rock quarries & applesauce sandwiches

Oh no, she's domestic.

2010-07-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

I know, maybe you wouldn't have guessed it, but I've turned all domestic. I'm hanging my laundry out to dry on a line above my (actually-producing-food) gardens and learning about charcoal grills and sitting out on a balcony sipping adult beverages with my husband and pups* (Turtle stays inside climbing things).

Sundays have always been linen washing days and the summer makes them more fun. As does owning my very first and very own retractable clothes line.
I've got enough zucchini growing to feed the neighborhood (or friends who would like some) and the tomatoes are starting to come in. And my gardens continue to flourish much to my amazement. There is even a resident spider (Herbert, if you must know).
We finally got a grill and love it.
And we added seating and potted moss to our balcony for warm summer evening sitting and pondering.
These are some peas and carrots from my garden that we grilled with garlic and onions, alongside salmon burgers.

The summer has also brought with it a renewed vigor for bike rides everywhere (library, grocery store, Sunday brunch, etc.) and walks around the neighborhood twice daily. Thank goodness for the sun these days.

This next week we are off to camp at Mt. Rainier (my birthday present from Ryan and Lauren).

Stay tuned.... more on the surprise (yep, it stayed a surprise) birthday party Ryan and friends threw for me.

xo, Meg

*I just re-read this and it looks like our pups drink adult beverages too. I guarantee that they do not. At least not that they tell me.

Updates on Growth

2010-07-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

This Turtle now weighs 4 lbs. She started at about 1.8.
This garden now has cilantro and unbelievable amounts of dill. And the tomato plants are flowering and huge.
Our first signs of broccoli! (Look in the center! I never had any idea how broccoli grew until I went out and saw this in my garden.)

The peas are going crazy and getting ready to be harvested. And the zucchini plants are giant.
My first little carrot. I picked it to see how the carrots were growing annnnnd they are growing well! And they are tasty to boot.

Have a beautiful day.

xo, Meghan

W.S. Merwin....

2010-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

This made my day....

W.S. Merwin to Be Named Poet Laureate

(photo from the NYT)

W.S. Merwin is one of my favorite poets. I was lucky enough to see him read in Seattle this year. To see him honored in such a way thrills my heart.

He has inspired me so much in my own writing. His work ethic is incredible. At the reading he said he always has a book in progress, a huge task for any writer. But his hard work has paid off. He has written over 30 books and is one of few who has received 2 Pulitzer Prizes.

My favorite quote from the reading I attended: "Try to praise the mutilated world because the mutilated world is the whole world." He is a man who finds beauty everywhere and then shares it with the public.

To learn more about W.S. Merwin and to read some of his poems, visit here. He is sure to knock your boots off with beauty. I highly recommend his newest collection of poems "Shadow of Sirius" (winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 2009).

xo, Meg

A Dog's (or Cat's) Desk.

2010-06-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Everytime I leave my desk during the day, a dog or two and maybe a little kitten sneak up on to the chair (it is a mighty comfy chair I will admit) and when I return they sit up.... looking like they are running the show.

Yesterday it was Apollonia playing writer at the desk. I can't be mad though, they are too cute. Usually I just squeeze my butt into the 4 square inches they leave for me and work like that.

Later, Turtle passed out on my journal while I was writing. She likes to watch me type or paw at my pen while I scratch away.

They are the best business (if you can call what I do business) partners ever.

xo, Meg

Summer's busting out all over.

2010-06-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Summer time is here. At least in theory. It is the 2nd day of summer and we did get sun.... so I'm pleased.

Pleased enough to make salmon, broccoli, garlic, and shallot pizza, chop a small watermelon and pour wine at a table next to the irises in the backyard. I guess that counts as summer.

And, of course.... the gardens and flowers. To my amazement, they are growing with fervor. Enough so that I have cut some fresh flowers for my desk and the kitchen counter and eaten lettuce, spinach, thyme, basil, oregano, dill, sage, and strawberries from the gardens. I am still thrilled at being able to grow my own things.

I got my first real pink face and my freckles are starting to darken.... must mean it's summer time. I'm thankful for that.

xo, Meg

I'm not even mad.....

2010-06-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm impressed. (Can't you tell by Ryan's face?)

Turtle, scaling our screen door. Yes, folks, that's right. She dangles from the blinds by a paw and squeezes in between the glass door and the screen door. And she sneak attacks the dogs.... from above. And she hides in curtains and pounces when you least expect it.

She is a wild thing.

At least our house is constantly entertained by the 3 wonder pets.

xo, Meg

Happy Father's Day....

2010-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to this rugged individual....

xo, Meg

First flowers.

2010-06-14T09:41:00.001-07:00

The first flowers I've ever grown from bulbs. Or from anything.

xo, Meg

Garden & Turtle.

2010-06-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

So, we got a Turtle. And my garden might be on steroids.

And all is wet and cool here. I hope summer kicks in soon. I have been wearing dresses nearly every day in a lame attempt at optimism. I even walked to the mailbox barefoot in the rain, just to show the weather who's boss. (As you know, I control everything.)

The story of our Turtle:

The original turtle that started it all. We were so taken with this turtle at the Arboretum, we decided to go to the pet store to see if they had pet turtles (which I didn't even know existed). We were bummed when we got there and they didn't have any. But they did have......
kittens from the Humane Society. So now we have a kitten called Turtle.
The dogs love her and she loves them. I am learning not to be scared of her spontaneity. I think I am starting to get a taste of how people feel about me. (When will I pounce? When will I be chill? When will I hide and be grouchy?)

And my garden is growing at top rate speed. Tomorrow I am going to harvest some lettuce and spinach for eating and thin the carrots before they get too much bigger. I tried my own theory of gardening: plant all the seeds and see what happens. And things are happening. We'll see how this all turns out. The great garden experiment.

Hope you are well.

xo, Meg

First Fruits...

2010-05-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

My gardens have been growing beautifully and it excites me to no end.

Out front we have planted strawberries and lavender in planters and this morning the most exciting thing happened ...... a strawberry was ready to be picked and eaten. And so we did just that. Ryan and I split the wee little thing and it was very tasty.

It makes me so happy that we can grow and eat our own food. The lettuce is getting close to eat-able and the peas are growing superbly.

Enjoy your day....

xo, Meg

Spooning.

2010-04-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

The pups are tuckered today. I am too.

xo, meg

DiaBday Party!

2010-04-08T12:08:00.001-07:00

It's been one year (and a bit) since I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, so to tell Diabetes to suck it we had a party. Complete with candy and crowns.

Thanks to everyone who made this past year so much better than I thought it could be.

xo, meg

Spring.

2010-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

While Spring is not my favorite season or my second favorite or my third, it is my fourth favorite -- which makes it pretty spectacular. And it is rolling in quite nicely. Everything is in bloom and this weekend we will be putting together my veggie gardens. Even the grey days are lovely and the blustery wind is probably moving seeds around so more things can grow in new, surprising places. Hello, spring.

Lake Washington from St. Edwards Park

More of the same....

More Lake Washington on a beautiful spring day.

Even the city is in bloom. Downtown Seattle on a crisp Spring day.

xo, meg

oops.

2010-04-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

So, I guess it's been a while, huh?

Well, new tactic.... pictures! Everybody loves looking at pictures and I take enough to stock 13 Costco stores, so I'm going to try to update with photos and the occasional word or two.

I hope you enjoy! I think this will be more manageable than my previous attempts.

A little springtime.

Apollonia

Telfair

xo, meg

Biggest Thankful Ever.

2009-10-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sooooo.... BIG news!

Zimbags are now available in the flesh (cloth?) at a retail store! Soulfood, a wonderful coffee/book/music/poetry community in Redmond has graciously allowed us to have a spot in their store. Our bags are featured right where the line for coffee forms, where everybody can see them. This is a dream of 3 years finally come to fruition... we are so thankful for this opportunity.

Lauren and I are beside ourselves with happiness and I'm sure you've heard our girly squealing where you are. Tonight we will be heading back with the talented Kirsten to finish our display.

Here are some pictures.

The plan:

The before space:

The after (although more is to come on the corkboard display, stay tuned...):

The happiest bag elves ever:

If you live nearby, come visit!

xo, Meg

PS- Our online store is now active for those of you who don't live close enough to visit! www.zimbags.org

so thankful.

2009-10-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

Hello. So many things to be thankful for these days.

Let's get started and see how long the list gets:

1. Desk Update. I am very thankful for my desk find and love the way it turned out. Look for yourself:

2. 19 days. We move into our house in 19 days. 19. Crazy. Our house has become a boxland.

Not Thankful For:

Thankful For:

3. Great music. I love music.

4. Fall. If I haven't mentioned it lately, I love fall.

5. My partner in crime. He makes me tick, keeps me on my toes, and makes me laugh until my spleen rips in half. For instance, we went to the movies and the girl next to him let him know she was going to put the armrest down between them and he responded, straight-faced, "That's probably the appropriate thing to do." Lauren and I were laughing so hard our spleens just exploded.

6. Exaggeration. I am prone to it. I am thankful that it exists and that I am allowed to take part.

7. New boots. If you didn't hear the bellowing where you live, I'll fill you in. My favorite fall boots had their final day a few weeks back when I tripped up the stairs at the doctor's office and the sole ripped off. And my soul ripped out of my chest. It was the saddest walk to and from the doctor's office ever. I'm sure people pitied me, pouting my way along the city streets while my sole flapped against the sidewalk with every step. BUT I found replacement boots that, dare I say, are better.

