4.29.2009

Looking up?

Thankfuls.... thankfully things seem to be looking up. Not hard to do lately, but I will take it!

1. My Quilt. My mom made me a beautiful quilt while she was here. It is amazing what she can do in such a short amount of time. I know have a mom hug readily available at all times. Look who's getting the most use of it....

2. Surgery. My surgeon was awfully sweet and apologetic for breaking her shoulder. She would like me to have the surgery as soon as possible and has called in reinforcement in the form of a doctor who helped with my last surgery at Children's. So I may be having surgery in the next few weeks and while I find it hard to be thankful for a 9 inch incision and 3 months of recovery, I'm thankful that I will feel better and be healthier when all is said and done.

3. Research studies. I have always said that if I had the opportunity to participate in a research study for any of my diseases I would. So here I am and the Benaroya Research Institute has a great study for recently diagnosed Type 1 Diabetics. It's exciting that I might be part of a cure. I am going in for initial testing soon and will know in the next month if I qualify for the study. Check out the great things they are doing. They are one of the top research facilities in the country dealing with Type 1. I spoke with Dr. Greenbaum (the head of the institute) today and she was very encouraging and informative. I'm thankful for people who devote their lives to searching for cures.
4. A new coffee place and live music. Thanks to Lauren, who held the key to my cranky cage, I was able to experience a local coffee/bookstore called Soul Food. The music was really great and we laughed a lot. Plus, there was coffee involved - always something to be thankful for.
5. Amy is coming to visit! My dear friend Lames is coming over tomorrow to hang out. I'm excited to show her my house and Redmond. Plus, there is probably a trip to Chipotle in the cards.


Have a great night/morning. Dang it, I'm up late again.

xo, Meg

4.28.2009

Counteract the cranky.

I wish I could say I had a better day and I got some perspective on things, but nope - still cranky. Sorry if you had to interact with me today (felt lady...). I'm going to give thankfuls a shot (because I shouldn't be the only one getting them... corny joke, I know).

1. Counter tops, floors, cupboards, oh my. While more tiring than I thought, choosing things for our new home was great fun and I got to hang out with Ryan all afternoon.

2. Unexpected thunder. It's always kind of fun when thunder comes out of nowhere. A little frightening and a little thrilling. I'm thankful for nature surprises. And on the upside, I wasn't struck by lightning.

3. Funny moments. Like when the checkout lady at Joann's scanned each piece of felt (20 pieces) one at a time and Lauren and I could barely keep it together.

4. Alyssa is coming home. After wrapping up her last day as a Freshman in college, Alyssa is getting closer to coming home. We are excited to pick her up on Friday and hang out with her on Saturday.

5. Sleepy puppies and a tired husband who are looking at me with their cute faces tilted to the side (yes, Ryan too) with intermittent yawns. Here I come... I'm thankful for bed time.

Ok, I'm shutting the book on today in hopes that tomorrow will start looking up.

xo, Meg

PS- It probably will not look up tomorrow as I have to go to the doctors. Blerg.

4.27.2009

Warning: Complaining Ahead

**Disclaimer: Angry Meg is writing this post and she can be mean and swear. Stop here if you are sensitive to language or bad attitudes, but we all deserve a day to complain, right?**

Ryan and I have adopted the motto "it could be worse" over the past year as the "bad" events piled up. And life has continued to prove us right. I have a new motto ... "stop tempting fate with dumb mottoes."

I apologize in advance for how awfully ungrateful this post is going to be. Today I cannot find any events, items, or things to be thankful for. So instead I am going to tell you the things I am not thankful for.

1. Diabetes. Diabetes sucks. Really bad. Today I wanted to eat chocolate and drink a milkshake and follow it all up with fries, but the most fattening thing I could find was peanut butter. Boring and unsatisfying. Usually I can see this a growing experience that will help me be more empathetic toward my fellow humans, but today all I see are the bruises on my stomach and the cuts on my fingertips and the damn numbers that just won't stay stable. So, yes, maybe I will grow from this experience, but today I just want to focus on how bad it sucks.

