such a force, I had to pull over. I had heard this song so many times, blared the song and sang along, but the words never hit me until late one January. I had tried so many times to stop cutting, so many failed attempts, but for some reason, some strange unknown reason, this time felt different. This time I was done covering my hips and ribs in scars.
I remember leaning my head back and pulling at my sleeves. I listened to the lyrics, and the chorus really hit home for me:

Hold on, Small one

I'm right beside you

When the storms they come

And all your hope is gone

You've got to hold on small one

I'll never leave you

When your world comes down

And when you come undone

Hold on

It was in that moment that I realized something. I realized that no one is worth me destroying my body over. No one is worthy of me destroying my body and spending months crying because I think I am not good enough. I am good enough. I am worthy of being loved. 

I think it was in that moment, when I heard those words I realized  the answer does not lie within a silver pen that draws red.

The answer is choosing life. It is choosing the will to live and the desire to make a difference. It is realizing I do not need a man to define who I am. I am good enough. I am worthy of being loved and nobody can ever take that away from me ever again.

So thank you. Thank you Loftland for pulling me through and reminding me that I am going to be okay. Every time I look at this tattoo, I'll remember that even though I feel as if I'm on a sinking ship and I can't help but wonder how did I get in over my head, there's a voice that says, "Hold on, Small one."

UNICEF Tap Project

"Today, more people have access to mobile phones than toilets."

"Carrying heavy bottles of water for long distances is the main cause of injuries for young girls in rural areas."

"Over 70% of people without access to clean drinking water live in rural areas."

"In Africa alone, people spend 40 billion hours walking to retrieve water."

Imagine not having the luxury of being able to obtain pure, clean, safe drinking water from your tap at any convenient moment.
Imagine having to walk miles just to fill a collapsible water bucket with water that contains a multitude of diseases, every time you are thirsty.
Imagine missing school because the water you drank contained illnesses and diseases that are treatable by a simple purification tablet.
Imagine missing school because you have to fetch water for your family.

Unfortunately over 2.5 billion people don't have to imagine. Most families in America have access to water and live without the fear of contracting a disease from the water they drink. Most Americans take for granted the ability to go to the store and buy a 24 case of Aquafina to place in their garage when they get thirsty in the middle of the night. I know I have taken for granted the simple luxury of having access to clean water, let alone being able to go to the store and grab a case of water. I can't tell you how many bottles of water I have poured out that only contain only a mouthful left. UNICEF changed my view on water and many other issues.

UNICEF is a non-profit organization who helps with various different issues that plague third-world countries. Various issues include: poverty, poor sanitation of war, sex slave trade, improper medicinal care, etc. This is where I have participated in the "Below the Line" Challenge, which I will continue to do this year as well.

The UNICEF Tap Project "is a nationwide campaign that provides clean water and adequate sanitation to children around the world. Currently, UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and to promote safe hygiene practices" (UNICEF.org). Not only is UNICEF participation in such a campaign but they have also paired up with several well-known organizations to help the fight against poor sanitation, including: S'well, Giorgio Armani Fragrances, Medivest, Modern Assembly, and UNICEF's next generation.

The project is simple: On your phone head to tap.unicefusa.org and follow the instructions. Now, spend 15 minutes away from your phone and UNICEF will send 11 purification tablets, enough to last one day, to a child in need. The tablets are oral rehydration salts, and one packet can conduct a reverse osmosis and provide pure, clean, and safe drinking water for the child.

15 minutes is all it takes

Can you spare that?

15 minutes?

I took on this challenge and lasted 15:20:05, which funded 62 days of clean water. I only stopped because I knocked my phone off my dresser. The monthly record is 88:14:06. 

Today I pulled 3 more people into putting their phones down for 15 minutes and one friend told me, "Wow, I helped a child get clean water for one day? This is awesome! I feel so great about this!" 

It's so simple. 

Go on, give it a try.

I dare you.

Allons-y!
Erin

Flights, Babies, and the Future

Okay,
So the last time you heard from me was in March when I did my Live Below the Line Challenge. I will be doing the challenge again this year and blog about it. I do believe that I will be having a friend do the challenge with me, so that means we have $7.50 more to spend.
So first big news.
I travelled to Texas to see my brothers and sister-in-law. I spent 2ish weeks there, was snowed in because it seems Texas only has one salt truck for all of Abilene. I got to spend a lot of time with my nephew who is amazing and sometimes a brat, but I love him none-the-less. During that time, we were all hoping my sister-in-law would have her baby, but it turns out that little Miss. Presley wanted to wait a few days after my mother and I left to be born. Brat.
Presley was born with about as much hair as I have. Oh, I cut my hair. Cute pixie cut. It's adorable. Duh.
My younger brother got married. He and his wife welcomed twin baby girls, Azlee and Vinabella, on Monday. They're adorable.

So here I am at the end of all things, (not really, but I wanted to quote Lord of the Rings.) my brothers are married with kids, and I am deciding my future. That's the toughest decision right now in my life. I have so many options to explore.
I can:

• Go to grad school
• Get a big girl job
• Aupair in Ireland

Those are the three options in my life right now, and personally I'm leaning towards the aupairing. I have this urge to travel back to Europe and live again. I miss the sights, sounds, people, and atmosphere of Ireland. I miss it all so much and if I get to spend a year in Ireland, that would be amazing. 

Okay, so I have to dash off to class, but I will totally keep everyone updated more.

Erin