September 11, 2001

Today is the 12th anniversary of the worst attack on American soil since pearl harbor. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3000 people died when hijackers crashed two planes into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field in Pennsylvania after the brave passengers fought back against the hijackers. What started off as a normal Tuesday morning turned to tragedy which changed the country forever. Thousands lost their loved ones; parents, grandparents, friends, children, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives... Their lives changed most of all. So many memories that could have been made were lost, because of the acts of pure evil that took place on that day.

While my memory of September 11th is vague because I was so young at the time, I will never forget that day. I remember that I was in second grade, and my 8th birthday was a little over a month away. I don't remember what exactly what we were working on at the time, but I remember our teacher pulling as all into a corner, telling us that we were on lockdown. She then went on to tell us that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania. Being only 7 years old, I thought, whats the big deal? Planes crash all the time right? At the time, I didn't understand the concept of war or terrorists, or even understand that someone would do something like this out of evil. I remember being upset that day that we couldn't go out and play for recess, even though it was sunny out. I lost some playtime... but that was nothing compared to the thousands who lost there lives, and the families that lost their loved ones. I went home that day to see images of the burning Twin Towers on the news. My parents then explained to me that this wasn't an accident, it was something that terrorists did on purpose. 

I had no understanding of why anyone would do something like that. Why would someone attack the United States? How can someone hate this wonderful country so much? I had no idea that there was so much evil in the world. To this day I still don't understand why anyone could have so much hate in their heart as to do something like this. But I do know this, there is a lot of evil in the world. But then through the evil, there is also good in the world. September 11 was a tragedy, but it did not weaken our spirit. That day showed us how cruel the world could be, but it also showed the good in us. All of the good that the first responders did to save as many people as they could from the World Trade Center, and all of the people who came together to help one another to get through the tragic events of that day. Through all the tragedy, when everyone came together, it made us stronger.  

That year for my 8th birthday in October we had been planning for me to go on a plane ride. As I had always wanted to fly when I was younger. To look down at the world below me, looking at all the little buildings and the people that look like ants. But because of the events of 9/11 all flights were grounded, so I couldn't go on the plane ride. I was really bummed, but after knowing about the plane crashes, I understood why. I honestly didn't really want to go on a plane after learning about the crashes anyways. I would have much preferred to do something... less scary at the time. 

2 years ago for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 my school did two remembrance ceremonies for those who died that day. One for the students, and one for the community. For the student ceremony I remember that they asked each of us to make a drawing of our thoughts on that day to put on a post and put in the ground outside. We also given a list of a few of the people who died on 9/11, and were asked to incorporate there name somewhere on the drawing. The list also gave the ages of the people who died that day. On my list I saw that one of the victims was a 7-year-old boy. My first thought was, that that is way to young to die. He'll never get to make all of those great memories that come along with growing up. He won't get to go to middle school, high school, prom, graduation, college, get a job, get married, and have a family. As all those thoughts went through my head it hit me... we were the exact same age. 

On most days of the year I wake up having absolutely no clue as to what the date is. Only significant dates stand out in my head that it is in fact, that date. September 11th should never have been one of those days where I wake up, well aware of the significance of that day. I often wonder what it was like to wake up that day before the attacks happened and not see any significance to the day. I imagine it felt like it did that morning when I headed off to school, or the year before that when I probably didn't even know it was even September. Sometimes I see the twin towers in older TV shows and it gives me this eery feeling. Like this one episode of Full House where Stephanie built the New York skyline out of blocks, and the twin towers were there plain as day. A small scene that holds a lot more significance now then it did when that was probably first aired. At that time, it just seemed like an everyday thing. 

As I was writing this, several planes flew over my house, and it gives me this weird feeling.... It's an eery feeling, mixed with a sense that we have begun to move forward. We will never forget September 11th, but it won't hold us back. We will stand strong and keep pushing forward. 

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Proud To Be An American

United We Stand

R.I.P Talia Castellano

I just got the sad, sad word, that Talia Castellano, passed away this morning, at 11:22 a.m. Talia was, and always will be, truly an inspiration to many through her courage, strength, and positive attitude. Even with everything that she was going through with her cancer, Talia always wore a smile. She didn't let her cancer bring her down. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, and living life to the fullest. I am very much saddened to see such a strong, beautiful, sweet, inspirational, amazing, young girl go, but at the same time I know that she is now out of pain and in a better place. I know that, from reading the updates on her official Facebook that the last few weeks especially have not at all been easy for her, and that she had been in constant pain. She had been battling cancer since early 2007, going into remission in 2008, to have it come back stronger in 2010. Talia fought a long battle, and her strength has inspired many. 

