Small Victories

Today was a banner day. After almost 12 months of dealing with my doctor and my insurance company, I was approved for a DEXCOM continuous glucose monitor. When I got the news at work, I was breathless. It was one of those feelings that you get when you nail a job interview, have a PR race, or meet that someone special. You don't get that feeling very often, but when you do, you savor it and let the feeling wash over you as long as possible.

The DEXCOM wasn't the only thing that went right today. I replaced the memory in my computer. Oh yeah, you heard me. I am a self described technophobe, and I unscrewed some screws on my computer and installed some memory. As a result, I now have my Microsoft Office suite back AND my wireless printer. After a trip to the Apple store this weekend where I had to have everything erased and re-loaded, after not being able to print for over a month, after doing my graduate course homework in TextEditor last week---I FIXED MY COMPUTER!!

Oh yeah, and did I mention my windshield wipers. I replaced those on my car too---after having the replacements in my car over a month because I didn't know how to do it. And, I fixed a problem on my phone (ok--all I did was shut it off and turn it back on, but I am not being picky.)

Are you jealous yet? You should be. After what seems to be three continuous years of massive life upheavals, heartache, and bad news--I finally had a day where I recognized everything that went right. Of course I have had good days, but I have been too overwhelmed with the big things in life to appreciate the small ones. Today the small victories overpowered me, and I am glad for it. I am more happy and content today than I have been for a while--all because I had the fortitude to record my BGs five times a day for four straight months....and my handy home tool kit had the right screwdriver that I needed at the right time.

Things That Make Me Smile...

Two posts in two days--score!! I have been very overwhelmed by work and training lately. I am behind on many things and my house hasn't been 'clean' in a while. It makes me a little anxious. That being said, I am trying to reflect on things that make me smile:

• My co-worker (and friend) set up a date with someone he's really interested in. He's excited and it makes me happy to see that.
• I share a love of clotted cream with my Triabuddy Zoe and her dad. We had some on Sunday, YUM!
• A couple of my Triabetes teammates just got new bikes. A new bike is so fun and makes you want to get out there and tear it up! It makes me appreciate my bike--which I found time to clean, she deserved it after what I have put her through lately.
• I have all of my documentation together to appeal my health insurance's rejection for a CGM. I am so happy that I have found the time to get this done. We'll see how my doctor's appointment goes tomorrow when I hand it over. (I hope that makes me smile.)
• Seeing how many people who support me and what I am trying to do with Insulindependence! I am really touched that so many people are supportive. THANK YOU!

I have now run out of the few minutes I had to do this. Back to work......

I AM a Triathlete

Just a quick note to state the obvious, but I have recently realized and accepted that I am a triathlete. I am not a runner who dabbles in two other sports. I am not a swimmer looking for more open water racing opportunities. I have been specifically training for this sport for almost 10 years. I plan to continue doing this sport for a while more. Additionally, you don't have to be an elite athlete or age-group goddess to qualify. I realized that this makes me a full fledged Triathlete! Cool!

Caveat: Just so that I don't create confusion. I am a Glucomotive captain next year. I am not a "runner". I am a triathlete building on and developing my run skills!

Shout out to Bob!!

I have to send thanks to Bob Marley this week. I was more behind than usual in my trip preparations on Saturday. As I was driving to work about 3 hours before my international flight to retrieve some forgotten paperwork, I turned on the radio. The station was playing Bob Marley 24/7 for the weekend--totally centered me! If I has listened to my regular fast paced electronica, my head would have exploded.

At the end of the day, all I need to travel is my insulin, ID/Passport, and cash/credit cards. I was a little worried about this trip, however, because I am a 5'10" female in Asia. If I am missing critical work clothes, finding replacements could be a challenge.

***News Flash*** If you are interested in following a Type 1 as she sails the Florida Keys solo, check out the following Erin Spineto's Blog: Erin will be tackling this trip in the next few weeks. Another example of how relentlessly awesome Type 1's are!!!

Bring it on February....

I was so ready to be done with January. Bring it on February, I think that I can take you!

What I really wanted to post about was the wonder of caffeine. I took a hiatus from artificial sweeteners in November. The problem is that my old friend Diet Coke was my primary caffeine supplier. I have been fuzzy ever since. Ahh, the clarity of caffeine. I have rediscovered the technicolor focus of caffeine with the help of black tea and the occasional diet soda. It is amazing. I am still trying to limit artificial sweeteners as much as possible, however, I haven't really seen a stabilization or lowering of my sugars which was the point of my experiment.

I also wanted to throw a shout out to my Triabetes family. I saw many of them in Carlsbad for the Carlsbad Half/Full Marathon in January. You all have a special place in my heart and continually challenge me to be a better Type 1, a better athlete, and a better person. THANK YOU.

Just call me Grace...

OK--I have a marvelous spill or two every year. This week, it happened. I tripped on seemingly nothing and took a glorious fall in the middle of a public park. Yes, it was amazing. The funny thing was that this was a great run. I was going a good pace for me. I had a low early in the run, but caught it quickly and was able to recover rather well from it. Sheesh! Nothing like running with blood running down your leg for the last few miles.

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On a better note--thanks to everyone who came

out to the Honolulu Dawn Phenom last weekend. It was the best turnout yet. We enjoyed a fun run/walk around Lanikai Loop in Kailua, Hawaii. Next month, we will start from the same place but climb up a nearby trail up to some pillboxes. Come out and join us if you are in the area!

This weekend is the Carlsbad Marathon/Half-Marathon weekend with the Insulindependence crew. I am really excited to meet up with some of my Triabetes teammates and the other fabulous people that I have met and been inspired by through iD. Hopefully, this will be a turning point for a good 2011.

Ugh, 2011 is starting with a whimper...

January 2011 has been nothing but trouble so far. As I was running long this weekend I was thinking about how I feel that my blog messages should always have to have a silver lining. Maybe this one will, but we'll see how it goes.

1. Diabetes Sucks: I don't care how you look at it, there is nothing positive about chronic lows during runs, 300+ days when you can't move or have to go home from work early, passive endocrinologists who are not interested in their Type 1 patients. I hate it.

2. Life Can Suck. I am currently pretty directionless--there are no clear paths for me right now. I don't know if I can afford to stay in Hawaii over the long term and need to make decisions as a result of that. I have had the experience in 2011 to cry myself to sleep as a result of life's disappointments. I haven't done that in a very long time and don't care to repeat it.

3. Ironman. Not finishing Ironman Western Australia in 2009 has really set me back mentally. I am scared to even start Ironman St. George. I do not want to see another finish line that I might not cross. I do not want to put the emotion, time, and work into something that I might fail at.

What's next? I don't know. I hope that things get better. Heck, it's only January. I am getting the opportunity to travel next month for work (...in the middle of training for an Ironman). I am applying for new jobs in new cities in order to find new direction. Maybe it will work, maybe it will not. My friend told me this morning that you cannot claim defeat until you have really tried. Since it is only January, I am not claiming defeat since I am still trying.

Next week, Carlsbad with the Insulindependence crew!