I know it's cleshay to say, "this year has flown by"...but Holy Moly...it has. One of my New Year's resolutions is to get back to writing on here on a regular basis. Not about anything in particular, and not to put myself in a corner. This is my blog, I write about diabetes, life, shoes, food, exercise and anything else. My passions. Actually, that's why I'm writing today. Passion....that is why I was put on this Earth. No one can take it from me, no one can tell me that I can't have it, no one. My passion for life is why I'm alive. Starting off 2012 is going to be amazing. I have ONE, count it ONE semester left (actually, 18 weeks and 5 days) TILL GRADUATION. Which means, 18 weeks and 35 lbs....2 lbs a week to lose! Um, done. Easy.
I have so many things to look forward to. I love my job, I love my life, I love my pets...so nothing can get in my way!
Happy New Years everyone!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Disasters and Diabetes
1. Get informed
2. Make a plan
3. Assemble a kit
4. Maintain your plan and kit
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.
THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO BEFORE A DISASTER:
Those with disabilities or other special needs often have unique needs that require more detailed planning in the event of a disaster. Consider the following actions as you prepare:
• Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal injuries. Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for essential medical equipment.
• Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a back-up plan, such as a cell phone or pager, if the regular landlines are disrupted.
• If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair for backup.
• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Also, label equipment and attach laminated instructions for equipment use.
• Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical, etc.) at your neighbor’s home, school, or your workplace.
• Arrange for more than one person from your personal support network to check on you in an emergency, so there is at least one back-up if the primary person you rely on cannot.
• If you are vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the TV or radio.
• If you use a personal care attendant obtained from an agency, check to see if the agency has special provisions for emergencies (e.g., providing services at another location should an evacuation be ordered).
• If you live in an apartment, ask the management to identify and mark accessible exits and access to all areas designated for emergency shelter or safe rooms. Ask about plans for alerting and evacuating those with sensory disabilities.
• Have a cell phone with an extra battery. If you are unable to get out of a building, you can let someone know where you are and guide them to you. Keep the numbers you may need to call with you if the 9-1-1 emergency number is overloaded.
A GREAT SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR FAMILY PREPAREDNESS KIT: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf
And as always, social media (Twitter and Facebook) are all becoming prevelant during disaster situations. It may be your only way of communication. Texts and tweets are the easiest to get through! Just FYI :)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Diabetes Blues....Diabetes Shoes?
To anyone that knows me, you know this to be true: I LOVE SHOES!
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| These are just fabulous! |
Some say I might have a slight obsession....
Just to show, these are the shoes I have recently purchased...
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| Such cute booties! |
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| This go with something...I know they do! |
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| A true SATC Fan-- "Carrie" shoes! |
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| I know Miss America, so I must own Miss America shoes! (It is only logical) |
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| Every girl must own Red Patent shoes! |
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| If you live in OK, you must own Cowboy boots! |
Oh, and I just got in my new Coach shoes to match my purse and a 5 1/2 inch heel Jessica Simpson that will look amazing this summer! :)
All of this leads me to my ORIGINAL point...I promise I'm getting to it....Promise!
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| Women's "Diabetic" Shoes |
I am to completely in love with my shoes and my future Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik's to ever have to wear these. I might be COMPLETELY selfish in my motivations....but this is why I must take care of my Diabetes!!
Do I want to live a long and normal life? YES
Do I want to grow old with the man I love? YES
Do I want to wear fabulous shoes for the rest of my life? YES
I might have the wrong idea here, and I'm a little wacky, I admit it. But I want to be around, healthy and have my feet and legs in a state where I can wear these fabulous things.
DIABETES, YOU WILL NOT HOLD ME BACK!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Diabetes: It scares the ever lovin' crap outta me
OK, here it goes. I've always (I mean ALWAYS) tried to have a positive outlook on my diabetes...and not make it seem to anyone around me that I battle with my emotions on it, every single day of my life.
I was the "poster child" for Type 1 Diabetes....as you can see. I had to be an example to everyone else....See? I can do it- So can you! I talked the talk and walked the walk...still do. I can tell you upside down and backwards anything about Type 1 (Type 2 for that matter as well) and insulin pumps, pods, where it goes, how it does it and what I do about it everyday. I put on a VERY good face when people make ignorant comments about my diabetes.
