Happy 1 year anniversary!!

We made it past the one year mark! I'm so happy for that and to have both you to share stories with! What an interesting year with so many changes in everyone's life.
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Kat, you're so resilant with the housing issues and taking another job avenue that takes so much courage--not everyone would take it so well! And then the injuries on top of that! You're staying optimistic and giving the boys a good lesson in doing the best given the situation.
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Kate-yes, it was great hanging out with you and Erik. You two have an amazing relationship that is so supportive and carefree. It radiated between you two and after 5 years of marriage, that says something about you two. I'm so excited about the future family. I'll be taking notes, believe me! I finished the book Diabetes and Pregnancy and I totally agree with your review of the book. But its reassuring to hear about people's healthy birthing experiences. And the change in your life too, now nannying. After being with my nephews a couple weeks ago, I can see how that would be such a great experience, especially with your teaching background. If you need someone for your camp, call on me!
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I'm doing a variety of things, although nothing really at all. Haha. There are a lot of changes going on at my job so it should be interesting at the end of this year what will happen with scheduling and see if I get enough shifts. Then I'm training for the Chicago Marathon and did a 20 mile run last weekend, but I've decided to run it with my dad who is about a 15 min miler, so I don't know why I continue to do these insane long runs. Actually it makes my BG control better so I'll do them. Other than that, I'm technically in my new IM training program but haven't been sticking to it b/c Mark's got a stress fracture and its hard to get out to biking days without a car and my riding partner. I've been swimming in the Bay (Brrrrrr) and doing lots of running and core training. Another interesting thing that's come up lately is we've been hosting a lot of dinner parties. With Mark's cooking ability, we hosted a triabetes charity dinner, here's the menu:

Amuse Bouche
Heirloom tomato puree with fina basil
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Celery root soup, chanterelle muschrooms, micro arugula
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Dungeness crab friiter, citrus, mango puree, micro cilantro
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Maple vanilla glazed tofu, micro cilantro
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Range Brothers pork loin, bacon cream, candied pecans, blistered tomatoes, king trumpet mushroom
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King trumpet mushroom and fresh baby corn sautee, oyster mushroom cream, candied pecans, blistered tomatoes
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Cheese and contrast
Cowgirl creamery Mt. Tam triple cream, frog hollow preserves, macrona almonds
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Rasberry almond tart, meyer lemon curd


Just reading over it makes my mouth water! Such a great event and so we've been on a kick about doing this and slightly toying with the idea of charging for these events and have it be a little side business or just to cover the cost of the food and wine. We don't mind breaking even b/c we absolutely love the preparing, hosting, and cleaning up. The cleanup process we talk about all the fun we had and all the cool conversations we had that night. Totally a team project.
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I feel like I'm making some good friends here too which is comforting b/c the Bay area will be our living location for quite some time, Mark and I both are in love with the city. I don't think there is another city I'd rather live in. I just need you two, a couple friends from Austin, and my family. :) Nancy emailed me and said there is a (although small) chance that she might move out here! Whaaa-whooo!
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As far as a hobby I'd like to get into is photography and a camera will be my top Christmas list gift. I think its a great way to document your life and especially a growing family soon and I need a creative outlet in my life.
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My diabetes control has been shaky lately after having the best A1c of my life last time. I'm scared to go back to the doctor next week and have it checked again. I feel like I'm okay until I have a meal and I can't keep my BG under 200--I think I need to get a little more pesky about carb counting again. Such work...booooo. The CGM has been helping and I've gotten the best accuracy in my upper thigh but that bugger leaves a huge red scab each time I pull it out. But I want to leave my abdomen and upper butt for my pump sites to have the least amount of scar tissue. And the back of the arm wasn't getting good accuracy. I want to start doing Sparkpeople again to help with the carb counting and overall food intake. My sister might do it with me. Oh and to make me even more paranoid, the last month at work I've been taking care of some nasty diabetics with horrible complications. This one womans toe was smelled from the nursing station and I walked in about passed out. F'ing nasty. Then another woman went into a diabetic coma for a month until her neighbors called 911 for a nasty smell....she was literally attached to sofa...the EMS had to take a chunk of the couch in order to put her on the stretcher and had to get skin grafts....ahhhhhh!! Talk about a daily reminder that diabetes is a bitch if you don't take control. So pat ourselves on the back for all the hard work we do--it'll pay off in the end!
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I'm on Skype, either of you??? I've done conversations with my dad and sister and its really cool but a little delayed. But if you guys are on it, I'd love to skype with you and now you'll see my actually pick my nose during our conversation! It was funny with my dad to see how bored he looked during our conversation ;) HAHA. Anyway, athletic diabetics, I love you both!!

