tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56411903060155235892023-11-16T12:46:08.704-06:00Mischievous KristinWhen asked to describe me, Kristin, in one word, everyone always picks the word mischievous. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-27938926175515238972018-03-08T08:58:00.001-06:002018-03-08T09:05:01.816-06:00Diabetes doesn't play nice<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To be honest, we all know diabetes rarely, if ever, plays nice. I was thankful it had been on its best behavior in recent months so I shouldn't be surprised it laughed in my face and threw a massive curveball at me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I traveled to Orlando in February for my employer's International conference as part of crew. It was an incredible experience and a lot of hard work. Seriously. Work days began at 6 am (so you know we were up earlier getting ready) and we usually didn't return to our rooms until midnight. I'm already looking forward to the 2019 conference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite the long days and hard work, my diabetes wasn't an issue. We arrived on Tuesday and I didn't have my first "oh crap" low until Friday morning. It wasn't anything severe but my mind was started to get hazy. I grabbed one of the cans of coke from one of the many tables filled with soda choices and stepped outside into the beautiful warm sunshine to drink it. And in an hour lunch was served so this low was no big deal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saturday morning and diabetes became an asshole. My CGM kept beeping but I slept through it for the most part because my liver loves to go into superhero mode still. My roommate, however, did not sleep through it. Around 4 or 4:30 though I woke up with the need to vomit. Does anyone else ever need to vomit when low? It happens to me occassionally if the low is troubling enough. I have no idea why. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I scrambled out of bed as my roommate asked if I was okay. I couldn't respond because, well, duh. I stumbled into the corner of her bed and I don't remember anything between stumbling into her bed and arriving at the toilet. And there is an amount of time after that I don't fully remember either. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Diabetes is an asshole and doesn't play nice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suddenly, one of our directors was at the door to our room and came in and sat down caddy-corner from me. She spoke in her soothing tone and I had to fight to not doze off. Have I mentioned I love to go to sleep when I'm low? It isn't a good thing people. But since she is a director in my department and in charge of the event, I knew I couldn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember security coming — I think with band-aids — and asking if we needed to call paramedics. You can bet your life I was adamant we did not need to call the paramedic. This was just a basic low blood sugar, right? Right. I'm the expert. :) Plus, to be honest, I'm already on a first name basis it seems with the paramedics in my home city. I'd like to avoid knowing more in other cities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I remember hearing my roommate on the phone with someone while our director was in the bathroom but I'm not sure with who. She went to our director's room to grab a can of coke. Did I mention my boss (another director) was rooming with our director? Thanks boss for not coming to see me in the state I was in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My roommate and director grabbed my pile of snacks. Dude, I'm a type one diabetic, I always travel with snacks. And insisted I eat some peanut butter cracker sandwiches. They were like cardboard. It took about five minutes to eat just one. At the same time, I just wanted to go to sleep. And vomit. And maybe TMI, my bladder didn't play nice when I got rid of food from my system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the time I was feeling more "with it" and my blood sugars were rising, I'm sure it was a few hours later. I was without shorts to sleep in or move about the hotel room. They let me take a shower because I felt nasty and then I climbed into bed and attempted to doze off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are chunks of time I don't remember during this experience. For example, I apparently beat myself up and ran into things. I have a massive gash in my left elbow, a bruised palm (those suckers hurt), a smaller gash on my right knee, a bruise on my left shoulder, and a small bruise on my left forearm. I have no idea how this all came to be. The hotel bathroom is apparently a very dangerous place. I only remember stumbling into the corner of my roommate's bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From my injuries, there was significant blood everywhere. If you ask my roommate, it looked like a murder scene and she was determined to keep me alive. Blood on the floor. Blood on my shirt (no idea how it got there). If only for the fact because she'd be seen as the prime suspect if I died. Oh, and also because we're friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During this fall, I also apparently (no memory) pulled out my insulin pump infusion site. On Sunday morning I learned I busted my insulin pump that is no longer under warranty. Have no fear, it was still giving me insulin, it just was no longer connecting to my glucose meter. My new pump was also on its way to be delivered so I didn't need to stress. It was a good run insulin pump. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our director gave us the morning off from our crew responsibilities and said I didn't need to be downstairs until 5 p.m. As an experienced person with diabetes, I knew I would only need a few hours to recover. When we returned to the activities, I walked into the massive general session room and saw the rest of the event crew at the "in charge" table in the back of the room. The sigh of relief on one of the girl's face made me feel terrible for causing her worry but also made my heart grow because it showed me she cared and maybe I'm worthy to be cared about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My roommate deserves a medal for her awesomeness. She kept her cool in what I'm sure was a scary experience. She cleaned up the bathroom, she went and got us breakfast (Apple Jacks for me if you must ask) and band-aids, and made sure I was okay. She had the hotel bring us more towels and since they knew something was going on, brought us robes and slippers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My director is another rock star. She didn't judge. She focused on what I obviously needed, even if I was oblivious to what I needed, and didn't seem stressed at all about what was going on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I bust my butt trying to control my diabetes and take care of myself. I never want to be seen as a burden to people or weak. I never want someone to think I can't do something because of this stupid disease. Everyone involved (a few others obviously knew) have been extremely gracious and have not judged or shamed me. I have shamed myself and feel embarrassed this happened because I was trying so hard not to let it happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the big evening event on Saturday night, a few executives asked how I was feeling which caused me more embarrassment but like everyone else, they weren't judging, they just truly cared. When I met with the VP of Risk, he informed me everyone loves me and just wants me to be okay and these things happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I suppose you could say I provided a great bonding opportunity for a few of us. I'd rather bond over our love of all things Disney or a bottle of wine but at least this was memorable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After the fact, I remembered this happened on a Saturday morning which obviously follows Friday. A Friday during Lent. Conferences are tough because you don't have much choice for your meals and looking back I definitely didn't get the protein I needed. I've made note of this for next year and will make sure to be eating protein during the day. Even if I have to have a hidden jar of peanut butter and spoons to grab. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My ego is bruised because this happened in front of people I work with and respect. Lows like this make me emotional after the fact. So these poor people also had to deal with emotional Kristin. Sorry about that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Diabetes is an asshole and doesn't play nice. Despite that, I'm okay. I had to share this experience because it is important to show there is absolutely no glamor to diabetes. Instead there is grit, grim, blood and chaos. </span> <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics --> <script async="" src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-45122681-1"></script> <script>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-55475960695773992932017-09-10T20:36:00.000-05:002017-10-03T13:51:00.965-05:00Decisions are hard. Diabetes decisions are harder. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Woof. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That is a popular saying among my team at work and it perfectly describes how I feel about a decision I must make. And it has to be made sooner rather than later. Although it isn't a direct life or death type of decision, it still in a way could have that impact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I need to decide on my next insulin pump. See? Totally life and death, just not directly. The insulin pump helps me live. Not just live but to live a much more normal life like all of you fools with working pancreases. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am at a complete loss though of what to choose. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69ClNv5bAAmJS5Eov5S3vvZvkH6DIMBchKQ9XSWESURyv6NbBG7rIlwH32WofSVxK28APgua2-LYgrND2Cf_sDicGVLKQKcPcHdt4vsk_jj8Q_997s86XRB8ZFrJg3Wybr0K3Qy5vqldE/s1600/Image-A-Diabetes-Word-Cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69ClNv5bAAmJS5Eov5S3vvZvkH6DIMBchKQ9XSWESURyv6NbBG7rIlwH32WofSVxK28APgua2-LYgrND2Cf_sDicGVLKQKcPcHdt4vsk_jj8Q_997s86XRB8ZFrJg3Wybr0K3Qy5vqldE/s400/Image-A-Diabetes-Word-Cloud.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I received <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2013/11/taking-ownership.html" target="_blank">my first insulin pump</a> four years ago this October. It was exciting. I was scared. I was not thrilled. And then I was able to take control of my diabetes. And become a heck of a lot healthier. Becoming so healthy helped me fall in love with my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) because I didn't think I could ever truly be healthy. Especially as healthy as I now am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My current pump is the <a href="http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-530g-diabetes-system-with-enlite" target="_blank">Medtronic MiniMed 530G</a>. When I started, my doctor had me using the Enlite CGM sensor with it. My doctor changed (not my decision) and ultimately we switched me to the <a href="http://www.dexcom.com/" target="_blank">Dexcom CGM</a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh3jxqCoAC36blMLYlIrLDjIgYNeeVOIE_wIjCsWbhBegJVirlP6OS_1b5RRx4lv6mmhhYGbhLuCuBDnjDRBMrdi2kNxdEpaC04AOekto6mcLv78-RzbLkx7i5rGtx-oo9tLjAvDaiykc/s1600/medtronic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh3jxqCoAC36blMLYlIrLDjIgYNeeVOIE_wIjCsWbhBegJVirlP6OS_1b5RRx4lv6mmhhYGbhLuCuBDnjDRBMrdi2kNxdEpaC04AOekto6mcLv78-RzbLkx7i5rGtx-oo9tLjAvDaiykc/s320/medtronic.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the past year, Medtronic has released a new pump, <a href="http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-670g-insulin-pump-system" target="_blank">the 670G</a>, and upgraded their CGM. In fact, it is basically a closed loop and works nearly like an artificial pancreas. My understanding -- although I could be wrong -- is you can program it to automatically start giving your body insulin when the CGM reaches a predetermined high glucose level. Basically, you could really nail having your blood sugars in target range nearly all the time. I still can't fully comprehend that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I LOVE Medtronic. Obviously, their products have been life changing for me. They chose me to attend MasterLab in Florida in 2015 (blog <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-1.html" target="_blank">one</a>, <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-2.html" target="_blank">two</a>, <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-three.html" target="_blank">three</a>) which was an incredible experience. The experience also brought me extremely close with several members of their public relations and social media team. When I moved to the Dexcom CGM, there were tears. I felt guilty. I still feel guilty. Medtronic has some of the best customer service I've ever witnessed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know you are thinking "Kristin should just go with Medtronic!" It makes sense. They have done nothing wrong. Medtronic has always been a positive experience for me. So why am I hesitating to just go with Medtronic? There are a couple of reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, the new system's CGM isn't compatible with my phone and Apple watch. Not a huge issue but I have become accustomed to it. Considering I wear dresses about 95 percent of the time, I really appreciate not having to slide my dress up to my hips -- hopefully discreetly -- to pull out my pump hooked on my underwear to check my glucose number. Seriously. At work? So awkward. In meetings, it is also helpful because I can just quickly glance at my phone or watch and no one gives it a second thought. I'm not sure when Medtronic plans -- and I hope they do plan -- to make it compatible with phones and watches. Heck, Dexcom just announced a partnership with Fitbit this past week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The other reason I am hesitant to jump in completely with Medtronic is because of information out there on the interwebs of how the CGM sensors are back ordered and people who have already ordered them won't get them until 2018. That doesn't seem so great. And the insulin pump isn't going to work with older versions of their CGMs or Dexcoms so the closed loop feature is pointless since it can't be used. I'm also sure there is a back order for getting the 670G as well but I don't believe it is nearly as long as the sensors. So what happens if my pump breaks once the warranty expires (October) but my new one hasn't arrived yet? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seriously. I'm stressing out just thinking about that. Which means my blood sugar is probably going up. <i>*sigh* </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So ... if I don't go with the fabulous Medtronic system, what other choices do I have? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, I could stay with Dexcom for my CGM. Dexcom though does not make an insulin pump although they are compatible with several others. I do love Dexcom works with my iPhone but their supplier, Bryam Healthcare, has been a nightmare to work with. Seriously. There were tears and heated discussions for nearly two months to get me my sensors. It was not pleasant. I did learn through all of that my insurance thinks the world of Medtronic so, another plus for them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V98RMOIeFB6tSxYlBt9H58vOkMx3uFqNWlGN72HP8JU9H9tbq1KeeCavN8AKtlkUl9gIzr9ZEgrXZZxVJxfndnHoOzK2ZbONBoqHMzSNTUD5E_rbIwXn7lHGFTufQFnPDMGj5gPozCDq/s1600/tslim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V98RMOIeFB6tSxYlBt9H58vOkMx3uFqNWlGN72HP8JU9H9tbq1KeeCavN8AKtlkUl9gIzr9ZEgrXZZxVJxfndnHoOzK2ZbONBoqHMzSNTUD5E_rbIwXn7lHGFTufQFnPDMGj5gPozCDq/s200/tslim.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For a pump, the one I've been eying as a choice is the <a href="https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/products/t-slim-x2-insulin-pump" target="_blank">T:Slim X2</a>. It is their newest version. I know a few people who have the previous version of T:Slim and like it. It is pretty slick looking too and would probably be the most similar to my Medtronic pump. I could consider the OmniPod which has no tubing but it just doesn't appeal to me. My sister uses it but it just looks so bulky and I'm already a ridiculously amount of self-conscious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I haven't done a massive amount of research likely I usually do but I do know I value the opinions of the Diabetes Online Community. Hopefully you all will chime in with your thoughts (i.e. your experience with these products, why you chose what you did, etc.). I also haven't discussed my next pump with my endocrinologist yet. I want to have an idea of what I want, make the recommendation to her and see what happens. Last time, they made the decision for me. It turned out really well but I am more comfortable making these big decisions myself -- with lots of input from others. Duh. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-89750881371984655572017-08-29T22:57:00.001-05:002017-10-03T13:51:10.985-05:00Sweeping away the dust<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wow! I have neglected my blog for just over a year since <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2016/06/is-this-real-life.html" target="_blank">my car was stolen</a>. Remember that? I'm not sure I will ever be able to forget it. I swept off the dust because well, I have lots to say about all sorts of things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think the main reason I have found my way back to my blog is because I miss my diabetes advocacy efforts. And soon I will have had my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor for four years. FOUR YEARS! Considering how much of a stink I put up when my doctor decided I needed to pump, who would have thought I'd not only have kept it but am thriving with it. Looking back, one of the best decisions ever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With that said, I'll blog in the near future about some diabetes focused things on my mind but the purpose of this blog is to bring y'all up to speed on what has kept me so busy. Because honestly, when does life slow down? It pretty much doesn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So ... some of the highlights: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I replaced my stolen car with an amazing </span><a href="http://imgur.com/eJcJlwq" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Subaru BRZ</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Legit, it is a sexy game. I might have to send a thank you card to the punk who stole and destroyed my Camry. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I got to visit an official Christian Louboutin store in person for the first time in October. I treated myself to a weekend in Dallas (first time visiting) and went to the spa, nabbed some of my favorite beer from Phoenix, returned to Nordstrom and visited some high-end stores I've always dreamt of. It was so fun and I look forward to returning! </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In November, all of my efforts at work paid off and I witnessed everything coming to life with our Speakeasy benefit for the local Alzheimer's Association. The goal was to raise $100,000 and I came up just shy raising $95,000. Considering the economic condition here in the state, I'm extremely proud of my efforts and the efforts of our committee. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">December brought another family trip to the Caribbean and this time we went to St. Maarten/St. Martin as well as a one day trip to St. Barths. It was so much fun. Our resort was next to the airport so I was able to stand on the beach as airplanes arrived and departed. It was incredible! </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In 2017, life changed in a good way as I was approached about a job opportunity with an International company. I wasn't looking but based on the company's reputation, I would have been foolish to not listen and next thing I knew I was putting in my notice and starting a new job. I miss so many people from my previous job because they are magnificent. Thankfully Facebook helps me stay connected. Despite all of that, this new opportunity has been incredible and I am blessed it came my way. It is amazing how good things come to you when you aren't looking. Maybe this works for relationships? Doubtful. The new job is keeping me crazy busy as is my involvement with Public Relations Society of America. I wouldn't give anything up though. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This spring I also decided to become a better home owner and start doing various projects around the house. I have a long journey ahead but every tiny step counts. Right? Right? RIGHT? The one completed project was I painted my front door. I took it from an atrocious dark green to a vibrant bright blue. I love it. I've also picked out wall colors for inside the house although I need to figure out trim colors. The next project will be to paint all the rooms in the house. So, you'll probably see more home improvement focused posts too. I also painted my patio furniture. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We all know I love to travel. Not only have I traveled to the Caribbean since my last blog post but also went to Orlando for the Alzheimer's Association event as a guest of the local chapter. It was incredible and I'm proud I'm able to support them, even if on a smaller scale than before. I have also returned home to Nebraska and have a visit to return in the near future. Work will take me to Seattle and Indianapolis this year while PRSA will take me to Boston. Thank goodness Rocky loves Camp Bow Wow! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is all I can think of which might be of interest to you but probably isn't of interest. At least it has opened the door for me to return to my neglected blog. I'm excited to start writing again! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-69192737332956011642016-06-30T20:19:00.000-05:002017-10-03T13:51:25.953-05:00Is this real life? <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The past few weeks have been anything but normal. It has been a whirlwind of emotions. If you are connected with me on social media you are most likely aware of what has been going on but you may have missed my posts thanks to how social media algorithms are set up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before Memorial Day I joined a community pool since I do not have a pool at my house (the downside of being a home owner I suppose). I had been there a few times before and have truly enjoyed it. The pool with the sunshine is my happy place. It is where I center myself and truly relax and recharge myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My plans for the weekend of June 11 was to basically spend the entire weekend at the pool. I even inflated my raft to really enjoy the pool and enhance my tan. I arrived at the pool when it opened at 11 (I really wish they would open at 10) and set up camp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I decided to start the day on my raft in the water. I got in and began to float away and then let loose the expletives. I forgot to remove my insulin pump which is not waterproof. The day was not off to a good start. I managed to get out of the pool without getting my pump more wet. I dried it off and called Medtronic's help line. We ran some tests and it seemed my pump survived my stupidity. Phew! I watched my pump very carefully the rest of the weekend and it worked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Crisis averted. I worked on my tan and laid on my raft a few times. Around 2 p.m. I decided it was time to head home as I had a lot on my to-do list and I knew I'd be back at the pool the next day. I prepared to leave and gathered my items. As always, I went to pull out my keys before I left. I'm not sure why I have this habit but I do. And cue panic. My keys were not there. I dumped out my tote bag and turned it inside out. No keys. I looked under the lounge chair I'd been laying on. No keys. I walked over to the pool staff and asked if someone had turned in keys or perhaps I had taken them with me when I asked them for medical adhesive tape to secure my infusion site. No keys. They thought I was nuts and helped me look through my items again. Still no keys. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We went inside and up the stairs to the main desk. Nope. No one turned in any keys. They still didn't believe me when I said my car had been stolen so they told me to go look in the parking lot, confident I'd see my car. I walked out to the nearly empty parking lot and my car was not there. I returned to the main desk and called the police to file a report. While we waited for the police to arrive, we speculated about who took my keys. At that point the other lifeguard brought up a baggie from the pool. While dumping out my tote bag, I had left my ziplock bag with my CGM receiver in it. Whoops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I speculated it was the kid who had been on the one side of me instead of the more adult (around my age perhaps) lady on the other side. The kid was 13 or 14. He had been in the pool, playing with a mom and her toddler and seemed like a good kid. The staff and I shared info we had heard him say and what we knew of him (basically nothing). The police arrived and I filed a report. The Sergeant put out an APB for my car. After he left I called my insurance agent to give him a heads up, called my mom and the guy I've been dating. I also had been texting my sisters. You have to love the first time they hear from me in at least a week is me sending them a message of "My car has been stolen." At some point while all that was going on, and I hadn't quite processed what was next, the Sergeant called and left me a voice mail. They had found my car and were in pursuit of it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Squee! They had found my car. He said he'd call back and come and get me if it was still drivable after they stopped it. Since he said that I decided to chill at the fitness center until I heard back. He eventually called back and informed me how they had lost my car but then with the help of a suburb's police department, had found it again...down south by the airport. He also mentioned it was not drivable. He gave me the info of how someone would be in contact with me as to where my car would end up and what not. He did verify it was a 14-year old they caught with my car (as well as others). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From there I called a cab to take me home and scheduled a locksmith to meet me at my house to change my locks. The Sergeant had informed me they weren't sure where all my keys were nor when if they were found when I'd get them back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My car made the news. I didn't see it on all the channels but many friends sent me messages saying they saw it on the news on Sunday morning as well as Saturday night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The follow up has been crazy. I've tried to get the police reports but even though I was the victim I can't get them because the juvenile is protected as he is under age. A little frustrating but after hearing conflicting stories from one of the police departments, I may be able to get it. The other department requires me requesting the report from the legal team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I filed the claim with insurance and they arranged for Enterprise to bring me a car on Sunday. Turns out the Enterprise won't due that on Sundays and I ended up walking 3.3 miles to go get a rental car because I needed a car to get around, especially to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Tuesday night as I was nearly home, the insurance adjuster called and informed me unfortunately my car was deemed a total loss. Cue the tears. My car had been my first true adult purchase. It was a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6. It didn't even have 80,000 miles. I did everything I could to take care of it. I wanted it to last me 10 years and it nearly did. I had paid it off in 2011. Ugh!!! It did not deserve to be killed like this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Friday, I went to the lot where my car was and collected my belongings. I tried to make the best of it but the entire time while driving thee and waiting for them to bring my car to the front I just wanted to vomit. I was very confused because none of my belongings were in my car except for the manual in the glove box, my garage door opener in the spot for it on the roof and gum in the center console. I wasn't able to check the console in the back seat (or the pockets behind the front seats) because my missing tire and bumper were shoved into the backseat. I did start my car to write down the radio stations I had programed into it and to pull out the CDs in the CD player. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I popped the trunk because I knew I had had items in there. SURPRISE! There was the suspect's book bag as well as some of my other items (there were manila envelopes with my papers/license plate on the dash) so I grabbed all that and went back inside. We proceeded to call the police so they could take the kid's stuff and go through it so I could get my stuff. The zipper wasn't full closed on it and I saw my umbrella in it. I'm not sure if the kid had put all my stuff in his bag or if the people at the lot had done that. Either way, I'm out about $10 since I had that in the drawer on the far left of the dash and it was found no where. A moment of hilarity though, besides his book bag, he had left his towel, swim trunks, shirt and cell phone in my car. The police office and I parted ways and I made my way home with a few stops to inquire about potential new vehicles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am exhausted from all this. I managed to find a wonderful new car so that is exciting but damn it, now I'm going to have more expensive car insurance and let me tell you -- car insurance in this state is not cheap. Although state law says I can go after retribution I'm not sure how because there is no way for me to obtain the kid's info or his parents' info. I plan to request insurance to go after it though to keep my name out of court records so the kid will never know my name. There is still plenty of other little things to deal with. I've lost out on five pool days. I'm going to attempt to work up the nerve to return to the pool this holiday weekend but I'm pretty apprehensive, especially with a beautiful new vehicle. </span><br />
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<b style="color: #755a2a; font-family: 'pt sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><b>Click for the </b><a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=13May2016b" style="color: #78ab46;" target="_blank">Language an</a></b><a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=13May2016b" style="color: #78ab46; font-family: 'pt sans'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;" target="_blank"><b>d Diabetes - Wednesday 5/18</b></a><b style="color: #755a2a; font-family: 'pt sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"> Link List.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">There is an old saying that states “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. I'm willing to bet we've all disagreed with this at some point, and especially when it comes to diabetes. Many advocate for the importance of using non-stigmatizing, inclusive and non-judgmental language when speaking about or to people with diabetes. For some, they don't care, others care passionately. Where do you stand when it comes to “person with diabetes” versus “diabetic”, or “checking” blood sugar versus “testing”, or any of the tons of other examples? Let's explore the power of words, but please remember to keep things respectful.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today was a busy, busy day but a truly wonderful day, despite causing the alarm to go off at work when I got there before anyone else had arrived. Whoops! I spent most of the day at a PRSA Professional Development Day conference. My PRSA people are equivalent to my diabetes people. They create a happy, safe place for me. Today those worlds collided when one of my favorite #dsma friends came to town to attend the conference. YAY! It was great to spend the day with here even though most of the day was spent listening and learning rather than chatting and giggling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since my day was so busy (and yes, I'm about to curl up and work from home while cheering the Thunder on to a victory), this blog won't be much but it will mean a lot to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I think of diabetes and language I don't think about if we should say "person with diabetes" versus "diabetic". I actually think of the power of words others have said to me about diabetes. I blogged about it shortly after it happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've shared it several times. I'm over it but I still think it is important to use as a lesson. A lesson of there are incredibly stupid, ignorant people in our society. A lesson of how if we believe we are advocates we should never stop trying to educate people about diabetes. A lesson we should never be ashamed or our diabetes. A lesson we should think of what we say. Prior to attending MasterLab in 2015 I felt there was a disconnect between people who have the various types of diabetes. I still believe that. Rather than uniting under the large umbrella of diabetes and fighting <i>together</i> to secure better care, we are not speaking with each other and fighting our own battles. The power we would have if we held our own unique "personalities" under the same umbrella would be world and life changing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With all of that said, here is what I wrote several years. When you read it think of the bigger picture of what you say and the impact it can have, even if those weren't your intentions. We become so irate when people make jokes about diabetes but how often do we joke about the battles other people have? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From April 2014: <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-pain-of-pretending-to-laugh.html" target="_blank">http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-pain-of-pretending-to-laugh.html </a></span><br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-10827082091098059782016-05-17T21:52:00.001-05:002016-05-17T21:52:21.628-05:00Dblog Week: The other half of diabetes<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="color: #755a2a; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><b>Click for the </b><a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=13May2016a" style="color: #78ab46;" target="_blank">The Other Half of Diabetes - Tuesday 5/17</a></b><b style="color: #755a2a; font-family: 'PT Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"> Link List.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">We think a lot about the physical component of diabetes, but the mental component is just as significant. How does diabetes affect you or your loved one mentally or emotionally? How have you learned to deal with the mental aspect of the condition? Any tips, positive phrases, mantras, or ideas to share on getting out of a diabetes funk? (If you are a caregiver to a person with diabetes, write about yourself or your loved one or both!)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How does diabetes affect me (and my loved ones) mentally or emotionally? How does it not affect us all? There is a reason I firmly believe people with diabetes should spend time with mental health professionals. It isn't people with diabetes are crazy, it is the fact diabetes is a crazy game and can change at the drop of a hat. Anything and everything impacts it. It is a lot of handle. And comprehend. And still be a well-adjusted adult. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A doctor once suggested I see a psychiatrist. I rolled my eyes but went. And it helped. It became a type of "safe place." I was able to vent and yell and cry if needed. I was able to complain about how much it stunk having to count every single gram of carbohydrates. The bonus for me was this psychiatrist specialized in people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. They may not completely understand my illness but they understand it and its nuances far better than most. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mental health isn't an option for everyone though. In fact, it currently isn't an option for me because the doctor's office hours do not jive with my work schedule and he is über popular and it is extremely hard to get an appointment. You know what works just as well? Friends. Puppies. The diabetes online community (doc). I have met some incredible people through the DOC. Most only online but some in person. And just as I get them, they get me. I can shoot a quick note about the excitement of a device free shower and they get it. I can break down in tears from a horrific low blood sugar and they don't tell me to grow up. The best part is, I don't have to hide any aspect of my life from them because they get it. All of the components to my life as a person with diabetes can be overwhelming and exhausting and those without it can become tired and just want you to shut up if you go on and on and on. I have to be honest, usually I go on and on an on because I'm just sharing my normal life as others go on and on and on about their kids but also to continue to always attempt to educate others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those friends, whether they belong to the DOC or not, are crucial to survival. My puppy also helps me with the mental and emotional parts. Rocky isn't a puppy anymore -- he is eight years old but I still treat him as a puppy. And he is all about snuggling. He also seems to always know when I'm about to break from just being over all of this and refuses to leave my lap. Those few moments of curling up with him put me at peace and make everything seem perfect in the world. He is really the only living creature I release any tears to. He doesn't judge. He just loves me unconditionally. Everyone should have a Rocky in their life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-41437379260848452132016-05-16T13:00:00.002-05:002016-05-16T13:00:56.356-05:00Dblog Week -- Message Monday<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;">Click for the <a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=13May2016" style="color: #78ab46;" target="_blank">Message Monday - Monday 5/16</a></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;"><a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=13May2016" style="color: #78ab46;" target="_blank"> </a>Link List.</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #755a2a; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;">Lets kick off the week by talking about why we are here, in the diabetes blog space. What is the most important diabetes awareness message to you? Why is that message important for you, and what are you trying to accomplish by sharing it on your blog?</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh I am a slacker! I forgot to sign up and of course this week is chaotic with work, PRSA and everything else. I'm going to do my best to fully participate though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What is the most important diabetes awareness message to me? I think to me is it pushing the message I am a human first and i just happen to have diabetes. Maybe that is why I blog about all sorts of things such as Stitch Fix, cooking and random musings. (Yes, I'm fully aware my blog has been lacking since I started my new job this past September). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If I wanted to be primarily known as a person with diabetes, I'd push diabetes 24/7. But I'm a human. With at least a million other facets to who I am than just my diabetes. As a kid, I always felt everyone viewed me as a person with diabetes first who happened to be someone's daughter, sister, student, classmate, teammate, etc. Even my endocrinologists seemed to view me as just another person with diabetes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perhaps being viewed this way led to a lot of my rebellion and lack of ambition/motivation to actually care about myself and my health. I was defined as a youngster my the number of my glucose monitor. If I was high (because emotions, sunshine/heat or who knows why), I'd face the third degree about what candy I must have secretly eaten. Why bother trying if my numbers could be impacted by things I couldn't control. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But then I found my previous doctor (she left the field so I have a new one who is just as amazing), who treated me like a human. She asked about my life. She bragged to others in the office when I bought my house, she bragged about me earning my APR. She gave me hugs. She cared about me and saw me as a human who happened to have this pesky disease rather than a diabetic who also happens to be a human with who knows how many interests. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">JDRF has started their "Type 1 diabetes looks like me" campaign and is shares a similar message as what I am unintentionally pushing out -- diabetes does not define me. I refuse to let it. If I let it define me, it wins. I'm competitive. I refuse to win. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just because I don't let it define me doesn't mean I don't care and I don't advocate for better situations for those of us with diabetes. I do care. I do my best to advocate but I don't want diabetes to be the first word people use to describe me. I much prefer mischievous or witty or adrenaline junkie or ambitious or heck, even "ethnicity unknown" (ha! inside joke!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, that is my message with my blog and social media. It isn't a common/traditional message and at times it seems others may view me not so favorably but I'm okay with this. I have no issue with those who let a disease define them but it isn't the path I choose for me. Which is wonderful. I truly love how everyone in the DOC is so different. </span>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-29367031773766216562016-05-15T13:21:00.002-05:002016-05-15T13:21:45.333-05:00Changing technology -- CGM edition<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not the biggest fan of change and yet here we are, I'm making changes. This one is kind of big and yet it isn't. Since the fall, my endocrinologist has wanted me to consider switching my Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) system. And I kept pushing back about not wanting to change. And how loyal I am to Medtronic (Seriously. I love them). And how things were just fine as they were; there was no need to change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But when 2016 began, I encounter quite a few hurdles. My sensors consistently were failing. I had three weeks in a row of them failing. They always failed within 24 hours of putting them in on a Sunday. Of course they failed while I was at work which meant I wouldn't be able to insert a new one until the evening...after dinner. I'm not a fan of that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also had several horrific low blood sugars which involved some blackouts, vomiting and who knows what else. Not ideal. I needed to evaluate and see what was not only causing them (still not sure) but why I wasn't catching them early enough to prevent the horrid of what they ultimately became. I've learned, unlike most others, I get pretty sleepy when I'm low and just want to "sleep the low off." Yep, I'm a winner. I also tend to sleep on my stomach. Where do I attach my pump while sleeping/laying down? on the waistband of my shorts/pants. So more often than not my pump, which is what beeps at me when high or low, is muffled between my body and the mattress and therefore I'm not hearing the alarms. Not ideal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With all of that, I agreed with my endocrinologist to do a trial run of the Dexcom CGM. Many are always saying how it is far more accurate than my Medtronic Enlite. Again, my loyalty to Medtronic wanted to prove that opinion wrong. So, I signed up for a trail run of the Dexcom and wore both at the same time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I put the Enlite on in the morning on Sunday and the Dex was put on towards the end of the work day on Monday. For the first two days or so, the Enlite readings were far more accurate. Then they both were pretty accurate and alternated on which was more accurate. Usually whichever was more accurate was only more accurate by a number or two. Say was 121 compared to 120 when my meter was 122 or 123. Nothing significant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Basically, those who rip Medtronic for not being accurate can shut it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ultimately though, I have chosen to switch, at least for the time being. Reasons for me switching include:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having an alarm to sound not coming from my pump so I will actually hear it and not ignore it and/or sleep through it;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Dexcom app refreshes far quicker than the Medtronic one; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am able to eat while calibrating the Dex unlike my Enlite because no joke, more often than not, I went low while calibrating; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It works with my Apple Watch so I'm able to discreetly check my numbers while at work. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am still in tears and feeling guilty about switching. If (we should be honest and say when, not if) Medtronic makes changes to their system, I will switch back. But at this point in my life, especially as a single person who lives alone (ugh, it hurt to type those words), I need a CGM I know I will hear because this horrific low blood sugars are too much and eventually could have a less than desirable result. I haven't found a way to tell my friends at Medtronic I've switched. I'm not grown enough to send them a message. I suppose they may read my blog (or perhaps they won't), but I know I'm taking the cowards way out by just posting a blog rather than sending them a message. And I'm sure for at least three months I will continue to feel guilty. I just need to remind myself I'm doing what is best for me and my health and care. And I subconsciously I know that is what they will care most about. But dang it, I feel guilty. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And with publishing this post (a Sunday), I will be preparing to insert my first Dexcom sensor. My last Medtronic Enlite sensor finished Saturday evening. I'm feeling pretty bittersweet. </span></div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-53916798014686373082016-04-14T20:48:00.002-05:002016-04-14T20:50:23.765-05:00Subscription boxes: Meal edition<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I like adventure. I tend to like trying new things. Trying new foods? Not so much. Most who know me well are aware of how picky of an eater I can be. Seriously. Have you heard my rant filled with hate towards tomatoes? So, I'm a picky eater. And if know me, you are also aware of how I am slightly fascinated with subscription boxes. They were a unique concept but now nearly everything has a subscription box. Even though the market place is starting to become saturated with subscription boxes, they still intrigue me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Which brings us to the past two months. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2iZvzHIxNfxVUirDlVVgVJnV3zjBo3TtT2OedvB-MAtq3g17GEc94l59h9FswGfYYbnlooFKdhylbrmRGHlXRkcYGcS3g2VG-ZMuCJlwdeBmT8X-pKeKkXeYShvUnvpAcqJlPMZIx4nF/s1600/IMG_8157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2iZvzHIxNfxVUirDlVVgVJnV3zjBo3TtT2OedvB-MAtq3g17GEc94l59h9FswGfYYbnlooFKdhylbrmRGHlXRkcYGcS3g2VG-ZMuCJlwdeBmT8X-pKeKkXeYShvUnvpAcqJlPMZIx4nF/s320/IMG_8157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients from my second Blue Apron box. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been quite aware of Blue Apron's existence to seeing their information everywhere. A wonderful friend of mine was gifted Blue Apron for Christmas. When she had a free trial to give, she graciously gave it to me. I love to cook and I'm wanting to try new foods. Seemed like a pretty good deal. With the free trial I received two boxes. I was excited when the first one arrived and couldn't wait to get started. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first meal I made was incredible despite one tiny error on my part when making the sauce. Couldn't even tell when eating it. The five meals which followed left quite a bit to be desired. But I was excited to try new foods. