The B.A.D. Blog

Moved!

2009-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, you'll be forwarded to my new home!

World Diabetes Day! - A Surprise or Two.

2009-11-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

As much as I hate that we have to have this day, I am thankful that we do. All of you who are raising awareness, educating others, and helping fight this disease get a huge thank you and ((hug)) from me. You are awesome!

I cannot count the number of times I have mentioned the online community and how it has saved my life. All of your stories, support, struggles, and love has made me take better care of myself and learn so much. I cannot thank you all enough.

So on to this big surprise I was teasing everyone about. The surprise is that I am moving. No, not to Minnesota, to my own site. I am moving my blog from Blogger to my own hosted site.

I know, not nearly as exciting but it is for me. I am limited on this site and on my own site, I will be able to do what I want and you all know how crazy that could be right? So, starting today, www.ninjabetic.com will take you to the main site and www.thebadblog.com will take you directly to my blog page.

On the Ninjabetic site will be pictures, a blogroll, link to my cafepress store for all your Ninjabetic needs, and my blog. In fact, my entire blog, all 697 posts are on the new site.

I really would appreciate your feedback and understanding. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and for some reason, World Diabetes Day seemed like a good day to launch it.

Now I am sure you are wondering about the second surprise I hinted about in the title.

That surprise is waiting for you on Amy's blog. Enjoy and Happy World Diabetes Day!

One More Day!

2009-11-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Last year I wrote a song for World Diabetes Day called "Not By Choice." It is available for purchase on iTunes or by using the link on the right side. My hope was to raise some awareness and some money for charity.

This year, people everyone in the blogosphere have been busy doing all kinds of cool stuff for WDD. I love it. The more of us out there putting diabetes in the forefront and educating, the better.

We can help destroy stereotypes, misconceptions, and myths. Just our voices can make people pay attention to the fastest growing disease in the world! You would think there would be "swine flu outbreak" pandomonium but there is not. People think diabetes is easy to live with. That if they lose some weight they will never have it. That is wrong. We need to educate.

So BIG UPS to Manny who broke it down in this interview. Thank you Manny. I am always impressed and thankful for you.

An Answer is Coming

2009-11-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

I got a call yesterday from my neurologists office regarding the MRI I was waiting for approval on.

So I have an appointment on Monday morning to have the MRI done and hopefully an answer to the strange way my head has been feeling. Remember the whole Spinal Tap, Can’t sit down to blog, Stand up Vlog week?

In case you missed it, I have been experiences this strange head rushes. The best way to describe it is, imagine a power surge in your head. I get a rush, my vision dims like I am going to pass out, and then it’s gone. This has happened at different times and I cannot put my finger any trigger.

It’s like when the air conditioner turns on and all of the lights dim, that is what it feels like in my head.

After the MRI, I am waiting to get the approval for an EEG. After that point if nothing is found we may need to try a whole different approach. I am just thankful that I found a neurologist who wants to help me any way she can.

In more medical news, I have scheduled another blood draw next week for my up coming endo appointment. This is the blood draw that will prove if I am a type 1 to my endo. Because, he doesn’t believe me apparently. And I’ll see if the CGMS and Symlin has truly helped my a1c. I am actually looking forward to the appointment.

I cannot believe World Diabetes Day is in 2 days! I am so nervous and excited and nervous. Did I mention nervous? I hope you like my surprise.

A Different Kind of Soldier

2009-11-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

I have written in the past, on several occasions, about how upset and depressed I get on Veteran's day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

Diabetes took away a dream of mine to be a soldier, serve my country, and fight for freedom.

But as of late I have tried to find a way to be a soldier of a different kind. Serving the world instead of my country. Fighting for freedom from a binding disease. Battling the war against Diabetes.

I am no doctor or medical professional in any way shape or form. Nor do I have any business entering a lab except to have blood drawn. Personally, I have no way to come up with a cure. No, my fighting has to happen out in the streets and in the world.

Writing this blog is a way I fight. I try to be open, honest, and as transparent as I can be. My hope is that it adds some understanding to the ups and downs that come with this disease. We are all different so I never expect everyone to "get" all my posts but someone must and that means for that moment, that person feels less alone. That person feels apart of a community. And when they do...mission accomplished.

In talking to people I am constantly bringing up Tweets I have read, blogs I have commented on, and cool stuff happening around the Diabetes online community. Talking about it makes it educating easier. Letting friends ask questions and explaining things to them is a way of fighting ignorance and battling stereotypes. Especially when you hear those friends going out and correcting other incorrect information. I love that.

Walking for the ADA, raising money for the JDRF, donating money to the Diabetes Hand Foundation, or any other charity work you can do also helps in the struggle for a world rid of diabetes.

I know it is not the soldier I wanted to be but if I can help people in any way, then I am in.

Who's with me?

You Tube Tuesday #145

2009-11-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Since this Saturday is World Diabetes Day and November is National Diabetes Awareness month, it is fitting that this video is featured today.

The Making Sense of Diabetes video contest that ran during the month of October has been completed and a FANTASTIC compilation video was put together. I am very proud to announce that the video Scott and I made won for the week we submitted so there are clips from it in this video. In fact, below this video is a list of the all the winners.

There were so many awesome videos submitted. I suggest you check them all out when you can.

Enjoy!

Winners of the Making Sense of Diabetes contest were:

Dennis Adair, PA
Fabiana Couto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Patricia Harmon, NJ
Scott Johnson, MN
Andrew Jones, CA
Terry Keelan, CA
Joseph Nielsen, TX
George Simmons, CA
Bill Woods, CT
Lorraine, CT

D-Blog Day - Letters

2009-11-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Hey George,
How are you doing? I am still going strong. Destroying some blood vessels, attacking your major organs, and you know, other stuff I would rather not be too specific about just so you don't get in the way like you have in the past.

I remembered when you first started this whole blogging thing. Dang you really ticked me off. You used to not test your blood and eat whatever you wanted. Oh, I had a field day with your nerves, especially in your feet. But then you met all these people and started learning about stuff and you kind of slowed down my work. I was not happy with you mister and still have not gotten over it.

Then you heard about insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors and just had to have all that stuff too. Big deal, I am still here. You didn't get rid of me. You really have annoyed me though. My work has been slowed down but, it has not stopped.

In fact, I should be honest with you George since we have had over 19 years together. I almost had you last night. I know, I know, you were pretty sure you had things under control but I almost had you.

Remember when you woke up sweaty and feeling crumby and you knew your BG was low. Remember how you could not wake up your wife and then how you thought that maybe she just wanted you to die? That maybe she was on my team?

And then when you started thinking about how great your day was yesterday and all the stuff you did, and how you had a good day fighting me. Remember that?

All those thoughts were me, I was trying to get sneaky and finally move in for the win but you mustered up enough energy to sit up and when your wife woke up, I knew it was over. Oh well.

There will be more chances soon enough. I am patient.

Hey I know you hate me, and you think I suck and all that but honestly, at least I provide you with blogging material.

Yours forever,
Diabetes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Diabetes,

I do hate you and you do suck. But I am lucky that I have found hundreds of people who fight you everyday. Who teach me about perseverance and hope. People who are there for me all the time and who hate you as much as I do.

If it were not for all this blogging and Tweeting and the online community you would have won. I was ready to throw in the towel and be done. But now I plan to fight until the bitter end. No matter what, I will continue to march on and take you down one day at a time.

Last night, I could tell my thoughts were out of wack. Why would my wife want you to win? Why would I start replaying the day as if I was just daydreaming? I knew I was low, what the heck was wrong with me?

I knew it was you making me think about different things and putting thoughts into my head. That was when I found the energy to sit up and turn on my lamp. I could hardly push the button because I was shaking. I had to do it, so I did.

Diabetes, you may be around for a while but I plan on slowing you down if not stopping you completely if a cure is ever found. I have not given up hope.

I will say, that although you are the basis of this blog, you are not the only thing I write about. In fact, if I was cured I was still write and still connect with my online family. I love them and I love that we are there for each other.

So watch out diabetes, you have one heck of a fight on your hands.

George

A Surprise is Coming

2009-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of this weekend working on my World Diabetes Day surprise.

Can you call it a surprise if I tell you it's coming? I think so since you have no clue what it is and I cannot wait to share it with you.

I just hope you like it!

I should tell you, this is my first iPhone post! Sweet.

Your Assitance Please

2009-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was called out a few weeks ago on Chris' podcast, "Just Talking," for not having his blog listed on my blogroll.

BUSTED!

In all honesty I have been terrible at adding new blogs to my blog roll. If you read this blog, write a blog, and do not see you blog on my blogroll, PLEASE leave me a link. Chances are I read it I just suck at updating.

You help would be GREATLY appreciate it. And for your help, here is a video that will entertain you I hope.

Normal

2009-11-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I sit down at a table for dinner with my family, I pull out my blood glucose machine, fire the lancing device into a finger, squeeze out some blood, watch the count down, bolus accordingly, and go about the rest of the meal.

This is nothing that would shock you at all. Am I right? Did anything sound strange or not right? No, this is normal for us.

But if no one at the table had ever seen a diabetic test their blood, take insulin, and count carbs it would be very strange and not normal at all. They would probably wonder what the heck was going on if they even continued to sit there with you.

This is what I think. I do not think humans were made to hurt themselves. I do not think we are supposed to cut our fingers and make ourselves bleed several times a day. It's not in our make up to stick needles into our stomach, thighs, and arms. These acts are not normal.

But they are to us. We have no choice. We have to make this life filled with sharps containers, and vials of medicine our normal. To survive we have to accept this "normal" that is not normal at all.

It pains me to think back when I had to accept that this was going to be my new normal. What about the fear of needles or what if I felt faint at the sight of blood? Then what? What could I do? Get over it? "Hey kid, get over it or die." Is that how I get introduced to my new normal? How normal is that?

That's the thing, it's not normal. Not one bit of it. But still we do it day in and day out.

