MSoD and NDD

There are two things I wanted to tell you about today.

FIRST

“Making Sense of Diabetes” – This is an awesome project. You should check it out and get involved. Here’s the deal in a nutshell.

To enter the “Making Sense of Diabetes” contest, anyone with diabetes over the age of 18 is asked to record and submit to MakingSenseofDiabetes.org a video (up to three minutes run time) that demonstrates life with diabetes through one of the five senses. The online video submission should express creativity and originality, be truthful, and convey emotion in a compelling, evocative and personal way.

Each week submissions about different senses will be accepted. (all times are PST)

Sight: Sept. 28, 2009 at 12:01am thru Oct. 4, 2009 at 11:59pm

Hearing: Oct. 5, 2009 at 12:01am thru Oct. 11, 2009 at 11:59pm

Touch: Oct. 12, 2009 at 12:01am thru Oct. 18, 2009 at 11:59pm

Smell: Oct. 19, 2009 at 12:01am thru Oct. 25, 2009 at 11:59pm

Taste: Oct. 26, 2009 at 12:01am thru Nov. 1, 2009 at 11:59pm

Keep an eye out, there may just be a submission or two from someone you know. J

SECOND (and on the flipside)

“No D-Day!”

Tomorrow the plan is to not tweet, blog, or even chat about the D. Not that it doesn’t matter. Not that it should be ignored. There is a lot more to us then a disease and for one day a year, I think we should focus outwardly about those other things.

Every October 1^st is going to be “No D-Day” for me from now on. If you decided to blog about anything but diabetes tomorrow, please use this pic at the top of your post so it can quickly be identified as No D-Day post! (I think the hashtag should be #nodday on twitter)

Thank you to all of those who jumped on board. I think it goes to show that we all need a break.

Can't wait for tomorrow AND to hopefully see your submission to MSoD!

You Tube Tuesday #139

This is a Two for Tuesday kind of a day. And it's double the Ninja so double the fun! Wait, that makes no sense at all.

Anyhow, my sister Anna told me to search good old You Tube for my high school and see what I could find. Lo and behold I found a couple of SWEET clips from when I was drum major my senior year.

This first one is a little over a month after I was diagnosed (and do I look like I was type 2 at the time?) and my first parade of the year since I missed the first 2 due to the D. Damn the D!

Check out the mad twirling skills!

Now this one is from the last parade of the year AND the only parade I placed 1st in!

Check out the First Place skills!

That performance was one of the best days of

my high school career.

Maybe even the very best!

After a year of missing so much school, being in and out of the doctors office and trying to

understand what this disease was all about,

It was good to do something that proved to

myself that the D would not hold me back.

BOOYAH!

No D-Day

I get tired of diabetes.

You all know what I mean when I say that, but I mean it in a different way. I sit down to the computer and I read tweets about diabetes. I read blogs about diabetes. I look at websites about diabetes.

When I am off of the computer I check my blood sugar several times a day. Make sure my pump is working and has insulin in it. I am now working with Symilin and a continuous glucose monitoring system to try and better tighten up my numbers.

I get tired of diabetes.

The thing is that I love to read about all of you. I love to know what is going on and how I can help or support you. This community is on my mind all the time because you are all apart of a family, my diabetes family. I celebrate your triumphs and cry with you when you have hardships.

I just want a break.

Maybe we should plan a day to not let diabetes into our blogs or tweets or browsers. Do you think that would be a good idea? One day when we talk about other stuff in life. Not even say the D word!

Now of course I do not mean ignore your disease. You have to still take your medicine and check your blood, but wouldn’t it be great to read all of our tweets and blogs and never EVER mention this stupid disease?

I think it would be a challenge but also kind of cool. We may learn some other stuff about each other that we may have in common besides a dumb disease.

So here’s the deal. On October 1^st, I will celebrate “No D-Day” and completely avoid blogging or tweeting about diabetes.

Let me know if you want to do it too.

Ninjabetic Vlog - 9-25-09

Just a vlog on what I've been thinking about and what's been going on.

Enjoy.

