42

ME
Photo Cred: @sweetercherise

42 years ago today and bright and early in the morning, my parents drove me to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia - after what seemed like hours, I was diagnosed with T1 Diabetes. 

Some things I remember vividly, many things I don’t remember at all. 

Life changed that day and I can’t go back, nor can I spend much time wondering about the what-ifs. 

I embrace being the girl who lived and I’m working hard on becoming the woman I want to be. 

Every year since Diabetesaliciousness began, I’ve written a list of things that I love and am grateful for on my Diaversary. 

WHY? It's a good reminder that I’m still here, still alive, and there’s so much in life to love and be thankful for.

42

1. I look fabulous in both black and jewel tones
2. My family and friends who are family 
3. Little kids laughing 
4. Rereading my favorite books for inspiration or just because 
5. Finding a new book that hits me right in the feels
6. I can still do cartwheel on the lawn and still rock a handstand underwater
7. Making homemade soup. Some people are bakers,  I’m a “soupier.” I love making soup form scratch - its my Zen time, allows me to be creative, AND I’M REALLY GOOD AT IT
8. Making soup for friends and family
9. Good Karma Hospital on Amazon Prime - I'm hooked!
10. The ocean. It makes me feel whole and I get really antsy when I’m landlocked for too long
11. October and November Skies at Sunset 
12. Traveling. I LOVE IT
13. The Diabetes Online Community - I’d be lost with you. You teach me always and bring me up when I’m feeling down. I will always fight for you and with you!
14. Diabetes Meet-ups
15. Manatees - my favorite sea mammals and I love them 
16. Atlantic City Italian Sub rolls with good butter or EVOO 
17. The Beach. See number 9 
18. Black leather boots 
19. Prosecco 
20. A nice glass of Red
21. The occasional martini
22. Daffodils
23. All spring and summer flowers 
24. My veggie garden 
25. Going to the movies 
26. Laughing from my belly
27. Nailing the cupcake carb count from a really top-notch bakery
28. My mom’s engagement ring and wedding band. Every time I wear them on my right hand I think of my parents. I love them and I miss them
29. My nieces and nephews. They own my heart 
30. Vanilla anything
31. Dark chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
32. KerryGold Butter 
33. Jewelry. Antique, family heirlooms, costume, handmade, Native American, the macaroni bracelet one of my students made me a few years ago. I LOVE JEWELRY
34. Photography. I love taking pictures - especially nature photography and candids. I'm working on my photography skills - more on that in another post
35. Photography As Art. It absolutely is and I love photographs taken by artists behind the lens
36. Music. ALL KINDS
37. Singing. I love to sing and at one time I was pretty good. I need to sing more
38. Writing
39. The sound of rain and being outside right after a storm
40. Exploring. I love to explore. Sometimes I go out on a drive, pick an unknown road/town and explore
41. Sea glassing
42. Finding treasure everyday. OK, sounds corny, but it’s been my mantra as of late.

Every day as of late I tell myself to “go out and find the treasure.” 
I’m not talking about a treasure chest filled with jewels and gold (but I’m down with that,) it’s about finding and experiencing all the good in the day and in life…. Including life with diabetes. 

Some days the treasure is right in front of me, other days it shows up in small ways and victories. And on the days when the treasure seems impossible to locate, I remind myself that there’s much joy to be found in the search.