Hope everyone had a great Tuesday!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thirty Day Photo Challenge!- Day Four: High Angle Shot
I hope I did this high-angle shot right! There's a tree right next to where I park and it sort of leans over the area. It reminds me a lot of a weeping willow that was in my backyard where I grew up.
Hope everyone had a great Tuesday!
Hope everyone had a great Tuesday!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Blood Sugar Testing Resumes
Today is the day...
Blood sugar testing around 8 times per day. I know what you're thinking...yikes. Does everyone reading know that I have Type 1 Diabetes?
I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old. My dad noticed a significant weight loss (yes, I was a chunky 9-year-old) and I think he finally decided to take me to my pediatrician when I was up one night 12 different times. I would go to the bathroom, and then drink about 5 or 6 cups of water right after that. Something was wrong.
Sure enough, I was diagnosed and promptly put on a diet and insulin regime. It was not fun...it still isn't. At that time, we were still counting fat and sugar for blood sugar control rather than carbohydrates. Looking back, I ate really well (even though it didn't seem like it at the time- what kid wants to eat a cup of broccoli everyday with their lunch?). My stepmom was a great cook and I had plenty of food. But I couldn't have any of the stuff I wanted. Cookies, cakes, bowls upon bowls of cereal, soda, etc. As I grew up, I got more and more angry at my disease. I would go into Walmart during the holidays and purposefully smash the yummy chocolates, just because I couldn't have them. Isn't that terrible?! Once I hit junior high, it got worse. There were vending machines at my school...and I got an allowance. My parents found candy bar wrappers and empty chip bags behind my bookcase on a regular base. It was awful. And the worst part is, I didn't care. I really didn't. Looking back, I know now that I was in denial of my disease. If I ignored it, then maybe it would just go away.
Obviously, diabetes doesn't work that way. And even to this day, it has been a struggle. More often then I'd like to admit, I slip back into my "I'll just have a cookie today and it will be fine" phase. But recently, something inside of me has changed. I don't really know how to explain it, or what really happened. I think it's a combination of knowing that how I'm handling (in the loosest sense of the word) my diabetes is totally wrong, and the fact that I'm getting older. As the time flies right by, I can see clearly that if I don't get ahold of myself and my health, my years here will be short. I want to grow old with my husband and have a healthy baby, but I can't do it like this.
So today, I went to the pharmacy. I bought a brand-new glucometer and called in a prescription for test strips. I just got home with that and have already tested twice! I have an appointment set up with a new endocrinologist- an adult one (what a novel idea!). Also, one of my coworkers is a nursing student and is a constant source of knowledge for me. He is even developing a meal plan for me! I sat down with Sebastian and asked for his support while I get on the right track. He promptly got rid of the sweets and snacks we had lying around and vowed to change his diet too. I feel good and for the first time, I can really tell that this change will be permanent. When it comes right down to it, diabetes is a daily battle that I must choose to either win or lose.
Today, I choose to win.
Blood sugar testing around 8 times per day. I know what you're thinking...yikes. Does everyone reading know that I have Type 1 Diabetes?
I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old. My dad noticed a significant weight loss (yes, I was a chunky 9-year-old) and I think he finally decided to take me to my pediatrician when I was up one night 12 different times. I would go to the bathroom, and then drink about 5 or 6 cups of water right after that. Something was wrong.
Sure enough, I was diagnosed and promptly put on a diet and insulin regime. It was not fun...it still isn't. At that time, we were still counting fat and sugar for blood sugar control rather than carbohydrates. Looking back, I ate really well (even though it didn't seem like it at the time- what kid wants to eat a cup of broccoli everyday with their lunch?). My stepmom was a great cook and I had plenty of food. But I couldn't have any of the stuff I wanted. Cookies, cakes, bowls upon bowls of cereal, soda, etc. As I grew up, I got more and more angry at my disease. I would go into Walmart during the holidays and purposefully smash the yummy chocolates, just because I couldn't have them. Isn't that terrible?! Once I hit junior high, it got worse. There were vending machines at my school...and I got an allowance. My parents found candy bar wrappers and empty chip bags behind my bookcase on a regular base. It was awful. And the worst part is, I didn't care. I really didn't. Looking back, I know now that I was in denial of my disease. If I ignored it, then maybe it would just go away.
