Monday, April 30, 2012

Diabetes Word Cloud (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Word Cloud. For today’s post we’re going one further and putting your words into an image, a word cloud or tree representing YOUR health focus, interest, or passions.  Write down some of your favorite topics off the top of your head or review the tags in your blog post for some surprises.  For some examples on layout check out www.wordle.net.

I made this one for the World Diabetes Day postcard exchange last year, so I thought I'd bring it out again for today's prompt.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Six Sentence Story (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Six Sentence Story. In this day of micro-blogging – brevity is a skill worth honing. Can you tell a story and make it short and sweet? Check out some 6-sentence-posts here: http://sixsentences.blogspot.com/

Thinking about a story with such criteria isn't normal for me. Usually I let my blog posts flow where they may, without worry. I guess this is a lot like diabetes, wanting to do what feels natural but knowing there are some "rules" you need to adhere to. Like eating a candy bar, but only so much so my numbers don't spike. Or even cleaning the house, but worrying about how fast and furious so my numbers don't plummet. There are too many things to worry about in the world, so I'll stop worrying about this blog post and move on with my day.


Image credit: Today's picture found here.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The First Time (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: The First Time I… Write a post about the first time you did something. What is it? What was it like? What did you learn from it?

 The first time I checked my blood sugar wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Being pregnant with my first child and diagnosed with gestational diabetes was scary enough. Poking my finger was minor in comparison. After all, I had my share of blood work over the years. Of course I flinched at the sound of the lancing device. I learned to just poke myself and get it over with. The anticipation was usually worse than the actual act.

Now it doesn't even phase me most of the time.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Challenges & Vitories (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: 5 Challenges. 5 Small Victories. Make a list of the 5 most difficult parts of your health focus. Make another top 5 list for the little, good things (small victories) that keep you going.

 5 Challenges
  1. Carb counting
  2. Exercise
  3. Diabetes police
  4. Mild depression at times
  5. Not feeling "sick"
5 Small Victories
  1. Lower A1c
  2. Started going back to the Y
  3. Limiting "treats" or finding a lower carb alternative
  4. Educating others
  5. Trying to distract myself from comfort eating

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Diabetes Tagline (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Health tagline. Give yourself, your blog, your condition, or some aspect of your health a tagline. Make sure it’s catchy!

Diabetes... 

many types 

but one desire for a cure

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Third Person Post (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Write about a memory you have but describe it using the third person. Use as many sensory images (sights, sounds, textures, etc) as you can. Don’t use “I” or “me” unless you include dialogue.

The little girl sat on her father's lap. She was probably about seven or eight years old. Smiling at her father, she decided to play a game she called "clay man". Distorting her father's face and moving his arms, she would burst out laughing at the goofy expressions he could present. Every once in a while, he would make a scary growl to accompany his new look. This caused the little girl to scream and then fall into fits of laughter. Sometimes her younger sister would join the game and together they would move the clay man into funny poses.

All too soon the little girl grew out of such childish games, until... Several years later, that little girl became a mother. She taught her own children the game of "clay man."


Photo credit: Sculpture image found here.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Health Mascot (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Give yourself, your condition, or your health focus a mascot. Is it a real person? Fictional? Mythical being? Describe them. Bonus points if you provide a visual!

 This is me a couple years ago with a model of the Sue dinosaur's head. Being named Sue, of course I found this hilarious.

Why do I think this dinosaur should be a mascot for diabetes?

Like the dinosaur Sue, I'd like diabetes to become extinct!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Why Do I Walk When I Can't Walk? (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Health Activist Choice Day 2! Write about whatever you like.

For the past few years I have raised money as part of the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. I have only been able to make it to one event, a small nearby walk that no longer exists. The rest of the walks I have registered for have been too far for me to travel due to family obligations. This is the case again this year. All of the walks in my state are a few hours away and conflict with obligations that are already on my schedule this far in advance. However, I still signed up to walk. Why?

I walk because I have hope. I walk because I have faith. I walk to find a cure for diabetes. Not just Type 2 diabetes, but all types: Type 1, gestational, medically induced, etc. No one should live a life with diabetes. No one deserves it!

