Mrs. Harer's Hollow

Flashback Wednesday

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sister C and I loved this 1966 NBC made for TV movie, called Alice Through the Looking Glass. I have no idea how we came across the movie as children, but we wore out the Blockbusters copy.

Some very famous actors are among the cast, including Jimmy Durante as Humpty Dumpty and Jack Palance as the Jabberwocky.

My favorite part of the movie is in the Royal Garden, when Lester the Court Jester sings "Please Keep on the Grass" and when Alice reaches the castle to be crowned queen.

I spent years looking for it and waiting for it to come out on DVD; finally last year it was available. Mr. Harer and I bought it and oh my goodness it is super cheesy! I was almost embarrassed while watching it, and I felt bad for putting my grandparent through countless viewings.

What "classics" from your childhood do you remember fondly, but wonder what why you ever liked it in the first place?

All I want for Christmas is....

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

A new pink pump!

I've been anxious about getting a new pump for over a year now. I debated switching brands, there are some features of the Animas Ping, that I really like, but ultimately I decided to stay with MiniMed.

I like the MiniMed CGM, my endo is a lead researcher for Medtronic and I've alway gotten good customer service with Medtronic.

My new pump arrived just in time for Christmas, so Santa kindly left it under the tree.

November is long over....

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

NaBloPoMo was a bust :(

Here is a rundown of how November ended here at the Hollow.

Sister C, is staying here for a while. It's been really interesting.
I was hospitalized for DKA, it sucked.
I hosted Thanksgiving at my house for the first time ever. (and used my wedding china for the first time, even though Mr. Harer and I have been married 6 years!)
Karen G of BitterSweet won my 3 Truths and 1 Lie contest. The answer was #3, as a matter of fact I hate grape glucose tabs, as well as anything else grape flavored.

DKA

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

It came out of nowhere, I swear it wasn't my fault. No really, I didn't do anything to cause it. After 20 years of diabetes bliss, it just happened. I never want to go through that again.

Even though I had a little upper respiratory infection, I went to the rink like a normal Thursday night, we were working on the Christmas program. My pre-skating BG was a little low, but I treated, no big deal. On the drive home my stomach was feeling like a boxing match was taking place and I was so thirsty. First thing when I got a went to the little girls room, then I tested, although I already knew I was high.....

329! Okay, no problem. I dial a correction on the pump and watch Bones (and pee another 2 or 3 times). 1 hour later over 400. Okie dokie, I pull and replace my pump site, take a old school injection and wait another hour. 370, well it's coming down, I'm going to bed.

2am, I'm in the bathroom for possibly the 30th time. Test 429. Where are the ketone sticks? Mr. Harer says were out, so I run to CVS. Begin vomiting on the way home. I figure I don't even need to test the ketones, but since I need to pee anyway... Large Ketones.

Head to the ER, they give me 2 liters IV fluid and despite my BG still being over 350, they send me home. The vomiting continues at home and my BG is still rising. CDE says I need to go back to the ER, this time they admit me.

My hospital stay wasn't horrible, but the way I felt was miserable.

Now that it's been nearly a month and my BG's have been really stable. I kind of think the DKA reset my inner d-control center. I saw the endo on Friday, he assured me that the DKA was likely secondary to the upper respiratory infection and it wasn't my fault. In fact did you know that 90% of DKA hospitalized are secondary to infection?

I hope this helps prove to you D-Mamas, that sometimes things out of your T1's control will happen and mess up their diabetes bliss, but they'll know how to handle it. Don't be afraid of them growing up.

Big Blue Test!

2011-11-13T23:49:00.000-08:00

Sister C and I both completed the Big Blue Test today at IceTown in Riverside, Ca.

Sister C (non-D)
Beginning BG - 159 mg/dl (uh umm, yeah that's a little high for a non-d person)
After Exercise BG - 92 mg/dl
Total drop = 67 mg/dl

Mrs. Harer
Beginning BG - 128 mg/dl
After Exercise BG - 126 mg/dl
Total drop - 2 mg/dl (so not fair!)

D-Blog Day 2011

2011-11-12T00:21:00.001-08:00

As usual I am a few days late, but better late than never right?

This years D-Blog day is a scrapbooking project. Everyone will make a 12×12 scrapbook page and take a pic of their creation and post it on their blog. Then they will all be incorporated into a book format.

Here is my page;

Christmas Wish List 2011

2011-11-11T19:34:00.000-08:00

Last year by this time I had all my Christmas shopping complete, however not this year.

To expedite shopping for my family I want to make sure they know exactly what to buy. There will be no ugly sweaters under my tree!

Attention Walmart Shoppers

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

It happens occasionally, you spot someone else with a pump and feel this instant pull towards them. Every fiber in your being wants to reach out and connect with them. And if you let the moment pass, you'll be thinking about it and wishing you'd acted on your impulses for hours afterward.

This isn't what happen to me at Walmart tonight...

Mr. Harer, Sister C and I went out for an almost midnight snack. As we were working our way towards the checkout lanes, basket full of carbolicious goodies, Mr. Harer informs me that he saw an ad for the One Touch Ultra Mini on sale ($10.97). I've been meaning to pick up another one for awhile now, so we head down the diabetes care aisle.

I ask Mr. Harer and Sister C to help search for the pink Ultra Mini (yes, it has to be pink), when a very lovely lady standing in front of the glucose meters ask, "Are you diabetic?"

"Yes, I am." I reply. She begins to tell me how her 14 year old daughter was just diagnosed. She asked about the pump and the glucose sensor. I happily relayed information about how the pump is wonderful especially for a physically active teenager. We talked about resources available in the community, JDRF, Diabetic Youth Services, Camp, sparkly unicorns and about the DOC.

Suddenly I looked around and noticed Mr. Harer and Sister C had migrated off to another aisle. But I wasn't finished talking. That's the thing, when you get the chance to share your ~~experience~~ ~~expertice~~ diabetes with someone and give them hope that everything will be okay, it's kinda hard to know when to stop! I could talk about diabetes for hours and I am happy to share it all.

After I did finish my conversation and track down my missing family members, Mr. Harer mentioned how awkward he thought the whole encounter was. But I don't agree, we PWD's and family members of PWD's need each other's support. That connection is what makes the DOC so wonderful.

3 Truths and A Lie

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

It addition to being NABloPoMo, it is also National Health Blog Post Month!

Although I'am not participating fully this year, some of the prompts are too compelling to pass up. Like today's;

Tell us 3 things that are true about you, your condition, your Health Activism, or your life. Now tell us 1 lie. Do you think we will be able to tell the difference?

Exciting right? I happen to have a natural talent for making up "stories" so lets see if you can figure out which fact is not true. Leave your answer in the comments and I will enter all the correct answers in a give away for a really cool handmade diabetes awareness brooch. Happy Happy Joy Joy

Once when I was low, I disappeared for hours, then told my husband I was at a tea party with my friend from kindergarten.
I was afraid to give my own injections until I turned 11 years old.
I love grape glucose tabs.
I used to wear my infusion tubing as a belly necklace complete with charms and pendants.

Ok let's see your answers.

My Bolus Worthy Snack

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

♥

30g carbs = 3.7 unit bolus = Happy Mrs. Harer

This makes me mad

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I know most of the people who read this blog are somehow associated with Type 1 Diabetes; but if even one person sees this and can be educated about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, then it is worth posting.

Type 1 Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not produce insulin (a hormone that aids in moving sugar from the blood to the cells). This type of diabetes can be due to a virus or autoimmune disorder in which the body does not recognize an organ as its own and attacks it. In this case the body attacks an organ known as the pancreas where insulin is made.

