A brand new view...

There is something powerful about letting go of the familiar and opening up to something new.  I knew when I decided to get new glasses back in December 2011 that I was ready to change things up.  I had no idea what sort of changes would be on the way when I gave away my red glasses.  Life became more complicated and significantly harder...I was balancing my job and my family...looking back...I was crisis mode.  I was looking through new lenses only to see the last days of my Grandma while trying not to miss a beat at work.  I saw food...lots of food...that was my comfort and my calm.  Well, food and endless conversations with my Mom and Sister. 

The views of readjusting to a life without care taking responsibilities was harder than one would think.  From mid-March until August 2011, I had no idea how to fill to the time...so there was food...more food...and work.  There is always work.  There is a picture of me on the beach that is seared into my memory from an early August vacation...it was me but it wasn't me.  It wasn't the me that I wanted to be.  I was hiding, completely invisible.

By early September after the winds of a hurricane swept through and cleared my mind, I was ready to start filling my time differently.  I was going to get my calm in new ways...going to the gym, watching soccer, having fun, and eating less.  And work...of course...there is always work.  I fell into a new routine...my sanity time with gym after work.  Watching soccer games on Friday nights and the occasional Tuesday or Thursday...it was motivation to work hard physically, not just mentally.  There were things I had to do outside of my job...I had plans.  Suddenly I didn't feel so invisible and was getting back to me. 

By November, once my routine was set in terms of clocking time with gym, I was ready for another change.  While my new specs had seen me through the hardest of days and the beginning of a transformation, I no longer wanted to hide behind them.  The hour and half at the eye doctor's office while I struggled to put contacts in my eyes for the first time was a landmark in all that was still to come.  In the past, when something didn't come naturally to me, I would just quit.  I would stop and just move on to something else.

This time, it was different, I was going to push through.  I was going to put tiny new lenses in my eyes.  I was going to step up my workouts at the gym.  I was not going to eat bad things to feel better.  I was not going to give up on something just because it was hard.  It was a whole new everything with no limitations or blinders or spectacles in my way.  A new brand new view...

Small Things...

So as my insulin levels get notched down a bit more...after 24 years...I finally know that I figured some things out in terms of dealing with Type 1 Diabetes. I do not use words like manage or control...because that just makes you feel like a failure when things go awry. And things will go awry...but that is part of the process...the key (like with anything)...is to just keep working hard and move along. You have to just deal and keep going.

Since September I have been in what I have now deemed Type 1 Diabetes Dragon Slaying mode. The work I have been putting in is starting to show...in many ways. My blood sugar, my physical form, my efficiency, my outlook but most important of all...my sparkle. It is back...and in some ways it feels like an entirely new kind of sparkle...like the me I knew I could be is finally taking shape. It is good...it is me...but better.

I am five months in and I am still at it...this has been longest span of time that I have consistently worked hard at something...other than my job. There really is no secret...but there are two key small moments that keep me driven. Two simple things really - - a smile and some telling you that they believe in you. You shouldn't underestimate the power of each of those things...they can be transforming. So, if you ever feel like doing either of those things...you should go for it. You never know what will happen as a result.

Scribbling Things Out...

The one thing that feels really good right now is the fact that I am not going to be one of the January Gym Starters...I have been clocking time since September...so I feel like a regular. I am a regular. My gym time has become a regular part of my life which is not only helping me to be healthier but to have balance. It feels really good to have time to just be...in complete anonymity. At the gym, I have no real role other than to work hard and it is for just one reason...to be a better me. There is a lot of power in that...power that I have not ever felt before.

As I continue to hone things health-wise, I'm going to set some things out on paper. I am feeling the need to do some old school journaling...taking the pen to paper to work some things out. I haven't done that in so long, but I feel like I need some blank pages to fill in order to kick start the next phase of things. I know that I need to change my eating habits (spacing out meals during the day) to continue to make more progress. I know that I need to start enacting several of the insulin changes that my endocrinologist has suggested. I need to not be afraid of what "could" happen. I need to focus on the flip side of getting better control so that I can work even harder. My fear is that eating during the day slows me down at work. My fear is that since I have to take insulin to cover said eating...I may get more lows...which will slow me down at work. It all routes back to my fear of not being able to do work.

