Thinking, Fast and Slow about Tim Tebow

Being true on my quest to read more non-fiction in 2012, I brought home the audio CD Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.  Sixteen CDs of pure psychology way over my head.   Nevertheless, if I listen to information I already know, I’ll never learn anything right? 

Am I an intuitive or rational thinker?  I like to believe rational.   More likely though, as with the majority of people, I think intuitively.  Not because I’m not capable of rational thinking, I simply do not always take the extra seconds necessary to rationalize because of cognitive ease.  Mr. Khneman’s book/audio has been worth my driving time.   Daniel Egan, the reader, gently and humorously explains how the human mind...well, thinks.   I would never take the time to read this information, but listening on CD while driving makes for a very interesting ride.

What I am taking the time to read is Laura Ingram’s book Of Thee I Zing.  A hilarious look at the quirks of today’s culture…from muffin tops and sagger pants to body shots and rapper rants… Laura’s book is full of satirical (albeit sad) glimpses in today’s culture.  I find myself complaining about the culture while at the same time contributing to its demise.   And that’s the point of her book…we all do, in some form or another, contribute to the cultural climate.

So I’m reading two books…one written by a “liberal” the other by a “conservative” and I find them both uniquely informative.   Fascinating!

A word on the whole Tim Tebow thing.    First I am NOT a football fan!   I don’t understand the game or all the crazy hype.   I steer far, far away from the whole football scene.  It’s how I roll.   However, I live with three football crazed men and I hear it ALL!  Why do the media dislike Tim Tebow so vehemently?    He seems to be a polite, intelligent, talented, young man.   He lives his Faith out loud.   Tim Tebow is a Christian.  I’m thinking that if he were Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Wiccan or even Atheist and just as vocal on the field, no stink would be made.  The media and some football fanatics seem to be uncomfortable that this young man prays publically and openly believes the Bible.    Do I think God loves football?   Personally, I think He is indifferent about the game but I believe He loves Tim Tebow not as a football player, but as a man who is trying to be obedient to the True and Living God.   And the thing is…I don’t think God loves Tim Tebow any more than any other player, man, woman, or child in history.   Tim Tebow shouldn’t be put on a pedestal…he is human and will eventually fall off.  But Tim Tebow knows this and chooses to put God on the pedestal.   God never fails.   Touchdown!

 Oh wait!!!  It could be the whole intuitive/rational thinking thing of our outlandish culture.   What do you think? 

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Living Deliberate In 2012

Happy New Year to anyone who might read my little blog. I have good intentions to write, but you know what “they” say about good intentions…. “Good intentions are not enough; they've never put an onion in the soup yet.”  Today I’m being deliberate, and putting the onion in the soup, so to speak.

The Holiday season was tough for me again this year. Each year when November rolls around, I seem to take a plunge deeper into the dark spot I tread in every day, with the weight of expectations pulling me farther under. Added to this year was a bad sinus infection that sent me to the doctor twice. BUT, I can say, the season wasn’t as difficult this year as in years past. I took more control of my time, and did what was best for me and the immediate family. I got through it without as many meltdowns or tears, and actually found myself smiling and laughing a few times on Christmas Day. I call that a small success, and take it appreciatively. If you struggle with depression as I do, then I'm sure you understand what I mean.

I used to write a family letter, and send out two-hundred cards every Christmas, but I didn't do that this year...it's too much. I used to bake hundreds of cookies, and decorate every square inch of my home, but I didn't do that this year either...just too much. I used to watch every Christmas special, and play Christmas music the entire month of December, but I didn't do that this year...again, too much.

I deliberately stayed away from Christmas music and TV specials until a few days before. I baked only a few (non-sugary) goodies. My gifts were very simple, and I did most of my shopping on-line, along with a few local purchases a day or so before Christmas. Christmas Eve was a relaxed luncheon at my in-laws. Christmas Day was church, a simple brunch with immediate family, and a short, relaxed visit to my Mother’s with some extended family. New Year’s Eve was spent quietly at home. My decorations are now down and stored away, and most of the goodies are gone. I’ve spent the last two days catching up on laundry. I'm so glad the season is over! Both my mental and physical health is better as well.

Although I don’t make resolutions, I do set a few goals each year. I’ve thought through what I want to accomplish this year, and will share them with you…

• I want to write more…at least once a week write a blog post. That is a reasonable goal for me. I want to quit comparing my work to others'. I read these beautifully written blog posts of others, and sometimes that keep me from writing my own, because I feel my voice is not good enough. Screw that!

• I want to sew and sell more…my greatest joy comes from sewing, and I always feel wonderful when someone wants to purchase something I’ve made. I think two projects a month are doable.