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some things I enjoyed from my two boxes were:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Being the advertising nerd I am, I really enjoyed the packaging;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The food was extremely high quality; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I enjoyed getting to pick which three meals I would receive; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the most part the instructions were clear as long as you read them completely through before beginning; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I found new foods I enjoyed and other foods I won't need to ever eat again. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some things I did not particularly enjoy from my two Blue Apron boxes were:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes the instructions were not the clearest. I'm not the most accomplished home cook but I like to think I have a pretty strong understanding of how the world of the kitchen works; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was frustrated when picking my three meals out of six because often I would select one choice and then the one of the other choices I was interested in was not available because of my first choice. This made selecting meals a little more difficult than I would have liked; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The instructions regarding the collard greens failed. It was similar to what I imaging making popcorn on the stove to be ... the greens flew everywhere in the kitchen; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">No nutrition information was provided. When I inquired about this they said they aren't able to provide nutrition information because the amount included_ can vary and they aren't able to take into account the amount of olive oil you use. Personally, I think they are just slacking by not providing any nutritional information, even on their website. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Overall, Blue Apron wasn't bad. It felt a little too fancy for my tastes but perhaps this is because I'm such a picky eater. I do have another box coming soon -- one of which I am paying for. It arrives this weekend with three recipes I'm nervous but excited to try: Korean Bao Sliders with Gochujang Mayo & Sweet Potato Tempura; Za'atar Chicken & Pearl Couscous with Asparagus and Pink Lemon Compote; and Creamy Lemon Pasta with English Peas, Mint & Garlic Breadcrumbs. I tried pork recently. It failed. Not sure about these sliders but I need to try new things, right? I also am getting the following week's box with Zucchini and Parmesan Quiche with Green Leaf Lettuce Salad & Pink Lemon Vinaigrette; Vadouvan Chickpea Burgers with Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds and Yogurt Sauce; and Spicy Peanut Noodles with Snow Peas, Pea Tips & Garlic Peanuts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Below are the six meals I created from my two Blue Apron boxes. My serving sizes are much smaller that what most probably eat. The amount of food you get is quite a bit. I could have had four meals out of how much risotto the recipe made. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJOyLBUUt6EKHpRqMBVxN-JBLnCRgKd4ZXf-GcTnwBVXFtXH_yGGrpM-kxIfkCW6RoV8tHbYHZLG8TehnvYEhCsEhfkrXH7QFioJUAzHxlqFqGSGYP7EhqQzFxtof0li_s8U_jn_8ld0b/s1600/IMG_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJOyLBUUt6EKHpRqMBVxN-JBLnCRgKd4ZXf-GcTnwBVXFtXH_yGGrpM-kxIfkCW6RoV8tHbYHZLG8TehnvYEhCsEhfkrXH7QFioJUAzHxlqFqGSGYP7EhqQzFxtof0li_s8U_jn_8ld0b/s320/IMG_8452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This meal was delicious. It was the first time <br />I've had sweet potatoes and I can't wait to have them again. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBNknpf0q3EPPlViq1X3vtXvKzYOIi8nEOQRXtxlvb70UtcKp-JoNPGgEz1u-kbXC4oBQvA-QKuQen3IGAsUHcLkJ1okaa1qZ4KXUs90CyanCTAXSdk7VErFRR00hPehhVskRyULZfN72/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBNknpf0q3EPPlViq1X3vtXvKzYOIi8nEOQRXtxlvb70UtcKp-JoNPGgEz1u-kbXC4oBQvA-QKuQen3IGAsUHcLkJ1okaa1qZ4KXUs90CyanCTAXSdk7VErFRR00hPehhVskRyULZfN72/s320/IMG_8453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The curry was fantastic. Even as leftovers.<br />I love coconut but never want grits again.<br />The collard greens nearly killed me. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVfvnz_jozcSibz8Gx0DQ_Dw8Ur-fbvtKSWj4TqACx_M4AbkjdyNFw1j8AfZP7kMKt_tYpsOMok3s6UgApmGwdEBNv52ew8_PPEeM-IcCctqnJxdWBFMAMqiWY_DD96_kKWK25yF7d7-D/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVfvnz_jozcSibz8Gx0DQ_Dw8Ur-fbvtKSWj4TqACx_M4AbkjdyNFw1j8AfZP7kMKt_tYpsOMok3s6UgApmGwdEBNv52ew8_PPEeM-IcCctqnJxdWBFMAMqiWY_DD96_kKWK25yF7d7-D/s320/IMG_8454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh I love risotto so I was extremely excited.<br />This risotto was a big fat thumbs down as was the salad.</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzN7F3yaAnd3dkSt2-BokmJVlHzdGk9jzohaX5Cmt3UgSl9nhHx8ntELhg1JrTSofvvtekLsFyInMG1jEkVd35-mZPdHzZfhumSHFSQVNVqCWpxe9slu5J3eqX85jHKYph9kHoyggNyVK/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzN7F3yaAnd3dkSt2-BokmJVlHzdGk9jzohaX5Cmt3UgSl9nhHx8ntELhg1JrTSofvvtekLsFyInMG1jEkVd35-mZPdHzZfhumSHFSQVNVqCWpxe9slu5J3eqX85jHKYph9kHoyggNyVK/s320/IMG_8455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The steak was delicious. The fingerling potatoes were eh.<br />The kale wasn't horrible so perhaps another time. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0RxCR46aASe16J38J6hzDY4Q8_14bXlUChtD3KXm-AjKXVaY9fIdKNUAfsl6r0JH3bVCGdElckAMbfBoiKGGz7nEAgGsIVtFbb4FC1rZddQDm5TvTiapP174pzJadjCfW1lIYv1s5gp6/s1600/IMG_8456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0RxCR46aASe16J38J6hzDY4Q8_14bXlUChtD3KXm-AjKXVaY9fIdKNUAfsl6r0JH3bVCGdElckAMbfBoiKGGz7nEAgGsIVtFbb4FC1rZddQDm5TvTiapP174pzJadjCfW1lIYv1s5gp6/s320/IMG_8456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The chicken was great. I struggled with making the<br />potatoes correctly so not a complete winner.<br />The red cabbage? Never again. </span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2qF3tXGp6UAWkKVqtvRyGWbEvAHOrsDmn7RkIryhFRbMdL25yOSr2BEHmNs7JpzsC37LNUGKirVqJ-Kh0zdcoj0yNlJLpaiLllP7fIcQ8W2uGE6P0kSEZKkMm7nfy_VSpiCBqb2Eq79M/s1600/IMG_8457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2qF3tXGp6UAWkKVqtvRyGWbEvAHOrsDmn7RkIryhFRbMdL25yOSr2BEHmNs7JpzsC37LNUGKirVqJ-Kh0zdcoj0yNlJLpaiLllP7fIcQ8W2uGE6P0kSEZKkMm7nfy_VSpiCBqb2Eq79M/s320/IMG_8457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I tried and will never have to make this again. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindzPEd2gFtVbNu3ztXK-t-KZFZgdBStcndoe1MP5Tbla-WgLIX5ihbSqUjW6HBWw6Ef3O-5q2ldk9eGUor_N52p9hvrbwWw-pqSezV9IvCbKTpcppTIHM5jdI1n6CpN-0Hz-Lc32nRom0/s1600/IMG_8524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindzPEd2gFtVbNu3ztXK-t-KZFZgdBStcndoe1MP5Tbla-WgLIX5ihbSqUjW6HBWw6Ef3O-5q2ldk9eGUor_N52p9hvrbwWw-pqSezV9IvCbKTpcppTIHM5jdI1n6CpN-0Hz-Lc32nRom0/s320/IMG_8524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients from my second Hello Fresh box. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a previous issue of Food Network Magazine, they had a comparison chart of all the meal subscription boxes. I've hung on to it. I think it ran in the fall of 2015. A former coworker has been sharing her Hello Fresh adventure on Facebook and provided me a free trial of Hello Fresh. At this point, I kind of want to try all of the various boxes to compare them all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hello Fresh has been quite enjoyable. Things I have enjoyed from the free trial include: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nutrition information is included although not specific serving sizes; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipes are quite a bit more simple; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You aren't limited when choosing your recipes like Blue Apron although you only get five options; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipes are more common or I suppose just not as fancy; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I liked how even though I was on my free two week trial I was able to give out four trails to family and friends; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I haven't been stressed when making them (I was stressed a few times with Blue Apron). </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Things I didn't enjoy: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The packaging wasn't nearly as nice; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of the fresh produce didn't seem to be the best quality. In fact the pork chops packaging was leaking a little in the box; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Way too many tomatoes in the recipes. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Below are the meals I created. Even though I find tomatoes disgusting I kept my Stitch Fix mantra of trying everything as I was supposed to. I really enjoyed quite a bit and there are several items I will probably attempt to make on my own. I currently have no plans for future Hello Fresh boxes but am keeping my eyes on the menu to see if one strikes my fancy. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCitjh8RfgnF594t-dj0Y4mdEAkTtihVb45RNP-V3s_LGkgqFLuERwjceWqyR_1BvBm3CtbH2hi4vzfCDRZidaUhBU6V3Yh4IlBSreKm7Yq0OVnjYj13hRJF3ONi53VXqMimkjnACP0jeD/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCitjh8RfgnF594t-dj0Y4mdEAkTtihVb45RNP-V3s_LGkgqFLuERwjceWqyR_1BvBm3CtbH2hi4vzfCDRZidaUhBU6V3Yh4IlBSreKm7Yq0OVnjYj13hRJF3ONi53VXqMimkjnACP0jeD/s320/IMG_8458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This could have been amazing. It was not. The steak was<br />way too thick and I didn't think to pound it down (I only<br />buy flat iron steaks) so it was pretty rare on the inside<br />despite the outer parts being done. The steak took too<br />long so the succotash was a little too soft for my liking. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvSzqglJMoA0dYdb_WC_GP60FitAIb8FSVYz9utD_L-m5vfWKoXirxVPIE5Gpzo9mntUf7vLZGnUH8JStloMYxiiK7sweVea-Mo0nLBUvQ8e8Gm07jMh6DrgDiUNVSSbw3l7eOLVqGG5/s1600/IMG_8509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLvSzqglJMoA0dYdb_WC_GP60FitAIb8FSVYz9utD_L-m5vfWKoXirxVPIE5Gpzo9mntUf7vLZGnUH8JStloMYxiiK7sweVea-Mo0nLBUvQ8e8Gm07jMh6DrgDiUNVSSbw3l7eOLVqGG5/s320/IMG_8509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was great although I learned I'm not a fan of brown<br />rice. I didn't eat the mushrooms (idk!) but still used them<br />in the recipe. Will make again. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYzpfqlS2TQXOf2DYcbtsW89V5_UvXJHDHVnrFK9g-c28QThAX2sOdrrMShX8K_xmDBBnkT72UFgrECjhlVyQ7EZgd09dEk3HSkQBPaaRjRGIcU7zEnHLqluJRCL5vxSkOie1inKqLg_2/s1600/IMG_8517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYzpfqlS2TQXOf2DYcbtsW89V5_UvXJHDHVnrFK9g-c28QThAX2sOdrrMShX8K_xmDBBnkT72UFgrECjhlVyQ7EZgd09dEk3HSkQBPaaRjRGIcU7zEnHLqluJRCL5vxSkOie1inKqLg_2/s320/IMG_8517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Again, could have done without the tomatoes but<br />overall was a great meal and didn't feel too heavy as<br />pasta can sometimes. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGh-8bEWME7f223K4sXlg1WVBFFsLFeNdoKEi4BxBHLLISB9yGxembkbozmrhAmFHLmT_nRsFALtDkBKjvh9_tfMSqAE-yBT9e_gfMoylqe74-ifv9EQ-mc1lQ-ipmAzNlvCBa4yc5nv3/s1600/IMG_8555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGh-8bEWME7f223K4sXlg1WVBFFsLFeNdoKEi4BxBHLLISB9yGxembkbozmrhAmFHLmT_nRsFALtDkBKjvh9_tfMSqAE-yBT9e_gfMoylqe74-ifv9EQ-mc1lQ-ipmAzNlvCBa4yc5nv3/s320/IMG_8555.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My first time having a Juicy Lucy. It doesn't look pretty<br />but it was delicious. I love the balsamic vinegar dressing<br />which is what you made for salad. Would have used<br />spinach for the salad though. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Vav1someT7Ln92F2_eKLYx52B9yKZcP2hd17Y2xaCec7-iVo_w9nynKmsMS2FXn8VpJuCaP-_E4_sxmgIadiePga6BFlFlZAc4EQO8JClIoT8bZsT_l-CGt-28-FDEmH3Vfjipta5CN/s1600/IMG_8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Vav1someT7Ln92F2_eKLYx52B9yKZcP2hd17Y2xaCec7-iVo_w9nynKmsMS2FXn8VpJuCaP-_E4_sxmgIadiePga6BFlFlZAc4EQO8JClIoT8bZsT_l-CGt-28-FDEmH3Vfjipta5CN/s320/IMG_8584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another great recipe. I'll make it again. Probably on<br />the grill this summer. Didn't touch the tomatoes. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJM512g2w0RmjBi98mLL_b4h66rPbx_ZW47sGiBeS_hN7ZVjbs2KSiM2M69N3L1aLpkF_e2-G3zXgQMALwDV4o11slC4tYhREzKj4kXVMlvPS50zZQpDpiJJbf_3fFLwgqemRs9JMWeRo/s320/IMG_8617.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This one. Nope. The yard guy came and I had to help<br />him in regards to pointing out some yard work so the<br />cakes burned. My first time trying a pork chop....<br />couldn't even finish the first bite. Only one massive<br />failure isn't bad though. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, that was my experience of two meal subscription boxes. Hello Fresh is a little more expensive (maybe by five dollars) but I think their meals were more winners than Blue Apron. Blue Apron reignited my love and passion for cooking so that is plus in their column. The boxes run about $60 which seems like a lot of money. For the quality and fanciness of Blue Apron, it seems justified. For the poor packaging and some less than desirable produce, not so much for Hello Fresh. I wish there was a subscription box for families of one. Looking at the positive side of things though, if I had enjoyed every single meal from one box, I would have had six entire meals just for me. Ten dollars a meal is still more than my usual meals which unless I'm being fancy (four cheese risotto for the win!), usually costs about two or three dollars. I'm a simple person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Overall, I will stay "subscribed" to both boxes but probably won't order very often. I have my calendar set to remind me to look each week so I don't get a box I have no interest in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to use my referral code for Hello Fresh, it is WQ7YBN. If you get a subscription box (either companies), I hope you enjoy the adventure. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5641190306015523589%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5391679801468637308&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kZYYAznMWS4%2FVxBEMju2RpI%2FAAAAAAAAA-A%2FcXoHHz38ih4soTqgNQIFxULMr90yg5pjgCKgB%2Fs320%2FIMG_8617.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=pfT2GjUA5cKP&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6335px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-13469654542837227942016-03-25T15:36:00.001-05:002016-03-25T21:34:54.035-05:00The cost of living<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is a cost for everyone in order to survive and stay alive. Fortunately, most people just have to consider the cost of food, shelter, air and other basic necessities. I am not as fortunate. If you've been reading my blog, you are well aware I have this little chronic illness known as type 1 diabetes. In fact, on Tuesday, I will celebrate my 26th diaversary. Twenty-six years and I'm still alive and kicking, although I'm not always sure how I've made it so long because I had quite the rebellious streak in regards to proper management. In addition to all of the basic needs you all have, I need to purchase insulin to survive. Insulin is the equivalent of life support it. Without, I die. Then again, if I take too much or too little, I could also die so there is quite the fine line survival with this so-called life support. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the start of the year, I switched my insurance plans. Recently I went in to pick up my refill of insulin. And this is what the register displayed for two vials:</span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJth0dCBjarVBh2mGkAu4Iu_P8Wd3ZIztcY0s-_Od8Dizl61YIBCDCRL6ez9aGfvOIeVfIHJ_QY9kY0W1nk7rDxwHGw1E1xXhFOjq3gMU0VlBlJqsqiczwv9KQ4f3WlVXyw96f-0s8ccsR/s1600/price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJth0dCBjarVBh2mGkAu4Iu_P8Wd3ZIztcY0s-_Od8Dizl61YIBCDCRL6ez9aGfvOIeVfIHJ_QY9kY0W1nk7rDxwHGw1E1xXhFOjq3gMU0VlBlJqsqiczwv9KQ4f3WlVXyw96f-0s8ccsR/s320/price.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go ahead and let expletives ramble in your head. As I attempted to not break down in tears in the pharmacy and continue with my other shopping, I called my mom. Mom and I bonded as I browsed the greeting cards finding a card for my niece's birthday. Mom went on a rant. I was ranting. I fought the tears thankfully. Mom remembered when insulin cost $11 a vial and was promised the price would never, ever rise. I fully admit, I'm not the best at math but clearly it was a lie back in the day and prices have obviously risen. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is interesting because the price of insulin has been a hot topic since the start of the year. To be honest, it is always a hot topic among people with diabetes but now others are taking notice and making waves. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For example, on January 29, an article was published on Market Watch titled <i><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/eli-lillys-revenue-boosted-by-higher-drug-prices-for-diabetics-2016-01-28" target="_blank">Eli Lilly's revenue boosted by jacking up cost of insulin for diabetics</a>. </i>Revenues for Humalog, their fast-acting insulin, increased by 20 percent. When the company had a call about earnings, they were asked about the pricing. John Lechleiter, chief executive officer, said "higher prices makes sense because it helps the company fund the research needed to find better treatment methods or a cure." </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Okay, that makes sense. Except I'm not hearing a thing anywhere about any research they are doing. I'm hearing lots about Tidepool and Nightscout and a researcher on the East Coast whose son has type 1 diabetes and is determined to develop an artificial pancreas before his son goes to college. But I'm not hearing a darn thing about what Eli Lilly is doing. Since I'm hearing nothing, I can't quite buy into Mr. Lechleiter's reasoning. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Did you know the World Health Organization considers insulin an essential medicine? Obviously. It keeps me and millions of others alive so I think it is essential. But maybe I'm too biased. As an essential medicine, insulin should be "at a price the individual and community can afford." I'll be honest, I'd like insulin to be free but I'd use the money saved to go buy high-end shoes. But I would like insulin to be affordable so myself and other patients don't have to compromise our health. Some people restrict how much food they consume to restrict how much insulin they use so they don't have to spend so much money buying more insulin. By doing this, they are depriving themselves of valuable nutrients. And people skip checkups to save money because those cost money too. As someone with diabetes, I must have a general checkup, my diabetes checkups, my woman's checkup (diabetes can cause havoc there), my eye checkup (diabetes can cause blindness) and my dental checkup (again, diabetes causes problems). I don't get a choice unless I want to put myself at risk for complications. These are just a few of the aspects. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just over a month ago, Kasia Lipska, who is a doctor, wrote a powerful op-ed piece in the New York Times about why the insulin racket needs to be broken up. Why prices are getting out of control. Why people should have to make compromises to afford this versus that to stay alive. Dr. Lipska explains the issue of patents and manufacturing insulin and why no generic insulin exists in the marketplace. If I tried to summarize the article, I would not do it justice. Please take a few minutes to read the article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/opinion/sunday/break-up-the-insulin-racket.html?_r=0" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How is it the diabetes world can be making such amazing strides (our technology is a million times more advanced than what it was when I was in high school not <i>that </i>long ago) yet we can't make insulin affordable for everyone who needs it? The diabetes community is finally finding its voice. Find #WereNotWaiting on social media to see how we are pushing and finally demanding better lives. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But also, the insulin needs to be made affordable because with each price increase my hopes for a cure die a little. I know it does for other people with diabetes. It dies because we see the pharmaceutical companies looking at us like cash cows. I see a thought bubble above their heads stating "As long as they need insulin to live, they will pay what they have to, so no need for a cure. By the way, was the offer accepted on the private island I want?" I may be wrong in thinking this is how they see us but I don't believe I'm wrong to have developed this opinion because if they truly wanted to make life a little better for us as we battle and conquer a chronic disease, they'd make insulin affordable which would help eliminate the stress and fear of if we can afford our medical necessities to live another day. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading this post. It is from my heart and is extremely important to me. For those not closely connected to diabetes, I hope it has opened your eyes to yet another aspect of life for people with diabetes. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And here are some older pieces in the media about the cost of insulin: </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">NPR: <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/19/393856788/why-is-u-s-insulin-so-expensive" target="_blank">Why is insulin so expensive in the U.S.?</a></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CBS News: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-drug-companies-keep-insulin-prices-high/" target="_blank">How drug companies keep insulin prices high</a></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Seattle Times: <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/patients-shocked-as-insulin-prices-climb-higher/" target="_blank">Patients shocked as insulin prices climb higher </a> </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> number 15 arrived at the end of January. I requested my go-to stylist and she did not disappoint. I would love to share her name but out of fear too many people will request her and then she won't be able to style me, I'm going to be selfish and not share her name. Sorry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I requested only tops for this fix, particularly winter friendly tops which aren't bulky. I love buying skirts but often find myself without appropriate tops for them. Same with pants. Looking in my closet, most of my tops are more appropriate for late spring, summer and early fall. I began writing this post shortly after I received my and it was winterish weather where I live. As I completely this post, it is now spring weather with upper 60s and low 70s. Thankfully nothing I was sent were heavy tops. So, here is what was in box number 15. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Item 1: </b>Fierro Elbow Patch Crew Neck Sweater by Market & Spruce </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYwyi9wiOP-aipivX2mc92Q-quZ_XEWCw1GCY4Y2XILxQydH_A8Ymx6hWkrqAUqC9PANetPVdCsmszPcPSIiveoOKkAtJEcUR07Qn5ZmxxvUP5CIAy71nPsa1Rc9eIgdSQBYgF_6hAcEg/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYwyi9wiOP-aipivX2mc92Q-quZ_XEWCw1GCY4Y2XILxQydH_A8Ymx6hWkrqAUqC9PANetPVdCsmszPcPSIiveoOKkAtJEcUR07Qn5ZmxxvUP5CIAy71nPsa1Rc9eIgdSQBYgF_6hAcEg/s320/IMG_7587.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was the first item I saw in the box and as soon as I touched it I was in love. It is beyond soft. It isn't a heavy bulky sweater which is perfect since I live in the south.I didn't notice the elbow patches right away. They are definitely not something I would normally be drawn to. I tried the sweater on and loved it. It works great with jeans or a skirt if I want to wear it to work. <b>Verdict: Keep </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Item 2: </b>Aryana Mesh Back Knit Top by Loveappella</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn5VyLNgMjSgwthAJmk4wqpN03flXyKQOJMn9vZsTdP5bTf_i3TFqU36FcoG2enGRtwlsXjdAFmAx3Nj5hWHJy9U0Thdpskkc88gIVlKavRY0WraFRKnlpr5BlQkqdJTXB5G1WRwD9Y-o/s1600/IMG_7589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn5VyLNgMjSgwthAJmk4wqpN03flXyKQOJMn9vZsTdP5bTf_i3TFqU36FcoG2enGRtwlsXjdAFmAx3Nj5hWHJy9U0Thdpskkc88gIVlKavRY0WraFRKnlpr5BlQkqdJTXB5G1WRwD9Y-o/s320/IMG_7589.