8. A desk for Ryan! Ryan's mom graciously donated a desk to our cause and Ryan is a happy camper and has already warned me that it is his desk and I am not to touch it. Except when I am revamping it. After that, he may store his piles of paperwork in it and it is his first workspace that he doesn't have to share since we've been married. Thanks Adrienne! You made one boy very happy. (Oh and me too, because there are enough drawers to hide all his junk/paper/receipts/bits o' things.)

9. Books a plenty. Between trips to the library, friends that send me books, and my own growing collection - I am reading non-stop and loving every moment. Even the double vision that occurs if I don't wear my glasses. And I'm thankful for a husband that appreciates my love for words, even though he doesn't understand or partake in it.

10. Down comforter. It finally came time to change out our summer blanket for our nice, comfy down comforter. And it makes me so happy. Bring it on winter. But don't really, ok? No snow this year. Please?

xo, Meg

wow.

2009-09-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile, huh?

Well, of course it has. Things have been busy around here, what with getting ready to move and visiting family and watching the leaves change colors.

A few things I'm thankful for today:

1. Our house is now a house. It's not just 2x4s stuck in the ground with a little cement. Le Maison has windows, doors, walls, actual stairs, and all sorts of surfaces I am looking forward to cleaning.

2. A desk in the dumpster. One morning, while taking the dogs out for a walk really early, I spotted a beautiful desk that I knew must be my writing desk. And it was the perfect price: free. Someone left it outside the apartments dumpster. So Ryan (in his pajamas) and I carried it inside and I planned for it's face lift. I vacillated between black and white paint. You'll have to wait for an update to find out which I chose.

Before .... After photo coming.

3. A Remington Holiday typewriter. Many of you know that I have been wanting a typewriter for quite sometime and while I have one at my parents house, it's quite bulky to ship and needs some repairs I wouldn't know how to do. So yesterday, on a random stop in Value Village, I found a Remington Holiday typewriter in beautiful blue that is in pristine condition. The ribbon is in the mail and I will start using it for my first drafts as soon as it arrives! It was the missing piece in my writing process and now I feel my desk is complete.

4. Trip to the beach. Ryan, Andrew, Kendra, the pups, and I headed to Pacific Beach last weekend and had a ball. We made a fire, ran from giant bugs, slept in a tent (or car), and walked on the beach in the beautiful sun. Both Ry and I feel most at home in the sand with the sound of waves roaring around us. And the pups did really well. That was a surprise.

5. Autumn. It is officially Autumn and you can feel the change in the air. My favorite season is only 2 days in and I have already made soup, bread, and pumpkin pie.

xo, Meg

We're back.

2009-09-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

We are back from our adventure in the mid-west/east. It was great to see family and friends, but we are wiped out. It will probably take a few days to recover (give me a break, I'm still recovering from surgery and diabetes meltdown too), but then I will be back with thankfuls.

There are many right now, but they overwhelm my currently frail brain when I start to think of them.

Hope everything is going well with you!

xo, Meg

PS- I can tell you one thing I am thankful for: supportive friends. That's nice.

Guest Writer: Ryan

2009-08-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hello readers of ‘Rock Quarries and Applesauce Sandwiches’! This is Ryan stepping in to write an entry for Meghan’s blog. Let me start by taking you back in time...to fifth grade or so. Life was so much easier then. We were all care free, enjoying the moment. The amount of adventure and accomplishment that you could pack into a 24 hours back then seems completely improbable today. All this to set the stage that my writing style, vocabulary, and overall desire to capture a reader’s interest with my writing hasn’t evolved since. Enjoy.

Now that I’ve lured you in with a heightened sense of disappointment, I have some great news to share with you…we will soon be homeowners!!! We are building our first home in Auburn, Washington. Due to the ongoing economic downturn which hit the housing market hard along with the lowest interest rates in years, we decided that this is the time to take the plunge into home ownership. We are so excited to finally have the privacy and freedom that you have in a house compared to an apartment and it will be great to finally have a small fenced in yard that we can let the dogs (Telfair and Apollonia) play in freely. Again, we are truly excited and blessed to be able to purchase a home at this point in our lives and it is my hope that we will never take this nor any future blessings for granted.

Home Details
· 3 bedrooms
· 2.5 bathrooms
· Loft and Study
· 2 car garage
· Luxury master bathroom
· Master bedroom balcony

For a photo tour, go here!

Check back for more updates. Only about 70 days left until we call this place home.

Ryan

Thankful: Photo Edition

2009-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Ryan and I trekked up to Mount Rainier in search of some adventure, scenery, and peace. We found all. Although the views of the Mountain were obscured by fogs, we were able to focus on the details and the alpine fields (and the marmots, of course). For the first time in our marriage, Ryan had to convince me to finish a hike. It's usually the other way around, but I literally thought I was going to die. I'm glad he persuaded (aka: kicked my butt) me up the mountain. We reached Panaroma Point at 6,800 feet above sea level and went a bit further in the direction of Camp Muir, but turned back because it was so foggy we could only see a little bit in front of us and dew had drenched us.

It was a beautiful day. Here are my thankfuls from the past weekend in photo form:

xo, Meg

PS- The full album can be viewed here: Hikes, Bikes, and Walks.

Crazy times.

2009-08-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

Things this past week and the upcoming week are going to be crazy. Crazy good and crazy bad. Just lots to do and see. And then.... vacation! September 1-11 we will be in a mixture of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina (with varying rest stops between the latter two.)

Here are some thankfuls to tide you over until my next posting:

1. Statistics is over after this week! Ryan can attest to the fact that I am indeed (and contrary to popular opinion) skilled in math, but am miserable throughout the process. Not to brag (well, kinda) - I rock at math (apparently, statistics in particular), but find it utterly boring. Perhaps that's why I hate it. I like exciting things. Not things with definite answers and proven paths to a solution. I enjoy problem solving on my own, from problem to solution with no step-by-steps. So, I am thankful that this class is almost over and that it has taught me what it is I hate about math.

2. I have the best friend and partner in the whole world (and probably the universe too). His name is Ryan.

3. I am back in control**, and you all know how much I love to be in control. My blood sugars are back under my control and submit to my carb ratio-ing and insulin injecting ways. For a while I was stressed to check my blood glucose as it could be at 400 or 50 - randomly. Not associated with any choice of mine. Ahhh, the feeling of control.*** **I do sometimes plummet or sky-rocket, but I see them coming after, say, I have eaten a giant chocolate bar or rock climbed for far too long. I still consider this control. ***I am under no illusion that this will be the way it always is. Chronic diseases have a way of showing you who is boss, but for now it is nice to feel in control.

4. Hiking trip. Sunday will be our first Mt. Rainier trip of the summer due to my recovery. We have been up there at least once a year since we've been together and I think you could call it our "happy place."

5. WEEEEE. I'm so excited about this one! We finally bought a backpacking tent and sleeping bags. I found stuff on great sale at REI outlet (you should check them out: http://www.rei.com/outlet/). Altogether our tent and sleeping bags weigh 11 pounds. 3 pounds for each sleeping bag and 5 pounds for the tent. That will make for easier hiking and camping! To top it off, my sleeping bag is the most beautiful color, which always makes life a little sweeter. So if you are up for a hiking/camping trip - let us know.

xo, Meg

Using this Bashed Up Body

2009-08-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

I love to be outside and I love to exercise (see: using this body I have).

These thankfuls are related to those things:

1. Rock climbing. Yesterday I was brave enough to go try rock climbing for the first time since college. I used to love to rock climb and/or repel, but fell out of the habit after college. But I put on my courage and went .... and had an awesome time bouldering and jumping from high places onto bouncy mats. My arms are revolting today, but it was great fun.

2. Swimming at 1 am. August is meteor month, so a friend had a bon fire and then we went to the nearby lake she has a key to (it's a private lake) and swam out to a floating dock to watch for shooting stars. I saw a few, but swimming in the lake was refreshing, even at 1 in the morning.

3. Walking. Ryan and I walk a lot. I mean a lot. Hours at a time. So imagine my delight when we went to explore our soon-to-be new neighborhood and found 3 trails within 2 minutes of walking from our house. One is a rough path along the river that we walked for over an hour and saw no sight of an end, one is an up-hill wonder that could be biked as well, and the other is the Interurban Trail which I will use to bike to the train station (but it also goes all the way to Seattle and stops in every city along the way, I think that's where they got the name of the trail). It made me sure we chose the right place. Everything we need is within 2 miles, it's surrounded by farm land, close to public transit (to Seattle where I hope to get a job), about 50 yards from a river, close to a million and 1 parks, and has great views of Mt. Rainier.

4. Biking. I have been biking at least every other day, but most days to get where I need to go. I love using my own energy as transportation, it's very satisfying indeed. I am even getting brave enough to take left turns in the car turn lanes. Thank goodness for bike lanes and trails though.

5. Have I ever mentioned how thankful I am that Washington is beautiful and how blessed I feel to live here? Well, consider it mentioned.

Watch for a post from Ryan with pictures of our ever-developing house (I think it is about to hit puberty aka getting windows and such). Another post may also include our plans for a secret passageway and room. Things are exciting around here.

xo, Meg

[untitled]

2009-08-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, happy day.

We said a sad goodbye to Alyssa this morning as she headed back to school, but we will see her in a month!

Today was a lovely mix of lazy moments and busy times. Here are some thankfuls:

1. Sleeping. After an early morning (3:45am) and quick jaunt to the airport and the obligatory stop by our ever growing house-to-be, we came back and slept for a few hours to catch up on the sleep we lost earlier.