There has always been role models that I have looked up to about my diabetes:
I mean, how appropriate that Anne Rice writes about Vampires and blood? :)
And I would hope you know, if you know me for any length of time that Bret Michaels is not only a Rock God to me, but a person that I can truly identify with and understand that ups and downs of Type 1 diabetes.
But recently, I haven't had such a great attitude about my diabetes, to be perfectly honestly. I hate this disease. I absolutely !@#$%^&*( hate it. I hate having to think about it, deal with it and know that no matter what I do that sh!t can still happen to me. I know, I'm one of blah blah million people that have it, I'm not the only one. But once in awhile I just need a release. Do you know what irritates me the most?? People (to remain nameless...) who say I want to help you, I wish I could do it for you. Thank you I appreciate your understanding, but I know that they can't do anything. They can't take it away, they can't prick their finger for me, they can't take an insulin shot for me and they can't know the guilt that I carry every single day with this dang disease.
I was told that the cure was "right around the corner" in 1988....great. Goody. Now 23 years later it's still not here. I have hope...I really do. But today, I'm just not feeling it. I'm scared of the low blood sugars. I'm scared of not being in control of my body. I'm scared that no matter what I do to be in control, that it's still not enough.
My career is my life...my education is everything I've ever wanted. I'm in the job and the field that I am absolutely in love with....Emergencies make my world go round. But the worst thing that I could imagine has happened. I want more then anything to be able to go help in a disaster (mostly help the animals...but people possibly too!) But anyway, to be able to be on OK-DMAT 1 you cannot have Type 1 Diabetes. No matter that I am completely self efficient, no matter what I do, I cannot be deployed. I feel defeated. I feel like someone pulled the rug out from under me. I feel like everyone in the Emergency Management world is pointing and laughing at me and saying...."HAHA! You just thought you wanted to make a difference"
I am just trying to deal with these thoughts one day at a time. I'm trying to be the best damn person with diabetes that you have ever met. But just today, let me HATE it.
I was the "poster child" for Type 1 Diabetes....as you can see. I had to be an example to everyone else....See? I can do it- So can you! I talked the talk and walked the walk...still do. I can tell you upside down and backwards anything about Type 1 (Type 2 for that matter as well) and insulin pumps, pods, where it goes, how it does it and what I do about it everyday. I put on a VERY good face when people make ignorant comments about my diabetes.
My family has always been about EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION. People only make those comments because they don't know better. (At least in my mind that's why..) I mean, we (the Type 1 Diabetes community as a whole) have to deal with the typical jokes about "diabeetus" -->
There has always been role models that I have looked up to about my diabetes:
But recently, I haven't had such a great attitude about my diabetes, to be perfectly honestly. I hate this disease. I absolutely !@#$%^&*( hate it. I hate having to think about it, deal with it and know that no matter what I do that sh!t can still happen to me. I know, I'm one of blah blah million people that have it, I'm not the only one. But once in awhile I just need a release. Do you know what irritates me the most?? People (to remain nameless...) who say I want to help you, I wish I could do it for you. Thank you I appreciate your understanding, but I know that they can't do anything. They can't take it away, they can't prick their finger for me, they can't take an insulin shot for me and they can't know the guilt that I carry every single day with this dang disease.
I was told that the cure was "right around the corner" in 1988....great. Goody. Now 23 years later it's still not here. I have hope...I really do. But today, I'm just not feeling it. I'm scared of the low blood sugars. I'm scared of not being in control of my body. I'm scared that no matter what I do to be in control, that it's still not enough.
