Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Where am I today?
Hey guys. I'm guest posting for Holly over at Arnold and Me today. Come check me out there.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back to School?!?!
Today I started the 60 classroom hours required to get your Virginia Real Estate License. With this whole "unemployment thing" I've spent a lot of time thinking about what it is I want to do with my life. For years I've thought about getting my real estate license but just never committed. When Steve and I bought our condo a year and a half ago my interest was really piqued. Apparently the stars aligned because the timing was perfect.
So this morning I gathered everything I would need into my bag: meter, test strips, finger pricker, back up strips, glucose tabs & jelly beans, extra insulin, syringe, back up infusion set, oh and a notebook and pen.
Last time I was packing up for school was over 6 years ago when I was in college. I had spent my entire "diabetic life" packing up d-supplies plus school supplies. All this time now with out practice made me nervous. I felt like I should pack as if I were going on an overnight trip. Extreme? Yeah, I thought so too so I didn't go that far. I was only going to be 20 minutes away from home.
As I left this afternoon I realized I had failed to mention to the teacher that I have diabetes. She doesn't care if we eat or drink in the class room or if we need to get up and take a phone call or use the restroom. The only real reason to tell her would be in case I passed out. Should I tell her?
As far as the class goes I am enjoying it so far. There is a lot of information being thrown at me very quickly and in a very short amount of time. I came home feeling excited and a bit overwhelmed. The good thing is I feel confident I can do this - at least that is what I keep telling myself. The next two weeks are going to be intense but exciting. In about a month, as long as I pass of course, I will be a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia! At that point I'll have to decide if I want to make it my new career. I'm not thinking about that. For now I am going to hit the books!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Motivation...
...I needz sum!
Confession: I have a total lack of motivation lately. Well, not "I can't get off the couch and do anything" lack of motivation but it is starting to become more noticeable.
The other day I realized that I had only tested myself twice. ALL DAY! Luckily that day has not repeated itself but still.
I'm not sure what happened that day. Maybe I have a bit of burnout. Maybe I'm making excuses and I'm just being lazy. Either way this needs to stop. PRONTO.
Some days I feel like a Diabetes Drill Sergeant is needed. Of course, not every single day but enough to get me back on track.
Here are some September Goals I'm setting for myself:
What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
Confession: I have a total lack of motivation lately. Well, not "I can't get off the couch and do anything" lack of motivation but it is starting to become more noticeable.
The other day I realized that I had only tested myself twice. ALL DAY! Luckily that day has not repeated itself but still.
I'm not sure what happened that day. Maybe I have a bit of burnout. Maybe I'm making excuses and I'm just being lazy. Either way this needs to stop. PRONTO.
Some days I feel like a Diabetes Drill Sergeant is needed. Of course, not every single day but enough to get me back on track.
Here are some September Goals I'm setting for myself:
- Turn back on the reminder on my pump to test 2 hours after last bolus. This reminder makes my pump (Animas Ping) vibrate to remind me to test. This alone is key. It helps me catch highs before they are out of hand.
- Lower the high alarm on my dexcom. I need to catch high before they are too high and harder for me to get down.
- Basal Testing. My overnight basal is a mess. I'm either fighting lows all night or I'm fighting highs.
- Blog more. When I'm writing about diabetes I tend to take better care of myself. I don't let diabetes take a back seat.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Manic Monday?
Life has been a bit hectic lately. But that is ok. Lots of exciting things to come! One of which is my re-commitment to blog regularly. Saucy over at You Can Call Me Saucy a few weeks back came up with daily themes to help her blog more consistently. I'm thinking of doing something along those lines.
In June 2009 I started yoga. I did it all summer and loved it. But by the end of the summer I started noticing a small pain in my left groin/hip area. By November I could not sit indian-style on the floor and forget putting on or taking off socks. Somehow I managed throughout the winter. Well the pain isn't getting any better and in fact my range of motion is decreasing. So I made an appointment for a massage.
It has been about 2 years since my last massage. I used to go more regularly because it really helped my fibromyalgia. During that time I managed to completely forget how a massage can raise my blood sugar despite staying connected to my pump the whole time. I walked out of there with a blood sugar of 306 mg/dL. Good thing I brought a big bottle of water for after my massage. Still pretty annoying.
While I was laying there and the massage therapist was working on my groin, quad, and hamstring I became the most relaxed I've been in a long time. Years maybe. During those 60 minutes I concentrating on breathing and feeling my muscles release years of tension. I felt incredible afterward. For the first time since November I have more range of motion. Maybe I'll be able to put a sock on this fall/winter!
Have you had a massage before? Ever notice a change in your blood sugar as a result of a massage?
Note: I did wear socks all winter. It was just an interesting process putting them on.