2. My doctor broke her shoulder. Great. Now I can wait until August to have the best, most experienced surgeon in the area operate on me or settle for the 4th, 5th, or 6th best. Awesome. Really, it's not her fault - things happen. But really? Grr.

3. Dumb drivers. Lauren and I were almost smashed into oblivion by some moron in a truck and both of us stopped breathing for a while. Now my head hurts and my stomach hasn't stopped churning. On most days I would let this slide, knowing I have probably done things like that in the past. But today it pissed me off.

4. My mom left. Why do you have to be so far away? And dad, why can't you be here to get angry with me? I know you love me, please know I love you too. I'm not mad at you, I'm just mad in general.

5. Nausea. I would honestly rather barf my face off than feel nauseous, but today it has been non-stop nausea. Stress or anger induced I am sure. Kill me now.

It's too bad I chose to be angry today, it was such a beautiful day. Tomorrow I will try my hardest to choose positive thoughts and a caring attitude. Please forgive me for this negativity - it is definitely not something I plan on continuing.

Here's a picture of my happy place:


xo, Meg

PS- Once again, I'm sorry - but you didn't have to read it.

4.26.2009

From Here to There

Here are today's thankfuls with a few extras!

1. My mom is leaving in the morning. This is not what I am thankful for, but the quilt she is still working to finish before bed is something I am thankful for. See, she made me this awesome, comfortable quilt for Christmas that has snowmen all over it. And while it is very comfortable, it is not quite season appropriate now that we have seen the sun. So while she was here I was able to pick out the fabric and watch her construct it. I am very sad to see her go, but know that my dad will starve to death without her.

2. A built in shoe guy. Ryan love shoes, but he hates feet. I am thankful that Ryan will put on and tie my shoes for me even when I am perfectly capable of doing it myself and without questioning me. Sometimes I just don't feel like doing it myself and it's nice to know that he is eager to help me cover my feet.

3. Chipotle. Oh how I love the simplicity of a salad with chicken and salsa. A known amount of
carbs, quality ingredients, friendly service, and yumminess ... all reasons I am thankful for Chipotle.

4. A new french press. Thanks to mom, of course.

5. Hello Grey Day shop opening!! After months of talking, weeks of work, and numerous grey days Kirsten and I will be launching our Hello Grey Day shop on Etsy. Check out our shop (link on my sidebar) tomorrow afternoon for our full grey day offerings! And here, for your viewing pleasure, a sneak peek:






xo, Meg

In Between Thankfuls

So for a pre-thankfuls post I thought I would share pictures of us and what is to be our new home! We had to go back today to sign some more papers and here are pictures inside a model home and of our little plot of land. Oh how exciting! We begin designing our house on Tuesday.












Back with more later.
xo, Meg

4.25.2009

Growwwwwwing Up.

Today I am thankful for the things that prove to me (and hopefully others) that I am growing up.
Drum roll please...
1. We are homeowners! Well, almost- our downpayment is paid and the building of our home begins in a month. We will miss Redmond and our friends dearly. More so than most of them probably realize. And while the decision has been difficult, we know this is what is right for us and our future kids - the thought of whom nearly made me cry when I thought of the first time they sleep in those rooms. Hopefully you understand we are leaving this great area for the lives of 2 small children worlds away (and for a small yard for our dear pups).





(Disclaimer: This is not our house, but a model home similar to what ours will be. Picture taken right after signing a million papers.)
2. Doctors appointments aren't raising my blood pressure. I have always suffered from what is called "white coat syndrome" where my blood pressure sky rockets at the mere thought of sitting in a doctor's office. Now I can go to appointments by myself, lay in front of 9 residents, 2 doctors, and 3 nurses without pants, or drop my pants without worrying. My mom used to ambush me at school and trick me into the car before telling me we were going to the doctor so that she wouldn't have to deal with my tears and anxiety for days before the event. So, I think I have grown up. Right, Mom? Now that it doesn't really effect you.

