Shirts and Mugs.

I just want to throw a quick post up here to let you know (if you didn't see already) that there is now a You Can Do This Project store on Zazzle! It's pretty much just t-shirts and mugs at this point, but if you have requests for other items through Zazzle, I'm happy to take them. :)

The point of opening up a store is 1. because it helps to spread the word about You Can Do This, so of course I'm a fan of that, 2. because several people indicated that they would buy a shirt, and who am I to deny them, and more pressingly 3. because OMG printing stuff for FFL/TCOYD tables is expensive - moreso than I thought, and the proceeds from these items will hep to offset the remaining costs.

Until midnight tonight, Zazzle is also having a 50% off sale on t-shirts - so stock up! Use the code "DADSCASENTEE" (okay, they didn't create a special sale just for YCDT - it's for Father's Day, but you can still use it) to get the discount.

And in related news, I've also opened up a Zazzle store for Texting My Pancreas stuff. (You'll notice a new "buy stuff" button to your left and down a bit.) Basically, I'm throwing some of the more popular cartoon images onto mugs and shirts (well, onto shirts when I figure out how to blow the images up without them getting all weird-looking), so if you're into that sort of thing, that's where to go.

Would, Could... But Should?

"Would you, could you, have a treat?

Can you snack on something sweet?"

I could eat, I would eat

That little treat

But should I, would I

Eat that sweet?

I could eat them at every meal.

I could eat them with such zeal.

I could eat them day or night.

I could eat them out of spite.

I could eat them on the go.

I could eat them all - YOLO.

But I would not, should not

Eat all those treats;

All those sweets

Those tasty treats.

I know I can, I can eat that treat.

But should I invite that glycemic leap?

But I want it! It's yummy!

It would fit so well inside my tummy!

(But you don't need it, you dummy...)

Those treats are right there for the taking

Despite the insulin my pancreas isn't making.

Just a few buttons pressed; it's not painstaking

But the true cost - to that, I'm waking.

The "just one"s add up.

The "I could"s are expensive.

The "once in a while"s seem to travel in packs.

The urges are sudden; sneak attacks.

I can, I have, I won't, I could

Another story, that dastardly "should".

Learn and try and learn once more.

I will, I can, I have before.

After assessing the accumulation of this past weekend's consumption - cake at a graduation party, desserts at a family reunion, s'mores at a baby shower (yes, you read that right), ice cream on Monday... I've got some work to do.

I Scream, You Scream.

My friend Jeff is passing through the West of Mid this week, and kindly chose to pay Aaron, Billy and I a visit. We had some dinner, drove him around to "see the sights" (many of which were closed due to the holiday - whoops), and proceeded to indulge in what was apparently some diabetes-friendly ice cream.

Jeff told me that he tends to absorb the glucose from his fellow PWDs. I believe it.

I also commend his tolerance of one very vocal member of our clan who would Not. Leave. Him. Alone.

Bark! Bark! Bark! Bark!

Thanks for visiting, Jeff!

Om Nom Nom.

Aaron and I are headed out for a family reunion today, and here's what we're bringing:

Cherry tomato, basil leaves, and mozzarella with a
bit of olive oil and Italian seasoning. On a huge toothpick.

Low carb, totally fresh (just picked the basil from our garden this morning) and I want to eat it all RIGHT NOW OM NOM NOM.

Lilly Diabetes Blogger Summit 2012: So Emotional.

"People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou

I'm starting this post with the above quote because I think it best describes how I'm processing the Lilly Diabetes 2012 Bloggers Summit, which I and several others attended on Monday. (I was reunited with Cherise, Kerri, Scott, George, K2, Kelly, Bennet, Mike, Lorraine and Leighann, and had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Scott for the first time.) I hardly took any notes, so this isn't the place to go if you're wanting direct quotes from Lilly executives.

Most of the day was spent either touring some part of their vast campus or in a discussion-based atmosphere, and I wanted to be an active participant in those things. I wanted to resist the gravitational pull that my laptop and social media tends to rope me in with, and really dedicate my attention to listening, learning, and voicing my thoughts.

Let me state this now: I like Lilly Diabetes. I can say (now that I've experienced a bit of it in person) that I like the culture they're striving to build. I appreciate the attitude they've displayed towards the need for them - really, the need - to engage with their customers in the diabetes community. I was impressed, on various levels, with the individuals we met during the event. It also doesn't hurt that I've been a customer of theirs for many years, so there's a bit of attachment-by-association thing going on. I would bet I'd feel a similar way if I were to visit Animas, Lifescan (who make the OneTouch meters I use) or Dexcom.

I will also say that I particularly like some of the graphics they've chosen to install in their workspace. (Shocking, right? I'm not a visual person at all. /sarcasm) In fact, I might have immediately teared up when Scott Johnson pointed one of them out to me.

