I did it! #gradschoolmama now #mastersmama

On May 15th, I received a Master of Science in Education with a major in Reading. This was after three years of hard work, lots of tears, and many sleepless nights. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of myself!

My family has been my biggest cheerleaders during this time. Their understanding, support, and encouragement kept me going when I wanted to give up. They told me that I was capable when I felt like I was going to fail. I honestly didn't know how I was going to make it through this last semester. With their love and gentle shoves to keep going, I not only graduated, but I did so with straight As! Yes, I earned every point of that 4.0 GPA!

The DOC (diabetes online community) has been a constant support during this time as well. I found out that the hashtag #youcandothis is not just relevant to diabetes management, but all parts of my life. When I felt discouraged, I knew that there were others facing obstacles, too. Many were far more challenging. If they could do it, so could I.

What's next? For starters, this summer will be dedicated to my family. I will not be taking classes or tutoring. We will be hanging out, gardening, reading, and just relaxing together. Of course I will be attending MasterLab in July, but they're understanding and supportive of my diabetes advocacy work. In August I will be setting up my classroom for the year, something I'm looking forward to doing (and some of my kids have asked to help).  I have decided that I will wait a year before even considering the idea of taking anymore graduate level classes. I'm not sure what I want to do next, but for now I'm going to enjoy where I am.

My blog has also been neglected, so I plan to start posting again on a more regular basis. Stay tuned!

Diabetes Burnout (#HAWMC)

Please please please... 
I still need more guesses for my Misinformation post. Click here to read it and guess!

Today's WEGO prompt: (There were two prompts)
1- Write about burnout. What does it feel like? What are your burnout triggers?
2- What gets you OUT of the pit of despair when nothing is going your way?

During this month, many of the prompts list two options.  I pick the one that inspires me.  However, for today's prompt, I feel one leads into the other.  I don't feel it's fair to talk about burnout without also talking about what helps me out of it.

I will admit that I fall victim to burnout quite often.  I get tired of watching carbs. I get tired of exercising. I get tired of being "Super Diabetic."  I already play the role of "Super Mom" so wearing two capes weighs me down.

When I experience burnout, I just want to sit around, feeling sorry for myself.  I want to eat as much thick crust pizza as possible without throwing up.  I want an large chocolate shake.  Too often, I pretend like diabetes doesn't exist.  Yes, it scares me when I think what I'm doing sometimes.  For example, I just ate two servings of mashed potatoes for dinner.  Yes, I regret it.  Yes, I'm beating myself up about it!

What can I do about it once it's done though?  What's done is done.  Is there really a point of beating myself up over something I can't undo?  (Well, not without being accused of having an eating disorder.)  All I can do is pull myself up by my bootstraps and move on.

How do I get the motivation to move on?  Sometimes through my family.  My hubby is great and very encouraging. However, often it's nice to talk to someone who has been there.  Quite often I'll lean on members of the DOC (diabetes online community).  Usually I'll post on Facebook or Twitter asking for some support.  Sometimes I'll write on my blog.  Even if no one replies, getting it out helps a lot.  Sometimes I'll go to the Y and walk around the track or walk on the treadmill.  Drinking a glass of water or a Diet Coke also helps (water is always the healthier option!).

The most important part of burnout, regardless of condition or situation, is realizing you're not alone, even if it feels that way.  Everyone goes through burnout.  EVERYONE!  Keeping that in mind, remember that "You can do this!"

Another Dental Check-up

It's been six months since my last cleaning, which meant it was time for another. I still need to get a root canal done on tooth #14, but that involves a drive out of town and coordinating with hubby's schedule.

I was so proud to find out that I have no new cavities!  WOOT! However I do need to have a 25+ yr old filling replaced. That doesn't count, no matter what my cousin likes to tease. No new cavities is considered a cavity-free appointment.  Replacing an old filling (notice I said the filling was old, not me) does not count as a newly diagnosed cavity, so there!