So to those of you who identify with this strange "normal" and who make yourself bleed every single day just to be able to live. Those who plunge needles into their body just to eat a meal. I want to congratulate you on being stronger then most people in the world. You are amazing and resilient. The battle you face everyday is one worth fighting and you know it even when you wish more than anything to take a day off.

I wish I could hug every one of you.

To those that love those of us with this "normal" life I hope you know how much we love you right back. Your ability to shift your "normal" to meet ours is just about the greatest gift you can give us. Thank you.

And to those of you that do not understand this "normal" I would say, be thankful you don't.

From Insulin to Symlin

2009-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

When I first started my diabetes life I was taught to take all shots of insulin in my thighs. I was told I could take them in my stomach and arms but was shown the thigh method from a nurse who came to my house once, two days after I was diagnosed.

One day after we received a welcome packet from the American Diabetes Association, I watched this VHS tape that came in it with my dad. The host of the Welcome to Diabetes video was none other then dLife's Jim Turner. I remembered seeing his face in movies and TV shows and was surprised to learn that he was a type 1 like me! Wow!

In the video as he is discussing living with diabetes, he drew up a dose of insulin in a syringe and unbuttoned one button near the bottom of his shirt, moved it to the side to expose his stomach and took the shot in a matter of seconds. The whole time still talking except for the second he bit his lower lip and punched the syringe in.

"Did you see that?" My dad paused the tape and we watched the quick shot several times. "You should try that. Did you see how easy that is?"

The next morning my dad talked me into trying it and after the 30 minutes it took just staring at the tip of the needle and my tummy, I found the courage to plunge that needle into my gut and it was fine. Thanks Dad and J.T..

So now that I started using Symlin and have to inject that, I find my stomach is the place of choice. One thing I have read about is people taking shots through their clothes. I had never done this before and honestly, it sort of freaked me out. It goes back that bizarre fear that a needle is going to break off inside of me and float around destroying my innards. Yeah right.

The first time I did it I was nervous of course. I always wear an undershirt so I figure I should probably make it easier on mister needle and lift the outer shirt and just dose through my t-shirt. As I held the Symlin pen in my hand I looked at my stomach, the t-shirt, the needle, my hand, and I could hear my heart beating. It took me back to that morning at my dads house. I felt that fear. I remembered Dad cheering me on. And Jim Turners flannel shirt. It all came swirling back and then I did it.

And it was fine.

Power Realized

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

As I surf around the DOC and check out all the blogs and communities springing up everywhere I realize that we are a powerful bunch.

Or I should say, we have the ability and potential to be a powerful bunch. Just imagine if all of us worked together on one thing and focused on one thing, the changes we can make in the world?

We do all focus on diabetes most of the time which is great. I have seen a bunch of blogs pop up the past few days all about American Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day which is coming up quickly. It is great to see.

Manny has put together The Big Blue test that should also be a great way to unify so many of us and get us all focused on one thing. I love it all.

And this is where I am stuck. I want to do more. I want to give more. I know I can but what do I do?

I try to be involved with all I can online and be apart of different communities but I want more. I want to do more. I know I can.

This goes back to a post from a LONG time ago about looking for a purpose. Why is it that I never feel like I am done or finished or have found what it is I am supposed to be doing?

When I was in school I always heard teachers say to my parents, "George has so much potential" but potential for what? To do what? Sell ovens? Rent movies? Spin records? What?

It's funny but I feel like it's so close, just around the corner.

Something's coming, I don't know what it is but it is gonna be great!

You Tube Tuesday #144

2009-11-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know it's a few days late on this Halloween video but it's so cool I had to share.

Why didn't any of my teachers do this cool stuff when I was in school? Oh yeah, we didn't have computers when I was in school.

Well we did but they were called Calculators! Enjoy!

The Awesome Weekend Recap!

2009-11-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

We have to start with Friday or maybe actually some time Thursday. I was at work and was thinking about my mom. She was at my house sitting there without a car and basically trapped. I felt bad. You see I picked her up for a weekend visit from the airport on Wednesday night.

Rarely do I get to hang out with my mom alone. Typically it is with the kids or the family and mom/son days don't happen often. I decided in the middle of the day to take Friday off and just hang out with my mom.

And that was what I did.

We grabbed breakfast, walked around the mall, played with computers at the Apple Store, saw "This Is It," bought some stuff at Toys R Us, and spent most of the time together laughing. It was great.

We met up with my sister and her hubby for dinner. After that, which was about 10:30, we headed over to my friend Lisa's pad for a birthday party appearance. We hung out there for a spell and finally came home to crash out sometime after midnight.

Saturday being Halloween, we had plenty to do. My sisters and their families were coming over to hang out, visit with mom, and BBQ. I knew I was just going to BBQ burgers and hot dogs but I wanted to try some new stuff.

For the first time in my life I made Banana Nut Bread from scratch! It came out awesome! I also made some Creepy Cuppy Cakes which came out good too. A regular Bronson Crocker I am! ;)

We hardly had any Trick or Treaters so that was a bummer but we had fun playing Harry Potter Clue (which is a lot of fun) and visiting.

Sunday after a great church service we went to lunch with mom before she had to head out to catch a plane home. We my sister took mom to the airport, the remaining Simmons family headed over to an afternoon birthday party at a friends house. We had a great time.

And the final bit of awesomeness was the movie Scott and I were working on for the "Making Sense of Diabetes" video contest. This week, the sense was TASTE and I would love for you to check it out and let me know what you think.

Sure I didn't rest but who cares!

It was a great weekend!

Count Me In!

2009-11-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

It's close to 10:00 PM and I have just decided to join in out NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month).

What does NaBloPoMo mean for me? It means that not only do I need to come up with posts for weekdays but also for weekends too! For every single day of the month of November!

I tried doing this two years ago and a delayed flight made me miss one day! ONE DAY! I am not going to go out like that this time. This time, I mean business.

What does NaBloPoMo mean for you? It means, 30 posts right here on The B.A.D. Blog. I hope you are up for reading daily! I will do my best to make them all entertaining and since it is also American Diabetes Month, I will have plenty of D-related stuff to tell you about.

In fact, World Diabetes Day is coming up soon so be ready to spread the word about diabetes to raise awareness!

Anyhow, the score so far, 1 for 1!

Mom and Son Day

2009-10-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know, I took the day off of work to hang out with my mom all day. We never get to hang out so I am going to be offline most of the day today.

Everyone have a great Halloween weekend! See you Monday!!!

p.s. you may catch some notes on Twitter. Join in the fun!

Self Induced Fear?

2009-10-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have a major fear about having diabetes.

Not death. Death doesn't scare me although the pain I may go through getting there does.

Blindness? No, although something I am concerned about, it is not a fear. I am doing all I need to do and check my eyes yearly. I am not too worried.

Losing my feet is a huge fear of mine. Second to the number one fear that I unfortunately have no control over.

My kids being diagnosed.

I have written about this before. I get comments that say, "well if they did at least you know what you were dealing with." A very true statement. I would be in a much better position than my parents were when I was diagnosed.

But in "knowing what we are dealing with" comes with knowing the pain, fear, constant management, concern, guilt, and frustration that comes with it. Knowing exactly what it's like does not make me feel better.

The other day my son George came home sick. He said he had a headache, was tired, and felt like he had run a marathon. I have noticed that he has been drinking a lot of fluids lately. I called him when he got home and drilled him about his symptoms.

Have you been thirsty? Are you peeing a lot? Have you noticed any vision change? Hunger?

I thought about asking him to check his BG with my Wavesense meter that sits on my nightstand. But what if it's high and he is all alone and freaks out? I can't do that! I was the one freaking out for no reason.

He answered all of my questions with "No," which made hanging up with him a lot easier but still, I worry. I have been worrying about my kids before they were born. I am sure I will never stop.

I just pray constantly that my diabetes is the only diabetes they ever have to deal with.

Do you do this to yourself about your kids, future kids, nieces and nephews? I feel like I am crazy sometimes.

Break When Needed

2009-10-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

One thing about this community is the never ending lack of support. If I have a diabetes issue or question I need help with, I know I can hop on Twitter at almost any hour of the day and someone will be on to help me out.

I love it.

But all this talk about diabetes all the time can make you burn out. The thing is, we have to think about all day long so when we have a chance to hang out and talk, sometimes diabetes is the LAST subject we want to talk about.

This was the inspiration for the October 1st No D-Day that so many joined in on. That day, participants did not blog, tweet, or discuss diabetes (if they could help it) and it was a nice change. Although, I will admit that I noticed a lack of people on Twitter that day.

I like to think that they took a break from their computers, their handhelds, and laptops just to enjoy other stuff and not let the D word pop into their vocabulary.

Personally, I do like to talk about the D. For many years I didn't have anyone to talk to and all you fellow pin cushions out there make this ninja feel apart of the family and not like an outsider. You do know that I love you all like Bacon, right? ;)

The thing I am getting at is, if you need a break take one. If you are sick of talking about Diabetes, don't. Take your time, pace yourself and when you have that desire again, I promise you the rest of the OC will be waiting to greet you with open arms!

You Tube Tuesday #143

2009-10-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have always had my suspicions about this dude. Could he be immortal?

You decide.

Enjoy!

TCOYD Recap

2009-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I attended the TCOYD conference.

I had never been to a TCOYD event before so I was not sure what to expect.

TCOYD stands for Taking Control Of Your Diabetes.

First thing in the morning was a general session with founder Dr. Steven Edelman who spoke about all types of diabetes and what the biggest hurdles are for each. He showed how all are different and yet some issues we have are the same. I appreciated the long talk about Type 1 since I always feel us T1’s get snubbed but since Dr. Edelman is a Type 1 himself, it does get it’s due attention.

After that first session I went to check out the Health Fair to see my good friends Cherise, Manny, & Dino. And to meet a couple of other Tu Diabetes members there to help. Cherise and I made our way around the Fair but it was jammed packed. I am not a good “crowd” person so I kind of stayed back and plotted my path for later on. There were several booths I wanted to talk to but I did not want to have to elbow people out of my way to do it.

