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/

Wordless Wednesday

"Fall" by Clay Walker. I heard this song on the radio yesterday and it really touched my heart. Sometimes we need someone to be our rock, but even the rock needs to lean on someone every once in a while.

Search Terms?

Just for fun, I decided to see what the last 100 searches were that lead people to my blog. Considering this is primarily a diabetes-related blog, many of these search terms I found hilarious.


03:38:59 PM November 23 2011 to 01:47:12 PM January 1 2012

9 Visits - brownie cheesecake
4 Visits - brownie cheesecake recipe
4 Visits - ok smile
2 Visits - candy corn
2 Visits - chocolate brownie cheesecake
2 Visits - chocolate brownie cheesecake recipe
2 Visits - dental goodie bags
2 Visits - diabetes expo freestyle lite
1 Visit - 30 days of thankful
1 Visit - BROWNIE – CHEESECAKE
1 Visit - church bell choir
1 Visit - corn chips bother my stomach
1 Visit - corn chips hurt my stomach
1 Visit - french fries and head aches
1 Visit - headaches and french fries
1 Visit - i am engrossed in a book
1 Visit - I CAN DO THIS
1 Visit - medicated filling fall out
1 Visit - site:.blogspot.com/2011 "post a comment" type 2 diabetes (This search resulted in a spam comment which was deleted)
1 Visit - smile fight feel
1 Visit - someone smiling and putting their thumb up
1 Visit - sugar induced mood swings
1 Visit - thumbs ok
1 Visit - thumbs up nutrition happy
1 Visit - thumbs up smile
1 Visit - what's it like to have diabetes

Image above found here.

DSMA Blog Carnival: Why?

December DSMA Blog Carnival: We were told to take a question from the chats throughout November. I took my question from November 2, 2011:
Q1. Why do you advocate for diabetes or people living with diabetes?

As I contemplate my answer, I'm listening to some CDs I received as a Christmas present. Rich Mullins was a man inspired by God who shared the Gospel through his music. During my college years, his music helped me to find direction and purpose. I went to two of his concerts, even having the opportunity to meet him in person before one performance.  I find it fitting that I am listening to his music now as I think over another "why."  "Why do I advocate for diabetes or people living with diabetes?"

I've mentioned before that I feel that there is a reason I have diabetes. Each of us has a purpose in life. I honestly feel that God has lead me to help others in various aspects of my life. I feel called to be a wife, a life partner to my husband. I feel called to be a mother, raising my precious children into adulthood. I feel called to work as a substitute teacher, being there when the regular teacher can't and working with the students. Yes, I even feel called to be a person with diabetes, to reach out to other PWDs and help raise awareness and educate the general public.

This is probably a good time for a confession. Part of my desire to become an advocate is selfish. I know that I can't do this alone. I can't handle the highs and lows alone. The fear of complications paralyzes me at times. It scares me beyond words.  Diabetes is frightening. It's not a game, not a badge to show off. Diabetes caused my grandfather to lose both of his legs.  Diabetes kills. I don't just advocate and fight for others. I advocate and fight for me! I got involved in the DOC for me, to feel less alone. I started blogging to try to find other PWDs. Thankfully I've found that by working to help others, I am able to better deal with my own condition.

In the words of this Rich Mullins song, "We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are." We can't do this on our own; we need each other.



The cross above was found here with blue added to the circle by me to represent the DOC and WDD.


This post is my December entry in the DSMA Blog Carnival.  If you’d like to participate too, you can get all of the information at http://diabetessocmed.com/2011/december-dsma-blog-carnival/

Here comes the New Year!

 
Once the wrapping paper mess from Christmas is cleaned up, the focus shifts from the birth of Christ to New Year's Day and the dreaded New Year's resolutions.  In the same breath as "Happy New Year!" you're bound to be asked if you have any plans for the New Year.  Do you make resolutions? What are they?

I could go on and on about how I want to lose 10 lbs, save money, get more organized, eat better.  There are even articles that tell you how to make realistic New Year's resolutions. Since when have I followed the norm?  Why should I make the typical resolution when I can do something more?  Something that not only helps me, but the whole diabetes community in general.


I have decided that 2012 is going to be my advocacy year.  A year where I get my hands dirty in the mess of what it means to be an advocate for a cause.  I have started on a small scale, but I want others to know where I stand.  I haven't decided yet what exact direction I will be headed, but I do know that I want to make a big splash. I want to educate others, raise awareness, raise funds, and help find a cure.  I want to help supply medical equipment and medications to those who can't afford it. I want to educate the newly diagnosed. I want to help prevent unnecessary complications. I want to make a difference!


Finding someone to join me on this journey is both easy and difficult at the same time. Asking someone for help is the hard part.  There are bound to be plenty of people willing to help, if someone would just ask. Over the next few days, I hope to start a plan of action. I need to figure out what I am called to do. I need to start off small, not to jump in too fast, as not to get overwhelmed and burn out. 


What's going to change in 2012? I'm not going to just sit back with a passive approach to diabetes advocacy and awareness. I am going to work harder to get the message out. I am going to work harder at raising funds. I am going to work harder at being a true advocate. What is going to be awesome about 2012? Everything!


This post is part of the blog carnival on expectations for 2012 at ChronicBabe.com 

Hubby and I, Stuck Like Glue

Hubby and I started dating almost 26 years ago while we were both still in high school.  We got married a little over 19 yrs ago, the summer after I graduated from college.  Our first child was born 10.5 months later.  We've been through a lot, but we're still together, still very much in love.  We both have found the Sugarland song, "Stuck Like Glue," to be a song that brings us together, helping us to focus on our feelings for each other.  We've celebrated many Christmas seasons together.  Here's looking forward to many more!

Holiday Pig-Out

November and December are two of my favorite months for one reason - holidays! Thanksgiving brings me great joy as we discuss with the kids how thankful we are. They realize how fortunate we are as we discuss what others do without. My heart fills with joy and pride as they do things to help others.

The season of Advent is filled with anticipation as we celebrate the coming of the baby Jesus. Yes, I have to admit that the children are also excited about Santa Claus. I enjoy decorating the house and listening to Christmas music. This time is also full of reflection and meditation. As a mother, how would I feel in Mary's place? What does the birth of the Messiah mean to me?

Christmas Eve and Christmas are filled with wonder and surprise. Our church's candlelight Christmas Eve service full of lessons and carols will no doubt put a tear in my eye. The anticipation before bed and the excitement of Christmas morning brings out the child in all of us.

As a PWD (person with diabetes), the holidays also have a negative side - all the yummy carb-filled goodies! Cookies, candy, cakes, breads, potatoes - YUM! The lessons of these holidays can also be used to help with the moderation needed to keep glucose levels in check.

Thanksgiving - Being thankful for what I have helps me through this holiday. I am thankful for my medical team. My doctor listens to me and helps me work through my concerns. He also knows that I take the time to educate myself, not accepting things blindly and taking a proactive approach to my health.

Advent - Waiting. Sometimes I need to wait for that piece of cake until my glucose level comes down or wait until after a brisk walk. On the other side, I may need to wait until my glucose levels come up to drive somewhere.

Christmas - The season of giving. I may give someone part of my treats to avoid overindulgence or give myself a nice big salad to counteract the mashed potatoes that call to me. Giving another PWD encouragement that they can get through the holidays complication-free.

PWDs: As we continue through the holiday season, as we face temptation wherever we go, remember these three words: Moderation, not deprivation.

And to the Type Awesomes out there, the ones who support us, please take note of Mike's video as a guide of how to eat with a PWD: