Or not so happy, as the case may be.
I managed to sleep in yesterday until ten thirty, despite having to get up and change out the pod. It started beeping at 4 a.m. and I finally got up to change it somewhere close to 6 a.m. I really thought I'd have more time than that, but when I dragged myself out of bed again to acknowledge the beeps, it told me I had 9 units left. I decided to just do a quick change out so I could sleep.
That was probably the fastest new pod change I've done ever and I'm quite impressed with myself that I managed to do it successfully in my uncaffeinated state. I also moved my site from my left arm to my stomach, so once I crawled back in bed, I was happily able to roll onto my left side, my favorite position.
I had also finally made the decision to go ahead and get the Dexcom. I haven't heard back from the rep in a week and a half, so I emailed him again last night. It shouldn't take that long to get my paperwork together, right? It was already mostly together to begin with. Send me my machine already!! I'm also excited about the $200 rebate that is in effect until the end of June. I think that will bring my cost to around $100.
Last week was fairly slow at work and I'm not expecting this week to be much different--I could be wrong. It's been known to happen! It's fairly tense around here today though, and it's irritating to not be able to guess why.
On the schedule for this week: 1. get my car tag renewed (long story, grr...) 2. GET OUR PASSPORTS SENT OFF!!
We have 131 days until we leave on our big family cruise and I'm pretty excited. My main task for June (after getting the passports mailed off) is to figure out our flights and travel schedule. Airfare is ridiculous anymore. I'm constantly worried that the prices will keep going up and that I should have purchased our tickets when costs were low....but will they go even lower closer to our date?? I'm glad we're not driving the entire way, but I'll feel a lot better once our tickets are bought and flights are confirmed.
The homemade toothpaste I created works pretty well. I just have to keep the baggie sitting in a certain position so it won't leak from the cut off corner or the seal at the top. It was fairly soupy when I finished, but it's been getting a little more paste-like as the days pass. I rinse with a Tom's mouthwash I found on sale at Big Lots several months ago. My teeth feel squeaky clean and I will never buy toothpaste again. Now to convince J.
I am still washing my face with oil and I believe my skin is looking better and better. Yesterday, when reading this post by Jillee about homemade deodorant, I thought about mixing up some of my own. But once in the shower, I looked at my little spray bottle of oil and thought, why not? So...a little spritz under each arm in the shower. I was really, REALLY surprised. No odor at all after 8 hours. Amazing. Even the natural deodorants couldn't do that. I was a little peeved at them. I don't mind sweating, but I don't want to stink! But this oil mixture is the perfect solution. I'll definitely keep using it.
May 29, 2012
May 24, 2012
Happy Birthday to Me
28 today. I don't feel 28. Is that good or bad? Both probably.
I believe my birthday was also on a Thursday in 1984 too....
No big plans. Lunch today with Mom. I already got my new windchimes that I wanted for the front porch (66% off at Hobby Lobby meant I couldn't pass them up) and J is going to clean my car this weekend for me.
Then on my day off on Monday, I "get" to make him King Ranch Chicken for his birthday next Saturday. Which is fine, I just have to borrow my brother's big stock pot because I don't think my little pot will cook an entire chicken without overflowing. OR I might try to find a whole chicken already cut up and just cook it that way. We'll see.
In other news, I washed my face with oil for the first time in the shower this morning. It definitely felt really oily as I was rinsing, but once I got out and dried off, it was already soaking in and leaving my skin nice and smooth. The makeup went on easily as well. I'm definitely liking this.
I had bought a small bottle of jojoba oil, but I think I will mix it with coconut oil and some tea tree oil in a travel sized spray bottle that I got yesterday. That'll make it easier to use in the shower and to spray on my legs and arms afterwards. The razor burn on my legs just above my knees are already healing from the 2 times I've used the jojoba oil. Yay!
Next up...homemade toothpaste. I'm OUT of the salt toothpaste I was using and I hadn't tried to make any because I wasn't sure what container to put it in. This morning it hit me--snip a teeny corner off of a ziploc bag! That way I can still squeeze it out, but won't have a open container of baking soda mixture sitting on the counter for bugs to fall in...extra protein, but EW! So! Mixing this up tonight and we'll see how it goes.
I believe my birthday was also on a Thursday in 1984 too....