I will get it happening...making the next set of changes will allow me to work more efficiently. It will make me better...especially if I start writing it all out on paper. Scribbling things out while operating with no fear...I will get it done.

Life in Actions not Words...

So I have not updated about my word count during the past week. That is because last Sunday I had one of those moments where things just hit you...while at Panera surrounded by my NanoWrimo friends I realized something. For the first time in seven years the words were not flowing, the blank page was frustrating me. I always prided myself on being able to fill it no matter what. Something was different. Something had changed. Come to find out, it was me.

It was a very simple realization actually, but for me, those are always the most difficult things to grasp. The sun was shining outside of Panera and I kept looking out the window longingly. I realized that I don't need to do NanoWrimo this November. Instead of writing about life, I want to just live it. The past two and half months have been filled with tremendous transformations for me. I came back from camp in August knowing that I needed to change things. I needed to be a better me. So, that is what I have been doing. Focusing on being a responsible Type 1 Diabetic by eating normally and getting to gym. No tricks, no gimmicks. I have just been working my butt off and it feels really, really good.

I haven't written about all the changes I have been making, because I did not want to jinx things. The truth is, they don't seem like changes. I'm just living my life the way I always I knew that I could. I don't need food to feel better. I don't need a word count to make me feel better. I just need to be me. Joy.

On the Way...

I have been so lax in my blogging...but it is because I am working hard...in all realms of life. I had one of those banner days yesterday which has spurred me to blog rather then post a bunch of snipits on Facebook and Twitter. I started thinking about a post that I had written back in May 2010...this was just before my whole life was about to take many unexpected turns. Link to the post from May 2010 Turns that took me off of my OGYST "Operation Getting Your Shit Together"...but the truth is...I knew that I was going to get back to it...but only when I could really focus on it. When I really wanted to get back to it, which magically happened at the end of this past August.

My fondness for lists is going to bring you the following...a list of things that made yesterday so great:

1) Snow: I love it...in any form...sleet, slush, stick...it doesn't matter. It is magic. It is beautiful. It makes me feel like a giddy, little girl.

2) Gym - Part 1: My personal trainer (who I haven't worked with since May 2010) stopped me and reminded that I had one session left and asked if I would like to schedule something. It was perfect timing because I was just thinking that I needed to add strength training back into the mix. I thought S had given up on me, turns out, I think she has been waiting for me to be ready too. I'm sure she has noticed that I'm back in the game, I'm clocking time at the gym 4 - 5 times a week now.

3) Gym - Part 2: All my spa girls where greeting me with enthusiastic hellos and cheers as I walked by on my way to the locker room. It is so motivating...I love that my gym has a spa and how magically all of my favorite people have ended up working there - R, M, and S. They remind me that I am beautiful inside and out.

4) Friendship: I was able to spend quality time with my bestest friends, N. Next to my sister, I think she ranks as one of the most positive influences in my life. It always helps to have a guide who helps you through all of what life throws at you. As we were chatting it, it occurred to me that she has been a constant through most of my "pivotal" life moments. And it is strengthening to know that she always will be...

5) The Beautiful Game: I have written before about how following soccer has helped me in becoming a better me. Watching the University of Maryland Men's Soccer Team is inspiring me to work harder. I'm learning more about leadership and strategy. I'm learning about how important being part of a team is. I'm being reminded about motivation and vision. I'm changing as a result.

I'm on my way it seems, to wherever it is that I am supposed to go. I always have been, but I feel like I am getting closer. And I'm starting to accept that you don't get there alone...

Over a month...Really?? Really??

So, have I really not blogged since August 7? Is that even possible? The good news is that I have been busy...busy at work and busy at fun. Busy at things I never would have predicted the last time I blogged. August was very good to me in all the ways that I needed it to be. Time to rest. Time to reflect. Time to serve. Time to get my groove back. There are lots of things that I want to write about...but packing them all into one post won't do each of them justice and I want to spend some good quality writing time crafting them. In the meantime, I thought I would write a list...because I am crazy for the lists.

