Is this really 12?

The other night I recruited my son to go to the store with me. My wife was getting Gillian ready for bed which means that Georgie has an hour until his bed time. Just enough time to keep me company as I went shopping for stuff for my lunch. So off we went to the local grocery store to pick up some things.

I have decided since me and my buddy have begun our exercise regimen (currently stalled until inner ear thingy is gone) that I would pack myself healthy lunches. I am a total creature of habit so if I find something I like, I can stick with that exact same thing for a very long time. I decide that a lovely salad should fit the bill nicely. With a few sunflower seeds and broccoli it will be a salad that I will not get tired of for a long time.

We immediately head over to the produce department to look for the lettuce and broccoli and such.

In the produce area my son asks me a question that sparked quite the conversation.

“Do you want this kind of broccoli?” Georgie asks me while holding up a bundle of fresh broccoli.

“Um, no. I want something that is already cut up. Like in a bag or something.” Says me.

“What about Lettuce? You want me to grab some?”

“Dude, I buy the salad in a bag. I don’t have time to cut vegetables and leaf lettuce.” I snobbishly reply

My son said nothing and put the lettuce back down.

I said, “Man, what a snob of me to say that I ‘don’t have time to cut vegetables’ as if that was below me. I am so stuck up huh?”

George looks at me and asks, “Why do grown ups have to hate themselves so much?”

“What?”

“All adults hate themselves. ‘I am too fat. My hair looks bad. These jeans make me look ugly. I am a snob. My job sucks.’ I don’t get it”

“Dude, adults are just hard on themselves I guess.”

“Well, it seems to me that if adults would just put their mind to stuff they could be who they want to be.”

“I don’t think it’s that easy.” I said.

“I dunno dad. When you really think about it, I think that it is. If you want a better job then go to school and try hard and you will get it. If you want to lose weight, eat better and exercise. I mean, just put your mind to it and anyone can be and do whatever they want to.”

I did not have much to reply to that. I thought about when I was 12 and hated myself. Most kids Georgie’s age are not the ones to say “You can be what you want to be.” Most of the time this conversation happens but with the adult and child parts switched.

What wise words of encouragement has a child offered you? I would love to hear about it. I think kids are amazing like that.

I am thankful that my son has this insight at such a young age. I hope that he continues this attitude throughout life. Maybe I can learn to be as positive and motivated as he is.

According to him, I surely can. As long as I put my mind to it.

The Monday Mystery

Monday was spent in the Emergency Room of a local hospital. I woke up that morning with a very strange feeling in my head that my blood sugar provided no clue to at a welcoming 114. What could it be? I drove (probably should not have) to work and continued to feel strange. When my coworkers noticed that something was wrong they insisted that one of them take me to the hospital.

I was not too excited about the office freaking out over my symptoms but it did get me really concerned about what was wrong. You see, I felt (and still do) extremely dizzy and foggy. It is as if I am falling backwards all the time or that my head put on 20 pounds and my neck cannot handle it. I also have this very weird delayed reaction when I turn my head too fast. It takes a while for my focus to catch up. I started to really freak out.

The ER found nothing. I laid there for several hours waiting for blood tests to come back but nothing came up. They told me to see my doctor because they could not figure it out.

Great, I am a freaking mystery.

So yesterday I stayed home from work and went to see Dr. F-Bomb. Instead of busting out any profanities he said, “It sounds to me like you have an inner ear viral thing. I’ll give you something that will clear that up in a few days.”

He scribbled out a prescription, handed it to me, and said goodbye.

Here I am at work, still dizzy, still a little worried, but with a new pill to add to the collection that I am hoping will clear this crap up.

Wish me luck!

You Tube Tuesday #13

I will post later today about what is going on in my life but for now check out this amazing video that someone uploaded on my birthday. And thanks to all for the birthday wishes. very cool.

The Perfect Awakening

This morning my daughter woke me up with these words.

"Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday dear Pop Pop. I Love you so much!"

It didn't rhyme.

I didn't care.

It was perfect.

Diabetes Power Show and dLife

As many of you may know, I found the OC by listening to a very beloved (and greatly missed) Podcast called Diabetic Feed. I am still hopeful that one day it may return.

As I was checking out Podcasts on iTunes and I found “Diabetes Power Show.” I subscribed immediately since it looked to be right up my alley. The show consists of 3 hosts who discuss different D related subjects and interviews as well as news and info about diabetes so I was really excited about checking it out.

Well, yesterday on the drive home I decided to have a listen and guess who they were interviewing...

Give up? Click here!

And guess who is coming up on the next episode?

Give up again? Click here!

Wow! I love it. It is great not only to read about these people but to hear them interviewed is awesome too!

Speaking about OCer’s in media did anyone see last weeks dLife with Kerri on it? The Simmons Family did the wave when her segment came up. That was very cool.

And speaking of dLife, you should really make sure you watch Sundays show. It looks like its gonna be another great one!

The Story of a Pioneer
dLifeTV reports on the life of Elliott Joslin

One of the leading diabetes centers in the world was started by a man
whose ideas were years ahead of their time.
WATCH THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 25TH AS dLIFE
REPORTS ON THE LIFE AND TIMES
OF ELLIOTT JOSLIN


Watch dLife this Sunday
7:00pm ET, 6:00pm CT, 4:00pm PT

Be inspired this Sunday, watch dLife
www.dLife.com

You Tube Tuesday #12

It is 12:08 AM. It is offically Tuesday. I didn't want those on the East Coast to not have something to watch before I was able to get this post up.