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGQvgIYFFTzsWJjeOKubnHwYJ8h8xSqmGAyFF-_UedmzDmAT4Id4V1iCxXcCJ98tTRlsng7kiOFmi6Nya3uHkQfoLCttlfGpUYcLTezWFEUyWftg8UI0APFlIireBWo5i0oW7zxXg1QQt/s1600/IMG_7591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGQvgIYFFTzsWJjeOKubnHwYJ8h8xSqmGAyFF-_UedmzDmAT4Id4V1iCxXcCJ98tTRlsng7kiOFmi6Nya3uHkQfoLCttlfGpUYcLTezWFEUyWftg8UI0APFlIireBWo5i0oW7zxXg1QQt/s320/IMG_7591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">As I pulled this top out of the box, I grew excited. It has an edge to it. Not quite my style yet it fits my personality. I knew it would be a keeper. The only downside is I need to wear a strapless bra and no matter how skinny/tiny you are, those bras are evil and cause extra blobs of back fat/fat rolls around the band of the bra. Seriously. They are evil. I hate them. I'm not brave enough to wear this to work but it is perfect for weekends and nights out. </span><b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Verdict: Keep </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><b>Item 3: </b>Berneen Printed Dolman Knit Top by Market & Spruce </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZiv9b-M3skCQo8FCgao9CBXFUZeHU80r_UowsK82CZIdmeuQJNjdxhQTG0JMus0UAv3PeZbMggmf1Fzag_qL_3ywBLUibz8RUr3kJAwkbN_s9eZayEXFVsnrtm91mrcaMivXJ3hLd6yn/s1600/IMG_7593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZiv9b-M3skCQo8FCgao9CBXFUZeHU80r_UowsK82CZIdmeuQJNjdxhQTG0JMus0UAv3PeZbMggmf1Fzag_qL_3ywBLUibz8RUr3kJAwkbN_s9eZayEXFVsnrtm91mrcaMivXJ3hLd6yn/s320/IMG_7593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">This is the first fix, at least of what I can recall, which has included the Market & Spruce brand. At first glance, I liked this shirt, particularly the pattern. Not completely my style but enough of my style to make it work. I tried this on late at night and I fully admit to not having the greatest lighting in my home so until I went to check out I thought it was black and white. Nope. It is navy, not black. That causes a few issues with what I wanted to wear it with but I can make it work with other items. <b>Verdict: Keep </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">At this point I was in love with three of the five items. Did my stylist hit another home run? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><b>Item 4: </b>Calhun Wide Lace Trim Knit Top by Papermoon</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEZVoj3_9S206uN9N5Eelp1dvAMyS2YvsKo5noKymlvFaSbkjaFCF_uNDNNSP-r57ydajxEg-pi24iWdzngWMrnG377BHi2k7bbC5L4XEU71NyOOpqJKxDhFSDB8UHVb1yOfwVXcYfQMG/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEZVoj3_9S206uN9N5Eelp1dvAMyS2YvsKo5noKymlvFaSbkjaFCF_uNDNNSP-r57ydajxEg-pi24iWdzngWMrnG377BHi2k7bbC5L4XEU71NyOOpqJKxDhFSDB8UHVb1yOfwVXcYfQMG/s320/IMG_7588.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">This top is cute. It fits nicely. It is perfect for work. Not my style for when I'm out with friends though. Honestly, not completely my style. I'm not sure if it is the lace or the sleeves or a combination of both. I waited until the last moment to make a decision on my fix. As it sat in the box with everything else, it continued to grow on me. I decided to keep it because perhaps it will continue to grow on me. I have yet to wear it but have challenged myself to wear it within the next two weeks. Wish me luck! <b>Verdict: Keep </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"><b>Item 5: </b>Celso Mesh Detail Knit Top by Loveappella </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HJQ4H3Fee36ZredQ9f9dUx4kW_QgV8pDI2fBl4umX1XGMGZDZGOtuDrfi0XpDzK8CZvnZU6OSdw0FkY_My-ymlkg9a6B8g9D_PGo1FtHJLPesGOiZW8_EeMjy_KKKVWES2Fm_KTfEh0/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94HJQ4H3Fee36ZredQ9f9dUx4kW_QgV8pDI2fBl4umX1XGMGZDZGOtuDrfi0XpDzK8CZvnZU6OSdw0FkY_My-ymlkg9a6B8g9D_PGo1FtHJLPesGOiZW8_EeMjy_KKKVWES2Fm_KTfEh0/s320/IMG_7592.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">This top resulted in a true facepalm moment. I am not and never have been a big floral person. Same with lace. Although I can be pretty girly, I'm not overly girly. Nearly every fix includes a floral item. And every time I mention when I return it I'm not a floral person. I love and adore my stylist but I'm not sure what her reasoning/motive/plan is with all the floral. I told her I'd add to my pinterest board all the floral items I have in my closet. Guess how many I have? Three! Only three! I took pictures and need to add them to my board before my next fix. It is a nice shirt. There is nothing horrible about it, it just isn't me. Even my mom said so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">As I reviewed my fix and prepared to check out I was faced with a conundrum. Do I keep the floral shirt or return it? It wasn't horribly expensive but would I wear it? If I keep all five I'd receive the 25 percent discount. Looking at the discount it covered the floral shirt and three-fourths of the cost of the lace shirt, which was growing on me. What to do? I ultimately decided to keep the floral shirt in hopes it too will grow on me. Only time will tell. <b>Verdict: Keep </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">So, this was fix number 15. I think I am officially a loyal customer of Stitch Fix. If my stylist ever leaves, I will be in shambles. I already struggle with changes. I need to determine what to request in fix number 16 at the end of March. Also? How can we already be thinking of the end of March? Time is flying far too quickly for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">If you are interested in experiencing <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, please use my referral code so I can receive</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> a small amount of credit and continue my addiction: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/client/referrals" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;">https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664</a>. </span></span><br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-37747861242573117472016-01-09T08:53:00.004-06:002016-01-09T14:01:03.269-06:00Unlucky 13 (followed by luckier 14)<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow! The new job is keeping me busy. Although it isn't quite new at this point. To summarize, I love the fact it keeps me busy and I don't have much time to just do whatever, including blogging. Although I do miss writing my blog. Resolution? Make time over the weekends to blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I'm playing catch up, I'll probably write quite a few blogs this week and then schedule for when they will post (yep, total slacker move). Today, it is time to catch up on my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> addiction. Since I last blogged I received fix number 13 and fix number 14. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most people consider the number 13 to be unlucky. In regards to my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, unlucky doesn't even begin to explain it unfortunately. I suppose I should have known sooner or later I would receive a less than stellar fix. I don't remember what I asked for although I asked for my trusted stylist (as I always do). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My fix arrived and there was a note about how my stylist thought a different stylist could help me with this fix. To summarize, nope. The new stylist could not help me. Here is what she sent: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdDmGfwLXhCCtkIoY7ozW1R2YtjRsMwP3hvEZiExNEAuIN3NmLXfsXNxF6cJreqwjpjLKzwXujm4lmOyEVfiSdMYQ0VGLJ44CpXsB7Ycnmf7LzVAlOWu1kSqBV0YE3kVKniB-9PI_E1uE/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdDmGfwLXhCCtkIoY7ozW1R2YtjRsMwP3hvEZiExNEAuIN3NmLXfsXNxF6cJreqwjpjLKzwXujm4lmOyEVfiSdMYQ0VGLJ44CpXsB7Ycnmf7LzVAlOWu1kSqBV0YE3kVKniB-9PI_E1uE/s320/IMG_6348.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 1: </b>Filbert 3/4 Sleeeve Popover Blouse by 41Hawthorn</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This wasn't horrible. I really liked the bright red. However I wasn't digging the poofiness of the sleeves. Also, with my pump and its tubing I struggle to tuck shirts in because of where I typically place my infusion site and where I want to hook my pump for easy access. <b>Verdict: </b>Return</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf3QZWjfx2MLye0EG_H1KphppRxKXVDjYSsRZDFCFMYrJqh-EhaS0_8kfzRp0ATb9IjGkw3jjyZ7fahyphenhyphenkKcAe7Nff_2q1XR2VsxrlcynQ9Ggf8Wg5xDmN1hRaZTyV7v30LX7it8N6Q4-G/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf3QZWjfx2MLye0EG_H1KphppRxKXVDjYSsRZDFCFMYrJqh-EhaS0_8kfzRp0ATb9IjGkw3jjyZ7fahyphenhyphenkKcAe7Nff_2q1XR2VsxrlcynQ9Ggf8Wg5xDmN1hRaZTyV7v30LX7it8N6Q4-G/s320/IMG_6349.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Items 2: </b>Jayda Printed Aline Skirt by Gilli </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the picture it looks cute. It was made of terry cloth material, which is awesome. Awesome for casual moments but not for work. When I tried it on, it just reminded me of something you'd fine at Forever 21 (no judgment) which is not quite the style I'm going for as a professional of my age. <b>Verdict: </b>Return </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2gzl5kw0NR02gmUkSJ4slLnQo6Tr26vfM7BsAzSOe1Kj5MwBPRsVeN7LIT8V-RWv0oJ-ASJSWZ1hAvsr3yNmKDTM-tYn1wX7nwQ_98puM9efjct_p8n5ajK2bvaqS6B4zmZ5h-iUvil-/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2gzl5kw0NR02gmUkSJ4slLnQo6Tr26vfM7BsAzSOe1Kj5MwBPRsVeN7LIT8V-RWv0oJ-ASJSWZ1hAvsr3yNmKDTM-tYn1wX7nwQ_98puM9efjct_p8n5ajK2bvaqS6B4zmZ5h-iUvil-/s320/IMG_6355.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 3: </b>Aliyah Layered Nugget Bead Necklace by Bancroft</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This item was doomed from the start because it was quite tangled. It took me at least 30 minutes to untangle it. The fact it came in such a mess left me with the impression they scrambled to throw things together to send me a fix. This impression was also left by the massive fail of the fix. Jewelry is hard for them to send me because I'm pretty picky and I rarely wear jewelry. When I do, it is simple jewelry, which is mentioned in my profile. <b>Verdict: </b>Return </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzenUPuMZoUmyG3q5ZjgNLod3tmMUdc0MI8eOh8WqRBPw7dug8SXubnKeuY5yjD9gzOxntBXfJ_8i0-__3LGwk43kgEnnBBq9IB41lADj6TwTZ3PLUoCRxsWcEyFb8KnXnBKIn04axC_dv/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzenUPuMZoUmyG3q5ZjgNLod3tmMUdc0MI8eOh8WqRBPw7dug8SXubnKeuY5yjD9gzOxntBXfJ_8i0-__3LGwk43kgEnnBBq9IB41lADj6TwTZ3PLUoCRxsWcEyFb8KnXnBKIn04axC_dv/s320/IMG_6353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 4: </b>Jordyn Bootcut Pant by Liverpool </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First thought was they are cute. Tried them on and the tears flowed. They had about 4 to 6 inches extra length. The material of the pants are similar to yoga pants (hell yes!) so tailoring them, not sure if possible. My dismay of the pants might have been influenced by the previous items I had looked at and tried on. By this point was feeling quite defeated. I put them in the maybe pile. <b>Verdict: </b>Ultimately, I decided to keep them only to not lose the $20 styling fee credit. I've actually worn them numerous times. If I wear them with my 4 inch heels (or higher) they don't drag on the ground. I should probably look into getting them tailored but it is no longer an immediate priority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now to the first item I saw....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW3zYk9vxwx05huStXYxqX1syCUbnv6ozHfTXhjsHFxhQZlgpEKajFzYknvs-31W0aOtZPhs0eG6Q8Id5m9eLTKvF27GGgiBVdIeokGNJ4ZU7xmTO8do0bvJf8XzzyysD7WA6QMGEp4nB/s1600/IMG_6342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW3zYk9vxwx05huStXYxqX1syCUbnv6ozHfTXhjsHFxhQZlgpEKajFzYknvs-31W0aOtZPhs0eG6Q8Id5m9eLTKvF27GGgiBVdIeokGNJ4ZU7xmTO8do0bvJf8XzzyysD7WA6QMGEp4nB/s320/IMG_6342.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 5: </b>Senora Tie Back Blouse by Skies are Blue</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Umm....seriously? First, it was sheer and requires a camisole under it which I've asked the past few times to move away from. I'd like to wear a bra instead of a camisole to work. Second, it is the blouse version of Kim Kardashian's MET ball couch dress. Nope. The few times they've sent me floral print items, I've immediately sent them back with a note about how nope, not into florals. Third, when even your mother gasps in horror when you show her a picture of it and proclaims even she wouldn't think of buying that for you OR HER, you know the blouse is bad. It just isn't my style. If you like it, I apologize if I've offended you but in my opinion, this blouse is atrocious and hideous. Keeping true to my rules though, I tried it on. And it looked worse on me than it does on the hanger. <b>Verdict: </b>Return. Obviously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that was fix number 13. I wasn't sure if I would want to order another fix. Number 13 made me so sad because number 12 with its Chicago Bears theme was perfection. I decided <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> can't be perfect all the time so I should give them another shot. I scheduled fix number 14. I requested my favorite stylist but made note of how I was worried I might have offended her or she didn't like me and didn't want to style me. I requested some jeans I saw them promote on Instagram which seemed pretty awesome (and comfortable). I also mentioned an outfit I pinned that I found at Von Maur and had been obsessing over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fix number 14 arrive on New Years Eve. And my favorite stylist returned to me and wrote a sweet note apologizing for what went down with fix number 13. Her note already had me excited and at ease to open up the tissue paper wrapped items. (<i>True story, I never look at the styling picture cards until after I try on all the clothes). </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg_NOe7CDh0EDzYyvcbhDU78HOASqzurkOTmpjZAEdWtCMZouZBz0r_l2QzXFr6wTvNwj5kyWqQq4zyrgYaz5ZOGFUpEGyt6uTH6WwOlX2SEbFeOzSUyrmYzqs_-NOW9IYJE7XTATTQXp/s1600/IMG_7215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg_NOe7CDh0EDzYyvcbhDU78HOASqzurkOTmpjZAEdWtCMZouZBz0r_l2QzXFr6wTvNwj5kyWqQq4zyrgYaz5ZOGFUpEGyt6uTH6WwOlX2SEbFeOzSUyrmYzqs_-NOW9IYJE7XTATTQXp/s320/IMG_7215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 1: </b>Christiana Printed Pencil Skirt by Margaret M </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You guys, this is basically the slate colored version of the blue skirt they sent in fix number 12! The skirt has no buttons or zippers. It is wonderful. Since it is a pencil skirt it has a snug fit compared to the relaxed one of my blue skirt. I'm not sure if I'll wear it to work yet but I do love the skirt. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLcqU8Y1VxtalpS210b-FkR1rc6CFpkvciyVMGqk6if1EQ-kV06F1-xoeE817MWh8WuKa0FheekKuLVyEx93qu6ZM9H6t5SiTaeQ2aTTnaJHDPRIc6_cij5CJJ0FFvbrO74s797KMYUUI/s1600/IMG_7216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLcqU8Y1VxtalpS210b-FkR1rc6CFpkvciyVMGqk6if1EQ-kV06F1-xoeE817MWh8WuKa0FheekKuLVyEx93qu6ZM9H6t5SiTaeQ2aTTnaJHDPRIc6_cij5CJJ0FFvbrO74s797KMYUUI/s320/IMG_7216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 2: </b>Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean by Kut From The Kloth</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are the jeans I requested based on seeing them in an Instagram post. My stylist was excited I requested them because they had just received them in petite sizes. I tried them on first and fell in love. I did not want to take them off to try everything else on to be honest. I can uncut them if I want but I love the style of them being cuffed. Bonus points to these jeans, which are my usual size, they were a little loose rather than snug so it was a nice self-esteem boost. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd4scRuUFQs60yIauespHQ5A7qA8djfb8RKSXBRfc3b6PVnIxdnatpjNZQMOx7ITfp9cWfM_UOJaxiuDMNrkJMlc73yZRe-Nd4lQ19u9R0pdKHGwlzF5ElpNQMYxXjCELjSK9LQMvlnrc/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd4scRuUFQs60yIauespHQ5A7qA8djfb8RKSXBRfc3b6PVnIxdnatpjNZQMOx7ITfp9cWfM_UOJaxiuDMNrkJMlc73yZRe-Nd4lQ19u9R0pdKHGwlzF5ElpNQMYxXjCELjSK9LQMvlnrc/s320/IMG_7213.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 3: </b>Fisher Scoop Neck Blouse by Papermoon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ugh. Another sheer blouse. The print wasn't anything I was excited about. I tried it on and wasn't feeling it. Perhaps someone else will be over the moon about it. <b>Verdict: </b>Return it</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D0SZg00zr_kHhKLWzmP3WXyg7LLy24uLVbZ2e55XlLGuEnBHWR5W9AYyBB5nH80IxGrJWEW7XVjm-WtPBJtRChaYaEM2X2UX_lLGIeJJm2bGJ6TnPSqnItDtZIoNG6f7_PodFndturJg/s1600/IMG_7214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D0SZg00zr_kHhKLWzmP3WXyg7LLy24uLVbZ2e55XlLGuEnBHWR5W9AYyBB5nH80IxGrJWEW7XVjm-WtPBJtRChaYaEM2X2UX_lLGIeJJm2bGJ6TnPSqnItDtZIoNG6f7_PodFndturJg/s320/IMG_7214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 4: </b>Aubriana Textured Pencil Skirt by Gilli </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll be honest, this is not something I'd pick out myself but I was quite excited about it. It definitely was pushing me outside of my comfort zone but in a good way. This is one of the reasons I love my stylist; she often includes an item to push my comfort zone to get me to try something new. Sometimes it is a success and other times not so much. Before I had even tried it on I was already thinking of what I owned I could wear with it and how I would need to go get some new brown boots. Love any excuse to go get new shoes. Obviously. I tried it on and nope, it just wasn't right. Compared to other items, it highlighted my stomach which I prefer to hide. I just wasn't feeling confident or comfortable in it but I did love the skirt. <b>Verdict: </b>Regrettably I returned it because despite loving it, it just wasn't the right fit. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0twJlzLaOV8qZH7g09jmXDODuoDF1wiK2tn3K7RN08GPp2ddSlPCfiUMi5fRmAEWyOhw47eZdp2Y6sUM5bEmCXMvQ2-vTFMIhNb-J9V2ECLf19gh8TLIIm22DsouSK53Udy_p3i3DRVkm/s1600/IMG_7230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0twJlzLaOV8qZH7g09jmXDODuoDF1wiK2tn3K7RN08GPp2ddSlPCfiUMi5fRmAEWyOhw47eZdp2Y6sUM5bEmCXMvQ2-vTFMIhNb-J9V2ECLf19gh8TLIIm22DsouSK53Udy_p3i3DRVkm/s320/IMG_7230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 5: </b>Palermo Sweater Knit Swing Skirt by Papermoon </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh lordy. I pulled this skirt out of the box and was shocked by how small the waist was. I frantically checked the sizing. Nope, it was my size. It was stretchy material. It was cute. I would have loved it. But it hung so awkwardly on my body I couldn't justify it. It definitely had a date/girls' night out vibe rather than a work vibe. <b>Verdict: </b>Return </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am scheduled for a fix at the end of February but actually rescheduled for the end of January because I really need some winter tops to go with my skirts, dress pants and jeans for winter. To be honest, I just need tops in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are interested in <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, please use my r<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">eferral code</a> because I really need to referral credit to maintain my addiction to this service. :) And despite how much of a disaster number 13 was, my other fixes have been such positive experiences. I figure <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> can't be perfect every single time. And one time out of 13, not bad odds so try it out. My referral link: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664 </span><br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-53620090794948131942015-12-05T22:41:00.000-06:002015-12-06T19:02:58.777-06:00HOA nightmare<div class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My lovely home is in a cute (or it was) neighborhood filled with first-time homeowners like myself. Until this past year, the HOA had been under control of the builder who created the neighborhood. It has since been ran by residents. After a peaceful 10 months or so all hell broke loose in November. If you follow me on social media you have seen many posts regarding how flabbergasted I am of all which is going on. A recent discussion lead to the decision a drinking game needs to be created to get me through all of this. And this nightmare is too good not to share because to outsiders it is quite hilarious. Heck, I'm at the point where I'm just laughing. So here is the story of the nightmare. Most has been copied and pasted from the Nextdoor app where the chaos began. I'm also feeling nice and have removed names and locations. Grab a snack, a beverage and settle in to enjoy this. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It all started with this post: </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1c1c; line-height: 20px;">I believe everyone needs to be aware that the HOA Board has voted to construct an open pavilion-type building on the greenbelt by the back pond. The cost estimates of this building vary between $50,000 – $80,000. The building will include a fireplace or grill. This was voted on by the HOA Board in a meeting with NO notice to the homeowners in violation of the Bylaws 3.15 Notice and Open Meeting requirement. In addition, I believe that a decision to build a capital improvement should have been made by a vote of the homeowners instead of by the HOA Board alone. The Board will need a vote of the homeowners to pay for this building. The Board wants to stop paying for professional lawn care services and use this money plus the reserves to pay for the building. The Board wants to have volunteers take care of all the common areas in the neighborhood. However, this is prohibited by the Declarations Article 3, section 1(iiiii), which expressly requires the use of professional third parties for lawn care. Without this money, the HOA Board will either have to substantially raise our dues (homeowner vote required by Declaration Article VI, Section 3 for more than 20% increase), do a special assessment (homeowner vote required by Declaration Article VI, Section 4), or borrow money (homeowner vote required by Bylaw 3.22 if money borrowed is more than 10% of budget). All of these items require homeowner approval – which they do not have. Despite this fact, they have already put down a $5,000 deposit on a building that no one knows anything about. If this concerns you, please contact the HOA Board and request an immediate meeting for all homeowners and ask them to not spend any more money on this project before this meeting. The website for our community is XXXXX</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1c1c; line-height: 20px;">. It has the contact information for the Board members and all the Bylaws, Declarations and the Covenants. Please note though that XXXXX resigned as a Board member at the last Board meeting on Thursday, and XXXXX and XXXXX are no longer Committee Members. The website also contains the minutes of some of the Board meetings and HOA meetings, including the October meeting where they voted on this building.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several homeowners, myself included, met and decided the best course of action was to walk around the neighborhood and get a petition to sign. To the point, very few neighbors had been on the Nextdoor app. This is what we included in the petition: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Building</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – The HOA Board has voted to construct an open pavilion-type building with a fireplace on the greenbelt by the back pond. The cost is expected to be between $50,000 and $80,000. This was voted on by the HOA Board in a meeting with NO notice to the homeowners in violation of the Bylaws 3.15 Notice and Open Meeting requirement. This decision to build a capital improvement should have been made by a vote of the homeowners instead of by the HOA Board. The Board will need a vote of the homeowners to pay for this building. The Board wants to stop paying for professional lawn care services and use this money plus the reserves to pay for the building. The Board wants to have volunteers take care of all the common areas in the neighborhood. However, this is prohibited by the Declarations Article 3, section 1(iiiii), which expressly requires the use of professional third parties for lawn care. Without this money, the HOA Board will either have to substantially raise homeowner dues (homeowner vote required by Declaration Article VI, Section 3 for more than 20 percent increase), do a special assessment (homeowner vote required by Declaration Article VI, Section 4), or borrow money (homeowner vote required by Bylaw 3.22 if money borrowed is more than 10 percent of budget). All of these items require homeowner approval – which they do not have. Despite this fact, they have already put down a $5,000 deposit on a building that no one knows anything about. It needs to be discussed whether we want the building, the issue of stopping/not stopping lawn care, funding the building if we do want it, and the $5,000 deposit that was paid without any authority.