Update – Mostly Craft related… – January 22, 2019

Wow… okay… so there hasn’t been an update here in ages. I’m mot going to make any grandiose promises of weekly updates or anything like that. I am going to just to update more frequently. Yes, more often than waiting 2.5 years between posts.

I’ve made a few things here and there, learned that I love diamond dotz, or diamond painting (cross stitch meets rhinestones lol), and tried to make time for crafts. On the other hand I’ve had work schedules that are rotating and full of hours, so, I haven’t had, or to be honest, haven’t made the time to be as creative as I’ve wanted to, or should be.

New year is here, and I’m working on slowly making changes. Trying to go to the gym more, and making time to craft, both for pleasure and for listing on my Etsy shop. So, you will get to watch a few things going, mostly though the things I plan on making to list. Here are some “artful” (as artful as possible with an iPad camera) pictures of the first project I picked.

It is a piece titles “Coffee Break” and its a cute little piece showing different types of coffee.

I picked up this over the arm holder thing on clearance at my local Walmart. I’ve always had a bad habit of sticking my needles in the arm of the chair or couch I’m sitting in while I work, and while not a big deal with cloth upholstery, not the best plan when you have a leather couch. It has a pin cushion, and pockets for scissors, etc., handy little thing, if I do say so.

Last but not least, some tools of the trade, lol. The Aida cloth that came with the kit, my favorite type of “hoop” ( snap frame actually, I like it better and it doesn’t stretch the cloth as bad), the pattern, and painters tape. I get questions on that one a lot, I know most people say to just use masking tape, but I find that painters tape holds to the cloth just fine, and leaves less adhesive behind when removed.

That’s it for me tonight. I have some edges to tape and a center point to find!

Driving 101… ish

Okay. I’ve posted about some of this before, but considering some of the really horrible things I’ve seen lately, I think it’s time for a revisit. Please note, this pertains to American drivers, so my lovely readers across the pond, this isn’t for you.

I’ve thought of different ways of doing this, but I think a list is best. So, onward…

1. Brights. For those of you unaware, you have two sets of headlights on your car. Most modern cars have a green indicator when the regular headlights are on. Cars as far back as I remember (sometime in the 80s at least) have a blue indicator on the dash when your brights are on. Brights are great, don’t get me wrong. But there is a time and a place. All the time and everywhere is not it. If you are in traffic they should not be on. If you are on the highway they probably shouldn’t be on (some exceptions for late at night with no other traffic). If there is anyone coming towards you (even if it’s a divided highway), they should not be on. If there is anyone in front of you, they should not be on. Even during the day or dawn/dusk, they should not be on. Even if you are missing a headlight, they should not be on. You should be at your auto parts store of choice buying a new one. Helpful hint? You can get pulled over just as much for using your brights as you can be for missing a headlight, but you are more likely to get a ticket for the brights (it’s a hazard after all), whereas for a missing headlight, you’re going to be given a verbal, maybe written warning and told to get it fixed. Another helpful hint? A lot of auto parts stores will put in the headlight for you free of charge just for buying the needed light.
2. Speaking of headlights. Please make sure you get yours aimed properly. Most car owner manuals have the instructions. It’s not difficult, but if it’s not something you want to handle yourself, ask a friend with a flat driveway for a hand.
3. Turn signals. For the love of all that is sacred to you, use them. They can save lives. Or at least my blood pressure and stop me from questioning if you have the intelligence to tie your own shoes. Even if you’re doing one of those fancy turn left, then immediately turn right maneuvers, use your turn signals. You might find people honk and make less rude gestures at you.
4. Speaking of turns. The order is as follows: turn on signal, move into turn lane (where available), then apply brakes. (Obviously if you are somewhere there is no turn lane, signal first, brake second). Again, this order of moves will save a lot of horn honking and rude gestures.
5. Closely related, merging. I have several points on this. First though, as this just happened several times lately, if you are in the lane that is ending you do NOT have the right of way. Period. You were warned the lane was ending. You had time to prepare. It was not a challenge to try to get ahead of as many cars as possible and try to take out the lady in the small SUV with her kids in the car, who after honking at you certainly did not deserve the overly enthusiastic double handed rude gestures that nearly sent you into oncoming traffic. Especially since there was no one behind aforementioned lady. But, as I said, the people in the lane that is continuing have the right of way, and so don’t be a jerk. Also, look up and learn “alternate merge” when done correctly it’s a lovely thing that looks kind of like a zipper with people taking turns and playing nicely.
6. Oh, and short point. Just because you drive a really big pick up truck or SUV, you don’t automatically get the right of way. Big vehicle (not talking about 18 wheelers here, those guys do get some concessions), does not mean you are the king or queen of the road.
7. Another point on merging. When you are preparing to do so onto something like, oh say, a highway, doing your best to get to the speed of the highway is pretty important. That whole alternate merging thing I mentioned is MUCH easier if you are going the speed of the traffic you are trying to merge with.
8. Parking lots. We have discussed these before. The point I want to make today though, is that most parking lots have rows that are one way. The parking lot painting people do this handy thing of painting arrows indicating which direction that one way is. It blows my mind how many people I see on a weekly basis that are unable to follow such a simple thing. If the arrow is pointing at you, you’re going the wrong way. If people are driving towards you, and the arrow is pointing at you, a small indication of “oops sorry” would be MUCH nicer than rude gestures.
9. Light bulbs… so I’ve mentioned not using your brights to hide a broken headlight. I’ve mentioned turn signals. Please, please please please, check your lights regularly. If you have a turn signal that’s blinking like it had too much coffee, you have a light bulb out. Have someone step on your break pedal (or find a heavy book) and check your tail lights. Again, it’s much safer for you and everybody else if you make sure they are all working.
10. Last but not least. Patience. I know we are all in a hurry, we all have some where to be, someone to see, appointments to make, kids to pick up or drop off, really, we all do. It would be kind of silly to be on the road if we didn’t. Accidents, forcing yourself into lanes because you were trying to get ahead, etc, etc, etc, a lot of which would be avoided if you would just have a little patience.

