Hubby and I have made a goal. On Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, and Saturday, we will go to the Y to work out together. We both have medical conditions that make daily exercise an important need in our lives. (High blood pressure for him, diabetes for me.) So far so good! We worked out last week according to our schedule, even on Saturday when I *really* wanted to sleep in. My fasting glucose levels have been back into the 120s. Not yet where I want them, but much better.
As a side-effect, though, I've been very tired. This happened before when I started working out on a regular basis until my body got used to it. On Saturday night, I was wanting to go to bed at 7 pm. I told myself I'd try to make it until at least 8:30 pm. At 8:45 pm, I finally gave in and went to sleep. It's 8:30 pm right now and I'd really like to go to bed. I didn't work out today, but I really did work. Substitute teaching in a four year old Pre-K classroom then working at Y in the nursery. Both very satisfying jobs, but not leaving a lot left at the end of the day.
What type of exercise do you like? I heard it said once that the best type of exercise for a diabetic is whatever he/she will do. If you enjoy walking, that's for you. If you enjoy swimming, do that. I enjoy walking on the treadmill or track. I also enjoy water aerobics. However, I don't enjoy the stationary bike. Do what you enjoy and the benefits will show!
Ramblings of a mother of five, wife of one, and Type 2 diabetic. (formerly known as RFamHere's Ramblings)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Attack!
This morning, I was reading online about someone's morning fasting reading. Her reading was 88 mg/dL.
Awesome! That inspired me to check my fasting glucose. 140 mg/dL. Hmm, not so good. Yes, for some that's a good reading. However, as I've mentioned many times, my goal is non-diabetic numbers. I want my fasting under 100 mg/dL.
Thankfully I've been able to keep my weight under control with my diet. It's been pretty steady, only fluctuating a couple pounds now and then. Overall I have been happy with my weight. However, my glucose levels haven't been to my liking. Yes, I know for many Type 2s, my numbers would probably be ok. Most of the time my glucose levels are "acceptable." However, they're not where I want them. What's missing? Exercise!
Since I started substitute teaching (which is basically a full-time job), I have not had the time... scratch that... made the time to exercise. Yes, I walk a lot, going from one side of the school to another, but I haven't kept up with a good exercise plan. Hubby and I talked this weekend and we have a plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays we'll work out as soon as he gets off work as well as Saturday mornings before our family really gets moving. Our schedules for Mondays and Wednesdays really don't match to work out together, so those two days we'll do our own thing. Sundays are a day of rest, though we do like going for walks if the weather cooperates.
Today is President's Day. My children have the day off from school today. My plan? Take hubby to work, drop off #3 for her Girl Scout day trip, then head to the gym. The treadmill and I have a date this morning.
Awesome! That inspired me to check my fasting glucose. 140 mg/dL. Hmm, not so good. Yes, for some that's a good reading. However, as I've mentioned many times, my goal is non-diabetic numbers. I want my fasting under 100 mg/dL.
Thankfully I've been able to keep my weight under control with my diet. It's been pretty steady, only fluctuating a couple pounds now and then. Overall I have been happy with my weight. However, my glucose levels haven't been to my liking. Yes, I know for many Type 2s, my numbers would probably be ok. Most of the time my glucose levels are "acceptable." However, they're not where I want them. What's missing? Exercise!
Since I started substitute teaching (which is basically a full-time job), I have not had the time... scratch that... made the time to exercise. Yes, I walk a lot, going from one side of the school to another, but I haven't kept up with a good exercise plan. Hubby and I talked this weekend and we have a plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays we'll work out as soon as he gets off work as well as Saturday mornings before our family really gets moving. Our schedules for Mondays and Wednesdays really don't match to work out together, so those two days we'll do our own thing. Sundays are a day of rest, though we do like going for walks if the weather cooperates.
Today is President's Day. My children have the day off from school today. My plan? Take hubby to work, drop off #3 for her Girl Scout day trip, then head to the gym. The treadmill and I have a date this morning.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sick again
It's that time of year. Time for three snow days in a week. Time for sniffles. Time for crazy glucose levels.
On Monday night, I sneezed about five or six times in a row. While that might be normal for some, for me that usually is followed by one doozy of a cold. This time was no different. Tuesday afternoon I woke up with the sniffles. Not that big of a deal. I subbed with an eye on where the boxes of tissue were at all times. By the time I got home, I was done. Around 7pm I took my temperature. 100.0 - Yup, I was officially sick. My glucose level was 195, but that probably has something to do with the pizza we had for dinner more than being sick. At 7:30 I put on my pj's and attempted to read in bed. At 8pm I gave up and laid my head onto my pillow.
I was out for the night, barely able to open my eyes when my husband came in complaining about a child who fell asleep on the stairs and had an accident. Barely able to open my eyes when he came in the room to get his shoes and coat to take our the garbage. Something he also wasn't happy about since that's one of the kids' chores. This morning I apologized that I didn't get up and help, but I couldn't even muster up a response last night to offer help. He of course told me that he wasn't upset with me nor did he expect my help. He knew I was sick. (Have I mentioned lately how awesome he is?)