Those with Type 1 Diabetes are required to take insulin injections to move sugar from the bloodstream. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed before age 40.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when insulin that the body produces is less efficient at moving sugar out of the bloodstream. Some sugar is moved out of the blood, just not as effectively compared to a person with normal insulin efficiency. High blood sugars are a result of this.

Diet, exercise, weight loss, and possible medications are the treatment for this type of diabetes. Occasionally, someone with Type 2 may be placed on insulin to better control blood sugars.

Type 2 is often associated with physical inactivity and obesity, however this is not always the case.

An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise isn't the cause of any type of diabetes. Insulin issues are the cause of diabetes.

About the Sensor

2011-11-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

I took a nasty fall at the rink today while working on a backward outside to inside change of edge sequence. I hit my knee at first and then fell on my hip. Unfortunately I fell on the hip with the sensor site.

About 15 minutes later Coach tells me "you're beeping." A quick glance at my pump, I've got a lost sensor alarm. Coach is uber concerned, so I explain;
"It's probably 1 of 2 things, either I bent the electrode under the skin when I fell or the transmitter popped off. Either way it's fixable and isn't life threatening, but I'd prefer it be the latter."

Coach; "Why?"

Me; "Well if the transmitter popped off, it means I just need to snap it back into place. If the electrode bent, then I will need to insert a new sensor and I really really hate doing that."

Coach; "Why?"

Me; "It's a long *** needle and it hurts!"

Coach; "Oh!"

After a few failed attempted to find the lost sensor, I gave up hope that it was the transmitter (although I hadn't actually looked to be sure the transmitter was still connected.)

When I got home from the rink, down came the transmitter as I peeled off my skating tights. I am so thankful I didn't have to insert a new sensor.

But I do wish the connection was a little more sturdy, I hate being without the instant gratification of the sensor data.

**I do use IV3000 over the sensor/transmitter to keep it in place, but I guess I am too rough on it!

Fashion Magazines

2011-11-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

You know what really bothers me about fashion magazines? I hate it when they advertise on the cover "Outfits for Every Budget!" and when you flip to the article you find 1 or new pieces of clothing featured that are reasonably priced surrounded by other clothing and accessories that are budget busting.

I want to see a magazine address how to dress for the upcoming holiday season head to toe for $100. Because let's face it, none of us have a ton of cash to blow on new holiday clothing. Here are a few of my finds.

Work Friendly: $114

Holiday workwear by jharer featuring sparkle jewelry

Weekend: $108

Holiday Weekend by jharer featuring fleece jackets

Party: $108

Holiday Party by jharer featuring cocktail dresses

New furniture

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

We bought a new bedroom set for our guest room today. I am so excited to set it up, since we may have a guest coming on Saturday. All our new furniture is from Ikea.

Dog Blog Day - Moral Obligation

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Duke our corgi mix has some issues. My sister C, adopted him from the shelter. At the time she lived in a place where they were not animal friendly and Duke was subjected to some very inhumane treatment.

Sister C, moved out of there and was living in her car and moving from place to place (that's a whole 'nother story), so Mr. Harer and I offered to care for Duke until she could find a permanent place to stay.

We've had Duke for 5 years now, and Sister C has moved out of state.

The problem is, Duke has major behavior issues;

He is aggressive to all men other than Mr. Harer.
When we are away at work during the day Duke has to be contained otherwise he destroys household items and furniture. But, he doesn't like being locked in a room, so he's tore up carpet and scratched through a door. We can't put him outside because he barks constantly. He also doesn't like to be in a dog crate.
After tearing up the mattress for Sheila's dog bed, just after we moved into our new house, we decided that Duke needed to be in a crate whether he likes it or not.

We bought him a metal crate and a nice cushy mattress for it.

*similar to this crate

Within a day, he tore the mattress to shreds. Then he chewed on the water dish until it broke. Now he's started tearing apart the plastic tray that lines the crate and biting the metal bars, which are all bent out of shape.

At this point I just don't know what to do with him. He gets lots of love and attention from us, plenty of exercise at the dog park. He is socialized (Sheila's crate is right next to his and she behaves fine) We feed him high quality food. I just don't know, why he is misbehaving.

We can't place him with another family because he is aggressive. Mr. Harer says we need to put him down, but I don't think that is ok. You wouldn't kill your kids if they had behavior issues. However the dog destroys our house and costs us hundreds of dollars in pet supplies and medical bills.

It's tearing me up and I don't have a solution to the problem.

Sheila & Duke

T1 Day

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It has been mentioned all over the DOC (diabetes online community) that we kind of get shafted since our "month" comes right after breast cancer awareness month. You just don't see blue everywhere, the way you see pink. But! With enough voices I think that we can have an impact and begin to see more diabetes awareness type activities.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF has announced November 1 to be T1 Day. They created this short video to raise awareness.

I will definitely be getting a foam finger, but in addition I plan to have blue Fridays at work and wear my blue skating skirt at the rink. My hope is that by wearing blue, I will have the opportunity to talk to people about Type 1 and answer any questions or misconceptions they might have.

What other great awareness ideas should I implement?

It's NaBloPoMo

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

That's right, today is November 1st, which means it is National Blog Posting Month. I think we are in for a wild month here at Mrs. Harer's Hollow.

Diabetes Art Day

2011-09-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

I know I am a few days late posting this, but it was my birthday, so I have an excuse. Right. Yeah. So here is my art;

It is a brooch, made from a dead CGM transmitter. I wrapped the transmitter in lace, because no matter what you try to hide diabetes under, it doesn't make it disappear.

Then I added some tulle and sequins around the base of the transmitter, to pretty it up.

The bunny charm is a Hare :)

There is a star button, that I cut off of an Anthropologie catalog, which is my favorite store.

The netting wrapped button is a spare button I found in my button drawer.

The rhinestones and metal bow I saw at Joann's and decided they would look good on my brooch also.

Lastly I added a red sequin drop of blood.

I think it turned out beautiful and I've worn it several times.

Halfway Through

2011-07-16T23:40:00.000-07:00

I am halfway through summer quarter. Next week will be crazy as I finish up my 2 week intense Microbiology class. So far in class I have a 95%, which is great.

On Monday we have a quiz,
Tuesday we have a quiz, and we will read out our susceptibility tests in lab.
Wednesday we have a quiz.
Thursday is our lecture final and the lab final. That is 2 exams on the same day.

In addition to my work in Microbiology, I have Anatomy and Physiology too! Our midterm exam is due on Monday (it was take home).

Plus I have a full 40 hour work week.

Also on Monday I start a new fitness program, Kaia Fit at 5am!

I am looking forward to next weekend, to take a break and relax. Mr. Harer and I, are going camping up at Barton Flats and the Center Ice Arena ISI Open competition is on Sunday.

Dog Toy Craft Tutorial

2011-07-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm crafty, although not nearly as talented as Cynthia over at Precious Cupcakes. Over the weekend I made a Tinkerbell fleece blanket for my niece, who is turning 5 this month.

As I was cutting the selvage off the fleece, I notice Sheila playing with it. Which got me thinking, I could totally turn the selvage into a dog toy.

Sheila can destroy most dog toys in less than 30 seconds. She enjoys soothing on them, like a baby would suck on a pacifier, until they get a hole in them. Then she tears all the stuffing out and spreads it around the house like carpet fertilizer. After that is complete she continues to soothe on the empty stuffy carcass.

This toy is perfect because it is stuffing free and still satisfies her oral fixation.

Here is what you'll need:

Fleece Selvage

(any fabric selvage may work, but the texture of the fleece feels like a stuffy toy)

Scissors

Let's Begin:

Fold selvage piece in half and tie a knot at the top to form a loop.