My career is my life...my education is everything I've ever wanted. I'm in the job and the field that I am absolutely in love with....Emergencies make my world go round. But the worst thing that I could imagine has happened. I want more then anything to be able to go help in a disaster (mostly help the animals...but people possibly too!) But anyway, to be able to be on OK-DMAT 1 you cannot have Type 1 Diabetes. No matter that I am completely self efficient, no matter what I do, I cannot be deployed. I feel defeated. I feel like someone pulled the rug out from under me. I feel like everyone in the Emergency Management world is pointing and laughing at me and saying...."HAHA! You just thought you wanted to make a difference"
I am just trying to deal with these thoughts one day at a time. I'm trying to be the best damn person with diabetes that you have ever met. But just today, let me HATE it.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Snake Skin Boots and a Whole Lot of Awesome
Honestly, it's hard to get more badass than a pair of snake skin boots. I haven't even owned a pair of boots, outside of the hiking variety, since I was probably 12 or so (Dad, help me out here, I'm sure you know.). Anyway, Megan and myself found our way to the local neighborhood Drysdales just to look around and we both ended up walking out with a pair of boots. Hers are great, I'm sure after seeing this she'll post up about hers too, and mine are...well mine are freakin' snake skin!Also, loyal followers, you may have noticed that my wife posted something epically fantastic last night. It really meant a lot to me so you should definitely go read it if you missed it.
Other than the all consuming awesome of my new boots, the theme of the past week has been snow storm and how much a city that doesn't get much normally isn't prepared for 20+ inches of the crap. Our neighborhood is still barely passable, especially in the 'Stang, and we've got like 8 to 10 more coming tonight. Joyous. I'm just naturally assuming that tomorrow, and possible the rest of the week, work will be from the comfort of my nice warm sofa.
It has also become very evident that I miss having a 4x4 hanging around. I'm in the market and it doesn't have to be pretty. While cheap and nasty may not work in some cases, it makes for a good 4x4 vehicle.
Almonds - the healthy choice!
Ok, here goes my crazy creative side - NOT. This is purely for educational value - NOT. Actually, I don't know what this is about other then I like my almonds!
DID YOU KNOW:
The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is native to the Middle East and is also commercially cultivated in California. An almond may also be the edible seed of the almond tree and is an important food crop. You can eat almonds whole as a snack and they have many other culinary uses, especially in desserts. Almonds contain very few carbohydrates, so the flour is commonly used in baked products for diabetics. (OH I HATE THAT WORD - Don't you know it's pancreas challenged, people?!)
Almonds may be prepared for consumption in a variety of ways. This nutritional information is for the whole kernel of the almond seed. The almonds are raw and the outer shell has been removed. The following nutritional information assumes a serving size of 1 oz., which is equal to approximately 23 whole kernels.
A serving of almonds contains a total of 164 calories. Fat accounts for 129 calories, carbohydrates contribute 11 calories and proteins provide the remaining 24 calories. A serving of almonds provides 8.2 percent of the daily value (DV) for calories, assuming a diet of 2,000 calories per day, which I am not -- I'm on about 1,100! GO ME :)
DID YOU KNOW:
The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is native to the Middle East and is also commercially cultivated in California. An almond may also be the edible seed of the almond tree and is an important food crop. You can eat almonds whole as a snack and they have many other culinary uses, especially in desserts. Almonds contain very few carbohydrates, so the flour is commonly used in baked products for diabetics. (OH I HATE THAT WORD - Don't you know it's pancreas challenged, people?!)
Serving Information
CaloriesAlmonds may be prepared for consumption in a variety of ways. This nutritional information is for the whole kernel of the almond seed. The almonds are raw and the outer shell has been removed. The following nutritional information assumes a serving size of 1 oz., which is equal to approximately 23 whole kernels.
A serving of almonds contains a total of 164 calories. Fat accounts for 129 calories, carbohydrates contribute 11 calories and proteins provide the remaining 24 calories. A serving of almonds provides 8.2 percent of the daily value (DV) for calories, assuming a diet of 2,000 calories per day, which I am not -- I'm on about 1,100! GO ME :)
Fat
A serving of almonds contains a total of 14.3 g of fat, which is 22 percent of the DV for fat. This total includes 1.1 g of saturated fat, which is 6 percent of the DV for saturated fat. Almonds don't have any cholesterol.Carbohydrates
A serving of almonds contains a total of 5.6 g of carbohydrates, which is about 2 percent of the DV for carbohydrates. This total includes 0.9 g of complex carbohydrates, 1.4 g of simple sugar and 3.3 grams of dietary fiber. This provides 13 percent of the DV for dietary fiber.Protein and Minerals
A serving of almonds contains 6 g of protein, which is 12 percent of the DV for protein. It has 206.4 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which is about 5.9 percent of the 3,500 mg DV for potassium. A serving of almonds also contains 70.3 mg of calcium, which is about 7 percent of the 1,000 mg DV for calcium.