No big plans. Lunch today with Mom. I already got my new windchimes that I wanted for the front porch (66% off at Hobby Lobby meant I couldn't pass them up) and J is going to clean my car this weekend for me.
Then on my day off on Monday, I "get" to make him King Ranch Chicken for his birthday next Saturday. Which is fine, I just have to borrow my brother's big stock pot because I don't think my little pot will cook an entire chicken without overflowing. OR I might try to find a whole chicken already cut up and just cook it that way. We'll see.
In other news, I washed my face with oil for the first time in the shower this morning. It definitely felt really oily as I was rinsing, but once I got out and dried off, it was already soaking in and leaving my skin nice and smooth. The makeup went on easily as well. I'm definitely liking this.
I had bought a small bottle of jojoba oil, but I think I will mix it with coconut oil and some tea tree oil in a travel sized spray bottle that I got yesterday. That'll make it easier to use in the shower and to spray on my legs and arms afterwards. The razor burn on my legs just above my knees are already healing from the 2 times I've used the jojoba oil. Yay!
Next up...homemade toothpaste. I'm OUT of the salt toothpaste I was using and I hadn't tried to make any because I wasn't sure what container to put it in. This morning it hit me--snip a teeny corner off of a ziploc bag! That way I can still squeeze it out, but won't have a open container of baking soda mixture sitting on the counter for bugs to fall in...extra protein, but EW! So! Mixing this up tonight and we'll see how it goes.
May 21, 2012
From the Weekend
Happy Monday, all.
I thought about doing a post on Saturday, but just got busy. I was at my mom's to use her food processor to make this almond butter recipe that I found on Delighted Momma (The recipe calls for a little unsweetened coconut but I couldn't find unsweetened anywhere. The sweetened worked fine and you can't even taste the coconut.). It looked so easy, I knew I had to try it. Plus, it was good timing. I needed to go grocery shopping so I just picked up some extra almonds at Aldi's.
It turned out REALLY good! J could not keep his finger out of it. He told me to hide it from him as he scooped out more and slathered it on his animal cracker. We may start making that instead of buying regular peanut butter although I may have to figure out something to use besides a food processor. Maybe grind the almonds up pretty fine in a coffee grinder, then use the blender? We'll see.
I made the almond butter in part because I wanted to use it in this recipe for paleo brownies (actually originating from here). They're really good, but they taste more like a cross between gingerbread and zucchini bread. I wouldn't have called them brownies, although they can give you a healthier chocolate fix than, say, eating an entire hershey bar. Ahem. Next time, I think I might cut back on the allspice and the zucchini. I'd add more chocolate chips (I put in the exact amount for once and mine weren't as....chocolate looking as the pic) but then it would be less healthy (I did grab organic chocolate though....that counts as healthier, right?).
Finally, I attempted some sweet potato chips. Attempted is the key word there. I bought a mandolin that had three different types of blades. Plus, the entire thing was red, which affected my purchasing decision. It took me a couple tries to get the right thickness I needed. Slapped them on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and stuck them in the oven. Tried 8 minutes first, but they were still soggy. Left them in and they started to burn. I tasted one unburned one and it wasn't bad...but there weren't enough of them to justify keeping. Luckily the sweet potatoes were cheap. I'll try again only 1. slicing the sweet potatoes by width instead of length, 2. maybe "fry" them in coconut oil. Not sure how those will be, but I have about 8 sweet potatoes left in the bag I bought so I need to use them up one way or another!
So 2 out of 3 ain't bad!
I'm excited to keep using my mandolin, so next up I'll use it for the leftover zucchini from the brownie recipe and then maybe try some sweet potato fries.
Otherwise, a fairly uneventful weekend. Got a little cleaned up around the house, did some laundry, and sat out on the front porch and enjoyed the quiet neighborhood on Sunday morning before J got up. Quiet until the crows started up and then some baby squirrels or birds needed their breakfast (maybe baby hawks? The squawking got louder when a hawk flew over so possibly.).
How was YOUR weekend?
I thought about doing a post on Saturday, but just got busy. I was at my mom's to use her food processor to make this almond butter recipe that I found on Delighted Momma (The recipe calls for a little unsweetened coconut but I couldn't find unsweetened anywhere. The sweetened worked fine and you can't even taste the coconut.). It looked so easy, I knew I had to try it. Plus, it was good timing. I needed to go grocery shopping so I just picked up some extra almonds at Aldi's.