Continue to knot without any space between the knots.

Leave approx. 1 1/2 inches of unknotted fleece.

Tie the unknotted end into the loop at the top of your fleece, creating a circle.

Repeat with additional selvage pieces, linking them together to form a chain.

Sheila has been chewing on this one

That's it! You're all done.

Accident Prone

2011-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

My mother misnamed me. I was named after both my Grandmothers; Judith April Earhart and Elizabeth Ann Lansdell, however I should have been named Jane....

As in Calamity Jane

*not my x-rays

I've always been accident prone. Like the time when I was around 7 years old and my grandparents were coming to visit from Arizona. I tripped over some electrical thing, with sharp edges, and needed 8 stitches across my 2nd-3rd toes.

Or when I was 11 years old, at my grandparents house in Arizona, I fell off a dead tree and broke the radius and ulna and my left arm.

How about when I lost my glasses on the Mist Trail in Yosemite, and had to hike 3 mi. back to the valley nearly blind.

Just in the past year, I have broken my scaphoid, tripped over a curb and tore up my knee. Today I ripped my pants while skating.

It seems I am always one step away from catastrophe. I should be bubble wrapped and wear a helmet. The good news, bubble wrap is available in pink!

Baby Drama, or not....

2011-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Every few years it seems all my coworkers, friends and family go through a baby ~~making~~ cycle.

It gets me all worked up about having my own bundle of ~~spit up~~ joy.

So I figured I'd make a list to remind me why Mr. Harer and I are waiting to have a family.

Reasons to have a baby right now;

Risk of general complications increases with age.
Diabetes related risks, increase with age
Pressure from friends and family is steadily increasing.

Reasons to wait to have a baby;

Doing clinical rotations while pregnant would not be fun.
I will make significantly more $$$ after I finish school.
Our house is too small for Mr. Harer and I (and the dogs) a baby won't fit.
My A1c needs to be lower.

Reasons not to have a baby at all;

Babies are expensive
The idea of a diabetic pregnancy is scary
Sheila will be jealous

CGM in the Pool

2011-07-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am trying to fit daily exercise into my schedule. So working out at the Drayson Center is ideal, since I don't have to leave campus between work and school to go to the gym.

I'm not really into using the weight room or the fitness machinery and the aerobics classes tend to be really crowded with staff and students around 5pm.

Hence, I swim.

I am not a strong swimmer, in fact most would call what I do, dog paddling. In order to stay out of the way, I dog paddle in the leisure pool, with the kiddies, rather than the Olympic size pool.

Have you ever noticed how curious kids are? Yeah, the kids at the Drayson Center are no different. I spend about 10 minutes of my swim time explaining the CGM to the kiddies and giving mini lessons on type 1 diabetes to the parents.

Anyway, there is a really cool water slide into the leisure pool, but I am afraid to try it.

"What if my sensor gets ripped out, slides down the slide and doesn't float. I don't dive, so I'd have to enlist the help of a little kid to retrieve it; only to discover that since it became detached the water got inside the connection and ruined the transmitter."

Really, I am serious! Can someone please share their experience with water slides and CGM's? I'd really like to enjoy the slide without worrying.

In addition, does anyone else get a minor skin irritation from their IV3000 (or CGM adhesive) and chlorine?

She's Alive... Alive!

2011-07-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the 40 of my 42 followers who still remain after my 3 month dry spell. I am going to try to post more often. For today, how about a short recap of what has been going on the past 3 months?

Diabetes:

My last endo appointment was good, A1c dropped .6, let us hope it continues that trend. Dr. Lee did have me start taking Metformin (*please note, this is off label use in a Type 1) to try and control the post meal spikes and overall blood sugar craziness. Supposedly it is supposed to support weight loss as well, but i've yet to see any results.

School:

I didn't finish my Anatomy & Physiology or Microbiology classes in spring because of a financial aid issue, so I am taking them this summer. Which means my schedule is insane, but it is only until the end of July.

Skating:

I will continue to try and keep skating related posts to a minimum here. I've moved up to freestyle 1, which is where the real jumps begin. I need new skates, like 2 months ago. The Center Ice Arena ISI Open is July 24th and I am competing (but I haven't actually learned my program yet.)

Home/Family Life:

My wonderful husband bought me a new power cord for the laptop, which is why I am able to blog again.

Dogs:

The new Redlands Dog Park opened recently and it is walking distance from the house. However, Sheila doesn't want to play if we walk to the park, I think she gets too hot and tired. I bought Sheila the cutest pink bunny pj's, I can't wait for it to be cold enough to put them on her.

Other:

I inherited some of my mother's talents and tripped over a curb last Tuesday. The new season of True Blood is disappointing so far, and I may not continue to watch it.

That's about it.....

Spring Break!

2011-03-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since I've posted, unfortunately this isn't much of a post either.

This quarter of school is over and my little brain is filled to the brim with images of bones, muscles and nerves! Classes begin again tomorrow and I've spent the last week on spring break.

All my hard work paid of this quarter. I passed Anatomy and Physiology 1 with an A- and Microbiology with a B+. I am thrilled with these grades. I can only hope this quarter to have the same success.

I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology 2, another quarter of Microbiology and Physics. These three classes will complete my science pre-requisites and I will apply for the nursing program, hooray!

Some exciting things are coming up these next couple of weeks, so if I have time I am looking forward to blogging about them. In the meantime, don't unfollow me!

Withholding Information

2011-02-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

I am usually pretty open with my Diabetes. I love to talk about it. I cannot think of any reason to hide the fact that I have type 1 diabetes.
So can someone please explain to me why I did not tell my skating coaches? I carry glucagon (and usually glucose tabs) in my skate bag, but if no one knows it's in there, it's not going to do much good.

I think it started with the emergency/injury waiver at The Other Rink, which asked about medical conditions. I am in the habit of checking "No" on these types of forms because getting it signed by my endocrinologist is a pain in the rear. My endo encourages me to exercise and my CDE is aware that I am skating 3-4 days a week, so I don't feel it is necessary to bother them with a silly piece of paper.

However, this somehow turned into me not telling anyone at the rinks about my diabetes.

Please, before anyone begins to lecture me; I am totally aware of how insanely dangerous this is.

I had a near emergency last week at the rink. I had to leave in the middle of the lesson to test and treat a severe low blood sugar which forced me to tell Coach M (who teaches my Saturday Adult Group lesson) about the D.

This week I will make a point of telling Private Coach and Coach Mel at The Other Rink about my diabetes. Because I know that one piece of information could someday save my life.

Random bits-n-pieces

2011-01-26T21:38:00.000-08:00

First of all; to my anonymous commenter, you made me blush! Thank you, I like you too.

Something unusual I discovered last week, the cadaver lab smells like insulin and it is oddly comforting.

If you are looking for something to read, this is one of the best written Twilight fanfics I've read in a long time. "In the Grip of Twilight"

My friends the Jenkins are still trying to win the Pepsi Grant for their son's sled hockey team, please continue to vote!

Sometime this weekend, I plan to sit down and write a real blog post, okay?

Miss America

2011-01-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it the 2011 Miss America is Teresa Scanlan, Miss Nebraska.

Mr. Harer seems to have a knack for picking girls within the top 5, right from the moment they do their introductions. Tonight, he nailed it. He picked Nebraska right from the beginning.

My top choices;
Miss Arizona
Miss Iowa
Miss Pennsylvania
Miss Nevada
Miss Oregon

None of my picks made it to the top 5.

