I had about a million cakes to make (and cupcakes to make!) Between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of them turned out okay, other's not so much. Sure, they tasted good, but when it come to decorating, I'm somewhat of a perfectionist....making me way harder on myself than I probably need to be.
However, I have one that I was kind of proud of. It tasted great and I thought it looked pretty cool, even though it didn't exactly turn out like I wanted it to.
I started with a recipe called Midnight Chocolate Cake. It was in one of my Cake Mix Doctor books that I got from my D-OC Secret Santa last year, the lovely Kathy. It was described as a dark chocolate cake. A co-worker of mine described it as tasting kind of like an Oreo Cakester.
It really was a great tasting cake. All of the recipes I have used from any of the Cake Mix Doctor books has been great. And easy. They've become my "fall back" recipe books for a fail proof, great tasting cake (or cupcake).
I wanted something Christmas-y. So I went with holly. I had bought a set of Christmas mini cookie cutters and it had the perfect holly leaf cutter. I iced my cake cake with buttercreme icing, but all my details were made from marshmallow fondant. I tried to make a fondant rope with two strands of red and green fondant, but they wouldn't stay, so instead I mashed them together and make a kind of tie-dyed looking border on the bottom.
To finish it all up, we know that everyone loves sparkly things, so I dusted the accents with some luster dust.
I think it turned out pretty good, although, like most of the cakes I do, it didn't really look like anything in my head. But, I think most artists must have that problem. Does it EVER turn out like we think it will? I think not. Enjoy!
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post on what I found out when I picked up my medical records. For the first couple of days I was so shocked that I didn't know what to post. Then Christmas snuck up on me and I spent the holidays busy and crazy all at the same time.
I'm hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. My Christmas was different this year. I spent the normal Christmas Eve with my dad and his family. We had a great meal, thanks to my wonderful sister-in-law. Things have been different with holidays in general this year because we lost my grandmother in May. But Christmas turned out good in spite of that. Christmas day, however, was a different story. Early in the week of Christmas, my little sister got sick. Within a couple of days, my mom and step-dad were also sick. Official diagnosis: FLU!
Thankfully, I hadn't been around them in a few days, so I had not been exposed. But I have not had my flu shot and had no desire to risk the flu. So, all of their Christmas presents still sit under my tree. And we are waiting, probably until this weekend, to exchange gifts.
But, I have wonderful friends who stepped right in. I had Christmas dinner at the home of one of my oldest friends (we met the first day of kindergarten!) with her husband, son, and both sets of parents. It was very nice and very wonderful. They are like my substitute family anyway, so it wasn't great to be able to see them on Christmas Day.
I also went with another friend of mine to see The Blind Side Christmas night. Personal recommendation from me: SEE IT! Fantastic family movie.
Now, back to the date. I picked up my medical records on my way to my endo appointment. At first glance the date says 6/15. June. Exactly when I thought. Not really paying attention to anything else, I was feeling kind of happy that I knew the date. Then I took the time to look at the doctor's name. It wasn't my childhood endo. Which made me start reading a little closer. These records were dated 06-15-86. A year after I originally thought my date was. And then on the final diagnosis, I realized it was the records from my tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which I remember vividly as being AFTER I was diagnosed with diabetes. Mostly cause the Popsicles I got after the surgery were of the sugar free variety.
I started reading my records closer. On the second page it states "This patient is a 5 year old white female who has been a known diabetic for the past 4 months."
The past 4 months.
Four months from June is February, 1986. Nearly a year after when I thought my diagnosis date was. Apparently I was closer to 5 than 4. At first I thought the actual date wasn't on the papers. But in the upper corner of the first page there is a box that had been filled in that listed "prev adm date 2/05/86" and "prev dis date 2/13/86". I know that 2/5/86 is my diagnosis date. I was in the hospital for a week, according to my mother, and since the note that say "known diabetic for the past 4 months" narrows it down to February, that leaves 2/5/86 as my diagnosis date.
On one hand, I can't apply for my Joslin medal until next year. On the other, I have 8 months LESS diabetic damage and wear and tear on my body. I'll take the good over the bad any day.
Also, a few funny notes on my medical records:
"The patient was scheduled for T&A until the diabetes was found, and it was cancelled until this could be brought under control."
Urinalysis: 2+ (this might not mean anything to you newer diabetics, but us old schoolers know that's BAD!)
Hemaglobin 12.6 (Ekkkkk!!!!! This is what they considered "brought under control"????)
"The patient takes 17 units of NPH Insulin in the morning" (Wow. That's it.)