xoxo, B

Happy Anniversary Star Trek!

Hello my lovely readers!!

I know, I know, it has been absolutely AGES since we chatted. I do have good reason though, and I’m sure you can guess what it is! BUSY!! The summer flew by way too fast, and here we are again, September! School has started, dance has started, and I am generally doing my usual running around like a headless chicken. Especially now that DD is attending our local Technical College (going for her AA before transferring to a 4 year), as well as she has a part time job in a local shop! My car and I are becoming close and personal friends, that is for sure.

I will get you all a crafty update soon, but since I have a gift I haven’t given yet that I want to show off, I will wait until the new mama is ready for a visit before I share what crafty things I have done.

I wanted to take the time to update you on a few things going on, and then get to the true reason behind this post.

School is going really well for me, As of today, I have 12 weeks left. Two weeks in my current class, and then two more five week classes after then. Then I can get my certifications, and hopefully go back to being at least somewhat gainfully employed! I am still maintaining that 4.0 GPA, I have been working very hard to keep. I thought Anatomy and Physiology were going to be my downfall, but I still managed to finish both with 4.0s. Let that be a lesson to you all, don’t be scared to go back to school. I’ve managed it, even with everything else going on, so you can too!

I have also become slightly involved with a few other projects, one very Trek related, and one slightly so. I will do a separate post for each of them, but please, check out these websites for me, sign up, etc etc. I will talk more about both of them soon. First is The Circuit, a rather fascinating project coming from the mind of Manu Intiraymi (Icheb on Voyager, as well as many other projects). The other is one of my favorite podcasts Women at Warp, they are a great bunch of women, and talk a lot of great Trek on their podcasts. Sign up on the websites, join the WaW’s patreon, get ready for The Circuit’s kickstarter, and of course, just share, share, share! Social media is such a powerful tool! Like the Facebook pages, follow the Twitter feeds, etc etc.

Okay, I’ve babbled enough. I am writing this a bit ahead of time, but it is scheduled to post on the morning of September 8th. To me, and millions around the world, that is an important date, because on that date, 50 years ago in 1966, our science fiction world was changed, for the better, forever. Yep, I am being THAT geeky, and saying, Happy 50th Anniversary, Star Trek.

The reason, for me anyway, that I am so happy about this date, is because Star Trek actually means quite a lot to me. To go WAY back (early 80s here people, I’m OLD don’t ya know lol) I remember watching the re-runs of The Original Series, with my dad. I have vivid memories of the movies (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home still my favorite to this day), and I remember being curled up on the couch next to dad when The Next Generation PREMIERED. I remember introducing a friend in middle school to TNG, and well, lol, she’s been to more conventions than I can ever DREAM of going to. Now, for me, especially as a girl in the late 80s and early 90s, you didn’t talk about being a Trek fan unless you wanted a black eye and your lunch money stolen. Especially when I changed from the small private school I attended 7th-9th grades, and started at the (in my perspective at the time) HUGE public high school in 10th grade. I actually worked SO HARD to fit in there, that I gave up Trek. I stopped watching TNG, DS9, and didn’t even SEE an Episode of Voyager or Enterprise, until…

About 5 years ago, I was let go (downsizing, yay -.-) from my part time job. After much discussion with my DH, we decided it was time for me to do what I’d always wanted, and stay home for the kiddos. It was really great, let me tell you. Laundry was caught up for the first time in YEARS. The house was clean, the kids were always at school on time, and picked up on time. But. Especially the first few months (before DS started doing school at home, virtually), I was BORED. Like, I had NO CLUE what to do with myself. I did all these projects, and once I finished, I was like “crap, now what?” Sounds silly, but when you’re as introverted and socially awkward as I am, it’s not like I had a huge circle of friends to go and do “mom stuff” with while the kids are at school. I of course turned to my love of crafting, and you all have watched my progress on that here, but I’ve never been one to just sit and craft. I like to watch TV, or movies, or listen to a book, or something! So, trusty Netflix, here I come. And then I realized, while scrolling through and making my personal watch list, they have ALL. THE. TREK. And so I think to myself, “hmm, might be fun to re-watch the TOS and TNG, and maybe see what these others are about.” I mean I hadn’t even really HEARD of Voyager, and had no CLUE Enterprise even existed at this point. None. Seriously. I had pushed myself away from all things “geeky” so hard, that I didn’t even know about it. So, added them all to my list and dove in.