Please help us find a cure for diabetes! You could either sponsor me, join my team, or start your own team. My goal is to have ten people on my team, raise $2,500 as a team, $1,000 of which I hope to raise myself. I know this will be a challenge as a virtual team leader, but life is full of challenges. Remember, you can (join the) walk even if you can't (go to the) walk.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Things We Forget (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Visit http://thingsweforget.blogspot.com/ and make your own version of a short memo reminder. Where would you post it?

While flipping through pictures previously posted to my blog, I found this one. It shows that in case of an emergency, take care of yourself before others. It's not to be selfish. Not at all. It's a reminder that if we don't take care of ourselves, we do no good to those around us. Those who depend on us. 

Honestly, this picture speaks to me right now louder than any words. As a wife and mother, I often put my husband and children ahead of myself. However, if I don't take care of myself, how am I going to have the strength to take care of them? If I let my diabetes get out of control, will I serve them better from a wheelchair than if I took the time to exercise to keep healthy? 

I need to post this reminder several places. On the bathroom mirror, so I remember each morning to do something to take care of myself. On the nightstand, so I remember to get a good night sleep. In the kitchen, so I make healthy choices in the foods I eat.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Health Madlib Poem (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Go to: http://languageisavirus.com/cgi-bin/madlibs.pl and fill in the parts of speech and the site will generate a poem for you. Feel free to post the Madlib or edit it to make it better.

I decided to leave my poem as it was generated. It made me laugh and it also baffled me. Hmm, a lot like the ups and downs of diabetes.



sad glucometer's sad glucometer

      I run my cars and all the bicycle reads lamp;
  I read my couchs and all is wonder again.
  (I dream I sleep you up inside my ketchup.)

    The filing cabinets go snoreing out in large and harry,
  And beautiful magazine celebrates in:
  I smile my computer and all the book flys house.

    I cureed that you cryed me into table
  And laugh me happy, typeed me quite enourmous.
  (I dream I sleep you up inside my ketchup.)

    horse hops from the lizard, frog's Diet Cokes dance:
  sneak monkey and mouse's cell phone:
  I smile my computer and all the book flys house.

    I driveed you'd swim the way you hide,
  But I travel complicated and I smile your piano.
  (I dream I sleep you up inside my ketchup.)

    I should have listened a paper instead;
  At least when pen ignores they talk back again.
  I smile my computer and all the book flys house.

  (I dream I sleep you up inside my ketchup.)

    - Sue & Sylvia Plath        

Create Your Own Madlib on LanguageIsAVirus.com

Friday, April 20, 2012

April #DSMA Blog Carnival

This month's DSMA blog carnival prompt: Describe your ideal diabetes “support group”? What would you discuss?

Honestly, my ideal diabetes support group at this point would be *any* local support group. Right now I have absolutely no local support for diabetes. Yes, I have the awesome, amazing DOC. Yes, I have religious support and my parenting support, but no diabetes support. I've heard that there is a diabetes support group that meets on Thursday nights at our local hospital. Unfortunately that conflicts with another support of sorts - my musical support (handbell choir). Bell choir doesn't meet during the summer, but neither does this diabetes group.

What would be my ideal group, if one existed? A group that shared in the ups and downs of diabetes, never telling you that your numbers are "bad", never telling you "You shouldn't eat that!" It would be a loving group that strives at lifting up the other members. A group that you can have on speed dial to call if you needed a pep talk.

It may come down to me starting my own group, if I really want a local group. At this time, the DOC works. ;)

This post is my April entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival.  If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2012/april-dsma-blog-carnival-2/

Miracle Cure? (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Write a news-style article on a miracle cure. What’s the cure? How do you get the cure? Be sure to include a disclaimer. ;)

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional, written for fun, and should not be mistaken for an actual cure.
 -----------------------------------------

Cure For Diabetes Found!

At a press conference earlier today, the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) announced that a cure was found for diabetes.

"This is very exciting news," a spokesperson said, "as the cure is not just for one particular type of diabetes." The researchers report that a cure was found for all types: Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, illness/medication related, etc.

When asked for details about the cure, researchers stated that they happened upon it by accident.

"Previously we thought the cure might be found in the saliva of reptiles. It turns out we were very close. The cure is actually derived from the saliva of amphibians."

