Long and winding road
I set out last week for a 90-minute ride. It wasn’t supposed to be anything spectacular, just another ride. The only difference I could foresee was the fantastic 70-degree temperatures warming my arms and legs as I pedaled. I tend to follow the same route on my 60-to-90-minute rides. Instead of turning right onto Morris [...]
Back in the saddle
I haven’t written much lately, and sadly, I haven’t read much in those weeks either. I feel terribly self-absorbed and clueless as to what’s been going on. Forgive me. I needed some time to process my trip and really pray about what comes next. It’s been an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see [...]
The beauty.
I grew up outdoors — well, not actually in the woods with the bears, but my family camped and hiked, fished and hunted. As an adult, I see God’s beauty more through nature than any other way. Breathtaking views remind me of creation and how His hand crafted everything beautiful laid out before me. The [...]
Packing list
I have lots of favorites. Favorite books. Favorite songs. Favorite films. But I also have lots of favorite people, and Jeff Mather is one of them! I first met Jeff and his wife Lisa at Simonpalooza. (Well, actually, I met Jeff on Twitter, then I met him in real life.) It was his humor and [...]
Pneumoniabetes
Pneumoniabetes :: the newest disease sweeping the nation. While I’d like to take credit for the catchphrase, props go to a dear friend who coined the term in an effort to help me laugh at myself. (Sadly, it worked as I’m easily amused.) Regardless, this modern-day plague took over my body last week and has [...]
Alone.
About 90 percent of my riding is done alone. I prefer it that way, to be honest. Riding on open roads is my release. It’s completely freeing and liberating, and I look forward to those long rides with no phone, no email and no chatter. But riding alone isn’t good for me — at least [...]
Breathe. And relax.
In about a month, I’ll be on a plane headed for a land far away. I have an adventurous and passive spirit so traveling isn’t stressful for me; it’s fun. Whatever happens, happens. But when it comes to flying with diabetes, I become incredibly anxious. Add U.S. and international customs (like with this trip) into [...]
The longest hour
I went to my first spin class last night, and it’s safe to say it was the longest hour of my life. At one point, I actually had a visual image of the last two miles in Death Valley. (And we all know how hard those two miles were.) I showed up with my older [...]
It’s almost here!
The weekend is almost here and you know what that means, right? I hope it means you’ll be joining me in Nashville for the JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Symposium. I’m looking forward to learning about the latest advances in research, technology and diabetes support. If you’ve already signed up, you’ve likely seen the agenda. If [...]
Keeping everybody/thing happy
I’m naturally a passive person. I don’t like confrontation, I’m laid back and I’m usually happiest when everyone around me is happy. It seems this mentality has spilled over into my diabetes management, too. I take care of myself for personal reasons of course, but there’s a large part of me that desires to make [...]
Winter riding
Brrr, it’s cold outside. Well, actually it’s not. Last week, it was 70 degrees here. As much as I love wearing T-shirts in December, I know it won’t last much longer and cooler temperatures will be here before I know it. For the past three years I haven’t ridden my bike in the winter months. [...]
Thankful
For many people, today is celebrated with family and friends. It’s a day to remember the blessings we have in our lives and offer thanks. I know how fortunate I am to have this life, and sometimes I take it for granted. I’m thankful for my family and friends because without them, my life would [...]
Blue
Blue is one of my favorite colors. My eyes are blue, so it’s always been a color I wear well. Navy blue is one of Auburn’s colors, and we all know how I feel about my alma mater. I’m wearing blue today but not because it matches my eyes or because it’s game day. I’m [...]
These people
I’m a writer, a lover of words. I use the written language to share stories so strangers might have a glimpse of someone else’s reality. But when I sit down to share what a handful of people did for me in California, I find words hard to come by. The kindness I saw in California [...]
It’s not a bomb.
So funny story… I changed out the battery in my pump the other day, but as I turned the battery cap, it never tightened. Instead, it clicked as if it weren’t catching. I looked closer and saw a decent-sized crack just below the cap preventing it from closing completely. If the battery compartment isn’t completely [...]