This year the pageant was back on it's home network, ABC. They dropped all the reality tv makeover pre-pageant silliness and brought the pageant back to it's root purpose; to find one young woman, who personifies the American ideal, brains, beauty and a heart of gold.

Despite her age (the new Miss America is only 17) I think the judges made an excellent choice. I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in her year.

What Immunity?

2011-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Diabetes reeks havoc on the immune system. As a type 1, I am at higher risk for all kinds of infections, no matter what my blood sugars are. Infections like; yeast infections, fungal skin infections, ear infections, UTI's, flu, pneumonia, and cholecystitis (gas producing stomach bugs). Fun stuff!

My body seems to ♥ love ♥ fungal infections. TMI, I know, but bear with me here. Athlete's foot and I are like this;

I have a nearly constant supply of Lotrimin, but that is not enough to kill my fungal best friend. No, I have to break out the big guns and take an oral dose (pill) of terbinafine, which means extra blood work to keep an eye in my lovely liver. It seems that in addition to being cozy with fungal infections my newest buddy is..... UTI's. Yup, good times. Thank you diabetes.

So why did I bring this up? Because it sucks and there may be someone out there who needs this information.

I can only pray (and I have) that the UTI's don't decide to stick around for long.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

I hate New Year's resolutions. I think they pretty much set you up for failure.

If you're engaging in a behavior you don't like, why wait until it is a new year to stop? I get it, really, I understand you think that a new year means a fresh start, but every day is a fresh start. We are not forced to repeat the mistakes of yesterday, ever again.

Lamentations 2:22-23
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness."

Happy New Year, we have 365 new mornings, full of fresh starts to look forward to in 2011.

Too many choices

2010-12-29T21:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

A lesson in greek

2010-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

**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

2010-12-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

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::

2010-12-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks for sticking with me last month for NaBloPoMo.

I am not a number

2010-11-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Way to go!

2010-11-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my 100th post this year! It is traditional in the blogosphere to celebrate the 100th post with a contest or giveaway, but my blog isn't really that sort of a place, sorry if that disappoints anyone. Another tradition is to complete a 100 things you didn't know about me post, but no one needs to know that much about me? I'd much rather celebrate this little milestone, quietly amongst my small group of followers, family and friends.

PS. Thanks Matthew, I think your A+++ too! Since you gave me such a nice compliment, I feel I need to live up to it, so next week I will be posting daily, what I wore posts. Fun!

Riverside's Festival of Lights

2010-11-26T22:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love all the events that lead up to Christmas Day.

When I was younger the block my grandparent's lived on all put up huge light displays for Christmas. The closest thing I've found here is the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn.

I've gone every year for the past 5 years to see the lights, but never attended the switch on ceremony; so today I went to watch them turn on nearly 3 million lights and begin the Christmas season.

It was a great event, crowded, but fun. The lights will remain on until January 2nd, along with the Inland Empire's only outdoor ice rink. Kids can also visit Santa's and his reindeer, and decorate their own cupcake from Casey's Cupcakes.

For more information about the Festival of Lights visit here.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T23:20:00.001-08:00

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I am thankful for my husband, who understands me or at least pretends too.

I am thankful for a job I love and the people I work with. I could not ask for a more delightful group of coworkers.

I am thankful for my friends at Macy's, have fun tomorrow with all those customers, I am soooo thankful I do not have to be there!

I am thankful for my family, they are wacky and insane and completely nuts and God knew exactly what he was doing when he picked them for me.

I am thankful that despite having diabetes for 25 years, I can call myself healthy.

I am thankful for the DOC, who make me laugh, make me cry and sometimes hold my hand without knowing it.

I am thankful for the people who care enough about what I have to say to be reading my blog.

I am thankful that I have a Savior who loves me unconditionally.

I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise.

I will say this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.

If it weren't for Camp....

2010-11-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk lately in the DOC about our diabetes camp experiences. One thing we can all agree on is that summers at Camp were the best summers ever.

If it weren't for my summers at Camp Conrad-Chinnock, I would never have learned to give my own injections.

If it weren't for Camp Conrad-Chinnock, I would not have a nearly endless supplies of annoying campfire songs or the Big Mouth Blue Frog story.

I met one of my best friends at Camp.

I had my first slow dance at Camp (you better believe I still remember the song.)

I discovered I hate canoeing at Camp.

I have great memories of climbing the dining hall fireplace and repelling back down.

I would probably not have survived my "rebellious" teen years without Camp.

As a camper I learned that I am not the only person on the planet with diabetes and as camp staff I learned that I have an impact on the lives of younger kids with diabetes.

I still have all the yearly Camp t-shirts, but my favorite is the year that Camp was Western themed and the shirts had a cowboy riding a syringe shaped bull. It was my first year on staff and several of us needed to be fingerprinted, so the Camp director drove us up into Big Bear to have our fingerprints done at the police station. I was last of 12 staff members to get fingerprinted and the sweet female officer says to me, "is that a syringe on your shirt?" I might have been slightly low (I think it was near dinner time); we were all wearing the same shirt, but somehow she didn't notice it until me? I don't remember what I said but suddenly I was escorted back to the front of the station in a total hysterical giggle fit.

As camp staff you don't have the option of putting diabetes on the back burner when your frustrated, because there are hundreds of kids looking up to you.

I tore the belt loops of a friend's pants walking thru the Camp haunted house one year. No, not just one loop, like 3 of them, oops. Guess I was scared.

We used to stand on the dining hall benches and sing "grace" at the top of our lungs, about 10 years ago someone complained about it being a "religious" act and we had to stop, but it was fun.

The first year I was a cabin counselor, my girls made a Captain Underpants Flag and we ran it up the flag pole one night, so the whole Camp saw it the next morning. That was fun.

Oh and every morning during the staff meetings, campers are supposed to clean the cabins, but they don't. They actually are busy filling water balloons and squirt guns, because the staff meeting always ends with a water fight, no matter how cold it is.

okay I guess I wandered of into memory land there, but you get the point. Camp is good. If you haven't sent your D-kid to Camp, you are depriving them.

And I think we need a D-Camp for grown ups.

I need to write

2010-11-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

My posts have been heavily photo laden recently and I just realized I need to write. A very smart english teacher once told me that you need to write frequently or you'll forget how to write. I am not sure if that is true, but I better not risk it. The problem is I am not sure what I'd like to write about, so I am asking for suggestions. Please post in the comments the topics you'd like us to talk about here at the Hollow. Thank you.

Okay, got that out of the way.
Now, I do want to talk about Skating with the Stars (which I will refer to as SWTS). You all did watch it yesterday on ABC right? If not, go here and watch it now, i'll wait.

Did you watch it? Great! I, for one loved, the pairing of Johnny Moseley (Olympic Skier) and Brooke Castile (Pro pairs skater), they are adorable together.

I thought that Bethany Frankel was just tragic, poor girl and Ethan Burgess tried his darndest to make the best of her abilities, but I think she is going home.

One last note about SWTS, isn't Johnny Weir so pretty?

Moving on.....

We have been on an emergency lockdown at the Heart Institute since last Friday. Apparently some irate patient threatened us with violent action. Security is patrolling our hallways more frequently, we are required to keep the office door locked and wear our ID badges (duh). I am all for safety, but the keeping the doors locked has been really really inconvenient. I can only hope the situation is resolved soon.

Next item of business;

Do you ever wonder about David? The psalmist?
I was pondering David today; I mean he had an extraordinary life right? Killed a giant, became king, united Israel, and was a talent musician. When you look at the big picture of David's life though, he is a lot like us. Even when his life was in shambles, David had the wisdom to rely on God. I pray for that type of wisdom, a lot.

