Too many choices

I would like the assistance of all my wonderful followers to help me choose a new competition dress for the ISI Open in February.

I think I'd prefer long sleeves, so the judges aren't distracted by my blubber, but I really like a lot of the thin strap styles.

I'am skating to an instrumental version of the song Moondance from the August Rush soundtrack.

Option 1:  Mock neck, long sleeve, black lace tango ice dance dress.

Option 2: Long sleeve, off the shoulder, plunging back, Navy, highly beaded.



Option 3: Spaghetti strap, crossed back, Navy, heavily beaded

Option 4: Short sleeved, slight sweetheart neckline, will be in Royal Blue (not purple)

And last Option 5: Sweetheart neckline, off the shoulder, princess style, Turquoise

Now that I've shown them all to you, I have to be honest and say I am drawn to 1 of these dresses more than the rest, but I'd like to know the public opinion before I buy it. So let me know in the comments section which one you think I should wear.

Jam-packed schedule

Mr. Harer and I both have Christmas Eve off work. This is big, I don't think that has happen ever in the 10+ years we've been together. All my Christmas prep is done, so tomorrow is basically free time for me. I have no idea what Mr. Harer has planned, but I plan to go to the ice rink. I know that after the New Year holiday my schedule is going to be HECTIC, so I should enjoy whatever free time I have.

Classes start Jan 3rd, I'll be taking my classes at Loma Linda University so at least it is on campus where I work and I don't have to brave the freeway to get to school. I've got Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology this quarter and next quarter.

Like I mentioned previously I will be skating on Wednesdays and Saturdays now to accommodate my school schedule. Plus I am preparing for the Anaheim Ice ISI open in February. I will be competing in technical program, "artistic" and possibly stroking.

On the D-front, I am hoping to maintain, if not lower my last A1c. I hate so say I think I've got it all under control, because we all know what stress does to BG levels. So we shall see.

Busy Busy Busy that is me. If I don't post as regularly please don't forget about me over here in the hollow.

It's just life in So Cal

A lesson in greek

ISI Learn to Skate                        (Greek Alphabet)

← beta		→ delta
GammaGreek: γάμα

Since I have previous skating experience, I was fortunate enough to skip the wobbly world of Pre-Alpha (two-foot glide, one foot glide, forward/backward swizzle, backward wiggle) and I escaped the boredom of Alpha (forward stroking, forward crossovers, and one foot snowplow stops). For my Tuesday and Saturday group lessons, I went straight into Beta (backward stroking, backward crossovers and t-stops) and in my adult group I began working on freestyle 1 elements (two foot spins, edges, arabesques and waltz jumps). 


That is a big gap in levels, so why the discrepancy? Well, it never hurts to brush up on the basics. Strong foundation skills, like stroking, crossovers and being able to stop, prepare you for more difficult skills. Practice makes perfect and the more time I spend on the basics, the prettier my "fancy" skating will be. 


That all being said, I have passed Beta and after the Christmas break will be moving into Gamma group lessons (Outside edge 3-turns, mohawks, open mohawk combos and hockey stops). I will also be changing skating nights, to Wednesday, which means there will be no Adult group (insert sad face), so I will be taking Intro to Power Skating as my elective. I am excited about it. 


In case your interested, these are the Gamma elements;

I am bigger than a newborn Beluga

It's true, I outweigh a newborn whale.

Photo from Zooborns.com

This is Nunavik. He was born at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago last year on December 15th. He weighed 162 lbs and was 5'4" long.  This year on his first birthday Nunavik is a whopping 450 lbs, thank goodness people don't put on weight that fast. 

Now I try really hard to be content with my weight. I know, if it bothers me that I can exercise and watch what I eat and I will loose weight, however after the wardrobe malfunction (ala carrie) at the Ice Show, I cannot sit back and be content with my weight. So, something (ie: diet and exercise) must be done. 

I need a plan.....because I don't want to be bigger than a whale forever. 

Pat'n myself on the back

I know, I said I was not going to obsess over A1c's, and I promise I didn't obsess, but I certainly going to give myself credit where credit is due.

And it is mostly certainly due. Oh yea, my A1c was 6.7%, holla.

Two in One

Two reverb prompts in one post! Hooray :)

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

Operation Beautiful, transforming the way you see yourself one post-it note at a time.

I spent the years between age 15-19 battling bulimia. It wasn't pretty and I was really sick. I don't think I'm ready to share everything I experienced recovering, both physically and emotionally from it, but as a result of that struggle I am able to see myself as the beautiful creation that only a master artist could produce. I know I have a purpose in this life and that purpose is not dependent on being like everyone else. I agree that my differences are what make me beautiful, but it's not physical differences; it's the love of Christ shining in and through me that truly makes me beautiful. 


