28 Things I've Learned in the Past Year

28. I have Diabetes Type 1.5 or LADA- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults. I am insulin dependent.

27. Diabetes does not control me: I control it. Even when it's out of whack, I can rationalize why it is out of control and cut myself my a little slack.

26. I can eat everything you can.

25. I believe in moderation, not limitation. If I eat McDonald's one day, it's fine. If I have a cupcake on that same day, I'm golden. But maybe fast food three times a day isn't the best thing I can do to my body.

24. I can do anything I want if I set my mind to it: give up regular soda, quit smoking, start a business, take me time, etc.

23. Shots of alcohol don't make the night. In fact, they just make the morning worse.

22. Being on insulin does not mean I failed.

21. My eating/exercise/lifestyle did not give me diabetes. It was just "luck" of the draw.

20. Doing something nice for someone is the best way to get over whatever you're mad at.

19. The people you don't expect to be important may be the best friends you've ever had.

18. Even when you think you've blown up the bridge, that person could still love you and wish the best for you. They may even be there with the kindest words you've ever heard and definitely need.

17. Just because some people are cut out of your life, doesn't mean you did everything wrong. It takes two to make any kind of relationship work. So forgive yourself.

16. Cooking is fun!!!! And delicious.

15. Pumping gas isn't so bad if you have hand sanitizer and money.

14. Overdrafts on your bank account are ridiculous and don't need to happen. Ever.

13. Living like you're fifty and well off doesn't work in your twenties.

12. Victoria Secret is mostly overrated. Except for their hair products.

11. A hug can change the worst day ever, into the best support you've ever had.

10. Some people will steal ANYTHING. From your dog, to a weed whacker, to a lawn mower, to a wedding ring.

09. There is so much support and education out there: you just have to search.

08. People always think they know more about your health than you do. And most of the time, they are just wrong.

07. Nannying is the only job I ever want to do: you get the perks of being their friend, their confidant, their caretaker, the one who kisses their booboos, their teacher, their everything. Then you get to give them back.

06. The people who you think you know the most about will surprise you. In good ways. And in bad.

05. Sundays are crappy days to plan anything productive. Because I won't get it done.

04. I have an amazing relationship with God. He carries me when I need him most and challenges me when I need to grow.

03. I am in charge of my health. Not my partner. Not my best friends. Not my parents. Not my CDE Not my doctor. Only me.

02. Mental Health and Physical Health go hand in hand. Take of both and you are going to be fine.

01. It doesn't matter what people decide is best for you. It doesn't matter if they think you are going to fail. It doesn't matter if they want you to do the exact opposite of what you want. What matters is you can handle being in your own skin. And the little moments that warm up your heart.

Blue on Black

Today let’s tackle an idea inspired by Bennet of Your Diabetes May Vary.  Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be?  Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, etc. etc. etc.  The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?

I look at my body in the mirror, and I see bruises and scars. I see site marks and places where the needle went into my skin, only to leave a red circle around a scar. I see bruises from my sensitive skin reacting to the needles and tubing. I see callused fingers from pricking them some times up to what feels like 100 times a day. I see marks that heal slowly and look God awful. I see a rash from  where my sensor was and bumps from sensitivity to tape. I see a red spot where my pump has been rubbing on my side.

I hate these things! 

So, I present to you: The Automatic Mark-Be-Gone. No, this isn't a way for you to get rid of your annoying neighbor, Mark. This is a way for all of your cuts and bruises to disappear instantaneously! You simply install the magic machine into your house (no radiation included,) step into it for 8 seconds, and all of those horrible marks will be gone in seconds! No more fear of wearing a bathing suit or that little black dress. No more scars, or Mederma or Neosporin purchases EVER again! AND, we can make your insurance cover it 100%, as well as all repairs and maintenance! 

Easy as that. 

I was cryin' when I met you, Now I'm tryin' to forget you

Yesterday we gave ourselves and our loved ones a big pat on the back for one thing we are great at.  Today let’s look at the flip-side.  We probably all have one thing we could try to do better.  Why not make today the day we start working on it.  No judgments, no scolding, just sharing one small thing we can improve so the DOC can cheer us on!


DAY 3:
I keep letting my insulin run out. I want to maximize my use of it-since it's one of the additions of monthly payments I've had to include. Well, that's all fine, but I need to make sure I have enough supplies with me to fill it! I work about thirty minutes from my house, and I nanny for two little girls. So you can imagine that's its extremely difficult to run home and get my supplies, should I run out. 