So, now you guys know my crazy story. I know my date. And I fully plan on throwing myself a diaversary party! :) Anyone wanna come?
Since I joined the D-OC, I've noticed that most of you know your exact diagnosis date. Right down to the day. A lot of you even "celebrate" it. I think that is so cool. For years, I've always claimed June of 1985 as my diagnosis month. But to be honest, I'm not sure. I was only 4 years old. And part of me thinks my mom blocked out the horrible experience the best she could. As for an exact day, I have no clue.
I've wondered. I contemplated searching for medical records. But I put it off. Time and time again. I've changed primary care physicians several times over my life. And I had to think that the doctor who cared for me when I was diagnosed had probably gotten rid of my records. It was, after all, nearly 25 years ago.
About a week ago I had an idea. I was taken immediately from my doctor's office to a hospital in a neighboring town to be admitted when I was diagnosed. Hospitals are much better about keeping medical records on file. So, I picked up my phone and called the hospital. I was transferred to the records department and no one answered. I was able to leave a message and I just figured that they'd get to me when they could. In all honesty, I didn't think I'd even get a call back.
Within two days, I had a return call from a very nice lady. I told her the approximate time frame for my records (May thru September of 1985). She pulled me up on the computer and there was nothing in the computer from those dates. But, she said they often kept medical records on file and had most of the 80's still at the hospital. She took my information and said she'd call me back.
Again, I had my doubts. Twenty-five years is a long time to keep medical records. But, yesterday I got a phone call stating they had found my records and I could come pick them up anytime!
So, as of tomorrow (ironically, on my way to my endo appointment in Nashville), I will be stopping to pick up my records. And I'll know my official diagnosis date. And, I plan on applying for my 25 year Joslin Medal.
This gives me a sense of satisfaction, that I'll know when I was diagnosed exactly. And that I'll have a date to "celebrate".
Well, today I post my first Music post. Christmas is coming quickly and I am getting into the mood for Christmas with lots of Christmas music, baking, and Christmas movies. And, I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite bands. I listen to all types of music. There's very little I won't at least try to like. Being from Tennessee, a lot of country comes into my playlist. And one of the best bands I've ever seen live or heard on the radio is a country band.
I didn't jump on the Sugarland band wagon right away. Their debut CD had been out for a while before I bought it, at my friend's suggestion. I fell in love with Jennifer Nettles' vocals from day one. In my opinion, she has one of the most distinctive voices in music.
In October of 2006, I was lucky enough to win tickets to their sophomore album CD release party in Nashville. I stood feet from the stage. If I wasn't hooked before then, the live show did me in.
In March of 2007, I was able, thanks to a friend of mine, to see them in concert again.
I've seen a lot of concerts in my life. Not all of them country. But I have to say, Sugarland is one I'd pay full price to see EVERY TIME I HAD A CHANCE. They are just that good live.
And they have such an eclectic sound. Some of their music is totally country, other times you hear pop or folk.
On their live album, they even covered songs by bands like Kings of Leon (I'd never even HEARD of them until Sugarland covered Sex on Fire, now they are one of my current favorite bands), R.E.M., and Beyonce.
Most recently, however, they have a new Christmas CD. I've not purchased it yet (shame on me! I'm such a bad fan.), but have listened to it on the internet. I love it. They even performed one of their songs at the Grammy nomination concert. And were kind enough to post it on their website, so I could share it with all of you.
Let me say just one thing, if you say you don't like country music, I encourage you to give Sugarland a try.
p.s. If you get a chance to see them in concert, TAKE IT!
I've decided that I MISS blogging. I miss my d-friends. I miss chatting with you. I miss reading your comments. Lately I've felt very much like the community it so large that I can no longer keep up with all the blogs I want to read. But, I am determined to try. And I am determined to make an effort to blog on a regular basis. Maybe not daily, but at least a couple of times per week.
So, this means changes. And I am very much going to need YOUR help. Yep, YOU. Whomever you are reading this. Yeah, I'm talking about you.
First off, I've decided to change how I blog. Diabetes is such a major part of my life. Of all of our lives. But, it's not all I am. I have interests and hobbies and a life that doesn't always deal with diabetes. I love music (though I'm not talented), theatre (though I don't act), reading, baking and cake decorating. Just like we all do. So, I am going to actively start blogging about things besides diabetes. I will blog about diabetes too, but I am going to blog about other things as well. I even have a semi-schedule set up. Although I probably won't blog daily, I plan on having days marked off for certain topics.
Mondays -Music. It may be what I'm listening to, what I've bought, or something I've read.