You Tube Tuesday #138

This video makes me thankful for many things.

My wife.

Not being a girl. (How do you girls put up with some stuff guy's say?)

eHarmony. (I know several happy relationships because of it and this way of finding a date seemed pretty rough.)

Enjoy!

Endo Appointment & Still Sick

I feel worse than I did yesterday. My cough has achieved a new level of sound and velocity and my nose will not stop running. I am taking antibiotics, cough syrup (YUCK!), and an antihistamine.

This afternoon I have an endo appointment so that should be good. I am looking forward to see what effect the CGM had on my a1c. I still have to get it drawn so it will be a week before I know.

And didja notice that number on the right? huh? didja? I was shocked to see I had lost a pound. I have not had much of an appetite due to all the coughing but I have not exercised or moved much either, oh well I'll take it.

Have a great weekend.

Blah.

My throat is sore. My chest hurts. I keep coughing and coughing.

BG's are alright but I feel very blah at the moment.

I hope tomorrow will be better.

You know what, I am pretty sure it will be.

You Tube Tuesday #137

This clip has been all over Facebook for a while now but I had to post it simply because if you have not seen it, you must.

It is too cute and has quickly become a favorite in the Simmons house.

Enjoy!

I've Come to Realize...

This Meme was stolen (inspired by) Lee Ann at The Butter Compartment!

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size…
is more like a woman’s these days.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job…
is just my job and not my life.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving…
my mouth is a little sailor like.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need…
no reminder of how blessed I am.

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost…
far too many loved ones in the short time I have been here.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when…
people I love are hurtful.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk…
I can be entertaining.

8. I’ve come to realize that money…
does not equal class.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people…
are just rude.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always …
cry when something touches my heart.

11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings…
are also my friends.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…
will never stop loving me, my siblings, or my children no matter what.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone…
would not be what it is if it wasn’t for Cherise.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning…
nightmares still happen, even for adults.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep…
my wife would do anything for me.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking…
I need to spend more time enjoying life.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad…
dying as young as he did has shaped my outlook on my future.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook…
I do not spend much time there.

19. I’ve come to realize that today…
is the day before payday. woot.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight…
I get to hang out with good friends.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow…
is another blessing.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to…
write a song.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is…
thinking about it right now.

24. I’ve come to realize that life…
is all about family.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend…
will be lonely without my wife.

26. I’ve come to realize that marriage…
is forever and that is a good thing.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends…
are the greatest friends of all.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year…
was better than the last one.

29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is…
not a mistake but a seriously lesson.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should…
not share so much of my life online.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love…
meeting new people.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand…
not accepting people for who they are.

33. I’ve come to realize my past…
was a lot rougher than it should have been but it puts me where I am today, and I am happy about that.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties…
now are not like the parties I went to before thank goodness.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified…
of not walking my daughter down the aisle.

The Sprinkle of Sugar

This morning I stopped at the local gas station to fill up the Murano with gasoline. As I was standing there I thought I would go inside and pick up a couple of lottery tickets.

When I walked in I remembered that I ran out of mints and I have to have mints. They satisfy the oral fixation that I used cigarettes for all those years ago. Anyhow, grabbed a pack and headed up the counter.

“How ya doing?” The girl said without looking at me.

“I’m great how are you?”

“I’m here.” She said it like it was torture.

“So am I so I guess that’s pretty good.” **laughs** “Can I also get two quick picks. One Super Lotto and one Mega.” I always only buy one of each. All it takes is one dollar to win right?

She looked at me in a strange way and said, “Are you 18?”

“Are you my best friend? I am actually double 18.”

“Don’t worry I am double 14. And I wouldn’t have known.” She seemed to be cheering up.

“I cannot believe I just said double 18. Ha. Oh well, Age ain’t nothing but a number right?”

“I heard that. Baby, you have a nice day!” She sprinkled a little sugar on that last comment. If only she knew I was diabetic. (I always say I sprinkle a little "splenda" when I am trying to be nice)

Well, my day will be nice. I woke up. I am potentially a multi millionaire (you gotta dream). I am a pound lighter and to be specific it was almost 2 pounds but I am just going to stick with whole numbers since it’s easier and it all works out in the end.

