Endo Update

So I went to my endo's office on Wednesday. I was scheduled to see the Nurse Practitioner and the Dietitian. The day before they called to tell me that my dietitian wouldn't be there and wanted to know if I wanted to reschedule both appointments or come in for one and reschedule the other. I contemplated rescheduling them both, but I haven't had an appointment since April and I was curious to see what my A1c was, so I went down to the Nurse Practitioner's appointment anyway.
Since my office is about 2 1/2 hours away from my house, I end up taking the entire day off, but it's a nice trip to Nashville and I get to do a little shopping. Between that and the FANTASTIC care I get at my doctor's office, it's well worth it.
I was expecting a high A1c and that I had gained weight. I haven't been doing as well as I would have liked in either department, and I know it. When I weighed, I was up about 5 pounds. My only surprise at this was that it wasn't more.
However, I was wrong on my A1c. My last appointment I was 6.6 after fighting to get out from being stuck at 6.9. Wednesday my A1c came back at 6.5. I was happy. Very happy. And, my biggest trouble areas were looked at (after breakfast and supper). My nurse practitioner made some suggestions on changes to basals and insulin to carb ratios so I'm hoping that helps even out the trouble areas.
Next appointment is with my actual endo and my dietitian in November.... onward and upward (or downward as the A1c may go....).

Fun with Friends

So, I decided to enter a cake in the county fair this year. I've never done it before. The prize money isn't really worth the money you put into it (effort aside!). But I had a couple of co-workers that encouraged me to try and my friend wanted to help out, so we got to work decorating cake dummies (a.k.a. Styrofoam pieces).

The base was foam board that I glued black paper on, and my friend added the smaller black lines with a Sharpie. Then I covered it with saran wrap to make it food safe (even though the cake wasn't going to be eaten.

Then, my friend sat and cut out zebra stripes. First with and exact-o knife, and then with a pizza cutter (it went faster and made smoother cuts). As she cut them, I placed them on the iced bases using a little water and a paintbrush so that the fondant would stick.

Here's my friend's contribution of a little heart...and we were almost done. It was nearly midnight and we were sooooooo tired!

The inspiration for the whole thing came from the topper, which I found in the floral section of a hobby store.

I ended up winning first place, but not best of show. That went to a loaf of blueberry lemon bread. But we had fun and I got some experience that I didn't have before. :) I hope you guys enjoy it all.

Amazing Customer Service

About a month or so ago, I ordered a new box of CGMS sensors. I still had quite a few left, so I didn't really think about it again for a while. Then, last week I was pulling a new sensor out of my box and realized I had the sensor I was holding and one more. That's it. Well, full on panic mode sets in. I called MiniMed right then. I was on hold for a while (they apparently have a new computer system...) but when I got ahold of a person, he was very nice. I could tell something was up. He put me on hold again and I waited. Fairly quickly he was back on the line and asked if he could call me back, or if I wanted to stay on hold. Typically, I stay on hold, but I decided to let him call back. And he did. Within 15 minutes he was calling me back.

Apparently my last batch of sensors was up for the yearly authorization from my insurance company (which I knew). We went through the whole deal with them then and I assumed it was taken care of for another year. Evidently, it wasn't. That authorization was only for the single order. So, basically, I need another year long authorization from my insurance company.

We all know how long that can take. *cringe*shutter*cringe* So I was a little worried. He said they were going to contact my insurance company on Friday and try to get a verbal authorization so they could send out a new box on Friday.

I asked about calling to check and he said that if there was a problem, MiniMed would call me on Friday. I expected to call them by Monday if I hadn't heard from them, just to check. But Friday, I got a phone call (trouble?) and it turns out they couldn't get ahold of my insurance company yet. But the lady that had called me on Friday said they were shipping me a box of 4 sensors to hold me over (complimentary).

It's now Tuesday morning. I've not heard anything yet, but I plan on calling to check with someone either today or tomorrow, just to be sure everything is on track. But yesterday, I got my box of 4 sensors. Which will hold me over for a while anyway.

MiniMed has been pretty awesome in my time with them. They are (almost) always on top of things. And they are always very polite and quick to get things done. I've had awesome MiniMed reps and pretty much always had good experience with them. They seem to go out of their way to make customer service a top priority.

So, even though there are things I like about other pumps and CGMS systems (hello Dexcom and Animas Ping), I don't see myself leaving MiniMed anytime soon. They are too helpful. And I'm just hoping they catch up (FDA approved 7 day sensor, please. And the ability to operate my pump from my meter, thanks.) on the other stuff soon.

