I've been reading Sarah's emails for awhile. Even though the main focus of weight loss doesn't necessarily apply to me, her energy is infectious, and her random emails on life, business, and now marriage are nuggets of gold. Today's email caught my eye as I start to go on a downward spiral after finishing up a year long project yesterday. "Are you destined for divorce?" I had to read further, as poor Brando catches the brunt of my triggers every single time, and today he's getting the bottom of the barrel. A quote that stood out to me, that I have realized in other ways through different inspirations throughout the year, is, "When it comes to relationships, f**k the spark, how are you going to create a f**king bonfire?"
The comments for articles intrigue me almost as much as the article, as I love reading other people's perspectives and feedback to truly round out the article. A comment Sarah left in reply to a comment asking how to make a bonfire when you're single in regards to Sarah's suggestion to do so caught my eye, "Great question. Have as much fun as possible! Concentrate on doing
things that light you up, and get out of the house. If you’re having
fun, and are totally in love with yourself, you’re gonna be a frickin
magnet. To me, it’s really that simple." I have believed that from day one, even when you're in a relationship I believe a small part of this still applies, especially if you're a SAHM. I have not ever been able to put this into words as succinctly and beautifully as Sarah did, though.
Thank you, Sarah, for an amazing article at the perfect timing. Now let's just hope my log isn't too wet for me to chip away the wet bark today, because I really don't feel like blowing too hard today ;) .
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Dopamine and Video Games
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A letter to my cousin, after her implication videos are bad because they raise dopamine levels:
[to my cousin] So since you mentioned the whole dopamine thing and video games I've been meaning to sit down and research the subject. Finally had a chance to. Turns out there's a LOT more behind the scenes.
One article, Dopey about Dopamine, states video games don't raise dopamine levels any more than eating food or sex, as well as sites studies showing data regarding same. The same article argues people need to distinguish between a substance and behavior.
More than several TedTalks address video games and their benefits to the real world, such as in Jane McGonigal's TedTalk on how a video game recovered her from a head injury, and Tom Chatfield's TedTalk on how gaming can increase learning, along with many others.
Do you see my dilemna?!?!
Really, if this was based on facts, there would be no dilemma. Live a balanced life, and video games are a major benefit. Don't live a balanced life, and they aren't.
The thing is, I *personally* don't like video games. I'm also a lot dumber visually than the boys and Brando. And by a lot, I mean a LOT. Also, if I don't like something, I kind of don't want them to spend time on something I don't like. But, then, who am I to keep them from challenging themselves mentally just because I'd rather spend time challenging myself in other ways?
[to my cousin] Was thinking on this and finally had time to research. Thought I'd share my research and dilemmas with you since you mentioned the one thing that got me researching :) .
[to my cousin] So since you mentioned the whole dopamine thing and video games I've been meaning to sit down and research the subject. Finally had a chance to. Turns out there's a LOT more behind the scenes.
One article, Dopey about Dopamine, states video games don't raise dopamine levels any more than eating food or sex, as well as sites studies showing data regarding same. The same article argues people need to distinguish between a substance and behavior.
"we have to stop treating behaviors as if they were controlled
substances. Playing video games, watching television, eating, and having
sex are behaviors that can all be problematic in certain times and
certain contexts. But they are not the same as ingesting drugs, they
don’t cause the same level of chemical change in the brain."
Another article, This is Your Brain on Video Games,
talks about video games creates new learning comparable to learning in
graduate school. He cites several organizations that support gaming to
improve mental cognition. He also cited several studies including one
where gamers outperform nongamers, including gamers who started a week
prior for the sole purpose of addressing the weakness that gamers may be
more visual learners in the first place. In addition, he cited a study
where surgeons who played games more than three hours a week had 37%
less errors than nongaming peers.More than several TedTalks address video games and their benefits to the real world, such as in Jane McGonigal's TedTalk on how a video game recovered her from a head injury, and Tom Chatfield's TedTalk on how gaming can increase learning, along with many others.
Do you see my dilemna?!?!
Really, if this was based on facts, there would be no dilemma. Live a balanced life, and video games are a major benefit. Don't live a balanced life, and they aren't.