2. Dark chocolate, Rainier cherry, Praline bar. I was crazy to not like chocolate in my earlier years. I am now quite in love with the substance. Particularly dark chocolate. If you ever want to wiggle into my heart, there are 4 ways: coffee, chocolate, cheese, and wine. Try it some time. Ryan has learned quickly that a sample of cheese or dark chocolate bar can quickly cheer me up. Also, only Ryan knows my hiding spot for my chocolate - I will never tell you.

3. Walking along the river. A nice long walk along the river this evening involved some photographs (I'm still trying to get good at this), bats, a sunset, breezes through poplars, holding hands, and dreaming. It ended with some live music (albeit, that of teenagers with rocky skills) outside Redmond city hall. What a nice evening. I am never as happy as when I am outside and moving about.

4. Blue heron. We saw an eagle, some bats, Canadian geese, robins, and my favorite, the blue heron, sleeping high up in a tree. It's long beak in a stark silhouette against the pink sunset.

5. Deciding to find beauty and happiness today.

All in all, it was a great day.

xo, Meg

Happy Grey Days!

2009-08-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love grey days. I am most productive and kind on these days. I smile more. I know, strange- but it's me.

So aside from my thankfulness for the past few grey days, here are some more thankfuls for your reading pleasure:

1. Blackberry days of summer. (No, not my phone, the real thing!) The blackberries are ripening faster than they can be picked. This equals evenings of blackberry picking and yummy treats. So far we have had cereal with blackberries, blackberry (and blueberry) crumble, and blackberry pancakes. Yum.

2. Twin Falls. This is my new favorite hike. It is perfect for my current fitness level (see: low) and results in spectacular views of 2 waterfalls. It is also perfect for hot days. You can be brave, cross a river on some rocks and logs, and get close to the falls - close enough to swim at the base.

*My new project is to take pictures of me checking my blood when I am doing it in strange places. Here I am checking my blood glucose at Twin Falls, on a rock, in the middle of a river.

3. Where did August go? This isn't a thankful, merely a question. I can't believe the month is almost half way over.

4. 80 days until we (hopefully) move into our house! We have weekly pictures of the progress, but Ry keeps saying he wants to do an update on here so I am saving those pictures for him.

5. I'm still alive. Despite life's best attempts to take me out, I'm still here. No, I'm not really close to dying (unless I get hit by a bus or something) - but sometimes it feels like life is trying to drain me of everything I have left. (Maybe that's just the Benadryl though.) Anyways, I'm just thankful I'm alive.

xoxo,

Meg

Productivity: On (but not on-line)

2009-08-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

So the past few weeks have been very productive ones for me, but this always means I lose touch with people, don't answer my phone, ignore texts, don't check my email, and obviously don't update my blog.

But I made sure to write "Update Blog" on today's to-do list so that it would get done. Things are always more important when they are on my graph paper to-do list with a little hand drawn box to check off.

So here are my thankfuls for today:

1. An amazing team of doctors. Seriously, my doctor's finally got it together, figured out I am falling to pieces, and started communicating with one another. It's awesome. I feel much better about my care now. Soon I will be adding "Allergist" to my list of specialist doctors. It sucks. But I am thankful I have insurance, access to care, and a knowledgeable team of experts to help me with all this "shit" (my doctor's words, not mine ... well, mine too.)

2. PRODUCTIVITY!! I am thankful that some how I feel motivated and energetic enough to get a million things done at once. Even with Benadryl trying to knock me out every other minute I have been able to get a lot done.

3. Cool weather and rain. Call me crazy, but those are some of the things I love about Washington and even though the heat was nice for a time, it's great to have "our" weather back.

4. Zimbags. It keeps me busy, helps me feel I am living my purpose, and teaches me things. We are re-launching soon and you can follow our progress and get product sneak peeks here: www.zimbags.blogspot.com. Enjoy and watch for updates often!

5. Concert. Lauren won tickets (or our names on a list) to a "Company of Thieves" show tonight. It should be fun and it turns out I really like their music too! It's one good thing that came out of the warm weather, as Lauren called in to 107.7 on those hot days to let them know that Seattle may be 100 degrees but Redmond was registering at 109. Thanks Laur for being brave!

Alright, hopefully I will be more consistent.

xoxo,
Meg

One Year & A1C

2009-07-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today I start on a sad note. One year ago today was the murder/suicide in our apartment parking lot. I will never forget that day or the lives lost that day. I wanted to go put flowers on the spot today, but couldn't work up the courage to face it all again. I can only pray that the families of those lost are finding peace. Perhaps next year I will be able to face that place again and honor the woman who died in such a tragic and unnecessary way.

It's also been exactly 4 months since I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It was also 109 degrees today (sans AC and with a fever due to an infection). It hasn't been the best day, but there have been worse days.

On a happier note, my A1C is 7% with is very close to normal! (For those of you who don't know, an A1C is a blood test that can show the average blood glucose levels for the past 3 months.) Normal is between 5-6%, when diagnosed my A1C was over 14%.

For my thankfuls:

1. Meeting a new friend. Today I met a new friend for lunch. She also has Type 1 and had such positive things to say and even brought me glucose tablets to help with those pesky lows. It was nice to meet someone else in a similar situation and to be able to complain about lows and highs and have someone with personal experience be able to understand. Plus, we ate at Purple, my favorite resturant.

2. Sitting in the library's AC. Ryan and I went to the city early today and worked in the downtown library. We used their AC and free wi-fi. It was nice to escape the heat for a while, I even had to wear a sweater for a while. With temperatures like these, we may move into the library. (Doesn't that sound just awesome. I would love it!)

3. A simple note. My Diabetes Repair Doctor sent me a note on my lab reports about my A1C and how great I'm doing. Such a simple gesture that really meant a lot to me. He recogonizes that it's hard work and it was nice to get feedback on how I'm doing. Who doesn't like a little positive reinforcement once in a while?

4. Sisters. Growing up I thought I wanted sisters, now that I'm older I'm glad I didn't grow up with sisters, but am very glad I married into 3 sisters. We spent Saturday and Sunday laughing, swimming, dying hair, and shopping. It was such a pleasure to spend time with my sisters. (Don't let Alyssa "trust" you.... trust me .... hahaha.)

5. I'm a day closer to visiting my family!

xo, Meg

Birthday Thankfuls

2009-07-24T23:00:00.001-07:00

Hi there! It's been over a week since my birthday, but I thought I'd share my birthday thankfuls with you...

1. I got to see Jessie (famously, JessAnn Smith of NYC) in the morning/afternoon. We grabbed picnic food from Whole Foods, chatted, picnicked at the Arboretum (my favorite place these days), found a neat tree, relived our youth by rolling around on the ground and getting bark in our skivies, walked around, and sadly said goodbye as she was heading back to NYC. It was terrific start to my birthday. (Pictures below.)

2. Ryan got me a card that has a drawing of a "Urology Department" reception desk and the caption is "Urology Department, can you please hold?" I almost died of laughter, what an appropriate card this year. But we agreed that in my case it's more like "Can you please stop holding?" I love having a darkly humorous husband.

3. Lauren, Emi, Kirsten, Kent, Greta, Ryan, and I gathered in Marymoor park in a big open field, laid out some blankets, flowers, sandwiched, snacks, wiffle (aka wiggle) balls, a bat, and a big purple ball. Fun was had by all! (Pictures below.)

4. Gifts! Lauren made me the sweetest/funniest Diabetes Repair Kits for when I go low... they include 15 skittles (the perfect amount) and each one has a different funny thing (quote/picture/etc.) She also got me 2 pairs of awesome yoga/running shorts that take my scar and diabetes into account. Kirsten got me a very cool print that says "Let them eat (picture of cake)" I'm excited to hang it in my new house soon. My cousin Maria sent me pictures of her and her husband and daughters along with my Aunt Lois and Uncle Phil and of course Andrew, Jessica and Baby George - I think this was my favorite present of all. (Pictures below.)

5. Ryan took me to Whole Foods and surprised me by letting me get one of every small dessert they had. If you know me, you know I love desserts, I love small things, and I love Whole Foods - it was awesome. For the first time in my life I got to say, "I'll have one of everything, please." (Pictures below).

Thanks to everyone who made it special for me. And thanks mom and dad for raising me (without you, there would be no birthday)!

Hope you enjoyed those photos! Stay tuned for a house update from the very famous Ryan.

xo, Meg

PS- If you think about it and can throw up a few prayers or thoughts for me I would greatly appreciate it. I have been having some sort of allergic reaction since I was in the hospital that they haven't been able to link to anything and that drives me mad (itchy palms and soles). As I write I am sitting here with my feet in a tub of water and Benadryl coursing through my veins. Itchy palms and soles of your feet are something I wouldn't wish on anyone (well, maybe Robert Mugabe, but that's a different story.) I may be seeing an allergist, but hope this ends before it comes to that - my birthday goal was no hospitalizations or diagnoses this year, and I'd like to make that happen if possible.

PPS- I will be spending the weekend with 3 of my sisters (in-law) and am VERY thankful for that!!

Weet.

2009-07-13T20:51:00.001-07:00

Today's thankfuls:

1. Another great trip to the off-leash dog park at Marymoor and here are some pictures to prove it:

"Look mom, no leash!Telfair marked every blade of grass he passed.

Appy dappy nice and happy!
Happy, free pups. Note the leashes around my neck, not theirs.

2. My dad is reading Harry Potter too! How cool! Usually I'm all about fiction and such and my dad is about history books and such, but we both love these books. Right dad?

3. We are going to Pennsylvania. We thought it was out of the question for a while because all the tickets we found were outrageously expensive (like sell your pancreas expensive, when your pancreas actually works). So today we looked for September and we found cheap tickets! So we get to spend 10 days with my parents and seeing Alyssa in Cedarville.

