Monthly Archives: July 2012

Low Tech.

When your infusion set is on its 5th day, and you really want to keep it from working its way out before you squeeze the last few drops of d-fuel from your reservoir, you’ll do just about anything to keep it in.
 
 

 
 
I’m kind of embarrassed to show this photo, actually. But not enough to change out my set a day early.
 
 
 

Aftermath, Part 2.

A freak storm came through the Mid-Atlantic about 11:00 p.m. Friday, June 29. The main part of the storm lasted 45 minutes, uprooting trees and downing power lines. More than 1 million residents lost power in the corridor from Baltimore southwest to Northern Virginia. Some are still without power.
Owing to the fact that all news is local, here’s the take from our little part of the world in the past week.

Some interesting things happen when you go through something like we have in the past week.

For some, it’s a bonding experience. I’ve suffered the way you have, and that connects us (PWDs understand this, yes?). Others feel that the way to bond is to tell us how tragic their story is; making their story sound worse than yours helps them feel more important. That bothers some people. But I understand that… it’s human nature.

Some people escape. Neighborhood’s a wreck? No power? Let’s find a hotel room, or go to our vacation home. Tweet when it’s over, bro.

Still others stick it out. Through thick and thin, hot and cold, wind and rain, they are there helping others where they can, and hunkering down when necessary. Not always nice– equal parts cranky and sweet, persistent and persnickety, every neighborhood needs these helpful, faithful residents.

And then there are the rocks. The ones who never talk about themselves but always find time to ask how you’re doing, if you need help with something, if they can pick up anything for you at the store. I try to share that kind of compassion, but I have to admit that sometimes my efforts come up a bit short.

Just some observations from connecting with my neighbors again this past week. Not a point to any of this, really. Except to say that I feel closer to my neighbors after everything we’ve been through. While I would like to get away to the mountains, I chose to stay. And although it’s trying at times, I try to help with a kind word, or an invite to the “Let’s grill all the meat in the freezer before it spoils” barbecue. Most of all, I’m so happy that everyone is safe. Nothing more important than that.

All of these photos were taken by The Great Spousal Unit or myself, and are within two small blocks of our home.

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Friends for Life Roundup – July 6.

As I mentioned Wednesday, the d-blogosphere is blowing up about the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life get-together in Orlando this week. I was going to try and post all of the links I could find once everything was over, but there are a lot out there already and I’m very busy with home stuff right now. So here are links to everything I could find. I am very, very happy for everyone who is attending and having the time of their lives. Keep those posts coming. And look for the #FFL12 Twitter hashtag.

Here’s what I’ve found so far, in no particular order. If you know of another post that I haven’t linked to here, let me know and I’ll add it to the list. For the first time, I’m also adding twitter handles.

Diabetesaliciousness: And So It Begins
Twitter: @diabetesalish
 
 
A Consequence of Hypoglycemia: Baker’s Dozen Podcast
Boothtacular
Twitter: @iam_spartacus
 
 
Candy Hearts: Friends for Life 2012: The First Days
Twitter: @MrsCandyHearts 
 

Six Until Me
: Happy 4th of July
Twitter: @sixuntilme
 
 
Strangely Diabetic: Friends for Life, Round 2!
A thin line
Twitter: @Strangely_T1
 
 
Everything Juvenation at FFL: Juvenation Live at CWD Friends for Life 2012
 
 
A Sweet Life: Friends for Life 2012: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Carbs
Twitter: @A_Sweet_Life
 
 
 

Friends for Life Roundup – July 4.

Happy Independence Day! Yaaaaaaaay! My power is back on. I’m back after 4 1/2 days without light or air conditioning. There’s more to the story here, of course. But I’m still getting things cleaned up and put back together.

And the d-blogosphere is blowing up about the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life get-together in Orlando this week. I was going to try and post all of the links I could find once everything was over, but since I’m seeing a lot of posts already and I’m very busy with home stuff right now, I thought I would try to link to everything I could find each day. I am very, very happy for everyone who is attending and having the time of their lives. Keep those posts coming. And look for the #FFL12 hashtag.

Here’s what I’ve found so far, in no particular order. If you know of another post that I haven’t linked to here, let me know and I’ll add it to the list. For the first time, I’m also adding twitter handles.
 
 
Diabetesaliciousness: And So It Begins
Twitter: @diabetesalish
 
 
A Consequence of Hypoglycemia: Baker’s Dozen Podcast
Twitter: @iam_spartacus
 
 
Candy Hearts: Friends for Life 2012: The First Days
Twitter: @MrsCandyHearts
 
 

Six Until Me
: Happy 4th of July
Twitter: @sixuntilme
 
 
Strangely Diabetic: Friends for Life, Round 2!
Twitter: @Strangely_T1
 
 

The aftermath. The kids are all right.

Our neighborhood was one of many that were struck by a freak storm late Friday night. Like many in Maryland, we got it bad. Vehicles destoyed, homes destroyed, power lines down everywhere. And then Saturday, a friend and neighbor was electrocuted when working around a generator. He suffered some injuries, but he’s okay.

And I am happy to report that Maureen, Rachel, the dog, and the cat are okay. When we get the power back, I’ll share some photos. That figures to be about Friday or Saturday.

I hope wherever you are today, you are okay too. Don’t forget to tell someone you love them. You need it as much as they do.
 
 
 

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