occupying y mind

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Cabin Fever Forces My Mind To Work

As I continue to heal from Charcot Foot, at least another 10 days in a cast, I have the opportunity to learn, observe and discover.  There is a positive to every negative, and I have to say this to myself a number of times a day.  It is easy to feel sorry for myself falling into the why me mindset.  That simply is not an option.  I say that countless times a day as well.

I decided to work on my diabetes during my recovery.  It would be so easy to sit, eat and gain weight.  I have the perfect excuse; I am on crutches, what else is there to do?  Thanks to technology, I am making sure the above does not happen.  An app on my new HTC Incredible Smartphone allows me to track my blood sugar. Wow, this is great.  I am now aware of what I put in my mouth, and what is the most effective way to take my meds.

Here are some of the changes I have implemented in my battle with diabetes:

Portion control keeps my blood sugars in check.  Six small meals a day works for me.  My hba1c results were over 10.  That is terrible, just dangerous.  Since i have changed my eating habits, my projected results are 5.3 that is a miracle!!

While in the hospital in January with a pulmonary embolism, an angel was sent to me in the form of a night nurse.  Despite taking proper meds my morning blood sugars were high, 185-250 range.  Normal about 72-120.  My nurse told me the lack of a snack with good carbs was raising my sugars.  We tried adding two sticks of string cheese.  Last week my morning sugars averaged 90.

So while I have very little mobility, the chance to look at patterns has helped me turn things around quickly.  I feel the difference, my blood circulation is better, my stress level is so much better, I have taken a negative and turned it into a positive.  Controlling diabetes is a mindset which I can control.  Those of you with this horrible disease must admit you have it, and must learn how to control it.  Make sure you test your blood numerous times a day, change your eating habits and learn about the advances in fighting diabetes, a fight only you can control.

Starting The Week “Running”

As much as I can on crutches!!!

It does slow my body down, but not my mind.  First of all, being handicapped for a while has allowed me to work on my blood sugar.  It has been under control for the most part, and thanks to an app, I can track it and see the effects from food, pain and stress.

Pain can make one say things not really meant, it is like open mouth and insert that casted foot.

With that in mind…

The Oscar telecast was not one of their best.  The hosts, Anne Hathaway and James Franco were out of their element.  It was most evident when Billy Crystal took the stage to honor Bob Hope.  Crystal was funny, quick witted and very much at home; please bring him back!!!  Going young was not a great move by the academy.

The highlights of the broadcast, Kirk Douglas, Michelle Leo and the kids from Staten Island singing their hearts out.  It was not necessary to hear from President Obama on the greatest song ever, it is so much better to keep politics out of this show.

The pre show was painful; I could not stay to the end.  Host Robin Roberts looked great, but if she were more sugary, I would have had to use more insulin to keep my diabetes in check, she made Larry King look like a solid journalist.

I mentioned I tuned out of the pre show, for all who were posting and tweeting how much they did not like the broadcast, no one was making you watch.  Change the channel next time.  It really is that simple.

My mind now runs to baseball.  It was great to watch a little bit of preseason baseball.  Watching the Yankees first game, I really enjoyed the tribute to the late George Steinbrenner.  It ended with the Boss’s granddaughter singing the National Anthem.  It was not about her, but her lovely voice showed how it should be sung.  Christina Aguilera, please take note.

Watching the Lakers and Thunder on Sunday reinforced my contention one needs only to watch the last five minutes of any NBA game.

I could go on and on this morning, but what will I talk about in my next blog?  Enjoy your week!!

Rumblings In My Mind

More than a week with a cast on my right leg, more than a week with my brain working in overdrive.  It was one year ago the body of Chelsea King was discovered; her life taken by a low life sexual predator. My prayers to the family, and they have all of my support in getting Chelsea’s Law passed in the rest of the country; one strike and you are out for sexual predators.  To learn more go to www.chelseaslight.org.

