Cheezies as my Nemesis

I’m back! This time around I plan on writing about improving my health, and I mean this in terms of mind, body and spirit.

In late August, I felt I had found my niche. I was training for a 10k race, delving into yoga (and loving it), exploring Buddhism, and practicing meditation. Healthy eating, gratitude and a positive outlook all fell into place. Then suddenly, I started to have a bit of knee pain, then subsequent foot pain, then right hip and lower back tightness and discomfort….

When I first started feeling this injury come on I had recently:

A) Upped my running mileage just slightly (from 5k to 8k)

B) Started wearing my new orthotics more often

C) Started wearing new running shoes

D) Been wearing work shoes (nursing) that in hind-site I should have ditched months ago (12 hour shifts are hard on the feet man!)

E) Just recently started doing yoga 3-4 times a week

Needless to say, this combo of factors has made figuring out what’s going on with me rather difficult!

The injuries threw a loop into my happiness for sure. My physiotherapist told me to sideline the yoga. I still don’t know how I feel about this, but have so missed it.  It wasn’t the exercise part of yoga that I loved so much, but more the calming, mind clearing effects. I haven’t truly ran in months now. I’ve noticed my eating habits have taken a turn with the season, going a little bit towards the unhealthy side. A little over a month ago I started eating gluten-free to see if it would help with any of my aches and pains. One thing is for sure, it ’s been beneficial for my blood glucose levels. My past two A1Cs (basically a 3 month blood glucose reading) have been the best I’ve had in years now.

That’s enough “sorrowful” reminiscence for now. The good thing is, lately I’ve been having lots of “Keep Your Chin Up Moments.” Despite the days being darker earlier, the lack of physical activity, and a few more unhealthy food choices than I’d like (a few too many cheezies), I’ve still been keeping a positive mindset. I plan to focus my posts on my personal growth in health & wellness, my career etc. All the things I’m most passionate about! After all, passions are the most easy to write about. This site will help keep me accountable in my journey. Maybe you will find something to help you out too

Living in Dreamland

Since I last blogged

I have become Mrs. Stevens

image by Dani of Evergreen Photography

I entered my mid-twenties

image via Google

& I was the successful applicant for a new position…

image via Google, then altered by ME of course

Needless to say, July was a life changing month for me. All in good ways!

Presently, I’m on my second “bout” of vacation and on Saturday Reggie and I head to Boston (my first time) with two other great couples. I am getting pretty excited about it. It is going to be a road trip full of shopping, sightseeing and eating deliciousness. Only thing I’m starting to get concerned about? That little thing called Diabetes.

July consisted of planning, running errands, a bit of stress here and there, having houseguests, and eating awesome food. Basically, being out of any routine. My usual diet was off, my usual exercise was off and of course- my blood glucose levels have been off. Yes, I have been living in a dreamland, but it was a good one. Today marks the start of taking the reins a bit tighter in terms of diabetes, and getting back in the saddle (ahem…corny corny corn).

I’m going to insert my glucose sensor and get a good feel for my BGs and then try and keep em’ under good wraps for this Boston trip. Feeling good during travel is so important!

The next couple days will consist of some post-wedding housecleaning and some light reading:

Yes, I know, likely not a light read. I am looking forward to reading it though. It will definitely help me prepare for starting my new position. I am SO excited ! Diabetes education has always been an interest of mine. I’ll probably have it read in totality just before the new guidelines come out in March 2013, ha!

To finish,  can anyone recommend some MUST-SEE, MUST-DO, MUST-SHOP OR MUST-EAT stops in Boston or surrounding areas?? 

2 weeks

Well folks,

In exactly 2 weeks I will officially be “Mrs. Stevens.” Ciara Stevens… it has a nice ring to it, does it not?

I’ve been busy with last minute wedding business and interview preparation (which I will discuss at a later date). I wanted to fit in a quick blog since I haven’t done so in FOREVER. I’ve been thinking a bit about how diabetes will influence the “Big Day,” and found these blog posts talking about the topic. If you’re interested, check a few of ‘em out:

“Diabetes on My Wedding Day” from Kerri at sixuntilme.com

“Guest Post: Diabetes on Your Wedding Day” from SySy Morales of thegirlsguidetodiabetes.com, who guest posted on lemonadelife.com

“Diabetes on My Wedding Day” by AllisonB on www.diabetesmine.com

After reading some of these, I’m not sure if I’ve prepared enough for the Big D on the Big Day. I do have a garter-like contraption for my thigh to hold the pump, but at some point I will need to get at that pump. It’s not very lady like to reach up and under your dress all the time. It’s at times like this that I wish Medtronic pumps had a remote! I love Kerri’s idea of popping some candy into your bouquet; very sneaky, and very smart! I’m going to do that for sure.

