Due To Diabetes Being Bitchy, We Interrupt This Edition of' "Diabetesalicious -Lite"

Today's post was supposed to be all "Diabetesalicious Lite," and the likes there of.
It's Friday after all, and let's face it, the last few Friday posts were anything but!
But then diabetes blood sugar issues took over and suddenly, I'm not feeling so light and happy.
Instead. I'm feeling annoyed, frustrated, and tired!
I'm doing my office work thing, and doing it very well might I add - And for the first time in a while, diabetes is getting in the way.

Lets start at the beginning, I had flat crust pizza for dinner last night, which normally works really well for me blood sugar wise. The slices are much smaller in circumference than normal slices, not to mention that the crust is flat, hence the name: FLAT CRUST PIZZA.
Usually flat crust pizza and I get along very well. But last night, not so much.
Like I said, I was having issues with blood sugar, as in they were hovering around the 220/230 for hours after my meal.
And in all honesty, it might have been an infusion set issue (it was new as of yesterday morning) or perhaps the insulin in my pump was skunky, I was down to the last 19 units after all.
But whatever the culprit, I couldn't get my blood sugars in normal range after two slices of veggie flat crust.
Cut to this morning, when I woke up with a bg of 228. I immediately changed my insulin reservoir out for a fresh one and did a meal and correction bolus, downed some much needed coffee & Greek yogurt and got ready for work.
Cut to work and me rocking it and being incredibly productive & wonderful!
And then, around 10ish, I felt the numbness in my lips and stomach kick-in, BIG TIME.
I was shaking and grabbed my Dex4 glucose tabs & downed the last 5 tabs I had on my person.
And then I tested - I was 49. I waited and watched the clock tick and still felt the numbness all over. I was starting to sweat & ate a Blueberry Larabar. 12 minutes later I was still in the 50's and ate another Larabar, this time Key Lime.

I KNEW I was over treating, but I felt so low that I didn't want to chance it.
And again, I watched the minutes click by on my computer and continued testing and was happy to see my numbers start to climb back up towards normal. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw 71 and I actually cracked a smile when I 83 flashed on the screen.

Cut to 11:30ish, when that old numb feeling started to return. I tested and was 60. YES, 60!
And for the first time in a very long time, I had to blink back the tears of diabetes frustration.

I didn't have time for this crap and I didn't have time for tears, I grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and ate it in damn near record time.
And now as I sit on at my desk and continue to complete my work "To-Do List," my internal voice is saying: Guess what diabetes? I can be a bitch too - You won't stop me from doing a good job!
And it won't! Right now my blood sugar is hovering in the low 90s and I'm still all types ofmiffed about diabetes throwing a fit.

So I decided to change today's blog post and blog about how I'm feeling right now, in real time.

Right this second I feel like diabetes is is this close to getting the best of me and I don't like it!
I know it's not & I know that I should feel grateful that I haven't felt this way in a quite a while - I'm damn lucky and I know it!
Broken pancreas or not, I still see my diabetes glass half full - But there's been a few spills today & I need pick myself up by my bootstraps and fill that glass back up to the brim.

But if I don't acknowledge the good, the BAD, and the Diabetesaliciousness of it ALL, then diabetes would get the best of me - AND THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

Insulin: It Was 90 Years Ago Today......

Heroes of the world: Best & Banting

On July 27th, 1921 millions of lives were saved, including ours.

On July 27th, 1921, Frederick Banting & Charles Best successfully isolated the hormone the world would come to know as insulin. Testing began by creating diabetes symptoms in dogs (and whether your a PETA fan or not, be grateful - You owe the Doctors & the dogs they tested on your life - literally and figuratively,) and a few months later, human trials were started.

Within 18 months, insulin became widely available (and thanks to the University of Toronto, royalty free to Pharma Companies) to the public and millions of lives were saved and they were awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize.

So today. regardless of whether your diabetes is playing nice or being bitchy, just remember that 90 short years ago, if Banting & Best hadn't changed the world, you wouldn’t be reading my blog post because I wouldn't have been around to write it!

And as long as were being honest - You probably wouldn't have been around to read it!

So while we continue to raise funds for a cure 24X7, 365 days a year, let’s remember to give thanks to Banting, Best!

Because without them we wouldn’t be here and the world would be a much less interesting place without people with diabetes in it!

I originally wrote & published the following post on January 19, 2010.

