Monthly Archives: April 2014

Meeting Mike Hoskins.

April 7, 2014 – 9:38 am

I made my yearly trek to Cincinnati recently. I grew up in Cincinnati, and for the last four or five years, thanks to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, I’ve been making the trip at this time of year to celebrate that most Queen City of holidays, Opening Day.

One of the great benefits of the journey the last two years has been the opportunity to make a side trip to Indianapolis to meet diabetes friends. Last year, I got to meet Cherise Shockley in person for the first time. This year, I got to sit down for lunch with Mike Hoskins.

MHoskins

For those who don’t know yet, Mike is a writer for Diabetes Mine, and he also has a blog of his own, called The Diabetic’s Corner Booth. On top of that, he’s also one of our brave Champion Athletes with Diabetes medal winners.

For someone like me, who grew up in the midwest, having lunch with a guy like Mike Hoskins is like having lunch with one of my brothers. I’ve changed a lot in the last twenty years since I’ve moved to the east coast, but there’s still a lot of me in Mike’s mannerisms, and in the way he speaks.

I enjoyed hearing his stories, though in retrospect, I did pepper him with too many questions. We talked about his recent pump decision, telling our stories online, our spouses and parents, work and diabetes, and phones (I’m considering an upgrade and I need all the advice I can get). All in all, it was too short. Especially since I had trouble with a detour in the Indiana countryside and wound up getting there late.

In case you’re wondering, in person meetings with others who are living with or affected by diabetes are worth their weight in gold. I came away from a simple lunch chat with a great feeling that I can’t really explain. But it made the trip more than worthwhile. So if you know of someone near you or where you’re going, and you think it might be nice to meet that person, don’t wait to reach out. Make that connection. I promise you it’s worth it. That’s my Monday advice.

Mike, thanks for lunch! Hope all the days in Indiana this year are as sunny and warm as last Tuesday.
 
 
 

By StephenS | Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , | Comments (3)

Like these links – Back from vacation.

April 4, 2014 – 10:28 am

Vacation was nice… but now I’m back!

I didn’t see as much baseball as I would have liked, but the weather is often unpredictable, or so I’ve heard. Since I’m still getting back into the swing of things, I’ll take this time to share a few diabetes-related things that are coming your way soon.

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You may have noticed the Tour de Cure icon on the left side of this page. Rather than hounding people for donations to my ride on May 17 this year, I put up the image so you can donate if you’re able. The American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure rides that take place all over the country are marvelous events that raise a lot of money for education and research, but also provide a place for all of us Red Riders (and Type Awesomes) to get together and enjoy a day on top of our two-wheelers. I won’t kid you… the money is tight this year. If you’re able, I could really use your help in making this ride happen.

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Locally to Baltimore, a digital marketing and technology agency is hosting a happy hour on April 16 at Sotto Sopra, which is one of the city’s great Italian restaurants. The goal of R2integrated is to raise $5,000 for the company’s team at the ADA’s Tour de Cure ride in Carroll County on May 3.

Twenty dollars gets you in the door, and gets you a drink and a chance at some awesome raffle prizes. There will be additional food and drink specials and live music too, plus some guest bartending.

Once again, the event is April 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 at Sotto Sopra on Charles Street. You can get your ticket in advance here.

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I may have mentioned this before, but… it’s always nice to say it twice. Diabetes Sisters is hosting a conference in Washington, D.C. in late April. Actually, it will be in Alexandria Virginia, just across the Potomac river from our nation’s capital.

Did you know that there will be a DSMA Live meetup on Friday night? It will happen on Friday, April 25 from 8:00 to 9:00. This event is open to the public (including guys like myself). If you’re somewhere nearby and you’ve never seen a DSMA Live meetup in person, here’s your chance. I’m definitely looking forward to it.

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One day later, JDRF and Children’s National Medical Center is inviting high school students living with Type 1 and/or their parents to a two hour session at Children’s to talk about the teen transition years, including handing off care of a student’s diabetes from parent to child, moving from pediatric to adult medical care, and of course, taking your diabetes to college. Speakers and panelists will include professionals from Children’s National Medical Center, and peers who are in college, or recently graduated from college.

The event happens on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 to noon. Click here to register for the event.

I also hear that a similar event will be making its way to Baltimore soon.

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Hope your weekend is off to a flying start… get lots of rest and lots of play.
 
 
 

By StephenS | Posted in Like these links | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)