In other news, a few of my bridesmaids, Sharon and Ashlee were over today to help me with wedding prep. Have a look at some of our accomplishments:

I’m loving the yellow!

Here’s a personal touch I added to our wedding day shoes:

Can you see the little stickers on the soles? A Pinterest idea for sure!

That concludes my first post back in over a month. Have a great weekend

Lawn mowing whilst Low (oops)

I don’t mow the lawn often (make that ever).

When I was finally old enough to run the ride-on mower, I did the “big” lawn once…and never again. I don’t think I did a very good job. Come to think of it, they never really asked me to do it again. I was the oldest child, and my younger sister did it more than I ever did. I was exempt, and I don’t think it was because of my superiority in age. I’m pretty sure it was my superiority in, well, sucking at mowing the lawn.

Yesterday I wanted to surprise Reggie by mowing. I was doing pretty well for a bit, and was actually feeling quite smug about the straight lines I thought I was producing. Our front lawn has multiple trees. Maple trees, fruit trees, you name it, it is there. They make mowing interesting, and apparently they make mowing with a low blood glucose VERY interesting.

I was soon to be finished doing the “very close to the trees” run on our last row of trees. I was spinning that wheel around like a Nascar driver. Or so I thought. 4 or 5 trees in on that row I realized I had been hit by at least one branch, either on the arm, trunk or head when passing each of the last few trees. First I laughed at myself, “man I’m clumsy!” then I thought “Or maybe I’m low…?”

Minutes later I’m in the kitchen surveying my blood sugar. Yup, 2.9mmol/L. Wow. You would have thought the first 5 or 6 hits from the trees would have been my first clue.

I was feelin’ better a few Peanut “Better” Gingersnaps later . I know that fatty treats like a cookie are not an ideal way to treat a low, but I was feeling it.

Goodbye Cable!

Reg and I said bye bye to TV this past Monday. We figured we have enough to do this summer (our wedding, 3 or 4 other weddings, basic summer fun) that we don’t really need to pay that extra $100 a month for the boob tube.

image via Google Images

It’s been great so far. I feel like we’ve spent more quality time together; just chatting and hanging out. I’ve been getting reading done, and lots of wedding stuff too. I definitely love a good TV series (ie New Girl, Modern Family) but since they are on summer hiatus, why not us too? Who knows, it could be long term.

Reggie has had a couple relapse/withdrawal moments, but I think he’ll make it. He used to zone out SO much when watching TV. Couldn’t hear a thing I would say. It was amazing really.

Speaking of Reggie. He is awesome. He is a machine on weekends. He has been doing such a great job getting the outside ready for the wedding. Today he made some centerpieces, did laundry, made chili, cleaned the bathroom, made banana chocolate chip muffins. The list goes on. I am a lucky girl

We haven’t traveled down the NetFlix road yet. I would be interested to know what people think of it. My problem is that if I find out about a new series, I will need to avoid it on iTunes, or I may get into trouble. I want to save money; not spend the $100 saved through ditching cable.

Now I’m having a conundrum. I think I need a library card. I have depleted my Kindle library and need some new books. I’ve got some on a wish list but I don’t want to dish out any extra dolla dolla bills until after the weddin’. I have fallen into the “give me now” instant gratification of an iTunes or amazon account. Help!

In the diabetes side of my life not much is new. I’ve just finished three days shifts, and my sugars were pretty good. I have an appointment with my Diabetes specialist on Tuesday and I’m getting nervous. He’s a doc that I work with, so that makes it a bit more awkward too. Oh well, honesty is the best policy. I try my best!!  Wish me luck. Sorry for the lack of pictures. I’ve been stuck in a hospital for three days so not only would the pictures have been stark, but nursing related shots are pretty illegal in most cases too.

Nighty Night!

