Hi, guys.
I know it's been a long time, and I'm sorry! My life is kinda crazy right now, I'm dealing with some health issues and my energy is really low. No worries, it's nothing life-threatening, just life-changing.
I was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm 36, and needless to say I'm a little thrown by this development. I've been dealing with lots of aches and pains for a long time, and I just chalked it up to over-activity and old sports injuries. Turns out that my body was attacking itself. It's breaking itself down joint by joint. I'm a little p.i.s.s.e.d at it right now. But this diagnosis was always in the cards for me, as RA is a flaw in some microscopic piece of DNA.
I've decided to deal with this disease like a football game. I'm working with my doctor to develop a great defense. I'm toning up my body, finding muscles I never knew existed to help support those weakened joints. I'm building a great secondary with different medications, teaching (or tricking) my body that my joints are not the enemy. The opposing team may have made some progress, but now my defense is trying to stop that forward progress and make the bad guys punt.
So, I've been trying to stabilize this situation, and I've had a lot of time to watch sports while I've been in Physical Therapy. And I've got to tell you, my internet friends, that I've found that the sports culture here in the US is quickly spiraling down the drain.
We are a scandal obsessed society, and it seems to me that when there isn't a good scandal unraveling, we manufacture one. More and more, this phenomenon is creeping into the sports world.
For example, take the situation with Tony Romo in Dallas. For the entire work week, every time I turn on the TV, or log into a sports site on the web, I've been bombarded with a story about what Tony did during his time off.
This is what is so perplexing about our society. Think about it...being a quarterback is the dream of so many little boys, and we elevate men who play that position to heroes, idols, and role models. Tony Romo is the quintessential success story. He played at a D-II school and was undrafted. He rode the bench in Dallas for four years before he got his shot. When the opportunity came, he grabbed it and ran. And threw. He worked his a.s.s off and in the end, the dream came true. He is the starting quarterback on the legendary All-American Dallas Cowboys. He just signed a fat contact, making him a wealthy man, and he hasn't even hit 30. He's single and dating beautiful girls. He's living the dream...and we are jealous. So of course, now we are determined make his life hell.
I fail to understand why this is such a story. Oh my God, Tony Romo is having sex?!? In Mexico?!? I'm shocked. SHOCKED! It's absolutely scandalous!! He's not allowed to have sex during a playoff run! In fact, he's not allowed to have sex at all...it might affect his game!
Listen, I'm not a professional athlete, but I'd be willing to bet my next paycheck that the damn media coverage, the constant questions about anything not related to football, and the never-ending glare of the cameras is a far bigger distraction than the weekend in Cabo with Jessica.
Let's try to remember that as much as we love these sports, as passionate as we are about our teams and the game, the guys playing it are human beings. They have a life off the field just like anyone else. They pay bills, go grocery shopping, fight with their girlfriends/wives, mow the lawn, and yes...they have sex. They are passionate about the game as well, and although they pour their heart and soul into their career, they are entitled to a regular life. They are people, not commodities.
Revisiting the '98 NBA Lockout
Comments (10)
good luck fighting you RA. Keep your chin up and look to the future. About Romo, you got it right, its his business what he does on his time .
smoothsandy - I yam what I yam | 01/10/08, 11:16 PM
Report Offensive CommentI am so sorry Kari. One of my dearest friends was diagnosed at 19. It's tough but there's some great treatment options now.
Now, back to your post. You're not trying to tell me Brett gets it on with his wife are you? Please leave me with my happy little illusion. He's waiting for me, I just know it!!
SoonerGirl | 01/10/08, 11:26 PM
Report Offensive CommentWow, RA is a harsh thing to deal with, my Aunt has been battling it most of her adult life. Still, I'm going to bet you're the exact right type of person to deal with it, we in the 10 Spot Peanut Gallery are behind you all the way.
As far as your commentary about sports, it's one of the biggest reasons that my sports consumption is dropping so rapidly, I can't stand hearing 'blah blah blah party in mexico' and assorted other stories that seem so prevalent. If I were in Tony's place, you better BELIEVE I'da gone to Mexico with Jessica too. =P
Gir | 01/11/08, 08:16 AM
Report Offensive CommentHey Kari.. Sorry about the RA. Your attitude though is great. heep the faith!
Great blog as always. The reason he gets all that attention is because we (the public) love good gossip. Whats that saying? If noones talking about you ???
Im betting that if he was dating a girl from college, this wouldnt be news. :-)
Hope youre feeling better this morning ! Give me a shout if you want to vent some frustration. Lord knows Ive done it to you :-)
KPKahder | 01/11/08, 08:29 AM
Report Offensive Commentdont HEEP the faith. KEEP it instead
KPKahder | 01/11/08, 08:29 AM
Report Offensive CommentOutstanding blog as always Kari. Now I know why Sneaky Pete gets the shakes when you take too much time off in between blogs. Hey, you are a champ and will beat this RA back whether thru therapy and or Rx, but mostly I believe because you will put mind over body. Good luck and God bless.
Cassidy's House@HaterNation | 01/11/08, 10:38 AM
Report Offensive Commentgreat blog Kari! keep that good attitude; determination and a positive state of mind may be two of the best kept secrets when dealing with health issues (i know from experience).
as far as Romo, i'll quote Crash Davis from the movie Bull Durham when he tells Nuke to "never **** with a winning streak". LOL (and i could care less if he went to Mexico, but if they lose then it will be months before we hear the end of it)
ATLfan15 | 01/11/08, 10:38 AM
Report Offensive CommentGreat blog Kari! With your determination I'm sure you'll defeat your RA! Keep your chin up and your outlook positive! I'm going to a chiropractor (again) now, too. This one's a winner! He's going to get me working on lifestyle changes and my core strength so (hopefully) I never have to go to a chiropractor again! If you promise to keep fighting the good fight, so will I! :)
As for Romo and the insipidness of the media coverage of his personal life, I couldn't agree with you more! He seems like a decent kid who's living a dream come true.
So, why can't those jackals just leave him alone?
Because the American Public keeps encouraging them by paying attention. If we want the media to leave Tony alone, we need to switch the channel, stop clicking on the stories, and stop buying the publications that splash this cr@p all over the place.
But that probably won't happen, so you and I (and Tony and Jessica) have to endure it... :(
Sneaky Pete | 01/11/08, 01:54 PM
Report Offensive CommentKari, sounds like you have what it will take to beat your illness...Mind over matter, is a big step in the right direction...Keep your GREAT out look and I am sure you will win the battle!
As for Romo, it just amazes me what the media will talk about..They are probably one of the worse things celebrities have to deal with.. Let the man live his life, it is none of our business!
Jr. #88 Fan from Ohio | 01/12/08, 02:39 AM
Report Offensive CommentKeep on keeping on...do not let this RA slow you down in any way.Take care and God Bless.
TenpinTony | 01/16/08, 12:31 AM
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