Tuesdays - Diabetes. You guys all know this one. ;)
Wednesdays - Cakes and baking
Thursdays - Theatre
Friday - Whatever I feel like! :)
Secondly, I need to update my blog itself. I want a new design. I am open to suggestions. If anyone has any tips, websites, etc. I want my blog to reflect me. Not just my diabetes, but every aspect of my life. And my personality.
Third - I need to update my blogroll. Badly. Many of the blogs I have listed don't blog anymore, or have moved sites. Or I have a name wrong. Or something. So if you blog, please drop me a comment w/ your blog address and name of your blog. Even if I've never commented on your blog before, I am looking to get back to the community and that means "meeting" the newer bloggers.
So, fellow bloggers, I'm asking for your help. Help me out! I miss you guys. :)
Just because you post a comment on my blog doesn't mean I'm going to allow it to be viewed.
Just because you compliment my "wonderful subject matter" doesn't mean I'm going to approve your comment.
You'd think after 25 of your comments in the past 3 weeks that HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR POSTED that you'd get the clue that I am not going to approve your comments with offers of cheap drugs or miracle cures.
I started blogging 2 years and 7 months ago. There are many of you in the D-OC that have been blogging for much longer. There are many of you who have joined since I began blogging in April of 2007. This community is so very special in so many ways. You've provided support, understanding, someone to vent to, have lunch with, and to visit while I'm on vacation. :) I've met a few of you. But I feel like I know almost all of you. I consider you my friends. I've not been as faithful in my blogging of late, but facebook and twitter have kept me in touch with most of you on some level. I've missed D-blogger day. I missed World Diabetes Day. And I'm not participating in NaBloPoMo this month. But I still wanted to share with you all how much of a difference you've made in my life. Today I was digging for an empty blank book to jot down some ideas I had. I found a partially filled one and started to read. Although my thoughts are mostly private, I wanted to share with the D-OC parts of an entry I made on October 17th, 2006.
"I have this feeling that I am not normal"
"That made me realize that I have never had anyone my age that I knew that had diabetes. That's weird. Some younger and some older, but none really anywhere near my age."
"I think I need to find a friend like that....Someone I can relate to about A1c tests, and those horrible time of lows and highs and having to eat and check blood sugars. There's just no one I have ever been able to talk to about it. So I am feeling a little discouraged."
I can tell you that I haven't written, or felt, anything like that in a long time. D-OC, you guys saved me in a way. You made me feel less alone. You gave your friendship and understanding, free of charge. And you helped me feel a little more normal.
Lately, I've been dealing with a lot of different things. Diabetes is kicking my tail right now. Or maybe I'm letting it kick my tail. When I switched doctors to Vanderbilt Diabetes Center, my first A1c was 6.7. I knew that was higher than it had been running. And I didn't like it. It had slowly been creeping back up on me, due to a variety of reasons. My second appointment at Vanderbilt was last Wednesday. At that appointment, in less than the normal 3 month period, it had gone up again to 6.9. That is the highest A1c I've had since before going on CGMS. VERY close to being my highest since going on the pump.
I was NOT pleased with this. But I knew it was going to be high. I knew it was going to be something that was an issue for me.
First off, let me give you a little bit of background, I've been STRESSED. ALOT. My job is killing me right now. I've lost almost any desire to work there. The few aspects of my job that always annoyed me seem to be around all the time now, and the good parts seem to be getting fewer and fewer. Also, stress seems to seep into other areas of my life as well. This is effecting my diabetes. In the mix with this, I had a trip out of town (and we all know how that effects the blood sugars), or two or three. And I've been having trouble sleeping.
So, you see, diabetes has been crazy here lately. I'm quite positive, that without my CGMS, my A1c would have been much higher.
Still, I want it down. I'm currently tracking my blood sugars to fax to my nurse practitioner at the end of the week. I'm also doing my best not to get terribly stressed at work; you know, leave it there kind of thing.
In the midst of this, I've been attending a class called Financial Peace University that is a Dave Ramsey course. Dave Ramsey, if you didn't know, is a financial advisor and helps people to get and stay out of debt. If you have ever thought about getting out of debt, thought you had too much debt, weren't sure where all your money is going, or basically felt like you wanted to have more money to do fun stuff with, I highly suggest you check out Dave Ramsey. He's fantastic. And he doesn't just deal with money. Last week, the lesson was on working in your strengths. Basically, finding what you love to do and doing it as a career. If you are meant to be an artist, you're going to make a really bad banker...or at least not the banker you could be if you were meant to be one. :)
On of the books he mentions in that lesson is a book called 48 Days to the Work You Love by a man named Dan Miller. The book, so far (I'm only part way through), is touching on God's calling for our lives. Everyone is born with certain traits, certain good things they are good at. And yet, we spend all our time working on the things we AREN'T good at, instead of cultivating the good things. Hmmm...think about that for a while.