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Fines</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – The Board has passed a set of fines for covenant violations and have begun to mail out violation letters based on these fines. This was done in complete secrecy with no input or notice to the homeowners. It is unclear how much the fines have been set at. However, it was confirmed at the last HOA Board meeting that the violation for a first-time offence for not mowing their lawn was $150. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cameras</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – According to the October 7 Minutes, the HOA has voted to install four security cameras at a cost of $500 each on the properties of four different homeowners. However it seems this “installation” consisted of handing the box of cameras to the homeowners. Apparently no contracts were given to the homeowners to make sure the cameras were returned if they moved or that the cameras would remain with the properties. At least one set of homeowners has given the cameras back to the Board. This issue needs to be addressed with the Board.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fdba93d3-7572-8190-a24c-86bb91603c06"></span></span><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Potential Removal of HOA Board President XXXXX</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – The HOA President XXXXX seems to believe that he can vote on anything without the consent, notice or approval of the homeowners. This is incorrect. The rights and responsibilities of the homeowners are set out in the Bylaws, Declarations and Covenants. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It seems reasonable to me. Eventually the petition was posted on Nextdoor in order to reach more neighbors who we weren't catching as well as to passively notify the president we were on to him. He responded with this gem (once we get past this, the <i>juicy </i>stuff starts): </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regarding the HOA Pavilion Project: To help build the community’s relations with our neighbors and increase property values we are in the initial stages of constructing a new community center pavilion. This project will beautify our park area adding a place where we can get together with our neighbors for outdoor barbeques, graduation celebrations, family reunions and other special events to include the hosting of HOA Meetings for the community. We will be showing off the 3D Architectural Designs at our Annual Meeting which is scheduled for 6:30pm on the 12th of January. </span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the plans with this construction project allows the community to store HOA Lawn and Maintenance equipment which, with the help of a vote by our home owners and volunteers from our community, will form a lawn service committee. This plan will illuminate the tremendous cost of a lawn care contract which last year was $25,000. By voting to allow the board to move forward with the lawn committee plan, we believe HOA Dues can be reduced next year. </span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Out of all the possible projects shown to the community at last year's annual HOA Meeting, it was the Community Center/Pavilion Project that was most desired by the all in attendance. Many of our neighbors also asked this last year if we could do more neighborhood events so we our hoping the pavilion project may be just the ticket to get a lot of us out of our homes to work together in building this community project. Not only will we be beautifying our park and working with our neighbors to construct this project but we will also save on construction & contracting costs. Using XXXXX as our builder, we can put in as much or little sweat equity as we want into this project. The budgeted cost is how much the project would cost if we used all subcontractors and put zero sweat equity into the project. We hope that all of you that are able will join us in this project.</span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As with most of our annual meetings and apparently according to the posts I have seen on this site, the big questions for the HOA board all comes down to costs. Here is the breakdown:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pavilion Project Budget cap is $50,000 (Could be reduced to $40,000 or less depending on the sweat equity put in by the community)</span> </span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Current HOA Account is $15,000</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next year’s Dues (358 homes x $150 (assuming a one time $25 project cost addition)) will bring in approx. $53,700</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miscellaneous annual expenses are $1,200</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pond Maintenance and repairs $3500</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lawn Maintenance $25,000</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Professional Fees $2700</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Utilities and Taxes $2000</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Total Income from 2016 dues and current assets amount to $58,700. Total Expenses are $34,400. We can reduce expenses with the passing of a lawn care committee removing the $25,000 lawn service contract leaving around $9,400 in annual expenses. This will put us in an excellent position for dramatically reducing HOA dues in 2017 but the only way this can happen is if we can do something about the high lawn service contracts. The Pavilion Project allows the HOA to store the equipment and create a lawn service committee illuminating that cost. Professional spray service however will still be retained to control weeds as they can acquire much better chemicals than what we would be able to obtain.</span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We look forward to meeting all of our neighbors in January and even with the comments posted on this site are still excited about this project. We as an HOA board may not be perfect but we are always striving toward the beautification of our neighborhood, building better neighborly relations and increasing value to all our homes. From every architect we have talked to, this project will have a positive increase in value to all of our homes and this community.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Discussion took place and a comment by the treasurer led someone to ask if it was true the only votes which matter are that of the board to which he responded: </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is true that the only votes that are counted when it comes to the spending of funds for projects, maintenance, repairs are the ones of the HOA Board members themselves. </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Um, say what? Looking at the bylaws and declarations, this is not true. Silly president. He also claimed the board had voted for the pavilion yet per the minutes on the website, they have never had quorum in the last half of the year. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Adding to the nightmare are these tidbits: </span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the board meeting called upon because of the petition (complete CYA move), many residents ambushed the meeting to which the president informed them the project was going to happen no matter what; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There has been crime in the area where this is supposed to go yet he wants to put in huge flat screen tvs; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is against the bylaws/declarations to do away with the professional lawn service without residents voting;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The builder being used is a "you build it" type of thing...as in, we pay for the materials and plan but we also have to build it; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite policy of two board members having to sign a check, the president went ahead and signed the check to pay the $6,500 to the builder for the plan; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The dues were raised in January so the HOA could afford legal actions against those who have not been paying their dues. This has not occurred. It was also agreed upon to put all beautification ideas/projects on hold until the finances were sorted out (far too many people are not paying their dues);</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">They sent out a proxy ballot for those who can't attend the meeting in January. They did not follow the bylaws by having a place for residents to write their address so they can make sure residents only vote once;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ballots are being sent to the president who has proven to not be completely transparent which leads the question of how many ballots could end up "lost";</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A resident who works for the city mentioned the plot of land for the pavilion is on a 100-year floodplain. Basically, there is no way the city will approve building there; </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lately, people have been irate about the security cameras. The board refuses to share exactly where they are or if they are actually in use. Their responses to the questions have been very snippy. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then there is a resident who I refer to as the neighborhood nuisance. Basically, he thinks he is the savior of the neighborhood, the only one who cares about it (he is NOT the one who notified anyone of this project) and we should all bow down to him and be thankful he lives here. He has a tendency to go from 0 to 100. The other day he posted: </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get ready to pay your $6500 due is all I have say. Better start saving some money "my friend"</span></span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I responded and asked who it was directed at because to me it seems quite threatening. Then he lost his mind and accused me of being the most horrible, evil person possible (to summarize). In the past few days, he has amped it up and is now threatening to contact the state Attorney General. He is also blasting people for not listening to him -- every other post is him writing "I already said that." Dude. Seriously. Get over yourself. In response to bringing a lawsuit, the president notified everyone the HOA funds would pay for their lawyer no matter what, even if they were found guilty. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I know I'm forgetting a lot of what is going on but I think it summarizes it quite well without providing all of the testy messages back and forth. But </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">seriously, if you want those, I can post a part two. Are you all as exhausted as I am? </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Oh wait! I forgot today's update. A resident emailed (and bcc'd me) the board this: </span></span></div>
<div>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would like to request a copy of the following documents from the Board pursuant to Bylaw 6.4: </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Declaration pages for any and all current insurance policies, as well as quotes for any insurance policies for 2016. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Last quarterly report prepared pursuant to Bylaw 3.21 (6) i-v. This includes the income statement, the statement of all cash statements, the variance report, the balance sheet, and a delinquency report. If any of these reports have not been prepared, please explain why. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. 2014 annual report prepared pursuant to Bylaw 3.21 (7) that includes at least the balance sheet, income statement and changes in financial statement. Please state whether this was prepared by an independent public accountant. If any of these reports have not been prepared, please explain why. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Contract and checks to UBuildIt, any permits, designs or drafts of the building and parking lot. Please also disclose any communication with UBuildIt, the subcontractors, and communications with the city regarding permitting issues. If you do not have the permits yet, please disclose the status of the permitting process. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Contract for lawncare for 2014, 2015, and any quotes for 2016 lawncare. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. Quotes for any lawn equipment you have received. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In addition, I have a few specific questions for the Board: </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. Have you received a quote for liability insurance coverage that would cover volunteers working on the building? If so, how much coverage? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Have you received a quote for liability insurance coverage that would cover volunteers on the proposed lawn care committee. If so, how much coverage? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Is the building ADA complaint? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. Will there be any Board meetings before the annual meeting? If so, when and where? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5. Will the homeowners be able to vote on whether we want the building at the meeting? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">6. You said at the meeting that $6500 had been spent on the project. Has anymore money been spent on the project since that time? </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for your immediate attention to these issues. If I need to come and make copies of any of these documents, please let me know. I would be happy to pay reasonable copying cost for these documents. If you object to providing any of this information, please identify the specific documents that you will not disclose and the reason. However, all of the financial information is clearly covered by the bylaws and I would like to receive it at your earliest convenience.</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the board beautifully responded with (bullet points indicate a separate response): </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">We can have this stuff available at the annual meeting when we drop everything off and hand off to the new treasurer.</span> <span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">No, no more money has been spent on the pavilion. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">It's time consuming as 80% of your demanding questions are from the treasurer and I will use any free time I have to get that stuff but I can't guarantee I will have it all. I volunteer on the board so I'm only required to put whatever efforts into the position and if it's not what our residents like they can elect to have a new treasurer. </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">You also can't just ask for 20 different things and expect to get them in 24 hours. I think that is absurd! By laws say you can request them but not a time frame. </span> </span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">XXXXX didn't have any records like the stuff you requested before. They told us to make sure things get paid and that the common areas are well kept I'm not aware of any of these kind of records. So to answer your question no we don't have any fancy filing nor annual statement records. I have a p&l and the HOA dues spreadsheet for record keeping. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">Which that can be easily emailed to you </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1342231315" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Tuesday</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">. I send that out the board every month. I said I don't have questions 2 & 3 nor did any other board before me. We can hire an accountant to do all this which would probably cost the HOA a lot of money. If you absolutely want this I can ask the board and then the residents if they think this is a good idea to spend our money. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The board really doesn't like people questioning them do they? If anyone is a lawyer or super smart regarding HOAs and you are willing to provide some input, leave it in the comments. All input is greatly appreciated. And now, it is time for wine! </span></div>
</div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-56541196455954806622015-11-29T10:35:00.002-06:002015-11-29T10:36:30.089-06:00Melting pot of thoughts<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is crazy how quickly time flies. I keep meaning to write a post (or three) and yet time always escapes me. Now that is is the holiday season it would be silly of me to promise a lot more posts to share what all I have to share besides the topic of this post so instead, this will be a melting pot of everything I've meant to share and what I still have to share. Grab a cold one and settle in to read this melting pot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Topic One: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started a new job in September. I've remained in public relations. As with most of my previous jobs, I was thrown into the fire on day one. Starting in September and having to pull off a huge benefit (the first time thad been thrown) in November causes some stress. The first six weeks or so were tough as I was still navigating the waters and horror stories were floating around about my supervisor. And I witness things which gave those stories credibility. They had hired a second PR person as well who started a week after me. This one was fresh out of college. This one lasted until the Wednesday before the event. The second PR person had taken some time off for being sick and while they were gone is when my supervisor and I settled in and established a great working relationship. Honestly, my supervisor no longer scares me, we joke around and we get along pretty well these days. Yay for that. If you were wondering, we managed to pull off an amazing benefit and are already starting to plan a 2016 benefit. I'm excited about being able to work on it from the starting point to really showcase what I'm capable of doing to help the benefit be even more amazing. Another great thing about the new position is it is in the healthcare industry. Due to my diabetes, I'm definitely invested in healthcare and looking well down the road it is a great industry to put some roots in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Topic Two: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My quarterly checkup with my endocrinologist came early because we needed to make a plan for the family's upcoming Caribbean vacation. Again, I've decided to go off my pump and CGM and return to shots. With MDIs I don't have as tight control but I don't have to deal with my pump during customs and also I can spend as much time as I want in the pool/ocean. One week without such tight control won't kill me. Just calls for lots more testing. And like last year, you know I'll be anxious to return home and get hooked back up to the pump and CGM with a day left of vacation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were also unexpected issues at my visit. As usual, I handed over my pump so they could upload the info from it. Nothing uploaded. My endo asked if I hadn't been using my pump. Nope, I promise, I had been using my pump. She looked at all the settings and everything seemed to be fine. She wondered if maybe it had to do with when I last changed my battery. I couldn't remember when I had last changed my battery but it had been several weeks. Before making changes (I believe CGM numbers from earlier weeks uploaded), she decided to look at the numbers on my meter. Looking at the meter numbers, she decided to make no changes and the changes we would have made could have been bad. She is very concerned with the consistency of my CGM numbers being so off from my meter. Of course, this past week they've been pretty spot on. She is now wanting me to consider switching to the Dexcom CGM. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That thought alone is freaking me out. I'm loyal to Medtronic. I feel very attached to the Medtronic people I know (they are pretty awesome). I love how the Enlite communicates with the pump. A Dexcom would require extra work (No, I'm not lazy but seriously, there is already so much which has to be done to stay alive if there is something which removes a step or two, yes please). I've thought about all of this over the past few weeks. I think in January after the holidays I'll contact my endo about doing a test run with the Dexcom just as I did with the Enlite. However, I will also plan to wear my Enlite during the same time. Then we can truly compare. What happens after that, I have no idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Topic Three: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My football team completely stunk this season. Wait. Both of my teams have completely stunk -- the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Chicago Bears. It has been painful all season. But hey, we pulled an upset over Michigan State and we got one win over the Green Bay Packers. Have to focus on the positives here, as limited as they may be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Topic Four: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is the holiday season. This year it will be different. I have barely earned any time off and what I have earned will be used for our Caribbean vacation (thankfully I negotiated about that before starting). What all this means is I do not get to go home for Christmas. I'm trying to not think about it because if I do, I reach a point of where I want to cry. Crying is not good. My parents have agreed to come to me for Christmas but I still won't get to see the extended family I grew up with in our hometown, I won't get to see my childhood home decked out to celebrate (oh how Mom loves to decorate for the holidays), I won't get to enjoy a real live tree and the usual Christmas day traditions won't quite take place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Being an adult is highly overrated. However, I did purchase a fake tree (I am pretty sure my heart broke a little with the purchase as I grew up with real trees). So my home is slightly decorated. I'm frantically shopping for gifts as most will have to be shipped to other places. I'm going to make the most of this but I'm still really sad. I know it is silly to be sad over all this but yet it isn't silly. It also means I won't be back in my hometown until Christmas 2017 which just seems wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Topic Five</i>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've rambled quite a bit so this is the last item. Rocky turned 8 on November 12. He is officially a senior canine. Looking at him and watching him run around like crazy, I can barely believe it. He still acts like a puppy. During Nebraska's bye week, I took him for his senior wellness exam. He passed with flying colors. It was adorable when they checked his blood pressure by putting a little cuff on his tail. The vet asked if Rocky is ever not happy. Nope. He has two modes -- happy and sleeping. I'm thankful he is healthy. </span>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-14532943184430757052015-11-01T07:55:00.003-06:002015-11-01T07:57:35.648-06:00Connecting all electronics -- the diabetes edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUclWirtoDWRMGO_9vzARxt-tO8o50SnzKLRHXeD4qjSnzQGBMs8UKZrWIcLosNiEQdvgSn28YiTfFKAceGW0GRRKxgnqArxxJofkKhc1fGFIhdBj4wMD5B9iF-D7qUQSE8_YpH3Oe4_KL/s1600/IMG_5835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUclWirtoDWRMGO_9vzARxt-tO8o50SnzKLRHXeD4qjSnzQGBMs8UKZrWIcLosNiEQdvgSn28YiTfFKAceGW0GRRKxgnqArxxJofkKhc1fGFIhdBj4wMD5B9iF-D7qUQSE8_YpH3Oe4_KL/s320/IMG_5835.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Earlier this year, Medtronic introduced the MiniMed Connect. After a lot of hemming and hawing, I decided to pre-order it. Because why not? I could always return it for a refund, right? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The price of $199 seems pretty high to try it out but sometimes you have to take a risk. The Connect arrived recently. It has been about a month and a half (I originally wrote this after having it for a few weeks but am just now getting around to posting it). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Connect is promoted as a way for our (those of us with diabetes) team, i.e. parents, doctors, etc, to keep better tabs on our sugars with us. The angle they've promoted is for parents to be able to access the data of their children while the kids are at school or at a sleep over. This is brilliant. I'm sure it would have eased my parents' minds when I was a kid. So, a strong selling point. But for me? Not so much. I'm an adult. I live alone. I'm not in a committed relationship. Yes, I have parents and siblings but shouldn't at this age I be breaking away from them a little and becoming more independent? The selling point of others having access to my data didn't work on me. Also the theory of big brother and everyone being all up in my business does not appeal to me. I love my privacy (despite blogging all about my life). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What caused me to finally break down and order the Connect? The fact it automatically uploads the data to CareLink, which is something I basically never did. Not intentionally, I just never thought about it. So yay for that! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUBPILoTlg-ecArsZNMDcJPkg4RHWX8sjZrus1CCq13gdfoRYGEcLm4AETT4lJgOqgRPKg5aVW7hYRUrGl-zeraYZO8FVtnz5IGNg2a3_g-3CdqnmfrbXS2rXq4hXJePu-Y6F5B3pa6Am/s1600/IMG_5836.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUBPILoTlg-ecArsZNMDcJPkg4RHWX8sjZrus1CCq13gdfoRYGEcLm4AETT4lJgOqgRPKg5aVW7hYRUrGl-zeraYZO8FVtnz5IGNg2a3_g-3CdqnmfrbXS2rXq4hXJePu-Y6F5B3pa6Am/s320/IMG_5836.PNG" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also like how I can just open the app on my phone to check how my sugars are doing or how much insulin is left in my pump or the life of my CGM or battery. All good stuff. I wear a lot of dresses and skirts and more often than not there is not a convenient spot to hook my pump to. So I hook it on my undergarments and off I go. Can we just say it is awkward having to hike up a dress or skirt at your desk when you want to see what number the CGM has because you either a) want to nibble on something or b) aren't feeling the best and wondering if your sugars are going high or low? Also, way easier to read the screen on my phone in the middle of the night than fumbling around to find the pump. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Overall, I like it. I forget about the app though so I know I'm not utilizing it nearly enough. Is it worth the $199? For me, probably not but I wont' be returning it because a) it is too late and b) I have hopes for improvements of it as I'm sure they will improve aspects of it, particularly with the app. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are things I wish Medtronic would add to the Connect (or really, to the App) to make it more enticing to all people to use:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white;">
