tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17373889661762766222024-02-02T22:33:57.704+00:00Instructions Not IncludedMusings of a Type One DiabeticBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-53585669499632751502018-08-02T22:13:00.000+01:002018-08-02T22:17:19.318+01:00Sounding Intelligent (Thoughts on writing, PLUS a giveaway!)<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.5;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A friend of mine, who is a wonderfully gifted writer and all round excellent person once gave me an excellent piece of advice. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Writers are so much more intelligent when they're writing.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He's not wrong. He rarely is. Since I like to refer to myself as a writer, let's forget the massive hiatuses, and pretend the I have a modicum of intelligence and have been writing for you all this time. However, I am making a more manageable commitment to actually saying the things that I want to say on here - <i>Instructions Not Included</i> will now be receiving a weekly update. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Speaking of writers, let me talk to you about one who does write regularly, and is therefore far more intelligent than I am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You may or may not have come across Adam Brown, who is Senior Editor over at <a href="https://diatribe.org/" style="color: #1155cc;">Diatribe</a>, and an all round nice guy with a lot of knowledge. I had the pleasure of participating in his session at Children With Diabetes - Friends For Life 2017, about Writing About Diabetes (yes, I know, I know). He spoke to us about his great book, <i><a href="https://brightspotsandlandmines.org/" style="color: #1155cc;">Bright Spots & Landmines</a></i>. I had seen it popping up all over my social media in the lead up the 2017 conference and had been meaning to lay my hands on a copy. Being the nice guy that Adam is, he let me have a copy then and there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was one, teeny tiny thing however. It's a problem I find with a lot of otherwise fantastic books about D-books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They're always in mg/dl. Which, you know, I understand. If you're from the US and you're writing for a majoritively US based market, you want to write in their 'money'. For the rest of us out there, however, it's somewhat frustrating - I've sat with a calculator and pencil, dividing all the measurements by 18 and jotting things down in margins many a time. So I decided to actually do something - I asked Adam if he would do a mmol/l version. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mJtYWo2t0ZT-YbveLo7D1HsbGnMOHTH427E130U1CCQJNDDzwKabMMgFaApl-PShmrpmjsvq2pNr4ACC3k83yH7zx5XD-Q60azLUA20kqgcxTUSok4ORuHZQE-4paGYzlNiTDohnkc4/s1600/IMG_20180802_215236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mJtYWo2t0ZT-YbveLo7D1HsbGnMOHTH427E130U1CCQJNDDzwKabMMgFaApl-PShmrpmjsvq2pNr4ACC3k83yH7zx5XD-Q60azLUA20kqgcxTUSok4ORuHZQE-4paGYzlNiTDohnkc4/s320/IMG_20180802_215236.jpg" width="248" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And this is what he wrote down for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The end result?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That was an email from Adam recently saying he wanted to let me know personally that he'd been good to his word! And not only had he done a Kindle version, but he'd also done a full on, hold it in your hands, honest to god hard copy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I took a moment to catch up with him again at Friends For Life 2018 (yes, that is now THREE conferences I've been to, which is really hard to believe) -see below</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a great book, I really do recommend it. I'd love to see it really making a splash over in the foreign lands that are mmol/l speaking versions. So what do you do if you want to get your hands on a shiny new hard copy of this </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The All-Important Giveway Related Bit</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So I have ten copies of Adam's book to give away. A kind request - please only enter if a mmol/l version is actually going to be useful to you or someone you love. Otherwise that's a lot for me to spend in postage!</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Entries are going to be open until the end of Sunday 12th August (that's UK time!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Winners will be chosen at random from a hat. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To enter your name into the draw, comment on this post. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can earn an extra entry by following me on Twitter (@instructionsni) and sending me a tweet with the hashtag #brightspotsgiveaway </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check back here in the week commencing 13th August, as I will be announcing the winners on that week's post.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If a winner does not get in touch with contact details, I will redraw for an additional winner and reach out to them.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good luck everyone, and I'll be back next week, trying to sound intelligent. Or at least honest. Let's go for honest. I can manage that.</span></div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-54892577661016546872016-10-17T00:46:00.002+01:002016-10-17T00:46:42.960+01:00Love is ON!<br />
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I've spoken recently about being proud to be associated with Beyond Type One. Trust me, nothing has changed there. I think they're a fantastic organisation who are doing amazing work. Which was why I was particularly proud to be asked if I would join in with the efforts to help propel Beyond Type One to the winner's podium for <a href="http://www.beyondtype1.org/donate">Revlon's Love Is On challenge.</a> <br />
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Not sure what this is? Here's the nutshell version :<br />
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Revlon are offering organisations like Beyond Type One the opportunity to win a million dollars. Within a fundraising window whichever organisation raises the most will gain the million and the exposure that a giant like Revlon can grant as an added bonus. Plus they get to keep however much has been raised along the way (naturally).<br />
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Pretty great right? This is fantastic opportunity to get Type One into the spotlight. There are plenty of chances for those who donate to go into prize draw for some amazing incentives and if you donate at certain times, Revlon are even offering donation matches. I'm all for donation economy, so I'll be donating at one of these moments to try and get some added value.<br />
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I'm thrilled to be a captain for today's fundraising as part of the non US based contingent. But I can already hear your mind going <i>'But Becky, why should we donate to this? You're not from the USA, surely there's something based in the UK that you should be supporting instead?'</i>Hmmm, fair point. You're right, there are plenty of UK and European based organisations, but let's dig a little deeper.<br />
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There are plenty of aspects of Beyond Type One's work that are accessible to people anywhere in the world. The Snail Mail Club and the app are just two easy to point to examples. There's also the simply awesome fact that grants from Beyond Type One are helping fund research, advocacy, outreach and day to day, practical, boots on the ground type help all over the globe every single day. Have a quick read of <a href="https://beyondtype1.org/portfolio/">the portfolio</a> of other organisations they're working with. I was fascinated.<br />
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However, I would love to see an influx of support from those of us not in the US. Let's be the cavalry charge that helps propel this awesome organisation into the forefront of people's minds.<br />
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I've decided not to have my own individual fundraising page, so if you're up for helping out, <a href="http://www.beyondtype1.org/donate">head over</a> to visit the main donations page.Any time is a great time to donate, but if you donate either 20 or 100 dollars at 19:00 GMT on 18th, Revlon are going to match the first 100 donations made at that time, so that is a particularly good time!<br />
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Maybe you can't donate, but could you help spread the word to someone who might be able to? This is something that can be won if we work together. Beyond Type One have the motto and mission statement of Educate, Advocate, Cure. I think those are things we can all agree on. I personally love it. Love is ON! Let's do this!<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-89151075845829963162016-08-25T21:38:00.003+01:002016-08-25T21:38:46.497+01:00Beyond <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I really love the word beyond. It means more, it means future. It may also be the name of a TV series I've been writing in my head for years, but that's beside the point. I was really thrilled to get to meet some of the amazing team from Beyond Type One at Friends For Life. I can't remember exactly how long we were talking for in the end, but judging by the number of topics we covered, it must have been a good long while. I was impressed by the upbeat, positive attitude and week welcoming spirit that came across. We talked about the possibility of my writing a couple of pieces for the site and it was great to get an email shortly after after landing back in the UK getting the ball rolling. I pitched a couple of ideas and I'm proud to have had the first one go live on the Beyond Type One site this week.</div>
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I'd encourage you to go and <a href="https://beyondtype1.org/type-1-encounters-in-the-wild/">have a read here</a>, and check out the other amazing stories that </div>
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other people have submitted. There are als lots of ways you can get involved as well. If you're not already, make sure you're connected on Facebook and Twitter. I'd also suggested downloading the Beyond Type One app. It's free and very a great way of getting connected with people. I've only recently downloaded it myself and I'm still finding my way around, but I'm loving having it handy on my phone.<br />
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Another really brilliant programme that the BT1 team are running is the <a href="https://beyondtype1.org/snail-mail-club/">Beyond Type One Snail Mail Club. Get</a> yourself an old fashioned pen pal! Seriously, who doesn't like getting snail mail? I used to have multiple pen friends as a kid, but pretty much all I get in the post these days are bills, appointment reminders and bank statements. Far too dull and adult for my taste. I've signed up and I had this turn up on my doorstep the other day -<br />