I often complain about my life, and I find it hard to get over the stupid little things that happen. But I have to kick myself when I think of Talia. She enjoyed every day or her life to the fullest, and always wore a smile, even with her cancer, and knowing the reality of her situation. She wasn't sad about the fact that she knew death could be a reality, instead she enjoyed the rest of her days and kept fighting, and kept smiling. She could truly brighten anyone's day with her smile, and her positive attitude on life, and her situation. She took it all in stride, even her adorable bald head. "Make-up IS my wig." As she would say, as she proudly walked around with her bald head. Talia was so pretty, that didn't need a wig. And honestly, she didn't need make-up either, but it made her so happy and she was a terrific make-up artist!

If you haven't already, you should check out Taliajoy18's YouTube channel. Not only is she just simply adorable and can really light up ones day, but she is also a great make-up artist. I wish that I was that amazing at make-up, and she was only 13. Actually she was even younger when she started with make-up! Her YouTube channel brought her so much joy, and also brought joy to many others all over the world. It allowed Talia to share what she loved and her journey with the world. And so much good came back to her. The support from her loving fans, and all of the amazing opportunities that she truly deserved. 

In my opinion, although Talia lost her fight with cancer, she did not lose the war. She fought and fought, and inspired, until the very end. She showed the world that, no matter what your situation, there is always a reason to be happy. She inspired people who may be battling cancer, or even other types of hardship, that you can always find some light in the darkness. She kept her sprits high, which helped to keep her family and friends' spirits high. Talia's passing should not be seen as a defeat, as she still inspired and made a positive impact on so many people. Try to think of Talia's passing as more of a way of setting her free. Free from all of the pain she's been in, and all of the hardships she has faced so strongly. She is free from suffering now. I like to think that Talia is living out her dreams of being a make-up artist in the clouds. 

No matter what your beliefs, please send Talia, her family, and her friends your kind thoughts and prayers as they go through through this hard time. Let us all believe that Talia is happy wherever she is, and wish her and her family the best and give them the support they need in this time. We will always remember Talia, and the joy that she brought to everyone that knew her or watched her videos. 

Rest In Peace, Talia Castellano. 

Don't Let This Happen To You...

Every 15 Minutes... Someone dies or is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash. That's 4 people an hour, 96 people a day, and 35040 a year, 35040 to many. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. The worst part is that this is all preventable, and happens all because of someone making one stupid decision, to drive under the influence or drugs or alcohol, or to drive while distracted. All it would have took to prevent all it, was the decision to not drive drunk, or not to pick up the cellphone while driving. 

You may think you are okay to drive after just a couple drinks, or that you are paying enough attention to the road because you look up every few characters from your text message. Most likely, you are more messed up than you think, and are way over the legal limit without even knowing it. And it takes one second for a car traveling at just 30 mph to travel 44 feet, and you never know what might come up in that 44 foot distance. You might reach at intersection and not see another car coming, someone might try to cross the street, or another car might stop. One second everyone seems to be having a good time, and in less than the time it takes to blink, lives are be changed forever.

Is getting home after a party so your parents don't find out, or one text message worth someone's life, and your own life? We all have dreams of some kind, and I know for a fact that none of your dreams are to die at such a young age, spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair, or to spend it in prison. Everyone involved will be affected by that one bad decision everyday. Families and friends will have to live without their loved ones. Those surviving through the crash will have to live with the memory for the rest of their lives, and live with new everyday challenges, even if they weren't severely injured. And as for the person who made the decision to drive drunk or text and drive.... they could spend anywhere from 15 years to life in prison, depending on what the court decides. Even if they are on the lower end with their sentencing, they will need to live with what they've done to their victims for the rest of their lives. 

This video shows what happens when someone makes one bad decision to drive while under the influence. The same thing can happen if someone drives while texting. And they will find out if you'd been texting while driving if you are involved in an accident. Phone records can easily be obtained for your cellphone provider when needed. This is truly a sad video to watch, and while this video is only a reenactment, this happens everyday in real life. Warning: While this is a fake video, it depicts real life situations. Many will find this video to be disturbing. This video is very graphic, so if you are extremely squeamish I wouldn't recommend watching this video. Viewer discretion is advised.

Don't let this happen to you... Just don't drive while under the influence of alcohol, even if you think you are okay to drive, and don't text and drive. That text message or phone call can wait until you get where you're going. And while it's not the best choice to start with to go to a party, or anywhere else, and get drunk to start with, nobody is perfect, everyone wants to have a good time once in awhile. But please, if you do choose to drink don't drive anywhere, and don't get into the car with someone who's been drinking. Don't even let them drive drunk. Stay at the person's house if you can (you'll still need to explain it to your parents, but what they'll do is better than the consequences of this...), or call a friend or even a parent to come pick you up if you get into that situation.