4. The smell of freshly baked garlic-rosemary bread. I'm getting back to the things I love to do, and baking bread is one of them. (It's taken me so long to finish this post that I am know thankful for the taste of said bread.)

5. I'm thankful that my dogs are hilarious and make me laugh so hard. For instance, Apollonia army crawls out of bed and across the floor every morning. Also, Telfair takes a piece of food in his mouth and throws it for himself and then attacks it as if it were prey. I love that they are afraid of little tiny Poodles but bravely approach German Shepards.

xo, Meg

Photos for you.

2009-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Ryan enjoying our carmel-pecan apple.

Celebrating our win!

Such a beautiful day.

Can you see where the Sounders colors came from?

Hello.

We were so close to the field.

The pier where we enjoyed lunch.

A frog. Cherry chip cupcakes with strawberries and Rainier cherries, yum.

The following are pictures from a day at the Arboretum, an awesome park close by:

xo, Meg

Seattle Day

2009-07-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today was spent in beautiful, warm downtown Seattle.

Here is what I am thankful for today:

1. Turkey and cheese sandwiches on the pier in downtown. Watching ferries and people, what a way to start the day.

2. A Sounders game. Thanks to Phil, we were able to go to the Sounders game against Houston (the #1 ranked MLS team right now). And we won! 2-1. It was awesome. I'm in love with going to soccer games. I see season tickets in our future.

3. A carmel and pecan covered apple. Ryan and I shared this delightful treat as we watched the city go crazy with Sounders fever after a rousing game and win.

4. A great, fun, sunny day with Ry after what has been a rough week for me. It was so refreshing.

5. Off leash! I finally got the guts to actually take the dogs off their leashes at the off-leash park. They have always been the dogs on leashes while the other dogs traipse about freely. So I got gutsy and let 'em go. Apollonia was awesome and Telfair just sat in the dirt when I took the leash off, so we settled for having the leash on, but walking without me holding it. What a funny dog. They immediately collapsed upon arriving home. I see many more of these off leash adventures in our future.

xo, Meg

PS- What are you thankful for? I'd love to hear about it.
PPS- Watch for pictures from the day.

Let's get (re)started...

2009-07-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a little of what's been happening in our world:

Our paper chain is quickly shrinking and they begin building our house next week. They have been out there on Lot 43 surveying and getting ready to lay the foundation. We are getting excited to be in our house, but I am beginning to dread the packing process. Thankfully after watching my mom do it about a million times I am somewhat of a pro at packing and unpacking pretty quickly. Thanks Navy for preparing me for life.

We have been walking about 1-1.5 hours a day and lifting (tiny, 3-lb. weights) to keep as much of my muscle as I can and to get ready to start running again. Dr. Urology said we can talk about the possibility of running at my next appointment (July 17th)- fingers crossed. She did, however, laugh at me when I asked when I can bike again. Seeing as she never actually answered the question, I think it's going to be a while.

The bruises that covered my body are quickly fading, the soreness is mellowing, I can put on my own shoes, I require less than 18 hours of sleep a day - things are on their way up.

This summer is quickly filling up for us with impending visits from family and friends, the wedding of dear friends Casey and Caitlin, birthdays, a possible trip to PA, concerts, camping trips, and a soccer game this Saturday! That's right, a Seattle Sounders game. Our friend Phil generously gave us his tickets for the game this Saturday and seeing as it's a sport both Ryan and I agree on and enjoy, we are very excited to go watch some futbol.

Well, that about sums up what's going on in our lives. What's going on in yours?

Here are my 5 thankfuls, in no particular order:

1. The Harry Potter books and movies. After years of making up excuses and avoiding these books I have broken down and am now addicted to these wizards. I am almost done with book 4 and take it with me every where (it's hard to read when you're doing dishes). Thanks to Kirsten for her persistence. I will not, however, read the Emily or Twilight books. Sorry. English majors can love magic too.

2. I've said it before and I will say it again, I have THE best husband. No joke. Sometimes I wonder how I can be so lucky. Anybody that can make you laugh while you are in the midst of hysterics or in a dark mood is a keeper. I hope I grow old with laugh lines, as a testament to how funny Ryan really is.

3. Washington in the summer is the most beautiful place on earth. Period. End of story. Don't even argue - you'll lose.

4. Homemade applesauce. I finally attempted something I have always thought about, and it worked. And it was easy and delicious. Good thing Washington has a constant supply of good priced apples. You may be ending up with a batch real soon.

5. I'm here. Breathing and eating and all that. You never know when you are heading into an 8 hour surgery how things are going to turn out. But, I'm here, typing this - so everything is all good in the 'hood.

xo, Meg

Hopefully the next post will include pictures. I bought batteries, now for putting them in the camera...

(Here is where that little hourglass that flips while you upload something goes.)

2009-07-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been forever since I've written. There is no excuse (except a really lame one that involves recovery from surgery and something about Harry Potter). But you can wait a little longer, right? Good, because I'm tired. Hopefully, by tomorrow afternoon (my time) there will be a gem of a post here. I am still really thankful, but also tired most of the time and reading a certain series or doing stats homework the rest of the time. But tomorrow my friends. Tomorrow I will try to get moving on here again.

Much love to you all.

xo, Meg

it's thursday (but really friday)

2009-06-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

Today's thankfuls, quickly before bed, in no particular order.

1. My dad who always makes me laugh and who I might get to see in August.

2. Sweet pictures and videos of my sweet, precious, cute nephew. They make my day and I show them to anyone who will pay attention.

3. Time with family. I got to see 2 of my sisters (in-law) today and it made my day! (And I am Andy's shirt.)

4. Long talks with my partner in crime while I tried to keep my mind of the insane pain caused by the zillion bumps on I-5.

5. The future. Things are looking up (a certain couple you know may or may not have the "kid bug" and think an awful lot about teaching/feeding/cleaning their future children.) Now if I could magically get rid of this incision and the pain...

Good night and here's to a tubeless Friday (hopefully).

xo, Meg

Falling off the wagon and maybe the reason for my bruises.

2009-06-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

They say it takes 2 weeks to build a habit and apparently it takes one day of not writing on here to break the habit I had made. Here I am, back and ready to share my thankfuls with you.

First, a quick update. I have had up and down days (actually it goes more minute-by-minute) since I've been home and the pain comes and goes, but I am trying to focus on healing and health. Friday morning will bring with it a doctor's appointment, cystogram, and possibly tube removal! There are a few more months of recovery in front of me, but in the meantime I am trying to have a good attitude about sitting and being slow.

Ok, thankfuls....

1. Meals. Kirsten and Kent's small group have been so gracious in providing Ryan and I with dinners every night since I have been home. I have never had this kind of catering before, but it really rocks my face off. It has been so helpful to not have to worry about what we are going to eat or how long the dishes might sit in the sink before they get done. Really, it has been the kindest gift I have received.

2. Lauren took me out! A dangerous and slow feat these days, but to Target and Whole Foods we went - accomplished much. Also, side effect of the pain killers: I had promised Emi a special treat, she chose hair clips and then I placed them in Lauren's stuff on the checkout line .... and made her buy the special treat I had promised. Whoops.

3. A new picture for our new (yet to be built) house. I think it looks like me and my partner-in-crime and hope it will bring smiles at our new abode.

Isn't it great!?

4. My mom is coming! Weeee. She is coming in Friday at midnight and turns into a pumpkin on the 1st when she goes home. (Is it funny that I wrote pimpkin first?)

5. I'm in love with good deals and am super thankful for the $3.74 sweatpants I found at Target. Now I don't have to hold up Ryan's sweatpants as I try to walk around in pants too big for me.

I'm trying to rebuild this habit and hope to get my camera up and running again to share snapshots of our life with you.

xo, Meg

Home, so sweet.

2009-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in updating. The past two days have been filled with trips to the bathroom and begging my stomach to just be normal.

I'm home! On Saturday, after the doctors changed their minds about 5 times, I was allowed home. I think only because of my pitiful looks when they said I may need to stay until Monday.

Things have been a bit rough since I've been home and I brought 2 new allergies home with me, but I'M HOME!

So that counts as all my thankfuls. After 2 weeks in the hospital, I'm home - right where I should be, amongst family and friends and furry white creatures.

Thanks for all the love and support.

xo, Meg

Huuuuuunger

2009-06-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Grrrrrm. Grrrrrrp.

That's my stomach.

Strangely I have gone 15 days without food and a few sips of juice here and there and haven't been hungry. But today. Today is a different story: I am actually hungry. The kind of hungry where you can only think and talk about food. I am currently watching the Food Network with a heating pad on my belly thinking about all the food I want to scarf down right now. But I must wait until we are sure the tiny intestines have really come to life and aren't just faking me out.

Mmmmm, fooooooooood.

xo, Meg

4 hours....

2009-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

So far, so good.

Everything is as it should be. Well, almost.

My pain levels are up today as I stopped all medications to simutlate my little intestines. Hopefully the heating pad they ordered me will calm my bladder so that it steps back from the edge.

Alright, going walking and chewing gum. My new ritual.

xo, Meg

Update: It's red and it jiggles.

2009-06-19T08:13:00.001-07:00

So today, out of boredom and to keep you updated, I will try to post all of my steps forward. I have a feeling today is going to be a big day for, recovery-wise.

Here's my first update: my small intestines seem to be rising from the ashes. I will spare you the details, but I will tell you I am in some pretty bad pain, but it's good pain. Also.... get ready for it....