I feel that it's especially appropriate to repost it today & I hope you like it!

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Dear Doctors Banting & Best.

I just wanted to take a moment to Thank-You for giving me the gift of LIVING.

Because of you and your efforts, I've lived past the age of 8.

Instead of being yet another sad memory for parents who lost their child to an illness that offered no hope, I became a girl who not only lived, but grew up to be a woman who is becoming.

Because of your diligence and hard work, I had many firsts.

My first kiss

My first love

My first heartbreak

Too many firsts to list without leaving so much out.

Because of the gift of your discovery, I was able to live and learn and continue to do so everyday.

I became an Auntie multiple times and learned to love others more than myself.

I attended and graduated college.

I traveled to Europe and saw the wonders of Venice and Paris.

Because of you I was able to discover that I loved books, performing, writing, helping others with manage their life with diabetes, and every shade of the color green.

I’ve swum with manatees, and I've climbed the Mexican pyramids on the longest day of the year.

I've worked at jobs I've loved, and I've worked in jobs I haven't.

I was able to see my niece perform on Broadway and cried tears of joy and pride.

And was incredibly grateful and proud.

If you never discovered insulin, I never would have met her, let alone watched her shine on “The Great White Way.”

I've been granted the gift of 12 wonderful nephews and nieces and have been know the joy of seeing each of them grow and become the wonderful & individual pieces of art they are.

If you hadn’t had your own burning passion to save those of us with diabetes,

I never would have been able to discover my own passions.

I never would have lived, let alone blogged.

I wouldn't have a job helping others with Diabetes.

By your discovery of insulin, I was able to learn what I don’t like - Which is also a great gift.

Reaching adulthood has taught me that I’m no fan of FOX News or MTV’s The Jersey Shore.

And that I prefer wine over beer, V-Necks over Crew Necks, and my GPS over a map any day of the week!

Because insulin was discovered, my father was able to have children, and my siblings and I were not only conceived, but saved by your discovery - THANK YOU.

Thank you for not allowing my parents to lose three children and a grandson.

Thank you for giving my oldest sister the gift of motherhood 3 times over.

Thank you for allowing my nephew to graduate Berkley with honors and become a Professor of Literature.

Thank you for allowing both my Aunts and one of my first cousins to become mothers.

Thank you for giving every single one of my friends with diabetes the gift of living life and every single person with diabetes the opportunity to do so!

Thank you for my gifts of strength, tenacity,humor and empathy. I strongly believe those traits were greatly enhanced by being a person who lives her life every single day with diabetes.

Sometimes I think in the bustle of life and looking for the cure, we forget that it wasn’t until 1922 that children and adults no longer died when being diagnosed with diabetes.

Up until then, diabetes was a death sentence.

Today diabetes a life sentence- and by

“life sentence” I mean the ability to live life to the fullest EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I will admit, there are times in my life when I haven’t taken advantage of the act of living fully.

But now, I relish every moment big and small.

Little moments have just as much meaning as big ones – because I am here to experience them.

Do I want a cure in my lifetime?

ABSOLUTELY!

I don’t want anyone else to be diagnosed with my disease. I don’t want another person to suffer mentally or physically because diabetes has entered their lives.

I am ready to say GOODBYE to Diabetes for good!

BUT I am so grateful for the gift of living that was given to me because of you both and

I love you without every having had the privilege of meeting you.

I think of you both everyday- and I say a prayer of thanks.

I want to live my best life not just for me and those I love, but for you.

Your the reason I'm alive.

To not live a great

life would be a disservice to me AND you!

I will continue“becoming" and, not just for myself, but because really, who am not to?

I am the girl who lived and is now a woman who IS....and is BECOMING.

And I owe the fact that I am living to you both!

THANK YOU.

Kelly K

Yours truly in front of a very small portion of 1 person's lifetime supply of insulin

at: Breakthrough,The Discovery of Insulin Exhibit in NYC

Photo By sixuntilme.com Creator & Curator, Kerri Sparling!

90 years after the discovery of insulin, there are still children and adults without access to insulin - And that’s OUTRAGEOUS.

If Banting & Best were alive today, I know that they'd be OUTRAGED!

Want change the world in the spirit of Banting & Best? Of course you do! And it's not as hard as you think!

You really can make a difference by taking part in The International Diabetes Federation's "O Is For Outrage Campaign."