*disclaimer: MiniMed did send me some complimentary sensors to hold me over until they can get my insurance company to cooperate, but to my knowledge, they don't even know I blog and surely didn't ask me to blog about them. I did that one all on my own.*

A Brave New World

So, I've not really been baking much of late. I haven't had anyone to really bake for. I've made a few tasty cakes (not the decorating kind, just the kind you eat for fun). But nothing worth photographing. But in the next couple of months I have several things on the list. So, be ready for more pictures. :)

One of my oldest friends (we met the 1st day of kindergarten!) is having her second child in November. A little boy is going to be joining their family. This will make 2 boys for her and her husband. I joked with her that at least she knows what she's got to expect this time. :)

The let their older song pick the theme for the baby's room. And having just seen Toy Story 3, that's what ended up going as the theme for new little brother's room.

This has bleeded over into the baby shower. I'm throwing the baby shower and Toy Story seems to be the choice. Well, let me tell you, you can find lots and lots of birthday stuff online for Toy Story. But no one has apparently ever thought to throw a Toy Story baby shower. So, I'm improvising. :)

That being said, I'm getting ready to venture into a side of baking that I've never entered into before. Cake Pops. I first discovered cake pops through Bakerella's website. If you like baking (of any kind) in the least little bit, you'll love her website. She has step-by-step (with pictures!) directions and recipes on her site and she has give-aways all the time.

I'd never been brave enough to try to make cake pops. But her website gave me some inspiration that I think I might need to try. These:

Aren't they the cutest? I'm thinking for party-favors for the baby shower. But believe me, I'll be making a practice batch or two before the actual shower. Lots of details and I don't want to mess it up. :) Wish me luck everyone. And I'll post actual pictures after the shower (in early October).

Endo appointment

I have a new appointment with my endo in just a couple of weeks. I am a little afraid (okay a LOT afraid) of what's going to happen at this appointment. I had every intention of losing some weight, getting tighter control in my blood sugars, and exercising more since my last appointment (in April). Yet, here I am, nearly 4 months later. My blood sugar is more out of control now than it has been in a long time (which I know is going to mean a higher A1c), my exercise is non-existent, my food intake has not been exactly healthy, and I've gained weight. I've not stepped on a scale, but you always can tell when your clothes begin to fit your differently.



I have this complex of wanting to please people. Not everyone, mind you. But I like to make people happy if it is within my power. And I know that sliding back on all of my goals is not going to please my endo or CDE.


So, what do I do? It's too late to crash diet and lose some pounds. My pump and meter records will tell the true tale of my crappy blood sugar control. And I can't lie when they ask me about exercise. I've not been doing it.


So not only have I disappointed myself, I've disappointed them as well. It's all about getting back in there. Recommitting myself. I know this. Mentally, I know all the steps to take to get back where I want to be. And to get even better control (which is my ultimate goal). But making that first step isn't the issue. It's the second and third and fourth steps that seem to get in my way.

Writer's Block & Recommended Reading

Apparently I'm not the only one who's been dealing with it. But it's here. I've been so busy and distracted that I've not had time. And when I've had time, I've not had the inspiration. So, today I'm going to share a blog post with you that truly touched my heart this past week.


Heidi, over at the D-Log Cabin (who I've had the joy of meeting with IRL on more than one occasion!) posted a truly touching blog last week called This One's For the Girls. It's beautiful, touching, and very true.


Go check it out. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. :)

Cara-ology

Okay, I'm being a slacker today. I have no inspiration and it's been a rough week. So I'm posting a Meme today. This came from a tag on facebook by Missy. :) If you do this on your blog, let me know!

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology".

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice? - Ranch

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? - Maybe Olive Garden? Not sure really.

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? - Cheese

What are your pizza toppings of choice? - Pepperoni & pineapple.

What do you put on your toast? - I like cinnamon toast. But sometimes I just do a little butter
and jam.


***********TECHNOLOGY***************
How many televisions are in your house? - One.

How many computers? - Two if you count my roommate's

What kind of cell phone do you have? - Casio G'Zone Rock

Do you have an iPod? - Nope. I have a Zune.


***************BIOLOGY******************
Are you right-handed or left-handed? - Primarily a leftie. But I do some things right handed.

Have you ever had anything removed from your body? - Yup. Tonsils

What is the last heavy item you lifted? - This huge box of pictures and scrapbooking stuff.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? - No.


************BULLOLOGY**************
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? NO!

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? - If you'd asked me this when I
was 10, I'd have picked something completely off the wall. Now, I've grown kind of attached to
my name.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? - No.