During the second morning session I had my chance. Cherise and I walked around and met with people from Diabuddies, Wavesense (I love their meters and their booth associates), Amylin, Behavioral Diabetes Institute, and so many others. It was great to see so many communities and companies there spreading the word and being there to answer questions and provide motivation.

As we headed back the Diabetes Hands Foundation booth, I spotted another online DOC friend, Jenny! It's so great to get to see the people you interact with daily, face to face.

Right next door to the DHF booth was a group called Racing Against Diabetes or RAD. In the booth were two people, Patty and Terry, both riding stationary bikes. As I walked by trying to avoid eye contact I hear, "Hey you wanna hop on the bike for a while?" It was Patty and she was looking right at me.

"I'd rather not. But thanks for asking!" I figured that was the end of that.

"So (looked at my name tag) George, what kind of exercise do you do?" Keep in mind that Patty's tone and overall personality was very kind and sweet. Like a good friend who is just checking up on you.

"I will shoot hoops with my kids now and then but not as much as I would like to."

"Well, what kind of stuff can you do at home? Do you have any exercise equipment?" Patty was peddling along and chit chatting away.

"I have a recumbent exercise bike but I never use it." I was ashamed because I swear, I love that thing I just never make any effort.

"Hang on." Patty jumped off of the bike and grabbed a sweet blue t-shirt. "Here, this is for you but you can only have it on one condition."

"Okay?"

"You have to put that bike in front of the TV. So when you are watching TV at night you can sit on it and ride." She awaited my response.

"I'll do it tonight." And I meant it. I have to. I have to exercise and this is something I should have done before.

"From now on when you kids are watching TV have them ride for a while too. The whole family can do it but George, you have to so they will see and follow you."

Her words dug deep into my heart. She probably has no idea how guilty I feel when I sit there and do nothing. Or maybe she does know? Either way I could have hugged her for that motivation. It is one thing about this conference that I will not forget. And when I got home I pulled that bike right in front of the TV.

After lunch, laughs, hula hoops, and Zumba dancing, Cherise and I headed to a CGMS and Pump lecture. It was cool seeing some new things coming down the line and we got to meet a couple who trained their dog to be a service dog for Diabetes. So cool. He even spotted a low a lady was having. Cherise and I whipped out our glucose tabs and helped the lady out and the dog stood by until things were good again. So cool.

During the last afternoon breakout I attended a neuropathy talk. It was difficult to hear and see. Images of feet with staples in them because the patient could not feel them, or the xray showing 4 insulin needles inside of a foot of a patient who did not know they were there. I refused to look at the pictures of the feet with missing toes. I turned my head and when another picture popped up and I heard the speaker explain what was on the screen (I was not looking) I got up and left. I could not handle it.

I went back to the DHF booth to say goodbye to Manny and the rest of the gang and waited until the final talk by Dr. Edelman was given.

Dr. Edelman was diagnosed with Type 1 at 19 and he spoke about his journey to be where he is now. It was cool to hear about a teenager who was diagnosed and was thrown into a class with a bunch of older type 2's to learn about this disease. I could relate because that was my experience too. He spoke about how the only thing he remembers is that Ketchup has a lot of sugar in it.

I reached over and tapped Cherise, "That is the one thing I remember. Don't eat sugar and Ketchup is bad!" Cherise giggled and I sat up to listen some more but I couldn't.

I could feel my eyes welling up with tears. I remembered back to sitting in the room with all of those people and feeling ALREADY like an outsider. An outsider among diabetics! When he mentioned "Ketchup" I felt like the 17 year old kid I was, the one who felt so alone didn't really have to feel that way.There were more like me I just did not know who or where they were.

It made me so thankful for all of you. You do not make me feel like an outsider at all. You make me feel like I am normal. The D-OC saved my life.

All and all it was an emotional, educational, entertaining, and AWESOME day. I would HIGHLY recommend any of the TCOYD events. Such a great group led by a great man.

What's Big and Blue?

2009-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

No not that Bear in the Big house or a giant Smurf. I am talking about something different.

The Big Blue Test!

Let me break down what The Big Blue Test is all about. You know what, let's stick to the press release. I am sure to miss something! Read up!

BERKELEY, CA: October 21, 2009 – November 14 is World Diabetes Day. On that day, at 14:00 hours (2 pm, local time), thousands of people with diabetes will test their blood sugar, do 14 minutes of exercise, test again and share their results online.

The event is called The Big Blue Test because the blue circle is the international symbol for diabetes. The idea of a shared "blood sugar test-in" started with an activity organized in July 2009 by TuDiabetes.org, a community for people touched by diabetes. More than a thousand people participated then. Now, we seek to reach thousands of people with diabetes through eight diabetes social networks^* and Twitter. The activity incorporates 14 minutes of physical activity to reinforce the importance of exercise.

“People with diabetes have to test their blood sugar routinely. It can be a very lonely activity.” said Manny Hernandez, co-founder of TuDiabetes and a person with diabetes himself. “We want people to take The Big Blue Test, to shed light on this chronic condition and the importance of exercise on World Diabetes Day.”

Currently, more than 250 million people have diabetes worldwide. Millions more have diabetes but do not know it yet. People with diabetes need to test their blood sugar levels several times a day and exercise regularly.

Participating in this event to raise diabetes awareness on November 14 is easy:

Test your blood sugar.
Run, jog, walk the dog or do anything you’d normally do as part of your exercise routine for 14 minutes.
Test your blood sugar again.
Go to http://bigbluetest.org (or your preferred diabetes social network^*) and post your readings and what physical activity you did. If you have a camera, you can also add a photo of your reading(s) or you exercising.
If you have a Twitter account, you can also post your readings on Twitter (use the #bigbluetest hashtag) and link back to http://bigbluetest.org.

“We hope to see most readings posted at 14 hours (2 pm) local time, on November 14. If you are early or late, it’s OK,” said Hernandez. “What matters most is that you test your blood sugar often and that you exercise regularly. If you don’t have diabetes, you can take The Big Blue Test. Either way, tell others to test, exercise and share on Nov. 14.”

This is awesome and I am excited to be apart of this test. So are you in? Are you gonna do it? I know I am and I hope you will join in with me!

I'm Talking

2009-10-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was honored and flattered to be a guest on Just Talking.

Just Talking is a podcast created by our OC friend Chris, writer of A Consequence of Hypoglycemia..

I was a little nervous about it at first but the title and format says it all! We were just talking and it was awesome. Talking, meeting, and hanging out with D folk has always prove to be a great experience. This community is like a big circle of friends so it just felt like I was on Skype with my friend, Just Talking!

Anyhow, check it out let me know what you think and more importantly let Chris know what you think. This was his first episode after the Pilot and he loves to get feedback so please shoot him an email at feedback@justtalkingpodcast.com.

Movin' on up!

2009-10-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I wear an insulin pump (Master P) and a continuous glucose monitoring system (Shelly).

Back when I was on MDI, multiple daily injections, I took almost all of my shots in my stomach. I never had a problem with this. I would move around all day long and since I have plenty of tummy to go around, it was really not that big of a deal.

At first when I started on the pump I noticed some issues with absorption. I could feel lots of scar tissue in my abdomen so I figured I would give my tummy a break and switch to my thighs. That worked out well. I slowly move up and down each thigh and again I have plenty of real estate so I think I am giving my tissue time to heal.

But what to do with my CGM when I brought it on board?

I started by using my stomach which has giving me some serious pain, and some mixed results. I have found a few good spots that worked but my Keg (as opposed to a six pack) hurts sometimes from that inserion needle. And I have had some bad reactions because of it.

So now I have ventured to a new spot that before was solely used for Flu shots and such. My arms.

Friday night I put a sensor in my arm before I went to bed. I was nervous pressing down on the plunger to put it in but it didn't hurt at all. Yay! Jasmine helped put the Tegaderm on it. (side note - Tegaderm is like a patch of clear adhesive that holds the sensor in place. Like another layer of skin. It is sticky and works well for me.) I let the sensor get "wet" all night and then start it in the morning. I slept fine with it which was another concern and in the morning before I hopped in the shower, I started it up.

Awesome, this is a perfect spot.

When I got out of the shower and was drying off, I made sure I watched how I dried my arms and patted down the sensor so I did not rip it off. Perfect. I began drying my back and while I was puling the towel back and forth across my back I heard and felt a massive RIP!

OUCH!!!!!!!!!! (and some other words were shouted)

I didn't realize that my arm was bent in such a way that the pulling of the towel ran right across it and ripped it out. I mean ripped. I was left with a Tegaderm frame around the place my sensor was. Unbefreakingleavable.

I put in another sensor which turned out to be a bad one (yay) and ended up putting a third sensor in later Saturday night. So far this last sensor has been working well and I have figured out how to dry my back without pulling a sensor out. I don't want to do that ever again.

Hopefully this will continue to work for met. I really enjoy all the information I get from the CGM and would hate to stop using it because of scarring or pain. I figure if I use my arms for a while and let my stomach have a break, it will be ready to go when the arms are done for a while.

Being a human pin cushion sucks.

You Tube Tuesday #142

2009-10-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's about time for another Cat video. It's been awhile since a furry little kitty has been featured on YTT and you all know how much I love cats.

Enjoy!

The Lucky 13

2009-10-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Some have a fear of the number 13. Today I celebrate that number because today 13 means something very special to me.

Today is my 13th wedding anniversary!

On the one hand I cannot believe it has already been 13 years and on the other, it sometimes feels like we have been married forever.

Some may have giggled at that sentence but it was not meant to be funny, unlike most sentences on this blog. No the reason it feels like our marriage is so old is because it is so solid.

We have had to deal with more things than most couples deal with in their entire relationship and yet we have made it. We have lost loved ones, had children, received degrees, almost ended up on the street, been in car accidents, been in the hospital, watched our child in the hospital, prayed, cried, laughed and celebrated together. And not one ounce of me worries what tomorrow will bring.

There are times we yell. There are also times that we laugh louder then anyone can yell! We are meant to be together. There is not a doubt in my mind.

I sometimes feel like with my disease that there is an added burden for her. My wife is always worrying and taking care of me. I hate that but she doesn't it. She hates my disease but will love me regardless of all the stupid strings that come attached to diabetes.