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I want to see more than the past 24 hours. Yes, I could log into the CareLink app but it never accepts my user info and it is annoying when you have to log into several apps. Also, being able to look at more than a day could help me become more proactive in managing my diabetes and spotting trends. I don't log into CareLink on the computer and take hard looks at my uploaded data. It would be nice to look at several days of data as I test my blood sugar and think "Hmm...my blood sugars seem to be running high in the morning. Has this been a recent trend""; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I want to be able to add notes. Yes there are apps you can do this in but they don't communicate with the MiniMed Connect app. Plus, it is best to simplify things and not have to open up several apps. So to put the notes in a different app you have to manually enter your blood sugars. Anything and everything impacts my blood sugars. When reviewing numbers, it would be beneficial to see notes on if something was potentially impacting it. That info could lead to a much better understanding. I would love to put in notes such as:</span></span></li>
<ul style="color: #222222;">
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starting a new job so my routine is changing;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">High stress because my football team is stinking royally;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bad infusion site; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Guessed wrong on the carb count when eating out.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is things like those which would make the device more appealing to me as a party of one. Overall, it is a great device and I see lots of benefits to it but for me, a single person on their own, it doesn't add much to the table besides being yet another device to lug around. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need to get better at accessing the data on my phone. I still out of habit pull out my actual pump to look at the CGM info and to see how many units of insulin are in the pump. </span></div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-46261927939330293702015-09-28T19:25:00.002-05:002015-09-28T19:25:42.799-05:00Stitch Fix says "Go Bears!" <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life is good. I received my 12th <a href="https://stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> a few weeks ago. It arrived the same day I started my new job. Talk about perfect timing. As usual, I requested the same stylist. If she ever leaves Stitch Fix I will be destroyed. When I scheduled this fix, I didn't have anything I needed. I just sent a note about how I miss getting skirts and dresses and despite not wanting summer to end, was excited to see what they had to share for fall. I did have a line about being excited for football season and of course put in a "Go Chicago Bears!" and "Go Nebraska Huskers." Because obviously. Why wouldn't I? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I never look at the items in the box until I've read the card. As I read my stylist's note, I became more and more excited. The note proves she not only gets me but may be my soulmate. To quote the first three sentences: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hey Kristin! How excited are you that it's football season again? I've sent some pieces that will help you stay stylish while cheering the Chicago Bears as I see you mentioned!" </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yep. She gets me. And she even acknowledged my Huskers at the end of the note. So, what did she send? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27f-cEY1T3GwObkhxO8tlWIOHHAKUM-LhpKqraMB6-tbLyCCXMUXxKgUQtCMwzQbiKRVCpwH9anCkOWLSqYZfABJH_pbWP3br8sCCeWhFMx-r_VSS08GGyC3bSOWM21kFrJJRnT6AeAC8/s1600/IMG_5633_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27f-cEY1T3GwObkhxO8tlWIOHHAKUM-LhpKqraMB6-tbLyCCXMUXxKgUQtCMwzQbiKRVCpwH9anCkOWLSqYZfABJH_pbWP3br8sCCeWhFMx-r_VSS08GGyC3bSOWM21kFrJJRnT6AeAC8/s320/IMG_5633_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 1: </b>Christiana Pencil Skirt by Margaret M</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm a sucker for pencil skirts. And nearly all of my skirts are black so already this one was in the like pile. And then I tried it on. Glory be! It has no zipper. Talk about comfort. I really like the pattern on the skirt. When I tried it on, not only did I feel comfortable in it but I felt good about myself in it. OH! And it is a petite size skirt! <b>Verdict: </b>Keep! <i>Side note: I absolutely wore it a few days later to work. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk_2WkiX2vIxQTcoFeYRNM_SGDfj2sEmxG1Z5O-vfybHcGg2ako-MKKjurScgmuXes4zvIBTLfbI0B3gi3M3gZHgYIfWDaFO31rgdPzIKBWURz1fqvYInh_N99er3OAzJ3BQQDPSnLZ2-/s1600/IMG_5631_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIk_2WkiX2vIxQTcoFeYRNM_SGDfj2sEmxG1Z5O-vfybHcGg2ako-MKKjurScgmuXes4zvIBTLfbI0B3gi3M3gZHgYIfWDaFO31rgdPzIKBWURz1fqvYInh_N99er3OAzJ3BQQDPSnLZ2-/s320/IMG_5631_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 2: </b>Reve Aline Dress by Olive & Oak</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This dress looks like it could be itchy or not flattering to my body but it was soft, comfortable and looked good on my body. And it hid my pump when it is hooked on my undergarments rather than created a big bulge on my side. Once I tried it on, I became a littler sad because I'm going to have to wait quite awhile for the weather to cool down here so I can pair it with some knee high boots. For the first time ever, I was, for a split second, anxious for winter. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tkb45QUj558MiEnk_KDe_v_0EbI9y2zEeEPlhpyFHrYal2HXkRO5SJ3Z3TzqzaEIlSiWbbV7tGCDi19hViFAtZPoExo3J8ZvfiqTiy4ShDQvXf-Cc_ajOZU7uN20mpvwCYYWqNEsUE4u/s1600/IMG_5632_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tkb45QUj558MiEnk_KDe_v_0EbI9y2zEeEPlhpyFHrYal2HXkRO5SJ3Z3TzqzaEIlSiWbbV7tGCDi19hViFAtZPoExo3J8ZvfiqTiy4ShDQvXf-Cc_ajOZU7uN20mpvwCYYWqNEsUE4u/s320/IMG_5632_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 3: </b>Lizzy Colorblock Striped Sweater by 41Hawthorn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey Bears! I now need to get to Chicago to watch a game in person so I can wear this sweater to Soldier Field. Again, one might think it would be itchy but it was one of the softest sweaters I've tried on. Not a huge fan about the horizontal stripes but they didn't make me look hideous. This will not only be a great alternative to my Jay Cutler jersey (don't judge...it is the diabetes connection) but will also look great for casual Fridays and just going out with friends. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM82emeZGDiTyKRPHmL_Jjl7Vcr3bP4i8-4qmyDZ1iJ6U9ZY6gVP7qbaQkPWl347b7oyTUvwirUy97avBfO8RWeOUM2yvNScnHnm7o8lBPjiKfXAIqGEvAV1XTeirado1nAT5PiaOMnny/s1600/IMG_5629_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM82emeZGDiTyKRPHmL_Jjl7Vcr3bP4i8-4qmyDZ1iJ6U9ZY6gVP7qbaQkPWl347b7oyTUvwirUy97avBfO8RWeOUM2yvNScnHnm7o8lBPjiKfXAIqGEvAV1XTeirado1nAT5PiaOMnny/s320/IMG_5629_1024.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 4: </b>Kian Faux Wrap Dress by Donna Morgan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To be honest, this dress scared me. Not because of the print, which I love but because of the style being a wrap dress. These dresses can not be the easiest for my body. If you question how "special" my body is, go chat with my tailor here who will just repeat over and over, "Kristin has a very, very special body." Nearly everything must be altered. It is a fact of life I have come to accept. Anyway, back to the dress. I was also apprehensive because it is a size smaller than I normally get and a petite size. When ordering petite sizes, you usually have to go up a size. So if I were normally a 4, I'd need to order a 6P to fit correctly. I was already in love with the dress because of the print. It kind of looks like paint splotches. I tried it on and stayed in love with it. It magically worked with my body and looked as good on me as I felt in it. And this dress makes me as anxious for fall as anxious as the other dress has me for winter. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XbHX1_6ZlMrTiVAE7qL722BCbQEqRy_NxIThRIzE9N2X0kM0Ch3OaCAt_JcqwN8b05yeqglNOfnY7TQooxvnmI0XuUa0XFp-LM1GDFF-ZE_5H4YmeDY_5bHOOh5skN0MvEHl3czjUHqB/s1600/IMG_5635_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XbHX1_6ZlMrTiVAE7qL722BCbQEqRy_NxIThRIzE9N2X0kM0Ch3OaCAt_JcqwN8b05yeqglNOfnY7TQooxvnmI0XuUa0XFp-LM1GDFF-ZE_5H4YmeDY_5bHOOh5skN0MvEHl3czjUHqB/s320/IMG_5635_1024.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 5: </b>Edison Chevron and Stud Bracelet Set by Romolo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again...Go BEARS! I'm not a fan of having things on my wrists. I never wear a watch. I'm honestly not even a big fan of jewelry. But these are fun and bright. And they were the first thing I looked at from the box. I couldn't justify sending them back. <b>Verdict: </b>Keep! <i>Side note: I wore them with the blue pencil skirt and a dressy white shirt to work. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For only the second time, I've kept all five things from my fix. My stylist continues to knock it out of the park. I'm not sure what to ask for in my next fix. Perhaps items for our Caribbean vacation although last year the stuff wasn't that great. I need to check and see who the stylist was with those things. It has been a few weeks since I received this fix and I truly am still smiling so much when I think about how wonderful it was and how much I loved what was sent to me. I'm anxious to wear the dresses and sweater. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you haven't signed up for Stitch Fix, please use my referral code <a href="https://stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">here</a>. When you order your first fix, I'll receive a credit to use towards my next fix. And I'll love you forever for that. </span></div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-43377896786168288402015-08-24T14:58:00.001-05:002015-08-24T14:59:26.764-05:00The fork in the road<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I should apologize for using an overused cliche in the post title but I'm not going to. I haven't heard this cliche in ages and works nearly perfectly for this post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life is a road filled with twists and turns as well as numerous hurdles. Life is never filled with only good or bad things even if it seems like it may be. And to make life even more exciting, there is always at least one fork in the road we all encounter. I think I've reached another fork in the road. As I reflect and scrutinize it, everything becomes murkier rather than clearer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I was an undergraduate student a professor asked our class what our ambitions were for in the industry. When it was time for me to share, I confidently said I wanted to gain professional experience prior to teaching public relations in higher education. I wanted to have the same impact on others as the impact my professors had on me. For the professional experience, I was determined to be part of a communications staff for a university. After an internship though, I knew I would be just as happy at a marketing communications agency, if not happier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Upon graduation, I enrolled in graduate school. I learned quite a bit in undergrad but I learned so much more in graduate school. The focus on strategy, research, planning and so much more was pure heaven for me. I dreaded graduation because graduate school had become my happy place. I was learning so much book wise but I was also finally starting to learn who I was and accepting that rather than focusing so much on trying to fit in and be accepted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Upon graduation off I went to the real world with more ups and downs one could ever imagine. Here and there I toyed with the idea of applying to be an adjunct professor but never took the jump. What was holding me back from being confident to make the jump was I had no experience. I now regret not seeking out a TA position while in graduate school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Flash forward to the spring when I returned to the University for my sister's graduation from graduate school. I made time to swing by the CoJMC to say hello to my former professors. It was exciting to see them and catch up with them. I didn't get to see everyone but I saw the three who had the most influence on me. During separate conversations with all three of them they each mentioned how I should return to the University and be an adjunct professor. Two mentioned how I should enroll elsewhere and earn my Ph.D. and then return to the University. I'm not sure if it was just lip service from them but I choose to believe it wasn't. Hearing them all say those things meant the world to me and made me think maybe I'm not a failure and I do have potential. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I didn't have much time to absorb and think about what they said in deep thought because shortly later it was time to celebrate my sister's accomplishment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This past week while chatting with my parents they mentioned how the local college students were back. I chimed in with how the University had the campus involvement street fair that evening and how I wish I was still a student. They immediately responded I should consider going after my Ph.D. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now I'm at a fork in the road. Do I continue to on my current path which feels like it is just going in circles with no advancements? Do I seek out an adjunct position somewhere (a friend mentioned some are online which could be a great way to start)? Do I begin to look at Ph.D. programs for marketing communications? What to do? A part of me feels like I have direction but the other part of me feels completely lost. If anyone knows what the future holds, feel free to let me know. </span><script>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Silly me. I should have known better. After 25 years living with diabetes, I should have expected it to pull another punk-ass move. I should have been prepared. And yet on Thursday evening, I suddenly found myself surrounded by two paramedics and five firefighters. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKWkiLJYiEe_ET5ed3k8WejFVT0cAwtHGc2rN4RYmVgGXAwr5AN1ufWYRg0YgslgS0C8KRVHTK9DJiIOt0QbKFsguZrX6Y5gavMg_3JVIYjOh8UqhdpqaqARhyphenhyphen8K-1feDqqaRH5RElUAM/s1600/IMG_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKWkiLJYiEe_ET5ed3k8WejFVT0cAwtHGc2rN4RYmVgGXAwr5AN1ufWYRg0YgslgS0C8KRVHTK9DJiIOt0QbKFsguZrX6Y5gavMg_3JVIYjOh8UqhdpqaqARhyphenhyphen8K-1feDqqaRH5RElUAM/s200/IMG_5157.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life was good on Thursday. I went and got my hair done. It looked flawless. It was -- STRAIGHT! After visiting my hairstylist, I went to the local library to return some books, grab some new books and to use their WiFi to attempt to have a productive afternoon. While working on some projects my sister called and promised to call later in the evening. Eventually I returned home, took care of Rocky and my sister called. The purpose of our phone call was to discuss possible destinations for our family vacation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently during the conversation, I stopped making sense. Being the smartypants she is, she texted Mom with concern. Mom (or maybe it was Dad) called the local hospital who dispatched the ambulance to my home to rescue me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to my rescue squad, my blood sugar was 35 when they got to me but most likely had been lower prior. Yikes! I don't remember them coming into my house. My understanding is I fell when I went to let them in the house preventing me from letting them in. As they were about to break down my front doors, my wonderful neighbors across the street ran over with the garage door code for the rescuers to use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Going back to my fall, my butt is bruised and days later still hurts like you would not believe. I don't think I've whined enough but others think I've whined too much. I also somehow jammed a finger on my left hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My sister later said I told her I had no juice in my house when she tried to get me to drink some. I find this hilarious since I have close to 30 Juicy Juice juice boxes for low blood sugars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My rescue team was wonderful. Since my memory was quite fuzzy and I don't recall probably a good 30-60 minutes, they shared the following insights:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I adamantly was opposed to the protein drink they tried numerous times to get me to drink before they saw the juice boxes on the counter; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was far too delighted to drink the juice boxes (if you are wondering, I had the fruit punch flavor); </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When one of them tried to spell my name out loud, my feistiness appeared and I loudly informed them it is "in" not "en"; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite being out of it and low enough for someone not in the know to assume I was drunk, my wit was still quite impressive. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They also thanked me for being fully dressed and all thought Rocky was beyond adorable. Obviously. As I was coming to, Rocky was silent so I had no idea where he was and no idea how the rescue team got into my house. I went into a complete panic and began to babble about where Rocky was. The paramedics assured me if he had escaped the front door, one of my rescuers would have chased after him. Rocky was still on the sofa. I love how he has still not figured out how to jump down from it. Despite rarely, if ever barking, he was barking as if there was no tomorrow. A small part of me wanted to tell him to shut up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGO0u6mJ6Z1KHBnoFyLA6hZj2gvCxoPvKsB89SQLzalXqPJb9IvnXddcTYnrB1oENOfCWVFCMKJdiuWK1O3zV3-UT3KNIzxLuCdWrRpSzl3VGJdCMgG1oxVa024hhAsysvFRvtqBYoaea/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGO0u6mJ6Z1KHBnoFyLA6hZj2gvCxoPvKsB89SQLzalXqPJb9IvnXddcTYnrB1oENOfCWVFCMKJdiuWK1O3zV3-UT3KNIzxLuCdWrRpSzl3VGJdCMgG1oxVa024hhAsysvFRvtqBYoaea/s200/IMG_5165.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My rescue team inspected my kitchen to make sure I had appropriate food for a well-balanced dinner and mentioned they were impressed with what I had. Gold star for me. The firefighter lieutenant made me a peanut butter sandwich to eat while they were there. Good lord! So much peanut butter. There was like half the jar on the sandwich. Don't tell them but I was only able to eat half of it the entire night. When I looked at it before bed, I noticed he had used two buns, one for each side of the sandwich instead of putting the peanut butter between each side of one bun. He needs to relearn how to make sandwiches or learn about the "thin buns."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, diabetes decided to pull a punk-ass move and rear its ugly head out of nowhere. I survived but am annoyed because this one caught me completely off guard. The thing is, no matter how on top of diabetes you are, diabetes can pull this type of move and wipe you out on your butt (literally in my case). I still have no clue what caused this dramatic low as my blood sugars were on point all day, I correctly counted my carbs for all my meals and wasn't stressing over anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What I'm most upset about this is I had gone 25 months without having an ambulance visit me. Hopefully I can make it much longer on this round. </span></div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-74244140057474248242015-07-31T14:46:00.003-05:002015-07-31T14:46:30.440-05:00When the 11th Stitch Fix arrived...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, my 11th <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> arrived in mid-July and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. I think the main reason I kept putting it off is because I had a week with a lot of diabetes related posts. I wanted to give those attention as well as not let the fun <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> post get lost among the diabetes posts. </span><br />
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So, here we are, fix number 11. My 11th box was just as exciting as the first box. I didn't have any specific requests but did place photos of a pair of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7459155610290861/" target="_blank">yellow shoes</a> and a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7459155610290867/" target="_blank">statement necklace</a> to my Pinterest board to see if she could come up with something to pair with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what did they send me? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first item was the <b>Remmie Printed
Maxi Skirt by Papermoon. </b>I love how Kim sent the following note with it "I know you
have a very petite frame, but I thought I'd take a risk and send you the Remmie
maxi! Pair with a plain tee and your necklace for a fun, casual look!" I
think it is awesome she took a risk and sent me something I'd never contemplate
purchasing, much less trying on. At only five feet tall, maxi skirts tend not
to work on me. I loved the material this one was made out of and the
colors/pattern. However, when I tried it on, it was more than a foot too long.