• I want to get back on a regular Wednesday night schedule in my Zumba class. This is the one thing I do that makes me feel better emotionally and physically. I need it.

• I want to read more non-fiction, and specifically learn HTML with CSS coding. I know some, but my education goal for 2012 is to be fluent.

• I desire more confidence in myself…not sure how to achieve that one yet, but I’m working on it...any suggestions?

• I want to worship my Creator more purely. This doesn’t mean being at church every time the doors are open. It means, when I attend, I want it to be a deliberate act of worship not an obligation to others. I desire my heart to always be in a state of worship and wonder.

• I want to live more simply, and continue to purge my life of “stuff”. The older I get the less “stuff” I want around me. It seems to suffocate me.

• I want to give my best to the computer class I’ve agreed to teach. I’m a true geek at heart, and want to share the joy of geekiness with others.

These are not amazing goals, very simple ones really, but they are enough for me. They are within boundaries to keep me sane; yet still give me a sense of accomplishment. They are concrete, but not to the point where I feel stuck. They also set perimeters to help me deal with those who want their life objectives to be mine also. I’m slowly learning what I need, and not worrying about what others expect. At forty-six you would think I’d have this figured out…not so!

Life’s a process, isn’t it?

I read a quote recently, but can’t remember who wrote it…wish I had kept the reference…

”Living a deliberate life is much better than living a life of habit.”

I like that. I think I’ll make it my mantra for 2011.

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Lower Back Pain? This Could Be The Back Support You Need

Several years ago I taught a teen girl’s Sunday School class.  In that class, I built relationships with some amazing young ladies.    It is always a blessing when one of these girls contacts me and a big reason I enjoy Social Media sites such as Facebook (even though FB keeps freaking me out with changes); it reconnects people.

Recently, a girl I knew as Leigh Anne Stout contacted me through a mutual friend.  Leigh Anne Nash is now a lovely young wife and mother.  In addition, she is a Physical Therapist, a certified Pilate's rehab instructor and currently works for the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers in Georgia.   After working with hundreds of patients with both long term and recent onset back pain, Leigh Anne developed the inspiration that led to the creation of the Back Sac.  Leigh Anne was kind enough to ask me if I would be willing to do a product review and giveaway on my blog and I quickly agreed.  The timing couldn’t have been any better since I am experiencing lower back pain due to my hateful uterus.

                                                                                                 What is a Back Sac?

“The Back Sac is a unique back support cushion, designed to better support your spine in any resting position. It has been successful in relieving back and neck pain related to back injury, spinal arthritis, disc injuries, scoliosis and pregnancy!

The Back Sac’s unique design uses air to provide the perfect lumbar support whether you are sitting on your couch, at your desk, or in your car! The air travels through the Back Sac when you move, following your spinal curves, creating a dynamic support that no other back cushion can replicate!

The Back Sac creates the perfect pillow to support your neck while traveling in a car or an airplane and deflates quickly for easy transport.  It can be used to support your knees when sleeping, or your lumbar curve when performing abdominal exercises. Your school aged kids can recline against it while reading or watching TV. Because of its ability to adjust to fit all body shapes and sizes, the Back Sac can be used by anyone to improve posture and comfort!”

I was excited to receive my Back Sac and put it to use using the simple instructions included.  The Back Sac is similar to a deflated ball with an inner air bladder.   Open the Velcro enclosure, pull out the portion of the bladder with the air value and puff in a few breathes of air (it only took about three for me).   The inner bladder doesn’t need to be completely full of air and with a few tries you will soon find the fullness level you need to give you good lower back support.  Close the valve and Velcro. Presto! You have a back support cushion!  But “the Back Sac design is absolutely unique compared to other back support cushions on the market today.  Most support cushions are made to fill the spinal curves by molding to the average person’s neck or low back curve. The Back Sac acknowledges that your spinal curves are probably not average.”  For information on how it works, you can read more information at the Back Sac Website and become acquainted with Leigh Anne too.

What I personally found was great lower back support.  I habitually sit on the sofa with my laptop and prop my feet on the coffee table (I know, I know, not lady like at all).  This position sinks me into the sofa with no lower back support and I find myself moaning and groaning to get out of that position.  Not so with the Back Sac for support.  The same thing happens with my laptop in bed.  When I place the Back Sac at my spinal curve, it gives me the much needed support that a pillow cannot and I don’t become as stiff.   It also makes a great neck cushion for travel and although I haven’t tried it yet, it would probably make my neck much more comfortable if I were driving a long distance.   Hum, must test that soon!  And oh, how I wish that I had had one while pregnant with both my sons, especially during those last few weeks.