Florida Update

I second Kate's blog - it's been a while for me too! I made a joke with someone that has offered to help me train (for what I don't know) that I feel like I have a target posted on me rather than a racing bib :o) There has been the different foot injuries, the severely bruised butt injury (of all things), and NOW a nasty bronchial infection that has landed me on inhalers & steroids to clear it up. Talk about blood sugar upset!

The summer has definitely been about transition. The home we thought we were going to be in didn't work out. It has proven to be a learning experience, and not a fun one. We are now in a mobile home in a very rural setting on 1.75 acres. The schools are great for the kids, but it is just one of those situations where I look at life and wonder...what have I gotten us into? It is life though, full of change and ultimately, I have the choice of making the best of it. I am in school, practically full time, I DO get to be home with my boys in the afternoon and I'm sure the rest will work itself out as time goes on.

It is hard to believe it has been a little over a year since DTC!!! Through all of this past year, the good, the bad, the one thing I haven't lost is my desire to take care of me, my diabetes...and keep on exercising to the fullest! The drive has not left and I am happy about that.

I am happy to hear of my comrades accomplishments & desires to start families of their own!!! I can't wait to see it happen. Our family was talking the other night about the life changes we've experienced over the past year, regardless of our income, housing, etc. we remained truly blessed because of the joy our children bring to us and the fact that we are all committed to each other, to our faith and to family. No matter what hardship we have been faced with, and there have been many, our family has only grown stronger through it.

So...what now? Who knows, passing my classes would definitely be a good thing. I do hope I've made a good decision to embark into a new career field and that my bedside manner will be good when I do get to call myself an RN... Until then, I guess I'll just keep plugging away at life.

Take care & talk again soon!

Life updated

So I'll admit, it has been a really long time since I blogged so here is another shot at it! What's happened in my life over the last 8 months? Lots! I took a medical leave from my teaching job in March and have finally realized that crazy high stress jobs don't mesh well with being able to focus on my diabetes. I've taken some time off of teaching in the classroom and I'm putting my focus back where it needs to be -on my health, my happiness, and a work-life balance. My most favorite job was nannying for an amazing family four years ago and now Zi'm back to nannying again! I am passionate about relationship building with kids, passionate about encouraging healthy active lifestyles, and passionate about making the world just a little bit better. I'm happy now nannying and I get to take care of adorable funny and lovey little 2 year old twins. We play hard during the day and laugh and giggle at the most tribal things. I'm influencing their lives bit by bit and seeing their bright eyes and delight when I open the door each morning keeps me energized. I'm finally ready to start a family with Erik so I am hoping that will be sometime in our future and that we'll really take the time to enjoy the journey. I broke my collarbone over Memorial Day, had surgery and now have a titanium plate and screws. Most excruciating pain I have ever been in! Damn diabetes finally got me - do not attempt to mountain bike when your blood sugar is low. Flipped over my handle bars after a long ride. I'm almost fully recovered now, still living up the summer and staying active - it didn't slow me down too much. It's hard to believe it's been a year since DTC - I am so glad that I had that experience! It was amazing seeing Holly this summer -so great to catch up and connect our husbands. I will for always remember sharing a bottle of champagne up at Crater Lake! I feel inspired to kick up my focus on my diabetes over the next few months to get an A1C close to 6% and start the next chapter of our lives.

Whopper bummer

So its been a long time since DTC. Its been a long time since I've been in a group with a ton of people I feel immediately connected with. Its been too long. So I decided to sign up for IM St. George in Utah to give me one more (and probably for a while, last) experience of that. I could give one more year, train with a group of diabetics long distancely and race Ironman next year. Wow, was I excited and pumped. Then I heard about the intense terrain. VERY intense. The course is being touted at the one of the hardest IMs out there. The MOST challenging run of all 17. Bike being compared to the hardest in Spain. And 60 people pulled out with hypothermia on the swim. Ummm...what did I just sign up for. Its okay, I was doing it with Triabetes and it was a new goal and I'd be so inspired by seeing all my teammates on the course, it would pull me through.
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Then I contact triabetes and say "I SIGNED UP!!" And basically got an email back saying, "ummm....we're in the 'thick' of things but we can use you if you have another IM in your legs..." Ouch. How are you in the thick of things when everyone just registered a week ago??? Is it really alreadly too late? Started thinking...I just signed up for the hardest IM in North America with a no refund policy once you commit. One of the major tempatations of doing this race triabetes and now rejection....well, shit. I was assuming sign up for the race then contact them. Maybe these people have been on some "waiting list" and finally they got in...or have been planning it for a long time. It doesn't seem that way from a couple of their blogs. Then maybe they have a Maximum number of athletes they can support---last year they had three more. They are talking about how they want triabetes to grow and then said no to me...Hum...I'm just upset and thinking I might have made the silliest mistake in a long time. Over $1000 down the tube between Mark and I signing up. Trying to be mature about this...but I still feel like, WTF???