End of May Flowers

Today I ran my fastest 5k since..well, since whenever my Nike GPS app started stalking me. It felt nice. It was 30 mins, something seconds. I’d like to do some sub-30s soon. Truth is though, after my run, you could barely tell I had ran.

Kidding! I was a lovely sweaty mess. As per usual!

Any other people blessed with Diabetes who frequently eat meals out of containers such as this?:

Yeah, I measure a lot of things (things being food). For those who don’t know, type one diabetics like myself determine insulin requirements for meals by looking at the carbohydrate component in their meal. That’s what I was doing this morning when I measured out my vanilla greek yogurt. No need to dirty two dishes!

I took a few photos today as I watered our flowers:

One of my faves is this purple clematis.

I also like this tiny rose tree. I have no idea what it is actually called. Maybe some sort of crab apple? If it is in fact a crab apple tree, than it is quite humorous that I have been calling it a “tiny rose tree.”

 

I did play around with the color of the lilacs. They are definitely pretty without any altering but I wanted to make them even more vibrant!

The kids, hanging out.

Some Irises. I didn’t alter the color of these at all. They are beautiful!

 

 

Lastly, a couple petunias.

Ever notice how nature mimics the human body? Every once in a while I look at trees and think “those really do look like lungs,” or I’ll look at a walnut and think “Yup, looks like a brain, totally one hemisphere of a brain.” For example, the above petunias; when I look at the darker purple lines I think “veins…obviously.” If you thought I was going to mention the irises, you are wrong.

Closing thought. If April showers brought us May flowers. Then what is May to June? May ______ brings June _____. ???

I know that for me, June is again a month about showers. 3 wedding showers. Wow.

Long time No See

Well hello there,

..long time no see!

I’ve been busy (a phrase I will continue to say, frequently, for the next 50ish days).

Wedding business has been the epicenter of my days off. I picked up this little thing called a marriage licence today. Apparently, it’s “important.” Pish-posh I say.

I’ve had some good workouts lately, which is nice because my first wedding dress fitting is June 10th! Eek!

I’ve also made some yummy suppers, including but not limited to: pork souvlaki pitas with tzatziki sauce; pasta with spinach, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and a cheesy white sauce, and a yummy rice dish (actually I used quinoa) which includes dates, cinnamon etc (recipe via Sharon) . It is an awesome mix of sweet and savoury. Note: souvlaki & tzatziki are both words that necessitated Google for correct spelling.

I’ve also had my fair share of one of my fave treats:

Once, I ate a whole container in 1 day. Bad Idea. Not only does this stuff have a substantial amount of sugar in it. It also has a substantial amount of fire power. It may be too much information, but after eating a full container in one day, I spent most of a night shift in the little girls room. Explosive. Yeah.

Also, speaking of sugar. I have had a ridiculous amount of difficult to explain high blood sugars in the past few days. Whoa. I’m pretty sure my sets are clogging and kinking easily. Since I have started wearing my new pump I have had a few diabetes mix-ups. I’m pretty sure it’s not the pump, but it {the pump} has taken a verbal beating over the past few days. I was annoyed after a “No Delivery” alarm, after eating a delicious breakfast. The subsequent bg? 25mmol/L.  I was perturbed after discovering a bg of 19mmol/L soon after starting a night shift. I was frustrated this morning when I woke up to 17mmol/L. What the heck???? Highs don’t happen this often for me.

I changed my set and reviewed the potential causes. If my insulin were bad than I probably wouldn’t have had control like I did the two days previous. Pretty sure the set was the problem. I used to get away with 4 days using the same infusion set. Now I think 3 is my max. What is the world coming to . I think I’ll live. I always do!!

This morning I went to get my hair re-foiled, and to have a wedding day hair consult. T’was fun! I can’t wait to hang out with all my bridesmaids that morning !

Lookin’ fab and gettin’ foiled.

Has anyone read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold?

I know it was a phenomenon quite a while back, when the movie came out and whatnot. I avoided reading it because I thought it sounded a bit dark and depressing. However; I did just finish it, and actually really enjoyed it. I thought that Sebold’s writing was fantastic!

Has anyone read a  great book lately? I’m in reading mode, and am looking for suggestions

If someone offers you ground cover…

Well, I didn’t quite do all the posts for diabetes blog week. Work and life got in the way…again!

I hope you had an awesome long weekend because I know I did.