Now I have a problem.  I don’t want to give my Back Sac away.  I want to keep my Back Sac.  I cannot live without my Back Sac!  What’s this blogger to do?  I think I’m going to buy a few and give them as (it pains me to say this)…Christmas gifts.  I encourage you to do the same.  You’ll love it!

Thanks for reading, Rosie.

Boxers Vs. Non-Boxers {Breakaway}

Why people become steeped into tradition is a mystery to me.   The small town where I live and the church that I rarely attend live by the mantras “this is how we’ve always done it”, “this is just how it is done”,  “this is the proper way to do it”,  etc.        Granted the familiar path is always the easiest path.  You don’t have to think about the path because you know every inch and mile.  But is it always the best path for reaching your destination?   I think not.   There are too many scenic routes which could lead us to new, more wonderful destination.   If we encounter the sameness every day, we become stale, disconnected, and ineffective to those outside the box.   But the box is so comfortable!   Neat, tidy and familiar.    With this in mind, I chose to discard my box altogether.   I did it with intent and purpose knowing the risks that I would encounter by losing my cardboard protection.   Boxed people never understand the non-boxed and they certainly never get the idea that non-boxers view boxers as stagnated conformist.  When I encounter the boxed people, they treat me like I have leprosy….unclean, unclean, unclean, because I’m living outside the confines of a neat box.  Apparently, this is a source of worry for some and enough reason for others to place me on a prayer list.    Why does this bother me?  Most people desire the prayers of others and I do too in specific areas of my life.  I share those request with only a select few people because I respect the sincerity of their hearts.   For anyone to assume they know what is going on in my life, and especially in the lives of my children and then stop one of them to say, “I am praying for your mother and she will be fine” is one of the rudest things I’ve ever heard.     What exactly are they praying about concerning me and shouldn't they have been respectful enough to speak with me first?   My son, being the gentleman that he is, thanked the person and proceeded to say, “My mother is fine, she gets what you don’t, but thank you anyway.”   God, I love that child!   Wake up sleepy small town!  Although, it’s a beautiful dream, we don’t live in Mayberry anymore for the world is indeed changing.

Summer Synopsis AKA What I Did On Summer Vacation

So yes, it's been a while since I've written in this space.  If anyone in the blog world still lands on this small bit of Internet real estate and reads my pitiful blogging attempts, well, God bless ya!

Me, hubster, boys and dog spent a few quiet days at the beach in June.  It was Oscar's first beach trip and he loved it.   Unless you're a dog lover, you can't understand how fun it is to watch your fur-baby get as excited as your children regarding vacation.  Oscar played in the water, dug in the sand, rode a golf cart, and sniffed other doggies.  We enjoyed Oscar's beach excitement as much as the beach!  Fun!

In June, I went to Type-A Parent Conference.   This is a local blogging conference held annually in beautiful, artsy downtown Asheville, NC.   There I met up with some blogger friends and had a lovely few days with like minded folks.  Fabulous, darling!  Fabulous!  If you're a blogger, consider attending Type-A at some point.   It's a relaxed setting and you'll meet some great bloggers from all over the US/Canada.  And me!

Several weeks ago I began taking a Zumba class.  Two nights per week I shake my Zumba for a hard sweaty hour.  Considering I'm the girl who failed PE in high school (seriously) I'm doing pretty well.  Furthermore, I LOVE it and can tell a big difference how I feel physically and emotionally.   It's a great stress reliever and I'm reaping a few benefits in the waist, hip and thigh area too.  I may even start lifting a few weights to help my bat-wing biceps. 

Uterus Update - Regarding my hateful uterus...it's still HATEFUL!  I'll be seeing my GYN once again in September and may tell him to rip it out!  Nuff said on that topic.

I got glasses!  I've been using cheap reading glasses for over a year.  A kind friend suggested I have my eyes examined as it seems the #11 between my eyes was becoming more pronounced from all the squinting.  Thank goodness for honest friends who give it to me straight!
True Confessions:

• I've not read one single book all summer!  I did listen to the "The Help" (Audio CD) and recently saw the movie (so good, go see it, take Kleenex for leaky eyes and wear Depends for a weak bladder).
• Work keeps me busy, but honestly, it doesn't feel like work.  I've been at the Public Library for eleven years and still enjoy every minute!
• My young men go back to school Monday.  College and High School, piano and guitar, youth group and basketball keep them VERY busy.   They are handsome, kind, talented and funny...but SLOBS!  I love them anyway.

And now, let me just say...if you are friends with me on Facebook...you already know most of this information plus more....if not, Friend me on Facebook and share the fun!

Thanks for reading, Rosie!   {Coming soon BackSac product review}