Yes...we're out here!

So...it seams we've lost our habit of keeping up with the blog :o) Not for not wanting to, by any means. We have officially moved to the country and it is beautiful, quite, relaxing and more. As we prepared to go run on the bike/run trail this morning the kids & I were walking through the yard finding the natural blackberry vines that are on our property. We managed to pick almost a cup full. Then as we were running & the boys were riding their bikes we came a cross an area where the path was covered with them....as if they had fallen from the sky. Wait a minute, they did. There was a vine that ran all the way up through one of the oak trees and the berries were just dropping from it. We stopped to pick some of the fresher ones & eat them on the spot.

Goals?? Yes, as of yesterday I have (2) short term goals. Small 5k nature run next Saturday followed by a boat ride on Wakulla Springs, and then July 5th my next small sprint Tri in Marianna, FL...again, a nature scene complete with swimming in Blue Springs (feeling the need for a wet suit, brrr).

So much more to say, share, but gotta run - family obligations calling.

Talk again soon!
Kat

"Hello anyone hear me?!"

Hello out there! :) I felt the urgent need for a new blog today. So long ago since we all connected. So many things have happened in all our lives and its time to share! Kat, you're done with your first semester of moving towards an RN degree--yay!! Plus moved to a place where you can almost organize a race around the land you now own. Hope the family is enjoying the new place with your father being so near! Kate--long time no hear. Almost done with the school year and new possibilities next year, I'm so interested in hearing about new plans/goals.
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Did anyone end up joining Team WILD? I think I might (very hesitant, hense the "might") be doing triabetes ironman next year in Idaho. Very not sure. But if either one of you said they'd do it, I'm in 100%. Its a good time of year for me and right now needing some REAL motivation.
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Things in my world have been umm "interesting." And by interesting, I mean uninteresting. Since the IM, I've been in a funk, not knowing what to do, not really liking doing anything cardiovascular. Taking it slow, still working out but not really pushing myself and just gliding through workouts. The weather has been crappy, rainy and cold, but ultimately it comes down to me to stop making excuses. I've gained 13 pounds and very upsetting b/c honestly, I have been doing 5-6 days of working out a week, but like I said, just gliding, which apparently doesn't cut it. Ironically though, I got an excellent A1c and even better one today. My blood sugars have been great irrelevant to my expanding size--ekk. Nothing works better for me than group workouts, so I joined Crunch fitness, which has numerous workouts throughout the day. Downside--its indoors, $, and not triathlon specific. Upside--motivation, stop gliding, reduce the number on scale. Also included in that--stop snacking and eating when I'm not hungry just cause something is there. Reason to say it here is so I'll stick to it. When I say (or write) something, I do it.
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I did my first race of the season--Big Sur 9 miler. It actually went better than expected--my time goal was exceeded and another goal was acheived. Next up is Bay to Breakers which is a pretty famous 12K (7.4 miles) and known for being a drunken-liberal-naked men fest. Last year, it was a great introduction to SF and was happy to be hit in the head with 27 tortillas before the start. Apparently, thats the way to get your game face (or head) on.
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The other day Mark and my bike got stolen off the back of our car. Stupid for thinking a bike lock would deter someone from taking them. We were in the library for about 25 minutes and came back with only the bike rack left. :( So sad. Police don't come out and so our renters insurance covered some of the bikes but doesn't cover the costs of the bikes. Makes me not want to buy more expensive ones b/c what if this happens again??? Plus, all those pictures were on the bike left from the IM and they didn't care. Poop. Anyway, so we're looking at some new bikes. Deciding between another road bike or a tri bike. I don't know how serious I'm going to be with triathlons anymore but tempted b/c they are so beautiful. They make bikes that make my mouth water. But they are lighter (so windy days can make you feel unsteady) and don't manuveur as well. Will update soon.
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Thanks for listening to my rambles and hopefully some more updates from Washington and Florida! Here's a picture from Big Sur this weekend, so gorgeous!