This morning I was feeling better, though looking very much like Rudolph with a shiny, red nose. My temperature had gone down, enough to make me "school legal" as we call it here, but feeling the need to take it easy. I did get a call to sub today for the same person as yesterday, but I declined. I need a day to get better so I don't get worse. Luckily they were able to find someone else.
Time for lunch now. I wonder if I'll be able to sneak in a nap before picking up the kids.
On Monday night, I sneezed about five or six times in a row. While that might be normal for some, for me that usually is followed by one doozy of a cold. This time was no different. Tuesday afternoon I woke up with the sniffles. Not that big of a deal. I subbed with an eye on where the boxes of tissue were at all times. By the time I got home, I was done. Around 7pm I took my temperature. 100.0 - Yup, I was officially sick. My glucose level was 195, but that probably has something to do with the pizza we had for dinner more than being sick. At 7:30 I put on my pj's and attempted to read in bed. At 8pm I gave up and laid my head onto my pillow.
I was out for the night, barely able to open my eyes when my husband came in complaining about a child who fell asleep on the stairs and had an accident. Barely able to open my eyes when he came in the room to get his shoes and coat to take our the garbage. Something he also wasn't happy about since that's one of the kids' chores. This morning I apologized that I didn't get up and help, but I couldn't even muster up a response last night to offer help. He of course told me that he wasn't upset with me nor did he expect my help. He knew I was sick. (Have I mentioned lately how awesome he is?)
This morning I was feeling better, though looking very much like Rudolph with a shiny, red nose. My temperature had gone down, enough to make me "school legal" as we call it here, but feeling the need to take it easy. I did get a call to sub today for the same person as yesterday, but I declined. I need a day to get better so I don't get worse. Luckily they were able to find someone else.
Time for lunch now. I wonder if I'll be able to sneak in a nap before picking up the kids.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Comfort foods
Well my cold is still here. Feeling better overall though my upper lip is red and irritated thanks to blowing my nose over and over again. Overall I've been able to keep things in check by getting plenty of sleep, drinking water, taking vitamins, and trying to keep my glucose level steady. Ok, confession time: I ordered pizza tonight. Regular crust, not thin crust. I'm sure my glucose levels went a little high tonight, but I promise to be good tomorrow.
In the past, I've talked about a designated cheat day. I haven't allowed myself the cheat days I was planning, but honestly I have been eating well and haven't felt the need. Tonight, however, was driven by this cold. I didn't want to cook and I didn't want to go out to get something. Pizza delivery was my favored comfort food of choice.
Next to me, I now have my favorite snowman mug full of my favorite comfort drink of choice, vanilla chai tea. Vanilla has always been a flavor/scent that brings me comfort. I love to use vanilla while baking and use vanilla scented soaps and lotions. I love to be surrounded by vanilla. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket while sitting by a fire. Since I don't have a fireplace, I'll settle for the vanilla chai and a hooded sweatshirt this evening.
When you're not feeling well, what are your favorite comforts that make you feel better?
In the past, I've talked about a designated cheat day. I haven't allowed myself the cheat days I was planning, but honestly I have been eating well and haven't felt the need. Tonight, however, was driven by this cold. I didn't want to cook and I didn't want to go out to get something. Pizza delivery was my favored comfort food of choice.
Next to me, I now have my favorite snowman mug full of my favorite comfort drink of choice, vanilla chai tea. Vanilla has always been a flavor/scent that brings me comfort. I love to use vanilla while baking and use vanilla scented soaps and lotions. I love to be surrounded by vanilla. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket while sitting by a fire. Since I don't have a fireplace, I'll settle for the vanilla chai and a hooded sweatshirt this evening.
When you're not feeling well, what are your favorite comforts that make you feel better?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Evening reflections
It's about 10pm here and I'm reflecting on the day. For the most part the house is quiet. Gentle music is playing in the background joined by the sound of my husband asleep in the recliner. It looks as though he has also caught the cold bug. Today was a very busy day, but it was a good day. I was able to run some errands this morning as I only subbed this afternoon. However my limited time made the errand running a little more crunched for time than I would like. After finishing off some paperwork at home, I got #4's glasses fixed, picked up lunch for hubby and me, delivered hubby's lunch to his office (needed to have a secretary unlock his office so I could put it on his desk), took #4's glasses to her school as well as a note for one of my scouts, and then went to sub in a fifth grade class for the afternoon.
One of the first things a member of the class said to me was that they had a habit of scaring off substitute teachers. Oh yeah, I remember this class. I had them for art not too long ago. I reminded them of this as well as my answer when I was given the same warning earlier this month. "I have five children. You don't scare me." We had a good afternoon, though this group gets chatty if not reminded to keep the volume down. Trust me, they're not the first class that is chatty and they won't be the last.