Bullies beware.  I am not talking about kids, but a friend of mine has the neighbor from hell.  She has gone from throwing garbage on my friends’ porch to vandalizing personal property.  The police have spoken to her once; her bullying tactics will not be tolerated.  She is like a train going towards a wall; she will crash, hopefully before she injures someone.

Charlie Sheen needs help.  He has more than crossed the line.  I have had nothing but positive experiences with Charlie and his dad Martin.  I feel for Martin and pray Charlie will realize how out of control he is.  The bottom line, if he does not admit he needs help, he cannot be taken off this self destructive path. 

I too have crossed the line, not taking care of my health after first being diagnosed with diabetes some 20 years ago.  I would not accept the fact I was diabetic.  I knew better, I would be just fine.  This is not much different than the mindset of Charlie Sheen, until I accepted diabetes, nothing could help me.  Without the encouragement and support of friends and loved ones, I would not be here today.  It only took a by-pass, seven stents and now Charcot foot, the reason I am casted, to finally realize the severity of what this nasty illness has done for me.  The power of prayer is getting me through this current setback.

I believe our President has crossed the line.  When he told the justice department to stop defending the constitutionality of the defense of marriage act he has overstepped his office.  A president cannot decide what is constitutional or not.  There are three branches of our government.  In case any of our political leaders were not paying attention in class, the three are the Executive, Legislative and Judicial.  There is a process to declare a law unconstitutional, and it should be followed period!  No one person or branch of government has the right to unilaterally make a decision of this magnitude.

Finally I would like to thank all who have offered encouragement, help and love during my latest medical problems.  You are all wonderful.

One Year Later

This is the headline of a post by Brent King, the father of the late Chelsea King who was brutally murdered by a low life sexual predator whose name I will not print, no more “fame” for him.  In his post Mr. King makes some important points, here are a few:

• Why do we not prosecute people who are complicit in allowing violent sexual predators to live where they aren’t registered, go to a public park unsupervised and drink alcohol, and violate parole rules?

• How is it that the cost to incarcerate a criminal who has harmed society is higher than the cost to educate a college student with dreams and desires to better our world?

• Why do we provide a higher level of care for felons who steal our children’s freedoms than soldiers who protect our freedoms with their lives?

• Why is the criminal the only citizen in the United States guaranteed health care?

The King family is living through pain on a daily basis, one I cannot imagine.  Through his organization “Chelsea’s Light”, a law was passed here in California, which makes this type of sexual attack a one strike offense, jail for life, off the streets so these lowlifes can never do this again.  He was told a law like this would never pass, it did overwhelmingly.  Mr. King now wants Chelsea’s Law passed in the other 49 states.  I encourage all of you to go on to the Facebook page Chelsea’s Light or the website www.chelseaslight.org and support this cause and this family.  There are a number of events we can easily get involved in to help reach their goal.

I am so tired of seeing how criminals are coddled in this country.  We hear so much about their rights… what about the rights of  innocent citizens.  Losing a child is hard enough, losing a child to a sexual predator should never have to happen.  We can all play a part in making sure a predator can never do this a second time.

My prayers go out to thing King family, I do not know them, however I think about them often.  Let us all help in their fight, and please read Mr. King’s post.  

Watching The World From A new Perspective

It is easy to take things for granted, walking, driving, running, playing to name a few.  With my right foot in a cast, no driving for me, and getting around with crutches is no easy task.  I almost fell down stairs once, my cast must not have weight bearing pressure, and I cannot fend for myself.  I am recovering from Charcot foot, a side effect from my diabetes.  If you or your loved one is a diabetic make sure you take care and follow doctors advice, and get out of denial, a denial which has caused me numerous health problems

It is very interesting to see the world from this perspective.  I have to rely on the kindness of people, those I know and perfect strangers.  If it were not for friends I could not get around to visit my doctors or to get food from the grocery stores.  I would be stuck at home watching television and reading and sleeping.  I have some wonderful friends, who offer their help, and it is so appreciated, I cannot express how much in the length of a blog.