Life List - Stuff from August through Mid-September

1) Taking a week off from work and having some time away across the Bay Bridge was great...even with a crazy sunburn.

2) Being at Camp Fantastic was amazing and I really felt challenged this year to work even harder. All the love and good vibes packed into an amazing week are the fuel that keeps you going all year long. For the first time ever, I was completely out of communication with work. It was the best thing I could have done. Ummm...and of course I bought a Vera Bradley Bookbag in Plum Petals for camp this year...it was perfect...it even held my clipboard!!

3) Easing back into work after camp was easy and the truth is...I still have my "camp high". I have spent a lot of time working on focusing on one thing at a time and not getting overwhelmed...even if 10 different things are flying towards me. This is hard for me to do...but I am still at it...and for the most part...keeping everything in perspective. Calm during an earthquake...even I know you can't control everything.

4) Catching a University of Maryland Men's Soccer Game at the Germantown Soccer Plex has completely changed my life. My sister's idea for something to do on a Friday night has opened a whole new world to me. I am now a soccer fan. The game is poetry. It fuels the writer in me. Watching it is teaching me to be a better me. This team is headed for great heights...with an incredible spirit, hard work, and a Coach who does it right. I am psyched to cheer them on all season. I'm officially a Ludwig regular!!

5) Seeing Stevie Nicks was one of my bucket list items. She is one of my favorite song writers and she killed it. Her words always get right to the core of it. Love her!!

6) Going to the Sound of Music Sing A Long was much more campy than I would have thought...but even introverted me got into it. Who doesn't want to hiss when the Baroness is on the screen. Oh Captain, My Captain. You and your silly whistle. Truly one of the best movies ever. If you are ever feeling lowly, just listen to "Climb Every Mountain"...instant motivator.

7) Kicking some Type 1 Diabetes butt by getting to the gym and getting my swagger back feels really good. I'm working hard so that I can run/jog a 5K (Becca's Run) on October 1. The perfect way to start my 24th year as a Type 1 Diabetic. Feeling pretty good these days...good numbers...I love that!!


I know that much of the above is due to the fact that we are closing in on six months since Grandma has been gone. Healing is a process and there are is no timeline...but I know that she is proud...of numbers 3 and 7 especially. Moving forward...it is the only direction to go.

OGYST - A Brand New Week 1

Okay folks...this type 1 diabetic, vera bradley addict, and workaholic chickie is kicking it back into high gear. Yes...after about a year...OGYST (Operation Get Your Shit Together) is starting up again. I really mean it. I am starting off with a few weekly goals to get me going...and I will work my hardest to carve out the time (aka not let work eat my life away) to take care of me. I can do this. I will do this.

OGYST - Week 1 Goals
* Exercise Five Days
* Write Down Blood Sugars
* Eat Three Meals a Day
* Write Three Blog Entries (on any topic)

And GO!!!

Next Stop...a quick trip to the grocery store so that I have actually have food to eat.

OGYST - Week 19 in Review

Overall it was a really good week...it started off with a really big boost. My fitness test revealed that I have made tremendous progress in my work at the gym. My trainer was thrilled. So that made me start to believe that I have actually made progress. My blood work and my fitness test measurements all showed improvements. OGYST is working!!!

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #19

1) Exercise Five days a Week - Done...was at the gym for 3 lifting days and 2 cardio days. Was really happy to finally get back into the game. Love my new lifting routine.

2) Follow Weight Watchers Online and Log Points - Done. Had a few slip-ups but all in all it was a good week. I think I need to eat a bit more at lunch...that will help me to not be so hungry at dinner time. We will see how that goes. Low blood sugars during cardio workouts are still a big issue...so I need to incorporate a bit more of an afternoon snack on those days.

3) Leave Work no later than 5:30pm Most Days - Done. I worked later than 5:30pm only one day this week. And took Friday off...which was much needed.