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- brilliant! What's not to love? I can't wait to get writing. Why not join in yourself?<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-50402445821100910722016-08-03T22:00:00.000+01:002016-08-04T00:05:08.504+01:00True Colours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I realised something about myself recently. I realised that whatever big event is coming up next in my life, whether it be going to university, moving city, a new job, a big meeting, starting on a pump...well, whether it's something I want or not, I get cold feet. Somewhere deep within me there's a little voice that pipes up - <i>You don't want to do this. It's all going to go wrong. You're wasting your time/your money/your efforts. No-one's going to want you there, why are you even bothering. It's a mistake. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of that voice. But I am very familiar with it. It's been talking to me for a very long time. So I wasn't surprised that a couple of Sundays ago I was having, shall we say, second thoughts. Why? Because after saving up for over two years and having bought transatlantic flights, I was headed to Orlando the next morning to join the 2016 Friends For Life conference. This was something I really, <i>really </i>wanted to do and had been excited about ever since I'd hit that 'OK' button for my registration. This was going to be my first holiday since a trip to Belfast 10 years ago. My first time out of the UK since 1993. My first flight since being diagnosed. My first international trip alone. Big<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, scary, finan<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cially<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-consuming stuff. Stuff that I wanted to do<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> but yes even this had me having cold feet. What if no-one liked me? What if it wasn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t what I hoped it was going to be? And don<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t get me started on the horror stories I'd heard about<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> trying to get through airport security with a pump and a CGM on!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq5F09Y_e_Ikmb2g9KQx04sXPhP-WxDpwRm8vzTGMgxrCk4C3oj0A5chHszZPXC8Hb02nkniFVmnBo-26LC7-GOhvD9PUCNqqbEqVZ43ZUcGlazYXUgY5jwhSCBZr0gojxVNLQDEcNLE/s1600/20160704_160355.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/AVvXsEhqq5F09Y_e_Ikmb2g9KQx04sXPhP-WxDpwRm8vzTGMgxrCk4C3oj0A5chHszZPXC8Hb02nkniFVmnBo-26LC7-GOhvD9PUCNqqbEqVZ43ZUcGlazYXUgY5jwhSCBZr0gojxVNLQDEcNLE/s320/20160704_160355.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I didn't really <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sleep very much <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that night. Even on the way t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o the airport I was nervous. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But this was <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the adventure I had waited so long fo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">r. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wasn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t going to let it beat me<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">little side story for you here<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">back in 2005, I was flooded out of my university home in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Carlisle when some pretty serious<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> flood<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ing took out a huge <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">prop<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tion of the city (seriously, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have a qui<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ck look on g<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oogle images). I found myself temporarily moving in the box <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">room of a complete stranger <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">from the university staff who took pity on m<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y li<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">terally having nowhere else to go. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I sat in her box room with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a suit<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">case, my little portable <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">TV and a couple of black bi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bags<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I told myself <i>'If you can do this, you can do anything.'</i>. And I do remind myself of that from time to time. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it was a bit late to change my mind anyway, because somehow there was some strange time <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">anomaly in Manchester Airport and the time I thought I would have to kill disappeared in minutes<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and I was getting ready to take off<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - by this point I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">was just rolling with it. Besides, I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">love flying - I've on<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ly done it a handf<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">u<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">l of ti<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">me<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s in my life, so it still has a huge novel<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ty value to me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we finally landed, I was struck by a couple of things. Number one was how mu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ch bigger everything seemed to me (along with the distinct lack of pavements - how do you get anywhere if you don<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t drive, like me<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">?)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, but <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the b<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">igg<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">more important thing was how FREAKING HOT it was. When I got off the plane and wa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lked throu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the airport, I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">found myself thinking <i>'Wow, yeah, that's hot - <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">people were<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t kidding me.'</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Then I walked outside. Yeah. TH<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">AT'S hot. And I will talk about what the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> heck that does to my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">le<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">vels another time. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was dying to get into things by this poi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nt, to meet the amazing <a href="http://countrygirldiabetic.blogspot.co.uk/">Cara</a> finally in real life<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, share a room with her and thank her for <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">being wonderful and dealing with so many bookings, phone calls, emails and reservations on my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">poor befuddled be<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">half. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But first, I walked around the hotel <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">on a strange circuit for longer than I care to admit. Wa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s I really here?<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Was anyone else here for FFL as well? <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Was I h<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ungry? Did I want to sleep? An<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d more impor<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tantly, what time was it? <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">No, really WHAT TIME WAS IT<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and WHY WAS IT SO HOT<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">? And why were there so<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> many <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ir<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ish dancers everywhere? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Answers in order: Yes, yes there were, yes I was, yes I did (but not yet), I still don't <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">know, Orlando, and<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...stupid<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ly large </span>co<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mpetition<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I needed to get <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">over that first stage of 'what the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> heck is going on?'. A<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nd when I did, </span></span></span></span>I rel<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">axed into the spirit of things. I'm going to go into various particular<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s in more detail<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> over the coming weeks, but what I found<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> were things I didn'<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t expect and di<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dn't even realise that I was looking for. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">People at home who saw my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">photos and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">posts on social media told me <i>'Becky,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> you look so ha<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ppy', 'Becky you <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">look l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ike a different person'</span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">don't think I was a different person. I think I was me. The me that feels most real<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> when I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'m really thinking about the sort of person I want to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">be</span></span></span>. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Swimming in the cool(er) night at about 10:30<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> one evening, I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">found myself turning to Cara and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">saying<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">; <i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'I feel the most like me that I h<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ave in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">over two years. I feel<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> like myself again. I'm not sayi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ng all my rubbish has gone away, because it hasn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t, but I can see <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">it for what it is now. I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">feel like I can try and take it on again.'</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnF2WOSBwxlnHWm3AxJuxKYa10RDFP7nxHycBkXNN8m6g-kfT_H1LQTTuFV7z4bH6Q7GZqdgA6N-WZ7Zs2zH6rXzjvFdGPeuvBwWttVgLGqjp1JHCl4SHpjQzkCnbBqe8lLfZOXp_bZg/s1600/20160705_135824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnF2WOSBwxlnHWm3AxJuxKYa10RDFP7nxHycBkXNN8m6g-kfT_H1LQTTuFV7z4bH6Q7GZqdgA6N-WZ7Zs2zH6rXzjvFdGPeuvBwWttVgLGqjp1JHCl4SHpjQzkCnbBqe8lLfZOXp_bZg/s320/20160705_135824.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13873230_10153633722041555_4766817911849985748_n.jpg?oh=0dac36aafed0cc7c0346a81d626b6cdb&oe=5826AD92" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="213" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13873230_10153633722041555_4766817911849985748_n.jpg?oh=0dac36aafed0cc7c0346a81d626b6cdb&oe=5826AD92" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And wh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y was that<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">? Because amongst the amazing sessions and socials that I went to, I met wonderful<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, wonderful people.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of them were people I had Skyped, tweeted, Facebooked<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, em<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ailed and all that good stuff over the years, but they<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> were there, right in front of me. I could <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have a drink with them, exchange a joke<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, give them a hug. It was something really <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tangible. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">joine<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d those that </span></span>I can<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">overlook - those people that I didn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t kno<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">w, but <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">now can<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t imagine my life without. It was <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">people understanding that (even if I had to do some quick <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">calc<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ulations) a number actually meant a real-w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">orld feeling. It was <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">laughing<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, it was crying<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - sometimes in a good way<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, sometimes in a cathartic<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, unexpected way. It was finding complete and utter joy in the mundane<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. It was<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> fee<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ling confident to jum<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">p in the pool wearing a bikini without b<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ody shame, with my <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(sadly non functioning!) Dex<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">com and my (thankfully functioning just fine) pump on full show without <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the majority of the pool giving it a second glance. It was<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> sharing l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ow reme<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dies, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mucking around in </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">photo booths, d<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ebating the carb values of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Starbuck<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s Cinnamo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">M<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">orning buns when balanced off the amount of walking we were doing between sessions.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> It was being terrible at <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">roulette<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, dancing <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to Journey,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> debating coke versus pepsi. It was bacon and f<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ruit punch. Iced tea.</span>It was<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">seeing green and orange wristbands <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ever<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ywhere you looked. It was standing at registration and finding an orange-banded d-sibling I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'d met only the day before wrapped around my waist because they were just that glad to see me.It was everything and it was more than I could have ever imagined. It was feeling completely safe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Normal. Wanted. Va<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lued<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the famil<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y banquet, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">there was a slide show of photos, set to Cyndi Laup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er's <i>True Colours</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, a song I don<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t think I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'ll ever be able to listen to again without finding a little part of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">myself tearing up. This time in a good way. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So many p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ictures, so many faces, so many wristbands - t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he green for those of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">us living with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">T<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ype One, the orange for those <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">there who love us. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in that one room because th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ey were part of this - this tribe, this family<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> of people who would probably never have met, bu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have each other<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s backs and hold each other<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hands<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> throughout all<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> of it.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Seeing <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">green and orange and green and orange, grabbing hold of life and living it to the fullest.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yep. True Colours. With the 'u' and everything.' </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think there were some people at home who<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> didn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t quite get why I wanted to go to a 'd<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">iabetes conference' for my holiday. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The couple o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">f days doing theme parks after the conference? That they all got, that was completely understand<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">able<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, but the rest of it? That was just weird. Maybe it is, b<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ut I honestly couldn't care less. I found what I needed. I found a new home. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the banquet, they also played Green D<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ay's <i>I Hope You Have the Time of Your Life.</i> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did. I hones<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tly, truly did</span></span>. I thought this was going to be a once in a lifetime trip. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">how, but it won<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t be. Because I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'m hooked. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i> </i></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-52841269634004456992014-08-20T23:32:00.000+01:002014-08-20T23:32:03.154+01:00Patience<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was stocking a cupboard for work recently whilst we were on a residential. After going in and out of this cupboard a handful of times I grew to hate it with a passion. Well, not the cupboard itself, more specifically the door. It had no handle, and there was something wrong with the closer, so it took about a minute and half at least for the door to close. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A colleague of mine who hasn't known me very long stood and watched me go a few rounds with this door before making a very astute observation - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>You really haven't got much in the way of patience, have you?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And he would be absolutely right. Patience might be a virtue, but it really isn't mine, unfortunately. What I learned over the past few days though is that using a CGM seems to require a certain amount of patience, not least for me, the patience of waiting for start up day to arrive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was slightly apprehensive when it came to actually inserting the sensor, as I'd read in various places that whilst the sensor itself was comfortable to wear once it was in, the inserter resembled a harpoon and it was quite painful to go in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was quite intimidated by the inserter when I got a look at it for the first time, and actually, yes it did hurt somewhat going in. It didn't even make my top 20 of 'things that have really hurt', but I believe my words at the time were 'my, that's not particularly pleasant', which probably does rank in the top 20 most stereotypically English reactions to things I've ever had. My experience though was that although I've never had problems inserting pump sites, I found that inserting that putting in the sensor on my abdomen was somewhat tricky having, well...amble breasts which made seeing what I was doing...difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hey ho.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After that initial ouch though, it turns out the sensor is, so far, comfortable to wear. It's not like the limited experience I had with the <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/overnight.html">Medtronic iPro two years ago</a>, where I couldn't sleep because I found it so uncomfortable. To be quite honest, I've barely noticed it's there. Massive thumbs up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watching that blue bar count down to nothing was difficult. Like I said, I have no patience. I couldn't wait to see how this could help me in the time that I had it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One thing I was that the first 24 hours are a real learning curve for the sensor as it learns to interpret what your body was telling it. I was warned - don't over-calibrate and confuse it. <b>Have patience</b>. Yikes. That was a test and a half. I did well to only calibrate it (I think) once more than the recommended amount, because it was at least 5mmol/l (90mg/dl) away from the scores on my meter. But by the time I got to day two, it was pretty much perfectly in line with my meter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can see why some people would find the constant stream of information overwhelming. I think you need to be the right sort of person to find it helpful. I know I've had to sit on my hands a bit to stop me from jumping the gun and reacting too quickly. I'd been given the advice to not over-correct and trust my IOB. For the most part, it seems to have worked, but when you see two arrows up or down you want to intervene immediately. It's been fascinating to see what different foods are doing to me, and reassuring to see that for the most part I seem to have been doing things right. For the most part. I don't pretend to be all knowing, or getting everything right, or that everything comes easy. That would be wrong and a whole stack of lies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Something that I did find confusing was the appearance of this... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAGKXOfuiKRCiQ1LLq826Ary-Gz3lsPpOdwnvoZCnSUZEBLMjeLPdkpBk0w7KjjIUnzExEHP5JLN-BmPrXdg76Y3iPmJeXWF_u2yUoFbgUR3CYnlzDWnECpWKOcZ0Mno8iWlBqyxcsIc/s1600/20140816_153434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAGKXOfuiKRCiQ1LLq826Ary-Gz3lsPpOdwnvoZCnSUZEBLMjeLPdkpBk0w7KjjIUnzExEHP5JLN-BmPrXdg76Y3iPmJeXWF_u2yUoFbgUR3CYnlzDWnECpWKOcZ0Mno8iWlBqyxcsIc/s1600/20140816_153434.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This kept turning up randomly. Particularly, for some reason, any time I walk into the bathroom in my house. Supposedly I need to bring the pump closer to the sensor. I only ever take it off to shower, and I've taken to leaving it on the shelf by the bath then. But one day, these warnings kept turning up all the time. My reaction...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPNhZN0xwM5zZtx_qk3qgKtT3-SQ_BsNz_ch8AaWITA8DKDVpwNMWvO9hUyUUg5PkkNoRzd2Fn8LrF_bUW43c0RnL9_1y-7lHd_QcHRWQroXilRtYB7IfX4Uvob-PPIVqEiwcBVy1ktE/s1600/sensorforants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPNhZN0xwM5zZtx_qk3qgKtT3-SQ_BsNz_ch8AaWITA8DKDVpwNMWvO9hUyUUg5PkkNoRzd2Fn8LrF_bUW43c0RnL9_1y-7lHd_QcHRWQroXilRtYB7IfX4Uvob-PPIVqEiwcBVy1ktE/s1600/sensorforants.