Anyway, there was a poem in the book that really touched me. And made me think that I need to start looking for ways to do what I love...but first I have to figure out what that is. :)
"A Prayer for Joy"
Help me, O God,
To listen to what it is that makes my heart glad
And to follow where it leads.
May joy, not guilt,
Your voice, not the voices of others,
Your will, not my willfulness,
Be the guides that lead me to my vocation.
Help me to unearth the passions of my heart
That lay buried in my youth.
And help me to go over that ground again and again
Until I can hold in my hands,
Hold and treasure,
Your calling on my life.
--Ken Gire, Windows of the Soul
I don't know what I'm going to do, or when, or how. But for now, this is my prayer. I don't think a job should make a person unhappy. And when it effects my diabetes health, it becomes even more of an issue. So today, I go to work to be the most positive, hard working person I can be. And to continue to pray for guidance and direction for what He wants me to do with my life.
Okay, I'm not really giddy. But it's the only word I could think of that was a synonym of Glee.
Let me start out by saying that this is another non-diabetic related post. Then let me continue by saying that I am a total nut. Most of you have already figured that out, but for those of you who haven't, you have been warned.
From some of my previous posts, you guys should know by now that I am a music nut and a theater nut.
And Fox Network has totally created the perfect show for me. Several months ago, Fox aired a pilot episode of Glee. When they aired it, I watched and LOVED it. I also stated to a friend of mine that it probably wouldn't last a season. Not because I didn't love the show, but because I didn't think that other people (we'll call them "normal" for the sake of this blog post) would appreciate the wonder that is Glee.
Apparently I was wrong. Glee has been a huge hit for Fox. I love it for all the reasons that most of the "normal" people do: Great music, cool dancing, and cheesy "Election" type filming.
And then I have my own reason: the cast of Broadway stars. First off is Lea Michele, who plays Rachel on the show. Rachel is the "leader" of glee club and the star of glee as well. Lea Michele also originated the lead role of Wendla in the Tony Award Winning Spring Awakening (to which I have the soundtrack memorized...but have never been lucky enough to see). Next, Matthew Morrison, who plays Will Schuester, their teacher, and advisor for glee club. Matthew Morrison originated the roll of Link Larkin in Hairspray on Broadway. Remember that little roll played by Zach Efron in the movie? Same roll. I say "Zach who?". I also have that soundtrack memorized....buy only got to see a local theater group perform the show this summer. No Broadway. Also, Jenna Ushkowitz, who play Tina, another glee club member, was in Spring Awakening with Lea Michele for a while, although I do not believe she was in the original cast.
Then, two weeks ago, in an episode of Glee, there was a guest role. April was a former classmate of Mr. Schuester. April was played by Kristin Chenoweth. Kristin was in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, when I saw it on Broadway in 1999. She won a Tony for that role. She then originated the role of Galinda/Glinda in Wicked. You guys have seen me post about Wicked. :)
So, as you can tell, it feeds into my addiction of Broadway....I'm just glad other people seem to like it. :) It means I might get to keep watching it for a while.
So, watch Glee tonight! I'll be at church. But tomorrow night is when I Hulu it. Oh, and I'll be buying the first season on DVD.
Below I am posting a video of one of the songs they did last week on Glee. It's not the best quality. But if you watch it, you'll get the idea of the show.
Music is a huge part of my life. Am I talented? Nope. I sing in the shower, in my car, and in my head pretty much all the time. But I'm not talented. Only obsessed. :) Being from Tennessee, I have a great love for country music. But my love of music is not confined to one type of music. I often joke I have the most spastic playlist ever. I tend to go through phases. For a while, I was on an 80's rock band kick. I started buying greatest hits albums from the 80's and the late 70's. I've gone through a cabaret-type of phase, listening to Harry Connick, Jr, and Frank Sinatra, and anything by Gershwin. I've also gone through (and to some degree am still going through) my Broadway phase. But I like all kinds of music. I listen to alternative, country, rock, teeny-bopper, Broadway, easy-listening, praise, contemporary Christian, and nearly anything else you can think of. Today, in fact, I got a Veggie Tales' song stuck in my head. :) Does anyone know the Cheeseburger Song??? :) I've always said, if I had talent, I would have done something with music. I wake up with a song in my head. People can say a word or a phrase and a song that goes with it will pop into my head. And I can always find a song for every situation. Every time of my life, every event, has a soundtrack of sorts in my head. I have a playlist to fit almost every mood. And music can fit a mood, an expression, an idea or a moment in ways that nothing else can. So, while you watch the lovely Cheeseburger Song music video (oh, you know you want to!), think about what types of music you like, or how music has shaped you or effected you. And then comment! :) Hope everyone has a lovely NDD post.