December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)


Seriously, I am supposed to have a social life? I don't think I even went to any parties in 2010..... That is kinda sad. I did go a PJ packing party for Operation Sweet Dreams, which was really fun. I hung out with some old friends and put together tote bags filled with PJ's, a toothbrush and a storybook for underprivileged kids all over Southern California. Of course since Operation Sweet Dreams is a Pepsi grant recipient, Pepsi provided the beverages and we had pizza for lunch. 

Speaking of Pepsi grants, please remember to vote. 



http://operationbeautiful.com/

Groups I ::heart::

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)


Although I was "aware" of the DOC thanks to Kerri prior to this year; in 2010 I became more involved in the DOC through various blogs and Juvenation. It has been great fun to get to know several of my fellow D-bloggers. You never know what crazy things we're going to do next, we are a rather entertaining bunch.


I made new friends at the rinks where I skate. I look forward to joining the competition team very soon. Speaking of skating; I will now interrupt this regularly scheduled Reverb post to bring you photos from the IceTown 2010 Christmas Show!

Set up for a two foot spin

T-stops

Tuesday night adults!

Chorus line

Make

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)


I've been crafty lately; the last thing I made was a set of soaker bags for my shop on Etsy. I've also been putting together a clay pot gum ball machine for my office. I love these little gum ball machines, you use a small or medium clay pot, a small or medium glass "goldfish" bowl, and a clay saucer. Paint or decorate clay pieces, use hot glue gun to attach glass bowl to the upside down clay pot, then place saucer on top like a lid. Tada! easy peasy.

I can't let go

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

(Author: Alice Bradley)

2010 has been a year of holding on. After all the losses and letting go in 2009, I couldn't handle another year of letting go. I still miss my grandpa and even though it's been more than a year since he passed away, i'd give anything for just one more day with him. I don't think I'll ever really let go of him.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, he sat in the bathroom in our old house and prayed that I would be ok. He claimed an angel appeared to him and promised him I'd be okay. When he was dying in the hospital, I prayed and begged that the same angel would appear to me and tell me he was going to be ok.  But it didn't happen. When I am busy and not thinking about it I do okay, then when life slows down and things are quiet, I struggle. Grandpa was the one I turned to for everything;  successes, failures, heartache and triumph, he was always there for me. I don't know how to function without him to turn to.

I'm not ready to let go yet, I don't know if i'll ever be.

Grandpa's girl, forever.

Wonder

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

I read my bible, I look around at what God has created and I am always left with a sense of amazement. The God who made the heavens and the earth loves me. How could this fact not cultivate wonder?

I think, that sense of wonder might have been what David was feeling when he wrote (sung?) Psalm 118.

I come across these amazing little fact about human anatomy, genetics, the earth or animals and I just think how cool, God planned this all to work exactly this way.  

Did you know that the oldest living tree, an ancient bristlecone pine named Methuselah is around 3,000 years old. Coincidence? I think not. 

 We live in a wonderful world, despite all the negative, scary things that happen around us. You just need to open your eyes to see it. 

Ancient Bristlecone Pine, by Philip Greenspun

Begging, again and other such necessities

Last month I asked everyone to vote for a local sled hockey team that practices at my rink. They came very very close to winning the Pepsi Grant, but missed it by 7 spots, but they are still in the running so please keep voting. You can vote daily here, and text 102873 to 73774.



This month there is a second cause I really need your votes for. As i've discussed before, diabetes camp had a huge impact on my childhood, and no kid with diabetes should miss out on the opportunity to go to camp. The Diabetes Education and Camping Association is up for a grant this month that will provide scholarships to kids who otherwise could not afford to go to camp. Please take time to vote for this important cause. You can vote daily here, and text 104696 to 73774.



If you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the little angel in your life, Operation Sweet Dreams is giving away free tutus with every $20 or more donation.

How to receive your free tutu: Make a $20 donation through PayPal by Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at 8pm PST. Send payment to paypal email address: donate@operationsweetdreams.com. We will email you after your donation is received and will get your tutu order (size and color(s) for your tutu). We will ship anywhere in the U.S. and it will be shipped by Dec. 15th. Please let us know if you have any questions :) THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Alive in 2010

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail. (Author: Ali Edwards)


For about 2 years now, I've been suffering from terrible pain from microvascular disease in my legs (my calves actually, but typing calves looked funny.) For the longest time the doctors couldn't figure out what was causing the pain, finally they did and gave me medication to help. 


I'd been on the meds for about 2 months when Mr. Harer and I went to Yosemite in October. I was able to take several hikes, without having severe pain. It was so incredible to be back in Yosemite in the fall and able to appreciate my surroundings without having to focus on how much pain I was in. The air seemed cooler, the trees smelled sweeter, the sound of the wind in the trees less scary and more soothing. 