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This, and other questions proves why the DOC is invaluable. I haven't been throwing as many questions out there to the Twitterverse in a good long while. Probably not since I started pumping in 2010 - it's very reassuring to know that people out there will help with all your worries, niggles and ponderings when you're breaking new ground with your D management. No-one was able to actually work out why I was getting so many ANT readings, or why my bathroom appears to be the magical land of no reception. But knowing that people cared was a massive help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So it's so far so good. I'm not wanting to confess the depths of my love affair with Dexcom just yet, as I'm not sure I'll be able to cope with the divorce process of when I have to give it up. </span><br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-21696669043793698452014-08-12T23:55:00.000+01:002014-08-13T00:20:02.369+01:00An unexpected (CGM based) party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26mzjBSZ6SjG68z4coGaL9Nh4ldpZ5zlUBoBvxp06Tz5dYwO5NcuGNaQfwJeGRSwAsQAsXMjr-Y8UU-MW1Y3piut1hR4mKn5k-Bq0z1XmVY46XZQ6JLlBMNPrwONTmirEfl5vdnms3bg/s1600/email-inbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26mzjBSZ6SjG68z4coGaL9Nh4ldpZ5zlUBoBvxp06Tz5dYwO5NcuGNaQfwJeGRSwAsQAsXMjr-Y8UU-MW1Y3piut1hR4mKn5k-Bq0z1XmVY46XZQ6JLlBMNPrwONTmirEfl5vdnms3bg/s1600/email-inbox.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I do get some very interesting emails on occasion. Some of which come with offers or invitations to various events or interviews. The problem comes when I have to reply and say 'thank you, but I can't'. These are frustrating enough when I get invites that are based in the UK - they're almost always based in London and being as I have a limited income and don't drive, I've always had to turn them down. Frustrating, like I say. But from time to time, I get emails asking if I'll be at this conference, or that conference - always based in the States - and would I like to meet this person, sit in something else. Nothing that I'm certain umpteen far more prolific bloggers than myself don't also receive. My response is always the same - 'Thank you, but I live in the UK and do not have the finances to attend. If an opportunity ever presents itself when they might be in the UK, please let me know.'. Best wishes, hit send. That's usually the last I hear of it and understandably so! But imagine my surprise and my pleasure when a swift reply entered my inbox - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>'Would you be interested in a telephone interview instead?'</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why yes. Yes I would! What a great solution!<i> </i>The lovely communications representative and I sent a few more emails back and forth and played some time-zone maths, and set it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Which is how I found myself speaking to <a href="http://www.dexcom.com/dexcom-leadership/terrance-h-gregg">Terrance Gregg</a> - the current CEO of <a href="http://dexcom.com/en-gb">Dexcom</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First off, I'll say that it wasn't something I ever thought I would have the opportunity to do, especially away from the ADA conference which was originally the time slot where he would be available. I was very aware of the sort of schedule he must keep and I was very impressed that he was willing to take the time out to talk to me when I was halfway around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was struck by how much of a gentleman he was - mostly because he was very patient with me. Honestly, I was nervous and I ramble when I'm nervous. I usually make a point of telling people this, and making them know they're free to cut me off - I'm liable to keep on talking indefinitely otherwise! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We talked a lot about the future of Dexcom and CGMs in general in the UK - as I'm sure anyone who is reading this is aware, the differences in healthcare systems in the US and the UK are quite vast, and it is extremely difficult to get NHS approval for a CGM, with self funding being the only avenue for the majority. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>'Reimbursement landscapes are daunting.'</i> I wrote down as we talked. That's not particularly surprising. We covered some familiar ground for me as we discussed the need for devices, particularly in the UK have to demonstrate a high level of cost effectiveness in order to gain wide-spread approval. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Within the NHS that makes perfect sense. When you're funding the many, you've got to make hard choices and something like CGM technology has to prove that it can be effective and cost efficient to make it accessible to more patients. It makes sense, like I say. But when you're waiting for that time when the tech will be more easily available, you can potentially get a bit impatient. I like to temper hope and optimism with facts and realism. What was extremely encouraging was talk of recently received reimbursement in Sweden and Slovenia and that a dossier is currently being prepared for the UK. I wrote down a particular quote - <i>'the landscape is changing.'</i> - which I think balances things in a way that I favour. Yes the landscape is daunting, but it is also changing. In order to make progress, there's a lot of work that has to be done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was also encouraged by the attitude to patient engagement that came across from our discussion. I felt a real sense of belief in the importance of talking to your users and listening to what they have to say. I personally don't think a company stands a long term chance unless they do - if a company isn't listening to my interests, then why should I want to use or continue to use their product or service? But I felt not only the sense of importance but a sense of pride in user engagement. If they're proud of that, then I think they can be proud of themselves. At least in my opinion, for what that's worth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We left the conversation with my saying that, for the UK at least, my door, or phone/inbox was always open - I think they have a great products, from what I know of them from reviews, blogs, and all the ways I've come across them. I think they have the right attitude - a plan and long term strategy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, in the style of a late night JML infomercial for fountain pens that will stab through tin cans....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But wait, there's more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had a clinic appointment not long after this conversation. Admittedly, I'd been dreading it, but it turned out a million times better than I had anticipated. A HbA1c of 6.9! Almost certainly influenced by hypos, but I'll still take it. No complaints about my weight! Hoorah! But somehow we strayed on to talking about my speaking to Terrence Gregg, and this is where the discussion went - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Would I like to do a Dexcom trial, since I already used an Animas Vibe?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After wondering if I was having my leg pulled, I managed to respond with a 'Yes. Yes I would.'. Would I like to? Getting the ability to switch on the Vibe's CGM function was, as I have put it several times to different people, a bit like having someone offer me the Holy Grail. Something I thought would never happen - magical and unattainable. If I can't afford a few train tickets to London to take up some of the interview offers I've had, then self-funding sensors was never going to happen. So we put a date in the diary. Turns out that Animas had some funding to run some trials. Everyone knew full well I wouldn't be able to carry on afterwards, but they would let me do it all the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That date in the diary was today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was tremendously excited about the whole thing, up to a point where I apparently surprised the Animas training staff. And she's met me before. Several times. You think she'd have known better. So I'll be blogging about how I'm getting on with this trial. Right now I'm having a bit of a weird day with it, but I'm told that is completely to be expected with a new sensor. General wisdom seems to be that it takes a good 24 hours to learn what you're like. I know that's personifying it slightly, but it seems right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-2509743910313376262014-05-18T23:41:00.001+01:002014-05-18T23:41:41.260+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Seven - My Favourite Things<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's kind of hard to believe that this is day seven already - I keep thinking that I must have missed a day out somewhere (goes to double check), but it seems that I haven't. Which shows how time does fly away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think it's also hard to say just one thing that you've appreciated from such a hugely varied week. But if I had to pick just one, I'd say I really enjoyed discovering this blog:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">https://thediabeticmedic.wordpress.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I always like finding newer bloggers, and I ALWAYS like finding ones from the UK - there just aren't as many of us, and it's a real thrill to find one, especially one that writes as nicely! I'm looking forward to reading more from Phoebe. I recommend going and checking her blog out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Adieu, DBlogWeek - until next year!</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-41752066873285167842014-05-17T23:58:00.000+01:002014-05-18T00:05:10.780+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Six - Saturday snapshots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not sure why I currently have two pots there. Better than none, I suppose!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-56913160469568571582014-05-16T23:33:00.001+01:002014-05-16T23:33:08.096+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Five - My Diabetes Dream Device<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wildcard time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've never been one for the whole 'where are my keys?' thing. I've always been pretty </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_VBWXuq0neldD61LOnG6LxyZq7x0wh7yhy7SDmzv1Uk_FNiXFK6QVZNFNJjx3GTjYpPktz1wlYL5kCN4DZYAkLNAgnAjqvoX8MYiiOHSX83G7Qq7X-RrIM-OPjZzewJIoRpXXX6mKJc/s1600/search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_VBWXuq0neldD61LOnG6LxyZq7x0wh7yhy7SDmzv1Uk_FNiXFK6QVZNFNJjx3GTjYpPktz1wlYL5kCN4DZYAkLNAgnAjqvoX8MYiiOHSX83G7Qq7X-RrIM-OPjZzewJIoRpXXX6mKJc/s1600/search.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
good at keeping tabs on that. My phone? That's another story, but hey, I can call that.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But my meter? That I cannot seem to keep a hold of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'Ah?! Have you seen my meter? Where's my test kit?' is a frequent battle cry in my house. I shouted it around my office this evening It's black, and in the world that I live and work in, there are lots of similar black things. I lose that flipping case all the time. Even when I did, once upon a time, have a bright pink case, I would still lose it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So my dream device? That would have to be some sort of alarm or gps tracker for my meter. Some way I could call it like I do with my phone when I can't find that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think that would save a lot of heart in my throat moments, and a lot of headaches!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-68640045838094684672014-05-15T23:55:00.001+01:002014-05-15T23:55:08.112+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Four - Consider the ducks<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, mantras? Positivity. After the surprisingly downbeat entries I've made this week, this makes a pleasant change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I like to think that I'm usually game for a challenge. Tell me I can't do something, and I'll generally want to do it, just to prove that I can. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYq6bx7IEkSaWtJtJYfTimAmXchmhdMpZzkPvDm78WaHviRiBSj9hoVGI1xA6obRa0RkmuEIb-BLETYbwqo5Ha474XrajJnC81FLQJ2uVi9Gm-e-SxqHj1KPOJWMqRcjbP8auw_OUa5g/s1600/ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYq6bx7IEkSaWtJtJYfTimAmXchmhdMpZzkPvDm78WaHviRiBSj9hoVGI1xA6obRa0RkmuEIb-BLETYbwqo5Ha474XrajJnC81FLQJ2uVi9Gm-e-SxqHj1KPOJWMqRcjbP8auw_OUa5g/s1600/ducks.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But then I get to that overwhelming, sticky bit in the middle, where it all feels a bit too much, and I want to get out. Stop the world, please - I want to get off! The problem of course is that unless something radical happens, we're not getting off this merry-go-round any time soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what do you do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I consider the ducks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Huh?