It turned out REALLY good! J could not keep his finger out of it. He told me to hide it from him as he scooped out more and slathered it on his animal cracker. We may start making that instead of buying regular peanut butter although I may have to figure out something to use besides a food processor. Maybe grind the almonds up pretty fine in a coffee grinder, then use the blender? We'll see.
I made the almond butter in part because I wanted to use it in this recipe for paleo brownies (actually originating from here). They're really good, but they taste more like a cross between gingerbread and zucchini bread. I wouldn't have called them brownies, although they can give you a healthier chocolate fix than, say, eating an entire hershey bar. Ahem. Next time, I think I might cut back on the allspice and the zucchini. I'd add more chocolate chips (I put in the exact amount for once and mine weren't as....chocolate looking as the pic) but then it would be less healthy (I did grab organic chocolate though....that counts as healthier, right?).
Finally, I attempted some sweet potato chips. Attempted is the key word there. I bought a mandolin that had three different types of blades. Plus, the entire thing was red, which affected my purchasing decision. It took me a couple tries to get the right thickness I needed. Slapped them on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and stuck them in the oven. Tried 8 minutes first, but they were still soggy. Left them in and they started to burn. I tasted one unburned one and it wasn't bad...but there weren't enough of them to justify keeping. Luckily the sweet potatoes were cheap. I'll try again only 1. slicing the sweet potatoes by width instead of length, 2. maybe "fry" them in coconut oil. Not sure how those will be, but I have about 8 sweet potatoes left in the bag I bought so I need to use them up one way or another!
So 2 out of 3 ain't bad!
I'm excited to keep using my mandolin, so next up I'll use it for the leftover zucchini from the brownie recipe and then maybe try some sweet potato fries.
Otherwise, a fairly uneventful weekend. Got a little cleaned up around the house, did some laundry, and sat out on the front porch and enjoyed the quiet neighborhood on Sunday morning before J got up. Quiet until the crows started up and then some baby squirrels or birds needed their breakfast (maybe baby hawks? The squawking got louder when a hawk flew over so possibly.).
How was YOUR weekend?
May 18, 2012
One Thing to Know
Ooooo....I got (got...took...potayto, potahto) a sneak peek at a few blogs this morning (I try not to read anyone else's before I post mine) and I think what I've chosen to write about is going to be the MAIN theme today.
Here's the topic:
Today let's borrow a topic from a #dsma chat held last September. The tweet asked "What is one thing you would tell someone that doesn't have diabetes about living with diabetes?" Let's do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes. Have more than one thing you wish people knew? Go ahead and tell use everything.
If you don't have this disease, you don't get to say a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. about how I manage it. Period. Curious questions are fine if you truly want to learn in a non-judgmental fashion, but don't give me the attitude or the "If only you would/wouldn't/did/didn't ____" sentence. Right? Because I chose this (eyeroll). This will only make me want to explain to you that D can happen to anyone and maybe YOU should/shouldn't or do/don't do ___. A kind of warning shot across your bow, if we want to get pirate-y about it. Keep pushing me and you'll get more than just the warning shot...arrr. Don't judge me; ask me what you can do to help me when I need it.
I have to clarify by saying
1. When I was still on my parent's insurance, THEY were allowed to judge (ie: lovingly nag) and micromanage me. That's only fair and right.
2. Right now, I give the husband and the doctor/CDE privileges to manage WITH me. That's different.
In the (somewhat) infamous words of my 7th grade classmate summing up his book report in front of the class (ha ha, Renee! Remember??): "Well, that's all I got to say 'bout that."
***Insert slight change of topic....HERE***
(don't you love the asterisk? I use them at work a little too much, but I think they're fun!)
This bit goes back to day 3 of this series. The husband and I took a walk after dinner last night. We walked a block farther than usual, but it was also a longer block than usual with a hill included. Bleck. But I did it. And I managed not to bite my husband's head off when he commented, "Are you okay? You're panting a little..." Yes, dear, just out of shape (as he practically skips along).
Got back to the house, felt good for about...oh, thirty or forty minutes? Then I was like, eh, feeling like the sugar's dropping. It's ok, my meter is right over there....I'll get up at the next commercial break and check.