4) I Control when I Look at the Blackberry - Done. I look when I think I need to look and I am generally spot on. It is scary. I really only had one day that I had trouble managing how stressed I was. Not bad.

Upcoming Week Expected Highlights - Get back on track in terms of keeping a blood sugar log. Increase cardio workouts a bit...try for three days in the week.

I think I have a Team...

For years and years I have read in diabetes book after diabetes book that you have to have a team. I always used to roll my eyes…knowing that the only one who can make it happen is you. You doing the work. You watching what you eat. You taking the right amount of insulin at the right time. You exercising. You taking responsibility for your actions. You dealing with the consequences. You getting blood work done. The list goes on and on…it is your thing to manage.

I have been thinking a lot about my latest diavista journey. The fact that I have data to show positive results. This is a first…in almost 23 years of managing my T1 diabetes. I have been contemplating what is different…what has made this particular journey different. It boils down to one thing really…I have a team.

Earlier this year I did have an epiphany of sorts, I realized that I could not keep doing things the way I had been. I needed to do something different. Without even realizing it, I was forming a team. In some cases, members of the team had always been there my friend N, my sister, and my mom. Some were added more recently like my endocrinologist Dr. C. Others were just on the horizon like Weight Watchers online (I don't know if a website can be a member of a team...but let's just go with it for now) and my trainer S.

What I finally realized is that there is no one individual piece of this grouping that is making things different this time around. It is all of them together. That is what is different…I have a team!!!

OGYST - Week 18 in Review

So in the spirit of getting back in the game, I'm finally doing an update. After three weeks (which I know is a long pause), I feel like OGYST is back in full swing. My revised set of goals really helped to jump start things this week. Let's do a quick review...

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #18


1) Exercise Five days a Week - Done...when I wasn't able to get to the gym...I had a nice long walk outside. Lots of cardio this week.

2) Follow Weight Watchers Online and Log Points - Done. Didn't use all of my allowance points which always makes me happy. I try to save them for low blood sugars...and perhaps a fun beverage. I had my heart set on a margarita but ended up with a mojito instead...yummy...and it was 4 as opposed to 5 points. Good Times!! I'm glad the margarita machine at Joe's Crab Shack was broken. ;)

3) Leave Work no later than 5:30pm Most Days - Done. I worked later than 5:30pm only two days this week...but the good news is that it didn't stop me from hitting the gym anyway.

4) I Control when I Look at the Blackberry - Done. In terms of managing work stress, the fact that I was eating better and exercising definitely helped. I have been worried about lots of things, but decided the best way to deal with it is to focus on my health.

5) Other - Had an appointment with my endocrinologist about my latest set of blood work and she was elated at the progress I have made. She went to great pains to compliment me on how the great results in my numbers were due to all work I had done. Reminding me that I had done it myself. And I have to admit it it felt really, really good. Had a fun time out with friends last night...it makes me really thankful for the great support system I have. I think that is what is making this whole endeavor work.

Upcoming Week Expected Highlights - Meeting my trainer early on Sunday Morning for a fitness test and another run through my latest weight lifting program. Getting back on track in terms of keeping my blood sugar logs.

Another addiction...but I restrain...most of the time...

Brighton...much like Vera Bradley...is kind of addicting. The catalogs come and I am pretty good at tossing them away. But one just came and well...I have to have this ring. I just really, really need it. Maybe when I break into a new weight bracket. It is all about the motivation and reward. I'm feeling back in the game for sure...

And in other news...I may have a novel idea for NanoWrimo 10...oh wait...I guess I should finish the one from 09 first. ;)

OGYST - Get Some Go Again...

To switch things up a bit, I have been contemplating a new set of focus points. I had set some in early 2010 to help in OGYST (Operation Getting Your Shit Together) and after the past few weeks of utter stagnation...I decided to refocus. So here is my list...with only one repeat...because...well as you may have figured out...in my priority list...work always rises to the top. Hence #4 below. ;) Well and #3 too...but that one is new.

