Outside my office (which I will soon be vacating), sits some of the company's IT staff. Among them is a young fellow, Daniel. He's very sharp, graduated from MIT and deep down, is a nice kid. But he is also an impetuous hothead who talks and cusses incessantly. Let's just say he has provided hours of entertainment. So I heard him spouting off yesterday about how the coke and candy he was eating had so much sugar he would probably get diabetes. He continues to run on about how sugar is what causes diabetes, and how he is probably doomed to get it.
Finally, I step into the fray, and asked him if he was sure about sugar consumption causing diabetes. "Absolutely" he replies, "everybody knows that". So I bait the hook a little more with "Daniel, are you 100% sure?". His reply, "oh yes". I give him one more chance "No doubt in your mind?". He says: "Nope, none."
By this time about five of his co-workers are looking on, several of whom know that I wear a pump and have diabetes. They are smiling and looking on, knowing what is coming. So I tell Daniel that I happen to know that what he is saying is not true, point to my pump and ask him if he knows what it is? He says confidently "It's a cell phone". I say "wrong again, it's an insulin pump, and I have diabetes". His expression was priceless, and he started trying to backpedal, but dug a deeper hole. Finally, he says..."I'm an asshole". I reply with, "yes, I know, but we love you anyway" and proceded with my elevator speech about diabetes.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
The Great Unknown
Tomorrow is the day. I'm tendering my resignation, giving a month's notice. I've been struggling with this decision for over a year. I have prayed and asked for God's wisdom, talked it through with hubby, and asked for input from friends and other wise counselors. It is unanimous.
From the outside it may look crazy. In many people's eyes, I have the perfect job. Nice salary, good benefits, short commute, flexible hours, spot on the executive team, the trust of the CEO/owner, almost eight years of tenure and the vacation that goes with that. It is very convenient, safe, and familiar. But what the job itself has evolved into, I dread most days. Money, convenience and my need for security are the only things still keeping me there. I am truly blessed to have the option to give this up, and I know that for many, there is not an option like that. It hasn't always been for me either.
I have had a mounting sense that I no longer was supposed to be there that gets so strong it literally leaves me speechless. I know that God has something better than money and convenience ahead. I'm a planner at heart, but I don't know the details of the plan this time. That's hard, but I'm going to open myself up to letting it not be my plan this time.
From the outside it may look crazy. In many people's eyes, I have the perfect job. Nice salary, good benefits, short commute, flexible hours, spot on the executive team, the trust of the CEO/owner, almost eight years of tenure and the vacation that goes with that. It is very convenient, safe, and familiar. But what the job itself has evolved into, I dread most days. Money, convenience and my need for security are the only things still keeping me there. I am truly blessed to have the option to give this up, and I know that for many, there is not an option like that. It hasn't always been for me either.
I have had a mounting sense that I no longer was supposed to be there that gets so strong it literally leaves me speechless. I know that God has something better than money and convenience ahead. I'm a planner at heart, but I don't know the details of the plan this time. That's hard, but I'm going to open myself up to letting it not be my plan this time.
The Differences
I went to a ladies retreat with a friend and her mother-in-law (I'll call her MIL) on Friday/Saturday. We roomed together, and had a wonderful time. MIL is a delightful lady who has Type 2. I have Type 1. Spending some time with her really brought it home how these are such different diseases. Each has it's own unique challenges, but it's hard to fathom how they can be discussed in the same breath. Sort of like if I mentioned that I went to a game at the American Airlines center (our local indoor professional sports venue). I'd have to tell you what kind of game it was -- hockey or basketball -- Stars or Mavericks -- in order for us to have a meaningful conversation about it. That is, if any conversation about either sport is meaningful. OK, so that's a whole 'nother suject (hope my hubby doesn't read this)!
MIL recently started on Byetta, but decided not to bring it to the retreat with her since it has to be refrigerated. I wore my insulin pump and brought an extra vial of insulin and 2 set changes with all the accessories, an extra vial of test strips, and extra batteries for the pump just in case (for a one night stay). MIL gets her Byetta from a mail order pharmacy, I get my insulin from a local pharmacy because I don't want to take the chance on a screw up via mail order, or on not being able to get a quick refill if I drop a bottle. I asked MIL how often she tests. She said she hasn't been lately, but needs to get back to checking it in the mornings. I tested six times on Saturday to make sure I stayed in range to feel as good as possible so I could enjoy the retreat. We talked about food, and she works to spread her carbs out over the day. I do to a certain extent, but feel more free in varying the carb count since I know I can compensate w/ insulin. She seems to feel some guilt about her diagnosis. I don't.
Of course, we are two individuals, and there would likely be differences between us even if our conditions were switched. We each have our own unique struggles, but these are two drastically different diseases that should never be discussed as one. That, among other things, was very clear this weekend.
MIL recently started on Byetta, but decided not to bring it to the retreat with her since it has to be refrigerated. I wore my insulin pump and brought an extra vial of insulin and 2 set changes with all the accessories, an extra vial of test strips, and extra batteries for the pump just in case (for a one night stay). MIL gets her Byetta from a mail order pharmacy, I get my insulin from a local pharmacy because I don't want to take the chance on a screw up via mail order, or on not being able to get a quick refill if I drop a bottle. I asked MIL how often she tests. She said she hasn't been lately, but needs to get back to checking it in the mornings. I tested six times on Saturday to make sure I stayed in range to feel as good as possible so I could enjoy the retreat. We talked about food, and she works to spread her carbs out over the day. I do to a certain extent, but feel more free in varying the carb count since I know I can compensate w/ insulin. She seems to feel some guilt about her diagnosis. I don't.
Of course, we are two individuals, and there would likely be differences between us even if our conditions were switched. We each have our own unique struggles, but these are two drastically different diseases that should never be discussed as one. That, among other things, was very clear this weekend.
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