I always find it interesting to see how people in my past have changed. My mom talks about friends from her past. Sometimes she wonders what they are up to and how their lives have turned out. I don't have to worry about that. With the internet and sites like Facebook and MySpace, I have managed to stay in touch with a lot of my high school and college friends. In fact, once I broke down and got a Facebook page, I had a couple of people I hadn't heard from or seen in the 10 years since high school that found and friended me.
Even cooler to find out that someone from your past is also a fellow blogger. :) Cheyenne was my sorority sister in college. She was our pledge class president and an all around great person. She was always a super hard worker and managed to get things done when no one else could.
Cheyenne is now blogging about her weight loss. She's lost over 50 pounds so far and I have to say I am very proud of her! I wish I had that kind of will power.
That's my visit to the past, and now I am looking toward the future. My endo appointment is Monday morning. I've got my medical records from my former endo, I've downloaded my pump info into my computer, I have my directions for the trip....now to just get there in one piece and see what this doctor can do for me.
I'll admit I'm a little nervous about meeting this new doctor. I think that's normal. But I always wonder if the new doctor is going to think I'm doing an okay job with my care...or am I in for a tongue lashing about something... so keep me in all your prayers on Monday morning as I embark on this new part of my diabetes care and my diabetes life.
Also, I'm in the mood for change. I need a new blog design. I've been trying to think of some new designs and trying to search on some websites for some new designs, but I haven't had any inspiration yet.
Anyone have any ideas? Or any great website I could visit for a new design? Any help, advice or tips would be more than welcome.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Here's another cake I did a few weeks ago. Enjoy!
Well, I called the Vanderbilt Diabetes Center. It's probably the best hospital in the state. And I've heard good things about the center from several different people. On Friday, I decided I'd try there first in my search for a new endo.
I've not had a million endos in my life. There were quite a few years where I didn't go to a doctor at all. But, I do remember that it usually takes weeks to get an initial appointment with a specialist of any kind unless it's an "emergency". But the people I spoke with on the phone were polite, professional, and in the matter of 10 minutes I had an appointment for Monday, August 17th, and a reminder to bring in my current medical records.
Wow.
That was quick.
So, I made a call to my current doctor and requested that the get my records ready for me. And in a little over a week, I'll have an appointment with a new doctor. And hopefully one that will listen to me and will answer my questions.
The bad part....the drive. I'll have over a two hour drive and I'll be fighting commuter traffic in Nashville on a Monday morning. Sigh. I've done it before. But it's not my favorite thing to do. I get stressed out. But, my health is more important. So I will go.
I have the D-OC to thank for this change. I don't know that I would be so interested in keeping my doctors appointments and keeping my health under control in such a manner if it weren't for you guys. Thanks for all you do! :)
Here are some pictures I took last weekend. There is this old field that is full of classic cars. None of them work. But the person who owns them refuses to sell them. They've been there my entire life (and probably about longer). But, I have a love of classic cars and thought these would be some cool pictures. Enjoy. :)
Well, I've decided it's time to get off my tush and begin my search for another endo. My current endo and I just aren't working. I've been putting it off for a while now. My last A1c was 6.7. I'm pretty happy with that, but I'd like it lower. I missed my last appointment with m endo...partly on purpose, but partially on accident too. I've not had an A1c done in 6, almost 7 months.
I've never stopped taking care of myself, but I am ready to get some help from a doctor. And I need to get all of my prescriptions re-done also.
I've been lazy. In the past several months I've made half-hearted attempts to search for another endo and just haven't done it yet. Today's the day. I am going to make a phone call or two to try to find out if I need a referral.
The sad part is that I will be driving over 2 hours to the new endo. I've decided that if I want to get the kind of care I want, I'll have to go where there are more than just 1 or 2 doctors. I am going to have to go to Nashville or Knoxville.
So, wish me luck while I begin to make phone calls and get my diabetes life back on track.
p.s. If you are looking for a new good addition to your music collection, try out Sugarland's Live On The Inside. It's a CD/DVD. And it's fantastic. Even if you aren't a big country fan.
I had a friend tell me once that I was obsessed with New York City. I couldn't deny it. But I have to say, my love of NYC isn't so much the city itself (although it is fantastically fun!), but my sick obsession with theater.
