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Thursday, October 11, 2018

An Open Letter to USA Today

USA TodayDear USA Today:

We have to talk. Dare I say that it’s a dire emergency? Last night, I went to bed thinking about this and it was the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. So suffice it to say, this is serious.

Growing up as a young journalist, I looked up to you. I admired you — some may even say that I was a bit obsessed. Your instantly recognizable masthead. Your mini teasers down the side. Your full-color photos.

Yes, you were certainly reinventing journalism as we knew it. You made journalism cool and accessible and you broke convention, delivering the news not in the stuffy way like your predecessors, but in the way that people — your readers — were actually consuming news in the digital age. Short. Snappy. To the point.

I’d even been known to defend you when people would call you McNews. No one was going to disparage my favorite newspaper like that!

Sadly, though, I can’t defend you anymore. In fact, this goes far deeper than just being unable to defend you because I’m downright perplexed by a decision you made yesterday — a decision that made my jaw drop practically to the floor. And even today, it’s still…on…the…floor.

Your choice to publish an op-ed by Donald Trump is not only disappointing, but also reckless and incredibly dangerous; it goes against everything we journalist hold sacred about our profession and our duty to report the TRUTH above all else. Yes, op-eds are opinion pieces at the core, but the facts used to support those opinions need to be true. Were your fact-checkers all sick that day? Surely, this piece was edited by more than one editor before it went to press. Did not one of them say, “You know, I’m not so sure we should publish this.”

You tried to defend your decision on Twitter, saying that USA Today “provides a forum for a diversity of views on issues of national relevance. We see ourselves as America’s conversation center, presenting our readers with voices from the right, left and middle.”

Yes, newspapers do publish a diversity of views, but facts aren’t diverse and they don’t change. A fact is a fact. And some of the facts you published were misleading, even wrong at times.

The fact is, the erroneous words of a wannabe dictator have no place in the free press. It’s disappointing that your actions will hurt the already-struggling credibility of hardworking journalists everywhere — journalists who are already maligned. If they become a mouthpiece for this administration, how are they to maintain their independence and continue their most important role, which is to be a watchdog of those in power. After all, they are the fourth estate, remember?

USA TodayThat’s why I’m so thankful for the journalists and editors who are speaking out and voicing their concerns. Today alone, CNN published some inspiring words from Michelle Obama and I’ve never been more proud to be a regular contributor to CNN Opinion.

I sincerely hope you’ll listen to the advice of your colleagues and re-consider the impact of your decision. Also, feel free to read my own op-ed I wrote recently on the very nature of the role of the press, especially in these uncertain, troubling times. Please don’t let McNews become McFakeNews. Don’t let that become the legacy of USA Today… xoxo

[Top photo via The Boston Globe, editorial cartoon by Rennie Patterson]

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2 Comments Filed Under: Breakup/Love Letters, Dream Job, Shame on you

Monday, August 21, 2017

An Open Letter to Jerky McJerksters

Jerky McJerkstersEditor’s Note: This Open Letter is the culmination of several experiences I’ve had of late and is inspired by several people. Their names have been omitted for obvious reasons. Instead, I’ll merely refer to them as Jerky McJerksters. I’d say the name is appropriate, would you??


Dear Jerky McJerksters…

My, how quickly times change. Seems like it was only yesterday that I was writing in my journal about how I couldn’t wait for you to notice me, how desperately I wished I didn’t clam up every time I was around you and how I was sure we were soulmates, destined to be together forever. Oh yeah, and there was that sickening journal entry in which I literally listed all the things I could do to get your attention, like get smarter and use big words.

Like I said, it was all very sickening.

Equally sickening? This is the letter I probably should have written years ago. This is everything I’ve wanted to say — and everything I should have said years ago. Both to you and to myself — especially that 15-year-old girl who scribbled furiously in that journal.

The truth is, you may think you’re the smartest person in the world, but you don’t know the first thing about what it means to be kind. You obviously have zero regards for people’s feelings.

Let’s face it: The only times you’ve ever really interacted with me have been to show off, especially this summer. You seemed to love enlightening me on all the worldly things I obviously knew absolutely nothing about. Heck, you might even have been the original Mansplainer! But when the tables turned and I voiced an opinion? Oh, you didn’t take too well to that. At all. I guess you didn’t like me challenging you…or maybe I intimidated you? Either way, I guess you’re not used to that.

When someone is trying to be the bigger person and comes to you to apologize for any misunderstanding, don’t continue to talk down to her with a condescending attitude. Don’t try and keep “schooling” her on everything you think she doesn’t know.

Do I sound angry? I was at first — very angry and floored and just plain confused. And then I did what I always do and took a trip down the Reflection Highway. What did I find? Well, for one, maybe part of me is just really angry at myself. My gosh, did I really spend years pining after someone who wasn’t worth it in the end? All that wasted time and energy. Gone.

