Category Archive: Uncategorized
I sit at my own booth, the yellow breakfast platter before me is now empty while a mug of coffee sits, full, just to my left. For too long now I’ve read while listening to someone else’s conversation, my mind only half-heartedly focused on the material on the page. The conversation is interesting, but my goal in coming here was not eavesdropping. So I move on and start up my computer, plug in my headphones and start to write. But, wait a minute, I can’t write while listening to Patty Griffin apparently. I thought her music was unfamiliar enough to become background noise, but it’s not. So classical then. Again no, not going to work at all. I’m one of those folks who is way too aware of—and thus distracted by—background music. Shoot. Now I’m listening to the dude on the phone behind me.
Oh, the life of a freelancer at the “office.”
I love it.
You: Hi there, Rebecca! Whatcha doing today?
RT: Oh, just recording some blood sugars, carbs from breakfast/lunch/dinner and how much insulin I gave for each meal.
You: Sounds like fun!
RT: Oh boy, is it!
You: Hey! What are you reading there, Rebecca?
RT: Oh, hi. I’m reading up on the latest continuous glucose monitoring systems and doing internet research to determine which one might be best for me.
You: That sounds like fun! Wish I could do that, too!
RT: Doesn’t it?!
You: Hey, Tredway! What are your plans this week? Want to get coffee?
RT: Howdy. Sorry, no coffee for me. I have exciting plans to call my insurance company and see what kind of coverage they’ll offer me for great diabetes care! And after that, get this, I’m going to make appointments for eye exams and dental care. Woohoo!
Type 1 diabetes has been a constant companion since I was 16 years old. I’ve had years of ups and downs. Ironically perhaps, I cared more for myself when I was first diagnosed as a teenager. I’ve gotten really lazy, really bitter and really annoyed by diabetes in the past ten years or so. I’ve done enough just to get by, but it’s not enough to make the future look bright.
My new slogan is: Diabetes is my hobby.
Like any new challenge, I am going to give my attention to diabetes for awhile, at least long enough to ascertain patterns and carb counts and how much insulin is needed and when. And while those conversations above will never really happen, I need to work hard on caring for myself. It’s going to take time. It’s going to take encouragement. It’s going to take perseverance. But, if I can focus on what really matters, it’ll make all the difference in the longrun.
My friend Joanna runs Ministry of Reality Mondays on her blog, In Search of Lost Time. Another friend, Moriah, as noted in the comments section, runs Fun Mom Fridays. Both are great blogging ideas and I want to feature them here. As it happened, I recently ran a fun idea in the middle of the week and now a moment of reality on a Tuesday. BUT… if I ever do it on the right day, friends, I’ll let you know!
This photo shows my own Moment of Reality after Livia and I went to the zoo on one of the most humid days this month. I felt like a great mom that day: I bought food for the goats! I bought train tickets! I was taking my kid to the zoo on a Saturday even though I hate Saturdays at the zoo! I’m not sure Liv valued my efforts as much as I did, however. She was hot, and sweaty, and tired. So, right outside the zoo gates, she sat down on a bench in the shade and I could. not. move. her. Here it was, a thousand degrees out and my car, my Bastion of Air Conditioning, a mere 50 feet away, and my child quit moving entirely.
My friends, I did not perform well in that moment. I scolded and threatened and eventually moved her bodily onto the sidewalk once more. Inside I was getting more and more worked up. (Let’s just say I can understand the emotions that led to Steven Slater’s dramatic plane exit recently.) My hand propelled her towards the car door and then, get this, she walked away from the car and stubbornly stood in the shade of a nearby tree.
Public setting. Child with an internal tantrum. Mother about to lose it with an external tantrum. Images of myself on the six o’clock news flash before my eyes.
So, with an eye on my daughter, I got into the car, cranked up the A/C, and yelled something like, “Get in the freaking car!” I paused, looked around the car, wondered how to proceed and… picked up my camera. I’ve taken photos for many, many reasons, but this was the first time I snapped a few shots in order to calm myself down. And for the most part, it worked.
I can’t remember when Livia got in the car. I can remember hollering a lecture and issuing discipline at home. I recall the sweetness of air conditioning and how grateful I was to live in a time where air conditioning is possible. I also recall apologies all around, from mama and child alike. Thank God for grace, and photographic evidence.
I plan to pull out this picture when Liv has a rough moment with a stubborn child someday. : )
Everybody’s favorite honorary aunt, Joie/Jojo/Jojg!
“Every artist was at first an amateur.” – Ralph W. Emerson
I wanted to poke my eyes out while reading Emerson in high school. Yes, it was that painful an experience. But I felt like kissing Mr. Emerson when reading a few quotes this morning. As I prepare for my first ever gallery showing (!) I feel like amateur hour times a thousand.
“Have fun at work!” Liv called out to Jeremy as he climbed the stairs to his office.
Then she turns to me with a smile… “Cuz work is boring. Alls he do is just sit there, typing,” she said with a grin in her voice.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Web programming, though exciting to Jeremy, doesn’t look so great to a six-year-old.
Our recipe blog, Needs More Butter, is a terrific resource for new ideas:
I tasted Renae’s Blueberry Crumb Bars last week at a neighborhood grill. Mmm-mmm, summer perfection!
This recipe for Basil Chicken is a perfect way to use up the herbs from your garden. It has an amazing flavor.
Bok Choy Salad makes a great addition to any potluck. (Just don’t forget to add soy sauce like I did last year.)
And while I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad is super yummy. The texture of chickpeas typically grosses me out, but this salad is delicious. It earned some rave reviews at a church gathering last year.
Finally, in the interest of consuming more fruits and veggies, I’d like to go back to making Green Smoothies. They’re sweet and refreshing on a hot summer’s day—and they’re a filling treat the whole family can enjoy. Drink up!
Like I mentioned before, Arizona is so cool because it is so very different from home. For example, we do not have palm trees in Nebraska. Say nothing of the fact that 99.9% of Lincoln front yards contain grass, not rocks or gravel.
Our backyard also does not contain a trampoline. My child loves trampolines. A friend recently acquired a tramp (with a net!) and I’m considering sneaking into her yard on a regular basis to let Livia burn off some steam.
Finally, we do not have orange trees in the backyards or front yards or even side yards of Lincoln, Nebraska. I’ve forgotten how lovely it is to see oranges growing on trees around town. When I was a kid, and we were moving from Georgia to California, we prayed for an orange tree in our yard. Oddly enough, I can’t remember whether we had one or not. What I do remember is praying hard for pool, which we did not get. Later on I found out that Mom had been praying against the pool. I then learned that mothers have a special connection to God. ; )