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yeah, it's kind of an in joke passed on to me by my wonderful housemate. If you've been to the University of York, you know about ducks. The flipping things are EVERYWHERE - they even used to be on the student ID card, and oh was I sad when I had to trade in my duck card for a plain, boring one. Yorkies are proud of the ducks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Considering the ducks is another way of looking at Matthew 6:25-34. The ducks waddle around campus, not worrying about where food comes from, or what the day will bring, and yet they have bread and pondweed in abundance, don't mind the rain, and are more glorious even than the Vice Chancellor. Even when their little legs are paddling away like crazy beneath the water, they're just pedal boating, really. Even when they're working really hard they trust that despite everything, they will be ok.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I consider the ducks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-54653538617106286092014-05-14T22:52:00.000+01:002014-05-14T22:52:22.667+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Three - What Brings Me Down<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>- So how are you?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Oh, you know. I'm fine. How are you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yeah, that's pretty much how it goes. I'm fine. And I do care about how they are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But there's many a time that I'm not fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So why do I say I'm fine? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I want to spare you from the things that I worry about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I want to spare you from my fear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to think that I'm moaning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to think I'm weak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to pity me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because any of those are possible, and I don't know what would be the worst. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I'm tired and the explanation of why I'm not would take too long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to think that I did this to myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to think that I'm not trying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because I don't want you to be disappointed in me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because we just don't have time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because sometimes I just can't say why I'm not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just...because.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's not because I don't think you can handle this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's not because I don't want to share with you.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's not because I don't trust you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's not because I don't appreciate you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But it's not because I don't love you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's because I do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I know you can handle it, but I can't explain what's wrong. I want to share with you, but I don't want you to think I'm weak. I love you, and I can't bear to disappoint you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I suppose the most honest answer is - no, I'm not fine. But I'm trying to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And having talked about negatives all week, I'm looking forward to focussing on the positives more tomorrow!<i></i></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-16010498953522288642014-05-13T23:46:00.001+01:002014-05-13T23:46:48.711+01:00#DBlogWeek Day Two - Poetry Tuesday<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I feel you, heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Running up and down my body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pinpricks on legs, waves on my collar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The world is off-balance because of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You make me dizzy, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like only that ride at Hull Fair</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ever had the power to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm searching and coming up empty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Running my tongue around inside the pot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fumbling with plastic that has no end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Straws bend, cans never open.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I'm fighting this hunger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With my last crumbs of control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because the guilt will taste bitter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After the fact.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's a bit like regret, peppered with shame.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I tell myself next time will be better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There will be a next time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-58172096533297929282014-05-12T18:50:00.002+01:002014-05-12T18:50:57.373+01:00#DBlogWeek Day One - Empty Balloon Time<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Weirdly, my last couple of posts have been about the things that get me really fired up. <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/getting-sense-of-humour.html">Bad, bad jokes</a> and how they aren't as funny as one might initially think, and my current branch of advocacy, and how that gets me <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/moving-forward.html">positively fired up</a>, rather than just simply angry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I'm having to think hard about what I want to say here. Partially because I've had about a week and a half now of just awful levels - I can't seem to keep down in range (or even close), and I'm worn down, and partly because I feel that whatever I'm going to say is almost certainly being said better elsewhere. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfAGRbC9lubeN2Ned2h0ivBYSTCChpje_tA-AilqEdvIzaHy3yZ4oaNvVbMhlUEOvbogvgGL8mynZi5mmk0lBcyx4ndehAjgUzhXkQlFRPWVAX1DsJOVs8-SRY74OQsYC2VEkVjSb8Mc/s1600/balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfAGRbC9lubeN2Ned2h0ivBYSTCChpje_tA-AilqEdvIzaHy3yZ4oaNvVbMhlUEOvbogvgGL8mynZi5mmk0lBcyx4ndehAjgUzhXkQlFRPWVAX1DsJOVs8-SRY74OQsYC2VEkVjSb8Mc/s1600/balloon.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But then I thought more about how I'm feeling. Right now. Because of what D is throwing at me. Not physically, but emotionally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I feel sad. And a bit useless. And flat. And empty. And then all the words come out. Those words that attach to feelings that I don't always like to talk about. Because those words can take me to dark places, and that's a bit like balancing on a see-saw for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a confession to you - reader, on the internet, and by proxy pretty much anyone who feels like seeing this. So basically the whole world. Potentially, anyway. I've not always had the easiest ride with emotional, and yes, I suppose mental health. I'm prone to long periods of what feels like 'empty balloon time' to me. Where all the puff, all the wind, the air, whatever it is that keeps me up and going, goes away. I can cope with a day of the blues, but I know what a day of the blue is compared to empty balloon time. When I'm just in a bad mood or a bit low, or, like today, I can pick up a book in a shop and start crying because, yes, that says exactly what I'm feeling just now (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Michael-Rosens-Sad-Book-Rosen/dp/1406317845/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399916446&sr=8-1&keywords=michael+rosen%27s+sad+book">Michael Rosen's Sad Book</a>, if you want to know. It's about death, but he describes sadness and emptiness in such an honest way). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And I think all of this has a lot to do with the fact I'm running really high for an extended period of time. It messes with me emotionally, but though D might be the cause, my feelings are still my own, and having and admitting them is not something I should be ashamed of. But I'm not ON my own. I am by no means the only one with feelings like this, or with struggles that are even worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Diabetes doesn't exactly give us time off. It's there all the time, even at the inconvenient moments, nudging away, wanting attention. I don't think it's surprising that </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to experience mental health issues like depression or anxiety. It's also why I think it's important that we can admit that, hey it's not always easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's also why I respect and admire the work of all the team behind the <a href="http://youcandothisproject.com/">You Can Do This Project</a>. Like I said, we should never be ashamed of feelings that are less than 'shiny'. None of us are any less of a person for feeling negative feelings. At least that's what I'm telling myself today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And honestly, this was not the post I was intending to write. I'm 100% sure where it came from. Which means it was probably exactly the post I needed to write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-28496935626509974092014-05-01T23:05:00.000+01:002014-05-01T23:06:02.449+01:00Moving forward<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ah yes, here we are again. May Day. Common associations involve May Queens, maypole dancing, and for me, my diaversary. This year, five years. Wow, that's come and gone fast. I know that my blogging has got very, shall we say, sparse, but I thought this one was definitely worth marking. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLVSrnPQsoD6dH2p3HUQhVlOYcCan4cMv2lGvzohelcp5I8IPt1M5N8Z7WcmU0ZJ-WuUOorccWLRMgoHn0Mg-bL16SZRVQpjofFfhh5QaIhqQDC2miG7w0VQrT26zc-NaSnEqVFE-Fm0/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLVSrnPQsoD6dH2p3HUQhVlOYcCan4cMv2lGvzohelcp5I8IPt1M5N8Z7WcmU0ZJ-WuUOorccWLRMgoHn0Mg-bL16SZRVQpjofFfhh5QaIhqQDC2miG7w0VQrT26zc-NaSnEqVFE-Fm0/s1600/wood.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thought about the sort of anniversary that your fifth anniversary is. If it was your wedding anniversary, the common gift is, according to the internet, wood. Now I thought that was especially poignant as I had been working on something else to bring you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You might remember that back at the end of last year, I <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/taking-stage.html">posted about</a> finally starting to produce my own theatre under the name <a href="http://www.whitetreetheatre.co.uk/">White Tree Theatre</a>. Trees. Wood. See what I did there? Thematic linking, oh yes I think so! I talked about working on my one woman show about D advocacy, using the same name as this blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well it happened. And it was well received. So what I'm letting you know today is that, amongst my other diaversary day activities (which involved meeting a waitress who was a pump user during my lunch, and more attempts at gardening which ended badly), I finally managed to make a trailer for the show out of the recording that was made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's not a great quality recording - I wasn't really doing the performance for camera, but you can hear everything, and what's more, you can hear audience reaction. It's just a little taste of what happened. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/V08WiJN252w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I do have the whole thing recorded - it runs at about 40 minutes. I also have one of the Q&A sessions that I ran after the performance captured. I will be uploading an edited version of the Q&A in the next couple of days, and I can share the full performance recording on request. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The really exciting thing, at least for me, is that since I performed it the first time back in November, I've had several people ask me how they can get me to come to their event. So what I'm doing is saying - ask me. Start a discussion. If I can get there, I'll try my hardest to come. If this show can help you or your community, I want to help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've posted more information about what the show needs to operate on <a href="http://whitetreetheatre.co.uk/shows/instructions-not-included">this page</a>. Please feel free to pass the information forward if you can think of someone who might want to know about this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Five years. Yikes. Here goes year six, I suppose. </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-70655153871420736452014-02-10T23:59:00.001+00:002014-02-10T23:59:48.454+00:00Getting a sense of humour...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I consider myself to be a fairly well read and educated person. I'm also surrounded by a lot of very well educated, well informed and well read people an awful lot of the time. Sometimes it seems that however well educated and well informed a person is, you can still find things that surprise you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Case in point - I read <i>A Christmas Carol</i> when I around twelve years old, and thoroughly enjoyed it. As adaptations of the book go, I maintain that <i>The Muppet Christmas Carol </i>is one of the best, even though I'm thoroughly aware it makes plenty of changes - it feels the most faithful to the book's spirit. No pun intended. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO3saUbz3Rwo4Dt5aweJSPMNQ6L2GWbM3v_FTOfUaVJJxJwIzqMpVy1HLAdIIzvfCZh2qJC4Ab47ofVu_H7WnTem_4iDVQxbkSXaaisHxG_u_j4DRjZ2OrYrN0JLNZP-JWqyqaq2KCxo/s1600/Marleyandmarley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO3saUbz3Rwo4Dt5aweJSPMNQ6L2GWbM3v_FTOfUaVJJxJwIzqMpVy1HLAdIIzvfCZh2qJC4Ab47ofVu_H7WnTem_4iDVQxbkSXaaisHxG_u_j4DRjZ2OrYrN0JLNZP-JWqyqaq2KCxo/s1600/Marleyandmarley.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just before Christmas I found myself having a discussion about <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, and more specifically <i>The Muppet Christmas Carol</i> with some friends. Someone admitted that because they love the Muppets version so much they sometimes forget that in the original there is only the one Marley brother. Which made me stop and think, then I realised that I had done the same thing myself more than once. How about that, when I'm actually well noted amongst people who know me as having a ridiculous memory for facts of this kind?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Between us we decided that because the Muppets version was one of the most loved, and most watched adaptation, it was often what people came to know first, so no wonder they're surprised when they go back to the source material and see that something's a bit different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, as amazing as the Muppets are, you might wonder why I'm talking about this. I have a point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">See this?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvgS22y4PuZ1wkUFimyKrmkgNzxobgDMSHzmQyyjEjZU90DzCXygm22E5jsiLRv6LQ9QUf_LfDOeGnSnQ5jnl1MSwlbEO8XuIurJU_foV3QlkZCCIeH3roLr9uTUYtxDEFATqslp_AZ8/s1600/mathstest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvgS22y4PuZ1wkUFimyKrmkgNzxobgDMSHzmQyyjEjZU90DzCXygm22E5jsiLRv6LQ9QUf_LfDOeGnSnQ5jnl1MSwlbEO8XuIurJU_foV3QlkZCCIeH3roLr9uTUYtxDEFATqslp_AZ8/s1600/mathstest.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This has been floating around Facebook again today. I've seen it before, and no doubt I will see it again. I know it's not just been on my newsfeed as well, as I've seen various members of the DOC addressing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'It's just a joke!' I've seen people saying. 'You're reading too much into it', when I point out that I find it offensive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a sense of humour. A good one. I know people often say that when they're trying to defend the fact that they don't get jokes. I get it. I get what you think is funny about this, but I'm sorry, it's just not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is exactly the sort of misinformed 'humour' that perpetuates myths about diabetes as whole, regardless of whether it's Type 1 or Type 2. There is so much ignorance and misinformation about there about what diabetes is, cause and treatment that does anyone think that 'jokes' like this are really helping anyone?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like with my point about <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, if a person's first point of contact with any sort of information is incorrect, and they then hear that repeated over and over, what do you think they'll believe? You only need to do a quick flick through your television, or a quick search on Youtube to see people making these sorts of 'jokes' <a href="http://youtu.be/ewgC7h6sAE8">again</a> and <span id="goog_1654209222"></span><span id="goog_1654209223"></span><a href="http://youtu.be/TaR8Gbt-Fvk">again</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/zUfI0QcLCk0">again</a> (and <a href="http://youtu.be/1sOhjSC5DsA">again</a> and <a href="http://youtu.be/m7RHWh1cnTo">again</a> - I could go on). It becomes mainstream. And no matter what you think, it still seems as though blaming anyone with diabetes for their condition is still an acceptable target. Couple that with the often downright dreadful portrayal of diabetes as a whole in fiction, and the blunders and idiocy of mainstream journalism, is it becoming clear now why I, and many others don't find this sort of joke funny?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Would you make this joke if it was something that impacted you or someone you love? What if it was about something that you cared passionately about people understanding and getting right in their heads? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I saw this appear on Facebook today, I took to explaining to a few people exactly why I don't like it. And to their credit, they seem to have listened to me, so this is not me 'having a go' at them. Really, it's not. They're my friends and I love them. But things like this, for all the reasons I've just said, make me sad. They make me angry and tired and just want to sigh. Some days I just don't have the energy to fight these battles. So maybe you'll excuse me when seeing multiple people 'like' this picture on Facebook upsets me. Maybe you'll forgive me if I don't see the funny side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-84818609823367283962013-11-15T23:59:00.000+00:002013-11-16T00:00:17.556+00:00WDD14 and Cinderella's pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I talked recently about going down to London for World Diabetes Day. I did. and it was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got to London on the evening of the 13th, which meant I got to join in with a JDRF Type 1 Discovery Evening - I'd always wanted to go to one, but travel and finances have always prevented me. Boy was I glad to be there! The speakers were excellent, and included Fredrick Debong, from mySugr, Kyle Rose (of Team Type 1, Delta PM Diabetes and about a million other places), an update on artificial pancreas research, and diabetes poetry. I ever got to plug my show quickly, and hand out a few flyers and press releases. Oh and a free bar. Excellent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the 14th, I woke up, and joined in with the #wddchat13 24 chat, still lying in my sleeping bag on my friend's settee, with her cat still staring at me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And we were off! I had people responding to me, loads of which had already been going for a couple of hours already. It was great. As were my levels that morning. 7.6 (136) - I'll take that happily. I threw on my Hello Kitty onesie, and got on the underground.I'll be honest that, with my tube-anxiety, I thought I handled myself very well all day in that regard!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I met up with Shelley, the wonderful founder of <a href="http://www.circledrocks.co.uk/">Circle D</a> and we hit the streets. We weren't really trying to collect money, we were more about making people look at us, and hopefully ask questions. We got into some great conversations with members of a London bus tour company, an owner of a souvenir stall, a taxi driver and a bunch of commuters. We joined in on a JDRF coffee morning. Then I sadly had to part ways with my other Type Onesies, who had to go back to work. I found myself hypo in a coffee shop, and whilst I was waiting to come back up again, I joined back in with the chat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I dropped in and out throughout the day. I went walking down the river and took pictures of buildings that had gone blue for the evening. It was great. I got back on the train to go home, and chatted away. As I pointed out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I really did feel tuned in and switched on throughout the day. I love the DOC, I really do, and I've made some wonderful friends over the past few years, but I do think that my location sometimes makes it difficult to join in things like DSMA. Much as I want to join in, I can't ever really justify staying awake to participate, because there's always work the next morning. So the 24 hour chat was a revelation to me. I met all sorts of new people, who cared about what I had to say, and I was fascinated with their answers to the questions. As I travelled back, I was tweeting away. And then it went past midnight. World Diabetes Day was over for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And the world continued. And my levels were RUBBISH by the time I got home. I was not enjoying the glue-mouthed 17's (300's). And that's the thing, I supposed. WDD is just one day - there's still the other 364 every year, where there's less visibility for us as a community, there's less of everything. Or is there?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvSqpZZ23X1FyTrVOqXLLS0Xks_bta2k0Ao5lB322f-zTfiMJdGz_vUNemRnJfrDREzQRexvzKrrywZSqiIggnJhIHTGhC-VrvxG-vg0nk55f_SiwQ19Sy2NboXqK71vxSBE2qlHLFns/s1600/cinderella324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvSqpZZ23X1FyTrVOqXLLS0Xks_bta2k0Ao5lB322f-zTfiMJdGz_vUNemRnJfrDREzQRexvzKrrywZSqiIggnJhIHTGhC-VrvxG-vg0nk55f_SiwQ19Sy2NboXqK71vxSBE2qlHLFns/s320/cinderella324.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When midnight hits, and we leave the ball, we're still like Cinderella. We might have to put our ball gowns away, and our carriage might be a pumpkin again, but we're still there despite all the finery being put away. And we've still got a job to do, and it's an important one. We've still got to keep supporting each other, managing to stay alive, and stay strong. Even if it's in a slightly less celebrated way for the other 364 days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-69133996001499141662013-11-02T21:26:00.000+00:002013-11-02T21:26:41.504+00:00On the road again<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just can't wait to get on the road again...</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, on the train, anyway!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd been trying to make this work for a while now, but you can imagine how thrilled I was that shortly after my first Blue Fridays picture for November was taken, all the pieces fell into place to send me southwards for World Diabetes Day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hoorah! Now, I will admit I am far from the biggest fan of London. I'm a northern girl through and through - it's noisy, dirty, busy and expensive, and there aren't enought trees. But many of the people I love tend to end up there, so I try to go when I can. But it's been a while. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So when my wonderful friend Shelley, of <a href="http://www.circledrocks.co.uk/">Circle D </a>fame said that she was running a <a href="http://www.jdrf.org.uk/get-involved/world-diabetes-day">Type Onesie Day</a> for World Diabetes Day, I wanted to do everything I could to be there. And yesterday, all the required bits came together to make it all systems go. So I shall be donning a Hello Kitty onesie and parading around the streets of London, praying that it doesn't rain! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What is also wonderful is that it's turned out that due to timings of travel, I will be in the Big Smoke in time to join in the <a href="http://www.jdrf.org.uk/research/research-events/type-1-discovery-evening">London Type One Discovery Evening</a> on the 13th. I've never been in the right place at the right time to join in one, so it seems things are very much on my side at the moment! UK DOC, do let me know if you're going to be along, so I can say hi!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On a side note, it would be great to see your photos filling my inbox soon. In case you missed it last time, I'm very keen to end <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/taking-stage.html">my show</a> with hope, and would love you to be involved.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I am putting together a video, which I am