The team we have created is still being worked on. There are many times we don't see eye to eye but we are both determined to find a way to solve any problem. We are committed to our relationship, our marriage, our children, our family.

I am not the smartest guy in the world but there is one thing that I know without a doubt.

No matter what happens, we will both fight for our marriage.

It is worth it.

The Source!

2009-10-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Gina has blown me away once again! She has created a site called The Diabetes Resource and it is loaded with all kinds of diabetical goodness.

If you are looking for blogs, information, support groups, and pretty much anything else related to diabetes, you can find it at The Diabetes Resource.

Gina and her team have pulled a lot of information about the D and put it on this site. If you have a blog, but it's not listed there, you can register and list it for free! Very cool stuff indeed.

And I am going to guess that you may have heard of a little site called Facebook. If so, you can check out the FB page here. And if you are on Twitter, follow TDR to get updates and links throughout the day.

Thank you so much for this Gina. When someone I know wants info about diabetes I will definitely let them know about this site. And I'll use it too! ;)

Good Job!

He's All Mine

2009-10-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

As of today, and a $66.79 payment, "Master P" is 100% mine.

"Master P" is the name I have given my pump. I use a Minimed 722 insulin pump and when I got it, my insurance would only pay a portion of the price. Luckily their payment plan was not a major burden as far as monthly bills go but it seems I have been paying for it forever!

Having been a diabetic for 19 years does not make me feel like a know it all in any way. In fact, since I started blogging, got on this pump, and met all of you, I have found that I know very little. Each day I learn more and more about this disease and one day I hope I can help others learn about it and how to deal with it.

My pump has played a huge part in being a Born Again Diabetic and now his friend "Shell" (that's my CGM) work together to help me manage my blood sugar and see what medicine and food does to my blood glucose level. It may not be perfect but it provides information and insight I never thought I would know.

So what now? Honestly I am going to enjoy a few extra dollars in my pocket each month for a while. I figure this has been working for me for a while so getting a new pump is not really in my future unless something really cool comes along.

BEEP BOOP BEEP!!!

Sorry Master P, I didn't mean you weren't cool! (Also I didn't know you could hear.)

1 Happy Ninja

2009-10-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am sure you can see why I am a happy ninja! BACON!

But that is not the only reason! That bacon was a gift from Suzanne from 1HappyDiabetic! We met for dinner with Jaimie and Cherise and the whole Simmons family.

When I met Suzanne I instantly felt like I was seeing an old friend. I love those meet ups! She handed me a card with 3 strips of yummy fake bacon in it. So awesome!

We enjoyed a great dinner laughing, and laughing, and laughing some more. I introduced Suzanne to the goodness that is Red Robin cheese sticks and I think she is excited to come out next year for another round.

After our dinner, we spent some time being equally as silly in the parking lot as we were inside the restaurant. Check out this clip that I recorded of The Diabeyoncette's! (I just made that name up for them but I think it works well).

When I got home I quickly loaded up my bacon into Barbie's arms to decide where to keep. She is going to hold one for me.

There is one in my car, and this very awkward spot for obvious reasons.

I call this one, "Before and After."

All and all it was a great time and a great follow up after dinner the night before with Lee Ann.

And if that's not enough, you should head over to Kerri's blog for the greatest news of the day! That is making me extra happy!

You Tube Tuesday #141

2009-10-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of cool gymnastic type stunts. Often I have posted videos of people doing cool flips and tricks and generally pushing their bodies to turn in twist in ways I could have never imagined.

This video gives you a glimpse at what doing cool flips on a trampoline feels like. Dizzy is the best word to use.

Watch with caution, I had to hold onto my desk as I watched this so I would not fall over.

Enjoy!

Vlogging with Lee Ann!

2009-10-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

On Friday night I went down to San Diego to have dinner and hang out with my good friend Lee Ann, creator and mastermind of The Butter Compartment. Check out the clip, and then head over to her site to hear the rest of the tale.

Thanks again for the meet up Lee Ann. I had a blast hanging out and being silly with you!

Friday Fun

2009-10-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

So, I gained a pound this week. I knew it before I saw the number on the scale this morning.

I am not angry about it. I did a lot of up and down with my weight when I lost it before. I am still motivated and am not giving up so I am not going to let that get to me today. No way! No how!

Today, or I should say tonight I am going to meet up with my good friend LeeAnn!

It makes me want to sing. (you can sing along to the tune of "Tonight" from West Side Story)

Tonight. Tonight. I'll meet LeeAnn tonight.

Tonight is going to be awesomeness!

Tonight. Tonight! We'll talk and grab a bite

and we'll say that the OC's the best!

Today, you'll say "hey where did he go?"

I'm down in San Diego, we'll vlog or we will write,

About, our time, the fun that we will have

will be a sight!!!!

TONIGHT!

Okay, that is not my best WSS version of a blog but still I am uber excited about hanging out with LeeAnn.

And also, I am pretty stoked that a small little ninja made it to it's intended destination! :)

Have a great weekend.

A Moment Without Diabetes

2009-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The other night I was woken up by a low. My CGMS was blaring and I when I opened my eyes I could feel that heavy, disoriented, spacey feeling washing over me.

I turned on the lamp on my night stand and sat there.

“Honey, are you low?” I don’t think she heard the CGM but I think she just wakes up whenever I need her. She’s like a superhero.

My grunting confirmed it and she headed to the kitchen to find something to eat. She also handed me my machine off of my dresser.

57.

As I heard the sound of cupboards opening and things being moved around in the kitchen I had a strange thought.

I cannot wait until this is over. I am tired of this.

For a moment, my glucose deprived brain thought of diabetes as a flu or cold. Something that I would get over with a few rounds of antibiotics, not a disease that I have to live with until a cure is found. Or I expire.

It was a quick moment but that moment was nice. I know it was not from a sound mind but it honestly felt as this was just a passing thing I would get over eventually.

As quick as it came it went.

“What the hell is wrong with me? This shit is ‘til death do us part!’”

No sooner after that did my wife bring something in for me to eat. I started to feel better when I finally went back to bed.

Laying there I thought about that moment. I remember how I believed it. I remembered how I wished to be true and how awesome that would be for all of us.

I turned on my side so Jasmine would not see the tears that were filling my eyes. As one streamed down my face and into my ear, I wiped it up, said a prayer for a cure, and hoped for a dream without diabetes.

You Tube Tuesday #140

2009-10-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

HahahaHAaHAHaHAHAHAHA!

This is so dumb it is making me laugh.

Enjoy.

Friday on Monday

2009-10-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Friday was spent attempting to fix a major tech problem at my work so I was not able to post. I am sorry about that.

I first wanted to say “thanks” to all of you bloggers and tweeters out there that made “No D-Day” a success. I found it fascinating to read the posts about people that had nothing to do with Diabetes. We even had a No D Day vlog with music! Awesome!

Another thing I wanted to mention Friday was that it was my 19^th year anniversary since diagnosis. I guess not that exciting in the grand scheme but every year I go I am happy to have not lost the fight. Maybe next year a party will be in order. Who knows?

Last and certainly least in my book is my attempt at losing weight. I did not lose any last week. Didn’t gain any either but I really was hoping some change would show. Oh well. Maybe this week will be a doozy right?

B.A.D. Being a Dad

2009-10-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I write about a lot of topics on this blog but the most important and special one is fatherhood.

At a very young age I knew that I wanted to be a dad. I was always the guy people turned to for advice. I had a natural instinct to stand up for and defend my friends and my mother recalls a time when I sat on the curb for hours with my best friend Stephanie and she cried to me about her parents divorce.

Being a dad was in the cards for me.

I have always second guessed my ability as a dad. As much as my love for my children is with question, the way you raise your kids is always a concern. Am I going to say one thing and destroy my child's self esteem? Am I being to strict? Too leanient? Am I a being their friend or father?

It's a daily thing it seems.

But then when I see Gillian asking her brother for help with homework and him helping without any complaint. Or when George congratulated Gillian on her A+ spelling test she brought home the other day. Or when Gillian knew that George had a bunch of homework and took out the trash for him (his job, yay fatherhood) without asking. When I see this stuff, I know my wife and I are doing something right.

I'll never forget the moment I saw my son. I instantly fell in love with him and with being a dad and with my wife all over again in that moment. And it has never changed. Sure he has upset me but nothing he can do can stop me from loving him. The exact same feelings came over me when my daughter was born.

I tell my kids that my duty as a parent is to raise them up to be good people that help make the world better by just being good people! To raise functional members of society that love their neighbors as well as themselves. This is my goal.

Once when George was testing out his limits I told him, "I would rather you hate me and not be an awful person, then you think I am 'awesome' and you turn out to be a jerk." If it takes my kids hating me right now for the rules I lay down than so be it. I am older and I know more then they do. I am both strict and open to letting them stumble and make some mistakes in life. They will never learn to watch for bumps in the road if they don't trip over one now and then right?

I still have a ways to go with raising these children but the challenges ahead are met together. All four of us, my wife and kids, we talk about all of our struggles together, about our choices, about mistakes and punishments. I always ALWAYS explain why they are punished and how they can avoid punishment in the future.

They get it.

As with all parenting styles, not one is right for everyone.

My advice? Know your kids. Love them. Let them know you. Explain your actions. Ask them how they would handle the situation if the roles were reversed AND CONSIDER THEIR IDEAS on it. They may surprise you! You may surprise them!

Heck, you may surprise yourself. A lot can be learned from each other.

My last and most important thing I can say as advice from one parent to another is remember what it was like when you were a kid. Is what you are saying anything that would have made and impact on you?

If not, dump it and find a new route. You would be surprised how well this works.

Happy Parenting!!!

MSoD and NDD

2009-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

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

Enjoy.

You Tube Tuesday #138

2009-09-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T10:41:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-09-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

A Couple of Days Off

2009-09-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

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!

If You Are Counting, It's 3!

2009-08-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I often looked like that picture above. It was three years ago today that I decided to finally quit smoking once and for all. And I have been smoke free ever since.