Goulash of sorts

(Kathleen Team WILD member, fellow pumper, and me at New Years)

Great to see your blogs Kate! I absolutely love that pic of you in the sunset!!! Haha, is there a right time for kids?! AHH, I'm just planning for things and it seems like the birthing thing keeps getting pushed further back. What about 45? Sheesh, and the "pressure" (mainly from me) from my sisters now having kids. My nephew just celebrated his 1st birthday and my sister's wife is about to pop next month. I'm ready, my life isn't. Guess thats the selfishness I'm suppose to lose when having a child. Mark's okay with putting it off for longer than I am. To answer his question: no, having a cactus is not fufilling the need. Anyway, plan is 1-2 years, ha, for now.
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To Team WILD or not to Team WILD? Another thing thats on my mind. With no word of a 2010 DTC, I could cry not having the experience annually. So will Team WILD replace it? The cost is an issue: $350 WILD fee + $250 race fee + $250 bike shipping + $200 flight + 330 (3 night stay) hotel = a lot. I'm not saying its not worth it because I genuinely feel DTC was priceless. Ahhh, don't know. Plus, not to be a debbie downer, but its an inagural race (usually logistical problems) and in Branson, Missouri. Hum... On the upside, I'd train with great gals and get motivation (which I've been lacking), plus have endless support, and the finale the race! Finishing is what its all about. This doesn't help, I'm still torn.
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(Homemade freaking delicious spicy crispy chewy sweet salty walnuts)

16 days into the cleanse, 24 more to go. I must admit, I've cheated but only when out with friends. Here at home, no alcohol, processed food, meat, coffee. Its going okay, I do feel more vibrant and energetic which is surprising considering I gave up my coveted coffee. My Mr. Coffee has never been so frowny. It has made a difference in my blood sugars. This might be one of those confounding variables because I'm not snacking at work (cause there's nothing to eat thats NOT processed) and being more aware of what I eat. Also, I've noticed some differences with non-wheat/gluten foods. So I might do a little test (of the emergency broadcasting system) later to see about some gluten intolerance but I am doing too much right now with food. Anyway, no difference in my weight which is frustrating.
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Lots of changes at work, it seems like everyone is changing shifts, leaving for other departments. And they're cutting down on the techs which means soon there will be none. Everything is going to fall on the nurses. I must say though, this is the easiest job I've had in my life, so there is no room to even flinch a complaint. Not that nursing is easy, its just my hospital. We are rarely filled to capacity and don't see many critical patients. Many days I come home feeling I've been a robot all day. The theme of the day today was abdominal pain. Each one was sent home with discharge instructions "you've got abdominal pain, nothing emergent found, take this medication and if not better in 5-7 days, go to your regular doctor." This is the typical day. Although yesterday I did have a doctor tell me to give a patient a meal when she had significant tongue swelling (she could barily stick it out) because she was anxious and hungry. If we fed her, she wouldn't be so anxious. HAH. Plus how's she going to put the spoon in her mouth?
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Thursday's forcast: Rainy skies with wind, no work, overdue cleaning, much curling under a blanket, needed baking.

Team WILD thoughts...

Since coming back from Thailand, things have finally been clicking for me. I left for winter break feeling overly challenged, stressed, and feeling close to wanting to throw in the towel with teaching. I think I was caught in a rut for awhile but I think I've dug myself out. I've almost finished the two fastest teaching weeks I've experienced in my teaching career and now I'm spending some time reflecting on what is working. I think being in Thailand and away from everything else gave me perspective, perspective that I needed so I could focus on the forest rather than just one tree. I often get caught up in the drama that surrounds education and the past two weeks I think I've put almost all of my energy into my students and what is best for them. I feel like I've been more present during the day, working hard before school, giving my students all I can give them during the day, and then trying my best to disconnect right after school ends. It seems healthy and sustainable and the boundaries I've worked on setting for myself will only help me focus on my health and the other aspects of my life beyond my career.

The thought of joining Team WILD (Women Inspiring Life with Diabetes) has been occupying a lot of my mind this week, partially because Erik's been on a business trip all week and I've had more time to think. For the past few years I've told myself that I either want to run a marathon or compete in a triathlon before we have kids. I could keep pushing this dream of mine back further and further but I also feel like I'd like to think about having kids in the next year or so. I've wondered why I have this athletic goal and whether or not it's just a pipe dream. Is it the image that I like? Is it the idea of being 40 and recalling the days when I was training hard and finally crossed the finish line? Is it the thought of reliving my childhood days of being competitive and working towards an athletic goal? Am I considered this goal as a way to add structure to a fitness routine that has become boring and doesn't challenge me? Is it that I thrive on structure and am wondering if training for a major event would provide even more structure to my life? A few weeks ago I would have answered all of these questions with the answer yes.