There are times that I do reflect, "What scares me?" Bugs and creepy crawlers don't scare me, but heights and closed in places do. But then I think some more. What really, really scares me? My number one fear is not being there for my children. I think this is every mother's worst fear. We signed up to raise a little helpless baby into a mature, responsible adult. It is also my responsibility to take care of myself so I'm around to guide my children into adulthood. I am to do all I can to make sure that happens.
Tonight before I go to bed, I will take my vitamins, get on my pajamas, and before I go to sleep I will ask the Lord to watch over my children and husband. I will ask His blessings on them, that they may be happy and healthy. Then I will drift off into dreamland... dreaming about a cure!
One of the first things a member of the class said to me was that they had a habit of scaring off substitute teachers. Oh yeah, I remember this class. I had them for art not too long ago. I reminded them of this as well as my answer when I was given the same warning earlier this month. "I have five children. You don't scare me." We had a good afternoon, though this group gets chatty if not reminded to keep the volume down. Trust me, they're not the first class that is chatty and they won't be the last.
There are times that I do reflect, "What scares me?" Bugs and creepy crawlers don't scare me, but heights and closed in places do. But then I think some more. What really, really scares me? My number one fear is not being there for my children. I think this is every mother's worst fear. We signed up to raise a little helpless baby into a mature, responsible adult. It is also my responsibility to take care of myself so I'm around to guide my children into adulthood. I am to do all I can to make sure that happens.
Tonight before I go to bed, I will take my vitamins, get on my pajamas, and before I go to sleep I will ask the Lord to watch over my children and husband. I will ask His blessings on them, that they may be happy and healthy. Then I will drift off into dreamland... dreaming about a cure!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
SNEEZE! *sniffle*
Besides being the mom of five, I also have two paid jobs: substitute teacher for our school district and worker at the YMCA's drop-in nursery. I love working with children, but the germs that come with the jobs aren't a benefit that I enjoy. This evening I started sneezing. Now I'm stuffed up. Luckily I've been taking a multivitamin with an extra vitamin C, so I hope I'm able to fight off this cold quickly.
This makes me think about how my diabetes may or may not affect illnesses and how illnesses may or may not affect my diabetes. When I'm sick, there are times I don't want to eat at all and other times when I want to eat everything in sight. Both are not good for glucose control. Then of course stress of any kind (emotional or physical) can mess with glucose levels. For many people with diabetes, their numbers can be all over the place with just a simple cold.
Thankfully my glucose levels rarely go into a dangerous level. Even when I go pretty low, it's high enough for me to realize something is going on, test my glucose, and treat the low. Yes, I realize how "lucky" I am and thank God often. I say "lucky" because no one with diabetes is lucky, but I do feel truly lucky that I have no yet dealt with the extreme highs and lows that many others have.
Still praying for that cure, but in the mean time I'll take care of this cold with another cup of tea and my vitamins.
This makes me think about how my diabetes may or may not affect illnesses and how illnesses may or may not affect my diabetes. When I'm sick, there are times I don't want to eat at all and other times when I want to eat everything in sight. Both are not good for glucose control. Then of course stress of any kind (emotional or physical) can mess with glucose levels. For many people with diabetes, their numbers can be all over the place with just a simple cold.
Thankfully my glucose levels rarely go into a dangerous level. Even when I go pretty low, it's high enough for me to realize something is going on, test my glucose, and treat the low. Yes, I realize how "lucky" I am and thank God often. I say "lucky" because no one with diabetes is lucky, but I do feel truly lucky that I have no yet dealt with the extreme highs and lows that many others have.
Still praying for that cure, but in the mean time I'll take care of this cold with another cup of tea and my vitamins.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time to fight
If I start to cry, I let myself cry. I've learned that if I tell myself not to cry, I start beating myself up about crying in the first place. "Cry! Let it out! Yes, this sucks, so cry if you need to and don't worry about what others think." Some days I'll shed only a few tears and be done with it in just a few seconds. There are other times, though, where I'm in a full-blown crying fit for several minutes. I don't think it ever lasts for more than five to ten minutes and then I'm more motivated than ever. I'm ready to fight! I'm ready to help find a cure!
When I do craft fairs, I have a jar to accept donations for the American Diabetes Association. The ADA has provided me with a lot of information and support over the last 18 years. (I had my first case of gestational diabetes in early 1993.) At the table, I offer a crocheted dishcloth for each donation over a certain amount. When I'm in one of my "fighting" moods, I get out my yarn and start to crochet. It's nothing fancy, just a simple square. No fancy stitches, but people still enjoy them. Some day I won't need to make the dishcloths as a fundraiser for diabetes. Some day I'll just make them for our own use and to give as Christmas presents.
(I have to admit that I'm still thinking about that cake!)
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