The thing is, I *personally* don't like video games. I'm also a lot dumber visually than the boys and Brando. And by a lot, I mean a LOT. Also, if I don't like something, I kind of don't want them to spend time on something I don't like. But, then, who am I to keep them from challenging themselves mentally just because I'd rather spend time challenging myself in other ways?
[to my cousin] Was thinking on this and finally had time to research. Thought I'd share my research and dilemmas with you since you mentioned the one thing that got me researching :) .
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Follow Me on Instagram
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I finally started Instagramming regularly by giving the 365grateful project a go. Was finding it hard to be grateful for a few days and am loving the project so far! Follow me by finding sundropsonroses.
Friday, March 08, 2013
SXSW: The Local's Way
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In other words, how to do SXSW events the free way. I'm FINALLY home for SXSW and can't WAIT to do some of these events. I've lined out as many free and fun events I could find for the weeks. There are a few in particular that I'm SO EXCITED to go to. Kicking off with Austin Film Studios Award Ceremony After Party last night,
and another kickoff tomorrow with SXSW Interactive at the Long Center, Palmer Event Center, and Austin Convention Center. Can't wait!
Saturday, March 9th
Sunday, March 10th
7 Amy Cook
7:30 The Lumineers
8 M. Ward
8:30 Ben Kweller
9 Michael Kiwanuka
9:30am Bob Schneider w/ The Tosca String Quartet
6:30 Elle King
7 Bahamas
7:30 Jimmy Cliff
8 Rhett Miller
8:30 Blitzen Trapper
9 Ingrid Michaelson
9:30 Delta Spirit
Saturday, March 9th
Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds
Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys
11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation
Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds
Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys
11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation
Monday, March 11th
Tuesday, March 12th
11am-6pm Vintage Clothing Arcade 2013, Valhalla, Free, Vintage clothing and music
Wednesday, March 13th
All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:
6:30am My Jerusalem 7 Amy Cook
7:30 The Lumineers
8 M. Ward
8:30 Ben Kweller
9 Michael Kiwanuka
9:30am Bob Schneider w/ The Tosca String Quartet
11am - Mackelmore, Tegan, & Sara, Waterloo, Free, Arrive early
2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free
Thursday, March 14th
All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:
6 Nakia6:30 Elle King
7 Bahamas
7:30 Jimmy Cliff
8 Rhett Miller
8:30 Blitzen Trapper
9 Ingrid Michaelson
9:30 Delta Spirit
4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free
Noon-5pm Twangfest, Broken Spoke, Free
12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free
1:30pm-4:30pm, Macklemore signing at SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free
2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free
3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free
7 Graffiti6
7:30 Fun.
8 Walk The Moon
8:30 Nada Surf
9 Tom Morello
9:30 Charlie Mars
10am: James Mercer of The Shins
Friday, March 15th
All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:
6:30 ZZ Ward7 Graffiti6
7:30 Fun.
8 Walk The Moon
8:30 Nada Surf
9 Tom Morello
9:30 Charlie Mars
10am: James Mercer of The Shins
12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free
12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free
4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free
2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free
3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free
8:30 Yellow Ostrich
9 Ben Howard
9:30 Ed Sheeran
10 Givers
10:30 Citizen Cope
11 Keane
Saturday, March 16th
All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:
8 Kat Edmonson8:30 Yellow Ostrich
9 Ben Howard
9:30 Ed Sheeran
10 Givers
10:30 Citizen Cope
11 Keane
12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free
4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free
12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free
2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free
3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free
Sunday, March 17th
Monday, March 18th
Don't forget the whole smorgasbord of free SXSW events including interactive, music, expos, and more. Some are listed above, but not all.
KGSR Parking Details: To enter the broadcast, take the stairs at the corner of 2nd and Lavaca that lead up to the ACL Live at Moody Theater. Then head left towards the W Austin. There are several paid parking options, including valet at the hotel, the City Hall garage at 2nd and Caesar Chavez, and the Amli located across the street from the W Austin. Entry is not guaranteed so make sure to arrive early.
Friday, March 01, 2013
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