Lucky for our friend the frog, the animals must be alive, healthy, and happy for their saliva to provide the components for the miracle diabetes cure. Only one ounce of the serum (a combination of amphibian saliva, tree moss, and Diet Coke) is needed to cure any type of diabetes.

Patients who desire this cure need only contact the DOC. Each dose of cure will cost one dozen cupcakes, sprinkles optional.


Photo credit: Frog cupcakes photo found here.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

My Diner Guest List (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Who are 5 people you’d love to have dinner with (living or deceased) and why?
  1. Mister Rogers -  I've always looked up to him and his gentle, accepting nature. He's an inspiration for the type of parent and teacher I look to be.
  2. John Denver - Hubby and I have enjoyed sharing his music during our courtship. My ringtone for hubby is actually a John Denver song.
  3. Mary, Mother of Jesus - Two of my favorite songs are "Breath of Heaven" and "Mary, Did You Know" - both songs that talk about the birth of Jesus from his mother's point of view. How was it to raise our Savior?
  4. My maternal grandmother, Beulah - I never had the opportunity to meet her. She was a beautiful woman, and I would love to get to know her.
  5. The DOC - What? Are you saying I can't lump the diabetes online community (DOC) into one person? Well, this is my blog and I couldn't think of anyone else at the moment, so I decided to get creative. The DOC is my main support system while dealing with diabetes, so I'd like to invite them all over for dinner!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Open a (Board?) Book (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Choose a book and open it to a random page and point to a phrase. Use that phrase to get you writing today. Free write for 15-20 without stopping.

Since I wanted the book to be random as well, I had my youngest (seven years old) pick out the book. She giggled when I told her what her assignment was, so I knew she'd find something fun. She found something fun and extremely challenging to write about.

She found That's Not My Bear from Usborne Books. (We don't get rid of books usually. They come in handy when we have young visitors.) The page she picked for me to write about says, "That's not my bear. Its tongue is too scratchy."

Now how am I supposed to write about that??? Can I somehow work with this to relate to my medical condition? I'm up for the challenge!

"That's not my bear. Its tongue is too scratchy." How about: That's not my diabetes. Its complications are too scary. Or maybe: That's not my diabetes. Its roller coaster is too all over the place.

Yes, it would be so nice to say, "That's not my diabetes." I would love to just dismiss it. Brushing it off would be easier than dealing with the facts. Easier than the fear of complications.

Of course I could also follow the thought of what is my path. Afterall in this book the mouse is trying to find its bear. "That's not my path. It's not where I'm meant to go." At the end of the book, the mouse finds its bear. "There's my path. It's right where I belong."

(Normally 15-20 minutes of writing would give a lot more text, but this topic took much more thought than originally anticipated. Many pauses due to writer's block.)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Learning the Hard Way (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: What’s a lesson you learned the hard way? Write about it for 15 today.

Unfortunately, I sometimes need to learn things the hard way. Some are funny, like making sure I always carried an extra outfit for my newborn baby. Others are more life threatening, like becoming dehydrated while pregnant with my second child. Of course I've also had to learn some lessons about my diabetes management.

Like many PWD (people with diabetes), I've gone through periods of denial. Do I really have diabetes? I don't feel sick. I can eat this whole bag of candy without any problems. What do you mean my blood glucose is 256? Kids, take this candy from Mom. *sigh*

Maybe it's because I'm diet and exercise controlled (no oral or injected meds) that I sometimes "forget" about my diabetes. It isn't always staring me in the face like other PWDs. However that doesn't mean I should be less conscious of my disease. My glucose levels still go high like any other PWD. It also can go low very quickly.

The need for exercise is also a hard lesson to learn. When I was first diagnosed, hubby and I had already made a commitment to take care of our health and start exercising on a regular basis. We were going to the gym on a regular basis, feeling great about it. I was never athletic growing up, so this was something new for me. I was actually enjoying exercise. Then I started subbing. It now feels near impossible to find time to exercise. As a result, I've gained some weight and don't feel as energetic.

This blog post has helped me realize two things: I need to take more control over my diabetes, and I need to get exercise back into my life in order to get that control.

Monday, April 16, 2012

My Pinboard (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Create a pinterest board for your health focus. Pin 3 things. What did you pin? Share the images in a post and explain why you chose them.