It rained the first night we were in Yosemite and it was very cold, so that limited our adventures, however we did hike to Taft Point and the Fissures. I am looking forward to our trip at the end of May. I am soooo going to conquer Half Dome in 2011. 

Blogger stats

Okay, so I was checkin out my stats and I know there are people out there reading my blog. So why aren't you leaving comments? I had 705 pageviews last month, but only one person (thanks Wendy) consistently leaves me comments. :(

I feel like y'all might be stalkers or something, not cool. Just a simple, "Hello, great post today." would really mean a lot!

Texting, FB and other social media

December 2 - Writing.
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)


I am pretty certain that most forms of social media have been the downfall of writing. Honestly, we use acronyms in place of regular speech; l8tr, lol, omg, ttfn. This is not language, people! I am seriously guilty of doing this. 

Yup, it could be eliminated, but it's not likely. I'll just have to emphasize my writing in other ways. 

Reverb10

Reverb 10 is an annual event and online initiative to reflect on your year and manifest what’s next. The end of the year is an opportunity to reflect on what's happened, and to send out reverberations for the year ahead.

December 1 One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)


Inert 
I feel like I spent most of 2010 at a stand still, not moving forward, not moving backward, just in a state of motionlessness (is that a word?). Looking back over the year, I haven't accomplished much, that is disappointing. 


In one year from today I would like to capture 2011 with the word Accomplished.               

        

Crossed the finish line

Thanks for sticking with me last month for NaBloPoMo. 

I am not a number

My value is not defined by any number; not my age, not the number on the scale, or the number on the tag of my clothes and most certainly not my A1c results.

I've seen so many posts recently in the DOC obsessing over A1c results. I understand, I do, this number tells you so much about how your diabetes is responding to "treatment." But, please hear me, it does not represent your skill as an artificial pancreas. 

That silly little number does not take into account the time and effort spent dealing with diabetes. The A1c doesn't know the difference between numbers that ping from 30-300 constantly or even "perfect" numbers.

I, for one will, not continue to allow this test result rule my life. Yes, I want to be healthy and I want my A1c to reflect that. However I am not going to quibble if I'am 6.5 or 7.8 or anywhere in between. Heck even an 8 is equal to running about 185mg/dl. 

The ADA recently did a study that correlates A1c results and Depression in Type 1 diabetes. You can read the report here. Basically they discovered that Type 1's who take good care of themselves are less depressed no matter what their A1c's are, but those Type 1's who slack off and don't bother with the in's and outs of diabetes management are depressed.

Interesting stuff......

What I Wore Today - Monday Edition

Bette Page Clothing: Jazmin Circle Dress (front)

Bette Page Clothing: Jazmin Circle Dress

New York and Company: Argyle Cardigan Pink Pearl

Rhinestone Monogram Brooch: thrifted

Sofft: Veronica pump

I know you were probably expecting to see me in the outfits. That is what I had planned, but I couldn't figure out the self-timer thing on the fancy SLR camera, and our little point and shoot is missing. So until Mr. Harer is around to take the pictures, this is the best I can do. But, I will try to post the actual outfit photos ASAP.

D'sibs Day

It is still Diabetes Month and today has been set aside as "Special Sibling of a Diabetic Day." As I have mentioned previously I have 5 younger siblings.

Ms. C was only 4 months old, when I was diagnosed. Since my mom was busy taking care of a newborn my grandparents took over caring for my diabetes. As young kids there was a lot of animosity between Ms. C and I because of all the attention the adults gave me, since I wasn't really around much for her so see why I needed the extra attention, she didn't understand it. In our adolescent years Ms. C discovered she could tease and torment me about my diabetes. It got to a point that as punishment for harassing me they made Ms. C take shots of saline. However, in so many many many ways Ms. C supported me, I ♥ her (most of the time.)

Big B, my step brother and I didn't really spend much time around one another, except for the occasional family vacation. I'm not sure he even knows I have diabetes.

J, is by fat the most sympathetic to my diabetes. As a kid he liked to help me put new infusion sets in. He volunteered to test every time I did, as part of my 8th grade science project. (I just realized I don't have a photo of just J and I. Next time I see him I will have to fix this.)

Little Miss B, is very sensitive to how I am feeling. She just knows when I am low or high and is always willing to help in any way necessary to make me feel better.

Miss S, is my diabetes champion. She is also the only one in the family with D-related autoantibodies. Miss S will latch on to any diabetes related event or fundraiser and put every effort into it. She has such a giving heart and once gave all the money in her piggy bank to buy a JDRF sneaker.

I am so thankful to all my siblings for their support and sacrifices over the years. I know, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that sometimes my diabetes made your lives suck, but somehow you love me anyway. I couldn't ask for more.