Today Employee Health and Wellness sent this Psalm in our Spirit Lifter e-mail; As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday I think this Psalm is so appropriate.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins and heal all my diseases.

He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

He fills my life with good things.

Psalm 103:1-5

Sorry Excuse for a Post

2010-11-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

I had planned on writing a lovely post on gray hairs today, but the darn thing won't photograph right, so until I can get it fixed, I am forced to post this instead.

Thankfully my gray hair was not quite that obvious.

Sunday Seven

2010-11-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

The Sunday Seven

a recap of the week and other serendipitous moments

Congratulations to my good friend Jamie Shere, who won the Miss California American Rose title today. You totally deserve it and I can't wait to see all you accomplish with your new title. Miss American Rose is an awesome achievement based mail-in pageant. They are taking pre-registrations for 2011.

If you like baby animals, you need to check out Zooborns.

I've got a lovely pick for my D'family Secret Santa (but shhhh it's a secret), I am having a heck of a time deciding on a gift for them.
As of today I have finished my family's Christmas shopping. I may need to pick up a few stocking stuffers here or there, but otherwise it's done!
It is Thanksgiving week, that also means it's Nationals week for The Miss American Coed Pageant, so good luck to all the So Cal queens, have fun, enjoy Disney World and remember you are always representing the pageant! It is definitely Southern California's year to bring home the national title.

I love Virgil's Diet Vanilla Cream soda.

Please remember to keep voting for the sled hockey team. They're so close to the top ten, but can't do it without your votes.

I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N

2010-11-20T23:14:00.000-08:00

But what does that mean? How do I act like one?

Pastor Zinn mentioned in church recently that all christians, no matter their denomination share a few characteristics. They have;

A love for the Lord
Commitment to His word
Affection for His people
Separation from all that is ungodly and worldly.

Have you ever heard someone say something like this "if they were really christian, they wouldn't do that." or "I can't believe she did that and calls herself a christian." Doesn't it seem like we, as christians, are held to a higher standard? Sometimes it feels like what the world wants from us is Christ-like perfection, and we know it is impossible for us to attain.

God doesn't ask for perfection, heck he doesn't even ask us to try to be perfect. What he asks is that we rely on him to meet the "standards" that he has designed for us. We don't have to do it on our own, and when we mess up (because we all do), he expects us to confess our sins.

So to get back to what it means to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N, it means;

God chose you and called you to be his own
Jesus lived on earth and died on the cross to save you
God placed someone in your life taught you about God
You made the decision to receive the gift God offered.
God calls you his child and is working in your life for the better.

Do you notice that God has done most of the work here? If we are growing in our relationship with Christ, he will unfold the christian attitude and behavior in us.

It's beginning to look a lot like

2010-11-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas.

Today we put up the Christmas decorations at work. It was a ton of fun. Last year the PACE group went Christmas caroling, I am looking forward to doing that again.

Let me tell you a story

2010-11-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a pancreas.

Inside this pancreas lived some Islet Cells.

They were happy productive cells, until one day a villain took over all the islet cells and made them stop producing insulin.

After some time a few individual islet cells grew tired of the villain's oppression. They decided they would make insulin despite the villain. So our happy hero islet cell secreted a little insulin.

Meanwhile the sweet young type 1 girl who housed this pancreas and it's islet cell hampering villain, continued to pump insulin into her body via a Medtronic insulin pump.

All the extra insulin from our hero islet cell, made her blood sugar very very low. She ate glucose tabs,

She drank juice,

She ate candy,

But nothing would bring her blood sugar up.

Then all of a sudden, the evil villain found out what the happy hero islet cell had done and punished him severely. Then the sweet young type 1 girl's blood sugars went back to normal. Now she may think this all happen for no good reason, but we know better.

Dog Blog Day

2010-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Ummmmm.......

Sweetie, that is not a dog.

CGM Tips and Tricks

2010-11-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

First of all I use a Medtronic CGM, so I have no idea if any of these tips apply to Dexcom.

Tip 1 - During the 2 hour start up period if you get a sensor error, or two, or even three, just ignore them. In my experience 90% of the time at the end of the 2 hour start up, it will ask you to calibrate and work perfectly. No need to waste a sensor.

Tip 2 - I can't stand sticky stuff on my transmitter, but I need assistance in keeping the sensor in place for 3+ days. That is why I use Nexcare Tattoo Bandaids. They don't leave any residue and they have cute characters on them.

Tip 3 - I wear my sensors for longer than 3 days. The longest I've used on is 12 days. This however is against FDA and Medtronic's guidelines, so I do it at my own risk.

Tip 4 - Do not leave your transmitter on the charger for an extended period of time if you are not using it. Also if you are not using the transmitter, be sure to charge it every two weeks. If you do not the transmitter will die and you'll have to get a new one. Trust me.

I am sure there are more little tips, but this is all my brain is capable of right now, so I will update this post as I discover new tricks.

Just because I feel like sharing;

Pre-Skating BG - 167
Post Skating BG - 111

As if we needed more proof after the BIG Blue Test that exercise affects our numbers!

Have you seen this? It's kinda cool.

Medtronic's "M-Powered Concept Car" keeps a tab on your diabetes

Stop and smell the roses

2010-11-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Where flowers bloom so does hope. ~ Lady Bird Johnson

The Sunday Seven

2010-11-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Sunday Seven

a recap of the week and other serendipitous moments

Happy World Diabetes Day! - World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the second of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.

The Ice Town Holiday Recital will be held Tuesday Dec 7th at 5:30p. This is a free event, so please feel free to come out and watch me skate.

Sheila had her yearly check-up this week. She weighs a staggering 21.5lbs. Yes, people my dog is a fatty.

Speaking of weight, since I started skating again I have lost 6 pounds. Hooray for exercise.
It is windy season here in the IE, so time to break out the heavy lotions and chapstick, otherwise my skin ends up drier than the Sahara.

Happy Birthday to Miss A, she turns 4 this week. Mr. Harer and I plan to take her to see Tangled at the El Capitan Theatre.

I am craving the crab bisque from Tracy's Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska. Seriously Mr. Harer and I had the best crab at this little shack on the cruise ship pier, about 3 years ago. I would fly to Alaska just to eat there. They do have an online store that will ship king crab legs and crab bisque, but the shipping is more $$$ than the food. I've decided it is worth it.

Almost World Diabetes Day

2010-11-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day. I will be sporting my blue WDD shirt, will you?

Just a reminder if you haven't viewed this video please do so now. If you have viewed it, please view it again.

Have you heard about this?

Pjs for the CURE.

Komar, the largest sleepwear and intimate apparel manufacturer in the United States, created PJs for the Cure to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and kick-off National Diabetes Month. In an effort to effectively support the Foundation, Komar has chosen to take an active role and do what they do best— design, produce, and sell women’s and children’s pajamas to raise money to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes.

This program is unique in that Komar is donating 100% of every sale to JDRF to fund further research for a cure for this chronic disease that predominately strikes in childhood. The goal is to raise $1 million for JDRF by selling comfy cotton pajamas, available just in time for holiday giving.

It's Nearly Turkey Day

2010-11-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

In honor of the lovely turkey (Mr. Harer doesn't like turkey, we usually have steak instead), I won't be eating here is a Thanksgiving meme.

1.What are the traditional favorites?
The day always starts with egg casserole for breakfast. Like I mentioned already we do steak since Mr. Harer hates turkey. However before I became Mrs. Harer, turkey was on the menu and I happen to like it. I love me some stuffing. Of course mashed potatoes and gravy are on the menu. Usually green bean casserole. And pumpkin pie to top it all off.

2.What new recipes will you try this year?
Probably none. Remember I don't cook.