In June 2009 I started yoga. I did it all summer and loved it. But by the end of the summer I started noticing a small pain in my left groin/hip area. By November I could not sit indian-style on the floor and forget putting on or taking off socks. Somehow I managed throughout the winter. Well the pain isn't getting any better and in fact my range of motion is decreasing. So I made an appointment for a massage.
It has been about 2 years since my last massage. I used to go more regularly because it really helped my fibromyalgia. During that time I managed to completely forget how a massage can raise my blood sugar despite staying connected to my pump the whole time. I walked out of there with a blood sugar of 306 mg/dL. Good thing I brought a big bottle of water for after my massage. Still pretty annoying.
While I was laying there and the massage therapist was working on my groin, quad, and hamstring I became the most relaxed I've been in a long time. Years maybe. During those 60 minutes I concentrating on breathing and feeling my muscles release years of tension. I felt incredible afterward. For the first time since November I have more range of motion. Maybe I'll be able to put a sock on this fall/winter!
Have you had a massage before? Ever notice a change in your blood sugar as a result of a massage?
Note: I did wear socks all winter. It was just an interesting process putting them on.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July Goals
July 2010 Goals
- Start and continue Turbo Fire
- Eat breakfast every morning
- Eat more veggies and less carbs
- Cook at home 6 nights a week
- Drink more water
- Blog more frequently
Evil Coke
Hello, my name is Adriana and I'm a Diet Coke addict.
If I'm not drinking water I'm drinking diet coke. There is just something about diet coke that gives it a special place in my heart. Yes, I know it isn't the best drink out there for me but it sure is a treat. The best is fountain diet coke. Ahh...so refreshing. The problem is that sometimes my diet coke will get mixed up and actually be, gasp, regular coke! Oh the horror! I always catch it right away and it doesn't have the chance to do any damage to my blood sugar.
Enter this past Friday and my track record get annihilated.
Steve and I were grabbing a quick bite to eat before going to the movie theater to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; I loved the book so I was super excited to see the movie. Maybe I can chalk up what happened to my excitement but I think the real reason was my stubbornness.
Upon being seated at the table I asked the waiter for a glass of water and a diet coke. He brings out my dˆrinks and I immediately go for the diet coke and take a great big swig of it. Hmm, not tasting totally right. Take another sip. Still not sure what is wrong with the diet coke so I ask Steve to taste it. He absolutely hates diet coke. He couldn't figure out if it was diet or regular. I took another big gulp of it and couldn't figure it out so I decide to just stick to my water.
The thing is I was too embarrassed to have to waiter bring me another one. I have asked before but this time I got shy I guess.
When I look at the glass I noticed I drank about half of it! Ugh. I check my Dexcom and see that I'm hanging out around 130-140 so I figure it was just a funky tasting diet. At the movie theater I ask Steve to get me another diet. When the movie starts I take a few sips of the diet coke and it again tastes off. Dex starts buzzing that I'm over 160. Well, maybe I shouldn't have anymore diet coke. Right before the movie ended I looked at Dex and a number in the 360s glared back at me. Cue expletives going off in my head. Gave myself a quick bolus knowing I would be out of the theater within half an hour.
When we got to the car I tested and was in the 370s. Time for a shot. Needless to say I felt yucky and was really pissed that half a glass of coke would do that to me. Good thing my blood sugar came down quickly.
In the late 80s, early 90s there was this product out that was a yellow strip of paper that you would put in your drink and if it came out a dark green there was sugar in the drink. Does anyone remember this? I wish I could find it because Friday night was miserable (aside from a great movie.)
Enter this past Friday and my track record get annihilated.
Steve and I were grabbing a quick bite to eat before going to the movie theater to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; I loved the book so I was super excited to see the movie. Maybe I can chalk up what happened to my excitement but I think the real reason was my stubbornness.
Upon being seated at the table I asked the waiter for a glass of water and a diet coke. He brings out my dˆrinks and I immediately go for the diet coke and take a great big swig of it. Hmm, not tasting totally right. Take another sip. Still not sure what is wrong with the diet coke so I ask Steve to taste it. He absolutely hates diet coke. He couldn't figure out if it was diet or regular. I took another big gulp of it and couldn't figure it out so I decide to just stick to my water.
The thing is I was too embarrassed to have to waiter bring me another one. I have asked before but this time I got shy I guess.
When I look at the glass I noticed I drank about half of it! Ugh. I check my Dexcom and see that I'm hanging out around 130-140 so I figure it was just a funky tasting diet. At the movie theater I ask Steve to get me another diet. When the movie starts I take a few sips of the diet coke and it again tastes off. Dex starts buzzing that I'm over 160. Well, maybe I shouldn't have anymore diet coke. Right before the movie ended I looked at Dex and a number in the 360s glared back at me. Cue expletives going off in my head. Gave myself a quick bolus knowing I would be out of the theater within half an hour.