What has  amazed me are the perfect strangers.  It is great that stores I frequent for food, Von’s, Ralph’s and Fresh and Easy all have these cool motorized carts for me to get around.  I was trying to do that at Von’s with my crutches with me and I almost wiped out half an isle of food.  As this was happening, a man with his son ran over to help me out.  What a great example for his little one to see, he is lucky to have a father who is such a role model.

As I was waiting for my ride after a Fresh and Easy visit to come and get me a man in his 80’s asked if I needed any help.  A number of people have waited for me to get to a doorway to hold it open for me.  At Von’s the Starbucks personnel went to find a motorized cart for me, well above their responsibilities.

I went and did some clothing shopping at the Stein Mart in Santa Clarita California, and a worker there went and got me a wheel chair so I did not have to hobble around with my crutches.  Wow, given the chance the majority of people are so kind and helpful.

What would this blog be without some interesting stories other than of kindness?  The entitled generation could care less if I was having a problem or struggling, especially in the liquor isles.  One such young man backed right into my path, lucky for him I knew how to stop the cart, he was annoyed at me being in his way, how dare I drive my cart when he decided he needed to step back.

My favorite story though had a woman with her shopping cart blocking everyone being in the middle of the isle while talking to a man.  When he saw me he suggested the lady move her cart.  She looked at me with a disgusted expression and asked me what were the magic words?  I looked at her only as I can and said, “One drives on the right in America, not in the middle.”

A huge THANK YOU to all of these perfect strangers and close friends who have offered their help.  It feels so good to know people really do care whether they know you or not.

A Dog’s Purpose

If you have not read this book, it is a must read.  It is all about the lives of a dog, when he passes and comes back as another dog with a new master.  This book will touch all of your emotions.  I laughed, was concerned and even had tears reading this book (I actually listened to the book while driving).

I have a story of two dogs, Mia and Ruby.  These two angels actually alerted me to some health issues.  In December I began not feeling well. I thought it was just a cold, or stress, or both.  Ruby and her human came to visit Mia and her human.  Ruby is a great dog as is Mia, and Ruby is very attached to her human, however Ruby would not leave my side, I was visiting Mia and her human.

It was almost like Ruby was trying to mother me.  Mia, much smaller than Ruby was covering me with her body, almost like she was trying to protect me.  As my symptoms became worse, the reaction of these two dogs made me get myself to the doctor much sooner than I usually would.  It took the doctors a few days, but they found a pulmonary embolism in my lung, and are treating it.  My two dog friends knew something was going on and since their behavior was so different than normal, I was much more aware of what was going on inside of me.

I now am more aware changes in my diabetes.  This is all thanks to my best friends, Mia and Ruby.  So why are people so nasty to dogs, why are there puppy mills where dogs are abused, and why do the Michael Vicks’ of the world find joy in making dogs fight each other to the death?

I cannot start to answer these questions; I can only point them out and be part of the fight to end puppy mills and dog fighting.  Do I think Michael Vick has paid his debt to society, maybe but to the dogs, not even close.  I find it hard to believe he has had such a turn around.

If you know a store is selling dogs from puppy mills, most stores do, do not support that store.  If you know about puppy mills, let the authorities know.  These poor defenseless pups cannot fend for themselves; we need to fend for them.

I urge all of you if you want a pet, adopt one.  Mia, a Boston Terrier, was rescued from an organization called Boston Buddies.  They find the pups, young and old, care for them, and find forever homes for them.  This is one of thousands of dog rescues.  Visit them and you can find your forever dog, your new best friend.