I've finally figured it out, I'm interested in joining Team WILD because I have a strong desire to connect with others who understand me. So often I feel that I live in isolation with my diabetes, tackling the day to day challenges by myself with the support of friends and family. When I fall apart because I'm so fed up with it all, they try their best to understand. They do, I know they do, because I see it from Erik all the time. Sometimes they wish they could switch places with me so that I could have a break, so that they could walk the tightrope that diabetes presents, and so I can live a more carefree life. They wish they could switch places but the reality is that they can't - at least not with the current technology we have! I've learned over the years that I can continue to chug along with the challenges diabetes presents as long as I have support of people who understand me. I saw the common ground when I worked at Bearskin Meadow Camp and I saw the same common ground at Diabetes Training Camp this summer. How is it that I can meet diabetics for the first time and feel like I've known them most of my life? It's the understanding that comes from knowing what it's like that brings people together. I want to join Team WILD to have a supportive group of active diabetic women who understand! It's not about the triathlon, it's using the triathlon as a vehicle for something greater!

Happy New Year - Twenty Ten

Happy New Year goal buddies! What is the new year going to bring for you? It's hard to believe it's already 2010! Wasn't it 1999 a few years ago? Time flies when you are having fun!

Ever since I started back in the classroom in October, I find myself blogging less and focusing on fine tuning my diabetes less than I would like. I felt like I had everything dialed in the best that I've ever had it dialed in and feel like the gains that I made this summer are starting to slip away slowly. Is that because I'm slammed with responsibilities at school or is it just life happening? Over the years I've realized that I can't do it all and I certainly can't even attempt to do it all perfect like I would like to! Damn perfectionism, I hate when it gets in my way! One of my New Years resolutions is to jump back on my continued focus with my diabetes control and my other resolution is to enjoy the simple moments of teaching that should be cherished and let the rest of the challenges in the classroom roll off my shoulders. Let 'em roll.

I spent a wonderful two weeks with Erik in Thailand during winter break and spent a lot of time being present during our travels. My mind always drifts back to frustrations at work when I am stressed out but my mind was as present as it could possibly be while in Thailand. It felt awesome to be so present, so spontaneous, and so free! Our trip was a great break from reality and showed me that there is a lot more to life than the comforts of home. I often wonder if a simple life provides more. I've always felt more appreciate of the friendships and people in my life than I do about material goods. The Thai people seemed to have a strong sense of community and belonging that was witnessed wherever we traveled. I'm finding myself having trouble describing our trip to others because there was just something about it that was fairly life changing but I can't point a finger at anything in particular. I've come back to the states with the travel bug and I can't wait for the years of exploration to come!

I'm considering joining Team WILD this spring to focus my efforts on training for a sprint or international distance triathalon. I'm going to kick around the idea for a few more weeks before I decide. I always jump into new situations head over heels and before I know it I get myself into things that are far too time consuming. We'll be skiing for the next 4 months and then once the snow melts I'll be looking for something else...we'll see!

That's all for now!
-Cottonmouth Kate

Happy New Years!

2010 is here!!!


Feeling in a rut lately, I realized I needed goals, motivation, and structure. January 4th I started a "40 day cleanse" thankfully ending the day before Valentines. In a group fashion with my yoga class, I wanted to see if I would feel better or rather "cleaner." The four elements are:
1. no alcohol (ehh, okay, but no longer than 40 days!)
2. no meat (crap, thats not nice)
3. no processed food (this is a gray area/word, can mean many things)
4. no coffee (WHAT?!? Decaf banned too?!?! WHAT!?!)

Coffee thing threw me for a loop, is it really BAD for you? My teacher explained it that the actual coffee itself is harsh on your stomach. No decaf because its still coffee, decaf can actually be full of chemicals because of the processes of how they decaffinate it. So I'm relying on tea, loads of it. Black tea has caffiene in it, so I downed that this AM. Seems to be okay so far but I've got 38 days left.

The processed food can be taken in many ways. To the extreme you can say that eating a banana is processing b/c you're peeling it before eating. Well, here are the rules I'm playing by (that are actually less stringent than the class): less than 4 ingredients in the label, only ingredients I can buy (if I can't buy it at a store, no go, like soy letchin...). Obviously this means mainly fresh food, no store bought condiments (though Mark's excellent at making ketchup, mayo, and salad dressing). My exception is to continue making stuff at home with chicken stock. Hey, if we're going to do this, there's no reason to make the food taste like crap. Its homemade chicken stock, so little processing, even though its derived from animal bones, technically its not meat. Ha, I found a loophole.

Anyway, this is my new goal for 40 days that gives structure to a structure-less girl right now. We'll see if I go mad before 40 days or if it even makes me feel better. Right now its making me use self moderation which is good. Bedtime ready to start day 3.
~Holly