3. Failure. I am not longer afraid to fail. Look, my pancreas has failed and I survived. I can attempt anything. That's a very grown-up feeling if I do say so.

4. My mom cleans, but so do I! When I was younger I would have just sat around and let my mom clean and cook without thinking twice (until she asked for my help). Now when she cleans and cooks at my house I feel guilty and want to help. Oh, how the tides have turned.

5. Home time is the best time. During highschool and college and even up until recently I had to be doing something all the time, but now I enjoy a night in with friends, games, and food. I don't need constant entertainment, sometimes relaxing and laughing with those you love is the best medicine.


Well, at least I feel I have grown up. Maybe I still have light years to go or maybe this is as good as it gets, but life is pretty good right now. Now if they could just invent a way to give me a new bladder and pancreas... A girl can dream.


xo, Meg

4.23.2009

Thankfuls by Photo

I finally put the cord in my camera and uploaded photos of recent events and thankfuls. Phew, that was hard work.






And the Before & After shots of my attempt at growing things...




xo, Meg

4.21.2009

If life hands you carrots...

then you have an awesome life and you should make carrot cake.

Thankfuls du jour:

1. Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Don't worry - it's carb-watcher friendly and der-licious.
2. New Quilts. Today my mom and I picked out fabric for a new quilt since I have been using my snowman quilt and it is now starting to feel like summer.
3. Friends that remind me to take my insulin and check carbs on treats for me. (Ex.: yummy apple chai.)
4. An awesome invitation hanging on my fridge. Thanks to Kirsten .. uh I mean Holly... I have a pretty invitation to an awesome birthday party hanging in my kitchen.
5. Another sunny day! Weeee!

Bonne nuit.

xo, Meg

4.20.2009

x = 3 Times the Original

We have stayed up waaaaay too late the past few nights because my mom is in town and we are trying to shove a year's worth of activity into 10 days. So the blog fell to the wayside. But my dad has informed me that just because my mom is here doesn't excuse me from writing here. To make up for it, here are 15 thankfuls just for your enjoyment.

1. My mom made it safely, but quite tired.
2. The sunshine. It has been so nice here. I think Washington is trying to make up with me after our rough patch this winter.
3. There is nothing like a Mariners game on a nice Spring night. Even if it means listening to Ryan scream and yell.
4. The sweet smell of victory. Check out Erin's blog to see her admit defeat! I won the hat trick game at the Mariner's game and we bet on it - she lost and was forced to admit her loss on her blog. Ahhh ... smell that? Victory.
5. Bananagrams. This game is all the awesomeness of Scrabble without the crappy parts of waiting until your next turn. You should check it out.
6. My herbs are sprouting! All of my herbs are growing except the chives. This involves a lot of me moving the pot to sunny spots on our back porch throughout the day. Pictures to come.
7. Hiking. Sunday was hike day with Lauren, Phil, Emi, Ryan, and my mom. We went to Tiger Lake and walked/ran/galloped the Around the Lake Trail and saw two eagles. An altogether gorgeous day.
8. Long walks on sunny days have to top my favorites list. Today included a walk along the Sammamish River in the sun with friends, babies, and puppies. One of the happiest places, ever.
9. Halibut. Today I cooked halibut for the halibut (hehe). It was quite der-licious with a lime and garlic sauce.
10. Finishing 35 Zimbags with the expert sewing skills of my mother.
11. "Growing Up Again" by Mary Tyler Moore. What perfect timing for her to publish her story of living with Type 1 Diabetes. It's a funny read at times and eye-opening to how permanent this all is (which I'm not quite sure I'm thankful for). There were too many exclamation points, but overall a good book.
12. New ideas and fun things to do on grey days.
13. Oh yeah, John Legend and India Arie are performing at Chateau Ste. Michelle and I am so going. Tickets go on sale on the 25th and you better believe I will be the first to buy them.
14. My nephew growing strong and big (in utero that is). I'm anxiously awaiting his arrival. Love you Andrew George!
15. Mini Babybel Cheeses. Yum.