Now, I’ve kind of danced around it, but I’ll be completely honest here. I was DOWN. You could even say depressed. I’d worked all of my adult life, and I didn’t realize until after I wasn’t working that it was a huge part of my identity. I had not been without a job, (minus 6 weeks, but I was so busy looking for a job, that it felt like a job), ever, since I was 17. I really had no clue what to do with myself. I did stuff. It’s not like I sat around, but I gained 20 pounds, and was somewhat going through the motions of life.

So, I decided to watch ALL of the series (I mean all, even the Animated), as well as the movies, in kind of chronological order of release. Yes, I know that’s not the “best” way to do it, because it’s not chronological according to the Star Trek timeline, but it worked. So, I dove in. I went, to the best of my recollection anyway (see “translation” of abbreviations below) TOS, TAS, Movies 1-6, TNG, Moves 7-10, DS9, VOY, ENT. Now, I started all of this when I was first home. It was great to have in the background as I cleaned out closets, and de-cluttered kids’ rooms, and things like that. By the time I got to VOY, most of that was done, and I was pretty much at my lowest. Feeling lost, and down, and lonely. Don’t get me wrong here folks, I had purpose in life, but it was at this point my initial excitement of being a stay at home mom was wearing thin. I still loved it, I still do to this day, but once I tackled all the big projects, I was lost. It was around this time that I started really sitting and crafting a lot all day. Crochet and cross stitch mostly, although I dabbled in jewelry and a few other things. Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is since VOY was completely new to me (I had seen bits and pieces of DS9 over the years) it was the one that I really sat and WATCHED. Not just “have on in the background” but really paid attention to it. It gave me… I don’t even know, but it unlocked something for me. That is where I really regained my love of all things Trek. To this day VOY is still my all time favorite, as a whole series.

BUT

You know even as a 30 something year old woman, I was still almost ashamed of my love of Trek? I didn’t go to websites, I didn’t talk about it in public, I didn’t really tell anyone what I was so into and loving so much. It really wasn’t until this past year or so, as I re-watch again (this time in kind of chronological order, and I’ve skipped some of the movies, and the animated, at the time of this writing, I’m in Season 6 of DS9), I’ve really dove in. I am listening to podcasts (mostly the aforementioned WaW, and EngagePod, but some of the Trek.fm stuff too), I am following just about everybody I can think of on Twitter, and some on Facebook. I read articles, I post stuff, I “talk back” to the podcasts (no I’m not insane, I’m just weird), I get weirdly excited when I get a reply or like on Twitter from these actors and actresses. I am planning to (once school is done, and work is happening again) on saving up to actually GO to conventions, things like that.

I’ve talked about it before, but Wil Wheaton’s “nerd speech” from Denver Comic Con a few years ago is STILL something I watch regularly. That speech, has helped me more than I can even begin to explain. Trek has helped me even more than I can explain. Yes, my wonderful husband and awesome kids were there when I was down, but Trek has become my “comfy” place. I read an article a few months ago about how re-watching TV shows or movies, or re-reading books is actually healthy because of the familiarity can be calming. That is a great explanation. Trek for me has become that comfy chair, with your favorite blanket, and softest pajamas.

So, thanks for reading, my lovely readers. Happy Anniversary, Star Trek. Thank you for all you’ve done, and will continue to do, for at least another 50 years.

*EDIT* Forgot about the abbreviations!
TOS: The Original Series
TAS: The Animated Series
TNG: Star Trek: The Next Generation
DS9: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
VOY: Star Trek: Voyager
ENT: Star Trek: Enterprise

Craft Update – June 29, 2016

Okay. It’s been a long time since I’ve updated crafty stuff. In my defense, there have been other things in life taking priority for me lately. 

If you’ve been keeping up here, you know I’ve written a few posts about T1D. Trying to advocate for change, and also trying to educate a few of the masses. 

But, this is a crafty post, so let me get to that.

For my local SC people, I am actually putting myself out there and going to a market on July 9th. It’s the first time I’ve done this, so I’m a little nervous, but there is a first time for everything, right?

I’ve been posting about it on my Etsy Facebook page, and have been teasing about pictures for a week or so, and since I am keeping up with school well at the moment, I took some time to snap some pictures. 

First, something that will not be for sale, this was a project I made for myself. There was a problem at first, I teased you all with a WIP picture a couple months ago. Well, I was about halfway through the first panel when I realized that my gauge was WAY off. Not just a little off, but it was about half the size it was supposed to be.  So, I ripped it all apart, made gauge swatches until five (yes FIVE) hook sizes later, it was there. But, in the end, this wrap turned out lovely, truly. 

I learned several things with it, including how complicated it can be to carry yarn up the side and how tangled it can get. 

Now, on to the preview for the market…

Scarves. Double knit on a loom in a lovely light weight yarn that stripes beautifully.

Another scarf, also loom knit, I found in a bag, presumably that I was going to list on Etsy that I never got around to.

Two grocery bag holders, a fun project I learned, they have elastic on both ends, and a tie at the top to hang.

Lastly, different styles of dishcloths. This is the main focus the past week or so, they are fairly quick and easy to make, and are made in cotton yarn. My favorite pattern is the top middle, it is a waffle stitch that feels very nubby so it will be good for scrubbing. 

Still more to do, and finishing touches to do (yes I have ends that need to be run under) but all in all I’m having fun prepping for this market.