Two commercial breaks later, I drag my tail ALLLL the way over there (about 6 feet) and check.
38.
Do what now?? Thinking of this post, let's just see about that. Another test strip out, click.
39.
Okeydokey. Two Elmo fruit punch juiceboxes....30 grams of carbs. Should be good. Ah.
Then I jump on my computer and email my friendly Dexcom rep and tell him to call me today so I can order my own system.
Sigh. I had literally been thinking a lot about Dex yesterday and trying to decide yea or nay on it. I guess this was God's way of telling me loud and clear, YEA.
(Ha ha, that reminds me of the movie The Court Jester with Danny Kay where the king is about to knight him and the entire court keeps repeating "YEA, VERILY, YEA." Funny, funny movie.)
In my last bit of news, today will be my last day posting for this series. I may do the post for tomorrow on Monday, but we'll see if I remember to take any d-related pictures. In the words of Phoebe, "Oh I'm sorry, I can't because...I don't want to."
No offense, I just like to be as computer free on the weekends as possible. I unplug, kinda (just computer, not phone). Plus I'm busy getting stuff done that I didn't do during the week.
See you all Monday!
Here's the topic:
Today let's borrow a topic from a #dsma chat held last September. The tweet asked "What is one thing you would tell someone that doesn't have diabetes about living with diabetes?" Let's do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes. Have more than one thing you wish people knew? Go ahead and tell use everything.
If you don't have this disease, you don't get to say a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. about how I manage it. Period. Curious questions are fine if you truly want to learn in a non-judgmental fashion, but don't give me the attitude or the "If only you would/wouldn't/did/didn't ____" sentence. Right? Because I chose this (eyeroll). This will only make me want to explain to you that D can happen to anyone and maybe YOU should/shouldn't or do/don't do ___. A kind of warning shot across your bow, if we want to get pirate-y about it. Keep pushing me and you'll get more than just the warning shot...arrr. Don't judge me; ask me what you can do to help me when I need it.
I have to clarify by saying
1. When I was still on my parent's insurance, THEY were allowed to judge (ie: lovingly nag) and micromanage me. That's only fair and right.
2. Right now, I give the husband and the doctor/CDE privileges to manage WITH me. That's different.
In the (somewhat) infamous words of my 7th grade classmate summing up his book report in front of the class (ha ha, Renee! Remember??): "Well, that's all I got to say 'bout that."
***Insert slight change of topic....HERE***
(don't you love the asterisk? I use them at work a little too much, but I think they're fun!)
This bit goes back to day 3 of this series. The husband and I took a walk after dinner last night. We walked a block farther than usual, but it was also a longer block than usual with a hill included. Bleck. But I did it. And I managed not to bite my husband's head off when he commented, "Are you okay? You're panting a little..." Yes, dear, just out of shape (as he practically skips along).
Got back to the house, felt good for about...oh, thirty or forty minutes? Then I was like, eh, feeling like the sugar's dropping. It's ok, my meter is right over there....I'll get up at the next commercial break and check.
Two commercial breaks later, I drag my tail ALLLL the way over there (about 6 feet) and check.
38.
Do what now?? Thinking of this post, let's just see about that. Another test strip out, click.
39.
Okeydokey. Two Elmo fruit punch juiceboxes....30 grams of carbs. Should be good. Ah.
Then I jump on my computer and email my friendly Dexcom rep and tell him to call me today so I can order my own system.
Sigh. I had literally been thinking a lot about Dex yesterday and trying to decide yea or nay on it. I guess this was God's way of telling me loud and clear, YEA.
(Ha ha, that reminds me of the movie The Court Jester with Danny Kay where the king is about to knight him and the entire court keeps repeating "YEA, VERILY, YEA." Funny, funny movie.)
In my last bit of news, today will be my last day posting for this series. I may do the post for tomorrow on Monday, but we'll see if I remember to take any d-related pictures. In the words of Phoebe, "Oh I'm sorry, I can't because...I don't want to."
No offense, I just like to be as computer free on the weekends as possible. I unplug, kinda (just computer, not phone). Plus I'm busy getting stuff done that I didn't do during the week.
See you all Monday!
May 17, 2012
In Non-D News...
I now own these. :)
I went looking for some brown sandals to wear this summer....and ended up with these.
For all of you not in the know, red is the new brown.
