When to tell?

I have accepted a new job. It's in a new city (half way across the country!!). It's with new people. New people who don't know that I have diabetes.

It was during my four-year tenure at my current job that I was diagnosed. I had no problem telling just about everyone in my very small office about diabetes. I already knew them and their personalities.

It's different now. I have a problem with going in to the boss on my first day and saying, "Hey, guess what..." I also have a problem with waiting three months until my benefits kick in, or even longer when someone sees me checking my sugar (or doesn't know what to do if I pass out) to say, "Oh, yeah, maybe I should have told you sooner."

  (READ MORE)

Additional considerations. Lately, they're making me crazy. Diabetes serves up a plate load of them. Every. Day.

The insulin pump at my hip - and how to keep it dry. The insulin that goes in the pump - and how to keep it cold. My hip-hopping bloodsugar - and how to make it sit somewhat still. The food I eat - and how to keep it from sending my bloodsugar levels soaring. And all the medicine and supplies - and how to pay for them all.

That last is a big deal. A really big deal. (READ MORE)

Dave Ward Photography

It's very rare that I miss a day of work. VERY rare. I've called in sick only a handful of times in the last four years of my working life. I typically am a "bite the bullet" kind of girl and work at least a few hours when I'm feeling ill. So when I do call in sick, I'm usually very sick.

  (READ MORE)

A Spanish radio station strums over the radio airwaves at the solid REM hour of 3:00 am. It is the start of another early morning shift at work. It is also the beginning of the diabetes routine for the day. Before I started this job, and the subsequent early rising mornings, my body was accustomed to an eight 'o clock Lantus injection and ensuing activity. Now on the scheduled work days of the week things have to go by a different pace.

Three in the morning is too early for my Lantus injection I decided, which means one thing; time to break out the toothbrush travel case. No, I'm not worried about errant plaque during my day away from home, it just so happens that this case holds syringes quite nicely. I draw the insulin and neatly stow the filled syringe into the toothbrush case for later use. (READ MORE)

I’m going back to New York City this week for a meeting with my JDRF co-workers. I will be there, at the National Office on Wall Street, for Thursday and Friday. I always enjoy going to NYC. NYC is all that people say it is and more. It is, from what I’ve gathered and experienced, an unbelievable experience for any human being.

One of the reasons why I am so blown away by NYC is that it is COMPLETELY opposite of what my regular lifestyle and routine represent here at home.
(READ MORE)

10:10 photography

My job interview went well. I think very well. I am getting more and more excited about having the opportunity to work with this organization. I am still holding out on the name of the company for certain reasons. In due time though, I will be able to share with everyone. In the mean time, it's time for a little VACATION!!! My girlfriend and I are heading down to Florida for a few days and WE CAN'T WAIT! We will be soaking up some major sun rays, relaxing on the beach, and maybe even flying through the air on some bad-AS* roller coasters!
(READ MORE)