At the suggestion of a Twitter friend, I tried it as a dress but that made me
look about 20 sizes bigger. I managed to keep perspective and not cry from
the experience. I took my time deciding on this skirt because I really liked it
and really wanted to keep it. Ultimately, the price to pay someone to alter it
in addition to the price of the skirt, I just couldn't justify it.
Particularly because I figured I'd probably only wear it on the Caribbean
vacations in December and even then, I love to be dressy for them. <b>Verdict:
Send back.</b> (<i>Even now as I type all of this a small part of me wishes I kept it). </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item two: Keno Scoop Neck Blouse by Sweet Rain</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time has passed since I returned my fix so I don't remember exactly what my comments were. While the colors were nice when you combined them with the print and style of the shirt, I just wasn't feeling it. The fit was okay but just left me feeling pretty eh and blah. It looked great with my statement necklace though. <b>Verdict: Send back. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item three: Ackley Houndstooth Print Blouse by 41Hawthorn </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was pretty apprehensive about this shirt. I think because it has longer sleeves and it is summer. I truthfully have no idea why I was apprehensive. When I pulled it out of the box, I assumed it would be a return. (<i>Honestly, nothing gave me an immediate gut feeling of being a keeper this time...this is why you should always try everything on). </i>I tried it on and loved it. Because of the sleeves and how I'm always cold, I think it could work year round. On the style card, it is shown with a red jacket. I'm going to have to see how it looks with my black moto jacket that I am still obsessed with. <b>Verdict: Keep! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Item four: Loreto Crew Neck Blouse by Bash </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At first glance, it is cute...but so not my style. Perhaps it is because I've been reading the "Dorothy Must Die" series about Dorothy, Glinda and Oz and the gingham pattern reminds me of it. I liked the colors. Again, like the Sweet Rain shirt, it was sheer and required a cami underneath. I'm over the sheer tops and mentioned that in my comments at check out. While it fit, it didn't leave me feeling amazing. I think others could absolutely rock this shirt, but not me. <b>Verdict: Send back. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Item five: Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse by Papermoon</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously at first look this one has potential as it is black and not sheer. I like tulip style to the sleeves. It is different from all the other black shirts you see people wearing. I wasn't sure I'd want to keep it prior to trying it on. Once I tried it on, I knew there was no way I'd send it back. In fact, as I prepared to check out and send things back, I started thinking if there was a way I could wear it to a meeting later in the week. This shirt works for casual but could also work for business casual. I have a red blazer from The Limited I think it'd look great with as I try to expand my fashion choices and include jackets. <b>Verdict: Keep! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, two out of the five items are keepers. Not bad considering they tend to aim for you to keep two or three and rarely expect you to keep all five. Again, I'm happy with the fix and really love how Kim took a risk. I'm definitely open to risks as long as they aren't too far out there. I sometimes need to be pushed and prodded to try something new. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to try <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, I'd greatly appreciate you using my referral code: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Also, make sure you look at my past posts to see what I've received in my 10 prior fixes. There has been some good stuff. My next fix is scheduled for September. I've requested to return back to skirts and dresses because those are the clothes I love. It will also be fall so it will be fun to see what fall has in store fashion wise. </span></div>
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-78480956486649520372015-07-20T16:56:00.003-05:002015-07-20T16:59:08.954-05:00The MasterLab Experience, Part Three<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Okay, by now you've read <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-1.html" target="_blank">part one</a> and <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-2.html" target="_blank">part two</a>. If you haven't, go back and read them so you don't miss out on any awesome information. Part one was the extended version of what Medtronic posted to their blog. Part two was about the fun I had with my new friends outside of the sessions. What does part three have in store for you? More tidbits of what I learned while at MasterLab. Each time I review my notes and tweets, something different stands out to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you haven't gathered by now, MasterLab is an incredible event focused on diabetes advocacy...how to advocate, how to make your advocacy impactful, why you should advocate, etc. The day and a half of MasterLab was jam packed with sessions. Take a look at agenda <a href="http://diabetesadvocates.org/masterlab-2015-agenda/" target="_blank">here</a>. There were participants from five countries at MasterLab. Impressive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tom Boyer mentioned we need to find more of our passion to be effective. We also need to work all together as one diabetic community to be the most effective. In the weeks before MasterLab, this was a common occurring thought in my mind, particularly because of Crossfit's stupidity. I witness on social media people with diabetes shaming/attacking others with a type of diabetes different from their own. This really needs to stop. When everything boils down to the simplest thought, it is the fact we all have diabetes, no matter the type. No one wants to be shamed/blamed and no one should. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was fascinated to hear Boyer speak about working with Clinton and Gingrich to make changes. <i>(***Sidenote...I kind of want to be Tom Boyer and do what he does. That is PR in a way, yes? Someone make this happen por favor). </i>There were two things he shared that gave me a moment of realistic fear:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The average cost for a person with diabetes, no matter the type of diabetes, is $15,000 per year. Following MasterLab, Boyer shared the l<a href="http://www.healthcostinstitute.org/issue-brief-capita-health-care-spending-diabetes-2009-2013" target="_blank">ink to the study </a>with me. I find it interesting the study was from 2013 which means the cost has probably only gone up rather than down; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Boyer is also a person with type 1 diabetes and he shared a personal story. After he used his insulin pump for 15 years, his health insurance decided he no longer needed the insulin pump. It took him five appeals to get the insurance company to cover his pump again. My pump has been instrumental in me finally achieving success with my health. I haven't felt so healthy in so many years, decades really. I'm terrified of what happened to Boyer happening to me. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Listening to Stacey Simms speak about working on the media reminded me of being a college student. I enjoyed listening to her because she is a Twitter friend. One thing she said I must share: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">As advocates, you may not always have success. It is okay. Do <b>not</b> stop. </span><b><span style="color: blue;">Do not give up!</span> </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Marina Tsaplina reminded us there is no *just* our story. All of our stories are connected to the stories of others. Also, advocacy cannot happen if we aren't present. If we just hangout on the sidelines, nothing is going to happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uTFBzuq09IRBFPplg74d0mN1jBur0Rt4YAxKqq4QOyp_ggoTp6SoQoeBuh4neL0Vs-G9B6vvC9PhAMrbSUUvBOjrI2q72EX0iaU4CugO1rFIHf06Rhsta3FnPcvNesQHp-iNF2_8RWIH/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.41.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uTFBzuq09IRBFPplg74d0mN1jBur0Rt4YAxKqq4QOyp_ggoTp6SoQoeBuh4neL0Vs-G9B6vvC9PhAMrbSUUvBOjrI2q72EX0iaU4CugO1rFIHf06Rhsta3FnPcvNesQHp-iNF2_8RWIH/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.41.44+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amy O'Connor hit home how once people <i>understand </i>the way, they will behind us. Once people understand the battle of diabetes, even just once aspect, they will be more likely to be behind us and support us in our efforts. She said <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"By doing something, there is an element of hope."</span></b> As long as we are doing something, even the smallest of things, there is the hope that something will change, and change for the better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My nerdy heart was thrilled with Thomas Lee's presentation about analytics. To summarize, I'm a social media rockstar in the world of diabetes but I can be better and do more. Obviously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Emily Coles was fantastic and I was so mesmerized, I neglected to take notes. My one note was how if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't advocate to the best of our ability.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEeoecqIxlH0WXKd5-E3e2XdPiEQ-f-b-pYycLhvNZYs5oACc2S_1kGTWS2vIpp6Sdeh7tYzt543Mkic32TrjCQl6CQswordNLxgQslUBt8nqc3sIFiIaR-sMIc6nMBhWD9ZX98a7SyyI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.43.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEeoecqIxlH0WXKd5-E3e2XdPiEQ-f-b-pYycLhvNZYs5oACc2S_1kGTWS2vIpp6Sdeh7tYzt543Mkic32TrjCQl6CQswordNLxgQslUBt8nqc3sIFiIaR-sMIc6nMBhWD9ZX98a7SyyI/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.43.13+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I fell asleep during Melissa Schooley's session. JUST KIDDING. She is from Medtronic. If I hadn't paid attention, I think a lecture would have been in my near future. And they probably would have deprived me of Diet Coke. Melissa spoke about advocacy on the national level with Congress. MasterLab really hit home what a problem it is that Medicaid/Medicare does <b>not</b> cover continuous glucose monitors. A lot of advocates are working hard to change this but we all need to jump in and help. It is a battle we must fight and get CGMs covered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Like Melissa, Andrew Zebrak spoke about advocacy but focused on the state levels. If you saw my tweets, I called out Nebraska because Nebraska's unicameral is doing nothing in regards to creating a Diabetes Action Plan. I'm not pleased at all with my beloved home state. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kim Vlasnik, another Twitter friend who hails from Nebraska, shared about the project she started. It is <a href="http://youcandothisproject.com/" target="_blank">You Can Do This Project.</a> Go check it out. It is powerful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrfUFXeHNfcC0I-3Z7nNNYZXxqVtOaZLVA6rZkXYJBt3CWCYGGF8sWzMwpeDwlaCdGuk2cLT74Q88bNBUB81WTfc7tXK0UYJdE07l7dYFFbjiuYFmWE2EdroJ9BfikX82V0J9b2kdangd/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.44.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrfUFXeHNfcC0I-3Z7nNNYZXxqVtOaZLVA6rZkXYJBt3CWCYGGF8sWzMwpeDwlaCdGuk2cLT74Q88bNBUB81WTfc7tXK0UYJdE07l7dYFFbjiuYFmWE2EdroJ9BfikX82V0J9b2kdangd/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-20+at+4.44.52+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu closed out day one by lighting a fire underneath all of our behinds. No longer can we play spectator. This goes with my thinking of if I don't advocate or fight for things which impact me, who will? In a way, I can't depend on others because really, only I am responsible for myself. Dr. Moritsugu spoke of how it is imperative we find our voices, both individually and collectively. Again, this goes back to the question of just how darn powerful can the diabetes community be if we all fight together instead of as separate entities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day two was all about focus groups. The first was about sustaining your advocacy. I attended thinking it would be about making sure you don't get worn out because as Melissa said, <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint.</b></span> Rather the focus group discussed sustaining advocacy through creating your own nonprofits and organizations. It was interesting but not quite relatable to me although I was impressed with all the hands raised when they asked who there had a nonprofit/organization. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second focus group was about the <a href="http://diabetespac.org/" target="_blank">Diabetes PAC</a> (Patient Advocacy Coalition). Wow! I left the focus group energized and believing in my ability to be a better advocate. They asked us to share why we advocate in five words. My reason? <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Make diabetes voices louder/stronger. </b></span>The louder and stronger we are, the more likely change will happen. Diabetes PAC makes it extremely easy for you to contact your elected officials. Our officials want to hear from us. The more they hear, the more likely they are to act. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At times during MasterLab, I was saddened to hear how much of a struggle people have to get the basic supplies they need such as test strips and insulin to care for their diabetes and stay alive. I'm not naive. I know people struggle but somehow it is easier to ignore it when I just read it on social media compared to hearing it in a room I'm sitting in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MasterLab was such an incredible, empowering experience. I arrived not realizing what passion I had inside me to change the world in regards to diabetes. MasterLab truly lit the match. I'm excited to see where this takes me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyfxvrNU5PzFm66kPYPRXtGdhClb47UlvkK87oytvxoXrypWgx6LstXeDFpZkuoM37JfEAYX-J5Uowhrqg_qHsUqUsrrzsNM0FDk_rOhku8c1bQlxaZcHvb966Mb8wEzDuPMs43Fjhyphenhyphenuv/s1600/IMG_4816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyfxvrNU5PzFm66kPYPRXtGdhClb47UlvkK87oytvxoXrypWgx6LstXeDFpZkuoM37JfEAYX-J5Uowhrqg_qHsUqUsrrzsNM0FDk_rOhku8c1bQlxaZcHvb966Mb8wEzDuPMs43Fjhyphenhyphenuv/s320/IMG_4816.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Diabetes Hands Foundation, you know the brilliant people responsible for MasterLab, have posted the presentations <a href="http://diabetesadvocates.org/masterlab/" target="_blank">online</a>. I encourage you to take some time and watch them or at least play them in the background and listen to them. (And yes, I was sitting up front so you'll probably see my amazing curly hair). All of the speakers and sessions were amazing but I'd really encourage you to listen to Tom Boyer and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moritsugu. A</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">lso, if you want to read all of the amazing tweets that were being sent out during the event, search for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasterLab?src=hash" target="_blank">#MasterLab.</a> </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">***Disclaimer: Medtronic paid for our airfare, lodging, food and MasterLab registration. All thoughts though are completely mine and Medtronic did not influence my thoughts in any way. </i><br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-43718653569774186582015-07-19T09:50:00.001-05:002015-07-20T15:48:55.683-05:00The MasterLab Experience, part two<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you've read <a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-masterlab-experience-part-1.html" target="_blank">part one</a>, which was an extended version of what <a href="http://www.loop-blog.com/masterlab-2015-raising-voices-diabetes-advocacy/" target="_blank">Medtronic posted on their blog</a>, then you might be feeling a little overwhelmed from all of the information shared in it. To be honest, I'm still somewhat overwhelmed by the entire experience. Not in a bad way though. I'm already trying to figure out a way to be able to attend not only MasterLab next year but also the Children With Diabetes Friends For Life event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To give you a break from all of the amazing information gathered at MasterLab (and yes, there is a lot more coming, I promise), this part will focus on the fun I had outside of the sessions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To remind you, Medtronic held a contest to pay for a person to attend MasterLab in Orlando. They couldn't decide on one person and ultimately chose three of us -- Charli, Phyllis and myself. Charli is from the Kansas City area and Phyllis is from the Boston metro. Prior to Medtronic's announcement, the three of us had never interacted before. I was a little worried about if we would all get along or not. Silly me. I should not have wasted a single moment worrying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Charli and I met in Atlanta as we shared a flight from Atlanta to Orlando. I would say within five second of meeting face-to-face, we were hooked on each other. We hadn't even boarded the plane before the laughs began. There was confusion at check-in at the resort so we called Phyllis to gain her input and were finally able to meet her face-to-face. Again, hooked within seconds. We broke away to get settled in our rooms before meeting back up in the gift shop and making our way to the bar on the lake's edge.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Billy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The bar is where we met the alligator who swam up behind us (don't worry, he couldn't get to us). We decided to name him Billy. From there, the story grew to how he would be the perfect new mascot for Medtronic but they would need to develop a completely waterproof pump for him. We debated who would win between Billy and <a href="http://www.lenny-diabetes.com/" target="_blank">Lenny</a> (Medtronic's official mascot). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pint sized sink for pint sized me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the bar we went on to finally meet Naomi, our Medtronic representative, for dinner. Laughter continued through dinner and we entertained Naomi as best we could. At the conclusion of dinner is when we found the first "pint sized" sink in the bathroom. Perfect for yours truly who lacks height. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since Naomi had flown in from LA, she excused herself for the night and the three of us headed to Downtown Disney. Thankfully I was able to see some fireworks while on the bus. Our main goal while at Downtown Disney was to find a souvenir spoon for Charli to take home. Of course one of the first stores we saw was Goofy's Candy Company. Three type one diabetics. Yes, we absolutely went inside. Quite the selection of Disney themed candy. We visited numerous other shops and stands but could not find a spoon. In fact, no one knew where to find one. The most important stand we visited though, at least to us, was the bar where we purchased some margaritas to walk around downtown with. Apparently, you can walk around as you please with alcohol. No complaints. The ride back to the resort was after Downtown Disney closed so the bus was packed and their sound system was a little off. The ad for <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/downtown-disney/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-downtown/" target="_blank">Disney's Bibbidi Bobbed Boutique</a> played over and over and over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All three of us have the Medtronic pump and it was quite humorous when someone's pump would start beeping. You'd often hear the three of us saying things like "someone's beeping," and "not me" and "hey, you are beeping." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Day two included many more laughs during the MasterLab sessions. Mainly because the Diet Coke cans truly spoke to us about each other...Better Half, Soulmate, BFF, VIP, Superstar. They all properly described our trio. During the happy hour/networking event, the three of us took turns recording podcasts with <a href="http://www.staceysimms.com/" target="_blank">Stacey Simms</a> (They will be posted the week of July 19, I think). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While all of that was going on, my camp counselor/nurse Amy from diabetes stopped by the resort so we could spend time. Amy is one of the most influential people I met at Camp Floyd Rogers, my diabetes camp. I admire her so much, especially because she had a goal (to be a nurse at Disney World) and she made it happen. The lesson I learned from that? No matter what your goal is, it isn't impossible. She joined the three of us as well as Naomi and Karrie from Medtronic for dinner. Karrie, if you are wondering, was our other Medtronic rep on the trip. We didn't believe she actually existed because she didn't have dinner with us on Monday or breakfast on Tuesday. When she showed up for the sessions, we finally believed she existed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We decided to dine at a brewery on the Disney Boardwalk. Thankfully by the time we left our resort to go there it had stopped raining. We were able to capture some wonderful pictures and have more laughs. Spending time with Amy (I haven't seen her in over a decade) was icing on the cake and nearly made my heart burst with happiness. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Medtronic crew</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To no surprise, the three of us visited the bar by the lake at the resort again once we returned from dinner. Billy was a no-show for our nightcap if you were wondering. While drinking we learned much more about each other, shared our thoughts on the day and agreed we were all sad to have it end the next day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wednesday was the final day of MasterLab. Although nearly all of my time was spent with Charli, Phyllis, Naomi and Karrie, I was able to meet some of my Twitter friends from #DSMA. Every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. CST, there is a diabetes themed chat with the hashtag DSMA. It is one of the best hours each week. I've made some amazing friends through DSMA so it was fun and exciting to put real faces to the names. And yes, they are just as awesome in real life as they are on Twitter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were all sad to part ways as Phyllis boarded the Magical Express back to the airport and Charli and I shared a taxi. Charli and I were leaving from different terminals and may have been a tad over dramatic as we parted ways. It was sad. I felt like I lost part of me. Or as Diet Coke would say, I lost my better half. Tweets and texts continued while we all waited for our flights to leave Orlando. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My head is honestly filled with so many fun memories I created with these ladies. I could probably write a novel about all of the memories created but it really is one of those things you just had to be there for, especially since I'm struggling to describe them in words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The takeaway from our adventure though is how amazing it is to meet complete strangers who instantly feel like besties. All because of one silly illness. People tend to focus on the negatives of diabetes but being able to meet Phyllis and Charli (and others) is an obvious positive of the disease. It has been nearly two weeks and I still miss them. Charli may be driving through my city later this summer so YAY for that. Meanwhile, planning a reunion is in the very early stages. Because you know it has to happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mnP26993mOqw0phoyYGcyuHIxzTz9ocjmsrATaxulXHK4AvLGTp3Mf97hILLyXOTc2wvcAnAgNFifAr20OxlN7OUbxe2AsYo5gtyaq7no74sTirajBrFLj4d1sEurkVvP6iYQ9KR6yGa/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mnP26993mOqw0phoyYGcyuHIxzTz9ocjmsrATaxulXHK4AvLGTp3Mf97hILLyXOTc2wvcAnAgNFifAr20OxlN7OUbxe2AsYo5gtyaq7no74sTirajBrFLj4d1sEurkVvP6iYQ9KR6yGa/s320/IMG_4749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Charli, yours truly, Phyllis...before we really got into trouble</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>***Disclaimer: Medtronic paid for our airfare, lodging, food and MasterLab registration. All thoughts though are completely mine and Medtronic did not influence my thoughts in any way. </i></span><script>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>***Side note: I think this is the first time I've ever posted pictures of who I am on this blog. I suppose I can't stay completely anonymous forever. A little sad about it but the pictures add to the story. </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-67205193868854467562015-07-17T17:28:00.002-05:002015-07-20T15:48:47.205-05:00The MasterLab experience, part one<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you read <a href="http://www.loop-blog.com/masterlab-2015-raising-voices-diabetes-advocacy/" target="_blank">Medtronic's awesome blog</a>, you'll see some of what my cohorts Charli, Phyllis and I submitted. Obviously, they couldn't include every single word we provided. So, for the first installment of my MasterLab experience series, here is all of the words I sent to Medtronic. And yes, I could totally </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">rewrite them as a fresh new post but this is easier and in summer, easier is better. :) </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With one unexpected phone call from Naomi at Medtronic, I
was suddenly making plans to attend the 2015 MasterLab in Orlando. Despite
devouring everything I could find about MasterLab online and asking people on
Twitter, I had absolutely no clue what to expect. I had no expectations of what
I’d learn during the sessions. I also had no idea what it would be like to
spend so much time with the two other ladies attending on behalf of Medtronic –
Charli Guerin and Phyllis Kaplan – who I had never met before. The obvious fear
was what if we didn’t get along at all. That concern flew out the window within
seconds of meeting both of them. The fun we all had together, both in the
sessions and in our spare time, was icing on the cake to this experience.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite only being a day and a half, I’m still finding all
of the information I walked away with to be slightly overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since returning home I often find myself
reflecting on everything I learned and experienced. Each time it is a different
memory and I find myself wanting to share it all with you<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>Unfortunately, posting a thousands and thousands of words for a
blog post won’t quite work, so I’ve had to narrow it down to few things that
stuck out the most to me.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the speakers who stood out the most to me was Tom
Boyer, director of government affairs at Novo Nordisk. The gist of his speech
was about finding our voice in order to speak up for the diabetes community.
