Shenanigans

Looking Ahead

/ Christopher / 1 Comment

The last time I wrote something on this blog I admitted that my desire, or more accurately my drive to write had diminished. Obviously, based on the timestamps, that problem still persists. Over the weekend I realized that my lack of initiative here has negatively impacted my productivity where it matters most – my professional career. I never would have guessed that this silly little (sometimes about) diabetes blog would be responsible for generating and maintaining the creative juices that flow through most of my online persona. And that those creative juices are the fuel that power the rest of my professional work throughout the day. But here we are.

As my time, energy, and focus are required elsewhere, the urge to find something to post on this space has declined. For the longest time I felt obligated to maintain some kind of illusion that I was a reliable beacon for the diabetes community evidenced by a new post every weekday. Even if that meant sharing a cat picture and writing 12 words underneath it, you could count on me.

To an extent, this can no longer be the case.

I’m not leaving. But I can’t pretend to be the diabetes advocate I was last week, last month, or last year. I just can’t. This means that I have to be more judicious with my time, and that ultimately means this blog cannot function as it has in the past.

So, when I have something to say, I’ll say it – here. And when I say it, I’ll do my best to make it worth your time to read. But I won’t be here every day. And I’m going to be okay with that.

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Adult Coloring Books

/ Christopher / 1 Comment

My wife (becuse it’s still fun to say that) purchased some high-level coloring books over the weekend to help with stress. I’ve always viewed coloring books as a great way to show how little I know about color combinations (despite some of my attempts to match a shirt to a tie).

But I can see how the amount of focus required for something like this could do wonders for attempts to block out the shenanigans of the world.

What I’d like to know is if there’s any benefit to diabetes management. Obviously the primary tools like insulin, exercise, and carb counting are essential. But since stress can raise blood glucose levels, is it logical to think a stress-relieving coloring book could have the opposite effect?

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Diabetes Blog Week 2015 – Foods on Friday

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Write a post documenting what you eat in a day!  Feel free to add links to recommended recipes/shops/whatever.  Make it an ideal day or a come-as-you-are day – no judgments either way.

Diabetes Blog Week – May 15, 2015

Rather than focus on what I ate today, I thought it would be fun to share what everyone will be eating at our wedding reception tomorrow.

Here’s what our caterer is whipping up:

  • Pork Tenderloin with sauce and homemade rolls
  • Grilled Chicken with white sauce
  • Vidalia Onion Dip with Pita Chips or Wheat Thins
  • Vegetables and Dill Dip
  • Little Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches
  • Spinach Bites
  • Fruit and Cheese Display with Crackers
  • Bacon Wrapped Roasted New Potatoes
  • And there will be a special Shrimp and Grits table

It’s worth noting that we’ll be providing carb counts for everything, and stuff like the rolls will be separate to ensure we have as many gluten free items as possible. Planning a wedding for people with diabetes presents some fun twists.

Oh, and of course there will be cupcakes:

  • Funfetti with vanilla frosting
  • Chocolate with chocolate frosting
  • Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
  • Chocolate and Vanilla Gluten Free

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Winding Down, Gearing Up

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As our wedding approaches, all of the running around, both literally and figuratively inevitably comes to an end. And then the official preparations for the ceremony and celebration begin. I don’t realize how much of my time and energy I actually devote to all of this stuff until I stop to assess my to-do list. Then I realize that we’ve done a lot to get to this point, especially when it comes to managing vendors nearly 2,000 miles away.

That sort of reminds me of the realizations that come out of participating in #dayofdiabetes. We automate and internalize so much when it comes to managing this disease, that taking a thorough look at all we do can be an exhausting exercise. There’s a lot that has to happen for things (diabetes, weddings, whatever…’things’ is intentionally vague) to go right. Every now and then, try taking a break to recognize all of the hard work and effort that you put into…whatever you put hard work in to.

I’ve certainly learned a lot throughout this entire process.

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Organization Overload

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Organization has always been a thing that comes naturally to me. For some reason, I think it’s fun to sort things. Clothing is arranged according to Roy G. Biv. Physical media is alphabetized. It’s just something that I do.

Now thanks to a recent purchase at Target, pictured above, shoe storage reaches a new level of fun.

This tidiness excitement matches well with my life with diabetes, too. Keeping track of test strips, insulin pump supplies, Dexcom sensors, insulin, alcohol swabs, and all that jazz is much easier to navigate when I know where everything is and how much I have left.

Considering the cost of all these supplies, I figure showing them the respect of a standard home in our closet is the least I can do.

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Turkish Get Up

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This morning I learned the Turkish Get Up.

“What is the Turkish Get Up?”, I hear you asking.

This, eager reader, is the Turkish Get Up.

I found this on the Internet. Source is Photobucket (linked), I guess.

Full disclosure, I was only doing these motions with my hand in the air. No kettle bells for me. My hand is heavy, and awkward enough for now.

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