Keep smiling everybody!!

Engage: The Officially Official Star Trek Podcast

Okay, so I think I’m going to start something new here on the Chronicles.

If you read this post from a week or two ago, you know that I came out of the nerd closet and am flying my flag high, letting my geek light shine, whatever the hell you want to call it.

I also mentioned in that post how I was interested in this whole podcast thing. I was never one to like “talk radio” because most of it was yawn inducing boredom, politics, or sports. I tried to like it. I really did. But, I just couldn’t get into it. I felt bad that I couldn’t. Like because I’m a reasonably intelligent person with a decent IQ, and a knowledge of what talk radio was talking about, I still wasn’t “cerebral” enough to listen, and it had to be something wrong with me, and not the talk radio. lol. Anyway, I digress… Podcasts at least some of them that I have found, are now the new talk radio for nerds. I know there’s LOADS of other topics covered, but yeah, I’m hooked. I’ve listened to the most recent Nerdist, as well as a couple from the archives, and I have Wil Wheaton’s latest downloaded, and one a friend turned me onto called Cracked.

But…

Being that I follow oh I don’t know, half of the trek-verse actors, as well as the official trek page, and goodness knows what else on twitter, I of course was well informed of Engage, the now OFFICIAL Star Trek podcast, fully licensed by CBS, official blah blah blah you know the drill.

I subscribed to the channel and downloaded Episode 0 onto my happy little phone, and so later that day when DS and I had to drive across town (20-30 minutes on a good traffic day) for his first dance class of summer, I asked him if he would mind if I listened, since I hadn’t had a chance to. (I usually listen while I walk, but considering it’s been 95+ degrees here in South Carolina with well over 65% humidity, walking outside has been VERY far from my mind, I like to be able to breathe while I walk thankyouverymuch). Thankfully Mr. I’m-13-and-I-know-everything was feeling rather agreeable (probably had a lot to do with being on the way to ballet class) he said “Sure why not?”, so I plugged in my phone, started it up and off we went. Honestly, as much as my kid gets into a lot of the same nerd stuff that I do, I figured his earbuds would be out about five minutes in, and I would just get the strange looks from the passenger’s seat while I listened.

Now, before I get into my thoughts on this new podcast, let me give you a little more background of the nerd that is me. I mentioned it a bit in my post from before (see link above), but let me go a little further. I grew up on Star Trek. I have very early memories of watching TOS reruns with my dad. My first memory of the any of the movies, is IV: The Voyage Home. To this day it is still my absolute favorite. Favorite is tough though, not really the best word really. I actually like all the movies equally, but again, I’m babbling. Anyway, some of my first toys were Star Wars action figures, and some of my favorite memories are curled up with my dad, when TNG was new. Now, fast forward to my early 30’s. I’m finally starting to not care what people think of me (really, it’s a hard thing to learn), and so with sudden amounts of extra time on my hands (first months being a housewife, and everything was clean, etc…) I figured out that Netflix had all of the series, and most of the movies. I was like a kid on Christmas.

So, being the logically minded person that I am, I started at the beginning. Sure, I’d read a lot of the stuff that said as long as you watched the movies you can skip TOS, and TAS. (don’t worry I’ll give you a list of acronyms at the end) I am so glad I didn’t. I dutifully watched my way through all three seasons of TOS, both seasons of TAS, I then went and watched the TOS movies. I – VI. Then, I went through TNG, DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise. Then the new movies, VII – X. So, although not necessarily chronological, but kinda in order of release. (now after this I did move on to other series, and movies, but that’s for another post)

What does this have to do with Engage? (by the way you can read an article about it, as well as if you’re a twitter user, you can follow the host Jordan Hoffman there, or if Facebook is more your thing, they do have an official Facebook Page) Frankly it has a LOT to do with Engage. I spent nearly the entirety of Episode 0 smiling, laughing, nodding, and saying “YES! ME TOO!!” a LOT. Now, I have only seen the 2009 Star Trek movie, in pieces, once, so I don’t know much about the new alternate universe, but I do plan on watching them at some point. They’re not on Netflix and well, that’s the main way I watch my movies lol. (so unless someone wants to send me DVD’s or blu-ray versions lol I’ll just wait) Now, I’ve never been to a con, most of the good ones are too far away. I’ve never read the books, or comics, I didn’t keep up with blog discussions, or anything like that. I just really love the show. I get excited over episodes. I get excited when other people see a favorite, and I can get excited about it again. I don’t know what every little thing means, some things I just accept without diving into the hows and whys. All I know is it makes me happy. All of them do. This time around I’m watching in “chronological” order (or close to it) so, so far as of the time of this writing, I’ve watched Enterprise, TOS, and am in the end of season 3 of TNG. Next will be DS9 (and I will still have to dig my way through the first 2.5 seasons as much as I love the show, those first couple of seasons are… rough lol) and then Voyager. Yes, I did skip TAS this time around, but I have already watched movies I-VI (and I don’t care how many people don’t like it, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is brilliant).

All I know is I am very excited about this podcast, and I am looking forward to drives to and from dance, and other places with my son since we’ve agreed to listen to it together.

Episode 1, here we come!