This man has been heavily involved in diabetes advocacy efforts for decades. He
shared how of the 1,800 advocates he trained in the 1980s, only three are still
involved. As Mr. Boyer said, we’ve gone from setting the temperature to reading
the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we speak up and make
our voices heard, we’ll go back to setting the temperature.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mr. Boyer shared a Martin Luther King, Jr. quote – “</span><span style="color: #1f2326; font-size: 11pt;">Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things
that matter.” Sure, MLK wasn’t speaking about diabetes but it is appropriate.
It truly doesn’t matter how much or how loud we advocate, any advocacy effort
will make a difference because we aren’t being silent. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Going
off of that, something the next speaker (Stacey Simms) said is important to
remember as well. To paraphrase, as advocates we may not always have success
and that is okay as long we do not give up. And Melissa Schooley of Medtronic
reminded us advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nearly every speaker mentioned how it truly doesn’t matter
which type of diabetes we have, we’re all impacted by it and need to fight for
better lives for all. It doesn’t matter which type because we all need access
to the supplies needed to stay healthy. It makes me wonder how powerful could
the diabetes community be if we raised our voices as one large, all-inclusive
group instead of having friction between the types.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu, former VP of global professional
education & strategic relations at Johnson & Johnson’s Diabetes
Solutions Companies, provided Tuesday’s closing keynote. He was such a dynamic
speaker that I found myself not wanting his speech to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reminded us to have a sense of clarity
regarding our purpose and what we want to achieve as we go forward as
advocates. Dr. Moritsugu urged us how we must get involved because we can no
longer play spectator. What he said that stuck out the most to me though was
how each of us is the human face of diabetes. Well, duh, obviously we are but
how often do we forget that we are the face of diabetes? As a friend and I
discussed diabetes and everything I had learned at MasterLab, they mentioned when
they hear about diabetes, theur first thought is of me. As we advocate for
diabetes, we need to make our faces seen. It makes diabetes so much more real
to others who are not connected to diabetes.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are many more things I want to share from MasterLab.
I know the videos will be posted eventually on YouTube (</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">http://YouTube.com/diabeteshands)
so make sure to watch them. I hope you’ll be as moved by the speakers and
discussions as I was. Participating in MasterLab was an incredible experience.
I was able to meet people who I’ve interacted with countless times on Twitter
in person and people who are just as passionate, if not more so, about being
diabetes advocates at this event. As I left MasterLab, I found myself thinking
about how I could be a better advocate, how I could be more like those I met. I
also left with a renewed spirit and belief that I can, even as one person, make
a difference in regards to diabetes.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">And, for full disclosure, Medtronic paid for my airfare, lodging, meals and registration to participate in MasterLab. All the words written are my own and were not influenced by Medtronic. </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-30255639940806166572015-06-22T13:06:00.000-05:002015-06-22T13:06:54.330-05:00Where has professionalism gone? <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No matter where you attend college, professionalism is aways pounded into your head. "You must always be professional!" and "Always be aware of how you are presenting yourself" and "Treat others how you hope to be treated." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you progress through your career, you still want to remain professional but it includes much more -- you must remember to be ethical and courteous and to remember you are always representing more than just yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It all makes sense. It seems like common sense, at least to me it does. If you are ambitious and serious about your career, being professional and ethical should be second nature. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With all of that said and done, it seems the concept of professionalism is changing in the job hunting word. Personally, I believe it started with the recession of 2008. People were scrambling for employment. Instead of the traditional 20 applicants for a specific job, there were now hundreds. And professionalism on behalf of those hiring began to fly out the window. Applicants still sent thank you notes and followed up. Potential employers stopped sending rejection emails to those who didn't even qualify for an interview. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That is reasonable. Although some, to the delight of job seekers, arranged for a standard boilerplate rejection email to be sent. Job applicants can understand never hearing back from the potential employer if they weren't selected for an interview. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is now happening though, gives me great concern. After speaking with a job applicant, employers are not following up -- even to reject the candidate. Here are two examples of recent experiences: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Example 1: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The candidate submitted their resume for a job opening via email. The employer contacted them and arranged a phone interview. The phone interview took place, the applicant believed it was successful enough to call for a face-to-face interview. Before the interview ended, the applicant asked what the next steps were in the hiring process. The employer informed the candidate they would hear back within a week or week and a half. In the evening, the applicant sent a thank you note via email since all communication had been via email and phone. The week and a half went by. Two weeks after the interview the applicant emailed to follow up with the understanding schedules change and other things come up. The applicant reiterated the interest in the position and desire to meet face-to-face to discuss it and their skills more in-depth. The applicant never heard a response from the follow up email. The original interview was at the end of April. It is now towards the end of June and nothing. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Example 2: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This candidate submitted their resume for a different job opening via LinkedIn. A representative from the potential employer contacted the applicant and requested additional items which the applicant submitted. The following week the representative contacted the applicant to schedule a face-to-face interview which took place the following week on Thursday. The interviewer had mentioned they were the initial interview, a "get to know you" interview. The interviewer also mentioned if they passed the applicant's name on for the next stage and they couldn't "imagine not passing your name along," the applicant would be meeting with several other people before and if that meeting went well, they would then make it to the third stage of the process to interview with the president of the organization. The interviewer also informed the applicant no timeline had been established but they assumed they would be moving at a rapid pace because there was so much to do. Before leaving, the applicant asked the interviewer if they had any concerns about their resume. The interviewer responded they had none, that the resume was outstanding, the applicant was quite qualified. </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The applicant felt great about the interview and believed they truly connected with the interviewer and became excited about the possibility of the position and all it entailed. After leaving the interview, the applicant wrote a thank you card and stopped at the post office to mail it to make sure it would arrive potentially on Friday but definitely by Monday. The applicant never heard from the organization. A little over two weeks from the initial interview, the applicant sent an email to their point of contact inquiring about the position and reaffirming their interest in the position. The applicant never heard a thing from the point of contact. The interview took place in early May. It is now late June. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what gives? Where has basic professionalism gone? Again, job applicants can understand never learning of their rejection if there has never been communication between the applicant and employer. But if there is communication between the two parties, specifically when there is an interview, shouldn't the employer feel obligated to inform the applicant if they have been rejected? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What could the employers reasoning be for never responding to the applicant's inquiry? The applicant is limited to how often they can contact the employer without being a pest, although I recently read an article stating they should contact them weekly (uh, say what). </span><script>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When did basic professionalism disappear? Will it ever return? </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-65170495771403430962015-05-18T11:30:00.001-05:002015-05-18T11:30:13.477-05:00Stitch Fix #10<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow! I can't believe I've had 10 Stitch Fixes already. Actually, I <i>can </i>believe it because <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> is amazing and slightly addictive. My tenth fix arrived the day before I left town for my sister's graduation from graduate school. <i>Side note: I'm beyond proud of my sister for earning this degree. </i>While the arrival date was good as I was home to receive it, it was a problem because I had to decide that night on what I wanted to keep and send back. I almost always take all three business days to decide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yet again, I requested my previous stylist Kim. I only had one specific request for her -- I needed a top to wear with my amazing new pink heels. </span><script>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcF-MKyB2RYnpJ6O2L_924t7Xh1jqa8R193ZUre8LvEASpKtk7WCdtUqXXf3TAfCzQTj5vvS2mQnmJtd7HnolNR7H9dYyQh-71U02r7K9avT3NQ0ptXV6-ACaiBL-JI_C5atjMpgpzauO/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcF-MKyB2RYnpJ6O2L_924t7Xh1jqa8R193ZUre8LvEASpKtk7WCdtUqXXf3TAfCzQTj5vvS2mQnmJtd7HnolNR7H9dYyQh-71U02r7K9avT3NQ0ptXV6-ACaiBL-JI_C5atjMpgpzauO/s320/shoes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I read the note Kim sent with the fix, it seemed like she had quite a bit of fun finding items to work with these shoes. I can't blame her. I have fun just staring at them. Seriously, they are currently displayed on my dresser instead of properly stored in the closet with the rest of my shoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what did Kim send? She sent three shirts, a blazer and a cardigan. With these items she provided great insight of how to style them together to create specific looks. Bonus points to her for using the word vivacious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 1: Torin French Terry Stripe Blazer</b> by <b>Pixley</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi396z0WVNVDFza2BKReinudG0LM8H27fx7xu4igcvvylYUemebaplf-fwu-RGlSEViiv-9p84Oto1gb_XX4Vr0mGjmbRVF0diFewONuG8Otuxu8Yy-4715jPxEfwCRHShJHjBn3LkLVzo-/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi396z0WVNVDFza2BKReinudG0LM8H27fx7xu4igcvvylYUemebaplf-fwu-RGlSEViiv-9p84Oto1gb_XX4Vr0mGjmbRVF0diFewONuG8Otuxu8Yy-4715jPxEfwCRHShJHjBn3LkLVzo-/s320/IMG_4146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is a cute blazer although I wasn't overly thrilled with the stripes. However, I do love the terry cloth material. It is so soft. It fit pretty well and didn't look horrible on me but I just wasn't sold on it. I didn't fall in love with it. <b><i>Verdict: Returned it</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 2: Ivanka Sheer Detail Blouse </b>by<b> Fate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrUCxhxRQyEuGf8uLrikV71Ek2eOFSpaiARMHd-pz2qLAkyzpG93GWLBhPmrFl4CZzOwHLW84WLOeDOB4XGIX60aaBP0wjzj9emo4pZobzh4vJ9EqKGnEjXaZK3vHNtM9GiduvL1ZDq0H/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrUCxhxRQyEuGf8uLrikV71Ek2eOFSpaiARMHd-pz2qLAkyzpG93GWLBhPmrFl4CZzOwHLW84WLOeDOB4XGIX60aaBP0wjzj9emo4pZobzh4vJ9EqKGnEjXaZK3vHNtM9GiduvL1ZDq0H/s320/IMG_4151.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I tried this on with and without the blazer. Looking at it when I pulled it out of the box, I wasn't quite sure about it. After trying it on, I was sold. The sheerness (all the way around) on top gave it a fun edge to it as well as the detail on top. Although I didn't keep the blazer, I have a red blazer I'm anxious to pair it with. <b><i>Verdict: Kept it</i></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 3: </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Charles Embroidered Trim Blouse</b> by <b>Fun2Fun</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD8cl5AxhD00IhX0UfFZaGGV7MoI4PlucpH7ssFqdJavpsNAxQgJlw8TPr2hHAQ2NnvLQiflwquOP8NSoA20oPVWJELsC1tVvpBYqcSWyhkSgzFSajfbmoI5d-Rgya1kBlBoIrNySoa-k/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD8cl5AxhD00IhX0UfFZaGGV7MoI4PlucpH7ssFqdJavpsNAxQgJlw8TPr2hHAQ2NnvLQiflwquOP8NSoA20oPVWJELsC1tVvpBYqcSWyhkSgzFSajfbmoI5d-Rgya1kBlBoIrNySoa-k/s320/IMG_4150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was in love with this top before I even tried it on. How can you not love a bright, fun colored top? And it is nearly identical pink to my shoes. I appreciate it has some floral detailing on the bottom which gives it a different look from an everyday top but it isn't too girly. (<i>Despite what you may assume about me I'm not the most girly girl). </i>I tried this on with and without the cardigan (see item 4). Before I even tried it on I knew I would keep it. <b><i>Verdict: Kept it </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Another side note: </i>I wore this on my trip with my favorite pair of dark skinny jeans, black ballet flats (we were going to a ball game) and my black <a href="http://www.thelimited.com/product/quinn-moto-jacket/20046853.html?ppid=c10&start=10&cgid=scandal-collection-inspired-by-kerry-washington&dwvar_20046853_colorCode=120" target="_blank">moto jacket</a>. I felt amazing in the outfit. So, definitely a success. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 4: Lalia Sheer Cardigan </b>by <b>Fate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpOZDuRG9nL3_Z0-2QbO7alDoGoi25FitP9QmFDRVuyAGQnYl8_UGFRv3brhFC_Ny-YZFZYv6hyphenhyphenAtAEW2LkM5KF6mikTLRtNd3t9DDR2906Qap9ndowtwrfzG0cnl52buw_HTpaTYGjIB/s1600/IMG_4147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpOZDuRG9nL3_Z0-2QbO7alDoGoi25FitP9QmFDRVuyAGQnYl8_UGFRv3brhFC_Ny-YZFZYv6hyphenhyphenAtAEW2LkM5KF6mikTLRtNd3t9DDR2906Qap9ndowtwrfzG0cnl52buw_HTpaTYGjIB/s320/IMG_4147.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm all for a cardigan, especially since I'm not a fan of bare arms in the workplace. But this cardigan? Even when just looking at it on the hanger before trying it on, I knew was a no. It just is not my style. It isn't so much the sheerness of it but more so the details, such as the texture on the bottom and where it comes together in front. I just no. When I showed it to my Mom, even she immediately said no to it. <b><i>Verdict: Sent it back</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Item 5:</b> <b>Lisben Split Neck Blouse</b> by <b>Skies are Blue</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumQAGp2mkMjptVqDDUf3xVLRWOLPr2hVXwaFZ7zNDJ78uxNqfuaj9izekK97DRxhxw_R3qhlRwGmudhoAcSBz5hZnphk7XL0z8I9EtP8B9Mr0Tn8nyDraPobyMxLbIVQDU_qc5UvpD8Mc/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumQAGp2mkMjptVqDDUf3xVLRWOLPr2hVXwaFZ7zNDJ78uxNqfuaj9izekK97DRxhxw_R3qhlRwGmudhoAcSBz5hZnphk7XL0z8I9EtP8B9Mr0Tn8nyDraPobyMxLbIVQDU_qc5UvpD8Mc/s320/IMG_4153.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wasn't sure about this shirt. Looking at it as I placed it on the hanger to take a picture I didn't hate it but I also didn't love it. Wasn't quite sure about the two different patterns. It was the last item I tried on. Since it is sheer (this seems to be quite the trend lately -- sheer tops), I placed it over a white cami. As I looked at myself in the mirror wearing it, I wasn't thrilled. It was not flattering shape wise at all. It made me look pretty boxy. Perhaps it was too big but I doubt it. It seems like this was how it is supposed to be. <b><i>Verdict: Sent it back</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, that was my 10th fix. My next one isn't until July. July 3 to be exact. What a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July by indulging in another Stitch Fix. Like this time, I have no specific requests although I have a pair of shoes arriving this week in a fun color so I'll probably ask Kim to find something to work with them as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As always, if you haven't signed up for <a href="https://stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, please consider using my <a href="https://stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">referral code</a>. It costs nothing to sign up and complete the profile. Once you decide to order a fix, I'll be given a credit of $25 and we all know I never every penny to help feed this addiction. Make sure to let me know too what you think of your first fix! I'm always curious to hear what others think of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OH! One parting thought. In my previous fix (<a href="http://mischievouskristin.blogspot.com/2015/03/stitch-fix-number-nine.html" target="_blank">number 9</a>), I received a purse which I ultimately sent back. A few weeks ago I went to dinner with someone at the food truck part and as I people watched, I saw a girl with that purse. My mind was blown! I've never, ever seen someone with something I received I in a fix. I'm not complying at all. It was just humorous because although I know lots and lots of people subscribe to <a href="https://stitchfix.com/referral/3392664" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>, I like to pretend it is my little secret and no one in my area knows of it. But I also applaud this girl for being smart enough to keep the purse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641190306015523589.post-7904114682036808042015-05-13T15:09:00.001-05:002015-05-13T15:09:27.340-05:00Diabetes blog week -- day three<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is already day three of diabetes blog week. It has been quite interesting (and thought provoking) so far. What is on tap for day three? Cleaning it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Yesterday we kept stuff in, so today let's clear stuff out. What is in your diabetic closet that needs to be cleaned out? This can be an actual physical belonging, or it can be something you're mentally or emotionally hanging on to. Why are you keeping it and why do you need to get rid of it?"</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going to admit. The topics of diabetes blog week have not been the easiest for me to blog about. I just haven't had a great connection to the topics whereas I'm confident many others have been able to nearly immediately know what they would write about. This one has me stumped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What do I need to clean out? If I'm honest I have a storage bin in my linen closet with, I believe five or six, old glucose meters. We're talking about some old school ones. True story. I need to get rid of them. I want to get rid of them but I refuse to throw them away because I know they work. I've tried contacting both JDRF and American Diabetes Association but have been unable to receive an answer on if there is somewhere I can donate them. I considered contacting my friend who has done several mission trips to Haiti to see if they could use them but time got the best of me and I forgot. Surely, there has to be somewhere I can donate them. Seriously. There are drives to collect used eyewear, why not useable glucose meters? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I <a href="http://t.co/YLcCtpdOBu" target="_blank">mentioned yesterday</a> about how being a perfectionist doesn't quite work well with diabetes. Ever so slowly I'm working on letting go of my need to be perfect in every way. So I suppose that works as an answer to the topic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I said, struggling to connect to the topic. Fingers crossed tomorrow is a topic I connect with because these past few posts have been pretty pitiful. I encourage you to read many of the far more delightful posts though with today's topic. You can find links to those posts <a href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=dblogweek&postid=30Apr2015b" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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