I was thinking this morning, that if I was wearing a housecoat or muu-muu instead of my work pants, I might look like Mrs. Roper!
I went looking for some brown sandals to wear this summer....and ended up with these.
For all of you not in the know, red is the new brown.
I was thinking this morning, that if I was wearing a housecoat or muu-muu instead of my work pants, I might look like Mrs. Roper!
Dream Tech?
Today's topic is:
Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be. Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other med, magic carb counter, etc etc etc. The sky is the limit - what would you love to see?
There is one thing that every single person with any kind of diabetes has in common: none of us want this stupid disease. That's a given. We all want a cure. Whatever magical device that takes, that's what we want.
Anyways. Back to reality.
I think, realistically, right NOW what we diabetics need is greater accuracy for the medical companies that make bg systems. I mean, + or - 20% accuracy? Really?? Come on now! It's 2012!
Stacey has a great post on this topic here. I never had the thought cross my mind that there's an accuracy problem for diabetic devices until I read her post. Of course, I'd never really met another diabetic to discuss such issues with in real life (aside from my brother, also T1). It pretty much blew my mind. I did a few test tests myself and while my results did not vary as wildly as hers, it was enough to prove her point.
For us diabetics who can base every decision of our lives on what pops up on that meter screen, a plus or minus 20% accuracy level just doesn't cut it. I think we've all been managing exceptionally well, but how much better could we manage if we had more accurate technology at our disposal? Not necessarily faster technology, or even smaller, lighter, prettier, less noticeable, or customizable technology. Just more accurate.
I know, I know. Look where we were just fifteen years ago. No Dexcom, no OmniPod, no wireless technology like we have now. Think where we could be in another 15 years.
Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be. Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other med, magic carb counter, etc etc etc. The sky is the limit - what would you love to see?
There is one thing that every single person with any kind of diabetes has in common: none of us want this stupid disease. That's a given. We all want a cure. Whatever magical device that takes, that's what we want.
Anyways. Back to reality.
I think, realistically, right NOW what we diabetics need is greater accuracy for the medical companies that make bg systems. I mean, + or - 20% accuracy? Really?? Come on now! It's 2012!
Stacey has a great post on this topic here. I never had the thought cross my mind that there's an accuracy problem for diabetic devices until I read her post. Of course, I'd never really met another diabetic to discuss such issues with in real life (aside from my brother, also T1). It pretty much blew my mind. I did a few test tests myself and while my results did not vary as wildly as hers, it was enough to prove her point.
For us diabetics who can base every decision of our lives on what pops up on that meter screen, a plus or minus 20% accuracy level just doesn't cut it. I think we've all been managing exceptionally well, but how much better could we manage if we had more accurate technology at our disposal? Not necessarily faster technology, or even smaller, lighter, prettier, less noticeable, or customizable technology. Just more accurate.
I know, I know. Look where we were just fifteen years ago. No Dexcom, no OmniPod, no wireless technology like we have now. Think where we could be in another 15 years.
May 16, 2012
Day 3: What I Suck At
Ok, so that's not the point of today's prompt, but that's how I'm feeling lately. Blame PMS, whatever. Here's the topic:
Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at. Today let's look at the flip-side. We probably all have one thing we could try to do better. Why not make today the day we start working on it. No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on.
Weeeeeeeell, my biggest thing is exercise. When I get into it, I guess the endorphins get flowing and I exercise more...but it's just getting into it that I have issues with. I was doing great in February, through March, but then when I didn't see the results that I wanted I slowed down, then stopped.
I was on the treadmill 4-5 times a week. I tricked myself by calling it my reading time, MY time. My treadmill has a great little ledge below the controls that's just big enough to prop my Kindle on so I could read my little heart out during my walks. I really do love to read and I don't do it as much anymore, so it seemed like the perfect solution.
I think I was building muscle and not burning the fat like I wanted. I won't go so far to say I had buns of steel, but....yeah, they were pretty awesome. But I didn't get into any smaller sized pants. In fact, the pants that I've been wearing....can't believe I'm admitting this...deep breath....arealittletighter.
Whew.
I tried adding some resistance band exercises and I can feel the burn with just a few of those. I still do these about 3 times a week, but not hardcore or anything. In fact, I did a few this morning (because I got my hair trimmed again yesterday and didn't have to spend as much time fussing with it, so I had some extra time--not because I'm super woman in the morning or anything).