Just last weekend I was at work by myself and out in the warehouse I saw a pack of cigarettes sitting on the shipping table by the back door. I walked over to it, opened it up, pulled one out and just stared at it. I put it between my fingers. It felt good. Inviting. I wanted to smoke it and no one would know if I did.

But I didn't. I snapped out of it. It felt like I was in a trance and then I woke up.

Smoking is a very strong addiction and I can tell you first hand it is not an easy addiction to kick. But it can be done. Maybe not the first time you try. Heck, maybe not the 20th but if you don't try to quit then you never ever will.

Here's to another year.

Brother and Sister Day - The Vlog

2009-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was out at the movies I asked my kids to record a video about Brother and Sister day.

Here it is. Please post below if you celebrated Brother and Sister day or if maybe you will take up this tradition next year.

Enjoy!

You Tube Tuesday #134

2009-08-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

I hope this clip makes you smile as much as it made me smile. By the end I was cheering them on and actually applauded!

This was sent to me by my mom. Thanks mom!

Enjoy!

The Truth About D Blogging

2009-08-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Here's the thing. I try my best to post daily not counting weekends. Most weeks I do pretty well but not only is it tough to find the time but I also find myself writing and deleting posts figuring no one will want to read them or that they are dumb.

I cannot do that now, because I realized something last night.

I miss some D Bloggers.

Now I am not going to call out anyone by name but there are blogs that I STILL check in hopes of a "I'm still here" post. Not that I expect any blogger to post every day but I miss those people who are a part of my D family but have not posted in a long time. "You never call or write!" :)

So if you are reading this and you are feeling like I could be talking about you (you're right) consider dropping a post soon. Even if it's, "I have nothing to say except Hello and I'm okay."

Like I posted yesterday, I consider my D family and those of you that have not made contact in a while are still on my mind and in my heart. I would love to see some posts from those of you that have been gone for a while.

In fact, I recently read a post from a member of my D Family who had not posted in a while and I cannot express how great it was to hear from them.

So please do not feel any pressure as far as content goes my blogging friends. Keep em coming even if it's an "I don't know what to write about so I guess I can write about not knowing what to write about" post, it is still keeping the connection alive.

And I love our D Family too much to let members disappear.

So Many Reasons

2009-08-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have had relationships on my mind a lot lately. Maybe because my wife and daughter have been gone up north all week visiting my in laws. Maybe because I spent all of last week lying on the couch and my bed thinking about stuff. I am not sure what it is. But the Type 3’s in my life, some of who are type 1’s and 2’s too, help more than they know. And some don’t even know they are type 3’s.

Recently I tweeted that I have the most awesome friends in the world and I meant it. My friends are not only the people that come over to watch funny You Tube Video’s with me on Apple TV, or past X-Files episodes. They are not just friends that I play Bocce Ball with or people I chat with on Skype. Not just folks I rap against, are in musicals with, or who share my love for all things bacon. They are not only the people I go on vacation with, who share the same blood as I, or the person I have chosen to share my life with.

No, all of these people are people that come into my head when I am feeling down. They are the people who remind me that I am worth fighting against this disease for. They are the people in my life that make me laugh, cry, and want to be a better person.

My friends are like family. And all of my family are also my friends. Sometimes this disease makes me want to give up, lay down, and just end it all. Once, I took a large amount of regular insulin and decided to just give up the fight. A friend saw how I was feeling, recognized the low and almost killed me by shoving candy down my throat. That will never happen again.

I have so many reasons to live and to continue on. So many reasons to fight, to strive for better health, and to want more than anything to wake up tomorrow. So many reasons.

You are one of them.

The Diabetes Rain on My Parade

2009-08-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to bed in a great mood. For having had a couple of crumby weeks, last night was a nice change.

Spending some time chatting with friends, hanging out with my son, and just reflecting on all the good stuff for a while really made me realize that things are going to be okay. I will lose this weight and get my A1C where I want it. I was in a very optimistic mood.

I put in a new CGMS sensor, my BG was 137 at bedtime, and got to bed early enough so that I could read a little before completely crashing out.

I should tell you that I have been reading this particular book for probably a year! I know that sounds funny but I will get a page in every night before I pass out. The book is really not that great but when you have read the other 8 books in the series, you just HAVE to read the very last one right? Anyhow, I got through 2 chapters last night and it seems to finally be getting better so we shall see.

Back to the subject, I was in a chipper mood.

And now is when I have to blame diabetes for the change in my attitude.

At 1AM my CGM woke me up with a low warning. After verifying it with my meter I had some orange glucose tabs to bring it back up. I headed back to sleep and in about 20 minutes had another alarm. Again I checked and I was 58! More tabs. Another. And Another! I know I consumed 16 tabs last night and woke with a BG of 112.

I hardly slept. I was up at least twice an hour trying my best to tame the low. My head is in a major fog this morning.

Let’s hope I find some energy to make it through the day.

I am already planning a nap when I get home.

Today I am going to try my best to find that positive outlook and keep it going. Won't you join me?

You Tube Tuesday #133

2009-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

First off I should tell you that I went back to work yesterday and did pretty good all day. Not a lot of pain so I am happy about that.

Second I should tell you that this weeks clip is another Infomercial type of clip. But very fitting. In fact, I was supposed to be in this one but my footage ended up on the cutting room floor.

Maybe I can be in the next one!

Enjoy.

The Kenny Vlog

2009-08-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Typerwriters and Guest Posts - A Vlog

2009-08-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

The Vlog About Socks

2009-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

And Wikipedia.

You Tube Tuesday #132

2009-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

I Love infomercials.

This one is unbelievable.

Enjoy.

The "What Happened?" Vlog

2009-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

You Tube Tuesday #131

2009-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I watched this clip once, then I listened to it the second time.

It is amazing and really blew me away.

Enjoy!

Still Learning

2009-08-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

My son is not a great student. He has never been the straight A’s kid, or gets 100% all the time, and like his pop writes more legibly with his feet.

With that, he is always respectful, his teachers love him, and tell us how much potential he has if he applied himself. This is exactly what I used to hear from my teachers when I was in school except that I would have F’s where my son get’s B’s, C’s, and the rare D’s.

In fact that is why he is taking Summer School. He earned D’s both semesters of English this year. Why? His focus was elsewhere. Band, Track, Guitar, Ukulele, & anything else that seemed cool. Something we figured would be difficult his first year of high school especially wanted to do so much. At the beginning of the year I warned him of his busy schedule but he assured me he could do it. I had to let him try. I told him that he would have to have a report card with no D’s in June to be able to stay on Track and Band this year.

When I saw the D I was as crushed as he was. I told him that he was done with any extra’s at school until he showed he could keep his grades up. I never expect him to be an all “A” guy but I cannot let him get into the slacker mode that plagues most schools.

I talked to my wife about it all because a part of me sees that most of the kids in school who were total slackers were not in sports or performing artsor anything for that matter. The kids that had more time on their hands seemed to be more wasteful of time in general and seemed to get into trouble during all that extra time. This is of course my opinion but I would love your thoughts on this.

Anyhow, we came up with a plan. He would have to take summer school and take English again. I told him that each session of summer school would be for one elective. He was planning on being in Band and on Track next year. If he passed both sessions of summer school with B’s or better then he could be in both but if not, then he would have to choose between one or the other.

The first session he got an A. And this session that ends Thursday looks as though he is going to get an A again. I hope so because it will be a major lesson in potential and hard work.

And as long as that all was, that was not the point of this post.

George’s grandmother is in town and bought tickets for all the kids to go to Six Flags this week. She asked me if he could miss a day of summer school to go since his grandma lives out of town and it would be a fun summer vacation kind of thing to do. I was not opposed at all but wanted to talk it over with Jasmine first and check with George to make sure he thought he would be okay with it.

I mentioned the trip in front of the both of them and George said, “I am not going to go! (He seemed offended that I even suggest it) I am going to summer school because I messed up. I am there to fix something and I am NOT going to screw myself up now! I want an A+ and I am not going to mess it up now after all the work I have done.”

I wanted to high five him but that was not the time. He is getting it. He is becoming a person that recognizes that you can learn from your mistakes and come out a better person because of it. He sees that he can do so much more when he puts his mind to it and that his priorities must be aligned with his future plans. He is learning to be a good person which is why I became a parent. To raise someone who could make better choices in this world and hopefully change it for the better.

I learned that every bad event can turn into a learning process for both me and my children. I learned that you can be strict and still show love to your kids. I have learned that the best thing I have ever done as a parent is to not forget what it was like to be a kid. I have learned that walking the line of friend and parent is difficult but so far has worked well with my kids.

I just hope it will continue to work.

The D-Event You Won't Want To Miss!

2009-07-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

So on Wednesday I decided to challenge Cherise (@Diabeticizme) to a freestyle rap battle.

The first ever #d-rapbattle will be held tomorrow July 31, 2009, 7:30 PST. The #D-rapbattle will be brought to you live via Tokbox.com. You have to watch twitter for the invite. If you decide to watch/listen to the #d-rapbattle, make sure you are on Twitter and are following both me (@ninjabetic) and Cherise (@Diabeticizme). Also PLEASE make sure your have your headset/earphones on since the echo on tokbox can get a little crazy.

I hope you are all ready to hear this ninja spit some DOPE rhymes (And make a complete fool of himself.)

AHHH YEAH BOY!!!

Another Post about Roche

2009-07-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

One thing that I felt as I sat in that room, with all those bloggers, was power.

Power to change things. To make a difference. To get our voices heard!

The only way this can happen is if we band together. If we unite as one voice and shout from rooftops about our needs, our dreams, and our hopes for a cure then we cannot be ignored.

But we must stick together.

We are all here online looking for advice, support, friends, a place to be heard, a place to get frustrations out, tips on managing, and maybe if read here, a little silliness now and then. But one thing that bonds us is the awful disease. We can take that and make it into something so much better if we use our numbers to raise some awareness and hopefully get the word out that those PWD’s who feel alone and who are scared can find support right here.

