Today is the last day to enter the Diabetes Talkfest “FUNNIEST DIABETIC POEM” contest. You could win an IPOD which would be oh so sweet!
Be sure and check out all of the poems. They are all very creative and funny. I think you will get a kick out it!
And I just finally posted one I was kicking around in my head for a while. I hope you like it!
Be sure and sign up for the forums so you can vote for your favorite starting tomorrow.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
You Tube Tuesday #22
This video comes from a Japanese Skit show from what I can tell. It is pretty clever and very entertaining. At least, it was entertaining to me!
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Monday, May 28, 2007
My Memorial Day
Memorial day like so many holidays has a bitter sweet tone to it for me. And the reason once again for the bitterness is due to the "D."
When I was a junior in High School, I knew that my parents were not going to be able to pay for me to attend college. We struggled just to pay the rent, have clothes on our backs and food on the table. And with mom and dad divorced, they did not work well to solve problems such as this. It was always day to day.
I knew that the only way I would get a great education was to join the Armed Forces. More specifically, I wanted to join the Air Force. I have always had such great respect for those who serve to protect our freedom. I wanted to be apart of that.
I got in touch with a Recruiter through my High School and told him how I thought this was the right move for me given the hazy future ahead. He agreed (of course) and was ready to make my 4 year commitment.
Then on October 2nd 1990 I was diagnosed. I went through all that crap not thinking at all about this aspect of my future plans.
Then I got a call from the recruiter asking me to fill out some paperwork or something (I cannot remember exactly) and I told him what had happened.
I remember a very long pause and him telling me that he was pretty sure that was a problem.
I was crushed. What was I to do? My family had no money. I had no clue as what to do with my life. It was already becoming clear that Diabetes was going to close doors in my life. I was so upset.
So now I look back each Memorial Day and wonder what life would have been like had I not had the D and went into the Air Force. Where would I be now?
When I look at my life and count the endless number of blessings I am happy right where I am. Had one thing been different along the road, who knows where I would be.
Nah. I like it here
When I was a junior in High School, I knew that my parents were not going to be able to pay for me to attend college. We struggled just to pay the rent, have clothes on our backs and food on the table. And with mom and dad divorced, they did not work well to solve problems such as this. It was always day to day.
I knew that the only way I would get a great education was to join the Armed Forces. More specifically, I wanted to join the Air Force. I have always had such great respect for those who serve to protect our freedom. I wanted to be apart of that.
I got in touch with a Recruiter through my High School and told him how I thought this was the right move for me given the hazy future ahead. He agreed (of course) and was ready to make my 4 year commitment.
Then on October 2nd 1990 I was diagnosed. I went through all that crap not thinking at all about this aspect of my future plans.
Then I got a call from the recruiter asking me to fill out some paperwork or something (I cannot remember exactly) and I told him what had happened.
I remember a very long pause and him telling me that he was pretty sure that was a problem.
I was crushed. What was I to do? My family had no money. I had no clue as what to do with my life. It was already becoming clear that Diabetes was going to close doors in my life. I was so upset.
So now I look back each Memorial Day and wonder what life would have been like had I not had the D and went into the Air Force. Where would I be now?
When I look at my life and count the endless number of blessings I am happy right where I am. Had one thing been different along the road, who knows where I would be.
Nah. I like it here
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Evening Epiphany
Last night 3 of my best buds and I went to play Racquetball. I have not played in a long time so I was a little concerned about how I would do.
When I walked into the court I was reminded of how hard it is to hear each other because of the echo. I recalled how I have been hit in the face/leg/arm in the past and how much that really hurt! I relived the pain in my chest from trying to breathe. I was also a little concerned about the foot issue I have had.
After a short rally and a review of rules we started a doubles match. I could feel my heart pumping hard as I ran around to smack the heck out of that ball. It gets a little crazy with 4 people running around that court but luckily I was only the victim of getting in the way of the ball once although my buddy has a multi-colored circle on his leg. OUCH!
We played for a little over an hour and it was a great time. I started to feel low about ½ hour in but after some Life Savers, and a moment to let them kick into gear, I was good to go.