It's difficult for me, as someone who is cognizant of how very fragile this chance at her life is, to not feel some emotional connection to Lilly. This was the first company to successfully launch large-scale production of insulin, and if that hadn't worked out, who knows if any of us who are insulin-dependent would be living the lives we're living now. It was apparent to me, at least a couple of different times throughout the day, that the folks at Lilly didn't expect the emotional response they saw when we toured Heritage Hall (their own little history museum); when we heard the winning entry to the Once Upon A Time contest read aloud (the winner will be publicly announced sometime next month); during our tour of an exact replica of Eli Lilly's original labratory (which was amazing, and humbling, and made me appreciate the crap out of how far we've come), or when they discussed their hopes and intentions for the Lilly/Disney books.

I think I got misty-eyed enough times that the folks at Lilly probably started wondering what was wrong with me.

This sort of stuff is so emotional though, when you're living with it. When you're thinking, this book can help so many kids feel better about living with diabetes; about being "different". This can help normalize something that feels so alienating. This is something that I wish I had grown up with. It's emotional when you see a photograph of the amount of beef and pork pancreases that it took to derive just one small bottle of insulin back in the day, and you learn that the location of that pile is still on-site (it's now the parking lot).

It's emotional when you see that in the main lobby of the whole building, they chose to erect a statue based on that famed photo you see in the case above; the one of the mother holding her child with type 1 diabetes, shortly before insulin treatment was available. You can feel the desperation and horror in the mother's face; the sheer agony in the son's. I saw this photo in a case at the Heritage Museum, and had to spin on my heel and walk away. I know there's a photo right underneath of him after starting insulin therapy (in his letter to Dr. Banting, he triumphantly wrote "I am a fat boy now and I feel fine"), but I just can't do it. That image breaks my heart in a thousand pieces. The line between life and death smells like bandaids and fear.

In summary - Lilly, and its history, cause me to feel a lot of things.

As for what else I took away from the day, I'll say that while there may be room for improvement (for example, I get close to zero value out of their LillyPad blog - I want to read patient stories, I want to learn about the PEOPLE behind the brand, and I want to know about the good they're doing in the diabetes community and beyond), I see Lilly as being very eager to engage in social media - even if they aren't quite sure what that will look like, or how exactly to do it within the regulatory confines they operate within. They appeared to be very open to feedback (for example, why are the Lilly/Disney books only available in endocrinology offices? If the whole point behind them is to help "normalize" diabetes, make the books available in "normal" book places - like public and school libraries), and willing to realize that social media actually means that they need to be social - it isn't a billboard. People need to be able to leave comments on blog posts, and Twitter accounts need to engage in the conversation.

They can also do a better job of letting people know the good they are doing - I know that I was one of many in the room who didn't realize Lilly had started a partnership with Walmart in 2010, in order to provide a lower-cost option for insulin users, for example.

In summary, I think Lilly is headed in a good direction when it comes to reaching out and interacting with the diabetes community. I hope the discussions we had and insight we provided can help continue the shift towards engagement with the customers they serve.

In other words: I appreciate both where they've been, and where they want to go.

Disclosure: Lilly Diabetes invited me to attend their 2012 "Blogger Summit", which occurred on 5/21/12. Lilly Diabetes paid for airfare, hotel, meals and transportation around Indianapolis during my stay. I was not asked to write about the event, but we all know that I totally will. They also gave us the books you saw above, along with a copy of "Breakthrough" by Thea Cooper and Arthur Ainsberg.

For more photos of the event, check out the ones I uploaded to Flickr.

We've Got A Booth. WE'VE GOT A BOOTH.

Remember back in February, when I was all, "Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we could get a table at Friends For Life for the You Can Do This Project"?

And then remember how, about five hours later, you guys totally blew me away with your speedy and generous donations, and we met (and then proceeded to exceed) the fundraising goal I had set?

And then (and then and then and then) I told you guys that we had a table reserved?

Well, I have good news. I must have a fairy godmother, because that table has now turned into a LEGIT BOOTH SPACE.

My heart, it soars.



As far as I can deduce, we're the only grassroots organization represented in "the hall", as I'm now referring to it. Everyone else is a registered non-profit, or a for-profit pharamceutical company, and probably has some sort of income that allows them big, cool signs and flashy give-aways.

You might be able to guess that we won't quite have that.

What we will have are passionate volunteers (some of the You Can Do This Project Advisory Team will be present, along with a few other friends in the community) willing to talk to people about what this intiative is all about, what resources they'll find through it, and how to participate, if they choose. We'll probably have some postcard-sized flyers to hand out, and maybe a couple other things. (For those wondering, the booth didn't cost extra. FFL very, very kindly offered me an "upgrade", as they had some rearranging of the hall space to do. I was happy to help.)

The money raised in February has secured the hall space for both FFL and TCOYD Des Moines, along with some of the printing costs for flyers and a sign. Somehow, I'll need to find the extra cash for things like giveaway rubber bracelets (how cool would it be for kids and adults alike with T1 to have that encouraging reminder to take home on their wrist?) and the other odds and ends that need to come together. Like, for example, a table. (Booths don't automatically come with them. Ironic, no? I was literally only paying for a table before.)