I've been part of Pinterest for a while now but haven't had the chance to figure it out. Today's prompt gave me the opportunity to at least get a few things pinned.



I picked this image because I am participating in the ADA's Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes as a virtual walker. I am unable to attend due to distance and family obligations, but that doesn't make my desire to raise funds any less. Actually my goal is higher this year! I am hoping to raise $1,000 myself and get together a team to help raise $2,500. If you would like to sponsor me or join my team, please click here.



I was so happy to be able to submit my own video to the You Can Do This Project which allows PWD (people with diabetes) to share the ups and downs of diabetes. Even though diabetes sucks, you can still take control. My video submission can be found here.


Source: wddpe.com via Sue on Pinterest

For me, finding others with diabetes is important so I don't feel so alone. I really like the World Diabetes Day postcard exchange where I can celebrate WDD with another PWD.

I hope I did ok with my first few pins and sharing them. Thanks for allowing me to start. Hopefully there will be many more pins from me to come!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Writing with Style (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: What’s your writing style? Do words just flow from your mind to your fingertips? Do you like handwriting first? Do you plan your posts? Title first or last? Where do you write best?

My typical writing style is to think of a topic and just ramble, hence my blog's title, RFamHere's Ramblings. Sometimes I write by hand first, taking advantage of down time when I may have paper and pen but no computer. Rarely do I plan ahead. Quite often I will start with a title, changing it only if my ramblings make it irrelevant. There isn't really a place I write best, rather a time. When all is quiet. When the kids are in bed or playing outside. When chaos is at a low and peace is present.  Of course I don't always find myself in an ideal blogging environment, but I do my best with what I have.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

My Dream Day (#HAWMC)

Today's Wego prompt: Describe your ideal day. How would you spend your time? Who would you spend it with? Have you had this day? If not – how could you make it happen?

I actually had a dream day last month. It started off a little sad, visiting our dog, Mira, at the vet. We made the most of it, walking there as a family. Our visit was great, seeing how our pup had improved.  After our visit, my hubby suggested a walk to the nearby park. The older two (high school and college age) were given the choice to go home or join us. Hubby and I were mother surprised that they decided to come with us to the park. We spent about an hour at the park - all seven of us! It was such a fun time!

Honestly, the rest of the day is a blur, but I do recall going to bed that night feeling content. We had an amazing family day!

The activities weren't what made it my dream day. Spending time with my hubby and all five of our children, enjoying each other's company, little to no arguments - that's what made it my dream day. I look forward to many more to come!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Top 10 List (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: 10 Things I Couldn’t Live Without. Write a list of the 10 things you need (or love) most.

I decided that I'm just going to list the ten without explanation of each. Maybe I'll save the explanation for another blog post.
  1. My family
  2. My faith
  3. My church family
  4. My community
  5. Small town living
  6. Teaching
  7. My pets
  8. Snickers
  9. Diet Coke
  10. My glucose meter

Image credit: Top 10 picture found here.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Stream of Consciousness (#HAWMC)

Today's Wego prompt: Stream of Consciousness Day. Start with the sentence “This morning I looked in the mirror...” just write, don’t stop, don’t edit. Post!

This morning I looked in the mirror and I saw a woman who is more confident today than she was 20 yrs ago.  I didn't see "a woman with diabetes." I saw someone who has grown in confidence as she helps her children do the same. I saw a woman who is proud of her accomplishments, but still has more to do. A woman who is sometimes, far too often, unsure of herself. A woman who surprises herself when she takes those leaps of faith. Am I proud of that woman I saw in the mirror this morning even with all of her imperfections? You bet!


Image credits: Today's picture was found here.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Theme Song (#HAWMC)

Today's Wego prompt: Theme song. Imagine your health focus or blog is getting its own theme song. What would the lyrics be? What type of music would it be played to?

Wow, this is a hard one.  I can think of some songs already in existence that make me think of diabetes. "Sugar Sugar," "Pour Some Sugar on Me," and "I Like Candy" all go with the stereotypical approach to diabetes. However, one of my goals is to dissolve stereotypes.