When we were finished, we gathered up our stuff and headed outside to the car. I noticed that I could breathe. I mean, truly breathe.
I remembered how I would strain to suck down a much air as possible when we were done. I would sit on the bench after we played until I was able to breathe and then I would light a cigarette up as if drawing in a breath was not a major task only a few minutes ago. Wow.
I was worried about how my much larger self would do at playing such a high energy sport but that was not a problem at all.
The moral to this story?
Smoking is worse then being fat!
I know I was thinking a lot about smoking a week ago but I am not any longer.
I am a non smoker.
When I walked into the court I was reminded of how hard it is to hear each other because of the echo. I recalled how I have been hit in the face/leg/arm in the past and how much that really hurt! I relived the pain in my chest from trying to breathe. I was also a little concerned about the foot issue I have had.
After a short rally and a review of rules we started a doubles match. I could feel my heart pumping hard as I ran around to smack the heck out of that ball. It gets a little crazy with 4 people running around that court but luckily I was only the victim of getting in the way of the ball once although my buddy has a multi-colored circle on his leg. OUCH!
We played for a little over an hour and it was a great time. I started to feel low about ½ hour in but after some Life Savers, and a moment to let them kick into gear, I was good to go.
When we were finished, we gathered up our stuff and headed outside to the car. I noticed that I could breathe. I mean, truly breathe.
I remembered how I would strain to suck down a much air as possible when we were done. I would sit on the bench after we played until I was able to breathe and then I would light a cigarette up as if drawing in a breath was not a major task only a few minutes ago. Wow.
I was worried about how my much larger self would do at playing such a high energy sport but that was not a problem at all.
The moral to this story?
Smoking is worse then being fat!
I know I was thinking a lot about smoking a week ago but I am not any longer.
I am a non smoker.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
You Tube Tuesday #21
Darth Vader is a Jerk. We all know that. But this video cracked me up. This is is something I would do if was Vader.
Monday, May 21, 2007
'til Death Do Us Part
Saturday I had the honor of being a Groomsman in a wedding for two very good friends of ours. This is the 10th wedding I have been in so I feel almost like a professional (maybe I should make some business cards.). Anyhow, going to celebrations like this always make me remember back to all of the weddings I have ever been in and the ones I have attended. 
My mom, all of my sisters, my mother in law, cousins, friends, and most importantly mine.
Hearing those vows being spoken reminds me of the vows that I made. Vows that I made before God and publicly for many witnesses to hear and believe. Vows that I made to the woman who I asked to spend my life with and who agreed to make those same vows.
For better or worse. For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. Til death do us part.
We argue over “worse” but pray for “better.”
We worry about “poorer” but hope for “richer.”
We lose sleep over “sickness” and thank God for “health.”
Til death do us part…
That is the one that I have no question about. I knew that before I “popped the question.”
I love to see a couple begin their life together but I love even more to recall the beginning of my married life.
It was a good weekend.
My mom, all of my sisters, my mother in law, cousins, friends, and most importantly mine.
Hearing those vows being spoken reminds me of the vows that I made. Vows that I made before God and publicly for many witnesses to hear and believe. Vows that I made to the woman who I asked to spend my life with and who agreed to make those same vows.
For better or worse. For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. Til death do us part.
We argue over “worse” but pray for “better.”
We worry about “poorer” but hope for “richer.”
We lose sleep over “sickness” and thank God for “health.”
Til death do us part…
That is the one that I have no question about. I knew that before I “popped the question.”
I love to see a couple begin their life together but I love even more to recall the beginning of my married life.
It was a good weekend.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Home A1C Test - Results
So a few weeks ago I posted about a Home A1C test that I got my hands on. I needed to get my lab work done so I thought it would be a good time to test this Test out!
The home test I had is from Flexsite Diagnostics. I do not know a thing about this company except that their website made me think that Time Magazine called their test the "Gold Standard" until I realized that the quote was about just any A1C test. Sneaky!