Obviously, diabetes doesn't work that way. And even to this day, it has been a struggle. More often then I'd like to admit, I slip back into my "I'll just have a cookie today and it will be fine" phase. But recently, something inside of me has changed. I don't really know how to explain it, or what really happened. I think it's a combination of knowing that how I'm handling (in the loosest sense of the word) my diabetes is totally wrong, and the fact that I'm getting older. As the time flies right by, I can see clearly that if I don't get ahold of myself and my health, my years here will be short. I want to grow old with my husband and have a healthy baby, but I can't do it like this.
So today, I went to the pharmacy. I bought a brand-new glucometer and called in a prescription for test strips. I just got home with that and have already tested twice! I have an appointment set up with a new endocrinologist- an adult one (what a novel idea!). Also, one of my coworkers is a nursing student and is a constant source of knowledge for me. He is even developing a meal plan for me! I sat down with Sebastian and asked for his support while I get on the right track. He promptly got rid of the sweets and snacks we had lying around and vowed to change his diet too. I feel good and for the first time, I can really tell that this change will be permanent. When it comes right down to it, diabetes is a daily battle that I must choose to either win or lose.
Today, I choose to win.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Thirty Day Photo Challenge!- Day Three: Clouds
The last few days here in South Florida have been really beautiful. On the ACTUAL third day of this photo challenge (yesterday), there was literally not ONE cloud in the sky! Clear as crystal and the weather has matched the sky too. It finally feels like fall here; the humidity hasn't been higher than 58% and it feels great. I can do my hair and it won't frizz the second I open the door! For South Floridians...this is big.
Here are some clouds I came across tonight just as it was starting to get dark...love the moon here :)
Here are some clouds I came across tonight just as it was starting to get dark...love the moon here :)
Hope everyone has a great week!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thirty Day Photo Challenge!- Day Two: What I Wore
Today's photo brings me the opportunity to tell you about my job and why I love it! A few years ago, I was working as a junior recruiter at a staffing agency. The office I worked in was nice and my coworkers were fun ladies. Sebastian and I had just gotten married and we were living in an apartment right next to a Starbucks. I don't particularly enjoy coffee (still don't), but one day I saw a "Now Hiring" sign in their window. We had been saving money to take a Disney trip for Sebastian's birthday in June, so I thought it might be good to get a part-time job just temporarily to have a little extra spending money for the trip! Little did I know, it would turn into so much more.
I started the job and loved it. Instead of being chained to my desk on the phone or computer all day, I was running around the store making drinks, doing dishes, counting money, etc. Now, while this may not sound very exciting to some people, it was such a drastic change from what I was used to at the office and I found myself really looking forward to 5 o'clock when I could get out of there and go into Starbucks. I am very outgoing, so the interaction I had with not only the customers, but with my new coworkers was something I realized I had been missing. When it came down to it, I was 100% happier at Starbucks than I knew I would ever be at my office job. I talked with my manager at Starbucks about getting on the path to move up in management (something I had never done!) and she was all for it.
So...I made the switch. Let me tell you, it was ROUGH. I had been with the office job for about 3 years, and was only a barista at Starbucks, so the pay cut was intense. But luckily, my wonderful husband supported me and knew that this was what was going to make me happy. We crunched numbers and worked it out. We were tight for awhile, but it was okay! About a month after I switched to full-time at Starbucks, I was promoted to shift supervisor. One year after that, I became an assistant manager, and one year after that, I became a store manager. I opened up a brand new store and have been there for almost 3 years now. I love what I do and really feel like I've found something that I'm good at. And my partners ("Starbucks" for employees) have become my true second family.
For this reason, today I wore...proudly...
I started the job and loved it. Instead of being chained to my desk on the phone or computer all day, I was running around the store making drinks, doing dishes, counting money, etc. Now, while this may not sound very exciting to some people, it was such a drastic change from what I was used to at the office and I found myself really looking forward to 5 o'clock when I could get out of there and go into Starbucks. I am very outgoing, so the interaction I had with not only the customers, but with my new coworkers was something I realized I had been missing. When it came down to it, I was 100% happier at Starbucks than I knew I would ever be at my office job. I talked with my manager at Starbucks about getting on the path to move up in management (something I had never done!) and she was all for it.