Goodnight, a little earlier than usual.

xo, Meg

4.16.2009

Mountains and Valleys

Today has been a day of highs and lows. Highs provided by espresso, sunlight, and flowers; lows brought to you by my blood glucose levels. But now it's time to list my 5 highs of the day.

1. Espresso and brownies. My espresso machine arrived and within 5 minutes I had it brewing me some caffienated love. The cookbook my mom sent me provided me with the perfect opportunity to try my hand at some brownies I can have (only 12 grams of carbs and 100 calories... if you want the reciepe let me know.) The brownies were fluffy and chocolately and the espresso perfect. What a great afternoon.

2. The sun. Today the sun stayed out all day. It's actually still relatively warm out - so nice.

3. Tomorrow! My mom flies all the way across the country just to see me tomorrow and I can't wait. I'm selfishly ready to be cooked for and taken care of by my momma. There is nothing like a mother's love and care.

4. Flowers. Pretty white flowers for my coffee table and the "guest room" for my mom. There is something about flowers - they brighten a room.

5. Orange Juice. Since my diagnosis, water and occasional coffee are all I drink (healthy, but a bit boring.) Well, today my glucose dropped to 76 (I have been well over 200 for probably 2-3 months) ... I only figured this out after wondering why I was sweating, dizzy, and my heart was racing. So, to the fridge and orange juice that Kirsten bought for me. Ahhhh, although I didn't feel right that orange juice tasted just right. I guess that's the upside of low levels. The downside is it is scary.

That's it for now.

xo, Meg

PS- Pictures of my espresso and brownies and hot husband are on there way.

4.15.2009

The One Where You Have to Fill in the Blanks.

(Insert introduction to my thankfuls.)

1. Checking boxes. If you know me, you know I love lists. All kinds. I make a list for everything possible. Nothing gives me more joy than checking things off my lists. And yes, I usually draw boxes next to each item so I can put a check or an x in them. This weeks list is two pages long and is getting checked off quickly. I am thankful for my list and the checks I get to fill in.

2. New Cookbooks. Thanks to my mom and dad I know have 2 cookbooks. One is the Betty Crocker Cookbook for Diabetics (that's me) and the other ... oh, the other ... is a book full of desserts for diabetics with listings of their carbs and calories. Oh sweet, sweet cookbook. The best part is that almost all of the recipes are natural. (I am trying very hard not to ingest "fake" sugars and replacements that are not natural ... I don't need cancer on top of all of this.) Thanks parents!

3. Reflecting Clouds. I went on a walk with Lauren, Emi, Kirsten, and Greta today and we walked alongside the Sammamish River. The sun was out and the clouds reflected on the river. Washington is probably the most beautiful place on earth. (Listen here Washington, I reserve the right to take back that statement if a. we get more snow this year and/or b. we have another ridiculous winter next year. No, I'm serious. Don't argue with me.)

4. Under 200. All day my blood sugars have been well below 200. Dare I say, almost normal? We will see what tomorrow holds.

5. Quinoa. If you haven't tried this perfect little grain, you must. It is a great source of fiber, calcium, protein, and iron. Plus, it's easy to make. It starts tiny and quadruples in size - also, lower in carbs than most grains. I didn't season it well, but next time I will rock it. Seriously, try it.



(Insert witty signout.)

xo, Meg

4.14.2009

1. The Billy Mays. Today was Trivia Tuesday at the Red Hook Brewery and along with 4.5 other fantastic teammates, I took part. We answered questions about everything from hipsters to animals. We tied for first place in the JV round and lost the showdown. We came in second. It was much fun. (The Billy Mays was our team name.) For future reference, Martin Luther King, Jr. graduated from Moorehouse College - the largest, most famous, all-male school located in Atlanta.