And today I am reminded of the blessing it is to live in this country. Even through difficult times we come together. I hope that spirit continues.

Move Along, Nothing to See Here

I would love it if you checked out my Blogabetes post today. I may live to regret that post.

A Couple of Days Off

Before going to bed each night my kids always hug and kiss me goodnight. Heck even my dog Teddy comes over for a good night scratch behind the ears.

As Gillian hugged me goodnight I made a noise.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

I lifted up the side of my shirt.

She said, “Oh my gosh daddy that is freaking me out. Put your shirt down.”

George came over with a smile on his face figuring I was messing with his sister, “What? Oh my gosh dad. Is that from your sensor?”

I noticed this bruise on Monday and decided to pull it out and give myself a few days without wearing my CGMS.

“Yeah I saw it yesterday and just pulled it out.”

He looked at me with a very serious look on his face and said, “I hope you’re not going to put another one of those on.”

“Well not tonight but probably tomorrow. Why?”

This time he looked more concerned, “I wish you didn’t have to wear one ever.”

Me too.

You Tube Tuesday #136

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend. I had a lot of fun and am not ready for it to end but oh well.

At least it's Tuesday and time for me to share a video clip.

This clip is of a band my friend from church is in. He is playing lead guitar and when he told me to check out this clip I was worried. I don't understand music today. Those wacky kids and their noise (I am old huh?). Anyhow I really liked it and I hope you do too.

Enjoy.

Allison Blass Saved My Auss

This Vlog tells the tale of how Allison Blass saved my behind. It's a long one but I think it's worth it. She's awesome!

Oh and the other person mentioned is my buddy Sandra Miller. She's awesome too!

Enjoy.

Where's the 40?

Yesterday’s post was a good one. By good I mean by the feedback I received.

The meltdown part was lame but reading all the responses and comments actually motivated me.

I am going to lose 40 pounds. Four. Zero.

At first I thought I would go back to the W’s (Weight Watchers) but I know what I need to do. Exercise.

Many of the comments yesterday talked about exercise instead of losing weight. I think I want to do both.

I know what I am going to do, and I feel like I can do it but I need the numbers. I need to see numbers.

So on the right hand side of my blog you will see the number 40. Each week I am going to weigh myself (Friday morning) and change the number accordingly.

My goal is to lose 40 pounds first. If I make it that far I think I will be well onto the road to permanent change.

So tomorrow morning I will begin and honestly I am excited. It may be slow going but I know I can do it.

Especially with all of you rooting for me.

A XXL Breakdown

Last night I was going through my work shirts to figure out what I was going to wear today.

I am working at a convention today and we have pretty nice button up shirts with our company name and logo

embroidered on them. I grabbed my white shirt and it didn’t fit. Then I tried the black one. Nope. Well, maybe the navy blue shirt? No way.

Digging through my closet,

frantically looking for a nice button down long sleeve shirt to wear was like torture for me because nothing fit.

I started yanking clothes off of the hangers and throwing them on the floor.

“Why do I have any of this stuff? This is all reminders of what a fat ass I am!”

Finally I found 1 lone black shirt that fits. One. In a closet FULL of clothes.

I am upset, angry, sad, frustrated, and the worst of all not motivated to do anything.

This blog post is being written because whenever I post about this stuff, I find some encouraging words that help me find some motivation. Just getting it out helps me.

The worst part about it all is that during this breakdown of throwing clothes around my BG tanked and I ended up having to eat.

Diabetes can kiss my fat ass for rubbing salt in my wound.

You Tube Tuesday #135

Wedding reception dances, silly kitties, and cute kids end up on YTT a lot.

I think I have also had a few marriage proposal clips. This one is pretty cute. I proposed to my wife using a box of Cracker Jacks and her ring was the prize, or I was.

Those of you married folk watching this, I would love to hear how you got engaged. Those stories are always fun.

Enjoy the clip!