To attack one another and hate on one another or to NOT support another (even if you don’t click) is just letting diabetes win. I can not really get into a blog but still love that it is exists? Why not? I know not everything is for me but someone may be touched and moved by a particular post or writer and friends we have to celebrate that.

Different types, different people, different styles will always be around. The more voices the better. And I want to celebrate them all.

There is one caveat. If your posts are hurtful or if your intent is not supportive then there is no way I can support that. That is not what I am talking about. I am talking about helping each other and supporting our cause. We cannot unite if we fight.

So what now? I am not sure. I am not good at organizing stuff but I look forward to November 14^th and World Diabetes Day and I hope we can all band together in a new way that may reach many of those people who are looking for support or influence some major corporation to support diabetes causes the way Revlon supports cancer causes.

Ideas? Thoughts?

Who's to Blame?

2009-07-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

One thing that came up during our talks at the Summit was guilt and how diabetes is unique in that, the patient feels a lot of guilt for what goes on in his or her body.

This got me thinking. When I think, I want to share. When I share I write. Check out my post on DLife and let me know what you think, either there or here.

Blame Diabetes

You Tube Tuesday #130

2009-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is kind of a long clip which I try to avoid and it takes a few moments to get to the good stuff but I really think it is cool. I love stuff like this.

I hope you do too.

Enjoy!

Roche Social Media Summit

2009-07-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

The lack of posts from yours truly last week was due to the Roche Social Media Summit I was attending.

I am not a fan of reinventing the wheel and here is a good chance for you to check out some of the awesome people I met. So here are some great posts about the social media summit (And a fun one too!) Go read, look at pictures (I took some with my iPhone but they look awful), and then come back and read my take.

What I loved:

Meeting all these wonderful people that I had only dreamed of meeting.
Seeing those that I have met before and whom I missed dearly.
Roche for extending a hand to us and keeping good on their promise of not “being a commercial.”
Seeing how test strips are made.
Feeling so powerful among my blogging brothers and sisters.
Knowing that we do make a difference and trying to figure out how we can work together better.
People shouting “GEORGE!” when I walked in at dinner. (I get surprised that people are excited to see me. It is usually the other way around.)
When the Roche exec asked me, “so what’s up with these people shouting your name when you walked in!” LOL
Lots of Diet Soda and Bacon at breakfast.
Laughing and Crying with people I love.
Hugs.

What I did not like:

Missing Sara.
Almost missing my flight home.
Not having enough time with my friends.
When the Roche exec asked me, “So you call yourself a ‘Ninja.’ What exactly does that mean?” LOL
Tim.
Sitting on the plane home, alone in my thoughts, and wiping away tears that I could not stop for the life of me.

One thing you should know is that Diet Coke in Indiana sometimes comes with a surprise!

Look for more on the summit later this week.

You Tube Tuesday #129

2009-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

MTV used to have a comedy sketch show called The State which I used to watch. Not every sketch was great but this is one that stuck and I am sure you will know why.

In fact, in all honesty, I sing the little tune in this clip often. When the time's right, and it usually is!

Enjoy.

Bleeding My Own Blood

2009-07-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

My CGMS use has been almost 24/7 since I received my sensors from Minimed. I have however taken a day off between just to give myself a little break since I have been able to get 7 days out of each one.

Except for the one I put on Friday night.

I think I have mentioned how intimidating the needle is for this thing. I swear, it looks like a sewing needle and no I am not exaggerating. It does make my infusion sets look like nothing which is good.

Anyhow this one was a bleeder. Like massive amounts of blood. And what was annoying was it didn’t start bleeding until after it was in and all taped up.

I noticed it felt funny so I lifted up my shirt to take a peek at the site and what I saw looked like a sea shell in a small aquarium filled with blood. So gross.

I pulled of the Tegaderm, mopped up the blood that was everywhere at this point, and applied some pressure to get it to stop. After a few days (it seemed) the bleeding stopped and taped the transmitter back down.

Saturday morning was spot on. A finger stick and the CGM were 3 points apart which is pretty awesome. Later the day we went to a friends how for a BBQ. I snacked on some cheese and crackers when we got there as I chatted away with my friends.

We all went outside and cracked open beers as we played some Bocce Ball. I realized that I never bolused for the crackers and beer so I pulled my pump out of my pocket to check the CGM, it read 108 and showed that I had been at 108 for the last hour. Yeah right!

Try 364!!!

So I just stopped the sensor on my pump and took the thing off.

I think I will try again tonight but I was just too frustrated over the weekend to try again.

For those of you without CGMS, I still love it even though I do get frustrated and for those of you who do have it, does this always happen when you have a bad bleeder? Any suggestions on how to avoid this?

Short Post

2009-07-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

My friend was taken off of life support yesterday but is still holding on.

My friend and co-worker’s father passed away yesterday.

My boss' father in law passed away last night.

I am here.

You are here.

Enjoy your weekend.

Enjoy it because you have it.

Enjoy it because you can.

Choose to enjoy life.

Love, George

When You're the Search Engine

2009-07-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

As promised I wanted to tell you about Geocaching.

Here’s the deal, my buddy came over the other night to watch some X Files. He did not watch it when it was on and we were huge fans, I mean, we named our daughter Gillian.

Anyhow, We are currently enjoying season 6 and each week we will pick a night, watch a few episodes and just hang out. Monday night after two very great episodes my friend says, “Dude, have you ever heard of Geocaching?”

I know I had heard the term but it immediately made me think of Geology, a subject in which I fall promptly to sleep. Sorry guys it’s just not my thing. So I asked him to go on.

He told me about Geocaching and I was sold. Here’s what he said.

“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.”

Ok, so maybe I pulled that from the website but however he explained it, I dashed to the computer to sign up and find my first cache!

Later that night (11:00) my wife got home while I was putting on my shoes and getting ready to walk out the front door.

“What are you doing,” she said holding back a giggle since she knows I am so bizarre.

“Um, we’ll be back, we are gonna go find something.”

So Matt (Sorry dude but saying “My Buddy” a million times reminds me of that boy doll thing) and I hopped in the car

and drove around to find our very first cache. And when we found it, it was over. I am in. I love it!

I downloaded an app for my iPhone that helps us find them and am already thinking about places I could place

my own cache which will be very cool. Last night I took the kids out and we found a couple together. They seemed to have a good time after we finally found our first one together. It’s tough to find them especially with so many Muggles (people that are not Geocaching) around. You don’t want non-players to find them and remove them or disturb them.

Anyhow, I know some of you are into this. Please share your stories and advice because I am a total noob and would love some direction.

And let me know if you are thinking about checking this out. I would love to hear about your adventures!

For more info check out www.geocaching.com

One Last Assist

2009-07-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am a people person. You may have gathered that from the way I write and the things I write about. I love making friends, and I have many I am thankful to say.

So at work, many of the people that work at the companies I deal with on a daily bases become friends. Sure most live in other states and I will never meet them but talking to a person everyday, at least for me, causes a connection and a friendship can blossom.

Last week one of those people that I talk to almost daily, with whom I have inside jokes with, whom I have actually met a few times, who has helped me out in several sticky situations, had a heart attack. She is 49 years old with 2 kids. And now, she is lying in a hospital in a coma.

I call the company she works for every morning to check on her condition. I pray for her and her family hoping they don’t lose hope and praying for strength to get through whatever is coming.

This morning I was told that there is no hope. They are taking her off of oxygen tomorrow and then only time will tell, but my friend Maria will never come back.

It’s awful that it takes things like this to get me to remember how short life is. I should know this. My dad died at 43. He was 7 years older than I am now! Why do we worry about tomorrow when today can be so awesome?

It was like last night when we saw Harry Potter. When the movie started Gillian nudged me with her elbow to signal her excitement. I could see her smiling and the screen and holding back a shout of joy when she saw the title.

I started tearing up.

Life is too short. Life is uncertain. All those things we know, and see on magnets, and yet still we continue to worry about tomorrow without living today.

I can’t do that. After hearing about Maria last week something went off in my head. Which was when I decided to have the little adventure with my family on Saturday. It’s what made sure I did not blow off the club fundraiser thing on Sunday and which had me out until 1AM on Monday searching my city for Geocache (a post is coming about that).

Seven years is nothing and who knows when my time is due. I have WAY more health issues than my dad so how can I sit here and not make every day a memory with my kids? I have to. I love them so I have to. My mom and dad were divorced so my memories were made every other weekend. I am with my kids everyday and every day is a gift.

I hate that Maria’s situation has ignited a spark in me that should have been there already.

But if anything, I can say she helped me out one last time.

You Tube Tuesday #128

2009-07-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Some of the funniest videos I have ever seen have videos of kids being kids.

This one is no exception and you may have seen this one before but I hadn't and I had to share it because it cracked me up!

Enjoy!

Calling 13,999 Diabetics...

2009-07-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

…and me which makes it 14,000 diabetics all testing their BG tomorrow.

Check out the info from Manny at Tu Diabetes.

July 14, at 4:00 pm ET, 14,000 people worldwide will test their blood sugar simultaneously and share their results online through TuDiabetes.com, a social network for people touched by Diabetes which originated in March 2007, as well as through its sister Spanish language social network, EsTuDiabetes.com.

The idea for the test-in came from Kelly Rawlings, someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 35 years. Kelly is one of the nearly 10,000 members at TuDiabetes.com, which has been called the “Myspace on Insulin” and a “Facebook for Diabetes.”

“People with diabetes have to test their blood sugar as part of their daily routine: it’s like drinking water or brushing your teeth,” said Manny Hernandez, co-founder of TuDiabetes.com and a person with diabetes himself. “When Kelly mentioned having a collective test-in, I thought it would be a great way for thousands of us to connect and raise awareness about diabetes.”

Currently, more than 250 million people are afflicted with diabetes. In the month of July, TuDiabetes will pass 10,000 registered members, and EsTuDiabetes.com, the sister social network about diabetes in Spanish, passed 4,000 registered members touched by diabetes from Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, Argentina, the US and other countries. In both communities, initiatives to raise diabetes awareness are the primary focus, making the combined 14,000-member milestone yet another opportunity to shed light on this chronic condition.