1) Exercise at least five days a week

2) Follow Weight Watchers Online and Log Points

3) Leave Work no later than 5:30pm on most days of the work week

4) I Control when I Look at the Blackberry

So we will see how things go. I'm back in the game folks...prepare to astounded by my diavista awesomeness. ;)

The Road Back...

It is proving to be much harder than I thought to get back on track...I know the culprit...and I have been eating around it. The stress of uncertainity is getting the best of me at the moment...but I think I may go walk it out for a bit. Blaring music and a cool spring morning is probably just what I need to get centered. I need to be better about having healthy ways to deal with all the things I am worried about. In terms of OGYST...I feel a bit like a failure...but part of it is because I think I need to switch up my plans and set some new goals.

The good news is that my blood work revealed some huge improvements in terms of my numbers...especially my A1C...which gives a numerical indication of your average blood sugar over a three month time span. I think I am feeling confident enough to merge some T1 diabetes related goals into the mix. So...I think I'm going to take a nice long walk, blare some music, and think about what my next set of four goals will be.

Blip...Blippity...Blip...

What is up with this week? I have not been to the gym since Sunday. I have not been eating as well as I have been. BLIP!!!!!!!! This was going to be the week that I broke into a new bracket...but now...given how things have been going...I don't think that is going to happen when I step upon the scale tomorrow. The real test is whether or not I can pull myself back up again and get back with the program. There are lots of thigns I have to look forward too...getting my blood work done...seeing the endocrinologist...things are so much better than they were the last time I saw her. I need to keep remembering that feeling...I think it is pride. I have never felt that in terms of my health...and I will get back it. This week I was discombobulated and sooo sooo tired. Off of my game. But it was a blip. A tiny little 'pause' in my journey.

OGYST - Week 14 in Review

April is here...my favorite tree is in bloom...and I am still at this thing called Operation Getting Your Shit Together. I hate to write this, but I am really proud of myself. Since the new year I have been focusing on being more balanced. I do feel like things have changed...especially since even though I have been dealing with a family emergency I am still at it. I haven't thrown all my changes out of the window. I am still checking my blood sugar. I am still doing the WW thing. I am still losing weight. I am still making time to go to the gym. Balance.

Here is a quick list of progress...in each of my four focus areas.

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #14

1. Controlling When I Look at Blackberry - This was made easy because family emergencies have a way of making ignoring work easy. I won't lie, I did get freaked out about a few things...but I found time to get them done. The key was to focus on when things really needed to get done. I still have a project that I need to get done...and most likely I will work on it at somepoint this weekend. But I am not panicing.


2. Take Time to Breathe - Absolutely...this is essential...remembering that everything turns out as it should makes it easier to work your way through things. Also remembering that there is no sense in worrying about what you don't know.


3. Go to the Movies - Nope. Funny, I think of all my focus points...this is the one that I show the least progress in.


4. Gym = Transition - Was able to get to the gym 4 days this week with 2 strength training workouts and 2 cardio workouts. Felt great...each and every one of them. Not as often as I wanted too but life happens.


5. Other - Thought it was perfect timing that I had a great lunch with one my of Vera Bradley Girls on Thursday...it is always good to talk with her. She is one of my big motivagtors in OGYST...she sets a great example in terms of balance, exercise, and being healthy. I love that we can chat...she is such a huge support for me. I was thinking back to how she has been there for so many of my big "life moments". Seeing her was just what I needed so that I could be strong for all the rest that was to happen on Thursday.


Upcoming Week Expected Highlights: Looking forward to getting a new workout on Sunday AM...bright and earlier with my trainer. Can't wait to talk to her about all my progress over the past month. Thinking good thoughts for good health and continued progress for my Grandma. It will be a crazy week...but I will get through it...it is all about balance.

Vacation State of Mind...