Just click on the link below and create a virtual postcard to send to President Obama, urging him to not only attend the United Nation's Summit on Global Health issues on September 19th & 20th, 2011, but to show the rest of the world that he's committed to the prevention, control & help to remove the stigma of non- communicable diseases, especially diabetes.

http://www.idf.org/O_is_for_OUTRAGE

Kid Conversations: A Cool Dog Dancing & The Guy @ Bible Camp Has An Insulin Pump!

So I was sitting on the beach in my chair and near the water last weekend, trying to give myself a little time before I was forced by a band of wild six year olds to go back into the ocean.

My friend's twins (who shall be referred to in the rest of the story as Twin Pink & Twin Blue) and their friend Nick were hovering around me because I was showing them the above video on my iPhone.

Of course they were LOLing like crazy and they even started to sing the song - quite loudly might I add.

And there's more than a good chance that your's truly might have been singing said song equally as loudly, but that's another post entirely.

Then Nick saw my insulin pump clipped to my swimsuit and our conversation really got interesting.

Nick: Hey, I've seen that before!! The guy at Bible Camp had one, except his was clipped to his pants!

Me: No way!

Nick: Yeah, it's cool. His had that same tube thing - Except his kept beeping & he kept checking it when he was reading about Noah & the Ark.

Me: That makes sense, this thing tends get a little ansy during floods/stampedes.

Twin Pink: There's medicine in it because her belly's broken - And it smells funny.

Twin Blue: Her belly doesn't make 'insin' (and for the record, we hadn't talked about insulin in months, so I was BIG TIME impressed with the "in-sin" reference,) like ours does. The 'insin' in her pump turns her food into energy so that she can grow and be strong and have energy.

Nick: Really? Cool. Can I smell the medicine?

Me: Thanks, I think it's pretty cool - And yes, you can smell it. Then I twirled the insulin reservoir from its resting place and let him smell it.

Nick: THAT STINKS.

Me: Yeah, I know. I think it smells like band-aids and fear.

Nick: It does smell like band-aids! But I don't really know what fear smells like..... Kel, can we watch the Dancing dog video on your iphone again?

Twin Blue: And then can we go in the water?

Twin Pink: After she removes her pump and puts in her cooler. You know she doesn't take that in the ocean! Oh, did I mention that Twin Pink has Diva like tendencies!

Me: Sure, one more time with "the cool dancing dog" before we hit the ocean!

And that's just what we did - And a fantastical time was had by all.

And for the record, I'm still singing this song - And there's more a good chance that you are too!

Postcards From The Diabetes Edge: GO AHEAD.......

"I triple dog dare you!!!!"

XOXO

k2

PS: "With great power comes great responsibly."

Dude, I can't believe I'm quoting both 'Radio Days' & 'Spider Man!'

But seriously, go for it & flip your Diabetes BitchSwitch when ever you feel the need to right a diabetes wrong!

YOU ROCK.

Diabetes BITCHSwitch: Wendell Revisited.

After the Diabetes BitchSwich was turned up to 11 last week, thanks to Wendell Fowler's horrific diabetes article in the Southside Times, many in the Diabetes On-Line community waited to read Wendell's response.

Rumor had it (according to the Publisher, Roger Huntzinger) that Wendell might apologize.

Here's the thing, I actually spoke with the Roger on Wednesday, (who sounds like he drinks the Fowler Kool-aide in massive doses) and I wasn't holding my breath.

Especially when I was told by the Roger that we read Wendell's article wrong! Because you know us DOCers, we don't no nothing about "the betes!"

So.... Wendell's apology is up and running at the Southside Times. Click HERE, to read it.

I have to be honest guys, I had to marinate on it for a while before I could comment because I had to let his words really sink in. Anyway, here's my response/thoughts on his apology.

########

Wendell -

I could absolutely start my letter to you by expressing my shear disappointment and disgust regarding your so called apology.

And then I’d continue and say that your apology is the worst apology I’ve ever heard in my life!

As a matter of fact, it wasn’t an apology in the least - It was another diabetes blame game, excuse filled rant of man who refuses to admit when he’s wrong.

I could follow that by saying: Wendell, how the hell can more than 40 commenters ( plus the thousands who facebooked, tweeted, and commented on blogs re: your heinous words) all be wrong?

I might even throw in the whole “last I checked, you couldn’t walk on water,” line, so I absolutely know that you are indeed capable of making mistakes.

