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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.


(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.
.
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?
.
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!