3.What part of the meal do you never compromise?
Yams, I can't stand them. It doesn't matter how many sweet toppings they have, they're gross. In fact maybe I don't like them because of all the marshmallow and pineapple stuff mixed with them, since I like sweet potatoes.

4.Who gets to carve the turkey?
Ummm see above.....

5.Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there's room?
When we actually have Thanksgiving at home, it is buffet style.

6.How many will be at your table this year?
That depends. If the Harer family hosts Thanksgiving there could be anywhere from 5-13. If the Lansdell family hosts, it will be 11-15 people.

7.Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert?
Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie. There is no other kind.

8.Cranberry sauce...yeah or nay?
Yay, mix a little turkey, mashed potato and cranberry on your dinner roll and it is so yummy.

9.What time do you eat Thanksgiving dinner?
Between 1-2pm.

10.Favorite leftover?
Stuffing. I love cold stuffing.

Now it is time to put up the Christmas Tree.

Personality for Diabetes

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 11 Veteran’s Day – Veterans Day marks end of World War 1 in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Is there something you do every day at the same time to help with your diabetes routine?

Diabetes is a disease of repetition, we do the same things over and over; day after day to care for our disease. Which got me thinking, is there a personality type that is best for dealing with diabetes?

According to the Myers-Briggs personality test I am an ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging).

The Nurturer

"As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.

ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.

ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.

ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.

The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.

More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.

Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.

The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.

ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".

The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others."

(Citation taken from the personalitypage.com)

You can take the Myers-Briggs personality test here. Good descriptions of the personality types are found here. I think that INTJ is probably the best (easiest) personality type for someone with type 1 diabetes.

Christmas Wish List

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my Christmas shopping this week. I know it seems early but I would like to have everything for Christmas complete by Dec 1, so I can enjoy the holiday season stress free.

I figured I would post my own Christmas Wish List here that way it is easy for the whole family to find.

Mondor Evolution Tights (over the boot or footed)
Jackson DJ2170 Freestyle Boots with Ultma Mark IV Blades (size 7C)
Sewing Machine
USFSA Membership Dues Paid (Rim of the World Figure Skating Club)
Gift Card to New York and Company
Boar Bristles Styling Brush
Kiera Vintage Inspired Dress
Medic-Alert Bracelet (Leather with heart shaped ID)

Small Clear Ponytail holders
Bath and Body Works (Twilight Woods, Dark Kiss or Midnight Pomegranate)
Orbitz Sweet Mint Gum
Bunny Ring
Tights (everyday wear, not skating tights)

D-Blog Day 2010

2010-11-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

So apparently I didn't get the memo and my D-Blog Day post is a day late.

Yesterday was D-blog day, Gina at Diabetes Talkfest started this wonderful idea on November 9, 2005 to unite bloggers and spread awareness about type 1 diabetes.

This years topic is 6 things you want people to know about diabetes:

1. It's not easy. Just because I have a pump it doesn't mean that taking care of my diabetes doesn't require my attention, it's not on autopilot.

2. I don't like it. It's true, if I had a choice I would not choose diabetes.

3. Low Blood Sugar means I need to eat something sweet. High Blood Sugar means I need more insulin. Salt has nothing to do with blood sugar levels.

4. Diabetes impacts the lives of my family and friends.

5. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, in other words insulin is not a cure!

6. People with diabetes can have safe healthy pregnancies and their children will not necessarily have diabetes.

Reporter for a day

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 9 News – Thanks to American Diabetes Month®, diabetes has been in the headlines this week. Did you see any diabetes articles that were interesting? Inspiring? Frustrating? While there’s no controlling what the media says, what topics would you cover if you were a reporter?

10 Most Anticipated Diabetes Headlines
by Mrs. Harer

10.Never Change a Lancet Again
9. Insulin available as a $4 prescription
8. Type 2 Diabetes Renamed
7. Diabetes Myths Permanently Debunked
6. Diabetic Mice to Take Over the World
5. Glucose Tabs, now in Chocolate Flavor
4. Pizza = 0 carbs
3. Dancing with Diabetes CBS Tuesday at 9P
2. Artificial Pancreas Available
1. Type 1 Diabetes Cured!

Olympic Athlete, that's me!

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

No, not for ice skating.......

I've been training for the Diabetes Olympics for 25 years and I think this year might be my year to bring several medals home for Team USA. Thanks to Death of a Pancreas for these fantastics olympic events.

Shooting (up) - Points are deducted for blood or a wet shot (insulin seeping out of the skin after the needle is removed).
Judge's Critique: Since I am on the pump and rarely have to give an injection this isn't something I have a problem with. However I am horrible about having a pump bump which I have been told is unabsorbed insulin sitting under the skin.Result: Automatic disqualification

Synchronized Living - This is the ability to balance carbs, insulin, exercise, stress, illnesses, and hormones; and still achieve reasonably good numbers.Judge's Critique: Is anyone able to win gold in this event? During practice I do great, but when the stress of competition becomes to much, I just fold under the pressure.
Result: DNF, did not finish.

Speed Getting Ready - Waking up 1/2 hour late after a night of out of range blood sugars, with a nearly empty insulin reservoir, a sensor error, a serious case of ketone breath, you have a big assignment due at school and a presentation at work and need to be at work in 30 minutes. Good Luck.
Judge's Critique: Dry Shampoo was created for these days, 5 minutes to do my hair. 2 minutes to get dressed, since I laid out my clothes the night before. I can change my pump site and put in a new sensor in my office at work. 2 minutes to brush my teeth and banish the ketone breath. 1 minute to grab my homework, lunch and diabetes supplies. 15 minutes to drive to work. Arrive with 5 minutes to spare. Result: Gold!

10 Meter Dash - From the bed to the refrigerator to get juice. Or from the couch to the bathroom when you have a high blood sugar.
Judge's Critique: Great at the couch to bathroom portion, automatic disqualification for the bed to fridge.Result: DNF

WAG-ing - (stands for Wild Ass Guessing) as in how many carbs are in the yummy casserole?
Judge's Critique: Good strategy in this event. Carries the handy Calorie King cheat book.Result: Silver

Juggling - Taking care of diabetes related issues while simultaneously cooking, cleaning, blogging, walking the dogs, etc....
Judge's Critique: Needs work prioritizing, some things can wait until later, diabetes care should come first.Result: Bronze

Biathlon - Which, of course is the combination of two sports. The key, as any good athlete will tell you, is preparation.
Judge's Critique: I am very good at combining WAG-ing and Accuracy. Result: Silver

Accuracy - Guessing what the BG is going to be before the meter displays the result.
Judge's Critique: With the help of the sensor I can guess pretty accurately. But sometimes I am surprised. Result: Gold

Wrestling - This is really a mind wrestling event. Trying to convince yourself to push the sof-serter/sen-serter button to shove a needle temporarily into your flesh.
Judge's Critique: This athlete uses the "dance" technique, which involves swaying on one foot with the insertion device pressed against her skin. I employ deep breathing and relaxation until I am finally ready to push the button. Can take up to 5 minutes to finally occur. Result: Silver

Swimming - As in "just keep swimming". Usually done on days where you swear you cannot do this for another second. When you are bone tired and there is nobody to take the baton from your hand. When all you want to do is climb up onto your roof and scream the F-word (no, not fine) for as loud and as long as possible. When it seems like the tears will never stop falling. You still kick your legs and flail your arms to keep your head above the water and "just keep swimming". Because you have to.
Judge's Critique: Finds strength and support from the DOC!
Result: Gold

Daylight Savings

2010-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Did y'all remember to turn your clocks back and hour? I hope you enjoyed your extra hour of sleep.