Then I’d quote Kimberly Johnson and say: “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

In your case, your apology was just a rant of excuses as to why your words were so misunderstood by the masses.

Sorry Wendell, we're not buying it!

Speaking of apologies, I’d then go on to ask (actually, I should have asked you this first place and I was wrong not to do so in the first place - And I ADMIT IT) if you ever formally apologized to the Diabetes Youth Foundation of Indiana, it's Director, volunteers, and beneficiaries that you berated, belittled, and who’s gallant efforts to raise money for programs for children with diabetes you mocked.

if you haven’t - Shame on you - You need to do it, NOW.

And if they ask you to crawl through glass on your knees & apologize, do it, because no diabetes organization, or people associated with said diabetes organization should be written about in such a horrible way.

And then I’d bring up that bull crap article regarding the Diabetes War.

News Flash: I and many others do not believe there is a war between type 1 and Type 2. However, regardless of the type, we do believe that the “war” is against those in the media (like yourself, though I don’t consider you a journalist at all) who never get the diabetes facts right.

Instead, they continue to perpetuate diabetes myths.

Here’s the thing, I don’t want to go to war with my diabetes family - But I will fight tooth and nail to stop folks like you from preaching about my disease.

FYI, my 115 pound mother was diagnosed with type 2, two years ago. Guess she blows your type 2 theory.

Then I’d more than likely say that the whole “common ground” of which you speak is just not possible, because you refuse to really take the time to learn ALL the facts about ALL the types of diabetes.

And honestly, how can we meet on common ground when you think you’re better then everyone else?

I could say all of the above, because it’s all true.

And then I’d tell you that the Diabetes On-line community will continue to police what you say when you talk about our disease.

We will continue to write, tweet, blog, facebook, etc., whenever we see fit to call foul on your diabetes words.

That is our right and our passion as a people who live with the disease that you try to stigmatize and associate with shame.

We are not a lynch mob or hackers, quite the contrary. We are good people who live a diabetes life 24 X 7, 365 days a year with no time off for vacations or good behavior.

Our diabetes is with us first thing in the morning when we wake up, and it never rests even when we try to.

We bring our disease with us to work; weddings, vacations, funerals, college, ice cream socials, the mall, first dates, to the beach and absolutely everything in between.

We have earned the right to call you out on your words, especially because your words or not only untrue, they are downright dangerous.

Kelly Kunik - Type 1 for 33 years

Guys, I really hope if you haven't already, you'll go on over and let Wendell know what you think!

Also, here's link to the Editor's letter - It's a beaut!

http://www.ss-times.com/2011/07/22/opening-the-diabetes-discussion/

On 7/21/11 Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the International Diabetes Federation Will Be Interviewed On DSMA Live On BlogTalkRadio - TUNE IN!

Tomorrow, Thursday, July 21st something wonderful is going to happen, an you'll be able to tune in on your computer as it's happening - And actually be part of it!

DSMA Live, the fantastic BlogTalk Radio show hosted by Cherise, George and Scott, will have Jean Claude Mbanya, President of International Diabetes Federation as their guest. .

Jean Claude will be talking about all sorts of very important things, including IDF's O Is For Outrage Postcard Campaign .

I had the opportunity to hear Jean Claude speak at this year's Roche Social Media Summit, and he's incredibly passionate; inspiring & charismatic, especially regarding diabetes and providing children in developing & third world countries with insulin.

You've already read throughout the diabetes blogosphere about Jean Claude being outraged that 90 years after the discovery of insulin, children are still dying because they can't get insulin.

And hopefully you've sent your on-line postcard convincing President Obama to show up & take part in the The United Nations Non Communicable Diseases Summit.

Now you'll have the chance to not only hear him speak, but be inspired by his words.

And who knows, maybe you'll even get to ask him a question!

The link you'll need to log onto the show is listed below - And be sure to log in a few minutes early - The chatroom is always jumping!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/diabetessocmed/2011/07/22/dsma-live

Heat Wave/Skunky Insulin Alert: Threat Level SCORCHING.

Late Sunday night I filled my reservoir with about 95 units because of the expected heatwave.

As of this afternoon, I have 43 units left & should be good until tomorrow morning.

photo courtesy of my iPhone

Once again, the east coast and various parts of the country are experiencing a heat wave and record high temperatures. Parts of Philadelphia and New Jersey feel like the surface of the sun and it's hot, sticky, and downright uncomfortable out.