I'm not good at coming up with my own song lyrics, but I can think of a few songs that I would dedicate to PWDs (people with diabetes). Some of those songs are:
  • We Are the Champions
  • We're Not As Strong As We Think We Are
  • Blue Suede Shoes
  • Friends
  • It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To
  • We Shall Overcome
 Anything inspirational that lets others know that they are not alone would work. Country, rock, classical, and folk - all of those would work as well. Sometimes the type of music needs to adapt to the situation. Just like no two people have the same management, each person's theme song is different. And that song can change at any time, without warning.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Dear 16 year old me (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Write a letter to yourself at age 16. What would you tell yourself? What would you make your younger self aware of?

Dear 16 year old me,

Wow! It's hard to believe how many years have gone by since I turned 16 years old. There are so many things I'd like to tell you, but that would ruin the awesome surprises you have in store.

I will give you one clue. There's a special guy you'll start dating next month (ditch the one at your birthday party!). Your instinct about the new guy is spot on. He's an awesome person and loves you more than life itself. Follow your dreams and allow him to do the same. Be honest with each other, even if it hurts a bit. Being true to yourselves will help your love grow stronger, not pull you apart.

Take care of yourself. I know you're super-thin now and don't think exercise is important (just the idea makes you shudder), but taking care of your body isn't just about weight. Yes, you'll put on some pounds as you grow older (not a bad thing, bean pole!). Even though obesity isn't an issue, exercise is. You already know that diabetes runs in your family. Although exercising won't prevent you from becoming diabetic, it will make it easier to manage.

Love yourself, be good to yourself, and take care of yourself. Learn to enjoy exercise. It will make taking care of those five kids less tiring. Oops, did I just spill the beans? ;)

Love,
An Older You

Monday, April 9, 2012

Keep Calm and Wear Blue (#HAWMC)

Today's Wego prompt: Keep calm and carry on. Write (and create) your own Keep Calm and Carry On poster. Can you make it about your condition? Then go to
(http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/) and actually make an image to post to your blog.

Last fall, I had the honor of being in an awesome video, asking people to wear blue on Fridays for diabetes awareness.  In honor of Blue Fridays, I decided to make this "Keep Calm" poster:



Sunday, April 8, 2012

Best Conversation of the Week (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Best conversation I had this week. Try writing script-style (or with dialogue) today to recap an awesome conversation you had this week.

I haven't had any memorable conversations this week, but there is one communication that really touched me. It was a letter my 10 yr old wrote to the Easter bunny. She started off asking for things - jewelry, candy, hair accessories, etc.  It was the ending of her letter (that she doesn't know I read) that surprised me.

She said, "You should give my mom something for all she does. Sometimes I get kind of angry at her, but I get over it."

Those words would bring tears to the eyes of any mother!  (Yes, I cried!) All of my children make me proud, but special moments like that make the tough times all worth it. Although it wasn't a conversation I had, those words mean so much to me!  Wishing everyone a blessed Easter full of wonderful surprises!


Image credit: Easter Bunny picture found here.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Meet Laverne (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Health Activist Choice! Write about what you want today. (Maybe try a bonus prompt!)

Since today's prompt is whatever I want to write and it's getting late, I'll write about my latest critter, Laverne.

Laverne is a gargoyle gecko, named after the female gargoyle in Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Of course when I talk about Laverne, everyone asks about Shirley. Sorry, wrong reference.

I saw her yesterday at the family-owned pet store I frequent. She is just plain adorable! I had to get her! (Gender is yet to be determined. If in fact she is a he, the name will change to Hugo, one of the other gargoyles in the same movie.) So I did the responsible thing... I told my pet shop lady to put the gecko on hold for a couple days so I could discuss it with hubby and get her new habitat ready.

It didn't take long. Yesterday afternoon I started cleaning out our two recently vacated habitats (anole and tree frog both died of old age). I was back there this morning, less than 24 hrs later, after our morning soccer games. She's so much fun! A little critter that I can hold. She is tame enough that I can let her climb on me. Yes, I love things that are different. I also picked up two fire bellied toads while I was there today (pictures later). We've had these before, so it was something easy to fill my other habitat.

I'm looking forward to lots of time with Laverne and the fire-bellied toads, named by my youngest two Camouflage and Leafy.



Photo credit: Disney's Laverne was found here.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Health Haiku (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Write a haiku about your health focus. 5 syllables/7 syllables/5 syllables. Write as many as you like.