So...I made the switch. Let me tell you, it was ROUGH. I had been with the office job for about 3 years, and was only a barista at Starbucks, so the pay cut was intense. But luckily, my wonderful husband supported me and knew that this was what was going to make me happy. We crunched numbers and worked it out. We were tight for awhile, but it was okay! About a month after I switched to full-time at Starbucks, I was promoted to shift supervisor. One year after that, I became an assistant manager, and one year after that, I became a store manager. I opened up a brand new store and have been there for almost 3 years now. I love what I do and really feel like I've found something that I'm good at. And my partners ("Starbucks" for employees) have become my true second family.
For this reason, today I wore...proudly...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Halloween Fun!
Pirates & princesses, wizards & witches and of course...tons and tons of CANDY! This year's Halloween was a lot of fun. Although the weather really didn't want to be anything but rainy & gloomy, that didn't stop the everlasting childlike (ok, who are we kidding...adult too!) need for candy!
We dressed up at Starbucks (does everyone know that I manage the best Starbucks around? Well I do!) and my partners looked AWESOME! There was a trick-or-treat event at the Promenade, an outdoor mall where my Starbucks is located, and a couple of my baristas came to hand out candy and "ooh" and "ah" at all of the cute costumes!
Later that evening, my nephews came trick-or-treating at my house and scared the crap outta me! I just want to know what happened to the days when they dressed up as Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear or just a good ol' pirate?? Nevertheless, they were still cute to me!
All in all, it was a great Halloween! Now someone come eat this leftover candy at my house, before I do! :)
We dressed up at Starbucks (does everyone know that I manage the best Starbucks around? Well I do!) and my partners looked AWESOME! There was a trick-or-treat event at the Promenade, an outdoor mall where my Starbucks is located, and a couple of my baristas came to hand out candy and "ooh" and "ah" at all of the cute costumes!
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| The PERFECT Peter Pan! |
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| Christina & Andrea came as Peter Pan & Wendy to hand out candy to the kids! |
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| Ella, Stephanie & Christina- the closing crew! |
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| Cutest Luigi I've ever seen! |
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| Meghan kept handing customers Butterfingers telling them to "Take one Butterfinger and call me in the morning!" |
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| Even the customers got dressed up! When I freaked out over this customer as Woody in my Disney tourist costume, it was pretty funny! |
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| "She's a maaaniac!" Yes, she did the flashdance! |
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| Autograph book and annoying backpack are also included with the costume! |
Later that evening, my nephews came trick-or-treating at my house and scared the crap outta me! I just want to know what happened to the days when they dressed up as Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear or just a good ol' pirate?? Nevertheless, they were still cute to me!
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| WHERE ARE MY BABIES?!?! |
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| Pretty close to my actual reaction! |
All in all, it was a great Halloween! Now someone come eat this leftover candy at my house, before I do! :)
Thirty Day Photo Challenge!- Day One: Self Portrait
Love this idea and thought it would be neat to play along! Learn about the Thirty Day Photo Challenge here!
Day 1- Self Portrait
Self portraits are, in general, rough. Does anyone else feel that way? We love to look and see and explore and appreciate tons of different things around us (thank you, Pinterest!) but when it comes to taking a look at ourselves, we tend to step away, am I right? What better way to start off the Photo Challenge then with a Self Portrait so...here goes!
Day 1- Self Portrait
Self portraits are, in general, rough. Does anyone else feel that way? We love to look and see and explore and appreciate tons of different things around us (thank you, Pinterest!) but when it comes to taking a look at ourselves, we tend to step away, am I right? What better way to start off the Photo Challenge then with a Self Portrait so...here goes!
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| ...in a nutshell :) |
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
2011 Down Syndrome Buddy Walk
Different. Special. Hard to understand.
These words are just a few of the ones I've heard used for people that have some sort of a disability. And I'm ashamed to say that sometimes it's people that I know, or even my own family, that don't really have a clear understanding of what it truly means to have a disability.
Growing up, my dad worked for the Human Development Center in my hometown in Arkansas. I spent a lot of time there, especially when my parents got divorced when I was 8. I would go there while he worked and am grateful for the time I spent there and the people I met. I feel like it helped shape the way I am today by giving me an understanding of what it meant to live the way the people at the Center did. So many of them had talents and knowledge that could be envied by others. I met some amazing artists and other talented swimmers. But most of all, I met really amazing people, whose hearts were bigger and more accepting than a lot of people I've met since then.