J and I take a walk about halfway down the neighborhood and back in the evenings after dinner on the nights that he's home and it's not raining or super hot. But we meander more than really exercise. It only half counts.
I blame the Lantus that I was on before I started podding. I don't think I'm gaining any more...but I'm not losing either and I think that's because of the non-existent exercise in my life. Too many nights, I claim the "but what if I go low?" excuse and then settle back on my little couch and watch another Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episode (love that Guy Fieri! I always say the opening line with him). But, you know what? Big deal if I start going low! I should just take a juicebox downstairs with me, set it in the little cupholder on the treadmill, and GO.
So there we go. No more excuses! Exercise more! Don't let the 'betes win!
UPDATE: I just printed off this workout from Fitbie. While I am always skeptical of claims to "blast away belly fat" this one looks challenging enough and a good enough mixture of exercises that I want to try it. The first two weeks seem easy enough. I may extend them another week, but we'll see how it goes.
Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at. Today let's look at the flip-side. We probably all have one thing we could try to do better. Why not make today the day we start working on it. No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on.
Weeeeeeeell, my biggest thing is exercise. When I get into it, I guess the endorphins get flowing and I exercise more...but it's just getting into it that I have issues with. I was doing great in February, through March, but then when I didn't see the results that I wanted I slowed down, then stopped.
I was on the treadmill 4-5 times a week. I tricked myself by calling it my reading time, MY time. My treadmill has a great little ledge below the controls that's just big enough to prop my Kindle on so I could read my little heart out during my walks. I really do love to read and I don't do it as much anymore, so it seemed like the perfect solution.
I think I was building muscle and not burning the fat like I wanted. I won't go so far to say I had buns of steel, but....yeah, they were pretty awesome. But I didn't get into any smaller sized pants. In fact, the pants that I've been wearing....can't believe I'm admitting this...deep breath....arealittletighter.
Whew.
I tried adding some resistance band exercises and I can feel the burn with just a few of those. I still do these about 3 times a week, but not hardcore or anything. In fact, I did a few this morning (because I got my hair trimmed again yesterday and didn't have to spend as much time fussing with it, so I had some extra time--not because I'm super woman in the morning or anything).
J and I take a walk about halfway down the neighborhood and back in the evenings after dinner on the nights that he's home and it's not raining or super hot. But we meander more than really exercise. It only half counts.
I blame the Lantus that I was on before I started podding. I don't think I'm gaining any more...but I'm not losing either and I think that's because of the non-existent exercise in my life. Too many nights, I claim the "but what if I go low?" excuse and then settle back on my little couch and watch another Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episode (love that Guy Fieri! I always say the opening line with him). But, you know what? Big deal if I start going low! I should just take a juicebox downstairs with me, set it in the little cupholder on the treadmill, and GO.
So there we go. No more excuses! Exercise more! Don't let the 'betes win!
UPDATE: I just printed off this workout from Fitbie. While I am always skeptical of claims to "blast away belly fat" this one looks challenging enough and a good enough mixture of exercises that I want to try it. The first two weeks seem easy enough. I may extend them another week, but we'll see how it goes.
May 15, 2012
Love of My Life
Today's topic is: "Living with diabetes (or caring for someone who lives with it) sure does take a lot of work, and it's easy to be hard on ourselves if we aren't 'perfect." But today it's time to give ourselves some much deserved credit. Tell us about just one diabetes thing you (or your loves one) does spectacularly! Fasting blood sugar checks, oral meds sorted and ready, something always on hand to treat a low, or anything that you do for diabetes. Nothing is too big or too small to celebrate doing well!"
I don't feel that I do much particularly well, especially when it comes to diabetes. I deal with what needs to be dealt with, learn from mistakes, and move on. So today I want to focus this post on my husband and give him the huge pat on the back that he deserves.
I've been diabetic for over 13 years and have known my husband for half that time now. I can't remember the exact time that he learned I was diabetic (was there an exact time, babe??), but it has always been a non-issue in our relationship. After our wedding in November 2011, I knew I needed to get the D under control and he was there to help me and keep me accountable. I can honestly say he's done a great job. I needed him there to nag me about checking my bg for a few weeks until it became a habit again. He's a good nag! :)
A couple months ago, I heard the term type 3 diabetic* and told him that was him. Once I actually explained what it meant, he stopped panicking. :) He is always checking in with me to make sure that I feel ok, that I don't need anything, that I've checked my sugar recently. He's made a super effort to learn about this disease and how it affects the two of us and how it is NOT the same as his grandfather's (t2) diabetes. I could MAYBE handle this without him, but I never ever want to.
