So, without further adieu, here are some of the gems I read this week ...
Yes!! I've thought this during lots of songs that I liked or wanted to like ... but something in the lyrics kept me away. For example, one day I was singing along with Katy Perry's "Firework," and I thought, "No, I have never felt like a plastic bag. Couldn't she have found a better metaphor?!?!?"
++ Monica at Run, Eat, Repeat explains how you know you're ready for a half-marathon ... at least mentally.
This one could not come at a better time. I have had a lot of moments of self-doubt during my training. I'm wondering if I bit off more than I can chew. Reading her criteria, I'm back to believing I'm ready to take it on. She also had a great vlog about running underwear (runderwear?).
++ I'm so busy these days, I rarely have time to make good meals, so it's a good thing Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats has me covered with 16 Easy 30-Minute Meals.
I love love love her blog and have found so many good recipes there. I'm only sad I missed her handing out free signed cookbooks at the Iowa State Fair a few weeks ago.
++ There's so much going on in the world right now, and I haven't been able to find the words, but Steph at Life According to Steph did with her Thursday Thoughts ... Interrupted.
She eloquently stated a lot of the thoughts I've been having lately but haven't been able to spit out. Thanks Steph!
++ All my life I've been told I'm dramatic, so Allie at Allieology's post about a crazy customer service she witnessed hit me hard.
I was appalled at the scene she described, but I laughed all the way through her own stories of being dramatic.
++ I've always been drawn to younger men, so I immediately clicked on this post from Simone at Skinny Dip about the things you learn while dating a younger man.
Now I'm thinking I don't want a younger man. At least not a douchey one.
+++++
And now, I'm going to end this post on a bit of a soapbox.
I don't usually argue with people on social media. Mostly because it's pointless. I'm not going to change their mind, most likely. But the other night, I'd decided I'd seen one two many status updates from people annoyed with "all those stupid ALS Ice Bucket Challenge videos." They rant, "Why don't people just give money instead of dumping water on their head?" That's a valid point, but perhaps these ranters should do some investigating --- PEOPLE ARE GIVING MONEY.
The last article I saw said this campaign (which cost nothing to start --- a dream for any non-profit or even for-profit organization) has raised more than $53 million. That's way above and beyond the $2 million that was raised last year during the same time period. Obviously, it's working. And working very well.
I admit, when the videos started showing up, I was a little skeptical that people were donating and not just putting on a show for social media. But the numbers have spoken. And, you know what, I consider myself a charitable person, but I wasn't even considering donating until my office participated in the challenge. I don't have a lot to give, but I was inspired to give what I could. Clearly, the campaign is working. So I'll shut up and let the videos fill my facebook feed. I don't mind. Not one bit.
The people complaining need to chill. Let ALS have the spotlight for this little bit of time. The cat videos, first day of school photos, Foursquare check-ins, Buzzfeed articles, etc. will still be there in a few weeks.
Thank you.
Love your soap box statement and I couldn't agree more!!! I was just challenged last night and you bet I'm gonna do that today AND donate to ALSA! I'm also going to donate to the Alzheimer's Association because I'm passionate about that and think that this whole campaign is raising awareness for a lot of charities, which is so great. And you know what makes me sad? The people on my news feed who I see complaining the most are people from my CHURCH CAMP--people who are supposed to be Christians and spread God's love and support for all...and they are b*tching about ice buckets. Pathetic. Makes me so mad.
ReplyDeleteI understand that awareness is important, and there are LOTS of diseases and causes that need our attention everyday of the year. I'm glad they've been able to raise so much money. However, I take issue with the fact that someone told everyone "ALL NEW TEACHERS HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED" at my school and have peer-pressured people into it. When I said, "I'll just give you the money", they looked at me like I was crazy because "it's $100!". Well, if money is the point, just be quiet and take my money, you know? I despise being guilted into things, maybe that's where my stance comes from. It reminds me of the time I went to church in Alaska and they asked their entire congregation (300 people) to set their shoes on the altar because they were being donated to Soles 4 Souls on that very day. Why do you want my old shoes? I will donate brand new shoes to charity if it's shoes you want. Maybe I'm not the type to take a stand and make a point? I don't know. I don't fault people for doing this challenge, obviously.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kristin, here. I don't begrudge people their ice buckets, and I certainly am VERY happy it's brought awareness and donations to this organization and disease. But, I also don't like feeling pressure to donate to things. That is personal and private information that Facebook (and WeChat, because I'm in China) isn't entitled to. People don't have to right to say, "hey you either have to dump ice water over your head or donate a lot of money! Go!" That being said, I have been challenged, and I haven't decided whether or not to do it because of the reasons I've mentioned above. I most definitely will be making a donation to an organization which may or not be ALSA, but I just don't feel like the public gets to pressure/guilt me into deciding that I have to give. ALSA is a worthy organization and I'm glad it has reaped the benefits of this campaign, but I also wish that there wasn't so much judgement out there for those of us who disagree with the concept. It doesn't mean we're all posting on social media about i (I'm not!) or that we want others to stop participating, but it's wrong for people to be ostracized for choosing to opt out.
ReplyDeleteI need to go back to doing the weekly roundup too. I used to love doing those posts. And it sounds like you have some great ones!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am totally with you on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I participated because, why not? It's all for a good cause and it's all in good fun and people need to just calm the f down and put up with it for a little while.