Overload
This is a result of more than just Diabetes Blog Week, but it’s still worth noting that I’m quite miserable at keeping up with things.
Lazy Chris
Belbot LLC
Veronica Belmont is on Just Talking this week talking about her career at CNET from intern to Buzz Out Loud superstar, what motivated her to join Mahalo, her experiences working for Sony on Qore and her most recent projects at Tekzilla and Sword and Laser. Veronica has led an impressive career and after listening to this episode it’ll be clear that she’s just getting started.
Follow Veronica on Twitter @Veronica and keep up with her many projects at veronicabelmont.com.
And be sure to check out Tekzilla and Sword and Laser while you’re at it.
For Your Consideration
I’m closing in on the date of my local Tour de Cure and I still have a ways to go on my fundraising effort. If you can chip in, even just $10, I appreciate your consideration. And who had the bright idea to sign up for 50 miles? Really?
Secondly, the You Can Do This Project is up for a micro-grant from the Diabetes Hands Foundation. Kim has all the details on her blog. Go read her post and be sure to check out the other nominees. There are some fantastic ideas there and it’ll be exciting to see what comes of all of this. Obviously I’m especially invested in YCDT but I wouldn’t be part of the Advisory Team if I didn’t believe in the project and the power of “You Are Not Alone”-ness.
Acting Professional
I had my quarterly endocrinologist appointment today. All things considering, I’m happy with where I am, diabetically speaking. There was an interesting part of my conversation with my endocrinologist that I’m posting here because I’m genuinely curious to hear what you all, my eager-readers think.
Diabetes Blog Week 2012 – Diabetes Hero
“Let’s end our week on a high note and blog about our “Diabetes Hero”. It can be anyone you’d like to recognize or admire, someone you know personally or not, someone with diabetes or maybe a Type 3. It might be a fabulous endo or CDE. It could be a d-celebrity or role-model. It could be another DOC member. It’s up to you – who is your Diabetes Hero??”
I thought about this one for a decent amount of time (relative to the normal, “just wing it” approach I typically take to these blog posts). I suppose I could have written a brief tribute to Kerri, who I credit as my first “discovery” into the diabetes online community. Most of my social media presence (this blog, the podcast, the twitters) can be blamed on her. Kind of. I’ve certainly branched out from the early years, but it all started because I found her blog.
Diabetes Blog Week 2012 – Saturday Snapshots
“Back for the third year, let’s show everyone what life with diabetes looks like! With a nod to the Diabetes 365 project, let’s grab our cameras again and share some more d-related pictures. Post as many or as few as you’d like. Feel free to blog your thoughts on or explanations of your pictures, or leave out the written words and let the pictures speak for themselves.”
It’s wildly apparent that those in the diabetes community have a shared tendency to post pictures of our Dexcom receiver. It’s the most efficient way to detail how a day is going, or has been. I do what I can to spice up my Dexcom pictures by adding things to the background. Sometimes it works, other times I’m too creative for my own good. The point is that sharing these images strengthens the community. Sharing the highs and lows empowers others to be open and honest about their diabetes and while I’m no medical professional, I’m certain the effects of experiencing and participating in this openness has a positive impact on one’s diabetes management. Maybe not immediately, but the good will come.
Diabetes Blog Week 2012 – What They Should Know
“What is one thing you would tell someone who doesn’t have diabetes about living with diabetes? Let’s do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes. Have more than one thing you wish people knew? Go ahead and tell us everything.”
Diabetes does not stop, ever. Diabetes shows no emotion. Diabetes does not care how hard you are working to control your blood glucose or if it’s your anniversary. Diabetes demands constant attention. And even when you give diabetes the attention it so desperately craves, your reward is a d20 roll away. Managing this disease is extremely difficult but if you’re reading this and your pancreas works fine, I’m sure you’re saying to yourself “I don’t know if I could do all of that” – trust me, eager reader, you’d be surprised what you’re capable of when your life is on the line.
To the prompt, what’s the one thing I would tell said functioning pancreas owner? I’m not alone.
Diabetes Blog Week 2012 – Fantasy Diabetes Device
“Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be? Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, etc etc etc. The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?”
Fun fact, I actually had a brainstorm about how I would improve my Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, you can check that out if you want a slightly more realistic vision for the future of diabetes care (if I had my way).
Now, if I had a magic wand and could make something magic appear, kinda like oobleck but less…weird, I’d create a teleporter.
Like this:
Diabetes Blog Week 2012 – One Thing to Improve
“Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at. Today let’s look at the flip-side. We probably all have one thing we could try to do better. Why not make today the day we start working on it. No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on!”
I believe the saying goes “insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Within the diabetes community, we know that expecting the same results from anything involving diabetes management is a exercise in futility. The only constant thing about this disease is its inconsistency.
At yet, I still assume.
Hit the Apex
This week Chris Roper is on the podcast talking about his time spent at Virginia Tech and what prompted him to move to the West Coast to pursue his passions. We also talk about his time at IGN, from Intern to Executive Editor, Podcast Beyond and why his journey through video games media was particularly unique. Plus, we cover his time at Zipper Interactive as its Community Manager and why he’s been developing games since the inception of the iTunes App Store. Enjoy.
Follow Chris on Twitter @chris_roper and be sure to check out his level design work Hit The Apex.