When we got to the car I tested and was in the 370s. Time for a shot. Needless to say I felt yucky and was really pissed that half a glass of coke would do that to me. Good thing my blood sugar came down quickly.
In the late 80s, early 90s there was this product out that was a yellow strip of paper that you would put in your drink and if it came out a dark green there was sugar in the drink. Does anyone remember this? I wish I could find it because Friday night was miserable (aside from a great movie.)
Friday, July 9, 2010
Foodie Friday: Farmer's Market Edition
I talk a lot about diabetes on this blog, hence the name, but today I am going to talk about another part of my life: cooking. Cooking is a passion of mine. Nothing comforts and excites me more than being in the kitchen letting my creative juices flow into a magnificent meal. The thing about my cooking is that I don't measure, at least most of the time. I want to start a new series on my blog: Foodie Friday. It is a way for me to share my passion with you all!
Cooking is a big part of my family. Both of my grandmothers were amazing cooks as is my mom. In fact my mom started a cooking blog Cocina Eclectica where she shares her love of cooking and some family favorite recipes. Please give her some blog love!
I've talked before about how much Steve and I love going to the Farmer's Market. It provides such a great inspiration for my cooking! On Thursday there is a Farmer's Market right outside of Steve's office so he stops by on his way home to pick up some fresh veggies. One of the stands at the market sells these amazing crab cakes that are made fresh. When Steve comes home I never know what exactly he has bought. It always makes for a fun surprise! I love putting everything together into a delish salad.
This salad included the following:
To make the salad dressing I never measure. I know but I've made it so many times that it is second nature to me. One of my favorite ways to do it is by using an almost empty jar of Dijon Mustard. Make sure there is at least a good spoonful in the jar. I put in some olive oil. Try filling the jar up about half an inch to an inch. Next I add some vinegar. I use Rice Vinegar or white balsamic. It should be half of the amount of oil. Then I add a pinch of salt and pepper and a splash of water. Close the jar and sh-sh-shake it! Taste it and add any ingredients you think it needs.
For the salad I wash everything really well. Then I chop up the lettuce until it is all bite sized. Next I chop the tomato, cucumbers and green beans into little bite size pieces as well. I throw it all into a bowl and pour some salad dressing (amount at your discretion) in the bowl. Mix the salad really well. Plate the salad and top with goat cheese and raspberries.
To make the crab cakes I first preheat the over to 350 degrees and put the two crab cakes (one for each of us) in to cook for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I flip the cakes and let them cook for another 10 minutes. Then I place them on top of the salad and sit down and chow down!
This is my favorite summer salad! What is your favorite salad?
Have a good weekend!
Cooking is a big part of my family. Both of my grandmothers were amazing cooks as is my mom. In fact my mom started a cooking blog Cocina Eclectica where she shares her love of cooking and some family favorite recipes. Please give her some blog love!
I've talked before about how much Steve and I love going to the Farmer's Market. It provides such a great inspiration for my cooking! On Thursday there is a Farmer's Market right outside of Steve's office so he stops by on his way home to pick up some fresh veggies. One of the stands at the market sells these amazing crab cakes that are made fresh. When Steve comes home I never know what exactly he has bought. It always makes for a fun surprise! I love putting everything together into a delish salad.
This salad included the following:
- Fresh Rasberries
- Lettuce
- Green Beans
- Tomato
- Goat Cheese
- Cucumbers
- Crab Cake
To make the salad dressing I never measure. I know but I've made it so many times that it is second nature to me. One of my favorite ways to do it is by using an almost empty jar of Dijon Mustard. Make sure there is at least a good spoonful in the jar. I put in some olive oil. Try filling the jar up about half an inch to an inch. Next I add some vinegar. I use Rice Vinegar or white balsamic. It should be half of the amount of oil. Then I add a pinch of salt and pepper and a splash of water. Close the jar and sh-sh-shake it! Taste it and add any ingredients you think it needs.
For the salad I wash everything really well. Then I chop up the lettuce until it is all bite sized. Next I chop the tomato, cucumbers and green beans into little bite size pieces as well. I throw it all into a bowl and pour some salad dressing (amount at your discretion) in the bowl. Mix the salad really well. Plate the salad and top with goat cheese and raspberries.
To make the crab cakes I first preheat the over to 350 degrees and put the two crab cakes (one for each of us) in to cook for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I flip the cakes and let them cook for another 10 minutes. Then I place them on top of the salad and sit down and chow down!
This is my favorite summer salad! What is your favorite salad?
Have a good weekend!
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