I'M EATING JELLO!! Strawberry jello. Outside of the 4 bites of sandwich I threw up the other day, this is the first thing I have eaten in 15 days. I didn't know I could go that long without eating. I will never again complain of hunger after a few hours without food.

Keep checking back to find out whether the Jello stays down! It's going to be an exciting day.

xo, Meg

A reason for this season

2009-06-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Enough bumming around hating my small intestine. The GI doctor came and gave me the once over and explained to me that ileus is the next big thing in medicine and whoever finds a cure for it will be set for life. Apparently there is no one set and fast way to get through it. So I am going to keep staying the course which entails walking and chewing gum and not putting anything in my mouth. Hopefully soon, things will begin to move.

xo, Meg

PS- They have no clue when things will move. It's a big waiting game.

Focusing on recovery

2009-06-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Sorry it's been a while, I been trying to focus on recovering for the present time.

Here's what is going on with me:
-Supposed to be going home Sunday evening or Monday morning.
-Ate 4 bites of a sandwich on Sunday.
-Barfed my brains out on Monday. Washed, rinsed, repeated on Tuesday.
-Get an x-ray on Tuesday.
-Turns out I have ileus (part of my small intestines is sleeping and won't let anything pass.
-Back on IVs, off food and drink and still stuck on 7SE.
-Develop weird rash on my hands and feet that itch to the high heavens and are the reason I am up so late writing on here.

I tell you those things not to evoke pity, but the keep you in the loop.

My spirits are good one minute and skydiving toward a cement lot the next.

I still have thankfuls though (there are many more than what is listed here, but I am on a hardcore drug conglumeration):

1. The greatest friends and family on earth. Through this I have felt so loved and cared for by all of you and I will never be able to repay you for what you have done for my spirits. I know you are a huge part in my recovery.

2. Walking. If you know me, you know I like to be active. So I have been walking a lot, and I mean a ton. It keeps my energy up, moods up, and keeps my mind off of the number of days I have been here.

3. THE NURSING STAFF. Seriously, I have never had a nursing staff as great as this one. And that's saying a lot because I have spent a lot of time in hospitals around nurses. I can't really put into words how amazing they are.

4. My husband. He always a thankful for me and now, more than ever, he is showing what a truly amazing person he is. He will do anything for me and I miss him most during these long, beep-filled nights.

5. Games. Board games, card games, dice games, etc. They are a common bond between me and a lot of my friends and help pass the time and get me laughing.

Tune in for more. I'm sure things will be looking up here soon. Got to go, the Benedryl/Oxycodone combo is knocking my socks off.

xo, Meg

I feel like crap.

2009-06-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update. It's not all roses and jigs in the hospital. Today sucks, last night was long and painful, and I am still only drinking water.

I'm sure if I dug hard enough I could dig up some thankfuls. But let's be honest, it's hard to be thankful when your stomach feels like it's ripping in two, everything around you is always beeping and buzzing, and when you are playing the waiting game with your damn small intestines.

Speaking of playing the waiting game with your own internal organs. Want to know what that feels like? Flashback to high school when all you needed was 10 bucks from your dad for gas and hanging out with friends and you needed it right then. Needed! And there the troll... ahem, dad, cough.... was laying on the couch protecting his wallet from and you and not budging from sleep for anything short of the house on fire or a missing limb. It feels like that, except at some point I really do need to eat and my small intestine has no exceptions and probably won't care if I light something on fire or lose a limb. And, yes, I was begging my stomach out loud this morning to do something so they will let me eat. I hate being on the timetable of some mucus covered tissue.

Hopefully I'll be more thankful this evening and leave you with thoughts more lovely than these.

Hope you are enjoying your Saturday, lucky eaters.

xo, Meg

Update

2009-06-12T15:50:00.001-07:00

I am sitting here in this flexible bed with warm blankets all around me and 5 different IV bags dripping into me and tubes coming out of every where. These drugs are great and I am trying to stay awake a little bit longer today, so I thought I'd give you all an update.

Well, it has officially been over a week since food has touched my mouth and 4.5 days since any thing but clear liquids have been ingested. But today I got to start back on water! It tastes like paradise and that's not hyperbole. The pain is gradually getting worse as the days go and the anesthesia wears off, but that's why I control my own pain meds. I have been up walking 3 times a day and it is not because it feels good to walk. In fact, it's the exact opposite. It hurts like the dickens, but I know it will help me heal faster.

How about some thankfuls?

1. So many visits and call and cards and flowers and drawings. Each one of these adds a little life to this drab room and little pep in my step (more figuratively that literally.) I don't think I can thank all of you enough.

2. A husband who preemptively takes care of me and tells me jokes when I'm sad. Here's one for you: As we were walking down the hall (my first time without a walker) Ryan named my walk the March of the Menguins. Just because I waddle....

3. Every day I make it through is one day closer to full recovery.

4. A positive, attentive medical staff. I am very lucky to have some of the nicest nurses, caring doctors, and peppy hospital staff members. One push of the button and they are there to help.

5.Talking to my little brother Josh on the computer today, he's so sweet and I miss him a lot.

Ok, I'll try to check in again soon.

Thanks for the love and prayers.
xo, Meg

I'm alive....

2009-06-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Here are 5 things I'm thankful for:

1. I'm alive - I survived an 8 hour surgery and seem to be recovering nicely.

2. Beautiful flowers that decorate my hospital room.

3. Friends that love me even when I'm sleepy and probably cranky.

4. A husband that sleeps next to me all night on an uncomfortable pull-out chair.

5. The view of Seattle from my room. And I have a room to myself - always a plus.

xo, Meg

49 hours down, who knows how many to go....

2009-06-06T23:09:00.001-07:00

So (needless to say) I don't do so well without foods in my belly. I have gone 49 hours without food, plus some really unfortunate cleansing experiences and I have 29 (or so) more hours to go before surgery. I'm a wreck, to put it nicely. I cry at the drop of a hat, can't walk properly, and just want to sleep.

This will be my last checking in for a while as I will be laid up and drugged up for the next bit.

If you need to get a hold of me you can call or email Ryan. He will be making updates on Facebook and through email if you want to see how I am. Perhaps he will update this blog to. It probably depends on how demanding I am this next week.

Well, I am not feeling particularly thankful because of a combo of things, but I am trying my hardest to stay positive and be thankful.

Here are 5 things I am thankful for today:

1. That I have never had to go without food because I didn't have any. Millions of people feel like this everyday and watch their children cry in hunger - I'm thankful that I have always had food, even if I can't always eat it.

2. My puppies and their cuddly ways and their fluffy faces. I sure am going to miss them while I'm in the hospital.

3. Friends that made my last day of eating a good one. Thanks Amy, Kirsten, Kendra, Alyssa, and Andrew.

4. The skilled surgeons who will be taking care of me on Monday.

5. That for the next week I don't have to give myself insulin shots as they will be given through my IV. I know it sounds dumb in the face of the pain that is coming my way, but having that responsibility out of my hands for a while sounds like vacation to me. (A pre-thank you to the nurses who will be taking care of me and my pancreas and the rest of my body.)

Ok, I'm going to go dream of food.

Night.

xo, Meg

Things I Learned Today....

2009-06-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Today's thankfuls will be based on what I have learned today.

I am thankful that I learned....

1. Boost is disgusting. In case I ever thought protein drinks were the way to go, it turns out they are nothing like milkshakes, they feel like sand in your throat, and "chocolate" is more like "crapolate."

2. My body still makes a good amount of insulin. The staff at BRI informed me that I am probably controlling my blood glucose a little too tightly and am on track to having an A1C lower than most non-diabetics. This means more carbs and less insulin for me. Sounds like a plan! But no worries, I will still be in a great range, have less lows, and take less insulin.

3. Sometimes I just have to let go of my perfectionist tendencies in favor of fun and relaxation. I would like my hair to start growing back and it can't if I continue to stress. So for the next 5 days I will work on being relaxed, and in 5 days the doctor's will be giving me some great meds that will allow me to chill.

4. I wasn't meant to live somewhere super warm, I start melting quickly at around 90 degrees. But I will not complain about this weather, I just couldn't do this every day for months on end. I love myself a grey day and warm cup of coffee.

5. I have really great friends and they make my days so much better.

.... and knowing is half the battle ....

xo, Meg

Preview of the Re-mix

2009-06-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

I know, two posts within 12 hours of each other - weird!

But I just wanted to say ... here I go, on my way to be researched.

It's only been 12 hours since I last ate and I can barely concentrate on anything but food. Soooo hungry. In fact me and the dry-roasted peanuts just had a stand-off that ended in the peanuts packing their bags and heading back to the pantry. How will I ever last 3-5 days without food? Let me just say, things are not looking good and you may want to avoid the Redmond area from Friday to Sunday.

So now I am going to go have my blood drawn in steady increments after I drink an Ensure-nasty drink. And then I will be found stuffing my face for the rest of the day. Bring on new pounds!

I am so thankful that I get to participate in this study and thankful that I still have friends, even when I'm a big sicko that gets super cranky after 2 hours without food.

I will report back this evening with all the bloody details (hehe).

Have a blessed day.

xo, Meg

PS- If you need me today, I will be at my happy place:

Purple (not the color) Trees (in painting form)

2009-06-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a full, blessed day.

This morning was doctor's appointment with the Diabetes Repair Team that was awesome. Once again, I must say, they are awesome.

Forward, march...

1. My blood glucose average for the past month is 113! Not only is this great news it's an awesome number, 13 is my lucky number and everything lately has revolved around it (they break ground on our house on July 13th.)