Time Is On My Side

Yes it is, or is it?  I discovered this week I have another attack to my system thanks to diabetes.  I have been diagnosed with Charcot foot.  Here is a brief description from drfoot.co.uk:

“In Charcot foot, pain perception and the ability to sense the position of the joints in the foot are severely impaired or lost, and muscles lose their ability to support the joint(s) properly. Loss of these motor and sensory nerve functions allow minor traumas such as sprains and stress fractures to go undetected and untreated, leading to ligament laxity (slackness), joint dislocation, bone erosion, cartilage damage, and deformity of the foot. The bones most often affected are the metatarsals and the tarsals, located in the forefoot and mid foot,”

So here I am with a boot on my foot and on crutches.  After a MRI tonight I will have a full cast placed on my foot for a few weeks.  This is affecting my right foot so no driving for me.

Wow no driving!  What am I going to do?  How do I get to the doctors’, how do I get to the grocery store and how to I get to Starbucks for my daily iced coffee or iced tea?

I have to do something which I find very hard to do, ask for help.  No choice here, my kids live back east so no family help, so I am reaching out, and I am finding people are wonderful.  I have offers for rides, visits, and even suggestions.  I needed to get crutches on Monday, and instead of paying full price, a friend told me to check out Goodwill Stores.  Many people donate their used crutches, I found a pair “like new” for a substantial savings, very important with my added medical expenses.  Getting help from friends is the easy part I am finding out.  The tough part, is dealing with yet another diabetic problem.  After spending 10 days in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism, I was hoping my health issues would stabilize.  When my foot became swollen I went to see my doctor who sent me to my foot doctor.  All of the classic symptoms were there, very strong pulse, my foot was warm, my bones were cracking, and my x-ray showed numerous cracks on it.  I cannot afford to become depressed because of my latest setback.

I am blessed with great friends, doctors who care, and an outlet to write about my feelings.  For the next few weeks I will be able to do a great deal of thinking and learning about Charcot foot and diabetes.  I will figure out how to change my lifestyle even more to slow any diabetic problems in the future.  I will have time on my side to talk with and visit with all of the wonderful people who send out prayers and offers of help.  A big THANK YOU, to all of you who let me lean on you.

Here I Go Again

So much has gotten my attention.  The first thing, as I watch gas prices rise on an average of two cents a day, I wonder why this is not headline news like it was let us say three years ago.  Then I was told big oil controlled the government.  There was a change at the top; did big oil just change where they sent their checks? 

If we needed an investigation then, we need one now.  A coincidence?  I think not, to quote one of my favorite characters  Leroy Jethro Gibbs, I don’t believe in coincidences.

Next up, puppy mills.  20 Golden Retriever  pups were rescued at a mill, emaciated.  We all need to speak out for our little friends who cannot speak for themselves.  If you want a puppy or older dog rescue one.  There are so many out there who are crying for our help and love.  I have experience with a rescue group called Boston Buddies.  They will go to any length to rescue Boston Terriers, and get them well before they are adopted.  Speak out about puppy mills and any stores who sell puppy mill dogs, please.

Another one of our politicians has just resigned after being caught lying about his marital status, and posted shirtless pictures of himself  on Craig’s List.  Good riddance to him.  Why is anyone surprised?  He lied; politicians lie every day, a fact admitted by Governor Jerry Brown of California.  He said this prior to his election and was still voted in.  I implore both sides of the isle to do a better job in checking out their candidates, and we should do a better job at picking the person who wants to earn our vote.

Finally on a personal note, I am again dealing with medical issues, which I want to keep private, but any good thoughts will be much appreciated.

  

It Is Heart Month

It is getting closer to Valentine’s Day.  Will Cupid finally hit you with his arrow?  That arrow has more than love in it; it has information in it as well.  Valentine’s month is also Heart month. 

