Do You Really Want To Know

It (sometimes) seems strange to me that other people are so interested in my life. Okay, well, to be honest, it’s actually a mix of a bunch of emotions: flattered… curious… skeptical… scared… I mean, should I be scared? I’m kidding. Mostly.

But really. I would like to know what makes people find a blog they like and stick with it. What does that blogger do to keep people coming back time after time? I feel like there could be such a range of answers for this. Are people more inclined to read blogs if the blogger actually interacts with the readers on social media? I think so. I know I am way more inclined to read other people’s blogs when they take the time to respond to something I said to them.

I go on these irrational hiatuses time after time. I really don’t know why. I do have a lot to say, but I think that a lot of these thoughts don’t get expressed on here because I don’t hide under an alias. My real name is Megan and everyone knows that. I don’t want to ever be that kind of blogger who constantly complains or puts people down. I definitely know a few of those kinds of people. It’s such a huge turn off. I am however, a woman with many opinions. So I get stuck in this limbo of “should I really write this publicly?” or “Do you really want to know?”

I think it’s hard to differentiate between what’s appropriate to blog about when in an emotional high about something. I’ve seen many people bash their own boyfriends on a blog. It’s totally disrespectful. I get that some people need an outlet. I know I do. But I don’t want to post something publicly just because I got hot-headed. Do I write about it? Absolutely. I write about it privately. Then I 9/10 delete it. Or print it out and burn it.

DO any of you fellow bloggers have any advice about what lines you decide to not cross? Do you even have lines to cross? Have you ever regretted something you posted about?

Maybe soon I’ll have more updates. Especially in my “Adventures In Coffee” category.

But until next time!

XOXO
Megs

My Thoughts On The Teacher Strike

PLEASE READ THIS IN ENTIRETY BEFORE POSTING ANY COMMENTS:

Yes, it does require caps because most people don’t follow directions.

I am by no means degrading teachers.

Let that sink in.

I am by no means degrading teachers.

Many of my friends teach; my sister teaches. My teachers gave me my education. My teachers helped develop my skills. My teachers made me love writing so much that I started a blog that, because of YOUR teachers, you can read. Most teachers put up with more shit than they need to on a regular basis. (Most) Teachers do not receive the benefits they deserve.

I live in America. I’m proud to be an American. I’m grateful that we live in a nation where we are free to voice our opinions. We are allowed to form strikes. We’re allowed to say, “I don’t believe what you believe.”

This post is by no means saying “I don’t agree with the strike.” In fact, just to make this very clear, I support our teachers. 100%. But here’s what I don’t support:

(Please note, this is a collective “you,” and not necessarily aimed at anyone specifically, but if per chance a teacher in Chicago who walked around downtown with signs today stumbles upon my blog, then, yes, “you” inspired this.)

For the purpose of this post, it doesn’t matter the reason behind the strike; this emphasis is on how people choose to present themselves. If you’re holding a sign, waving it in front of my face, and yelling at me, I will not be happy. That immediately turns me off. You could be holding a sign saying “Unicorns are real” or “I believe in [insert religion].” Do not try to beckon me with your sign. First of all, you have no idea what I believe. You do not know me. You do not know my background. Why ridicule the people around you. I SUPPORT YOUR CAUSE, GOD DAMNIT!! These tactics turn me off to listening. And yes, I do support my teachers, but I cannot recall my teachers telling me that it is okay to wave a sign near other people’s faces, practically stabbing their flesh. I remember my teachers demonstrating respect. I remember the patience. I remember the professionalism. It is not unreasonable of me to be upset and annoyed. I should not need to bust out karate moves in order to not get slashed in the eyeball by some sign. You teachers are professionals. Act like it.

My second point, which seems far less miniscule as the first especially to non-Chicago commuters, why are you preaching to people on the red line? Do you not understand the majority of people who ride the red line? It’s a joke. The red line is the worst place to try and tell anyone your beliefs. To reiterate, someone could be holding a sign that says, “I believe pigs can fly” and it wouldn’t matter. (Wait. Shit. Swine Flu. Bad example). My point is, know your audience. Go on strike where it makes sense to be heard. Anyone from Chicago can attest to this. The red line, for a lack of a better literary term, sucks.

Last, I understand the reason behind this strike. I sympathize with your anger. What I do not understand is this: just because I choose not to sit and listen to you does not mean I do not support you. Sometimes people have long days at work and just want to go home, eat, and relax. And remember, many people who walked by you have worse jobs than you do. All I ask for is respect.
I really should have titled this piece, “Rules for Protesting,” but the teachers marching around downtown caused the production of this post.

To every teacher: thank you.
To all the teachers who protested: Be respectful. Don’t get a bad reputation because you forgot I’m a person, too.