Participating in this initiative to raise diabetes awareness is easy:

If you are a member of TuDiabetes or EsTuDiabetes, click on the home page banner and share your reading.

If you have a Twitter account, post your reading on Twitter (use the #14KPWD hashtag) and link back to: http://14kPWD.org

If you prefer, update your status on Facebook or your preferred social network, linking back to: http://14kPWD.org

“We hope to see most readings posted at 4 pm ET on July 14. If you are a few minutes late, however, or are able to post your blood sugar reading earlier or later that day, it’s OK,” said Hernandez. “What really matters is that you test your blood sugar regularly. If you don’t have diabetes, just tell someone who does to test and share on July 14.”

I will be rocking the meter at 1PM PST Sharp!

And yes that pun was totally intended.

TGIV! Thank Goodness, I Vlogged!

2009-07-10T08:30:00.001-07:00

This Vlog is a long time coming. I will say no more.

Enjoy!

Here's a link to the Facebook pics.

Move Along Please...

2009-07-09T09:41:00.001-07:00

I would love it if you would check out my posts over at dLife. I try to write there a few times a week and so far have posted 6 times this month.

I can't wait until tomorrow's post. Stay tuned my friends. Stay. Tuned!

Dance for Life!

2009-07-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

One of my coworkers lost her grandmother to cancer this year. Cancer is one of those words that when I hear it, I shudder. It scares me as it does most people and when I hear that one has it I think, at least this stupid diabetes thing I can manage somewhat. (I say somewhat because it is way harder then most non-D’s think it is but that’s for another post)

Her mom and her aunts joined up with Relay For Life which is a program from The American Cancer Society. You may have heard of this or maybe even walked in one, which we did a few years back, but it way to have smaller local walks that last overnight and that typically consist of music, food vendors, some special presentations. Always a great event to combat a great threat.

One thing her family is doing is planning a “club night” fundraiser. They found a local hotel that has a nightclub in which they are going to hold a private party on a Sunday night just to raise money for the ACS. The hotel doesn’t even open up the club on Sunday nights so for them it’s a win too.

They have a friend of theirs DJ, a guy who makes tacos on the spot for a buck a piece, and of course the bar from the hotel will be opened too. All for a 5 dollar cover charge and all that money goes right to the ACS! So cool!

Jasmine and I already have tickets and plan to dance the night away.

Walks are awesome but dancing is awesomtastical!

In a weird coincidence I got a call at work yesterday from a volunteer at the ADA. He wanted to know why Team Beat the Bete has not signed up for the walk this year. I wanted to tell him that from now on all my walks are going to be for the JDRF and that I need to focus on the organization that is working for my best interests. Since I am a Type 1 and I know I am in the minority as far as diabetes camps goes, the ADA is not really my choice.

Don’t get me wrong ADA, I think you do well what you do for who you do it for. ;) I just don’t think Type 1’s are a major focus of yours.

Anyhow, I told him that my family and I are planning a trip to Vegas the weekend of the walk for my sister’s 40th birthday which is the truth!

So when is the D dance party because I am ready to pay my money and get my dance on!?!

You Tube Tuesday #127

2009-07-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

I love movies. I love trailers! I love movie trailers that look awesome.

Here is a movie trailer that looks awesome. And the story may be familiar to most of you. Honestly, I watch this all the time so I figured I should share it with all of you. October can not come soon enough for me. I can't wait to see this one.

Enjoy!

The Weekend Recap

2009-07-06T09:36:00.001-07:00

This weekend was a good one. I had Friday off which meant I could get in a game of Disc Golf with my buddies. Sure it was a lousy round. Sure I hit a tree so hard I was almost sure I was going to cut it down. But it was well worth it.

After the game I had some “fix it” stuff to do around the house that I had been putting off forever. For a non-“fix it” guy you feel pretty cool when you finally do fix anything. I am not the guy who tries to fix the impossible. I choose my projects carefully but still, it makes me feel like more of a man (and not a little kid) when I do fix some stuff.

Saturday was awesome. We went out to my sisters house and had a good old barbecue. Burgers and Dogs and it was awesome. I got to hang out with my adorable niece, she 66% of my siblings, and some friends too! I was great.

My sister and her husband love to play games. Every time we go over we end up playing a board game, or a card game, or even an outdoors game. Last year it was Croquet which I am horrible at but this year it was Bocce Ball and it was a blast. My sister’s Father in law (also named George) and I were the Green team and we were kicking some serious butt. This was the end of our winning streak.

Sure it stung a little but going out like this is not nearly as bad as getting creamed.

Fireworks are over priced and are lame. But no one got hurt and there was no fire so yay 4^th of July.

Yesterday consisted of a very moving and yet upsetting church service and then another barbecue for my wife’s aunt’s birthday. This time it was Ribs and Chicken. It was a lot of fun and the cake my cousin made was out of control as usual.

All and all the weekend was a nice 3 days away from work. I always enjoy hanging out with family and this weekend was a great time for doing just that.

Born Again?

2009-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I was asked if the “Born Again” in the name of my blog is a religious thing.

It is not.

When I started this blog over 3 years ago it was because I was going to start new. Like a brand new diabetic and get my act together. That has not happened.

But what has happened is that Diabetes is a bigger focus in my life. It is not ignored and pushed aside like it was for so many years. Day to day I struggle with keeping my disease under control but in the end I have stayed the path of trying and trying to get my act together.

But this is not a religious blog.

I am however a religious person. And a spiritual one which I think are two very different things.

I am at church every Sunday. I lead the contemporary worship band by singing and playing guitar and I love it. We attend a Lutheran church and I find that when I do miss a week I feel like my cup is not full. Church each week provides an outlet for my spiritual plug.

Being a church going Christian does not make me perfect, better than anyone, smarter, nicer, friendlier, or holy. I am NOT perfect. I am NOT good at a lot of things. I can be a total airhead. I drop an F bomb here and there when someone cuts me off. And my son was my ring bearer in my wedding so…perfect? No.

But I know who watches over me, who died for me, who loves me, who to thank for my blessings, who to look for when I need comfort, and who is my strength.

For those of you who are not Christians or believe in any higher power, I hope my blog doesn’t turn you away. I am not a judging person and frankly, if I am “Christian” then judging is something I am not supposed to do.

In this place, I am me. This is just me. The imperfect, fat, sometimes silly, sometimes sad, nutty, passionate, God fearing, life loving, diabetic me.

MJ and My BG

2009-07-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

I was born in 1973. My parents were 25 and they were both very into music.

Now I was too little to really remember The Jackson 5 except from video clips and of course songs like “ABC” and “I Want You Back.” But for me, my love for Michael Jackson’s music started with the Off The Wall album.

I remember listening to lots of dance music when I was a kid in the late 70’s. Donna Summer, Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, and of course, Michael Jackson.

When I heard about his death last week I was surprised how much it affected me. I never thought of myself as a huge fan but when I started to listen to all the songs they were playing on the radio, and seeing the videos on TV, I got really upset.

So many life memories pop into my head when I hear many of his songs. Trips with my family when we all would be singing songs in the RV on our way camping. Dancing in my living room with my sisters to “Wanna Be Starting Something” and even at my sisters wedding last year that sparked a massive “Thriller” dance when the DJ played it.

Even my kids love his music.

There is one song in particular that is not a “hit” song of his but by far my favorite. It is off of his “Dangerous” album and it’s called “Keep the Faith.” The song is not a danceable one but rather like a song you would hear a Baptist church choir sing.

"'Cause you can climb the highest mountain, swim the deepest sea, all you need is the will to want it and a little self esteem. So keep the faith. Don’t let nobody turn you ‘round. You’ve gotta know when it’s good to go, to get your dreams up off the ground. So keep the faith. Because it’s just a matter of time before your confidence will win out. Believe in yourself no matter what it’s gonna take, you can be a winner but you’ve got to keep the faith."

At the end of the song is this amazing vocal breakdown with Michael and choir just working it and every time I hear it, I get chills.

I know this isn’t a diabetes post except to say that dancing to good music always brings down my blood sugar so I can do that and pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers in my lifetime.

You Tube Tuesday #126

2009-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled weekend which was part of the reason I was not around online very much.

On Saturday we went to a Luau at our friends house to celebrate many June birthdays. It was a great time with great food and great friends. Yeah, it was great.

One really cool thing was this water slide that was at the party. I must get one of these for my backyard.

Enjoy!

Why I Was Out

2009-06-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Last week was crazy. Each day at work was filled with special projects and major issues I had to deal with. Every evening was filled with “drama” at home. Nothing awful but just always something it seemed.

My presence on Twitter, Email, and even AIM was almost non existent. I was able to get a couple of “tweets” in on Saturday but that was about it.

So now, I am behind. I have lots to share and really do not want to mash it all up for one post. So I’ll give you each tasty morsel each day this week. Even the You Tube Tuesday tomorrow will be a little glimpse into my craaaaaazy week!

Hope you aren’t too upset about my absence. Maybe I need to get some people to guest post while I am out. Anyone interested for the next time I disappear for a week?

You Tube Tuesday #125

2009-06-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

By now you all know what a strange sense of humor I have. I am not alone. Last night at my son’s birthday dinner my sister asked me if I had seen this particular You Tube clip. I laughed when she described it to me and laughed even harder when I watched it last night.

I hope you dig it.

Enjoy.

15

2009-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my son's 15 birthday.

It seems like yesterday when he was born. Those people that said to cherish every moment because they grow up so fast were right. I cannot believe he's so old.

More then anything I am thankful for the person he has become. A good friend, brother, son, and person. I have no doubt that he will be successful at what ever he does in life.

Talented, funny, personable, repectful, well-spoken, compassionate, humble, kind, and loving are all words I can use describe him.

Rare is another one that comes to mind.

We are very blessed.

Most importantly, I want to say...

Happy Birthday Son!

A Week to Remember

2009-06-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

So the other day I went to dinner with my sisters to celebrate what would have been our grandma’s 100th birthday. It was fun laughing at some of the crazy stuff grandma did and reminiscing of times that were filled with fun. There is nothing like the love you get from your grandma.