Thanks to my Nana (Peggy) and my Mom (Patty)…

…the flower beds at our house are looking awesome. We weeded, we edged, we dug rocks out of their hiding spots, we planted, we transplanted. I couldn’t help but think in medical terms while “transplanting” the plants. If only an organ transplant could be so easy- cut it out, stick it in, and water it like hell. Nope, a new ticker or new kidney just does not work this way. Ahhh, the wonders of mother nature.

We hit the local flower spot with vengeance and purchased a good amount of pretty annuals and perennials that definitely perked up the Stevens/Lamoreau yard.

Mom and Nana certainly know how to clean, garden and SHOP. Since I worked 4 day shifts prior to their arrival, I didn’t have much time for housekeeping. No worrying necessary however, because within minutes (literally) the house looked 10x cleaner. The Peggy/Patty tag team rolled through. Reggie and I could barely keep up.

The first morning we did a decent amount of gardening, stopping only for nutrition and hydration. Next, we were off shopping. Once home from shopping we were putting those plants in the ground ASAP. Reggie mentioned how he figured it would be time to chill out once we got home, considering he had been working outside all day, but he ended up having to pick up the whipper-snipper just to fit in.

Good times

One of my favourite lines from the weekend came from my Nana when she said: “If anyone ever tries to offer you ground cover, you turn, and you RUN!” Haha..it just cracks me up; one of the reasons being that one of my co-workers offered me ground cover a few days prior. Little did I know I should have turned and run for my life. Oh the things you’ll learn.

A few photos to finish off this post:

The first top-down Jeep drive of the year. You could barely distinguish the water from the horizon in Morden; It was so clear and calm.

I always do the first Jeep drive whilst naked. It’s more exhilarating this way (kidding, I was wearing a strapless top ).

Lounging on the lawn with the pets after a day of deck building and herb garden planting

Lastly- If you could take a minute to check out www.valleylifecycle.ca that would be so awesome. This is an event taking place in Kentville, Nova Scotia. It’s only purpose is to promote healthy lifestyles. How great is that?

I’m helping out one of my co-workers who is trying to get many page hits. The hits will help him to make this Health Promotion event even more successful!

And the Winner is…

Tonight I randomly chose the winner for the Looneyspoons Collection cookbook giveaway! By the way, the cookbook arrived in the mail today

Janet & Greta – image via Google.com

The lucky commenter whom will soon have this cookbook isssss… Sharon! I used random.org to randomly choose a number from 1-12 (since this was the number of commenters). Number 7 was randomly chosen and Sharon was commentee #7!

Thanks again for your lovely comments, and of course a big thanks to Janet and Greta for donating the book.

Have a great evening! I’m back to work for a third day shift tomorrow. This means I only have to work one night this set. Awesome!!

Counting Saucy Carbs

It’s now day 3 of D-Blog week and today’s post is the “One Thing to Improve” post. As in, one thing I could do better in terms of my ‘betes. Well, considering I had an experience with crappy carb counting on Monday night, I think that this post topic came at an opportune time.

image via Google.com

Reggie and I went out for supper and a movie with his aunt (HI SHIRLEY ), uncles and friends. I had a Chicken Sesame Seed Salad. I thought I would be risqué and order something with a little spice, a little sauce. You see, I tend to stick to sauce-less foods at restaurants. I normally do salmon, roasted veggies and so on because they are low in carbs and I’m less likely to have to deal with high blood glucose later on.

This day I wanted to be adventurous with the salad plus thai sauce. I ordered it up, ate it, annnnnd bombed my carb counting. Totally under-did it, and when we got home from the post-supper movie (Dark Shadows) my sugar was 19.1mmol/L. Oops.

I think I could get better at carb counting, and I may even make an appointment with the dietician at my next diabetes appointment. I just recently learned to subtract the fibre content from my total carbs when carb counting. How the heck did I not know this?? What else do I not know!?

I never ask the waitress/waiter about nutritional info when eating out, and maybe I should start doing so. Truth is though, I need to live a little too. At least I got a yummy salad….Right?

Here is a link to a little Carb Counting Info Sheet from the Canadian Diabetes Association for your viewing pleasure. It’s pretty basic stuff, but we all get a little cocky in our old diabetes age right? A little review never hurts: Basic Carbohydrate Counting for Diabetes Management