About two years ago, one of my best friends, Amanda, was blessed with her very first niece! I remember going with her to the hospital the day Biyanca was born. I remember standing there with her family as they passed her around- crying, laughing, talking about who she looked like and just marveling at this beautiful blessing they were holding in their arms.
A few months later, the news came- Biyance had Down syndrome. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Down syndrome, you can read more info about it here. As with any news of this kind, there was a huge struggle for this family that was not easy. I remember thinking about all of the amazing people I had known in Arkadelphia (Arkansas) with Down syndrome and how much fun they were and how their bright smile would light up the whole town! I thought 'I know this will be hard for them in the beginning, but I know that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle'. I prayed and prayed for their strength while they were not only learning about this condition, but helping to raise a newborn baby with this condition.
As always, God never lets us down, and Biyanca has grown and blossomed into one of the cutest toddlers I've ever seen (although I may be a little biased). Yes, she's different. Different in the way that she loves just about everyone. Yes, she's special. Everything about her is special. And yes, she can be hard to understand. But only if you don't take the time to understand her. And now her family is doing all that THEY can to help others that might be going thru the same things that they did.
Here in Broward county, there is an annual "Buddy Walk" for Down syndrome that they participate in, and I wanted to share some of this year's event with you. It truly is an amazing experience to see all of the support, generosity and love that happens every year in October, and this year was no different! I've shared pictures from the event below as well as the link to donate if you want to help make a difference in these lives!
To donate to the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, click here. Thanks so much for reading!
These words are just a few of the ones I've heard used for people that have some sort of a disability. And I'm ashamed to say that sometimes it's people that I know, or even my own family, that don't really have a clear understanding of what it truly means to have a disability.
Growing up, my dad worked for the Human Development Center in my hometown in Arkansas. I spent a lot of time there, especially when my parents got divorced when I was 8. I would go there while he worked and am grateful for the time I spent there and the people I met. I feel like it helped shape the way I am today by giving me an understanding of what it meant to live the way the people at the Center did. So many of them had talents and knowledge that could be envied by others. I met some amazing artists and other talented swimmers. But most of all, I met really amazing people, whose hearts were bigger and more accepting than a lot of people I've met since then.
About two years ago, one of my best friends, Amanda, was blessed with her very first niece! I remember going with her to the hospital the day Biyanca was born. I remember standing there with her family as they passed her around- crying, laughing, talking about who she looked like and just marveling at this beautiful blessing they were holding in their arms.
A few months later, the news came- Biyance had Down syndrome. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Down syndrome, you can read more info about it here. As with any news of this kind, there was a huge struggle for this family that was not easy. I remember thinking about all of the amazing people I had known in Arkadelphia (Arkansas) with Down syndrome and how much fun they were and how their bright smile would light up the whole town! I thought 'I know this will be hard for them in the beginning, but I know that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle'. I prayed and prayed for their strength while they were not only learning about this condition, but helping to raise a newborn baby with this condition.
As always, God never lets us down, and Biyanca has grown and blossomed into one of the cutest toddlers I've ever seen (although I may be a little biased). Yes, she's different. Different in the way that she loves just about everyone. Yes, she's special. Everything about her is special. And yes, she can be hard to understand. But only if you don't take the time to understand her. And now her family is doing all that THEY can to help others that might be going thru the same things that they did.
Here in Broward county, there is an annual "Buddy Walk" for Down syndrome that they participate in, and I wanted to share some of this year's event with you. It truly is an amazing experience to see all of the support, generosity and love that happens every year in October, and this year was no different! I've shared pictures from the event below as well as the link to donate if you want to help make a difference in these lives!
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| Beautiful morning by the beach for the Buddy Walk! |
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| My friend (and Biyanca's aunt), Amanda on the left. And a couple of other Starbucks employees that came out to support and participate. Thanks Kealan & Christina! |
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| This year, Amanda's family made these adorable bows out of duct tape! They were a hit! |
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| Ready to walk! |
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| Ladies and gentlemen, Biyanca! |
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| She LOVES this game! |
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| Tons of fun with cotton candy :) |
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| My husband's boss has a son, Darren, who also has Down syndrome. He was dancin' the day away! |
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| With the star of the show :) |
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| Biyanca & Christina |
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| So much love in that little body- and she loves to share it! |
To donate to the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, click here. Thanks so much for reading!
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