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among diabetics.  Chronic high blood sugar readings can cause a narrowing of the arteries.  Couple that with high cholesterol which adds fatty deposits to the arteries and that is a formula for disaster.  A heart attack may be just around the corner.  Coronary Artery Disease restricts blood flow to the heart,

Many with diabetes deny they have this disease for years.  I was one living in denial, and I have been rewarded with a by-pass, seven stents, depression, minor strokes and high blood pressure to name a few.  I am one of the lucky ones so far.  My medical team has worked very hard with me to understand that all my denial was doing was sending me to an early grave.

I need to keep on working to improve my health.  I watch my diet, I need to exercise more, keep my weight down, I lost 63 pounds last year and am keeping it off.

If you have been told you are diabetic, stop the denial.  If you stay on top of this nasty disease you can have a much easier time keeping it in check.  You will not beat diabetes if you ignore it. It will not go away, and you cannot cure yourself by wishing it away.  You need to get a team together to work on your diabetes.  They cannot do it for you, they can work with you, however if you are not willing to become involved you will pay for it in the future.  It is never too late to accept the fact you are diabetic.  You are fighting for your life.

There are so many tools to help you fight diabetes and prevent heart disease, or stop any further damage.  Websites like the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, dLife and others have a wealth of information to help you and your medical teams formulate a plan for you.

So come on Cupid, hit us with that information arrow now!!

From A Super Game to a Super Flub

I enjoyed the Super Bowl. It was not the outcome I wanted. But the game was good. My Steelers had two things going against them. They made too many mistakes, and had the curse. I am talking about the curse of Fox Sports sideline reporter Chris Meyers. Anytime my old friend reports on a team from a sideline, they lose. NFL teams take notice.

Congratulations to Packer fans. If anyone had to win the Lombardi Trophy, other than my Steelers, going to Green Bay the home of the great Italian American coach Vince Lombardi is something I can deal with. Packer fans showed all of us how to celebrate a win with class, no looting, no overturned cars, no fires, take note Laker fans.

Now to our National Anthem. Shame on you Christina Aguilera!!! There is no need to make the anthem all about you.  Yes you did issue an apology statement.  In the future, just go out there and honor your country by signing it and getting the words right! You interpretation is not important here.  And for those interviewed saying they did not care about our anthem, they just wanted to see the game, I suggest two things 1) question the  education you received, 2 )  go back in history and read The Fall of the Roman Empire. We should all take pride and know our national anthem, and be thankful when we have a change in government leaders we do not have to experience a situation like Egypt is experiencing.  If we continue in this country to care just about “me”, if we continue to be entitled, The Fall of the Roman Empire will eventually repeat itself in the United States of America. Today it would be called a remake, putting in movies terms.

Back to the game, I am proud of myself. Statistics show an increase in heart attacks when your team loses in the Super Bowl. Dealing with my pulmonary embolism kept me from getting too emotional making sure I did not aggravate my condition.  (Note: it will take about two months for my body to absorb the blood clot).   My friends watching the game with me saw a calm, but vocal, Vince, I did not rant and rave like I normally do.   After the game all I could think, ok it is time for pitchers and catchers!! I did not pay much attention to the commercials, all of the pre game hype about them took the surprise away, and I don’t see a VW for me in the future.

My favorite food this year; a tie between homemade chicken soup and a Fresh and Easy “pizza” made with chicken, spices and blue cheese. I don’t call it a “pizza” because the grease floating on top was missing, SIGH!   This pizza was much healthier and really tasty.  The good news, there was no spike to my blood sugar later in the evening.  

OK football is over, Let’s Go Yankees!!!

Thoughts To Wrap Up A Super Week

Sunday is the day; the Super Bowl will finally be played in Dallas, where the fans will not see part of the pre game show, a military flyover.  The roof will be closed!!!  Who thought Dallas would be more like Pittsburgh or Green Bay weather-wise?

The media trying to make a big deal of Steelers quarterback Big Ben taking his teammates out to a gentleman’s bar.  I guess when the Steelers sang the Billy Joel song “The Piano Man,” it brought fear into the eyes of everyone there.  As much as these guys need to work in preparation for the game, they deserve a night out at the beginning of the week.