So, as I'm eating my delicious snack this morning, I just wanted to remind you of how good these little suckers are. BTW, Thank You Granma for roasting me such a delightful treat!
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Valentine (a few days early)
<-- This is one of the first pictures I have of him. This is still one of my favorites!
Where to begin? Well, to start, with one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. One afternoon we were hanging out at his apartment (whoo hoo!) and I wasn't feeling just right. I went to the bathroom, promptly shut the door (oh how time's have changed) and got very very very sick. I was trying to be as quiet as possible, and clean up after myself. After I was in the bathroom, oh let's say, 20 minutes trying to clean myself up, he quietly knocked on the door and asked, "Are you ok in there?" -- as to which I meekly replied, "not really". He sprang into action, got me water, clean towels and his t-shirt to put on (needless to say mine needed to go in the trash!). But then and there, it was clear that he was my hero. If you can take care of me at my worse, you truly deserve my best!
<-- He cleans up pretty sweet too! This was my 20th birthday (WOW, where does time go?)
2nd reason (of like 1,000,000) why he is the man for me:
The evening this picture was taken, again, my 20th birthday, and the wedding of his friends Chad and Sara, he gave me my first insulin shot. While this may not seem like that big of deal. This was HUGE! A man that didn't freak out that I had diabetes, didn't ask if it was contagious and actually offered to give me and insulin shot when I was unable to give it to myself. What an amazing man!
That was the beginning of what was an amazing and fast ride of our relationship!
Reason #3 - He's always ready for fun! He'll never back down from an adventure and deals really well with my shinanigans!
Reason #4 - Our engagement. Three words: "I dare you" HA! Never in my life would I imagine that I would/could find out that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with a man so quickly! Some may have not understood it, but all that mattered is that we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
Reason #5- HE'S A FREAKIN' ROCK STAR!
How cool is that? He's a GRAMMY Academy Member.
Other then Mr. Punk Rock himself, our love of music is what made me love him. We sat for hours on our 1st date and went through his music catalog. A man who had a punk rock version of Backstreet Boy's "I want it that way" is alright in my book! He appreciated my love of "boy bands" (that wasn't all I listened to) and I was learning to appreciate the punk rock culture. It was just the fact that we both LOVED music, listening to it, making it, recording it - it was our common bond!
Well, after a whirl-wind romance and some really tough times that we got through together (let's leave the past in the past) - WE GOT MARRIED! 8 months after meeting, we took the plunge!
It was a beautiful Fall day in Eureka Springs and October 22nd will never be the same! (Our wedding is reason #6 why I love him!)
One name: Paul McCartney
Holy cow. If you know anything about us, it is our love of the Beatles. On our honeymoon (VEGAS BABY!) - We got to see the one and only SIR PAUL! This started a pretty steep curve of our concert calendar for the past 6 years! I don't know who was more excited, Joe or I. Coolest honeymoon gift EVER!
Reason #....oh who's counting anymore. I just love to write about him :) HE IS STILL A KID AT HEART! Our first trip to Walt Disney World was in 2006! We had a blast!
Goofy chased him down! -->
<-- Gypsy Pistaleros at 1st Annual ROCKLAHOMA!
I have to throw this one in just because....we're just a bunch of Indians!
We have so much dang fun together! Seriously, our conversations are endless, we never run out of smart ass comments for each other (always meant in the most loving way possible!) and he is truly the person that knows me best.
Did I mention he's a PIRATE? Actually, our love for Capt. Jack Sparrow is quite evident!
Captain Jack Sparrow is a fantasy for both of us....
Ok, just a few more favorites of my favorite person.