Anyhow, many of you commented on the Home A1C and Minnesota Nice said that she had used this particular test compared to a lab test. Her results, "Clinic test said 6.8, mail in said 8.2!"
OUCH!
And the moment you have all been waiting for... My Results.
Lab Test - 7.7
Home Test - 8.8
I am not too happy about the 7.7 but I guess it could have been 8.8! I probably would have been happier about the lab results had the home results arrived first but they did not.
My thoughts? Well, for a test that costs 20 dollars, takes longer then a lab to get the results back to you, and is so inacurate I would probably not recommend. I thought "well, maybe if it was a little off" but to me, that is a big difference.
Now to work on lowering my A1C. Do I do that before I get over this depression? After I lose weight? During my newly surfaced craving for nicotine?
I should just go back to bed.
The home test I had is from Flexsite Diagnostics. I do not know a thing about this company except that their website made me think that Time Magazine called their test the "Gold Standard" until I realized that the quote was about just any A1C test. Sneaky!
Anyhow, many of you commented on the Home A1C and Minnesota Nice said that she had used this particular test compared to a lab test. Her results, "Clinic test said 6.8, mail in said 8.2!"
OUCH!
And the moment you have all been waiting for... My Results.
Lab Test - 7.7
Home Test - 8.8
I am not too happy about the 7.7 but I guess it could have been 8.8! I probably would have been happier about the lab results had the home results arrived first but they did not.
My thoughts? Well, for a test that costs 20 dollars, takes longer then a lab to get the results back to you, and is so inacurate I would probably not recommend. I thought "well, maybe if it was a little off" but to me, that is a big difference.
Now to work on lowering my A1C. Do I do that before I get over this depression? After I lose weight? During my newly surfaced craving for nicotine?
I should just go back to bed.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
You Tube Tuesday #20
Seeing someone make a fool of themselves sometimes makes me feel better about myself. And Richard Dawson was one of the best Game Show hosts ever. Enjoy.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Updates: Feet, Fat, Friends and More
My foot is feeling better. I am still feeling pain but not nearly as bad. Could I just be getting used to it? I doubt it since the pain was pretty horrendous. But one thing I know for sure, it was not what Bernard thought it was.
I have a referral from a friend on another endo that I am going to check out and see if he is in my network of doctors. I will let you know what happens with that.
Still no word back from the home A1C test but as soon as I get it, I will post both the Labs results and this Home test.
I have not mentioned “O” or “M” in my blog for a while. I see "M" and his family each Sunday at church and we have some chit chat time occasionally. He seems to be doing well. His parents are so involved in his life and his Diabetes that I feel really good about his future.
His mom is so worried each time we talk and I tear up when I see her tears. It breaks my heart because I see what my mother must have felt and mothers of PWD’s everywhere feel when I see her. M is a good kid who for the time being seems to be in pretty good control of his D.
“O” on the other side of the coin has me very worried. I spoke with her mom a while back and she spoke about some very strange habits (IMO) like using Ice Cream as a snack before bed and wondering why O would wake up over 250. I told her that maybe she should check her BG in the middle of the night and try a different snack or something.
She did not seem very receptive but maybe I just read her wrong. All I can do is offer little nuggets of “wisdom” or suggest stuff when I see her. She also told me about using Ice Cream to treat a Hypo (maybe she works for Ben and Jerry) and I suggested Glucose tabs.
Hopefully she will remember some of the suggestions and check them out for herself and O. Then again, a part of me thinks I should just keep my mouth shut about it all. I am not a doctor so what the heck do I know.
My waistline continues to expand for what seems like no reason at all. I eat a lot of things that are very boring and do not have a lot of calories. I exercise and nada. It is driving me nuts. I am obviously not exercising enough nor am I cutting out enough calories. It goes without saying that it is completely depressing. I am just in a funk about it.
The desire to smoke has surfaced. I cannot stop thinking about smoking. I walk into crowds of people smoking hoping someone will offer me one and I can take it without even thinking about it. It has been over 6 months since I quit but I want to start smoking so bad I can hardly stand it.