************DUMBOLOGY******************
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? - Five

Last time you had a run-in with the cops? - The last time I saw a cop? Yesterday at work. Other
than that, I did have to call the cops when I wrecked my car in March of '09.

Last person you talked to? - My roommate.

Last person you hugged? - My godson.

Last person you kissed? - My godson. He's the cutest baby ever. Just so you know.


**************FAVORITOLOGY****************
Season? - I like things about all the seasons.

Holiday? - Christmas. But if you don't count Christmas, St. Patrick's Day.

Day of the week? - Friday.

Month? - May. Cause it's my birthday and I usually take vacation in May.


***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************
Missing someone? - Always.

Mood? - Eh.

What are you listening to? - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Greatest Hits. (Exact song is
Backlash)

Watching? - Dawson's Creek. Season 1

Worrying about? - Trying not to worry.


***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************
First place you went this morning? - The bathroom.

What's the last movie you saw? - Letters to Juliet

Do you smile often? - I hope so.

Sleeping alone tonight? - Yes.


***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************
Do you always answer your phone? - Nope.

If you could change your eye color what would it be? - Maybe green?

Do you own a digital camera? - Yes.

Have you ever had a pet fish? - Yes.

Favorite Christmas song(s)? - I like most Christmas songs. It's the only time a year you can sing religious songs and people don't look at you like you're a quack.

What's on your wish list for your birthday? - Since I'm turning *cough*gag*30*cough*cough*
I'm hoping to have a fantastic vacation planned. So all donations will be accepted. :)

Can you do push ups? - Are you serious?

Can you do a chin up? - Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited? - Both.

Do you have any saved texts? - Yes.

Ever been in a car wreck? - Yes.

Do you have an accent? - Um, yeah. Ask anyone who's ever met me. :)

What is the last song to make you cry? - Needtobreath "Garden"

Plans tonight? - Church

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? - Yes.

Name 3 things you bought yesterday? - Breakfast at McDonalds. I didn't buy anything else.

Have you ever been given roses? - Yes.

Current worry? - Nothing major.

Current hate right now? - Nothing in particular. Accept stupid. Sometimes (most of the time)
stupid annoys me greatly.

Met someone who changed your life? - I think everyone you meet changes your life in some way.

How will you bring in the New Year? - I don't know yet.

What song represents you? - I can't think of a song that represents me.

Name three people who might complete this? - I hope many people will. I'm interested to see the
answers.

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? - Maybe? Sometimes I think I would.
But other times I think it might be overrated.

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year solid? - Nope.

Do you have any tattoos/piercings? - I have my ears pierced.

Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? - I don't know.

Does anyone love you? - Yes.

Would you be a pirate? - Na.

What songs do you sing in the shower? - Whatever song I woke up with in my head that
morning.

Ever had someone sing to you? - Yes.

When did you last cry? - A few days ago.

Do you like to cuddle? - Depends on who with.

Have you held hands with anyone today? - Nope.

Who was the last person you took a picture of? - My godson.

What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? - Whatever my mom was listening to
at the time. I remember a lot of country.

Do you believe in staying close with your ex's? - Depends on the circumstances.

Are most of the friends in your life new or old? - Both.

Do you like pulpy orange juice? - I don't really drink a lot of orange juice. As much as I love it, it
gives me horrible heart burn.

What is something your friends make fun of you for? - My obsession with Broadway.

Music Monday: Needtobreath

Well, folks, another Music Monday is here. And I have a great group to share with you. :) In fact, I like their new album so much I've listened to it on repeat for the past several day. (I keep thinking I'll get tired of it. I don't.)

Needtobreath. Yup, all one word. I am just recently discovering them, although they have been around for a while. The group is made up of two brothers and two of their college friends. Lead singer, Bear Rinehart and brother Bo Rinehart are the children of an Assembly of God pastor. They met friends Joe Stillwell and Seth Bolt in college.

Their latest album is what I have gotten hooked on. They stand right on the line of contemporary Christian, Southern rock, and modern day rock/pop. They have several obviously Christian songs on their album, but some are not. The song "Stones Under Rushing Water" is a beautiful love song (singer Sara Watkins of the bluegrass band Nickel Creek is featured). "The Outsiders" is an anthem to being different.

They have had songs included in several TV shows and movies (apparently they have a song in P.S. I Love You. I've not seen the movie, so I don't know which song) which only proves their overall appeal.

So, check them out. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm including three of my favorite songs in this post via YouTube.


The Outsiders: title track off the new album. Fantastic song.


Stones Under Rushing Water: sadly, Sara Watkins is not singing in this version.


Garden: Probably my favorite song on the whole album. Beautiful and meaningful in so many ways.