2. Dinner at my favorite restaurant with some great friends. Not to mention the creme brulee and salted caramels. No worries, I was supposed to be eating 150 g of carbs these past few days and I chose to meet that number through things I don't normally eat.

3. A new piece of art from the famous Skirst at Hello Grey Day. We all know how much I love trees. I mean I got one tattooed on me, also drawn by the Skirst.

4. Lauren's beautiful new car. I'm so happy for her!

5. A partner in crime that makes beats for me to dance to and always finds a way to make me laugh (mostly.)

Love you all.

xo, Meg

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."

Mother Teresa

Tired and soon to be more tired.

2009-05-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

It's late, I'm tired and this week looks crazy long right now. But I'm so thankful for so many things.

Let's start here:

I'm thankful for ...

1. Finding out that something isn't nearly as bad as you thought. Since my formative years in Sdale and the trips past Tacoma, I have associated Tacoma with "ghetto-ness", smelliness (the aroma of Tacoma), suicide, and all-around darkness. Thanks to our friends Casey and Caitlin, Ryan and I have been enlightened to the great water-front, pretty houses, and surprisingly bustling downtown Tacoma has to offer. Follow that up with 10 rounds of Bananagrams and lots of guacamole, you have one great day. (I promise Skirst, it's not that bad!)

2. Being able to walk to the grocery store when we need eggs for cookies.

3. Sleeping in on Sundays! Always a great way to start a day.

4. Picking out the color of our house: dark grey, white trim, black shutters, and a red door!

5. Refreshing conversations about ideals and dreams.

Tomorrow begins my last week of exercise and comfort for a while, if you're interested in doing something fun, active, and outside - call me!

xo, Meg

Long, but good days.

2009-05-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day for Ryan and me, separately we both had long, productive days. Fortunately, we are not cranky, something that usually accompanies such days.

I found many things to be thankful for today, but here are the 5 I remember most clearly:

1. Pear & Apple Cobbler. Off the cuff and oh so yummy.

2. New flowers about our house. Many rooms now have punches of red/orange lilies.

3. Having the windows open and getting a great cross-breeze! (Not to mention, it was 80+ degrees! Weeee!)

4. A good, productive day that helped me feel more prepared for surgery.

5. I have the GAD protein marker! To some this may seem trivial, but to me it is important. This little marker on my cells means I can take part in a research study about Type 1 Diabetes that may help me and will hopefully help others catch (or at least extend the "honeymoon phase") this disease early.

**Please excuse the photos, our camera batteries died so these are from my phone.

xo, Meg

Peace.

PS- Surgery update: My surgery is still scheduled for the 8th of June, but I will be admitted on June 7th because I have to be on a 3 day clear liquid diet and it's all complicated by the diabetes stuff. Then I will be gone for a few weeks, Ry might update this for me though. We'll see.

Blerg.

2009-05-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today I worked so hard that I didn't remove my exercise clothes from this morning and shower until 6 pm. I actually didn't even know what time it was until my stomach started growling so loud it scared me. So, while productive, today was a very boring day.

Here are my thankfuls:

1. Strong black tea.
2. Great literature and a great way to recycle (check out swaptree.com).
3. Birthday presents. I am trying to make more presents an recycle/reuse/upcycle things to make thoughtful gifts and today I finished 3 people's gifts.
4. I found the coolest glasses (the kind you drink from, not look through) ever for when we move. I'm not going to tell you where I found them or what they look like, I don't want you stealing them.
5. I'm one day closer to being free of these awful bladder spasms that sometimes make me crawl under my desk and rock back and forth. (13 days until my surgery. A fact I just realized today, maybe the reason I was in hyper drive all day. Also, 13 is my favorite number.)

(Stepping onto soap box.)

Ahem, here is an interesting read I came across this evening:
http://sixuntilme.com/blog2/2009/05/sotomayor_and_diabetes_get_all.html.

The writer discusses the sad things being said about judge Sotomayor nominated by President Obama. Think what you will about her qualifications or views, but don't you dare say that her diabetes should be a reason she can't serve. It's sad to think that people should put limitations on someone because of their malfunctioning pancreas. I refuse to allow this disease to hold me back and admire judge Sotomayor for getting this far (she's had Type 1 since she was 8). If she is chosen it would be a great example for the children living with this disease of what they can do.

(Stepping down from soap box. Walking away.)

Quote of the day (this may become a new thing, we'll see):

"Never underestimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world."

-Margaret Mead, 1901-1978, Anthropologist

xo, Meg

PS- You can now view my photo albums here.

Hello

2009-05-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Want to know what I am thankful for today? Well, it's your lucky day - here are 5 thankfuls:

1. Sleeping in. Today we were able to sleep in and it was just great.
2. A day in the sun. I am thankful that today was another sunny day and I stood in the sun for most of the day.
3. IKEA. Ryan and I walked through IKEA today, speculating on what we will want when we move into our home. It was great fun.
4. A fresh bag of Skittles, waiting to save me from my low blood sugars (along with juice boxes for when I can't chew and glucose tablets for when I feel guilty about the calories in the Skittles.)
5. A future to look forward to. I am getting excited to get a move on with my goals and dreams when I finish recovering from the upcoming surgery. While I have been steadily working towards them, I can pick up the speed with a healthy body and mind free of worry and stress (at least the surgery related kind).

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but the heart to conquer it."

-Rabindranath Tagore

xo, Meg

Hole in One!

2009-05-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Random pictures first and foremost:

Thankful for:

1. A three day weekend with Ryan! With 2 whole days left.

2. Putt-putt. I came in last, but got a hole in one! Congrats to Kent on winning at a 19 under par.

3. My espresso machine. It is still treating me (and Ryan) well, all while helping me meet my daily calcium/Vitamin A/dairy needs.

4. Beautiful weather in the forecast for the forseeable future. This means I wake up early, go to bed late, and do as much as possible. I'm still trying to fit as much in as possible before surgery and the weather is in on my plans.

5. My average blood sugar today was 97.67. That's great, even for a non-diabetic.

xo, Meg

Unstoppably tired.

2009-05-23T00:18:00.001-07:00

This is going to be short and sweet. Too tired to write much.

Thankfuls du jour:

1. Awkward moments that make life worth the living (sorry Laur).
2. Great conversations about nothing in particular.
3. Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy. (I stole that from John Denver. And, yes, I had his tape.)
4. Adventure. Sometimes secret adventures by yourself make life seem more thrilling (it wasn't really that adventurous.)
5. Parentheses. (I use them a lot. (See?))

I'm out like a trout in a drought. Night.

xo, Meg

The Persistent Patient, but Never Patient.*

2009-05-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

*Legal Notice: If I ever write a book, this might be the title. You can't have it. It's mine.

Warning, I am long-winded this evening.

Now that that's all cleared up, here's a story for you:

Over the past few days I have noticed my hair has been shedding more than usual and more than shedding. More like falling out. On average you lose about 50-100 hairs a day, I think I have been losing hundreds (more like bazbillions) of hairs a day. I thought I was just being paranoid, but this morning when I looked at my pillow and had a friend mention my hair looked thinner - I knew it, I'm losing my hair. Luckily for me I have been cursed with unmanageably thick hair and losing thousands of hairs would probably leave me with billions, but I leave a trail of the evidence wherever I go as evidenced by my black shirt, car seats, couch, babies that I hold, etc. Obviously, I assume I am going bald and call my Diabetes Repair Team (DRT). The Nurse from the DRT said she didn't think it was related to the diabetes but that she would talk with doc and get back to me. Great, if it's not diabetes - it's something else. Not another diagnosis, please. The DRT calls back - it is the diabetes (something about being in severe ketoacidosis and almost dying, blah, blah). So, yay! It's not a new diagnosis, but I'm still losing my hair and will continue to do so for a while. Hopefully it will stabilize and grow back in the next few months. If not, more testing for thyroid or other autoimmune disorders will be in order. Let's hope that doesn't happen. Here's to my hair - the bane of my existence that I couldn't live without (well, technically I could live, but you know what I mean).

Now that I am not severely depressed by another diagnosis, I can find things to be thankful for.

1. Cupcakes! In order to celebrate the fact that I am losing my hair, we got wonderful Berry Chantilly Cupcakes from Whole Foods. (*Side note: If you shop at Whole Foods and bring your own bags they will give a donation to the American Diabetes Assoc.) They were wonderful and as icing on the cake (haha) I kept by B.G. controlled.

2. A book about Type 1. After standing in the health sections of 3 different book stores looking for a book about Type 1 Diabetes, I finally found one. It jumped out at me right as I started to tear up because of the titles of all the books. Things like: Get Rid of Your Diabetes in 21 Days, There is a Cure for Diabetes, The Diabetes Cure, The 30 Day Diabetes Miracle, Reversing Diabetes, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad these books exist for those with Type 2, but there isn't a cure for me (yet), nor is there a miracle fix. I wish this was something I could eat better and exercise more to get rid of. It was so frustrating to see all these books, but nothing to help me. But I found a book and I am so thankful for the information I am getting from it. I hope to learn all I can so that I don't get blindsided by any more side-effects/complications. (Here's something I have already learned: Sweden has the highest incidence of Type 1 and I'm part Swedish.)

3. A new journal/doodle/list book and new sunglasses!

4. Cutest nephew ever:

5. My DRT. The previously mentioned Diabetes Repair Team is awesome. They are available to me 24/7 and they call back with thorough answers very quickly. They are sweet and make sure I know there aren't any silly questions and that my hair falling out is actually something to call about. And they make me more confident in caring for this body of mine. A million thanks to them. And all of you, because like it or not you are part of my DRT too.

xo, Meg

Beautiful Day.