As promised, acronyms:

TOS: The Original Series (meaning the 1966-68 television series with William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, etc)

TAS: The Animated Series (1973-75, original actors doing voices, supposed to be the last two years of their first 5 year voyage)

TNG: The Next Generation (1987-1994 approximately 100ish years after TOS, the continuing mission)

DS9: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999, takes place on a space station on the edge of the galaxy)

Voyager: Well, Star Trek: Voyager lol (1995-2001, ship gets lost, fun stuff happens)

Enterprise: Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005, 100ish years BEFORE TOS, 100ish years after Cochrane’s first warp flight)

T1D Ignorance Day Two

Well. Hard to even figure out how to start this one.

Let me start this way. Yesterday I posted this.

Needless to say. The best “apology” that came up was this:

Okay. I understand that the restaurant is your livelihood. I get that. We all have the right to make a living and do so in whatever way works best for us within the confines of the law. Oh. I said WITHIN the confines of the law. That sign did actually break a few, not to mention it was morally repugnant.

So then, his bestie at the local newspaper, pens this. If you don’t want to read the entire article, or give his newspaper more clicks then it deserves, I’ll quote portions of it here, and break it down for everybody, including the author, Mr. Perry White.

“This is truly as American as apple pie. Attacking Mike’s is equivalent to bombing Main Street.”

That quote was in reference to the outrage that ran through the T1D community yesterday when the picture of the sign that was hung in the restaurant was posted ON the restaurants page BY the restaurant. So. People outraged about a sign is the same as someone killing people. Great moral compass there Mr. White.

“But Mike offered up one thing that some people are jumping on as discrimination: he has a sign asking people who need to inject themselves with medication to do it in the privacy of the bathrooms.”

Sorry, but I’m not going to ask anyone to stick a needle into their skin, in the same place where people (excuse the term) poop, potentially causing the introduction of infectious materials into their insulin or their body, because a few people were uncomfortable. That’s unsanitary, and frankly ridiculous.

“I am a Type II diabetic, and I inject insulin. One type I use is taken just before my main meal, and I have from time to time been forced to take my injection pen with me. I have NEVER used that injection pen in public. I usually use it before I get out of my car, but I have also used it in a mens room. The inconvenience to me is nil. And more importantly, the inconvenience and discomfort to others in the restaurant is also nil.”

(FYI I left his typo, not my circus, not my monkeys, in case you’re wondering Mr. White, Men’s Room, not mens… great editing there.)

First off. I’m so very sorry that you have such badly controlled Type 2 Diabetes that you are taking insulin. May I recommend a gym membership and a better diet than Mike’s Pig Pen? (also, do me a favor and read this, it goes into more depth of how I actually feel about a lot of type 2’s). I am also so sorry that you have to take insulin before your “main meal”. My darling husband, and all other REAL diabetics like him (you know the ones that can’t lose their disease, and have been on insulin since they were CHILDREN), have to take insulin before or after EVERY meal, not just their “main” meal. They also have to take a long acting once or twice a day, and correct for any highs that may occur during the day. Look it up. Educate yourself. Type 2 is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING like Type One. The only similarity is the name, and SOMETIMES the medications that are taken. Speaking of the children part, you’re telling me that a parent should take their squirming, restless, possibly scared, diabetic child (as young as infant or toddler age) into a BATHROOM where they could likely end up on a floor, or having to sit them on the toilet or counter to give them their necessary insulin shot. Right. Let me know how that works out. Oh, and you’re “forced” to take your pen with you. Right… again, so sorry. We carry a case with my husband’s insulin EVERYWHERE we go. Because it’s how we keep him alive. And being that we live in the south, it travels into every restaurant, store, or friend’s house we go into, since insulin shouldn’t be kept in the heat.

“For activist diabetics (bet you never thought you’d see that combination of words) to suggest the only place they can shoot up their insulin is standing on the counter of a small diner is little more than arrogance — and an unwillingness to consider the feelings of others.”

Damn right we’re activists. SOMEONE has to stand up for the Type 1’s to shout down all you squeaky wheeled Type 2’s. Watched TV lately? How many NEW AND IMPROVED medications are out there for Type 2’s and how many are out for Type 1’s. Get a grip. And NO ONE said they were going to stand on the counter. They just wanted to be able to inject at their seat, and not be shoved like some pariah into a dirty bathroom. I know needles make other’s uncomfortable. I have a daughter that doesn’t exactly enjoy watching her dad give himself shots. BUT. She also knows that it is what KEEPING her father ALIVE. And so if she doesn’t to see, she like everyone else on the planet, can LOOK AWAY.

“There are important causes out there to take up. When you do so, take up one that will yield positive results. But this isn’t one of them.”

You are correct. There are lots of important causes. Type 1 Diabetes is one of them. As much as you may not understand it in your narrow minded view of Type 1 being exactly like Type 2. Which I recommend a trip for you also, one last link for you Mr. White and those that think the same way, to http://www.JDRF.com. Educate yourselves on the differences. Yes, there are LOTS other causes as well, as we all know there is plenty of social injustice going on in the world. But, don’t talk down to us, like we’re stupid children, when you obviously don’t know the difference between your illness of Type 2 Diabetes, and the auto-immune DISEASE that is Type 1 Diabetes. So, thanks for the “advice” (I use the term extremely loosely), and I think I’ll keep to my “cause” of being an activist for Type 1 Diabetics.