inviting you to be a part of. If you would like to be part of the video,
all you need to do is take a picture of yourself holding a sign with
your name on it, and the words 'I live in hope'. Then <a href="mailto:instructionsni@gmail.com">email it to me</a>. Simple as that. </span> I really hope to see your pictures soon so I can start putting this together for a brilliant end to things!</span><br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-36484081548572342482013-10-23T20:12:00.000+01:002013-10-23T20:12:31.440+01:00Taking the stage<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, back in May - all the way back in <a href="http://www.bittersweetdiabetes.com/p/2013-diabetes-blog-week-topics-posts.html">Diabetes Blog Week</a> I teased about a project that I had in the pipeline. No, <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/d-blog-week-day-6-coming-soon.html">really I did</a>. And since then, I've been working away behind closed doors, and letting my ideas bubble away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now I'm ready to share them, and I hope, DOC, that you'll be pleased with what I'm planning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the past four years that I've been part of the DOC, I've seen an amazing array of advocacy, from the ridiculous to the sublime, which have all been beautiful and marvellous in their own special ways. What has made them all so individually wonderful and perfect in my eyes is that all the people involved used what they were great at to make them brilliant. Which has had me thinking. What do I think I am good at? What are my skills?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most of you probably know that I write for the stage. I've been doing it seriously since 2005, and I've been fortunate enough to see several of my scripts brought to life. But before I ever thought about writing, it was performing that I loved. I still love it - I used to perform professionally, so I certainly hope I still love it! I found myself thinking about the skills I have, and how I could use them in advocacy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've been planning to launch myself into creating and producing my own theatre for a good few years, and decided that this project I'd been working on would be the one that I would use to launch myself with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wrote a show, telling a story. My story. Using this blog as a starting point, I have written a one woman show of my experiences from diagnosis onwards, and I'm going to be performing it. In less than thirty days time. Yikes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I plan for it to be warm, funny, engaging, and very, very honest. There's a lot of content that I've never spoken about here, and working on it so far has been an unusual and surprising experience. I also really want it be a success. And there are a couple of ways in which I could use your help, DOC.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtThOino_Q-C4962Id55HGadPEUEg8w5gxp-y4GPVUk4jf10VX_T_jCHFpGCJmaHcD_2JdLI51dnhexHg7kccojsc1SKs2XNyAvxAsT5LcY86JZaRyBQCuT5zHlXOR2dlsoReY2Bs4IOY/s1600/white+tree+logo.png" 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/AVvXsEgtThOino_Q-C4962Id55HGadPEUEg8w5gxp-y4GPVUk4jf10VX_T_jCHFpGCJmaHcD_2JdLI51dnhexHg7kccojsc1SKs2XNyAvxAsT5LcY86JZaRyBQCuT5zHlXOR2dlsoReY2Bs4IOY/s200/white+tree+logo.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Firstly, I need to start reaching people to tell them about this project. Wherever you are in the world, as the people who are passionate about the heart of this, you're invaluable. If you would take the time to check out the <a href="http://whitetreetheatre.co.uk/">website of White Tree Theatre</a>, my new professional operating name (the site is still a work in process!), follow on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/_whitetree_">Twitter</a> and like on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WhiteTreeTheatre">Facebook</a>, I would really appreciate it. If you have a friend that you think would be interested and you tell them, that would be even more amazing. I'm going to be blogging about the development over the following month with a more theatrical slant over there as well, so if that's of interest to you, it might be worth a few minutes of your time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Secondly, and very bluntly, if you're reading this and you're in the UK, take a moment to consider buying tickets to see it performed. I'll be performing at <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/fIExU">Friargate Theatre</a>, in York, (where I happen to work) on 22nd and 23rd November at 19:30. Tickets are only £5.00, and you can either <a href="http://ridinglights.org/instructions-not-included/">buy them online here</a>, or you can call 01904 613000 during office hours. Since I run the Box Office, you might even get to speak to me! I'm keeping ticket prices low, as I'm planning to run a collection on the two evenings to split between several D-Charities. I'm not aiming to make a profit from this, but I still want to reach as many people as possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I'm performing this in November, as my contribution to Diabetes Awareness Month, I want to be able to offer as much information as possible, even if it's not discussed outright within the performance. I'm going to have an information stand at the theatre, and I'm going to be running a Q&A after both performances. Is there something in particular you think that I should have there to offer, or someone I should be in touch with? While I might have already thought of it, there's no guarantee that I will do, so do please <a href="mailto:instructionsni@gmail.com">drop me an email</a> and let me know if there's something you think I could miss that I shouldn't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lastly, and I really hope this is something that the DOC will want to be involved with. I am very adamant that this show ends with hope. I don't want it to be depressing or pitiful in any way. I want to end with hope, and with that in mind, I am putting together a video, which I am inviting you to be a part of. If you would like to be part of the video, all you need to do is take a picture of yourself holding a sign with your name on it, and the words 'I live in hope'. Then <a href="mailto:instructionsni@gmail.com">email it to me</a>. Simple as that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, there you go, world. I've let this loose now - we'll see what happens next.</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-38831559457082052202013-09-17T22:28:00.001+01:002013-09-17T22:28:37.748+01:00What have you done today? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pride's a funny thing. When I consider it, it seems like I always think of it as a bad thing - it has a lot of negative associations. Walking home today, however, I found myself thinking of that song by M People, which asks us to think about 'What have you done today to make you feel proud?'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Interesting question.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A friend of mine shared the picture on the left on Facebook a few days ago. They thought it was disturbing, but I can relate to it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This past week I've rather felt like I've had all my blood transfused with this. I've been running high for several days, and with the beginning of feeling real-person sick, I was not doing well. Sleep was poor or non existent, coupled with all the physical and emotional drags of running high. My temper was short, my nerves were frayed. Every weekday morning, I wrestled with whether or not I had the energy to get up and go to work, when I felt like I'd gone through a mangle, and all I wanted to do was sleep and desperately try and recharge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hate letting people down. I got up, I walked to work, I worked the day, I walked home rinse and repeat for a few days. And whilst I am so, so thankful to the people who have put up with me whilst I've been, at times, less than useless, I realised today that I am allowed to be proud of myself. That it's ok. Pride can be a good thing, when you take a moment to think about it. These few days have been rubbish, but I survived them. I am still alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Doesn't sound like a lot, does it? Some days it feels like it, though. And there will be some of you reading this that will know exactly what I mean because you've just had one of those days too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be proud, my friend - you've survived too. </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-86507461056869262292013-07-22T23:20:00.001+01:002013-07-22T23:20:29.920+01:00The Accidental Death of a Lancing Device<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh lancing device. I hardly knew ye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don't know if it's me, but I just can't make a lancer last for over a year. I've just said goodbye to yet another one. Is it just me? I know I use that bad boy multiple times of day, but it feels like it should last longer than it does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had to resort to my standby box of Unistiks because, ladies and gentleman - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The spring is dead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And it's bloody annoying. I now have a collection of utterly useless lancing devices in my kit boxes - I don't know why I keep them, I suppose I think they must have a use, but all they do is rattle around the box, sitting there, being useless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There must be a better way of building a lancer that doesn't revolve around a spring that will eventually wear out, surely? Come on engineers, get it together. Or if it already exists, and I'm just being blind, please someone point me in the right direction!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Because I don't want to have to carry around a bunch of single use lancets until a new one turns up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-73845165634898189712013-07-21T21:32:00.000+01:002013-07-21T21:32:40.737+01:00The Good Glucotab Guide<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If there's one thing I've found that you can't get around, it's the inevitable fact that you will, however hard you try to avoid it, go hypo in a public place. We all do - I mean, come on, it's not like you can spend your life hidden away under a rock or in a cave. If you ever leave your home, you will go hypo publicly. What can vary greatly, of course, is the drama which unfolds, or the reception that you get from wherever you are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've noticed that reactions from people you don't know when you're hypo can be absolutely fascinating. Probably moreso in hindsight, when my head is back on straight again. Some people and places are fabulous. I've never encountered anyone responding in a truly hideous manner, (although one or two that were a bit baffling - La Tasca, I'm looking at you...) but I know other people have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What I'm starting to think is that there should be some way of rating different places. A sort of Good Star Guide for PWD reception, if you will. The Michelin Star equivalent. Hmm...that place got a four-and-a-half Glucotab rating, I must try and go there next Friday... You get the general idea, I'm sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I started thinking about this because of something that happened to me this week that got me thinking. It's been really, really hot here in the UK over the last week or so, which was more surprising because of it coming off the back of what felt like an unbelievably long winter. It's been floating around the upper 20's (which I believe is somewhere in the region of 80+ degrees Farenheit) - which I know isn't necessarily that high for some of my US-based friends, who I've seen talking about temperatures of 100 degrees Farenheit - around 40 celsius (thank you internet! I'd never know what any non UK based measurement was if it wasn't for you!) , but for me, and the UK in general, this is hot. Personally, I'm not really built for anything above the low 20's without feeling like I'm melting. I think sometimes that I must have a busted internal radiator. When I'm cold, I'm cold, and when I'm hot, I am HOT. I swear I have been a walking advertisement for <a href="http://www.magicool.uk.com/home.html">Magicool</a> recently. Yes, I know it's basically just water in can, but that stuff makes me pass for someone you can stand the company of, so I don't care. But the point is that as well as being a grumpy sod when I'm hot, I've found, like so many others out there, that the heat messes with my sugars. Thankfully we seem to be cooling off somewhat now, but I've spent the past week or so walking around feeling constantly hypo, and often actually being hypo. Which is what led to me nearly passing out from a hypo in <a href="http://www.paperchase.co.uk/?awc=3637_1374437100_6f7d5db21de8060015ed31670a3c2c21">Paperchase</a> earlier this week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd gone down in my lunch hour to go and buy my dad a birthday card, so nothing too strenuous, nothing too outlandish. Thankfully one of my lovely work friends had also come with me, looking for birthday presents. I started feeling a bit wobbly halfway there, but had chalked it up as it just being too darned hot. But I tested just before going into the shop, and came up as 3.4 (61 for US money) - great. So I popped into the shop next to it and grabbed a drink, because I really couldn't face any more glucotabs after the amount I'd downed lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I wander around the shop some more, until I realise that my head is in a complete haze. I feel like I've stuck my face into a smoke machine. My friend is talking to me, and I know that what she's saying should be something that I can understand, but I have absolutely no idea what that is, because it doesn't sound like english. I'm very, very hot, and I can feel things starting to get a bit strange. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Luckily my friend insisted that I sit down. Which was a good move, because I think I was about to pass out - despite already having treated the hypo, I'd dropped down further to 2.3 (41) in about five minutes. So not ideal. Glucotabs it is then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I ended up sitting against the wall by the door of the shop for about twenty to twenty five minutes. The staff were lovely, and didn't seem in the least bit concerned that I was blocking up their nice display of cards. They brought me water in a funky mug, and were very insistent that I let them know if there's anything else they can do for me. Excellent marks, Paperchase. They even offered me a chair, which was lovely, but I was happy enough on the floor - can't fall any further than you already are that way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I would say that Paperchase would score very highly in the Good Glucotab Guide. Thinking about it now, good marks would also go to my <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/">Sainsburys Local</a>, where a lovely cashier helped me when I was hypo by offering me sweet tea and opening up what I'd just bought to deal with my hypo, because my hands were shaking too much. <a href="http://www.hmv.com/">HMV</a> would also score highly, when I was VERY low and realised I was out of all glucotabs, as one of their cashiers gave me a Mars bar from the counter and made me eat it, not caring that I was holding up the queue (I did pay for it later, for the record!). Turns out he was a Type 1 himself, and used the same meter as me. I do love moments like that. They make you feel less alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So there are your opening pages of the Good Glucotab Guide - I might have to keep adding to this one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh, and I did find a card for my dad. Right above my head for where I was sitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-56944525633828991652013-05-26T23:43:00.001+01:002013-05-26T23:43:15.736+01:00D-Blog Week - Day 7 - Sharing The Love<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Day 7 - Give some love to three blog posts you’ve read and loved during Diabetes Blog Week, and tell us why they’re worth reading</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-oVUguGw9pJcVK-3WJk26vt7WnzrXsDfLPZsvae6JncN4A_R3YAnGTgAtp5nn2ZDnRpdf-fiH_rxdXKTxS6tsdVu7XjlA2gy_evnsoGUje6M15nH1SshX48XDCffVszyxVa6bsh0OKY/s1600/LOVE-HANDS.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/AVvXsEjD-oVUguGw9pJcVK-3WJk26vt7WnzrXsDfLPZsvae6JncN4A_R3YAnGTgAtp5nn2ZDnRpdf-fiH_rxdXKTxS6tsdVu7XjlA2gy_evnsoGUje6M15nH1SshX48XDCffVszyxVa6bsh0OKY/s320/LOVE-HANDS.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's one good thing that comes from being a week behind everyone else. Since everyone else has already finished their week of posts, it makes reading them a lot easier, because they're all centralised. How lovely! However, because there have been so many amazing posts, just picking three seems a bit stingy, but hey, here we go!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first two posts that caught my attention were from Day Two's petition topic. I came up short with this one, and pulled a wild card, so I was really fascinated to see what everyone else had come up with. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can completely relate to to <a href="http://blueheelsociety.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/we-undersigned-and-im-not-your-honey.html">The Blue Heel Society's post</a> about the lack of nutritional information in food outlets, because it drives me crazy. Half the time I've given up asking, because they never have it anyway, and I'm the person holding up the queue that everybody huffs, sighs, groans and rolls their eyes at. SWAGing is an art we'd all rather not have to perfect, isn't it?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Similarly, George's post over on <a href="http://www.ninjabetic.com/thebadblog/2013/5/14/we-the-undersigned-dblog-week-day-2.html">Ninjabetic</a> rings true with me as well. Supermarkets are hell for the hypo effect - I just had one in Sainsbury's on Thursday, for heaven's sake! I'd say it makes about as much sense as the almost immediate hypo I get from picking up the hoover, but I can find some logic in that, at least!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last up, Elizabeth at <a href="http://elizabethfritzblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/best-diabetic-friends/">Life or Something Like It</a> gave a lovely account of meeting her first ever diabetic friend, which made me think back on my own relationships with my d-friends, and particularly on <a href="http://instructionsni.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/diabetes-blessings-week-day-2.html">writing about this myself</a>. It's always good to take account of our own relationships and remember how special they can be, and how blessed we are because of them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So there we go. That's D-Blog Week over for another year. But I'm hoping that this will help me kick start more regular posting. I plan to keep to it this time... </span></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-87933884395710852012013-05-25T23:45:00.003+01:002013-05-25T23:45:59.538+01:00D-Blog Week - Day 6 - Coming Soon<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Day 6 - Diabetes Art</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This time I'm just teasing you. I'm not showing my art just yet. But I will let you know that I have a major arty project in the pipeline, which I hope you're all going to be really excited by. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_L5IcPvu1i4IiW-ioqfDF3REO7OgaVGGceLgfoIknZxOZV5DKC8yrrPw3rNMQJtylBrQOwM65DItC0pLXeI8SqiKglK8wHzTo8nFVU-1zzErj3QuaPYtlLYE2_b3aGJfsiNrcMI20ZA/s1600/comingsoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_L5IcPvu1i4IiW-ioqfDF3REO7OgaVGGceLgfoIknZxOZV5DKC8yrrPw3rNMQJtylBrQOwM65DItC0pLXeI8SqiKglK8wHzTo8nFVU-1zzErj3QuaPYtlLYE2_b3aGJfsiNrcMI20ZA/s320/comingsoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just you wait and see...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-20543341984491604962013-05-24T23:50:00.000+01:002013-05-25T00:06:54.361+01:00D-Blog Week - Day 5 - Top Trumps<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Day 5 - Freaky Friday. If you could switch chronic diseases, which one would you choose to deal with instead of diabetes?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I tried. I really, really did. Which disease would I want to switch out Type 1 for? What would give me a better insight on the lives of my friends? What would give me a new perspective on things? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But what comes to mind is a tweet I saw being retweeted by @EverydayAbleism - which is a wonderful account that I highly recommend following if you're not already. It's very illuminating. But I think this really makes a valid point. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdWTOpzSNqHsPtgtniTGExW3HX-wVzzTsuwD2wcC90khwX7uc0T0XIRcSdTT-YuIYOFImLyt2TV8Uhlu37K-xEg_I6DTs7WFVgkO8XCeE6Ag8vysAG6Otdwy-605Mo-qkW3dAJETUhnE/s1600/tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdWTOpzSNqHsPtgtniTGExW3HX-wVzzTsuwD2wcC90khwX7uc0T0XIRcSdTT-YuIYOFImLyt2TV8Uhlu37K-xEg_I6DTs7WFVgkO8XCeE6Ag8vysAG6Otdwy-605Mo-qkW3dAJETUhnE/s640/tweet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It set me thinking. Though I'm sure I'd learn a great deal in a switch, if we're going classic Freaky Friday, that would mean the other person would get my Type 1. And to be completely honest, I wouldn't want to give this to my worst enemy. I can live with it, but there's no reason they should have to. Even if it would be enlightening. </span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737388966176276622.post-86459861165343939482013-05-23T23:13:00.001+01:002013-05-23T23:13:47.612+01:00DBlog Week - Day 4 - Two years later<p dir=ltr><i>My </i><i>biggest </i><i>accomplishment</i></p>
<p dir=ltr>I had to think hard about this one. I'm in a place right now where I don't really feel like I've got a handle on anything, so apart from the fact that I'm still here, alive and kicking - which I suppose is something of an accomplishment in and of itself - there isn't much, diabetes wise that in feeling like I can hang my hat on. So I had to have a good long think about what I wanted to write about. And then it came to me. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I don't know if you've ever stood barefoot in snow. I'd you haven't, I can't say that I recommend it. I know that this is staying the obvious, but it is really <i>really</i> cold. All the same, that's the position that I found myself in at a disturbingly early hour one Saturday morning in January this year. This was because I was all smartly decked out for graduation day. So ok, I wasn't technically barefoot, but due to a badly considered stocking and suspender belt fiasco I was bare legged, which is as close as dammit. This wasn't my first graduation, as this was a postgraduate affair. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I had taken two years to complete my MA. It has a ridiculously long title, of Master of Arts in Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance, and the fact I had been completing it part time had nothing to do with the length of the name, but to do with the fact I couldn't afford to stop working full time. So I had a part time degree, a full time job, and diabetes which didn't seem to want to cut me any sort of slack.</p>
<p dir=ltr>In the middle of my first set off assignments, I had numbers that wouldn't come down for love nor money, and felt sick as a dog, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to be intelligent and informed. </p>
<p dir=ltr>I started pumping during this time as well. I can't say that two hourly testing for two weeks straight helped my concentration during lectures.</p>
<p dir=ltr>If I'm honest, I hadn't really imagined that it was all going to impact on the whole degree process as, much as it did. With hindsight I should have anticipated it, but I didn't. On my graduation day I didn't really take stock of how much perseverance it had taken. But I'm thinking about it now. </p>
<p dir=ltr>It took me two years and, more energy, sticking power and sleepless nights than I anticipated, but I did it. And no-one can take that away from me. Mainly because that bad boy's on my CV, and you wouldn't know where I keep the certificate anyway. </p>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09636135497470333265noreply@blogger.com1