2009-05-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today was just peachy. And I'm not even being sarcastic.

I finished every single thing on my "To-Do List." I'm not sure how long it has been since I finished everything on my list without crossing through something with an arrow pointing to the next day. I got my Vitamin D, plus a little extra for a rainy day. I got to go on a nice long walk with my love. We dropped off presents/top-secret packages at 2 friends houses. I ate smoked salmon spread. I even had time to daydream about what I'm going to do after my surgery when I am more comfortable and threw in a few thoughts about teaching my future children words. On top of all of these things, there are 5 things I am really thankful for today:

1. The flowers on my coffee table. I scored these lovely gals for a mere $3.00 and they just keep getting more beautiful everyday. Plus, they are in my favorite vase.

2. $5 off of a $25 purchase at Top Foods. I love a good deal and I love food - so it was a great day.

3. Chocolate crinkle cookies. These cookies are de(r)licious! Yum. Something like a mini brownie with crunch all the way around and beautiful cracked tops with powdered sugar dresses. Oh, and in case you were worried, there are only 11 grams of carbs and 100 calories for

4. New running shoes. You know how I mentioned a while back about how Ryan has great taste and always buys me things that turn out to be my favorite items? Well, he strikes again. Great running shoes that make me feel snazzy and fit. My old ones have seen much better days and have been stretched out by my fat feet.

5. Nutritional facts. They are so fun and I have so much more respect for my body and others.

Good night. (Speaking of "good night", have you ever read "Goodnight, Mr. Tom"? Well, you should - it'll make you cry.)

xo, Meg

Productivity is on the rise.

2009-05-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

Hello there!

Today was a very productive day as I start to crack down on my responsibilities before my surgery. I want to get as much done now as possible so I can focus on my health and recuperation during the weeks following the slice and dice.

Here are the things I am particularly thankful for today:

1. Getting things done. Laundry, dishes, clean bathrooms, read, study, and work. Ahhh. Such a nice feeling.

2. Revamp and Relaunch. Lauren and I are currently working to revamp and relaunch our Zimbags store. We have some new products in the work, we are updating the website, and looking for new venues to sell. I will keep you posted, but I can promise it will be worth the wait. (Keep up with the changes and news at our Zimblog.)

3. New pictures of my nephew. Dear goodness, he's cute! Jessica, I think he looks an awful lot like you (but I see Andy in there too).

4. Sadie! I am so excited she is coming back to the US and thankful for the other things that she wrote that I am not sure I am supposed to share yet.

5. Comfortable things. There are not very many comfortable things in my life between the bladder stuff and finger pricks and shots and lows, so I have decided to find comfort where I can. That includes wearing what I want, when I want. If I want to wear Crocs with sweatpants - so be it. If I feel like snuggling under my quilt under my desk - I'll be there. If I want to sip coffee while stretching - I will. I am thankful I can find comfortable things and enjoy them.

I am going to go join my snoring husband and warm puppies....

xo, Meg

4 days - Yikes!

2009-05-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

I guess it's been 4 days since I posted thankfuls. I will give 10 thankfuls to make up for my time away.

1. A day at the beach. My surgery is quickly approaching and I am trying to squeeze all my favorite summer time activities into these next few weeks. My all time favorite summer activity? The beach. In specific, Pacific Beach. I got to go with 3 of my favorite people too, which made it even better. Ryan, Lauren, Emi, and I drove to the beach got milkshakes and lazed around for a couple hours. It was heaven.

2. For our anniversary, I made Ryan a paperchain that counts down until November 1st, the month we move into our new home. It started with 170 chains, now it has 168! I am thankful for these steps forward.

3. My nephew. My mom and dad were able to visit Andy, Jessica, and George and I got to hear his cute cry and little snort on the phone. I love to hear about everything about him. I am thankful for my whole family and miss them all dearly.

4. 70 degree weather for 2 whole days.

5. A new book. I have started reading "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan. It is good so far and I am learning so many things.

6. Milkshake treat. I mentioned earlier that we got milkshakes at the beach ... that didn't exclude me. I drank half a chocolate shake and kept my blood glucose under control! (Plus, they were from what used to be the Zany Zebra and is now the Falcon's Nest ... so many good memories.)

7. I met with the nutritionist at the Diabetes Care Center and now better understand how to control my blood glucose and to coordinate my exercise with insulin and such. It's such a fine balance and very frustrating that I can do everything perfectly and things can still go crazy due to things out of my control. (If those aren't the words of a control freak I don't know what are.)

8. Herbs! So I have been growing my own little herb garden from seeds, but Kirsten's awesome gardening dad generously brought me pots of full grown herbs transplanted from his garden. I am excited to use, care for, and plant these in my own garden soon.

9. No doctor's appointments this coming week! This is the first week in 2 months without a doctor's appointment and the last free week for quite a while. I'm going to enjoy it.

10. Beat the Bridge Day! Today we got up at 5, caught a bus at 6:30, grabbed coffee, and walked 4 miles to raise money for diabetes research. Many of you donated and participated in this event, this means more to me than you probably know. It means that one day I may not have to give myself shots or worry so much about long term complications or that one day parents won't have to do these things with their small children. On top of the awesome cause, it was a beautiful, fun day with over 10,000 people participating. Here are some highlights:

Thanks for reading.

xo, Meg

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-05-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

**An anniversary gift from Kirsten and Kent. Made by the wonderful Skirst.

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of our wedding day, a great day, but not the best of my life. Each day has been better since then. There are so many things to be thankful about when I live every day with my best friend. Here are 5 things that stand out to me today:

1. Ryan helps me to do things I would never normally do. Like, say, talk to people. Or stand up for myself against those who think I'm invisible. Or feel good about myself. He has only changed me for the better. He's left all the core elements the same, but helped me smooth out some rough edges.

2. I have a great partner (in crime, often times). I don't really care for the word husband because it reminds me more of farming (you know, husbandry) than what he actually is, a partner. I could not ask for a better friend who treats me as an equal and respects me.

3. I was fortunate enough to know Ryan for a long time before we started dating/got hitched. It takes a lot for me to be comfortable with people and trust them, Ryan gave me the time. I'm a lucky girl, a lot of guys would have given up when I called them during a nap to take me to McDonalds or been frustrated by my incessant car singing and dancing, but not Ry.

4. Someone understands my sense of humor! I would consider myself fairly sarcastic, overly cheesy, and given to the occasional pun... most are probably annoyed by it, but Ryan laughs (almost always). I'm lucky.

5. Rollin' with my homies (and the punches). Ryan has taken everything in stride. It seems I have been a bad luck magnet for the last few years, but Ryan stands by me like Ben Franklin by his kite. There is this new thing in my life called Type 1 Diabetes, it's the reason I started this blog. It's also the reason that I break down in sobs, laugh hysterically or act strange when my blood sugars dip or soar ... and Ryan's right there reminding me to check my blood glucose and eat something.

I know we will continue rolling with the punches and laughing at the absurd and loving each other for years to come.

This picture was taken long before we started dating. Who would have guessed?

xo, Meg

Baby George! (Also known as: I am so excited to be an aunt!)

2009-05-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I have one big thankful! All 8 pounds and a headful of hair worth of thankful.
Here are some pictures of the most handsome little boy (and his dad) in the world:

I cannot wait to see him and person and hear about all the amazing baby things he does along the way. Little George is already a strong guy, and I am so thankful for him. Congrats Andy and Jessica. Great job Jessica!

xo, Meg

The Mother's Day Edition

2009-05-10T22:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms! I admire the hard work you do.

I am one of the lucky ones who happen to think that my parents are the bees knees and today is a day to acknowledge the greatness of the female half of the duo. Today's thankfuls are brought to you by my mom. Here are 5 wonderful things I am thankful for about my mom.

1. My first memory ever is of my mom. Although it also involves a needle being put into my belly, I remember my mom singing with me and holding my hand and petting my forehead. We screamed the ABCs and "Jesus Loves Me" together as the doctor put a million inch needle into my tummy. Thanks mom for always being there, even in my not-so-great memories.

2. My hair has also been the bane of my existence and my mom has always been a warrior on my side in the war against the beast. She worried when my hair started to develop a frizz spot in the back and took me to the salon to find out what was wrong with me. The diagnosis: curly hair brought on by puberty (and my dads genes). Thanks to my mom I have the courage to get up every morning and tame the mass on my head.

3. It may sound sad, but it isn't, most of my memories revolve around hospitals and such. My mom always made sure to be there when I went in and woke up. She also slept in uncomfortable chairs and held my hair when I puked. Even though she would trick me into doctor's appointments (don't worry, I forgive you mom) I remember only the sweet things she did. Like bring me my favorite foods or treat me to pizza after ever tricky doctor's appointment. Thanks mom for loving me enough to scrunch in chairs and watch me puke and trick me into medical procedures. It has probably helped my blood pressure in the long run.

4. My mom let my brothers rough house with me. She stepped in only when necessary, but let me be "tough" on my own. Although I was scared of my younger brothers, I was able to develop my signature "lay on your back and kick with all your might" move. It has made me a tougher person who wouldn't have a problem throwing a punch if it came right down to it. It's a philosophy that probably developed from growing up with 2 brothers of her own. Thanks mom for helping me be a little tougher.

5. I know that my mom loves me unconditionally and is proud of even my smallest achievements. That is the best feeling in the world. Thanks mom. I love you so big.

On a side note, on my run tonight (that's right, a run!) I realized that every piece of clothing that I own and like, was picked out and purchased by Ryan. I don't think I will ever go shopping again, I am going to let Ryan to all my shopping.