T1D Ignorance

*EDITED TO ADD MORE INFO*

This situation popped up on my Facebook news feed today since I follow a few T1D pages. They are a great source of inspiration, laughs, and information that I can share with my hubby. I may not be the T1D in this house, but I am a strong advocate.

This was the picture that was posted:

This conversation happened with the owner of the meme page not long after:

I don’t even know where to start. Mostly I will let the ignorance speak for itself, but just in case you were wondering… T1D (or T2D for that matter) is NOT contagious. Also, the needles used for injections are so very thin and tiny rarely does the person injecting bleed. As well, this is a massive violation of ADA laws. Lastly, unless you are claiming that your bathrooms are cleaner than your dining room, it is quite unsanitary to administer injections in a bathroom. Oh, and by the way, although now removed, this picture was posted BY the restaurant.

In case you were wondering if this “fine” eatery is anywhere near you or someone you love, here is the info from their Facebook page:

May I suggest the Wendy’s up the road for your meal instead?

Some say ignorance is bliss, but, I think in this case, ignorance makes you look like a huge arse.

Being okay with being me

I sit here tonight, rather content. Is my life perfect? Oh hellll no. lol I have a new class starting tomorrow for school (anatomy and physiology I, and yes I’m scared), there’s laundry in the dryer, a barely started afghan on my hook, a cross stitch that hasn’t been touched in weeks, I should probably vacuum, and I really need to sort my closet.

But…

What’s had this post on my brain for a while now, has been this video. I will admit to being a huge Wil Wheaton fan. Ever since I was a little girl, not quite nine years old, curled up on the couch against my daddy’s side, watching “Encounter at Farpoint” for the first time, I thought Mr. Wheaton was the COOLEST person ever. He was a TEENAGER (which at not-quite-nine is a big deal) and he was ON STAR TREK. The NEW Star Trek. The first NEW Star Trek series in AGES (my earliest ST memories are of IV: The Voyage Home, yes I’d seen most of them, but for whatever reason IV is the one that sticks in my brain as the first movie I remember). So, all of that being said, when I was that not quite nine year old little girl, Mr. Wheaton was very, very cool. (by the way if you want to find out how cool of a person he still is, go here, he does podcasts and blogging things and just cool stuffs. Speaking of podcasts, can someone explain these to me? I have an iPhone and obviously internet, but I’m not quite sure what I do to listen/watch to these things… so help an “old lady” out here).

Then that nine year old little girl grew up into a rather shy, introverted, awkward, teenager… I tried really, REALLY, hard to fit in. I was in marching band, I changed that to JROTC (which actually was a great idea because I don’t know if I would have graduated if I hadn’t), I had friends here and there, but no one I was ever really close to. Yes, even today I have some people I knew in high school on Facebook and such, but, I was never really super close with anyone, and I’m still not. After being laughed at, or worse, bullied (at times rather severely), for being smart, liking to read, liking all the things I like (the list is long, but I’ll get to that), I tried to hide it. I tried to “give up” the things I liked. Seriously. I stopped watching ST:TNG, never watched an episode of DS9, Voyager, or Enterprise, when they first were on air. Never saw another movie in the theater. I gave it all up. (and Star Trek isn’t all of it, never watched Stargate, or Eureka, or Warehouse 13, or ANYTHING sci-fi related at all, more on that in a bit)

I hid how smart I was (and really, I’m not THAT smart). I wouldn’t read in public. Missed a lot of really cool stuff. Never went to a DragonCon in Atlanta (usually that’s the closest Con of any interest to me here in SC) or any other Con for that matter. (Still on my bucket list, but I’ll get there). I hid the fact that I loved Animaniacs, and Batman:The Animated Series (that IS where I found Harley after all, WAY before she was “cool” and Suicide Squad was a thing). I didn’t talk about growing up on Star Wars (my R2D2 underoos ROCKED thank-you-very-much), Star Trek (TOS and the movies, and TNG until I got “too cool”), Buckaroo Bonzai (still John Lithgow’s best role if I do say so)… I didn’t talk about how much I loved Stephen King, and Dean Koontz, and Robin Cook (they made you THINK), as well as Anne McCaffrey (dragons, DUH). Instead I tried to dislike all of that stuff, and like all the “cool” stuff. I tried. I failed. I liked rock and alternative and metal (I also have a deep love of classical, and was a trained pianist at one point in my life). I couldn’t get into pop and country (hey I am in the south, that was the “thing”).

So, I kind of wandered and did my own thing, and kept who I was to myself. I didn’t talk about what I liked, and would just smile and nod when my friends would get excited about what they were into. I would watch the popular movies, listen to the Top 40 stations, and just kind of exist.

So… anyway… onward…

I play it off well, but I am severely introverted. I could literally go days without ever leaving the house and be perfectly content. I struggle with reaching out to people, I struggle with making plans, and if I do make them, I struggle with following through with them. I am really good at excuses. That sounds horrible I know. It’s not always excuses either, I do have things that come up, life happens! I will admit that sometimes though, it is an excuse. Thankfully I have a couple of wonderful friends, and a great husband, that don’t give me too much shit about it either.