And where is the best place in the world to experience theater: Broadway.
As a child, my mom used to sing me to sleep many times. Most of the songs she sang to me were from musicals. In among the "Rock-a-Bye Baby" were songs like "I Feel Pretty", "Do-Re-Mi", and "My Favorite Things".
In high school, I took drama, which consisted of performing in a couple of really lame plays. But it was so much fun for me. I never had to audition for the plays in high school, so when it came time to go to college, I could never muster up the courage to try out for any plays on my own.
But, I had been bitten by the bug.
On my senior trip in high school, my class went to Washington, D.C., Hershey, PA, and NYC. While we were in New York, we got to see a Broadway show. You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. I don't remember a lot about that show. But I do remember running into Charlie on the street after the show. I was too shocked to speak to him and he was on a cell phone at the time. But I had no idea who he was, really. In reality, he was Anthony Rapp. Original Broadway Cast member of Rent.
As I look back on it now, I also realize that Kristin Chenoweth was in that show. Kristin won a Tony for her role. And later went on to originate the role of Galinda/Glinda in Wicked. And B.D. Wong was also in the show. He now has a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU, which is a favorite show of mine.
That show made me want to go back to NYC. It would be 6 years before I made it back to New York. In 2005, I was able to go back to New York. The play I chose to see was Steel Magnolias (all my diabetic readers...wait, that's ALL my readers. Don't hate me. I love the movie.). My mother hates the movie. She says it morbid. I am inclined to agree that the movie is morbid. But I've aways loved it. And I wanted to see it on Broadway. Delta Burke, Christine Ebersole, and Rebecca Gayheart were some of the talents that I was able to see in that show.
Again in 2007, I went to New York. This time I saw Mary Poppins. In fact, the picture on my profile was taken after the show when my friend and I went to dinner. (side note: my blood sugar was over 400. I had MAJORLY overcorrected a low right before the show)
Then, just this past May, I returned. I was able to see two plays on this trip. Next to Normal (thanks a million times over to Allison, who went with me!), and The Little Mermaid (that I went to see w/ my traveling buddy, Amanda). Next to Normal was a fantastic show. I'm putting a clip of one of my favorite songs/scenes in the show if you guys would like to watch it. Alice Ripley won a Tony for her role in this show. It's a truly moving show about the effect of a mother's bi-polar disorder on her family.
That same vacation I also saw Rent on tour in Washington, D.C. This show had two original cast members, Anthony Rapp (who I saw in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown 10 years ago!) and Adam Pascal. This is the last tour for Rent and it closed on Broadway last September. I felt blessed to get to go to this show. (oh, another side note: the director of Rent is the same director of Next to Normal.)
At this point the ball is rolling wide open.
1st play = 1999 2nd = 2005 3rd = 2007 4th, 5th, and 6th = May of 2009
When I got back home in May, tickets for Wicked: The Musical were going on sale for the September tour stop in Nashville. I, of course, bought them (only 48 more days!!!!).
But, before September could get here, Legally Blonde: The Musical made a stop in Nashville. I had no plans to go see this one, but Laura Bell Bundy, who originated the role of Elle on Broadway, stepped in to reprise her role for the week. She is currently living in Nashville, recording a country album (HOW COOL!). When I found out that she would be stepping in, I got tickets as soon as I could. My seats were crap, but it was opening night and very fun. As I put it in a Tweet, it was 2 hours of pink, sparkly goodness. Oh, and Laura Bell also originated the role of Amber VonTussle in Hairspray, which I would have loved to have seen on Broadway, but never got the chance.
7th show = June 2009
8th show = (projected, of course) September 2009.
So, as you can see, it official. I am obsessed. None of my friends really understand it. And that's okay. I just have to find a willing soul to drag along with me. :)
My perfect life: winning the lotto (oh wait, I don't play) and buying a place in NYC where I could just watch plays all the time.
Since I've been gone from blogging so long, I have a few cool diabetic stories to tell you guys about. Here's the first one:
I was out a few weeks ago to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I'm a totally Harry Potter fan. I actually read the first book as a pre-American release because my mother worked at a library. They get advanced copies of everything! So it's safe to say I've been a fan from almost the beginning.
This time around, I had a friend who wanted to go see it at a local drive-in. I'd not been to this drive in before, but I was up for seeing the movie, so off we went. We got there really early to get a good spot, so we were eating our food, sitting in our chairs in front of the car.
*side note: anyone who's not ever been to a drive-in should totally go. It's a blast!*
As I was walking by the vehicle next to us to throw out my trash, someone says to me "What type of insulin pump do you have?"