Night.

xo, Meg

Thankful by picture

2009-05-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from last nights event. It was Kirsten's 25th, so we celebrated by dressing as our favorite old movie characters. I was Doris Day from "Please, Don't Eat the Daises" and Ryan was Desi Arnaz/The Godfather. These are my thankfuls for today:

xo, Meg

Tired...

2009-05-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Man, I'm wiped tonight. No reason in particular, just tired as a dog (and our dogs sleep about 16 hours a day).

So many reasons to be thankful today, I will try to narrow them down:

1. Kirsten's Birthday! Today was the 25th birthday of my dear friend Kirst. It was fun to help get things ready for her party tomorrow night and hang out with Diana who was flown up on Kent's private jet for Kirsten's bday. (Pictures to come of the awesome classic movie star costume party - I will Doris Day from "Please Don't Eat the Daisies"). I'm thankful Kirsten was born and that we get to celebrate with her.

2. I didn't have to fast. If you know me right now, you know I eat every 2 hours and get mighty cranky without food - so facing an evening, night, and morning of fasting did not sound pleasing to me. But they decided to push that part of the testing off for a few weeks, so.... yay!

3. A husband who is cute and nice and all over lovely! I will never stop being thankful for him.

4. Dreams. I have been having frequent, strange dreams lately. This means I am sleeping, which is awesome! Before I took up having diabetes I had troubles sleeping for very long, no longer my friends. I am thankful for the ease with which I fall asleep, dreams that I have, and pleasant feeling of restfulness I have in the morning. I hope this lasts.

5. An empty schedule next week. Save one doctor's appointment, final design meeting for our house and our anniversary (all on the same day) my week is wide open. I thankful I will have next week to catch up, rest, and do a million loads of laundry.

Thanks for all encouraging comments and emails. I love you all.

xo, Meg

Music Edition Tuesday

2009-05-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

***Disclaimer: These are not necessarily my favorite songs, but songs that I am thankful for. I am thankful for these for different reasons, ex.: great workout songs, uplifting, etc.

1. "Hotel California" by the Eagles

Ok, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. Come on, it's great and you know it. Watch/listen here.

2. "There's Hope" by India Arie

A great, inspiring, hopeful song. Great to run to. Listen to it here.

3. "Extraordinary Machine" by Fiona Apple

Just so good. Here.

4. "Please Be Patient With Me" by Wilco

My plea with everyone in my life. Here ya go.

5. "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" by Andrew Bird

A rockin' guy and an awesome song. Ici mon ami.

xo, Meg

Meet my new friends (and enemies).

2009-05-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I talk about my diabetes a lot on here, I thought I would introduce you to all the new things that have been introduced into my life since diagnosis. I have a love/hate relationship with each of the items on this list. I am on one hand thankful that they are helping me stay alive and on the other hand they all suck (at least I have 2 hands, right?) Mostly I am thankful for these things and the way they keep me alive each day.

Alright, let' get started with the introductions...

1. Meet my compact friend that I take out to eat a lot. I look like a giant nerd/dieting girl every time I whip out this nutritional guidebook in the market or at the dinner table. Next time you see me out, thumbing through this book looking for the best choice - please don't judge me. I'm not on a diet, well, not the losing weight kind.

While we are discussing books, let me introduce you to this beaut. Every time, blood reading, bolus (from Latin for ball, meaning to administer a medicine to raise it's concentration in the blood), every morsel that crosses my lips, and minute of physical activity is recorded in this journal to be examined thoroughly at my next appointment.

2. Here's one of those friends you have that you can only handle in certain amounts, but find yourself around way too often. The lancet. Actually, now that I think of it, this guy is more like one of those friends who isn't a friend at all, but the devil. I spend way too much time with this thing. A tiny gun that you load, cock, and shoot ... at yourself. They keep telling me I'll get used to it, but I don't think I will. I flinch every time I do it and sometimes I pull my finger away as I pull the trigger, rendering the moment useless. Oh, how I hate this device that keeps me alive.

Here is the evil lancet's wife, test strips. She is unassuming and sweet looking in her sleek little case, until you find out you can't have her without the aforementioned lancet. So, I don't really like to be around her either.

3. My friend the insulin pen. The scariest part of being diagnosed was the thought of giving myself shots. This is actually the easiest part. The recording, researching, planning, and finger pricks are way worse. Sometimes the needle finds a nerve and brings me to my knees, but most time we get along pretty well. After all, without that expensive, clear liquid in there I would not be writing this.

4. The meter. The LifeScan OneTouch UltraMini (wow, too many squished together words) to be more specific. While cute and colorful, these little guys like to party with Mr. Lancet and Mrs. Test Strips - so I don't like them either.

5. Skittles (or other sugar-stuffed goodies)! Sometimes I start to get sweaty, tremble-y, confused, nauseous, and (ask Ryan) a wee bit irritable. This is when I turn to my handy-dandy bunch of blood measuring friends and get a number in 5 seconds. In this case ... 63. Then I get to scarf down a pack of skittles, or fruit roll-up, or orange juice - weeee! It's no good to go low, but it's good to get a treat!

So now that you are all introduced, please don't get freaked out if you see us out in public, we are just trying to enjoy life. But if you are easily queased, please avert your eyes when Mr. Lancet comes out.

xo, Meg

The one that ... uh, something smart sounding.

2009-05-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I have not been very good about the daily updates I had originally aimed for. I hope to be better about this.

Yesterday was a great day because it was Ryan's birthday! We spent the afternoon eating with his family and the evening watching the Mariners. These are the 5 things I am most thankful for in the last 2 days:

1. A bike ride to coffee with a friend. Lauren and I took advantage of the sunny day and biked to SoulFood where we indulged in staring off into space and drinking coffee. Thanks to Lauren's willingness to go slow for me I was able to make it the almost 4 miles to the coffee, but thanks to my blood sugar dips I was unable to bike home ... the one way trip was well worth it though.

2. My invisibility cloak. It may sound strange, but if you have ever been with me in public you know I am invisible. People constantly run into me, cut in front of me, and look right past me. Sometimes it bothers me, but at the Mariners game it worked in my favor. Our original seats happened to be right in the part of the "covered" stadium that still gets rained on, so we snuck down to some better seats. Others were being kicked out left and right for sitting there without tickets and we were sitting right next to the security guy, but we were kept safe for the rest of the game by my invisibility cloak.

3. The color grey. Today I wore only grey and blue and it made me happy.

4. The ability to go out with friends, have fun, and do frivolous things. I hope I will never take these things for granted.

5. My camera. I love the ability to capture moments that I may otherwise forget.

I hope you have a great start to your week. Look for a diabetes crap thankfulness blog tomorrow featuring the many tools I get to use.

xo, Meg

[untitled 1]

2009-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Quick thankfuls tonight...

1. My surgery is scheduled. If I can get through the next few weeks without getting any more diseases I will be going under the knife on June 8th.

2. Amy and Audrey. I've been hanging out in Silverdale for the last day and a half with Amy and baby Audrey ... it's been a great escape and awesome fun!

3. Beauitful weather.

4. It's Friday!!

5. Ryan's Birthday is Tomorrow (27)!! I am so glad I get to spend another birthday with Ryan. In honor of his birthdaym here are 5 things about Ryan that I am so thankful for:
a. His unending patience.
b. His compassion.
c. His unconditional support.
d. He always smells so nice.
e. He is my best friend.
(The list could go on for years, but I like the number 5.... actually, I like the number 3, but that seems too few for a list.)

Looking up?

2009-04-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

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

Counteract the cranky.

2009-04-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Warning: Complaining Ahead

2009-04-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

**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.

From Here to There

2009-04-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

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

Growwwwwwing Up.

2009-04-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

Thankfuls by Photo

2009-04-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

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

If life hands you carrots...

2009-04-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

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

x = 3 Times the Original

2009-04-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

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

Mountains and Valleys

2009-04-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

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.

The One Where You Have to Fill in the Blanks.

2009-04-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

(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

2009-04-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

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

It would have involved scalpels and sutures.

2009-04-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

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

Chitty Chitty Thank-ful.

2009-04-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

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

Today is today again.

2009-04-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

Blerg.

2009-04-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

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

Walking walk walker.

2009-04-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

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

Guest Writer

2009-04-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

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)

It's thankful time

2009-04-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-04-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

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

5 is kind of a lot (right now)

2009-04-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

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

Rocky Road

2009-04-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

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

It all comes back to math

2009-03-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

So I have avoided becoming a "blogger" for a long time, but math has led me to believe it is time.

Why a blog now?
Here's how the equation of my life looks right now:

Normal life
-French Pastries (and Mashed Potatoes and Milkshakes)
+Needles
+Extra Math
____________
The need to remember things that I am blessed with.

Also, I want my mom to know I'm ok (and to share my thankfulness with all of you.) I can see jabbing needles into the fleshy parts of my body making me a little cranky once in a while and I would really like to avoid that when possible so I am going to use this as a way to do that.

Why rock quarries & applesauce sandwiches?

Because these are two of my favorite things. (Julie Andrews tried to fit them in "The Sound of Music", but she just couldn't figure out how.)

My goal is to update as frequently as possible with 5* things I am thankful for on that day and maybe a picture or two. *Five seems like a good, round, odd number for now but is subject to change. Let's get started.

I am thankful for:
1. A loving, caring, compassionate, unbelievable husband.
2. The medical team that saved my life this weekend.
3. The Cherry Blossoms blooming outside our window.
4. My awesome parents.
5. Cheese isn't a carb!

xo, Meg

PS- I hope to get better at this :-).