I really do have a point, bear with me, I’m getting there, I promise…

Within the last five years or so ago, I slowly started realizing that I can like what I like. Netflix has been the BEST thing ever. Really. That’s sounds crazy, but I’m quite serious. With the digital streaming service, I have been able to watch every single Star Trek episode and movie I’ve wanted. (okay, almost, the newest reboot of the Star Trek movies aren’t all available on Netflix yet, but I’ll get to it eventually). Not just all the ST series either, (and sorry to everybody, as much as TNG has a very special place in my heart, Voyager is my hands down favorite), but Charmed, Buffy, Angel, Doctor Who, Torchwood, Firefly, Haven, Eureka, Warehouse 13, and I’m sure more that I’ve lost track of.

Not long after I started binge watching (Hi, my name is Becca, and I binge watch on Netflix and Amazon), I found the video I mentioned at the beginning of this. I am woman enough to admit that the first time I watched it, I cried. Here was Mr. Wheaton, a man I’d hero-worshiped as an 8 year old girl (and sorry Anne, had a bit of a crush on, too), telling me that I AM OKAY. So… silly little fan girl that I am, loaded up my twitter again, and started following all kinds of my favorite people. Too many to name, but I’ve had some “follow backs” myself that have made me grin like a crazy person, as well as replies and likes from several of my favorite people. I’ve had brief Facebook chats with some truly awesome people (more on that in the future, maybe 😉 ).

I tweet and Facebook about new projects coming up, sharing memes and seeing fun stuff. I laugh, I smile, I read blogs and articles, sign up for newsletters and generally enjoy myself and all the geekness I can handle. I look at pictures from conventions, I smile at Mr. Auberjonois’ bucket pictures. I giggle when Jeri Ryan and Robert Picardo tease each other. I try not to swoon too much when I get a like, or a reply.

And then, as I’m writing, Jeri Ryan posts this meme:

And well, it’s kind of my whole point. I’m letting my weird light shine bright. I’m here. I’m shy. I’m socially awkward. I may stutter, shake, giggle in weird places, or smile way too much, but I’m a weirdo. And I’m okay with that.

So, to Mr. Wheaton (and his lovely wife, Anne), Jeri Ryan, Terry Farrell, Gates McFadden, Sir Patrick Stewart, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Rene Auberjonois, Manu Intiraymi, Robert Picardo, Brent Spiner, Eddie McClintock, Connor Trineer, Jolene Blalock, and so many many many more, THANK YOU. You all have been massively patient with us crazy fans. I know there are “bad eggs” out there, but you still continue to be patient with us, even if we are annoying. ❤

(P.S. I will get back to my crafty updates soon, I promise, I do have things to show off there)

Life as a Wife of a Type 1 Diabetic

I started this a couple years ago, and put it to the side. I feel the need to finish it now though, and hope it will explain a few things. I know this isn’t my usual crafty stuff, and I’ll get an update on that soon too, but this needed to happen first.

Many of you lovely readers that know me, know that DH is a Type 1 Diabetic. Diagnosed right before Halloween when he was 11 years old. Learned how to give himself shots, check his blood sugar, got lists and lists of “dos and don’ts”, and got chased around by nurses trying to get him to eat peaches *giggles*

Before this diagnosis, he was an aspiring hockey player (he is from the frozen Midwest after all) with not a care in the world (as any 11 year old should be). Now we have a son, not much older than that, I can’t even begin to imagine.

As a wife though, from the time I found out (funny story there), to now, I have given shots, spoon fed Lucky Charms, waited anxiously through tests, two eye surgeries, a hernia surgery, and dug through grocery store shelves to find that ONE bag of fruit gummies (his favorite low blood sugar treat) with more of his favorite flavor, and that’s just a tiny piece of it. Because, I love him, and I married him the man, NOT the disease.

Now, to the part that will probably get me LOTS of comments and such. If you are a Type 2 diabetic, go away. No offense intended, at all, but in 80-95% of cases, you can get rid of your diabetes (to those in the small percentages, I’m not talking to you). Type 1’s cannot. Ever. It doesn’t matter if they are under, over, or a perfect weight, doesn’t matter if they adhere to the strictest of diets, doesn’t matter WHAT they do. T1D will ALWAYS be there.

I know it seems harsh to say “go away”. But seriously people. There are ways to keep T2D under control to the point of no medication (and before I get blasted, yes I know there is a percentage of people this is not the case for, but you aren’t the ones I’m talking to), or gone completely by doing what your doctors, nurses, exercise coaches, and nutritionists tell you.

All that being said. I’ve read some disturbing statistics over the years. The rate of T1D diagnoses has gone up 23% in the US between 2001 – 2009. Also, I believe it’s somewhere in the 80% range of the funding for diabetes research goes to Type 2, NOT type 1. That being said, if you want to help, http://www.JDRF.org is the place to go. They are dedicated solely to finding a cure for T1D. Push your local and federal leaders to support JDRF and increase the funding to find a cure for this.

My DH has been very blessed. No major problems from his diabetes. One eye has a few issues, he’s had some mild neuropathy. We are exploring options of a cure called Islet Cell Transplantation. It involves surgery, and time away from home, and a myriad of things I won’t get into right now.