I have not posted much lately. Been in a foul mood and I didn't want to bum anyone out so I will post when the sun is shining a little brighter.

I am hooked on cute freaking dogs and cats it seems. It's hard because I look at several videos and these are always my fav's. Anyhow enjoy!

I Didn't Hide

I am quite sore this evening. But as Kate of Kate's Quest says, "it hurts so good!"

She is right.

I did not park around the corner the other night. I was ready to go when Matt showed up and man it was actually a lot of fun.

Matt is such a great friend and a good motivator. He was encouraging me when I was on my last few reps and could barely lift the weights up. It was like parents cheering for their kids at T-Ball.

That visual makes me LOL.

I knew I was a total wimp but he never made me feel like that. It was more of a, "quit dissing yourself dude, we will both get our shit together TOGETHER!"

We are exercising tonight and again Sunday. This is the schedule for now. 3 days a week. I think it is a good start for me and for him. I am going to attempt to do a little cardio in between but I do not trust myself not to sit on my computer and play Lord of the Rings Online (which is a new obsession for me!).

Anyhow, thanks to all of you that offer words of encouragement. I know quitting smoking was a very important part of being a B.A.D. but this weight loss is the next hurdle I must overcome.

Another try!

Tonight, one of my best friends, Matt, is coming over to workout in the Slimmons Gym with me. I am going to have to dust of the weights and pump up the speed bag but I am excited. I have tried several times to incorporate an exercise routine into my daily life but I have always failed. I start and continue for a few days and then I flake.

When he comes over and sees my car in the driveway there is no way I can hide. I will have to workout. This is probably what I need. Some accountability. Someone to show up and say, “Get your fat ass up and get out here Porko!” Matt will not be that mean I hope unless of course he has to be.

Crap now I am scared!

I guess I could park around the corner.

You Tube Tuesday #11

I have kicked the Kitty habit this week.

This is so cute! That laugh is infectious.

The Bonus Bummer

Yesterday I got a raise and a bonus.

And I am bummed.

WTF is wrong with me? My company loves me and gives me a very generous increase in salary and a very VERY sweet bonus for my past years efforts. My boss had very nice things to say to me and he was concerned about my health and even offered to change my hours if it would allow for exercise time in my life. He has seen me increase in girth but also quit smoking and he is very supportive. I am so lucky to work as such a great place.

But I am pissed off.

My bonus is not a bonus at all. It is only going to go to bill collectors that keep calling my house all hours of the day. We are in such a deep dark financial hole that this “bonus” money is only going to help us get out of that hole.

I guess that is a good thing and at times I see that it is BUT it is upsetting when your best efforts and extra work only gets you out of a hole. There is no reward which is what a bonus should be. I remember about this time last year I thought, “If I kick butt this year and get a sweet bones I am gonna hook up a CMGS and be a total BG Ninja!” but that is not going to happen.

I know I should count my blessings and especially after such a spiritual weekend but this goes to show you that I am not perfect. I am upset because I cannot splurge for once in my life when I should be able to. Well, I better get to kicking butt this year and see what next year has in store for me.

I need a Pop-tart or something to cheer me up.

The 18" Trip

As with all of the OC, Diabetes is a major part of my life. It is something that I cannot stop thinking about regardless of what I would like to do. I am a Diabetic. And it is one of the “I AM” statements I make with no fear.

I am also a Christian.

Most of you already know that. I hope you know that with that, I am NOT a “holier than thou” type. I have hang ups. I have issues. I swear sometimes. I get drunk occasionally. I am not even remotely close to being a “good” Christian but I know who gives me strength, who gives me guidance, who is always there for me, and who made sure that I would not end up in a really hot place once I leave this planet!

This weekend my wife, Sister, Mother, Best Friends, and more all worked a Via De Cristo weekend. What is Via De Cristo? It is Spanish for “Way of Christ” and it is a weekend that renews, reenergizes, and refreshes your faith. It is not a weekend for people that are not Christians; this is a strengthening weekend not an introduction.

When Jasmine and I were “pilgrims” we had such an amazing time that we come back each year to serve and pray for those that are attending. It is a lot of work but it is well worth the fatigue. It is funny how much pleasure you can get out of totally giving and serving your fellow human. It is a blessing that I cannot describe.

This weekend my Mother in Law and her husband attending the weekend as Pilgrims with another couple from our church. All four of them seemed to grow so much in their faith. It was a very beautiful thing to witness. To see someone get to know God on a more intimate level is a reward in itself. Especially when you remember your weekend and how it felt for you.

One man described it as “taking God from my head, and moving Him into my heart.”

A distance of about 18”.

A very short distance but a very important trip indeed.

You Tube Tuesday #10

Yes, I am back.
Yes, I will tell you about my weekend soon.
Yes, it's another cute kitty video.

I am so predictable!

Buh Bye

I am going to be gone for a few days and when I get back I will be full of posts and stories to share with all y'all.

Maybe even a joke or three!

I Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Super-G