So thank you, babe, for loving me, for supporting me, for pushing me when I need to be pushed, and for jumping into this crazy life with me. I love you. You make my heart smile.
*For those wondering, a type 3 diabetic is a term thrown around in the interwebs for people who aren't diabetic themselves, but care for or help care for someone with diabetes.
I don't feel that I do much particularly well, especially when it comes to diabetes. I deal with what needs to be dealt with, learn from mistakes, and move on. So today I want to focus this post on my husband and give him the huge pat on the back that he deserves.
I've been diabetic for over 13 years and have known my husband for half that time now. I can't remember the exact time that he learned I was diabetic (was there an exact time, babe??), but it has always been a non-issue in our relationship. After our wedding in November 2011, I knew I needed to get the D under control and he was there to help me and keep me accountable. I can honestly say he's done a great job. I needed him there to nag me about checking my bg for a few weeks until it became a habit again. He's a good nag! :)
A couple months ago, I heard the term type 3 diabetic* and told him that was him. Once I actually explained what it meant, he stopped panicking. :) He is always checking in with me to make sure that I feel ok, that I don't need anything, that I've checked my sugar recently. He's made a super effort to learn about this disease and how it affects the two of us and how it is NOT the same as his grandfather's (t2) diabetes. I could MAYBE handle this without him, but I never ever want to.
So thank you, babe, for loving me, for supporting me, for pushing me when I need to be pushed, and for jumping into this crazy life with me. I love you. You make my heart smile.
*For those wondering, a type 3 diabetic is a term thrown around in the interwebs for people who aren't diabetic themselves, but care for or help care for someone with diabetes.
May 14, 2012
I'm the Newbie
Today's entry for d-blog week is this: It seems the most popular thing about Diabetes Blog Week is that it helps us find blogs we weren’t reading yet and connect with some new blog friends. With that in mind, let’s kick off Diabetes Blog Week by making some new connections. Think about the d-blogs you read that you think we may not know about and introduce us to one that you love!! Let’s all find a new friend today!
Since I’m the newbie and still learning my way
around the blog-o-sphere, I thought I would mention a couple bloggers that I
discovered when I began this journey a few months ago. Here’s the story:
After a doctor’s visit in March, I was so frustrated with my current doctor. Exact words were, “Keep doing what you’re doing, only better.” Do what now?? It’s like I had attained “average diabetic” status, and he expected no more from me. That wasn’t good enough.
After a doctor’s visit in March, I was so frustrated with my current doctor. Exact words were, “Keep doing what you’re doing, only better.” Do what now?? It’s like I had attained “average diabetic” status, and he expected no more from me. That wasn’t good enough.
So I started my research online. Imagine my
surprise that there was an entire community of diabetics out there that I could
simply click to connect to! The first blog I started reading was Stacey from
The Girl with the Portable Pancreas. I quickly discovered Sysy, then
TuDiabetes, then Lisa, Meri (whose life completely amazes me more and more with each post), and especially Kerri. I was amazed at all the people who were fighting this diabetes
fight just like me. The list goes on—but I know any time I have a question or
just need to vent about my struggles, the DOC is only a click away.
So thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
May 8, 2012
Diabetes Blog Week
Well, kids, looks like I'm going to be taking part in this next week. Perfect timing for a newbie blogger such as myself.
In other news, I attended OmniPod training in Atlanta yesterday. My CDE was really nice and very knowledgeable. I've been using a borrowed OmniPod system for just over two weeks and have found it really easy to learn. If you can handle technology like smart phones and do more on your computer than just play games online, you can work this thing easy. I got my basel insulin rates tweaked, but of course we can always tweak them more if I determine these aren't working as well as I want them to (which, not sure yet, but I don't think they are).