I turned, a little surprised (I keep my pump clipped to my pocket, pump side in) and started to answer, when the woman who was with the gentleman who asked me said "It's a MiniMed!".
I laughed and said, "Okay, who's the diabetic?"
Turns out the guy was a diabetic and on the OmniPod system. We all chatted for a little while and I even got some suggestions on finding a new doctor, since I'm looking for a new one now.
It was a nice conversation. I shared with them about the online community and about some of the great people I've met in the D-OC.
It's amazing to me how diabetes can pull complete strangers together. We may have nothing in common, other that diabetes, but it's enough to have hours worth of conversation. Because, as we all know, there's nothing like diabetes to get people talking.
I believe that's the first time I've ever had a random stranger comment on my pump. And it was nice to meet some new people with diabetes.
Most of the time I'm the type of girl who doesn't talk to telemarketers. I try my best not to be mean to them, but mostly, I just tell them no thanks and hang up.
Ninety -nine percent of the time I'm just not interested in whatever it is they are trying to sell.
But, tonight they got me.
Seriously.
It was someone calling on behalf of American Diabetes Association to renew my membership. I think it ran out last month. I was just going to let it expire. I read Forecast magazine. But I've been trying my best to be smarter with my money lately. And that included letting some subscriptions go.
My membership to ADA and to JDRF were some of those things.
(Please don't stone me for it!)
But, the lady was just so nice. And I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. And I'm a proud member of ADA for another 2 years.
Oh, and she also made a comment about my accent. LOL
Those of you that have met me....am I really that hard to understand??
As most of you can tell, I've been on a blogging hiatus. I've been reading very few blogs and have kind of dropped off the face of the D-OC planet. In fact, if it weren't for Twitter and Facebook, I'd not know what was going on with anyone in the diabetic community. It's sad, but I just felt like I needed a breather. Not to mention the fact that I had no inspiration to write.
However, (thanks to Twitter) Karen from over at Bitter-Sweet Diabetes were taking about our lack of posting (though she's been way more faithful than me) and challenged each other to post this weekend. She posted Friday, and I am posting today. Right under the wire, but I did it Karen! :)
My lack of posting hasn't been due to anything major, but more little things that kept distracting me. Diabetes has once again taken a smaller role in my life. My health is still good, and I'm still taking care of myself, but I've been concentrating on other areas of my life more lately.
Due to this, and my desire to stay a part of this great community, I am going to take a page out of Allison's book and branch out a little in my blogging. Sometimes it might be about diabetes, but don't be surprised to hear about my hobbies, books, movies, theater, or my cakes.
Tonight, at the request of Karen, I am going to post a few pictures of some of the cakes I've made recently. A total addiction of a hobby that I have. I love it. I'm not nearly as good as I'd like to be, but they say practice makes perfect. So, practice I do. My co-workers love it. :)
So, without further ado, here are some of my cakes:
Beach themed cupcakes. Little beach towels and sunglasses and cute little paper umbrellas.Since I didn't get to take a trip to the beach this year, I made up for it w/ this.
These to were for the dedication of a Catholic Church in my town. For years, they had met in the basement of a Presbyterian church and they finally got their own building earlier this year. So it was pretty special. However, these cakes were HUGE! And my lovely friend "D" helped me out. My original plan was to make a 3-D church out of Royal icing (which dried hard). It started well. But the latter part of the week, it got really humid here in Tennessee and the last pieces never did dry correctly. They just broke to pieces. Thankfully "D" occasionally does cake stuff too, and helped me out by making the Bible, the cross, and the lilies. I just put the bookmark on the Bible, put the lilies together, and put the cloth on the cross. She totally saved me. Love you "D"!
Yup. I'm back. I've been missing for way too long, but posting has just not been on my radar. After the past month, I have been so tired and busy and then tired again, that I haven't even had time to post about my fantastic vacation! What a horrible thing!
I had such a fantastic time on my trip. I visited with one of my best friends in the world, and her beautiful son, who is my godson. In fact, I got to babysit him all day while my friend went to work one of the days I was there! It was so fantastic! He's a wonderful baby and I am blessed to know him (and her!). They live in the D.C. area.
Then, my friend and I took a quick trip (and I do mean quick!) to New York City. I am a firm believer that New York is one of the greatest cities in the world. And I LOVE to visit. Sadly, I don't get to make the trip very often. The time and money involved is just more than I can scrape up, most of the time.