2. Hello Grey Day. Today was a grey day and also a creative one. Kirsten and I rocked cards today. We created for the better part of the day and doted on Greta for the other part. (Our cards/stationaries/prints will be in our shop April 27th ... check the Hello Grey Day link on my sidebar for our shop.)

3. Ryan, who in spite of everything about me, manages to love me. It's a tough job some days.

4. The privacy of my brain. I don't think many of us think about it very often, but I am very thankful that I can keep the majority of thoughts racing through my brain to myself. From the corny jokes I make about every 2 seconds to the mean comment about that lady's hair - I'm glad I don't have to share everything with everyone and that only the occasional corny joke slips through.

5. The Mariners. A Washington team winning more than once in a season? Unheard of! Well, I know I'm not the biggest sports fan, but when Ryan's happy - I'm happy. And do you know what makes Ryan happy? When Washington teams win. So, I am thankful that the Mariners are winning.

Goodnight.

xo, Meg

4.13.2009

It would have involved scalpels and sutures.

Today was going to be my surgery, but instead I get to tell you what I am thankful for. First, however, I would like to state that I am not and will not pretend to be thankful for the hail/snow/sleet we have had all day. If I am not mistaken, it's April.

Ok, thankfuls....

1. I ran! So it was a half mile (maybe) and I was almost dead at the end of it, but I ran! I have a feeling you are going to be reading a lot of me being thankful for the things my body can do these days. Before all of this diabetes craziness I took for granted that I could run and do yoga and stay up all day without napping, but now I am proud of what my body can do. Sure I wish my waist was a little smaller, but at least I'm alive to have a waist. In the words of Fiona Apple, "I'm an extraordinary machine..."

2. My eyes are clearing. For the past two weeks I have seen everything as an impressionistic painting, and actually more like a Monet from his last year, but today I was able to read with my glasses ... something I haven't been able to do without much squinting, holding things at arm's length, and guessing words by their length.

3. Easter dinner with the Walter's and McCart's. Since I didn't write yesterday I will include this today. It was fun to count birds, squish a baby, dye eggs, and eat special made desserts!

4. Timing. So I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on March 27/28 and on April 18th there is a Diabetes Expo in Seattle and on May 17th their is a walk for diabetes research. Somebody is watching out for me and giving me all the resources and hope I need to get through this.

5. I am not having surgery today. As crappy as it is to have to keep dealing with my dumb bladder stuff, I am not in a hospital bed tonight and nobody is going to come into my room (I hope) every hour to poke and prod me. Eventually I will be laying in that bed wishing I could eat or keep my eyes open, but today I got to run and eat and play with my puppies. So, yay!

I hope you are having as good a day as I am.

xo, Meg

4.11.2009

Chitty Chitty Thank-ful.

Thankfully thankful.

1. Ryan introduced me to the wonderfully silly movie "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." My favorite song is the lullaby song.

2. Consistent blood sugar. From last night until this evening, my blood sugars were below 200 consistently. It seems that I am going into what they call the "honeymoon" period where the beta-cells in my pancreas may begin making more insulin for a while.

3. Fruit. It's delicious and sweet!

4. Only 5 days until my mom is here!!! Weeee.

5. Saturday afternoon naps.

Have a Happy Easter.

xo, Meg

4.10.2009

Today is today again.

Here is what I am thankful for today.

1. Learning how to make stir fry correctly ... and with good tofu.

2. A new member of our Beat the Bridge team (welcome Kirsten!).

3. Skinny Cow treats with a reasonable amount of carbs. Der-licious.

4. Pink gerber daisies for Easter (thanks Laur!)

5. This beauty.

Ry bought me this espresso machine! Coffee is a treat I fully intend on keeping and doing right. Rest assured, you are invited over for drinks.

xo, Meg

Yesterday's Thankfuls

Last night I was not feeling very thankful. You understand, sometimes it's easier than others. So today, lucky reader, you get 2 whole posts from me.