Anywho... that's the scoop at this point. I like to keep you all informed. This whole thing is aimed at getting more people and families connected to people who "get it" when it comes to life with diabetes, and it's about ALL of us supporting each other. I can't do this without you all. Thank you.

Wordless Wednesday: Borrowed Inspiration.

From a wall at Lilly Diabetes US.

Disclosure: Lilly Diabetes invited me to attend their 2012 "Blogger Summit", which occurred on 5/21/12. Lilly Diabetes paid for airfare, hotel, meals and transportation around Indianapolis during my stay. I was not asked to write about the event, but we all know that I totally will.

You Can Do (And Vote For) This.

Great things are done by series of small things brought together. -Vincent van Gogh

* * * * *

A year ago, I had an idea in the middle of an elliptical workout.

Today, it's an actual thing that is helping people connect with others who feel like they feel; who live with the same thoughts and fears and challenges as them; who can reassure them that living with diabetes doesn't have to stop them from living a great life.

You all are actively changing the lives of people with diabetes. Your willingness to share helps someone else know they are not alone; feel connected; feel hope. What we are doing has real value for others, and I'm honored to be able to help facilitate that.

There are many great ideas in the diabetes community of how we can help each other, and I'm honored that the You Can Do This Project is among such fantastic company as a finalist for a DHF Seeds micro-grant. Voting opens today and ends Friday, June 15th at 5:00 PDT! (You can "vote" only once per person, by clicking "like" on the video and/or sharing it with others using the Vimeo sharing buttons.)

To find the You Can Do This Project's video, go here: http://vimeo.com/channels/dhfseedsconnect

Thank you for your continued support!

#DBlogWeek: What They Should Know.

Today let’s borrow a topic from a #dsma chat held last September. The tweet asked “What is one thing you would tell someone that doesn’t have diabetes about living with diabetes?”. Let’s do a little advocating and post what we wish people knew about diabetes. Have more than one thing you wish people knew? Go ahead and tell us everything.

* * * * *

Inspired by this morning's fasting number, I'd like people without diabetes to know that one number

always has a story behind it. And a person, with feelings and insecurities and a desire to do better, behind that story.

And in unrelated news, there's something I want YOU to know: Some familiar DOC faces and I will be at Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis on Monday for some sort of "blogger event", and I'd like your feedback on the kinds of things you want us to ask them. Leave a comment below! (Disclosure: Lilly Diabetes will be paying for my flights, acccomodations and meals during this trip. I am not being financially compensated for attendance.)

(P.S. Voting for the DHF Seeds grant begins on Monday - look out for the You Can Do This Project video I made to show up on the DHF Vimeo channel! Don't worry, I'll be all linky about it Monday morning.)

#DBlogWeek: Fantasy Diabetes Device.

Today's prompt: Today let’s tackle an idea inspired by Bennet of Your Diabetes May Vary. Tell us what your Fantasy Diabetes Device would be? Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, etc etc etc. The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?

* * * * *

Everyone else has Siri.

I want a Bigi.

(Get it? Siri, but for diabetes?)

Can you imagine the possibilities? She has to know everything that's going on with me - linked in to my pump settings and history, various glucose meters, a built-in pedometer to account for my activity (or lack thereof), the ability to sync with other applications, a sense of what time of month it is (ahem), and a little bit of a Magic 8-Ball forecasting ability. Oh hell, and let's throw in the fact that she's an artificial pancreas, too. (Hey, it says fantasy device, right? This is my dream! I will have flying puppies made of sunshine if I want!)

One application to rule them all...

DONK DONK! "Bigi, how should I bolus for this sandwich?"

DINK DINK! "Kim, you were dancing half an hour ago, and you've dropped below 60 mg/dL between 2:00 am and 4:00 am the past three nights. Let's try 5 units but decrease your basal rate for four hours."


DONK DONK! "Why am I 352 right now?"

DINK DINK! "That sandwich had more carbs than Calorie King suggested. I'll remember that for the future."


DONK DONK! "When was the last time I did an infusion site change?"

DINK DINK! "You last changed your site on Tuesday. You still have 11 hours before it should be changed."


DONK DONK! "Where do you think I should put the new site?"

DINK DINK! "The last four sites were in your abdomen. How about your left leg, this time?"


DONK DONK! "I need to make an eye appointment for next week."

DINK DINK! "I found one open appointment time with your doctor next week. Do you want me to schedule it?"

DONK DONK! "YES!!!"


DONK DONK! "Diabetes is lame, Bigi. I've been on the glucoaster all day."

DINK DINK! "Here are some blog posts you may want to read."


DONK DONK! "Does my insurance cover the test strips for this new meter?"

DINK DINK! "Yes, it looks like your co-pay would be $20 per month for those strips."


DONK DONK! "I want to go swimming for an hour."

DINK DINK! "You go ahead. I'll take care of your basal rates."


DONK DONK! "Someone just told me that I could cure type 1 diabetes with a vegan diet, and now I want to punch them."

DINK DINK! "I found three bars that are fairly close to you..."