I remember sitting on her lap watching TV or my favorite past time was sitting on the front porch on warm summer nights and counting all the airplanes we could see. As silly as it sounds, that was one of my favorite things to do.

I miss her like crazy.

And that brings me to the bitter sweet holiday called Fathers Day. I know I have written about how my fathers death still, STILL bothers and upsets me. It’s been 17 years and yet I cry. Each year he misses more. I know he is here in my heart, and in spirit, not to mention my twisted sense of humor which I have passed down to my kids. I just want to play basketball with him. Or ride a rollercoaster.

I miss him like crazy.

In the past I have written about the conversation we had the night I was diagnosed. I still hear him on the phone, holding back tears, telling me I am going to be okay and that we are going to figure this all out. I swear I can hear him right now. So weird how things like that stay with you.

My dad used to say things to me that always stuck and that I always made sure I remembered.

“Never be a follower. Always be a leader.”
“One person’s rock can be a boulder to someone else.”
“All I ask is that you make me proud.”

Even as a kid I knew this stuff was important. It has taken me years to fully understand what all these things meant.

My dad never wanted me to not be myself. He wanted me to do what I wanted to do regardless of what others thought. And he wanted me to have passion for whatever I do. To be proud and in turn that would make him proud. To not be afraid to be different or looked at funny or whatever. To be the best I could be.

But also, he wanted me to have compassion. Compassion to understand that what may seem like a silly little problem could be an enormous burden to another. This has particularly useful in raising my kids. When Gillian is upset because someone else got invited to party and she didn’t, I don’t say “who cares. It’s their loss not yours.” I offer love and understanding and let her know that when I was her age that happened to me too. I try to provide empathy instead of sympathy.

So to my Dad who would have been 60 this year, I want to say that I hope that you are looking down on me and my family and are proud. You will happy to know that my son is just as outgoing and personable as you were and my daughter has your very funny, very sick sense of humor. I see you in them all the time.

I miss you immensely and cannot wait to play a game of basketball when I see you again someday.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

Your son,
George

Work the Plan

2009-06-18T13:58:00.001-07:00

I spent a long time yesterday thinking about my post and all the comments.

Comments are what blogging is all about in my book but that subject will have to be tackled on another post.

So, this whole weight gain, feel like crap, need to exercise situation that I was upset about yesterday sparked a great idea.

The return of the Slimmons Gym.

At our old house I had the garage set up with a treadmill, exercise bike, free weights, heavy punching bag, and a speed bag. Sure I was not in there as much as should have been but I would use it and I loved it.

So now our garage is just boxes and boxes of stuff. That exercise equipment is buried and even if I could get to it, there is no room.

The plan is as follows. Get the Slimmons Gym up and running by the end of summer.

I know what you are thinking. “End of Summer, don’t you think that is giving yourself too much time?” Truth be told, I am worried I will have it done by then. We have LOTS OF STUFF to go through and decide if it’s trash, a keeper, or a yard sale item. And I tend to make reasonable goals since unattainable ones are pointless IMHO.

Every weekend I will get in that garage and start going through boxes. One by one I will be more organized and will be that much closer to getting the old gym back in gear.

I have to tell you, I am really excited about this. All the comments and encouragement I received really helped to get my brain working to come up with a way to turn things around.

Thanks for the ideas, love, and support. I’ll be a healthy ninja soon enough!

Defeated

2009-06-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am expanding. Literally. And at an alarming rate.

I cannot believe how much weight I have gained and continue to gain. I feel awful, look awful, and my attitude about it has been awful.

So now what?

Weight Watchers again? Something different? Lap Band?

I am not motivated to do anything. My energy level is so low that I get exhausted just thinking about sitting on the exercise bike.

And I eat. I eat and snack all day long and late into the night.

Remember back when I would post every Saturday how I was doing on Weight Watchers and everyone was cheering me on. I lost 42 pounds! I felt like I was going to finally get down to the weight I wanted to be and then it all fell apart.

I blame the house situation but really, there is no one to blame. I let that be a crutch and an excuse. Shame on me.

So now I am looking for a spark. A kick in the pants. Something to get the old me back.

I need a lift.

You Tube Tuesday #124

2009-06-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

I think you all know that I love the infomercials. Love. Them.

The Snuggie, Sham Wow, and even the Miracle Thaw are awesome.

But this.......This is unbelievable.

And it's real.

Enjoy!

Setting the Record Straight

2009-06-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mr. T and I have a few things in common. We love Gold Chains, we treat our Mothers right, and both of us hate Bullies.

We pity them fools!

In all seriousness I have never been a fan of those who step on or bully other people. It makes me angry and I have zero tolerance for it.

My friends at Diabetes UK created a video called “Setting the record straight” to help combat all those misconceptions about type 1 diabetes that kids get bullied about. Since I was diagnosed at 17 I really didn’t deal much with bully’s but I would imagine some grammar school kids do.

Please check it out and spread the news about it. We need to educate to eliminate the confusion and set the record straight.

Thanks Diabetes UK for putting this together!

The Godspell Recap - With Pics!

2009-06-11T09:10:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday was opening night for Godspell. We had four performances and it was a blast.

Here are some pictures from the show.

All and all my diabetes played nice except for Friday night. That was not cool at all. Luckily no lows during the show which was what I was worried about.

If I had to go back and re-rehearse all the songs, and dances, and learn all the lines over again, I would do it. I would do it in a heartbeat.

There is nothing like seeing all those little parts and line and notes come together into a show that moves and touches people. The response from all who saw it was overwhelmingly positive. Each night I was filled with tears of sadness during the show and happy ones afterwards.

My favorite comment was one woman who said, “You brought me back the Lord.”

Wow. How do you top that? I mean, if she was the only person who saw the show then it was a success.

The Way it Goes

2009-06-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I finally went to the endocrinologist after skipping an appointment in October and never rescheduling.

Some “Born Again Diabetic” I am huh?

October as most of you remember was a bad month for me so caring about my health or anything at that time was a serious chore.

Then the guilt set in.

How could I face my doctor after not making it to an appointment or scheduling a new one? I just hid some more, until now.

As always I got a slight ‘tude from my supervisor who leaves early for nail appointments but has an “issue” with “so many people having to leave all the time.” I took off as soon as I could and made it to the endo just in time to make the appointment.

When I got inside and met with the nurse who mentioned that I had not been there in a while. I agreed. I tweeted about the next part because I was shocked that the nurse at an endo’s office could be so dumb.

Here’s how it went down.

Nurse: You’re a Type 1? (She said this with an extra high note at the end)

Me: Yes

Nurse: Not a Type 2? (I wanted to answer and be sarcastic because seriously, what part of “YES” did you not get??)

Me: No. I’m just fat.

Nurse: Oh okay. Because most people your weight are type 2’s.

Now this pissed me off two fold. One, I know I am not the only full figured type 1 on the planet. And two, there are many Many MANY type 2’s that are much Much MUCH thinner than I am.

And did I mention that the nurse could have been a “before” pic at the Jenny Craig??? (Ok that wasn’t nice but it really bothers me so sorry, dumb nurse)

When my endo came in we talked a lot. We talked about why I did not come in back in October. About losing the house. About how he has lost all his retirement and does not know what he is going to do. We talked about life, and stress, and how it affects not only my BG but my willingness to take care of myself. It felt like I was talking to a friend who understood or at least wanted to.

We talked about Symilin and Apidra. He felt that we should find out where my A1C is, check on the rest of my numbers and then consider trying some new stuff. I felt that was fair. I need to prove to him that I am a good patient first before he should start writing prescriptions for me just because I ask about them.

It is another beginning. Another attempt to walk the narrow path of good management and who knows how long this will last before I burnout again.

I guess it is just the way it goes

You Tube Tuesday #123

2009-06-09T07:58:00.001-07:00

I think the reason this clip cracked me up so much is because this was my fathers favorite way to scare the crap out of us as kids. I hope you dig it!

Enjoy.

The Return

2009-06-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hey there.

I’m George and I am a blogger.

This last week has been a busy one for me with rehearsal every night for Godspell. But I don’t want to talk about that today.

I also had an endo appointment last week. But I don’t want to talk about that today.

No, I want to talk about my CGMS. I have been using it for almost two weeks now and I love it.

Sure it get annoying at night when, for whatever reason, it loses signal. And yes I get annoyed because people say, “So now you don’t have to prick your finger!” The funny part is I SWEAR I am checking more often now. And of course it is not spot on but dang, it is close most of the time and the trends are awesome to see.

Now to those of you on CGMS, you probably will find this post boring. You know all this stuff and still you use the technology. If it were not for all the blogs I read and people I spoke to, I think I may have been disappointed in the CGMS. It is not perfect but it has great value. It makes me feel like I have a new set of eyes and are able to see something that I never thought possible.

So I know I am still in the honeymoon stage with this thing but so far, so good. If you have any questions about my experience please ask away. You all know me well enough to know that I am always willing to tell you what I think.

I promise I’ll get to that other stuff this week.

Until Next Week

2009-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Shame on me. I have been unable to put together a decent blog post and frankly, this one is not good either.

This week, with the opening of Godspell, has been busy and really the musical has been my main focus. My poor blog and you all have been neglected and for that, I apologize.

But…

I have several juicy, fantastic, unbelievable, mind boggling posts on their way. Well, maybe not that exciting but as soon as next week rolls around I will have a lot more time on my hands.

I need to get back to finishing another song I have been working on.

Speaking of song, have you had a chance to check this one out? (shameless plug)

Anyhow, thanks for stopping by and I’ll be back in full swing next week.

You Tube Tuesday #122

2009-06-02T08:46:00.002-07:00

Music Video’s in the 80’s were strange. Lots of mirrors, bad lighting, breaking of mirrors, Aqua Net, and just plain weirdness. And now, as you may have seen before, is the “literal versions” of videos. I have seen a few of these that crack me up but this one is my favorite. Why you ask? Because I remember the first time I saw this video thinking, “Okay, what the heck is this about???”

I hope you find it as funny as I do.

Enjoy.