We are at day 7 of NaBloPoMo and the ADA 30 Days of Diabetes!

Sunday, November 7 Daylight Savings – Daylight Savings ended today, so you got an extra hour of sleep! Some people will need to adjust their insulin pump clocks, others may simply change the clocks on their wall. Does an hour change affect your diabetes management?

The time change does not affect my diabetes management or my insulin settings at all. But, there have been times when traveling that time change has seriously affected my diabetes management. Thankfully being on the pump with strictly rapid-acting insulin makes those adjustments much easier.

Begging for Your Help

2010-11-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

There are several things right now that I need your attention and assistance with;

Please visit RefreshEverything to vote for this team. They practice at one of the rinks I skate at and could really use your help to win this grant.

Please take time to view this short video. The Diabetes Hands Foundation and Roche will donate insulin to needy kids for every view this month.

As part of Diabetes Month the DOC is wearing blue every Friday. I'd like to invite you to join us. Or you can put the diabetes awareness ribbon on your blog, facebook profile, twitter feed, etc....

Thank you everyone for your time, your help is greatly appreciated!

The MD appointments

2010-11-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

We were out late last night which is why this post wasn't up at 8AM this morning.

Saturday, November 6 Check Up Check List – Very few people enjoy doctor appointments, but if you have diabetes, you’ve probably had your share of these! Share your doctor appointment stories – funny, frustrating, embarrassing or inspiring – or what appointments you need to catch up on.

I have a great medical team right now, however the list of specialist does seem to keep growing. I have a primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, a CDE (diabetes educator), an ophthalmologist, a sports medicine doctor, an orthopedist, a physical therapist, a vascular surgeon and I spend my work day surrounded by cardiologists and nurse practitioners.

I am so thankful for the diabetes care team I have now because when I was a kid, I had an awful pediatric endocrinologist. She thought that all diabetes should be by the book and refused to allow me to get a pump because my A1c was too high. She used scare tactics on me and my mother and insisted I'd be blind before I was 20.

I love that I can trust my specialists to know their role. My sports medicine doctor doesn't try to adjust my insulin, just like my endocrinologist doesn't change my pletal dose. Of course there is some overlap in care and that is fine by me, because my doctors are so good at paging or calling one another if they have questions about my care.

Friends and Family Friday

2010-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Still attempting the ADA's 30 diabetes related posts for Diabetes month.

Friday, November 5 “Friends & Family Friday” – Research shows that diabetes has a genetic component: Who in your family or circle of friends has diabetes?

Actually I am the only one in my family with type 1 diabetes, but my paternal grandpa (who I miss very very much) was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He ultimately ended up on insulin because he refused to change his diet. He ate dessert with every meal, snacked on candy and cakes and always "accidentally" bought regular root beer instead of diet.

My youngest sister Miss S has autoantibodies that indicate a higher risk for being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Since I have a thyroid condition in addition to type 1 diabetes that means that my children will also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Several of my family members have celiac disease which is closely linked to type 1 diabetes.

So autoimmune-wise my family is a melting pot of disorders.

Ice Troll

2010-11-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday IceMom posted about Ice Trolls, these nasty little people seem to be an issue at almost all rinks. One of the rinks I skate at is swarming with ice trolls, however until this week they have not bothered me. But there is a first time for everything right?

The adult skater group was practicing our routine for the Christmas Ice Show and the ice troll and I skate to the center of the ice from the same direction at the beginning of the routine. After going through the routine once, she turns to me and asks "Why are you here?"

I figured she meant it innocently, kind of more like "oh, what made you decide to start skating?" but then I realized she meant it more like "I am more advanced than you and you are just in my way, so why don't you run along."

I've seen this Ice troll at a few public sessions and she seems to have a clique that she skates with, they have never said anything to me, but I think I will do my best to avoid them in the future. One hostile skater is all it takes to turn the whole group hostile.

I guess I just expect adults to act like adults and refrain from petty, catty behavior.

Diabetes Celebrities

2010-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association is hosting a blogroll called Diabetes Stops Here℠: Living with Diabetes; Inspired to Stop It. Each of the bloggers will post a diabetes related entry every day in November. I missed the first few days, so I will add those on at the end of the month.

Day 4 ~ Diabetes Celebrities – From rock stars like Bret Michaels to professional athletes like Jay Cutler, people with diabetes are showing how diabetes has not stopped them. Who’s your favorite diabetes celebrity?

I have to be up front and admit, I hold diabetic celebrities to a higher standard. I expect them to not say or do stupid stuff, in regard to their diabetes (ahem, Brett Michaels, Halle Berry are you listening?) I don't have a favorite diabetic celebrity, however their are several who I think have handled their diabetes publicity well;

Of course Mary Tyler Moore tops my list, she is a great advocate and I've never heard/seen her say something stupid about diabetes.

Photo Credit: More.com

Second on my list is Nicole Johnson, who wouldn't love a diabetic Miss America?

Photo Credit: Fox News

Tied for third are Nick Jonas and Charlie Kimball.

Photo Credit: Disney Dreamin

Photo Credit: NWI Times

Lastly, she is a celebrity in the DOC, Kerri Sparling.

My Favorite Desserts

2010-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Press Enterprise
Casey's Cupcakes

Photo Credit: The Goddess Blogs
Pumpkin Pie

Also Pineapple Carpaccio, but I could not find a good picture.

So, your probably wondering what made me decide to post about this today? No reason.

Election Day

2010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Ramapo College

I love that we have a voice in how our country is run. I intend to make my voice heard today, there are several key issues on the ballot here in California and I have an opinion on each of them. However, unlike religion, I am not willing to blather on about politics. So here is what I have to say, plain and simple;

Go Vote!

PS: I've worked at the polling place and it is tough. Be nice to the people checking you in, they like Starbucks.

NaBloPoMo 2010

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's November and that means it is National Blog Posting Month! Which means there will be a new post everyday this month. Ahhhh, okay, I can do this.

Day 1 ~ Dreaming Big

Mr. Harer and I just returned from Yosemite. It was nice to go in the fall, with less crowds and cooler weather. The leaves were just starting to turn brilliant shades of yellow and since they recently had a storm in the high country the waterfalls were still flowing. We took the time to visit the Ahwahnee Hotel and I want to stay there sooooo much!

Photo Credit: womansday.com

This is the hotel description lifted right off the NPS website.

Completed in 1927, The Ahwahnee^® design uniquely blends an array of influences including Art Deco, Native American, Middle Eastern and Arts & Crafts Movement. These elements can be seen in the stenciling, woodwork, lighting fixtures and china patterns. Some of the most well loved aspects of The Ahwahnee are its grand public spaces featuring giant stone fireplaces, massive hand-stenciled beams, rich tapestries and elegant stained glass.

Photo Credit: yosemitefun.com

The fireplaces are amazing and the dining room looks exactly like the dining hall at Hogwarts. Someday when we are infinitely rich, I would like to stay in the hotel for Christmas and go to the Bracebridge dinner. But until then, I can dream big and enjoy the public areas whenever we are in Yosemite Valley.

Meet the Family

2010-10-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have five younger siblings, we are fairly close, although we live in three different states. I miss them all immensely.

Ms. C and I are three years apart. C, lives in Oklahoma with her husband Mr. Wrong and her two daughters Miss E and Miss R.

Ms. C and I. She is the outspoken one

Big B is my step-brother, his dad married my Lisa, he just entered the military (air force, I think, but I am not sure.)

B, don't be mad, I "stole" this photo off your FB page.

J is my half-brother, he will be going to college in Reno next year. J and I are 11 years apart, he was born with a cleft-lip and palate, is really into science and is positively weird.