I had to show my CDE that I knew how to put on a new pod while I was there at the training, so last night after I got home, I sucked the insulin out of the pod I took off. Accidentally spilled some on the coffee table and got it on my hands. Sophie tried to lick it off me, but I didn't let her. Extra insulin is probably bad for cats in some way, right? I've heard of some cats having diabetes, so I'm assuming more insulin in a non-diabetic cat would be bad. Also she doesn't have the best, most healthy taste in noms, pun intended. There was an incident with Jeremy's bengay covered shoulder once...
This past Saturday was our 6-month anniversary. Marriage is fun! Not always a walk in the park, but we knew that going into this. We've had great examples in our parents' marriages. We didn't do anything to celebrate, unless we should count eating Ikea cinnamon rolls together. Which should count, I think. That reminds me--only 6 more months until we can bust out that amazing wedding cake from the freezer downstairs! Have I mentioned that it's glittery? Because that's AWESOME!
Photos courtesy of my awesome cousin, Michelle whose photography absolutely blows me away.
In other news, I attended OmniPod training in Atlanta yesterday. My CDE was really nice and very knowledgeable. I've been using a borrowed OmniPod system for just over two weeks and have found it really easy to learn. If you can handle technology like smart phones and do more on your computer than just play games online, you can work this thing easy. I got my basel insulin rates tweaked, but of course we can always tweak them more if I determine these aren't working as well as I want them to (which, not sure yet, but I don't think they are).
I had to show my CDE that I knew how to put on a new pod while I was there at the training, so last night after I got home, I sucked the insulin out of the pod I took off. Accidentally spilled some on the coffee table and got it on my hands. Sophie tried to lick it off me, but I didn't let her. Extra insulin is probably bad for cats in some way, right? I've heard of some cats having diabetes, so I'm assuming more insulin in a non-diabetic cat would be bad. Also she doesn't have the best, most healthy taste in noms, pun intended. There was an incident with Jeremy's bengay covered shoulder once...
This past Saturday was our 6-month anniversary. Marriage is fun! Not always a walk in the park, but we knew that going into this. We've had great examples in our parents' marriages. We didn't do anything to celebrate, unless we should count eating Ikea cinnamon rolls together. Which should count, I think. That reminds me--only 6 more months until we can bust out that amazing wedding cake from the freezer downstairs! Have I mentioned that it's glittery? Because that's AWESOME!
May 4, 2012
Back Again
Here I am again.
I've updated this blog title to reflect my life as it is today. I'm no longer looking for a job, so I felt the old style blog was outdated. Today I've been at my job for 2 years and while it definitely has its ups and downs, it's no longer the main focus of my life.
The hubs and I have been married for 6 months (already??) tomorrow. We've been paying a mortgage on a house we love and wouldn't trade for anything for 9 months. We have a completely adorable, back-talking, sometimes-monsterous furbaby. And sometime in December it seems we're going to be an aunt and uncle!
Things are going well.
So, because I need a challenge, let's try and get myself healthy!
Diabetes is an ever-changing beast, there's no two-ways about it. I can't promise I'll post every A1c result or every doctor's appointment. Sometimes I just might not want to share. Aaaand sometimes I may want to share too much or vent. Who knows?
The current quantitative (you like that schmancy word?) goal for this blog is a once a week post. Beyond that, I want to share my story and hopefully be an encouragement to others out there with diabetes or their families.
I've recently discovered the DOC - Diabetes Online Community - through several blogs and a website called TuDiabetes. Maybe soon I can link up with some of those guys and gals and I can help spread their stories and encouragement as well (read: after I learn how all this web stuff works). It's been a huge help to me in the past couple of months to read their struggles and realize that I'm not in this alone, that diabetes IS like this for everyone, and sometimes I might even have it easy compared to some. I don't ever want to appear to be putting someone down or building myself up as better than others - the best phrase I have heard online in the past few months is YOUR DIABETES MAY VARY! We're all in this together.
That being said, "Help me, Obi Wan Kenobi! You're my only hope!" (Did I mention I may throw random movie quotes in here? Sorry to start with a Star Wars one. I promise it's not my favorite movie.) Seriously though, I'll try my best not to rip anything off from anyone out there on the webs, but if you see something or if I'm doing something wrong, call me out on it and I'll gladly fix it.
Bear with me while I make changes, learn about this whole html deal, and find the format and style that I like best. I do get bored easily, so even if I like something, it may change before too long.
Enjoy your Friday, everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)