I did some planning today...becuase I have Spring Fever. As I was driving into work today, I was thinking of summer and sunshine. So...to help me get through my inability to really concentrate today...I planned out my summer. So excited. Long weekend in Baltimore in June. Long Weekend in Annapolis in August. Hopefully Camp Fantastic. Thought I would try something different this year...I'm going to take the week off before Camp (if I am lucky enough to be invited to go to Camp) instead of the week after. I am so ready...for some fun in the sun. Baseball Games. Swimming. Cheering for friends. Sunning. Writing. Seeing Dave Matthews. Continuing to work on OGYST. I am so ready. Summer?? Bring it on!!!

So Tired....

I have had two really long days at work and I am exhausted. I should go for a walk...but I don't know if I can...I am so tired. I feel like Dorothy in the field of poppies. If I could just close my eyes for a quick second...zzzzz.....zzzzzz.....oh wait....there was a point to this post...I think??

Oh right...my guilt about not going for a walk. I usually allow myself one day of the week off from exercise...so I guess...it will be today. My Nike's will just have to wait until tomorrow...they will enjoy their time at the gym tomorrow night. And maybe...just maybe...they will see their "Gymspiration" too. Every little bit of motivation helps...I'm not gonna lie. Really tall guy with the nice arms and that blue tattoo...yes...you...you are my gymspiration.

OGYST - Week 13 in Review

Is it just me or have the last 13 weeks flown by? I have been back to the gym for 13 weeks and doing online weight watchers for five weeks...this past week really felt like a turning point. I just feel so much better...about everything. My blood sugars continue to be normal for the most part. I am continuing to drop about 2 pounds per week. Like I said...I just feel really good. And believe me...it is not just because I got some new Vera Bradley to jump start spring. One can never have too many flip flops...especially when you wear them after a good workout when leaving the gym. Spring fever has definitely set in for me!!

Here is a quick list of progress...in each of my four focus areas.

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #13

1. Controlling When I Look at Blackberry - Did a bit of work last Sunday...but all in all...I am mostly doing work at work. Still working more than 8 hours a day...but am not feeling overwhelmed by it. I just keep taking things one at a time...trying not to get five things done at once.


2. Take Time to Breathe - Seem to be doing this as well...had one particular assignment that I was stressing about...but stayed calm and got it done when I could get it done. Seem to be resisting the urge to work on it this weekend too. It seems it is getting easier and easier to work on things during work hours. Breathing my way through things really helps.


3. Go to the Movies - Saw a few movies via DirectTV and DVD...I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Sherlock Holmes, and Alvin & The Chipmunks - The Squeakqual. Excited to have Mad Men Season Three on DVD...may start that tonight!!


4. Gym = Transition - Great week at the gym...two strength training and three cardio workouts. Actually left work early on Thursday so that I could squeeze in a workout since I missed Wednesday. Friday was the best workout...60 minutes on the elliptical trainer with 635 calories burned. Felt freaking fantastic!!


5. Other - Did not work on the novel at all, but had a fun Happy Hour on Wednesday. Sent along my March Blood Sugars to my endocrinologist and she was thrilled with the results. Ordered some Vera online...flip flops and a fun pink summer tote for work. Yummy Chinese Food on Friday Night. Fun shopping with my sister on Saturday...more Vera. ;)


Upcoming Week Expected Highlights: Hoping to see some of my NanoWrimo Friends on Tuesday at Panera while working on my novel, lunch with one of my good friends on Thursday, and a few workouts at the gym. Wonder if I can get to a new bracket by my weigh-in on Friday? That is ambitious...but I wonder if it is possible? I guess we will have to see.

OGYST - Week 12 in Review

The week took unexpected turns but I was calm and able to still keep up with my new eating habits. This was my third week on WW online...and I was really worried that I was going slip up. I didn't...even with lots of stress...at work and due to a family emergency. I am feeling very positive. Seeing lots of great results. I know more tough times are ahead...but I feel ready. I do feel a sense of balance.

Here is a quick list of progress...in each of my four focus areas.

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #12

1. Controlling When I Look at Blackberry - I was completely shut off from work for two days...I really did well at keeping things in perspective. Family comes first...that makes prioritizing very easy.