Diabetes sucks!
Highs and lows and in between
Yes, it really sucks!

I got the 'betes
Can I give it back now please?
I want a cure now.

None of this is fun
Like Type 2 diabetes
Let us find a cure

Yes, you can do this
P.W.D. and awesomesauce
The D.O.C. rocks


Image credit: The Haiku image was found here.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Ekphrasis Post (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Go to flickr.com/explore and write a post inspired by the image. Can you link it to your health focus? Don’t forget to post the image!

Her only view of the world...
This picture is entitled "Her only view of the world..." (photographer here) The image, along with the title, reminds me of the song "Bed by the Window" by Tony Melendez.

In this song we're introduced to two elderly men residing in a nursing home. One has his bed by the window, telling stories every day to his friend who doesn't have the view. When the man by the window passes, his friend is honored to take his place. Excited to see the sights his friend has talked about, he discovers that the view is not of a city park but a plain brick wall. Not to be discouraged, he then shares the same wonderful stories with his new roommate.

As a PWD (person with diabetes), I sometimes feel that I'm looking at a brick wall. A dead end of sorts. It's hard to realize that there's something beyond that wall. Sometimes it feels hopeless. But like the man in the bed by the window, our attitude and desire to help others can make even a plain brick wall a wonderful opportunity. We venture out beyond our own self-pity (brick wall) and focus on the silver lining. Yes, I believe that every negative situation has a blessing waiting to spring forth from it. Being diagnosed with diabetes has blessed me with many online friends that I would not have met otherwise. It has also allowed me to be a voice, to educate people about Type 2 diabetes and dispel myths.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I write about my health because... (#HAWMC)


Today's WEGO prompt: Reflect on why you write about your health for 15-20 minutes without stopping.

I've written before about why I advocate for diabetes, but I can't remember if I've actually written about why I blog (not going to waste my 15-20 min looking through my past posts to find out, feel free if you'd like to).

Shortly after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I started searching the internet. I've researched diabetes before, but that was as someone with gestational diabetes.  Gestational diabetes is a "temporary" condition, insulin resistance brought on by pregnancy. It's very serious as it can affect both mother and child, but I didn't put as much investment into the information gathering since I knew I'd be done with it once my child was born. In my search for information, I also wanted to explore the personal side, not just the information and research side. Blogs were my best bet for what I was looking for then. Unfortunately I wasn't having much luck finding blogs written by Type 2 diabetics in their 30s who were a healthy weight or only slightly overweight.

Then I found Kerri's original blog. (link is to current blog) Kerri is person with Type 1 diabetes, but she was still a great influence to me. In one of her entries she stated that she was only able to find six blogs written by PWDs (people with diabetes). That is the reason for the title of her blog, "Six Until Me." She decided to start her own blog, hoping that by sharing her own experience not only would she help someone else but also gather information for her own diabetes management.

That's it, I decided! If I was having trouble finding other non-stereotypical PWDs, maybe there were others out there trying to find someone like them as well. I wasn't very creative in naming my blog, RFamHere's Ramblings. Since I have the user name RFamHere many places (go ahead and Google, I'll wait...) and I love alliteration (yeah, you can Google that, too), RFamHere's Ramblings was born!

My blog is small and not very well-known, but that doesn't stop me from sharing. I will continue to share my ramblings on my blog, even if just for myself. It's a great outlet when I need to just "talk." It allows me creative expression. It allows me to have a voice that may someday be heard. It may be quiet, but sometimes all that is needed is a small voice in the silence.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Superpower Day (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: If you had a superpower – what would it be? How would you use it?


This is a tough one. Right up there with, "If you found the genie's lamp, what would be your three wishes?" Would I want a traditional superpower: flying, x-ray vision, or super-human strength? Or would I want something non-traditional: the ability to feed and house the poor or the power to heal?


As a PWD (person with diabetes), the temptation is there to say the power to heal. How amazing would it be to rid the world of all illness and pain! Afterall, none of us likes to see anyone sick or hurting, even those we don't like. (Admit it, deep down!) But honestly, I don't know if I would want to do this. I've seen amazing things happen when people come together for a common cause. Many people take the pain of illness and turn it into advocacy. They seek out others with the same passion. Together they do amazing things! Thanks to diabetes, I have met some amazing people. It's because of this terrible, nasty chronic illness that I have taken to blogging and diabetes advocacy.