Rewind to yesterday ....


Here's what I am thankful for today (4.9.09). Just play along, ok?


1. Art. I think it enhances everything. It is fun to learn about, look at, wonder at, and once in a while - to create.


2. Ryan's Job. I don't know many others who get to see their husbands/sig. others as much as I get to see Ryan. See, he works from home about 90% of the time - which rocks since it seems life has been keeping me at home most times as well. So, while we aren't always talking or hanging out, I can just sneak into whatever room he is in and see him or get a hug. We are lucky folk.


3. Ducks. We attempted to take the Walter's family portraits this weekend, and while there were a few cute pictures, it was kind of a bust. But we got to enjoy the sun, see a new park, and get real close to these cute guys....

4. Silly moments with friends.

5. More mail! A huge thank you to all of you have sent me love - it really helps!

xo, Meg

4.08.2009

Blerg.

Today I want sugar. Bad. But it could be worse.

Here are my thankfuls, in no particular order.

1. A great nurse practioner, who is on my side.
2. Chipotle Salads.
3. Easter Plans. Seeing as I forgot (again) it was Easter this weekend, it's kind of like a little surprise to look forward to. Thanks Kirsten and family for your generosity!
4. Clean Sheets. (Which I am going to crawl into as soon as I finish this.)
5. Memories. I'm glad I can still remember loads of fun, good things in life that make me smile or laugh, often to myself while alone. I'm not crazy...

xo, Meg

4.07.2009

Walking walk walker.

Today was a good day. It started out with a very cranky me (because I can't see I tend to get frustrated easily) but is ending with an optimistic, worn out me.

1. Walks. Today was a day of enjoying outside. A nice walk with a friend to get coffee, glasses, and a drink that wouldn't stop fizzing over. An evening walk with a great man and 2 great pups on a new trail (thanks for the hint Laur). Sadly, I think I will be sore tomorrow because it's the most I've done in a while.

2. Glasses. I bought the strongest glasses the store sold and they are helping quite a bit.

3. Open windows. Due to the recent weather we were able to open our windows for some fresh air scented by the cherry blossoms. It's supposed to start raining again soon, but I am very glad we had a few sunny spring days.

4. Getting mail! Thanks for all the cards, emails, and encouragement. (Jessica, your card was so cute!)

5. Did I mention that I am SO excited that I can excercise?? Well, I am. I think I'm thankful enough that it counts for 2 thankfuls today.

xo, Meg

4.06.2009

Guest Writer

This is Ryan typing for Meghan because her vision is severely impaired. Due to her absence on this blog yesterday, she will give you a listing of 10 things she is thankful for.

1) I won the NCAA bracket challenge against Ryan
2) All the good diabetes information I got from my doctor today
3) 3 sunny days in a row
4) The carbs that I do get to have...yum!
5) I can go on leisurely walks now
6) Sandals...the shoes not the resort
7) The first Mariners game...and they won!
8) Napping
9) Phone calls from my dad
10) Tomorrow's a new day

xo, Meg (i.e. Ry)

4.04.2009

It's thankful time

1. Sunny Day! After the snow we have been getting for the past 6 months, it was a relief to see that the sun does still shine here and to collect my Vitamin D for the day.

2. Toddler Drawings. Having a piece of artwork just for you is cool and it's even cooler when a 2 year old is the artist.

3. My Bracket. While I am not super interested in college basketball, I do make it a habit of filling out a bracket (based mostly on geography and colors) so that I can beat Ryan. I won last year and if UNC wins - I will win again this year. Muhahaha!

4. Herb Pots. I am going to attempt growing herbs, for the third time. I hope things turn out better than they have in the past. I'll keep you updated.

5. Pens. I love pens. That's all.

xo, Meg

It's really April 3rd.