As most of you are aware, heat waves = Skunky Insulin Alert: Threat level, SCORCHING.

For those of with insulin pumps, please keep in mind that insulin gets skunky in high temps and heat - And that is never a good thing.

My advice is to keep your insulin reservoirs at half mast or less.

I know it's annoying to have to refill every 24 to 48 hours instead of every two to three days, but it's better than having to throw out a full reservoir of insulin that's gone skunky!

For those of you on multiple daily injections - keep your insulin cool - Carry one of those mini lunch coolers complete with cute little mini icepacks if you must! Hey, who says mini coolers are a glamour don't?

And for goodness drink lots of water and don't forget to wear your sunscreen & "reapply liberally!"

Postcard From The Diabetes Edge

Postcard from the Diabetes Edge 'Use your optical test strip illusion" photo via my iphone

Postcards From The Diabetes Edge," a series of on-line "post" cards from me to you, with a diabetes twist!

XOXO

k2

BitchSwitch IS ON.

OK, there was a really horrific diabetes article on-line, by Wendell Fowler over at the South Side Times. You can read by clicking, HERE or here: http://www.ss-times.com/2011/07/15/pandering-to-diabetics-you-bet/

For some reason, the site wouldn't allow me to log on with my wordpress password/id and after a million attempts( damn near,) I was finally able to register under a new name & password and was able to comment a few minutes ago (it's still awaiting approval)- And I didn't hold back!

My comment to Wendell is below.

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Wendell – You speak of of magic and truth for the greater good – And I agree, truth for the greater good is indeed magical.
However your article is neither truthful, magical or good.
On the contrary Wendell, your article is incredibly dangerous, grossly offensive and guilty of perpetuating diabetes myths and stereotypes in the media and to the public. Speaking of your job Wendell, you’re research skills regarding both the event and people that your writing about SUCKS.

Diabetes is not “avoidable.” Are you even aware of the various types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is certainly not avoidable, and just so we’re all on the same page, the event you so carelessly mocked was held to benefit “The Diabetes Foundation of Indiana,” an organization devoted to providing both education & support to children with type 1 diabetes. Smooth move, Wendell!

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body of a person with type 1 actually attacks the part of the pancreas( the islet of langerhans) that produces insulin (which every human being on the planet needs to live) and destroys our ability to make our own insulin, rendering those of of us with type 1 diabetes depend on injections for the rest of our lives. Your diabetes myths of SUGAR CONSUMPTION & LACK OF EXERCISE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

As a type 1 for over 30 years, I was diagnosed as a skinny 8 year old little girl. I was 20 pounds under my normal weight at my diagnoses. Undiagnosed type 1s resemble starvation victims because of our inability to make insulin actually starves our cells. I come from a type 1 family.
2 of my sisters had/have type 1, as did my father, my 2 aunts, my cousin & my brilliant and talented nephew. We did nothing to deserve our faulty pancreases and sugar consumption had nothing to do with our diagnoses! If it were that easy, my family would have gladly given up the demon sugar years ago!
As a matter of fact, I indulge in ice cream from time to time (cupcakes too) and my Endocrinologist (one of the top in the country) is more than fine with that.
As a person who lives with diabetes,I test my blood sugars litigiously, sometimes as many as 14 times a day. I count the carbs for every piece of food I put in my body and then administer the proper dosage of insulin to cover said carbs & blood sugars & I haven’t had a day off injecting insulin into my body for 33 years.
Now Wendell, if you can find away for those of us with busted pancreases to magically start producing our own insulin, go for it man – knock yourself out.
If you could do that, you could win the nobel prize for medicine and become a hero to millions – if not billions, and you’d never want for money again. Monuments would be built in your honor and every family would name at least one of their children Wendell (regardless of gender) and there’s a good chance the Vatican would anoint you the first canonized living saint.

But….. I’m not going to hold my breath.

And as far as my diabetes brothers in sisters in the type 1.5 Diabetes or LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults) and type 2 branches of my diabetes family tree are concerned, – they are not carry the shame and weight of society’s blame either.

Type 1.5 LADA Diabetes is (and this is the Cliff Notes version) also autoimmune related and occurs in normal sized adults (mostly) who gradually lose the ability to produce insulin. Their inability to produce insulin usually occurs within months, have positive diabetes antibodies and low c-peptide levels.

