Who's The Superstar

Let's face it, Paula Deen can cook.  I don't think there has been one meal she has made that I would not eat, or at least, try.  I hate cooking, but Paula made me feel as though it was such a fun, easy process, that even I could do it.

When Paula announced she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I thought "wow, this could be a huge benefit to the diabetes community".  To have such a loved celebrity, that all ages, men and women alike, enjoy watching, could open a lot of eyes to a diabetic life.  Sadly, it has turned into a money making deal for Paula, and her medication company, that does not benefit the diabetes community.  What a big disappointment. 

The fact that Paula didn't come out with her diagnosis until she had a deal with a drug company in place, was in poor taste.  I would much rather have heard her declaring her war on diabetes and how she was going to help others understand and support those diagnosed.

Diabetes is very confusing.  The media is clueless, but are more than happy to make the world even more confused.  They take pictures of Paula eating a huge sloppy hamburger, and everyone goes nuts.  "She can't eat that!".  Had Paula taken the time to actually talk about diabetes, people would understand, yes, you can eat that burger.  Eating in moderation, taking your medication, and a good exercise program, allow you some food freedom. 

Mary Tyler Moore, Nick Jonas, and Bret Michaels are all Type 1 diabetics.  They are all dependent on insulin.  They are also huge inspirations to the diabetic community.  They use their star power to get involved, create awareness, raise money, and help others.  They truly want a cure. They get it. They are heroes.

Paula should spend a day with Madeline.  Maybe watching a toddler getting poked and jabbed continually throughout the day, would help her see what is most important.  Being a drug spokeswoman for monetary compensation may help Paula, but does nothing to help the fight against diabetes.

Rick and I are just normal, working parents, but we manage to make time to raise money, and awareness, for diabetes.  We want a cure.  The only compensation Madeline receives for her diabetic burden are hugs and kisses.  Lot's of hugs and kisses.  Now that's a superstar.

Wild Ride

Ahhhhhhh, the Wisconsin Dells.  What's not to love about water parks and hotels combined?  Throngs of people, baby strollers, and pure chaos everywhere.  Fun stuff.

My kids love water parks.  As long as the water is no higher than their big toe, 90 degree temp, no splashing, dumping, or spraying of water on the face or body, they love it.  That is why we brought Amanda along on our little family getaway to the Dells. We needed someone we could actually have some water fun with.

Amanda and I took Madeline down the family tube ride, in complete darkness, going about 100 miles an hour, with only my legs keeping her from bouncing out of the tube.  Due to extreme excitement, her blood glucose numbers shot up to 300.  Stop the bus.  Back to the kiddie area for some quiet time, something to drink, and another number check.  Sophia, having never left the toe deep water, was more than happy for Madeline's company.

Since it appeared the little kids could not handle the "fun" family rides,  Rick and I took turns going down the big, must be taller than 48", water slides with Amanda.  She insisted we needed to go on the best ride of all:  The Hurricane.  It's not fun until Rick screams a four letter word on a family friendly water park ride.  I should have known if Rick was scared, it was probably not the ride for me.  Like a trooper though, I took my turn.

Screaming, eyes closed tight, and holding on for dear life, I survived The Hurricane.  It took a few minutes for my hands to stop shaking, but I made it.  Once was good enough for me.  I thought maybe it was time to head over to the toe deep water for a bit.

Our trip home after 2 days in the water park was pretty quiet.  Too quiet.  Madeline was sleeping and it was just about lunch time.  Amanda checked her blood glucose, 62.  I felt that little panic inside and shook Madeline to wake her so she could drink some juice.  Nothing.  Uh-oh.  Shake, shake, shake.  "Wake up Madeline!".  Nothing.  "Madeline!".  Still nothing.  Now in a much louder voice,  "TIME TO WAKE UP!!".  And there it was, a little smile at the corner of her mouth.  " ha ha mama!  I was just being silly".

Madeline being "silly" was like riding The Hurricane upside down, no hands, and eyes taped wide open the whole way down.  I managed a little laugh and said "yep, you're a silly girl".  I wonder when my hands will stop shaking?   

     

Hairy Situation

A few weeks ago I laughed at my girlfriend.  My bad.  She told me she was noticing how much hair she was losing after washing it.  It seemed to be quite a bit, and was worried why this was happening.  I, of course, laughed and made the smart ass comment that it could be a sign of early menopause.  She was not amused.

I am pretty positive I have been cursed due to my lack of sympathy.  I too, have started watching my hair pile up in that little catcher at the bottom of the shower stall.  Unlike my friend, I do know the reason for my thinning locks.  Stress.  

Madeline and Rick have to go to the doctor every 3 months for a diabetes checkup.  Forever.  These checkups are necessary for the doctor to keep track of how well their diabetes is being controlled, and if any changes need to be made.  They get a blood test called an A1C.  It gives a little snapshot to the last 3 months of blood information in a percentage.  They want Madeline's percentage (due to her age) to be around 8 or 9, no higher (Rick is around 6 or 7).  Her first 3 month A1C (after diagnosis) was 9.5%.  Understandable.  Her latest A1C was 10.1%.  WTF?!  I followed her diabetes care by the book and that is the number she gets?   Continued high percentages could likely lead to health problems in the future.  Thus, I'm quite sure, the hair loss.

The doctor assured me this was not for my lack of taking good care of my child, it was just the cruel reality of diabetes.  We were going to need to get more aggressive with how we do Madeline's insulin to get her numbers back in range.  No more Mr. Nice Guy. Cue the stress.

When you mess with diabetes, it always seems to mess you up back, only worse.  I'm ready.  So far our more aggressive approach  has managed to keep  Madeline's blood sugar numbers in a very good range.  My blood pressure, not so much.  And sleeping?  Overrated.  I find the dark under eye bags make my blue eyes more vibrant.

Bad hair piece to cover bald spot: $20.00
Makeup to cover eye bags: $3.00
Coffee, coffee, coffee:  $8.00
Happy, healthy, clueless kids:  priceless