J and Miss E

Little Miss B, also known as Broccoli. She was my little doll growing up. She just turned 16 earlier this month and got her learner's permit to drive. Thankfully she lives in Oklahoma, so the roads here in So Cal. are safe.

Miss B

Miss S is the baby of the family. She is in 4-H and raises pigs and turkeys. She is growing in her relationship with Christ and I am so excited to see where life takes her.

I love this picture of Miss S

So now you've met the family.

Me and my sisters, circa 2003

Sometimes you just can't win

2010-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

I give up! The D has defeated me, and I am just going to give in and let it do what it wants for a while.

Since I got injured, I've been home from work and my schedule has been unusual. I haven't gotten much exercise and I've been sleeping in and skipping meals, which I don't normally do. Consequently my blood sugars have bounced from high to low and back again without ever balancing out.

Today I went back to work, and also back to the rink. Throughout the day my blood sugars were beautiful! Steady between 116-130.

Then I went to the rink, I tested before my lesson and was 116, the sensor showed an up arrow, and I felt fine, so I didn't bother with a snack. Sometime during my lesson, I got really sweaty, like drenched, but I figured it was because I was working so hard. I did not feel low, or high for that matter.

I didn't test after skating (I probably should have.) By the time I got home and prepared to eat dinner the sensor was showing 197 and double up arrows. I tested 333 AHHH WTF?

Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure I went low skating, and that lovely liver of mine dumped glucose (thank you liver, for doing your job oh so well.) But, now I am right back where I started, bouncing from high to low with no end in sight.

So, I give up. Dear D, please let me know when I can take over again. BTW I see Dr. Lee at the end of this month, so we need to get out act together.

My Brief Hiatus

2010-10-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Is anyone still here? Yes, I realize it has been nearly 2 weeks since I've posted anything. I am really sorry about that.

Many of you might already know, but for any followers who are on the fringe, I broke my wrist last Tuesday while ice skating. I was in a cast, now I am in a splint. Typing, among other things is not ~~easy~~ comfortable.

My BG's have been all over the place, which has not been fun either.

But, on to better news....

The Inland Empire JDRF Walk for a Cure was last Saturday, despite not reaching my goal of 50 walkers, I had a great time. 6 people (Thank you, Matthew, Justin, Nicole (and baby), Matthew, and Mr. Harer) did join my team, and we raised a total of $255.

On Sunday, Mr. Harer and I went to the Air Show at MCAS Miramar. We saw the Blue Angels fly, which was really fun.

I will be doing a half-time devotional for my church's youth basketball league on Saturday, I am still trying to decide on a verse.

That is about all right now, I promise I will have something better to post tomorrow.

The Social Media Pageant

2010-09-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

I've tried to make it quite clear here, that although I have not competed recently, I am a pageant girl at heart.

I know there are several reasons that keep women (especially married adult women) from competing in pageants. But now there is a new pageant system that will overcome those excuses.

The Miss WWW America is a new online pageant, that will offer local, state and national level competition, all from the comfort of your armchair! No travel expenses. No swimsuit competition. No glitzy gown to purchase. The pageant's focus is social interaction, which is perfect for this techno-centered generation.

Details about this great new pageant system are being released almost daily through their Facebook and Twitter feeds. More information is also available on their website.

You can also click on my special referral link to demand your state.

A slow leak

2010-09-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

I had to take the car into the tire shop last week. For several months now, the drivers side rear tire has had a slow leak. Every couple of days, I was having to fill'er up with ~~hot~~ air. Turns out I had a small screw stuck in the middle of the tread.

While I was sitting in the waiting area, staring down the soda pop vending machines, I had time to contemplate the previous day's bible study, Romans 6.

Basically Paul is reminding us christians that we do not have an excuse to sin, simply because we have the grace of God. We are reminded that in baptism, we experience death and burial with Christ and rise again a new person. We become dead to sin and are now instruments of righteousness to God. We are taught, Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So clearly, these are life instructions. Pretty cool how that works. Hang on I have a point here, sin is like that stupid screw in my tire. When I have unrepentant sin in my life, it is allowing the air (my desire for a relationship with Christ) to slowly leak away. Without a personal relationship with my Savior, my life is not going anywhere, just like without air in my tire, my car is not going anywhere.

You might be thinking at this point, "Judie, your like the nicest, sweetest person I know, there is no way you have a problem with sin." (or something like that) But the truth is I am human and I do struggle with sin, just like you. Gossip anyone? Half-truths, I tell em. I don't need to list all my transgressions here for them to be any less real.

Thankfully, I can take comfort in the knowledge that God's grace allows me to pray, repent and learn from my mistakes. Though we all struggle with sin, God does not condemn us when we are in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

Just like the tire shop patched my tire, God has patched my sinful nature.

Happy Barkday Sheila!

2010-09-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ice Drama

2010-09-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

My group lesson today was great, no one else showed up, so I had a private lesson without the private lesson price.

Michael (my coach) and I worked on really leaning into my outside edge to clean up my forward crossovers. I will have to keep working at that during my practice ice time.

I have no idea where this image came from, so if it is yours let me know.

We worked on backwards crossovers, and lastly we began those dreaded 3-turns.

3 Turn: A figure skating element, which involves a change in direction and a change in edge.

Now, I know I am not the only adult skater, who's had trouble with these darn 3-turns. It's just that they are so important to moving on. They are essential to passing my adult pre-bronze moves in the field test. In fact they are a component of the test. Ugh, but I just cannot get them! My brain understands, but my body won't cooperate.

But, all this complaining is really just to point out how much FUN I am having. I am enjoying my time on the ice and I am thrilled with how easily everything has come back to me. Once I master these 3-turns, there is only one element left to learn before I can test, which I'm so excited about.

Invisible Illness Week

2010-09-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is an illness that has no constant external symptoms; does that mean it's invisible?

in·vis·i·ble
~adjective

not visible; not perceptible by the eye
withdrawn from or out of sight; hidden
not perceptible or discernible by the mind
concealed from public knowledge

Is diabetes perceptible by the eye?
Yes, to the a keen eye (like that of a fellow PWD.) I often can spot an insulin pump or CGM from across the room and I know I am not the only one. So by that logic, yes diabetes is perceptible by the eye.

Is diabetes out of sight or hidden?
It can be, there are some people who are willing to display their diabetes for all the world to see, but there are others who prefer to keep their diabetes hidden away. I do not think keeping your diabetes completely hidden is ever a good idea and can be dangerous in the event of a hypoglycemic event, so that makes the answer to this question no diabetes is not hidden.

Is diabetes perceptible by the mind?
This one gets tricky. Yes diabetes is perceptible by the mind. How does the mother of a CWD know to check on their child in the middle of the night? Gut instinct AKA her mind.

Is diabetes concealed from public knowledge?
Diabetes is in the public eye now more than ever. It's on the news, in the papers and magazines, sneaking into sitcoms and TV drama's, heck even Oprah's talking about it. So, Yes the public is aware of diabetes.

Let's go to the Fair

2010-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

The LA County Fair is happening right now! Mr. Harer got free tickets from a friend, so Thursday after work we went. This is what we saw

Baby Cow

Brand new baby goat. It was crying for it's Mama and she was bleating back. So cute!

This poor sheep was dejected because they sheared her wool.

This rude little donkey was never
taught not to stick his tongue out at
women.

This little lamb was my favorite baby animal in the nursery barn.
It was just so sweet cuddled up with it's mama.

Such pretty horns.

Naughty little bunny

Le Grande Wheel

Budweiser Dalmatian

Dinnertime

Totally Bolus Worthy
Gingerbread Cake :)