We hear it over and over again: delays in seeking medical treatment are responsible for huge numbers of preventable deaths each year. Sometimes the delays are financial: not having the money to pay the doctor, buy the medication, schedule the procedure. Sometimes they are logistical: unable to get time off work, car isn't working (or a driver isn't available), or there isn't an available doctor or treatment facility space within the necessary timeframe. Then there are the diagnostic delays -- often because life-threatening medical conditions don't show symptoms until they reach emergency status, but sometimes because the condition is difficult for one's healthcare team to diagnose.

In this case, though, the expression is idiomatic, and the cause, meteorological. At least, that's what I'm going with.

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In less than two weeks my baby brother is getting married. He's eight years younger than I am, and I remember mothering him as a baby. At eight years old, I was in second grade when he was born -- prime time for baby dolls, so when a real baby came into my life I was all over that!

I'm excited to travel from Phoenix to the Midwest, especially since I've been stalking the weather forecast and it's guesstimated to be in the 70s there, while it's still in the 100s here (set a record high yesterday of 107 and a a record for the warmest overnight low a few nights ago at 89).

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I've travelled with diabetes before. I've travelled with syringes and insulin and lancets and all that junk. It's kind of old hat. Though I absolutely DESPISE being called out for an extra search simply because of my pump.

In a couple of weeks I'll be travelling internationally for the first time with diabetes. (Now that I think about it, I think I was in high school the last time I was out of the country period.) So while technically this trip is international because I'm leaving the United States, it's sort of pseudo-international because I'll be in Toronto, Canada, which is like a hop, skip and a jump from Detroit. (And like a five hour plane ride from Phoenix!)

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I have been pondering traveling the world lately. I can’t quite seem to narrow down exactly what I want to do, but I know it has something to do with traveling the globe, being around others, and spreading peace. The thing I realize, and that we/I sometimes forget, is there is something to be said about a person who just “jumps”. In other words, instead of losing myself in thoughts of what might happen or where I might end up, or how I will get my (diabetic) supplies…I’m more interested in just living and the experiences that come along with it. The idea of just spreading my wings and flying…no matter what happens.

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I'm leaving for Mexico today on a little (much needed) vacation. This is only my second trip since being on the pump. My first trip went over quite smoothly. I have no idea what my blood sugars ran, but I don't recall anything too horrific. And I didn't have any problems traveling with my pump or supplies.

But each trip is a little different and always a little nerve-racking. What if I didn't bring enough supplies? What if my snacks cause a red flag through airport security? Worse, what if they think I'm some terrorist because of my pump? What if I have an emergency while I'm there, surely those hospitals aren't like home?

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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.
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