I will be getting the replacement filling next week and already have my next cleaning scheduled. Going to the dentist can be scary, but not taking care of myself is scarier! Remember, you can do this!

January DSMA Blog Carnival

This month's question: What is the one thing you are looking forward to in 2012? (diabetes related)

One thing? I'm limited to one thing??? There are so many things I'm looking forward to: advocacy, learning more about research, educating others, raising money, etc.

In 2012, I'm most looking forward to getting more involved with the diabetes online community (DOC). I feel the need to blog more. (Already a poor start for January, but I feel that will change.) I would really like to meet members of the DOC in person. I feel a strong connection with many, but feel that bond would become stronger if I was able to meet these people in real life.

I'm a social person by nature. I need people. I need to be surrounded by people who care. Care about me, my life, my family, and how I am. I've lived in communities where I wasn't even known by my neighbors. Maybe by sight, but no one made an effort to even know my first name or to strike up a conversation. Thankfully our time there was short-lived. We now live in a town where I'm always running into people I know. It's rare to go to the grocery store and not see someone I know. Even if they don't know my name, they recognize me and make a point to say hello. Even many of the cashiers know something about me; enough for some friendly greeting like, "How are the kids?" Our church home is truly a home, filled with "family" that would be at our door if needed with just a moment's notice.

The one aspect that I don't have much face-to-face support is diabetes. Sure, there are plenty of people in my town with diabetes, but I just haven't found a support network here yet. The DOC fills that void. If I post on Twitter that my glucose levels are off or I'm just feeling down about diabetes, I am quickly reminded of the wonderful support the DOC offers. I also feel the need to return the support. I try to stay positive in my postings, encouraging others. But honestly, there are times where I do admit that diabetes sucks. It is a major thorn in my side.  However, I also know that I can beat this thing. The "You Can Do This" project and "Blue Fridays" have been two projects that I got involved in that really helped lift me up.

Looking forward to what 2012 brings!

This post is my January 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/january-dsma-blog-carnival/

Yet another trip to the denist (vlog)

After taking part in the You Can Do This project, I started thinking of other parts of my life that sometimes get ignored or make me feel overwhelmed.  The dentist was pretty high up on that list.  I'm great at getting my kids to the dentist twice per year, but I hadn't gone in quite a while.  People with diabetes need to be on top of their dental health just as much as watching blood sugar levels and going to the eye doctor.  I finally said enough is enough and I've been going to the dentist on a pretty regular basis to get all the work done (thankfully, not as much as I was expecting). I am proud to say that I am almost done and it hasn't been that bad.  I found a dentist with a wonderful staff that I really like.  To me, bedside manners are as important (if not more) than qualifications. Here's a short video that I made after this morning's appointment.  You'll be happy to know my face is no longer numb and I was able to eat lunch without much issue.  However, I think it's now time for a nap.

30 Days of Thankful - Day 26

I am thankful for the month of November and Diabetes Awareness Month.  I am thankful for Blue Fridays. I am thankful for the IDF and World Diabetes Day.  I am thankful for the American Diabetes Association and Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes.  I am thankful for the Big Blue Test.  I am thankful for the You Can Do This project. I am thankful for anyone who is a Type Awesome.  I am thankful for the DOC. 

Most of all, I am thankful for LIFE!  Thank you, God, for granting me the opportunity to be part of your wonderful creation!

After the dentist vlog (funny!)

I took this video yesterday after getting home from the dentist.  Since my filling fell out a month ago, the dentist went ahead and cleaned out the tooth and put in a temporary medicated filling.  I found my speech so funny with a numb face, I couldn't help by share it!

You Can Do This project - My contribution

I finally put together my video for the You Can Do This project.  I was debating about doing this as a video or blog post since I usually don't put my face on the internet.  However I felt called to make a video.

 (I misspoke at one point.  At around 0:55 I accidentally said the chances of me not being diabetic was very high.  I meant to say very low, but felt I should leave the video alone.  Yes, I started crying a little before 2:30. I didn't leave that in to make anyone feel bad for me, but to show the human emotion of this disease.)