The reality never measured up to that fantasy I’d created in my head, and it never world. That fairy tale was just plain old fiction.

So good luck to you. I hope you’re very happy with yourself. Have fun with your life and all those big words. I’m sure you two will be very happy together.

And here’s a little life tip for you: It’s not that hard to be a decent human being. So, for heaven’s sake, just be one!

[Photo via We Heart It]

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3 Comments Filed Under: Breakup/Love Letters, Love Lessons, Shame on you

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

My Advice to High School Graduates

advice to high school graduatesListen up, friends!! Can you hear that? It’s a huge, collective cheer from the 18-year-olds all across the country!! They’re jumping for joy and throwing their caps in the air in unison — after all, it’s one euphoric celebration! They’re celebrating newfound independence and plotting their next moves. But even as they explore this burgeoning sense of freedom, there’s still lots to learn in this big world! So, naturally, I thought I’d take it upon myself to educate the masses with some advice to high school graduates!! Recent Grads, here’s what you need to know…

There’s more to life

Yes, believe it or not, life does exist beyond the hallowed halls of high school. I know it doesn’t seem that way when you’re living that day-to-to drama; it’s so easy to just get caught up in it and think it’s the be all and end all. But, I promise…it’s most definitely not. You’re going to go on and live a whole life once you walk out those school doors for the last time, and the last four years will become just another blip on the radar of your life.

Those Mean Girls? They don’t matter

I mean, sure, those girls may be making your life a living hell right now, but do you want to know a little secret? Their power doesn’t extend beyond the “control” they have in high school. And I put quotes around the word control because, really, they have about as much power as you’re willing to give them. Who are they, really? In reality, they’re just insecure bullies who pick on others to feel better about themselves. Don’t let them win. In 10 years, I challenge you to go to your high school reunion and show them just how spectacular you are and how they missed out on getting to know an awesome person!

Don’t take people for granted

As famed high school philosopher Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Indeed, life moves fast. Excessively fast. Before you know it, years have passed and life has changed. Live fully and love fiercely — and ALWAYS let those closest to you know just how much you love them before it’s too late. I guarantee you that you’ll never regret saying what’s in your heart. So, set those words free already!!!

What advice would you add? When did you graduate high school? Was the “real world” anything like you thought it would be? And, just for fun, what’s your fondest memory of high school? I’d love to hear all about it, friends!! xoxo

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3 Comments Filed Under: Awesome Advice, Breakup/Love Letters, Love Lessons

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

An Ode to Miranda Sings

Ode to Miranda Sings Ode to Miranda Sings Ode to Miranda Sings Editor’s Note: This Ode to Miranda Sings was inevitable and a looooong time coming. And, dare I say, IT’S REAL GOOD, as Miranda herself would say. So sit back and get ready to soak up the magic!!

She’s done it all — act, sing, dance, model. She’s got flair and self-confidence for days. And she’s got three words for her critics.

Haters back off!

She’s YouTube sensation Miranda Sings, and she’s who every girl wants to be…well, at least she thinks so. Sure, she may be a little delusional and her off-key singing is more reminiscent of nails on a chalkboard than Adele, but Miranda does have one thing we all desperately want.

Confidence.

What Miranda lacks in talent, she wholeheartedly makes up for in the pure, unabashed belief that she was born to be a star! Created by comedian Colleen Ballinger, Miranda may be a fictional character, but so much of her personality and self-assurance rings true. Whether you’re 10 or 50, chances are that you can learn something about self-confidence from Miss Miranda because, at her core, there’s a little piece of her in all of us.

Ode to Miranda SingsI don’t remember how I first stumbled on her YouTube channel, but ever since last summer, I’ve been just a wee bit obsessed. As the hip young people say, I’m totally a #Mirfanda and even got my mom hooked on her videos — in fact, it’s sort of become a tradition for us to watch her latest video together — everything from music videos to beauty/fashion tutorials to messages to haters.

And speaking of haters, Miranda knows a thing or two about those sad, pitiful trolls. In October, she took her talents beyond the computer screen and unleashed her awesomeness with Haters Back Off, the Netflix original series that follows her meteoric rise to fame with her oddball family in tow. The show just got renewed for season two and, obviously, I’m SO ESSITED about it — picture me saying that in Miranda’s trademark accent. Really, though, when it comes down to it, I see a bit of myself in Miranda and can really identify with her, so in celebration of loving yourself and giving haters the Miranda frown (see here), I give you…4 super confidence tips from Miranda Sings!!!

It’s important to follow your dreams: It doesn’t matter if no one believes in you. What truly matters at the end of the day is how you feel about yourself. We all have dreams…don’t we owe it to ourselves to follow them? So much of life is about finding your passion and what makes you truly happy. Then, once we find it, the trick is to hold onto it for dear life — ironically, as if our life depends on it. Because when you think about it, our life really does depend on it.