Each time I look at myself in a mirror I am reminded of the 50 lbs that have been added to my fat ass since I quit. So what is worse, smoking or being severely obese? My BMI puts me in the range of severe obesity now and I figure I am on the fast track to a heart attack.
I know what some of you are thinking, “DON’T START AGAIN!” and I hear myself saying that too but I just figure I can lose some weight and then get on the patch again. Plus I’ve been in an ultra pissy mood lately because of it.
I am sorry guys; I am just not doing well.
I have a referral from a friend on another endo that I am going to check out and see if he is in my network of doctors. I will let you know what happens with that.Still no word back from the home A1C test but as soon as I get it, I will post both the Labs results and this Home test.
I have not mentioned “O” or “M” in my blog for a while. I see "M" and his family each Sunday at church and we have some chit chat time occasionally. He seems to be doing well. His parents are so involved in his life and his Diabetes that I feel really good about his future.
His mom is so worried each time we talk and I tear up when I see her tears. It breaks my heart because I see what my mother must have felt and mothers of PWD’s everywhere feel when I see her. M is a good kid who for the time being seems to be in pretty good control of his D.
“O” on the other side of the coin has me very worried. I spoke with her mom a while back and she spoke about some very strange habits (IMO) like using Ice Cream as a snack before bed and wondering why O would wake up over 250. I told her that maybe she should check her BG in the middle of the night and try a different snack or something.
She did not seem very receptive but maybe I just read her wrong. All I can do is offer little nuggets of “wisdom” or suggest stuff when I see her. She also told me about using Ice Cream to treat a Hypo (maybe she works for Ben and Jerry) and I suggested Glucose tabs.
Hopefully she will remember some of the suggestions and check them out for herself and O. Then again, a part of me thinks I should just keep my mouth shut about it all. I am not a doctor so what the heck do I know.
My waistline continues to expand for what seems like no reason at all. I eat a lot of things that are very boring and do not have a lot of calories. I exercise and nada. It is driving me nuts. I am obviously not exercising enough nor am I cutting out enough calories. It goes without saying that it is completely depressing. I am just in a funk about it.
The desire to smoke has surfaced. I cannot stop thinking about smoking. I walk into crowds of people smoking hoping someone will offer me one and I can take it without even thinking about it. It has been over 6 months since I quit but I want to start smoking so bad I can hardly stand it.
Each time I look at myself in a mirror I am reminded of the 50 lbs that have been added to my fat ass since I quit. So what is worse, smoking or being severely obese? My BMI puts me in the range of severe obesity now and I figure I am on the fast track to a heart attack.
I know what some of you are thinking, “DON’T START AGAIN!” and I hear myself saying that too but I just figure I can lose some weight and then get on the patch again. Plus I’ve been in an ultra pissy mood lately because of it.
I am sorry guys; I am just not doing well.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Endo Appointment
The best thing that happened with this appointment was the fact that I am now motivated to get a new endo.
Here are some actual quotes from my doctor.
"How are your blood sugars going? Are they in range?"
"Byetta is only for Type 2's."
"Are you on a pump?" (Master P was on my hip)
"They do not have FDA approval yet." (After I told him I really want CGM)
"Just put a cold compress on it and take ibuprofin." (When I told him about my foot. No exam BTW)
I am going to make an appointment with my regular doctor and see how long that will take before I can get in to see him.
I knew that my endo is not the doctor to see about my feet but I need an approval to see a podiatrist and I thought that since I am a diabetic and have a foot issue, that he would put in for the referral.
I am so effing done with this guy.
BTW, my foot still freaking hurts.
Here are some actual quotes from my doctor.
"How are your blood sugars going? Are they in range?"
"Byetta is only for Type 2's."
"Are you on a pump?" (Master P was on my hip)
"They do not have FDA approval yet." (After I told him I really want CGM)
"Just put a cold compress on it and take ibuprofin." (When I told him about my foot. No exam BTW)
I am going to make an appointment with my regular doctor and see how long that will take before I can get in to see him.