We share the same passions in life. He has the strongest convictions that I have ever known a person to have. It amazes me. While I have "personal" reasons (i.e. diabetes) for the way my political thoughts go -- he just lays it all out there, he holds nothing back!
And one of the reason's I love most;. his compassion for animals. It is simply amazing how much we both want to save every animal in the world. If we could we would take home and love every single kitty in the world!!
He was there for my family and I on the worst day in my lifetime, when we lost my beloved Colby. This man has a soft side (I know, shocking...). He is not afraid to cry and this man LOVES HIS CATS!
There's no doubt about it - we've had a FABULOUS 6 years together and I can't wait for the next 75!
I just want to personally say how much I love you darling and thank you for letting me follow my hopes and dreams and allowing me to do it along with you!
This thing called Grad School....
I love being a Grad Student. Just the fact that I can say I'm a Grad Student makes me smile :)
I do not love how is consumes your life. I'm not complaining about the work load, or the reading, which I actually enjoy because of the subject matter. But the fact that it seems like every waking hour could be spent on research, reading or writing is driving me a bit insane. Oh yeah, or the fact that everyone has an opinion (valid or not) about disasters.
Just my opinion (valid or not).
Here's a look at my exciting reading material from my lunch break today:
I will have only 4 classes left and my thesis to complete for my Master's! PTL! Just getting antsy to have that degree in my hands. I can honestly say that walking across the stage for my Undergraduate Degree was quite honestly one of the best days of my life. It seemed to take a little longer to get there then it should have, but I DID IT!
Oh yeah,
GO COWBOYS!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Superbowl in my tweets, just in case you missed ANYTHING :)
Game over. Good job greenies. #superbowl
I was hoping for more from the @KimKardashian commercial. She did look amazing though :) #superbowl
Ok, commercials are not so entertaining now. Give me something good! #superbowl
Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz...I've ACTUALLY been singing that lately. weird. #superbowl Good one @iamdiddy
New Beetle? WHAT? Coool! #superbowl
TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #superbowl
Im a Bronco fan 4ever my Dads in Pitt I HATE Bret Farve he played for Green Bay 4ever & they played against the Broncos in #Superbowl = PITT
@firehat @m_arty - Boo! BEP's were great! :) Along with Slash, Usher and the 100's of on field dancers!
Though I'm still laughing about the McD's commercial w/ the bears b4 the #superbowl even started. Very cute
The Chrysler ad worked because of an emotional premise bigger than the product - the salvation of a city and its prodigal son.
Imported from Detroit... The Chrysler spot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKL254Y_jtc
Eminem commercial has been most moving yet! Go Chrysler! #superbowl
Extended Preview of new #pirates http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGXpV61opOk
@iam_spartacus - oh thank goodness!!! THAT would not be good!
Yep, BEP's has been the Best #superbowl #halftime ever! Slash, Usher and the best song's ever. Yep, tonight's gonna be a good night!
OMG! Slash!!!!!!!! Hells yes!!!!!!!! #superbowl Sing it FERGIE!!!!!!!!!
Nice entrance @iamwill! My favorite song first! Tonight's gonna be a GOOD night!! #superbowl #halftime
@mikeyonkhits - def keeping it classy :) #superbowl halftime to be great!
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! Touchdown Steelers!!! #superbowl
@iamwill - going to be the BEST HALFTIME! Much better then the game so far!! #superbowl
Pretty sure I'm more excited about the new @Glee tonight then watching the #superbowl
this is just ridiculous. where are the steelers?? #superbowl
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I'm not crying out of sadness or nervousness its joy and pride and memories and the journey...18min before we go on to rock
Tiny Dancer Budweiser commercial = AWESOME #superbowlad
@DisneyPictures-- Is Captain Jack there or are we watching for movie preview?? #pirates
Doritos > pepsi max, so far #superbowlad
Awesome Kenny G #superbowlad
My goal is to get to 1mil. people to follow me on twitter before halftime so we can all invent a new way to share a experience at a show
Watching Superbowl Pregame Show, waiting for Leader of Free World to destroy Bill O'Reilly!!!!
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