However, since my last trip to New York a few years ago (before I was blogging), I now KNOW people in the area. :) My lovely fellow bloggers, who make my life so wonderful! Several weeks before I was heading to NYC, I sent out a message to several people that live in the area, or close enough that they can get there pretty easily. Allison jumped right on the chance to have a meet-up. She, in fact, orchastrated the whole thing! Thanks so much Allison! She invited several fellow bloggers, some people who used to blog, and some fellow Twitter-ers (is that a word???).
Erik and Allison
All of the people at the D-OC meet-up
Then, in passing conversation with Amylia, I joked that she should come to NY too! And guess what... she did! She had wanted to take a vacation anyway (it was around her birthday) and had friends in the area, so she was able to attend as well. Lee Ann came also. There were about 14 people there and it was a truly wonderful experience. I feel blessed to have met so many other diabetics, but also, so many fellow bloggers.
Amylia and I
Lee Ann and I at the meet-up
Also while I was in New York, Allison and I went to see a Broadway show. One day, I will post about my obsession with the theater. But if I started this now, I'd never get to work on time. :) We saw a show called Next to Normal. It is about a family where the mother deals with mental illness. I have to say it was one of the most emotional shows I have ever seen. The talent in the show is incredible. And to prove it, the show is up for 11 Tonys. Allison, you ROCK for going with me. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Alice Ripley and I
Then, after the meet-up on Sunday, my friend and I went to see The Little Mermaid. :) That was a whole bunch of glittery, skating, goodness.
Robert Creighton and I (played Chef Louis)
It's often said that it's like meeting old friends. And it truly is. I did meet some new people at this meet-up, but meeting Amylia, Lee Ann, and Allison was like hanging out with people I've known for years...and in a way, I guess I have know them for years.
While I was back in D.C., I got to attend a baseball game and see the play Rent, which I am thoroughly obsessed with. Rent is one of my favorite shows of all time. It closed on Broadway last September, but the tour was in D.C. and the show I saw was on my birthday! It also had two of the cast members who were in the original Broadway cast in 1996, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. It was very cool to see live.
Anthony Rapp
Then, on the day I was coming home, I met up with Heidi for lunch before catching my plane. It was nice to get to spend some time with her again. It's totally fun to hang out with her too.
Heidi and I
My trip home was somewhat uneventful, but I couldn't help but wish I was staying. I have so many friends that I never had before. It made me wonder if I could move. But being back home makes me glad I'm here too! Instead, I am going to do my best to make a trip at least once a year with a goal of meeting other bloggers and friends every time I go. If any of you are ever in Tennessee, let me know!
So, now, I am going to close out this post with a promise to get back on track with my blogging. I am going to set myself a goal of posting once a week for at least a month. Those of you who follow me on facebook or twitter....remind me! :)
First off, I wanted to say thank you to all of you who expressed your sympathies both here, and on Twitter. It meant a lot to me. I was thoroughly blessed by you all, and so glad to know that people care.
Funerals are hard. Everyone knows that. But my family and I were blessed in a lot of ways as well. Churches contributed food, stopped by the funeral home, and called to check on us. I was able to spend time with some of my cousins, one of whom I hadn't seen in 12 years. And, I was reminded how much people really care.
One thing I know for sure....funerals are for the living. They help with closure. They help with support during a difficult time.
A small funny from the funeral: for as long as I can remember, my grandmother has been terrified of storms. She would faithfully go to the local storm shelter every time it was open, until she was no longer well enough to take herself. Tornadoes terrified her. Ironically, the funeral home is across the street from the tornado siren tower here in town. And it was stormy the day of the funeral. Right in the middle of the service, the sirens went off.
And for once, my grandmother had no need or reason to be scared.
Onto happier topics. I am leaving tomorrow at noon to head to the DC area and then to NYC over the weekend. I am very much looking forward to spending time with friends and am going to have the wonderful chance to meet with some fellow bloggers in both areas. Allison was kind enough to organize a get together and she and I are going to go see Next to Normal while I'm there. I'm so excited I want to jump around like a 4 year old. :)
There are going to be a host of other bloggers there. I will be giving a full report when I get back home. :) Expect several different posts.
I will also be attending an Orioles game, seeing Rent in D.C. on my birthday, and hanging out with one of my best friends and my godson (who I think is the cutest baby on the planet). And, being the last person on the planet without an iPhone, I will not have internet access for 7 days. If I do, it will be bumming from someone's computer. :)
I will be getting back into Tennessee late on the 27th. Expect any comment moderation to be done after that. And, expect lots and lots of pictures. :)
I wanted to let you guys know I'll be semi-absent this week. My grandmother passes away last night. She's so much better off now. I'm happy for her, but sad for us. I'll do my best to check in when I can.