I knew that my endo is not the doctor to see about my feet but I need an approval to see a podiatrist and I thought that since I am a diabetic and have a foot issue, that he would put in for the referral.
I am so effing done with this guy.
BTW, my foot still freaking hurts.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Bernard Discovered What is Wrong With My Foot
You will never believe what the problem is.
Click here to find out!
Be careful, it could happen to you too!!!
Thanks Bernard. ROFLMAO!!
Click here to find out!
Be careful, it could happen to you too!!!
Thanks Bernard. ROFLMAO!!
A New Pain
Last night I noticed that my feet were feeling very strange. I have had neuropathy for several years and since I have quit smoking the burning pains have lessened their visits. But this is new.
It is more then the burning pain and the numbness. My feet hurt. Bad.
It is almost unbearable.
Eyes closed. Teeth grinding together. Holding my breath. Trying to choke back a moan of pain.
My fellow employees just walk on by. I think they are used to me being a mess and so I am ignored. Not a bad thing since I do not want to talk about it.
Dammit it hurts.
It feels like my foot is broken but I have never had a broken bone so I can only guess what that pain would feel like. It is not my toes it is my foot.
I cannot even think. I can hardly think of what I am typing.
I just squeezed a tear out with that last surge of pain.
I have an endo appointment tomorrow. Even though he sucks maybe he can get me a referral to a podiatrist stat.
I’ll let you know what he says tomorrow evening.
Dammit.
It is more then the burning pain and the numbness. My feet hurt. Bad.
It is almost unbearable.
Eyes closed. Teeth grinding together. Holding my breath. Trying to choke back a moan of pain.
My fellow employees just walk on by. I think they are used to me being a mess and so I am ignored. Not a bad thing since I do not want to talk about it.
Dammit it hurts.
It feels like my foot is broken but I have never had a broken bone so I can only guess what that pain would feel like. It is not my toes it is my foot.
I cannot even think. I can hardly think of what I am typing.
I just squeezed a tear out with that last surge of pain.
I have an endo appointment tomorrow. Even though he sucks maybe he can get me a referral to a podiatrist stat.
I’ll let you know what he says tomorrow evening.
Dammit.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
You Tube Tuesday #19
I am not a huge fan of magic BUT this is about the coolest trick I have seen in a while.
Let me know what you thought of this one.
I will have some more posts this week. I have been a busy bee.
Let me know what you thought of this one.
I will have some more posts this week. I have been a busy bee.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Home A1C Test TEST
Tomorrow I am going to the lab to give them lots of blood. Yes friends it is Lab eve here and I am cranky because I want diet pepsi and a Life Savers Sugar Free Popsicle but I am fasting (should be called "slowing" since time moves much slower without diet pepsi in your system!).
I came across a home A1C test kit and I thought I would put it to the test. I am just about to start the process of collecting my sample for the test. There is 8 steps to the whole thing which at first almost made me throw in the towel but I am curious to see how close this test is to the one the lab will do. (I swear sometimes that they named that monkey after me. Or maybe vice versa?)
I will let you all know both results however awful. I am not feeling so good about my control lately. My BG has been a little elevated since...um....well you could say since 2007 began so this cannot be good for me. Maybe a little failure will kick my ass into gear.
We shall see.
Damn, those popsicles are so yummy.
I came across a home A1C test kit and I thought I would put it to the test. I am just about to start the process of collecting my sample for the test. There is 8 steps to the whole thing which at first almost made me throw in the towel but I am curious to see how close this test is to the one the lab will do. (I swear sometimes that they named that monkey after me. Or maybe vice versa?)
I will let you all know both results however awful. I am not feeling so good about my control lately. My BG has been a little elevated since...um....well you could say since 2007 began so this cannot be good for me. Maybe a little failure will kick my ass into gear.
We shall see.
Damn, those popsicles are so yummy.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
You Tube Tuesday #18
This is another Feed the Five video as promised. I am so happy that many of you liked the first one I posted last week. This song is called “With Me” and is an original song that we wrote! Please let me know what you think and I promise this will be the last FTF song for a while.
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