April 2010
23 posts
Down to the Wire
So we’re just about 3 days away from the spelling bee and I gotta admit - I’m amped! I’m learning firsthand how intense it is to put a fund-raiser together, especially with the time constraints I’m faced with but I’m really enjoying the challenge of it all. Thankfully, I’ve had some incredible people assisting me along the way and we’ve been able to secure some really dope giveaways from a variety of brands and companies (in addition to food, drinks and music). I’m not fond of asking for help so this has been a great lesson for me in terms of calling on people to come thru for me - and they truly have.
I’m also learning that people are allergic to registering and RSVP’ing ahead of time, lol. ‘Tis all good though - we’re a procrastinating generation so I’m anticipating a flood of Akeelahs on Bee Day (Bee Day, I like that) in addition to those who’ve already signed up. PLUS - it forces me to not be so controlling and meticulous to the point where I’m trying to plan out the event to the second. #ObsessiveVirgoBehavior
It’s dope to hear grown ass people excited about a childhold tradition (for lack of a better word). And - it’s humbling to have people hit me up and tell me how much they appreciate what I’m doing and support the fund-raiser idea.
If you spell well, come out. If you don’t spell well, STILL come out. Good times will be had, prizes will be awarded, bellies will be filled.
Details: #POW
(Viva Nepal! Long live the hashtag.)
“We must overcome the notion that we must be regular, it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to the mediocre.”
—Rutherford B. Hayes
The Nepal Venture
One of my firmest beliefs is that we all have the capacity to positively change the world. Bearing that in mind, I decided to take on an international project that would better prepare me for Peace Corps - rebuilding a school in a rural village in Nepal. I mean, not by myself but - you know, with other volunteers (though that’d be quite an interesting feat to fly solo on).
Anyway - I was fortunate enough to team up with a dope organization called Edge of Seven to make it all happen. Erin, the director of the org pretty much convinced me with her honesty, sincerity and impressive record of volunteer work abroad (her extensive knowledge of the travel industry didn’t hurt either). I knew that it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of but needed to figure out a way to generate the program fee; roughly 3 grand plus the cost of vaccinations (big shout out to the uninsured). So, on Tuesday, I launched my fund-raising ‘campaign’ and shot out an email to all the folks who’ve always supported me in addition to setting up a ChipIn! site here: http://bit.ly/b25tsU. So far, so good.
It’s always humbling to see people come together and genuinely give a shit about what you’ve got going on. Words don’t even begin to describe how much it means to me. *cue violins*
The game plan is to raise the deposit ($1500) by May 1 and the balance by May 18 - the day before my “last hurrah” (what I planned to be my final vacation before potentially leaving for Peace Corps). I have a really cool fund-raising event coming up on the 29th that I’ll be releasing the details for soon (huge thank you to Regina Dowdell, Janelle Bechdol and Tad Martin for helping it all come together) and I’m confident that this trip is really gonna happen.
Stay tuned. Viva Nepal!
04.16.10, 6:37PM
Behold, A Smile
Moments ago, I watched the clouds part and the sun peek thru as the first flower was placed atop his casket before he was lowered into the ground beside his bride-to-be. Thank you for smiling down on us, Mike. And for the good memories you’ve brought us that nothing can take away. In addition to the arrests made this morning in your case, it’s comforting to know that you’ve been laid to rest together. I don’t believe in goodbyes, so - see you later.
<3
The Dedication
In honor of Mike and Nia, their closest friends have created a website to preserve their memory, celebrate their lives and remind us all of how truly special they were. Whether you knew them personally or not, it’s almost impossible to miss the way they mirrored true love.
The cost of a joint plot for the two will cost $20K and donations are currently being accepted thru the site. I know that these aren’t the most stable financial times for most but please find it in your heart to give whatever you can. Every little bit counts.
<3
04.06.10, 1:35PM
Celebrating Life
Yesterday two very special people were taken from this Earth. Michael Muchioki and Nia Haqq. They were brutally murdered in what was said to be a botched carjacking when they were returning home from their engagement party. They weren’t my closest friends but I was introduced to Mike thru one of his best friends (a close friend of mine) and later met Nia.
I didn’t need to know them for more than a day to learn that they were amazing people. Nia was always warm and inviting. Mike was always smiling, always progressing, always supportive. If you had something going on and needed him there - no questions asked, he was there. I spent a lot of yesterday crying but I’m feeling better this morning. I can only imagine how his closest friends and family are feeling. I hope the news coverage the story has had brings their killers to justice.
I’m grateful that Kam and I were able to make it to the engagement party and see them smile one last time. I protested with her that the drive was too far and we wouldn’t make it in time before the venue closed but she insisted - words can’t describe how grateful I am that she did. Ironically enough, we bought them a scrapbook for their gift. Burns me up inside to have to accept that they won’t be able to put it to use.
They leave behind so many supportive friends and family but I have faith that they’ll all be able to get thru this difficult time and I find solace in knowing that wherever they are now, they’re there together.
We love you Mike and Nia. We’ll continue to celebrate you and hold your memories close.
Rest in peace.
04.05.10, 8:10AM
Officially Public
Because you’ll appreciate my journey more if you’re present for every step and because what will be, will be - whether my posts are private or not.
Welcome to my corner of Tumblr. I’ve been here for close to 5 months on the low so feel free to skim thru the previous months and see what you’ve missed.
04.04.10, 8AM