Type 2 Diabetes is a considered a metabolic disease/disorder and genetics plays a large part in a person Type 2 diagnoses. Yes, weight and food are also known factors. But I know many type 2s who eat right and who aren’t over weight. Unfortunately, their parents, grandparents, and great parents were all insulin resistant.

And as long as were pointing fingers, how about you look in the direction of food manufacturers who over process the foods they produce and replace sugar with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) so they can have a larger profit margin.
Do you really think its a coincidence that in the past 40 years, since HFCS was added to our diets in ever increasing amounts, America’s weight has continued to climb?
FYI: HFCS is outlawed in Europe.

And here’s where more damage is done because of what you wrote.
YOUR WORDS directly effect fundraising and research efforts for a diabetes cure. People tend not to donate research funding when they think the people living with a disease “deserve what they get.”
I can assure you Wendell, nobody deserves diabetes, regardless of the type.
And HOW DARE YOU put research for a diabetes cure in jeopardy!

So before you write about my disease,and a disease that many of my friends; family, and coworkers have, take the time to at least GOOGLE! Take the time to know ALL the facts,do you’re research, and stop the diabetes blame game!

FYI: Karma is a bitch! And if you think Karma is a bitch, wait until you encounter “Diabetes Karma.”
Diabetes Karma is when people with diabetes, or who’s friends, family and loved ones who have diabetes read your callous words – And start to make noise.
And by noise I mean emails and calls to your editor; publisher and the many advertisers of the SS-Times, and let them know exactly how we feel about what you wrote.

You want Karma my friend, YOU GOT IT. You wanted people to talk about your article? Congrats – We are talking! And we are writing; posting, facebooking, tweeting, & picking up our phones. Our numbers our strong & our voices are very loud and we are incredibly passionate about our diabetes cause!
Sincerely
Kelly Kunik
http://diabetesaliciousness.blogspot.com/

I urge all of you to comment and call the SS-Times (and please be kind and professional to the people on the phone if you call, they didn't write the article) and let them know what you think! And a big shout to Mike over at: http://www.thediabeticscornerbooth.com/ for aalerting me/us to this guys words & for Ronnie over at http://thepoordiabetic.com/

for teaching me the login tricks of the trade!

As of 11:22 pm this evening, my comment has not appeared on Mr. Fowler's post as of yet - Which is exactly why I posted my response here - just to be on the safe side ;)

*** It's 3:30 am and I couldn't sleep. SO I decided to cut, past and attempt to repost my comment - sans my blog address. And it looks as if it actually posted - 9 hrs after I originally submitted. Apparently, if you put your blog url in the post, your comment requires actual human approval.

OK, now we all know - NO URLS in your comment!

Little Things Mean A Lot ~

“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” Woody Allen

“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” Unknown

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Sometimes when I start to feel down and the self doubt rears its ugly head, I start to think about what's good in my life and what I'm thankful for, and you know what? Not only do I feel better, I feel motivated and blessed and happy!

The following list isn't grand and I basically wrote whatever popped in my head, but it's from the heart and it made me smile when I was done.

INDEED!

So in absolutely no particular order, I am thankful for......

1. Insulin

2. Cheese as a free food and finally being able to get the whole Cheese Slut confession off my chest!

3. Good surf

4. Blood Sugar Nirvana in all its forms, including cupcakes

5. Summer fruit and Jersey Tomatoes

6. Fresh Mint in my water

7. The DOC

8. Dodging Doorknobs

9. Jon Stewart calling it like he sees it!

10. Gracelets

11. Laughing so much that my whole body shakes so much that my laughs cease to have sound

12. Harrison Ford movies - And a big thanks to George Lucas for "discovering" him!

13. A-ha moments - both big and little

14. Big hugs from little kidlets

15. Singing out loud and at the top of my lungs in my car when a favorite song plays

16. Fireworks - Both in the sky and in my heart

17. Morning coffee and afternoon iced tea

18. Seeing the good in others & seeing the good in myself

19. DMeet-Ups

20. The love of my family and friends, including YOU!

So little or big, diabetes related or not, tell me something that you're thankful for!

PS: I wrote this post today and afterwards my insulin pump had very close call - And DIDN'T die. And a few hours after that, I won free cupcakes from @CrumbsBakeShop via "the twitter." So yes, you can bet your sweet aaaaaaa...ammmmazing cupcakes that little things do indeed mean a lot!