I need to figure out a way to remind myself when I'm running low. And then remind myself to remind myself. It's been such a  big adjustment just to remember my meter, my pump, my CGM, my everything. Then add making sure the insulin is in the pump and can get you through the day: Ugh, my memory hurts already. 


If you have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them. :) Although, I'll still probably figure out a way to forget. 

Love the One You're With

As our Tuesday commences, I see the topic for today's blog is: One thing you or a Loved one does spectacularly.

Well, mines a little different. I tend to forget when my pump is getting low. And I don't always check two hours after I eat. My A1C is better, but not perfect. My sensor, well, I am in between good and bad with that. But diabetes has changed me, for the better. BIG TIME.

On the 26 of this month, it will be five months since I quit smoking. I smoked for fifteen years and loved it. I loved the socialization, I loved the feel, I even loved the smell some times. But when I read all the complications with Diabetes that stem from smoking, I couldn't ignore it. Heart risk!? Circulation problems!? LIMB AMPUTATIONS!!!!???? No, thank you.

So, I started in October and gradually decreased how much I was smoking. I started at a pack and a half a day. Yes, I was smoking 30 cigarettes a day when I decided I didn't need to be any more. But I went to 10 immediately- a huge cutback. Then the next week, I smoked nine a day. Then 8. And so on and so on. I did have to do the 1 cigarette a day for two weeks. I just couldn't give it up right before Christmas. 

My last cigarette was December 26, 2011. I feel better. I don't get sick as often. My numbers are good. My circulation is better. And I don't smell like an ashtray. I think about smoking some days, but then I just remember how much I love my feet. 

I have to admit, some times I take deep breaths when a smoker is near by, but it will never be worth one more puff. 

You've Got a Friend In Me

My First Blog Week! I'm super excited! I don't have a lot of time for this first one, but I needed to make sure I am participating. I'm dedicated--as both a diabetic and as a girl with the need to follow through. 

Find a Friend: When I first heard about D-Blogs, I just started googling. To be honest, I was looking for http://www.meanddblog.com/ which is a fantastic blog as well. But I happened to come across Colleen at http://dmeanderings.wordpress.com. It's fantastic! She is a LADA patient, like myself. She's wonderful and happy, and her blog is the only blog that I get e-mail notifications for. And I love it. I read it not matter what and you should, too!

That's all I've got for the first Diabetes Blog Week Post. Keep reading this week!

Reaching out: Touching You...Touching Me

So I just did something. And I'm not sure if I am crossing lines. But I had to.

I am a part of a website that let's me find nanny and babysitting jobs. I have been a nanny for five years, love it, and will continue to use the website, as it has helped me find so many great jobs and allows for security.

I get emails every day from the site that tell me about families in the area looking for a reliable and dependable babysitter. Not only do I take care of average kids, I am also a special needs caretaker.

As I was looking at one of today's update emails, I saw a mom looking for a summer babysitter. She was listed under the special needs category, but as I read her post, I saw this child wasn't special needs, he was a diabetic! I had never thought about it before. But I guess it is a special need. I wanted to apply for the job so badly. I am dying to be around kids with diabetes so I can have the introspection. But, it just didn't fit into the times I have available for summer.

But I didn't care. I felt like I needed to write to this mom. Here's what I said:

Hi!


My name is Charli Morris. I, unfortunately, cannot apply for the position, because I have other jobs I have accepted that cover those times. But, even so, I wanted to write you a quick note.


I saw that your son has Type 1 diabetes. First of all, let me say how sorry I am and that I know that it's a struggle. I also have T1. I have been recently diagnosed. I know lots of diabetics and lots of moms of T1 kids and I know it is not easy. My heart and thoughts go out to you in the health of your little boy.


I also wanted to let you know you are not alone. Since I have been diagnosed, I have found what's called the Diabetic Online Community. It is wonderful. We are on Twitter, and Facebook, and if you google diabetes blogs, you will be AMAZED at how many come up. I talk to diabetics, literally all over the world, every day. And it helps. It helps get us through things and it helps answer our questions. I want to let you know about it so that, if you don't have support, you will now.


I know this isn't what you wanted in response to your advertisement to child care. And I apologize if I've crossed any boundaries. But I want every one to know about this incredible community so that we can continue to reach out and help as many of us as possible.


I will keep you and your son in my thoughts and will hope for the best of health.


Take care and good luck in your search!


-Charli Morris

I hope she isn't offended. But I know how much the DOC helps me on a daily basis. And if that email can even help with a happy feeling in her heart, it was worth the embarrassment or possibly offending her.

I love you DOC. I will never be able to show my gratitude enough for the insight, love, acceptance, happiness, and strength you have all given me.