2. Take Time to Breathe - This was my saving grace this week...since I wasn't able to get to the gym. I kept a sense of calm by choosing to not get all stressed out. I think eating three meals a day and more regulated blood sugars have really helped. I took one thing at a time and choose not to worry. Is it really just a choice?


3. Go to the Movies - Caught a few things on Pay Per View. Did You Hear About the Morgans? The Blind Side. Also saw Meet the Spartans and The Pursuit of Happiness. Two nights in a row I have watched truly fantastic movies...ones that stay with you. Don't worry. I'm not talking about Meet the Spartans or the Morgans. :)


4. Gym = Transition - Had to forgo this given the direction this week took...but I think that standing for hours in the ER and visiting in the hospital milling about counts for some activity. Especially when I may or may not have been doing squats against the wall. I did have a great workout on Monday.


5. Other - Finished the next set of edits on my novel. Had a great dinner with friends on Tuesday Night...I was glad I was with them when I got the "call". Was so excited about the happy news from one of my friends...it was news that we had been waiting years to hear...and I knew that someday I would hear it!! Before dinner, I had fun shopping at Juicy Couture. Don't worry...I took advantage of sales. ;) A very CUTE pinky salmon outfit. Great pedicure...if only the weather could match my pinky spring toes!!


Upcoming Week Expected Highlights: Getting back to the Gym. Since we are adjusting to new normals (if there is such a thing as normal)...I canceled some plans for the upcoming week...dinner and time with the Trainer. Not sure if I will make a Happy Hour on Wednesday or not. My main goal will be to get back to the gym. I'm thrilled that I was able to keep eating well even though things took an unplanned turn this week. It felt really good to stay in control of something.

OGYST - Week 11 in Review

I really felt in control this week...of my diabetes especially. I feel like a switch has gone off in my brain. It is all about choices. Making choices that center around the things that you think are most important. Perhaps my priority order has changed...my health is bumping up on the list. I don't think this is a bad thing.

Here is a quick list of progress...in each of my four focus areas.

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #11

1. Controlling When I Look at Blackberry - Can't remember any particular time when I was frantically obsessing about work. I took time to eat lunch everyday...even when I had meetings back to back and phone calls to return. It felt good.


2. Take Time to Breathe - It was a tough week...but I feel like I was able to stay calm. I did take a few moments to breathe. Especially when I was having a bunch of low blood sugars. I took the time (15 minutes...which seems like forever when you feel completely depleted of all basic brain power) to just wait for my sugar to re-adjust after eating 15g of carbs. Even when it happened while I was getting ready for work...instead of continuing to rush and get ready...I just sat still and waited. It felt good.


3. Go to the Movies - Finally saw Alice in Wonderland...it was really good. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I am becoming a huge fan of 3D!! So much so that I am considering seeing TRON. I know right?? Also saw New Moon...which reminded me how much I loved the soundtrack. And about my novel...because I wrote much of it in November listening to the New Moon soundtrack. There is nothing better than music inspiring words. It feels good.


4. Gym = Transition - I know that my ability to stay calm, especially at work, has been a direct result of the time that I have been clocking at the gym. Lots of cardio and strength training...I even convinced my sister to come with me on Sunday and then again on Saturday. It was so much fun to have a buddy. Thinking about when to schedule another Fitness Test so I can see if I have been making progress. I know that my form is changing. It feels good.


5. Other - The biggest highlight of the week was that my endocrinologist was thrilled with my blood sugars and lowered my long acting insulin dosage for overnight. This is such a huge deal...and I am really proud of myself. Between eating better and time at the gym...I am really seeing dramatic results in my blood sugars. I also met one of my NanoWrimo friends at Panera this week (after I went to the gym of course) and I ended up making a bunch of edits to my novel...my next set of "pen and ink" changes. It felt so good.


Upcoming Week Expected Highlights: Having dinner with some friends, Clocking more time in the gym, Scoping out some new Vera (think I need to get a bunch of flip flops), Getting a lovely pedicure, and Seeing how much progress I have made after my third week on WW Online.