Surround yourself with people who build you up: Who needs people in your life who just bring you down? No one’s got time for that! It’s time to banish all that negativity from your life — both in IRL and online. I mean, the Unfriend button on Facebook can be a beautiful thing, for example; don’t ever be afraid to use it. It might just save your sanity, trust me!

Haters gonna hate: Like I said, those sad, pitiful trolls are like sticky gum you just can’t get off your shoes. They linger for days and even longer in your heart. Why can’t you seem to shake their cruel and unkind words? After all, they don’t mean anything, right? They’re probably just attacking you because they’re bored and tired of living in their mother’s basement. Try to help them. Suggest they get more sunlight and turn that frown upside down. And then, just shake off their words. They don’t matter. They’ll never matter. Remember to always wear your words on your sleeve — or on your bum!

You have to be your own cheerleader: Miranda gave us this solid advice and it’s so true! If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you ever expect anyone else to? Be loud and proud! Shatter that glass ceiling. Wear sparkly shoes. Carry that bright pink purse. The world is your oyster, I tell you! Go ahead and dive in already! As Miranda is fond of saying, “YOU’RE BOOTIFUL...”

And, to further cement my status Hopelessly Miranda Obsessed, here’s my all-time favorite video in which Miranda schools us after having a bad day…

Plus, here are 10 more of my favorite videos (spelling courtesy of Miranda)…

*WHERE MY BAES AT?

*A SONG FOR THE HATERS

*I HATE EVERYONE

*DO THE MIRANDA!

*COACHELLA???!?!?!?!?!?

*JOEY KISSED A BOY!?!?!?!?

*WORST VACATION EVER

*CHARLIE CHARLIE PENCIL CHALLENGE

*Struggling With Disease

*REACTING TO ARIANA GRANDE – FOCUS

We all struggle in life, especially when it comes to being comfortable and confident in who we are, but it’s time to CELEBRATE who we are! It’s so important to be your own cheerleader and Miranda knows it all. Behind the crazy red lipstick and wild expressions, we all can learn a thing or two about confidence from her.

Ode to Miranda SingsAre you a #Mirfanda, friends? Do you watch her videos? Are you a YouTube fan? I’d love to hear what sorts of things you’re watching on YouTube lately! And to those sad, pitiful, jealous haters? Well, in the immortal words of Miranda…I’m embarrassed for you. xoxo

 

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Breakup/Love Letters, Girl Crush, inspiring women

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Letters To My Future Husband: Letter #180.

Dear Mr. Melissa Blake:
aaI’ve missed you. Wait, that sounded a lot less creepier in my head, considering we haven’t even met yet. But I do miss writing to you, something that, in a weird way, makes me feel just a little bit closer to you.

Anyway, when did we first talk about my disability? I know, it’s not something that I can easily hide — I mean, it’s pretty much out in the open 24/7. You see me and you immediately see my disability and my wheelchair. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s just something you can’t help but notice, sort of like when someone is rocking a huge tattoo or gold chains. I mean, I wear my disability quite well, but you know, it can’t help but attract the eye.

Remember this guy from a few years ago? I was thinking about it again lately (I know, try not to get too jealous; maybe you’re even him?) and I realized something: This guy, he wasn’t fazed by my disability. It didn’t seem to bother him. At all. In fact, in all our interactions, it never came up. There was no awkward fumbling over words and questions. There was no sense of uneasiness. There wasn’t even any hint of him being uncomfortable.

You’d think I would have been hurt or disappointed — you know, feeling like he didn’t care or that he wasn’t interested in getting to know me — but I wasn’t. In fact, just the opposite was true. For the first time, I found myself rather relieved. I didn’t have to explain myself or go through the typical spiel that, quite frankly, I just get tired of giving sometimes.

He wanted to get to know me. That’s it. Just me. It was something so little, yet it was something so big too. It meant the world to me.

Surprising, isn’t it, Sweetpea? I guess that’s why I wonder what it would be like if we didn’t make my disability the “first order of business,” you know? It doesn’t mean that my disability is completely off the table for discussion because — HELLO! — we will be talking about it, but it doesn’t have to hang in the air with the same urgency I once thought it did.

aa2And, who was the first to bring it up? Like I’ve said before, PLEASE DON’T BE AFRAID to bring it up. But also, don’t feel like you have to, either. I’m not saying that we have to have a long, drawn-out conversation about it, where we cover anything and everything in one sitting, but I do wonder when we first put out little feelers. Because I’m sure there’s lots of things you’ll wonder about when we first meet, but what if we approached things differently? You know, dropped little bits about it into the conversation and see where things went naturally from there.

Heck, let’s be real rebels and talk about something wild and crazy like our embarrassing moments or my love of cats! You know, really do the unthinkable!

Whew! That was liberating to get all that out. I don’t know about you, but I feel much better! Until we meet… xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: Breakup/Love Letters, Dating, Disability, Letters to my future husband, Love Lessons, Uncategorized

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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