It just so happens I stayed up until a time that 24 year olds should stay up until so it looks like I am writing this on April 4th - which I guess, technically I am. Anyways, enough with the particulars. It's time for some thankfuling.

1. Lauren. She has always listened to me whine, even when she has bigger things going on and shouldn't have to. She let's me complain until I am blue in the face and lets me tell the same story 5 times without questioning my sanity. So today, and all days, I am thankful for her and her friendship.

2. Lattes. I was careful with my carbs and treated myself to a short non-fat latte. It was awesome and may be the reason I was able to stay up until after midnight.

3. Looking forward. Having celebrations and fun things to look forward to is really keeping my spirits lifted these days. So many birthdays and events take place in May and I am excited for them all (especially the arrival of my first nephew)!

4. Laundry. I finally, finally finished washing, drying, and putting away all of my laundry. This has been a saga that has taken weeks to end because of my exhaustion. Ryan has put up with climbing Mt. Meg's Laundry every time he enters our closet for the past few weeks as I scrounged to put together outfits every day. With my new found energy, I re-washed and re-dried everything on the floor and put it all away in a matter of hours. Ahhhhh. PS- Our closet has a floor and I have more than 1 pair of pants!

5. Luxuries. Being able to get coffee, drive around, play games, stay out late ... these are all luxuries that millions of others don't have. For these things, I am thankful.

I would like it to be known that I did not set out to find 5 things that I was thankful for that started with "L." It just happened. I can now see why pastors do silly things like this, it's kind of fun to find a way to make everything similar. It adds cohesiveness. Or maybe it's just too late and I am getting slap-happy.

Well, good night.

xo, Meg

4.02.2009

5 is kind of a lot (right now)

We have stayed up too late and I am tired, but I am trying to make this a daily habit ... so here's the annotated version.

1. Morning Errands (That's right- plural. It was awesome!)
2. Glasses.
3. Coffee.
4. A drooly baby.
5. Spinach salad with avacado and baked salmon.

Good night!

xo, Meg

4.01.2009

Rocky Road

No not the ice cream, you know I can't eat that. It's been a rough start to this experiment of mine. My day started with my surgery being cancelled, being sent out into morning rush hour, and snowy weather ... I'm finding it hard to be thankful today. I guess that's why I need to force myself to find my 5 thankfuls.



1. Surprises from Friends. Skirst brought me a bag from Whole Foods, full of healthy low-carb snackies (researched on her own!) and a beautiful card and pink tulips that now sit on our coffee table. My favorite of the snacks you ask? The WASA Crispbread with the cute little triangle Laughing Cow cheese spread. Oh, and the peanut butter Skirst pressed through a machine herself.

2. Mom Time! When my mom comes I will actually get to spend time with her and do fun things instead of her having to rub my forehead constantly while I whine about how bad my belly hurts. 10 whole days of fun with my momma.

3. Doing the Dishes. I never thought I would be thankful to do the dishes, but for the last month or two I have had to take a nap after such a simple task for fear I might die of exhaustion. While I know I will tire of this chore quickly I am just happy I can stand in the kitchen for 15 minutes without collapsing onto the floor for an impromptu nap.

4. My Puppies. Telfair and Apollonia in all their fluffy, whiteness do not understand why I'm crying or why I nap so much, but they go along with it. They curl up, one behind my knees and one against my belly, and cuddle there until I wake up. That's what I love about dogs, they don't ask questions or judge.

5. Class. My appropriately scheduled Nutrition class began today and gives me something to look forward to doing for the next few months. Hopefully it will teach me and distract me from my frustrations. I was really excited about this class before and now I am ready to learn all I can.

***A side note to those of you in the area, if my doctors give me the ok - Ryan and I will be participating in the Beat the Bridge Run/Walk on May 17th. The money raised goes to research to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. If you are interested in joining us, let me know and we can coordinate a group. Here's the website for more info: http://www.beatthebridge.org/ .

xo, Meg