Of course your parents will be mad that you went to a party and drank, and you more than likely will get in big trouble at home. You might lose your phone, computer, and your car. You might not be allowed to go anywhere for a really long time, and you're parents will be disappointed, but while they might not show it right away, they'd be happy you told them instead of trying to take matters into your own hands and drive home yourself, or with someone else who'd been drinking. And surely losing your computer for a while is much better than spending time in jail, or getting killed in a car wreck. Your parents' disappointment will fade over time, they'll be able to see you graduate, go to college, get married, and follow your dreams. Any parent would rather have their kids tell them they went against their rules rather than having than to go through this.

We all make mistakes, and bad choices. But a bad choice should never lead to tragedy. Simply choosing to call your parents, or another friend, or not even going to the party to start with can prevent this all from happening. Ignore that text message while you're driving, they'll understand. It's not worth the consequences. Even if you've done this before, if you're reading this, it's not too late to stop, and start making better choices. You never know when that split second will come when something goes terribly wrong. Keep yourself, your friends, and everyone else safe. Make good choices, and always pay full attention to what's going on on the road. Stay safe out there... Don't let a preventable tragedy ruin your dreams. 

Disclaimer: I do not endorse, recommend, or support underage drinking or drug use. This post is not meant to say it's okay to go to drink when you are under the age of 21, but to make the right choice if you drank regardless of your age. Good people make bad decisions that lead to a lifetime of consequences. 

Dealing With Bullying

At some point in our lives, almost everyone gets bullied in some way. It may have been mild teasing in elementary school, and only lasted for a short period of time. Or it's that mean girl or guy that picks on you and your friends for seemingly silly things. Maybe it doesn't bother you that much, and what they say doesn't really get to you. But for some, the bullying can be much worse, and can even get physical. And modern technology can make it even harder to get away from it. Victims can often feel trapped, and like they are alone. Sometimes it can lead to the victim suffering from depression or other emotional problems. I have personally been badly bullied in the past, but I'll tell that story another day.

We've all heard the saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." I disagree with this statement. If you break a bone, or get a bruise, it will eventually heal. You may even eventually by able to get a good laugh off of it. Physical pain passes, words and memories stick. When you are taunted, or picked on daily, it's often easy to start believing what people say, and start thinking something is wrong with you. Words can ruin your reputation, and destroy your self-esteem. There is no reason that you should need to deal with the taunting and false rumors about you, you are better then that.

So what can you do? First of all, DON'T fight back by calling then a name or saying something about them. They want you to stoop to their level, they want to see you get angry or upset. And NEVER hit someone unless they hit you, you'll get in more trouble if you start a fight. If they hit you, you have every right to defend yourself, but something should be done before it escalates to the point of physical violence. I have been told before to just try to ignore it, and don't react,eventually the bully will get bored, but this isn't always the case. They will try anything to get a reaction out of you, and you shouldn't need to sit around and deal with it and let it get worse. The best thing you can is tell someone, preferably an adult that can help. It can be a teacher, guidance counselor, parent, or any other adult you trust. They can find ways to help you deal with it, and try to put an end to it. **If you are being physically threatened, this is a matter for law enforcement.** NEVER be ashamed to ask for help, it may not be easy... but things will get better.

Remember, there are always people who care about you, and that will support you. Your friends and family care about you and want the best for you. You have so much going for you, and there is most definitely something good about you. I have a challenge on my blog to find at least 5 things you like about yourself, try it out. Don't let other people bring you down. Bullies try to bring others down to boost their own ego. Never let anyone make you feel like less than what you are. 

This song has really helped me a lot. I love BOTDF (I have a different taste in music, and I'm not ashamed of it =]) and the message behind this song, and even if you don't like Blood On The Dance Floor, the message is still great. 

Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are others going through the same things, and people that care about you, people who will be willing to help you and talk with you. If you just need someone to talk to, you can always talk to a close friend, sibling, as well as an adult. There are also multiple hotlines you can call to talk with someone. If you are having thoughts of suicide, or self-harm, it's best to seek professional help. Don't give up, things will get better.

You are all so amazing, and there are so many great things about you. For those of you who need to deal with bullying on a regular basis, I know how you feel, and I know it's never easy. Just keep working towards your dreams, you may even become that bully's boss one day. And for those of you who have never had to deal with harsh bullying, you are very fortunate, and I'm happy for you. I care for all of you, even if I don't know you. :)

*Disclaimer: I am in no way an expert or a professional. I am sharing what I have learned from experience, as well as what I have learned in the past.