I believe this will be a great Super Bowl.  When the playoffs began I was hoping the Steelers would get there, but I also thought the AFC would prevail whoever got in.

Also on Sunday we celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Ronald Reagan.  Most American’s believe he was the best president of our times, and such an anniversary should be honored by all of us.  Let us put politics aside and honor him, read about him, and though recordings listen to him.  I actually think it is great when both sides of the isle try to compare what they are doing to him.

The unemployment rate dropped to 9%.  I do not think we need to celebrate this fact, I wish the numbers would tell us how many people have just dropped out of the job market and have just given up and are no longer part of the statistics.  Only 36,000 jobs were created last month, and the spin doctors are blaming the weather.

A tip of the hat to Mark Kelly the husband of representative Gabrielle Giffords.  He will man the last space station mission.  We should listen to what this man says about his decision

Finally, back to the Super Bowl.  If you are throwing a party here is a diabetic friendly recipe thanks to the website dlife, and one of my favorites:

Apple-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Source: dLife  Sweet apples combined with tart goat cheese served on top of French bread make for a delicious appetizer.  Rating:      Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Difficulty: EASY

Nutrition Facts Makes 8 servings Serving Size: 1 piece Amount Per Serving Calories 202.9 Total Carbs 39.1 g Dietary Fiber 2.2 g Sugars 3.7 g Total Fat 1.8 g Saturated Fat 0.7 g Unsaturated Fat 1 g Potassium 87.4 mg Protein 8 g Sodium 426.4 mg Dietary Exchanges 2 1/4 Starch See the Detailed Nutritional Analysis Powered by ESHA

 Ingredients

16 piece Bread, French, small slice
1 medium apples , chopped (Fuji preferred)
2 oz goat cheese , crumbled
3/4 tsp fresh thyme , minced
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper , coarsely ground 

Directions

1 Preheat broiler. 
2 Arrange bread on baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly golden. 
3 Mix together apple, goat cheese, thyme, oregano, and pepper and spread evenly onto bread. Place under broiler for 1 more minute. 

Enjoy your weekend, and enjoy the Super Bowl. 

Super Week Continues

The road to the Super Bowl is here this Sunday in Dallas the Steelers and Packers will go at it.  Now I am a diehard Steelers fan, getting set for a Super Bowl feast while cheering my team on to victory.  Anyone who knows me can tell you my mood will change with the ebb and flow of the game.  Now I find out this is not good for you or me.  A new report out saying too much stress on Super Sunday can lead to heart attacks.  In 1980 when the Steelers beat the then Los Angeles Rams, the incidents in heart attacks went up, so chill out Packer fans when you lose.

The Steelers hit the Big D with a bang, going to a gentleman’s club dancing with the strippers there.  I hope they got all of that out of their system, I do not think Big Ben was there thankfully.  Hey guys one day of partying great but,  concentrate on the game

Bill Maher had to check in on the Super Bowl, it appears he knows not much about the game or this country.  Maher claims the NFL’s success is based on socialism because they share things like television revenues.  Hey Bill stay away from sports, raising money through TV revenue is good ole’ capitalism.

According to a poll in the Hollywood Reporter, 78% of America will be tuned into the Super Bowl to watch the Steelers beat the Packers.  The other 22% I guess will be watching anything but MSNBC.

Here in LALA Land Farmers Insurance bought the naming rights to an NFL Stadium, without a team and yet to be built.  It is a 700 million dollar deal.  Now, a Super Bowl would work in L.A. because it would be an event, however someone at Farmers should have really looked at past NFL teams that could not wait to leave Los Angeles, because Sunday’s were a no show by the people here.

It is off now to my favorite Fresh & Easy food store to plan my Super Feast for Sunday.  I find this store one of the most Diabetic friendly around so here I go!!! And GO STEELERS!!!!