What I do want to talk about though, as delicately as I can, without giving away too much information is this. Diabetes not only controls a good chunk of our lives. Not only is factored into every single decision we make. Not only is why I always carry I bigger purse, and snacks everywhere we go. Not only is why we don’t travel much. Not only is all of these things. But it is expensive. We have watched over the years the prices of all the needed medications rise steadily, and rapidly, over the past 15 years. At scary rates. For example:

The second two listed? Those are two of the many prescriptions we buy a month. Not in vial form, and yes, we have insurance. And no, we can’t skip it. Yes, we have skipped other things to pay for this though. Average medical costs per month for us can be upwards of $400. That is prescriptions, alcohol swabs, special foods, doctor’s visits, lab work bills… I think you get the idea. And that’s assuming there are no major problems, and we keep him out of the doctor’s office (or worse, the hospital) for viruses, bacterial infections, and the like. (which by the way, if you’re sick, go away and don’t breathe on me or him, and as much as we care about you, no we will not come visit you in the hospital lol)

So, to all those people that say, “why don’t you get DS more private lessons?”, “what about this or that summer intensive?”, “how about these shoes, tights, clothes?” or sympathetic looks when I say my DD is doing technical college before transferring to a four year, like I’m doing something wrong. When I say back, “no sorry, we can’t.” or “only if there is a scholarship for it.” or “thank goodness my dad is willing to pay for this or that”. I’m not kidding. I’m not lazy. I home-school my DS, keep up with the house and laundry, taxi both kids everywhere they need to go in my 10 year old car, am taking 24 college credits from March to November (that’s 3 credit hours every 5 weeks, or the equivalent of two full 12 credit hour semesters in about 8 months with no breaks. None, seriously, I will finish a class on a Monday and start a new one on a Tuesday), and am seriously looking at any offer of a job, even if it’s bagging groceries.

And you know what. I’m not ashamed. Not of my circumstances. I’m a bit embarrassed for everyone that thinks I should be “doing better”. But you know what? I am happy. I am stressed out sometimes, and seriously wish I would manage to land a winning lottery ticket some days, but I am happy. My kids are happy. My husband is alive, and as healthy as can be expected. All I’m hoping for is a little more understanding. A little less, “oh you all should do this, that, or travel here or there.” It sounds great, it really does, but that’s not where my priorities are. My priorities are educating my children, getting my own education, and keeping my husband as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Is it really necessary for me to “tell the world” all of this? Nope. But I am tired of people not understanding. I’m tired of trying to make excuses for reasons we can’t go somewhere, or do something. I’m tired of trying to justify why my hubby is sick again (please, PLEASE stop spreading your germs, or just assuming it’s faking, or assuming he’s lazy, or just thinking he’s not doing something, trust me, daily vitamins and pro-biotics on top of all his regular meds are keeping him as healthy as he is, imagine how sick he would be if he didn’t do everything he does) And please understand. Sometimes there is NOTHING we can do. He can eat perfectly, take perfect doses of insulin, everything right, and there are STILL going to be days that sugars go high, or low, or whatever. There are many things that can happen when it does, and the effects can last for a day or two, as well. I will leave you with a little chart that is just a small glimpse of what my darling husband, goes through, sometimes daily…

Craft Update – April 4, 2016

I couldn’t even call this one a weekly update. *hangs head* I haven’t posted anything since FEBRUARY! For shame…

I do have reasons though. School. Ballet. School. School. Ballet.

Yeah, I’ve been busy. School of course takes priority. Ballet just controls the rest of my schedule. Happy to report that my final grade for my first class at University of Phoenix was a 99.1%. First week of my second class ends today, four more to go.

Anyway.

I haven’t had much time to be crafty. Which is sad. But, as ballet winds down, and I get the hang of this whole school thing, I’m hoping I will find time.

I will update you on the tiny bits of things I have managed to find time for over the past month-ish.

First and foremost the fairy…

A little bit of background since the last update I think (I hope) if not this will be just a repeat of last time lol…

Okay, the big rippled afghan. I still have “issues” with either gauge or how much yarn this is really going to need, but I’ve decided to just roll with it and see what happens.

I do like the look and feel of it, so it will just end up being as big as it will be. I figure I’ll just keep going until I run out and although the stripes won’t be perfect, it will still be warm and pretty.

Lastly, I did start another project (yes, I was being a bit ADD about it) but I did have reasons. We were travelling for Aladdin, and at the studio a LOT for Peter Pan, so I needed something a bit more portable than the afghan. When you take up two or three chairs with your project, it stops being reasonably portable (in my mind anyway, I know I tend to spread out a bit with projects, and I try not to be rude and take up way more space than I should).

I found the pattern here and I fell in love with it. It includes one of my favorite yarns, I’ve mentioned before, Boutique Unforgettable, and you’ve seen some of the scarves and things I’ve done with it over the past couple of years. I screwed up a bit when I started, because it is REALLLY a good idea to read ALL of the instructions before you start. I didn’t read the whole “carry yarn along” part, and was tying off every row the first couple of times. Oops. Oh well, I didn’t FROG it or anything I just kept going, I will say it’s much neater this way since you change every row.

Here’s what I’ve got of it so far…

I will say this is one of the first times I actually bought the yarn by exactly what the pattern said. Usually I pick my own colors, but these just worked for me. We’ll see, maybe by next fall I’ll have it done. 😉

That’s it from me today. I might actually go and try to crochet for a bit…

Keep Smiling!!