Compassion? If everyone was compassionate, we would lose those with the skills to teach others how to show compassion. Communication in different languages? I've seen first hand what happens with children who speak different languages try to communicate. Through their attempt to communicate, they learn compassion and build friendships.


How about the more traditional superpowers?  Flying? I'm afraid of heights. X-ray vision? I'm not sure if I'd want to see what's behind every closed door or around every corner. Super-human strength? I'd just like normal human strength in my hands and wrists.


Do I really have to chose one? Can I say "Thaks, but no thanks"? No? *sigh* Ok, let's see...

I would say the power of speed. Sometimes I need to do things really fast (like laundry or dishes) so I can do the things I enjoy (spending time with hubby and kids). I would need to resist the temptation to rush too much of life instead of just relaxing and letting things move at their own pace. 

Each of us has own own superpower if you think about it. For me, I think that's the power to take care of my five children while still appearing to have it all together.



Image credit: The Superman image was found here.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Quotation Inspiration (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Find a quote that inspires you (either positively or negatively) and free write about it for 15 minutes. 

No particular quote was coming to mind, so I searched the internet. I found a website called Inspirational Quotes, which lead me to the following quote:
Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it.  
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Setting timer... now...

There are so many areas of my life that I find littered with doubts and fears. Sometimes it can be almost paralyzing. Since this blog's focus is diabetes, I'm going to first address that area of my life. If time allows, I will then consider exploring other areas as well (though I might wind up on a tangent in that direction anyway..).

My biggest fear with diabetes circles around the possible complications and how they would affect my family. Loss of limb, loss of sight, loss of life. They're all very, very real and all very, very scary. As I've mentioned in the past, my grandfather lost both of his legs to diabetes. This possibility scares me! My mother also has Type 2 diabetes, and I'm scared for her. I'm scared that she may also develop complications as a result of diabetes. Thankfully she leads a pretty active lifestyle, though like most women puts the health concerns of those she loves above her own. She's a very loving person, but sometimes I'm afraid for her.

My doubts about diabetes come from two sides. Sometimes I doubt I actually have diabetes. I don't take medication (orally or injections) nor do I feel sick. Afterall, if you have a chronic condition, shouldn't you feel like you do? I also have doubts about my own diabetes management. Am I doing this right? Could I be doing this better?

Those fears and doubts sometimes far too often prevent me from moving forward. The above quote reminds me to "spend yourself on the work before you." The work I have before me is diabetes advocacy. If I'm focused on my doubts and fears, how can I properly advocate? How can I focus on helping others manage their diabetes, educate society, and fight for a cure if I'm all wrapped up in my little self-pity party?

Look toward the prize. Instead of focusing on what life would be like with the worst-case scenario, let me focus on what life could be like if I focus on my calling. What would it be like if everyone knew just a little more about diabetes? What would life be like if I gave encouragement to just one PWD (person with diabetes)? What would life be like if we had a cure?

My timer just went off, so I'll have to think about posting more about this quote another time. I'm looking forward to what the others have to say on this "Quotation Inspiration" topic.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Health Time Capsule (#HAWMC)

Today's WEGO prompt: Pretend you’re making a time capsule of you & your health focus that won’t be opened until 2112. What’s in it? What would people think of it when they found it?

Since my health focus is Type 2 diabetes, my time capsule would contain some obvious items: my glucose meter, test strips, lancing device, maybe even some glucose tablets. I might also include copies of some of my blog postings, sharing the emotional/human/non-medical side of living with diabetes. 

I pray that by 2112 there will be a cure for diabetes (all types!), so those who open my time capsule would have no personal experience with diabetes of any type. It would be something they only read about. Having the supplies preserved (hopefully) and the personal accounts hopefully gives these people of the future an account that would truly help them realize how difficult it is to live with diabetes. How hard it can be to live with a chronic condition where you don't look sick. When you deal with others telling you what you should or should not eat. How frustrating it can be to try to do right with obstacles around every corner.

However I also would like them to find hope in my time capsule. The hope in people dedicated to a common cause. I pray that the people of 2112 continue to have hope for their own cause and experience the beauty of advocacy.



Image credit: Time capsule image found here.