Well hello there, I know it's been awhile and you probably don't recognize me (I hardly recognize myself sometimes).  It's still me, I just have a small animal growing on my face now, and haven't decided exactly how long I will keep it.  If you ask my family, they will tell you I should've shaved it months ago, which is probably why I still have it.  I guess you can say I am a little stubborn.  

The last time you heard from me, was back in November or should I say the start of Novem(beard).  I work (at Lululemon) with a rad group of guys that threw a little twist on the Mo'Vember (mustache contest) and went all in with full beards instead.  December 1st, most guys shaved, but mine somehow stuck around.  A lot has happened since the last time we've chatted, but one thing hasn't changed, my diabetes is still trying to run a muck in my life.  Just to be clear, my beard may look like it has some secret powers like Gandalf, Santa Claus, or even Jesus (no disrespect, just #beardinspiration, below), but no, it hasn't cure my diabetes, but it has kept my face warm up here in Canada.

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I'll try to be better with my posts.  Moving our lives to another country brings a lot of unexpected hoops to jump through and tons of paperwork.  Also, starting a new job on top of that takes priority and focus.  

Not only did I start a new job, I also signed up to become a Crossfit Level I Trainer and my course was last weekend, the day after we moved into our new house.  Life was in boxes, but it has been a goal of mine for sometime now.   I had signed up to take the Level I Crossfit course months ago and didn't know it would come the same weekend as moving into our place.  The course was from 9a-5:30p both days, followed by a written test.  Just found out yesterday I PASSED and am now A CROSSFIT LEVEL I TRAINER!  

Great quote I came across today while reading up on a Crossfit nutrition guide by Dr. Uffe Ravnskov.  His quote is about nutrition, but can apply to all parts of your life!  Become an active participant in life.  Maintain an active thought process.  Make your own decisions.  Learn from your own experiences!  

Setting a record at 53.5" box jump at my Crossfit gym!  Can't let anything hold you back.  If you want it, make it happen!  The funny thing is I did not specifically train for jumping, but the beauty of Crossfit is that it prepares you for any physical challenge.  Firm believer!   

NOTE: High intensity training can be difficult while on an insulin regimen, so I always carry a GU Pack (sports gel) in my pocket for lows.  However, recently I have noticed with my CGM (continuous glucose monitor), that after high intensity workouts, my blood sugar can sky-rocket.  I learned that your liver will release "sugar" stores to provide your body with energy.  Either way, I just try to keep an eye on it before and after and STOP and pop a GU Pack if I start to feel shaky. 

It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and it hasn't been until recently that I have been more willing to share my disease, especially through this blog (I bet only a handful of people at my work/gym know I am diabetic).  There were a couple people I was lucky enough to meet that helped guide and provide inspiration as both were diabetes advocates in there own sense.  Both of them embraced diabetes as best as they could and encouraged me to as well.  

I met a great friend only months after I was diagnosed in the college dorms who was my go to for all diabetes related questions, since she had great insight into the disease from being diagnosed as a child.  She was more helpful than any specialist doctor.  She provided better real life tips, would spare BG meters and extra insulin.  She was always the one I would go to for drinking tips and guidelines.  One time she even shared her trick of how to get out of having to go to the drunk tank, if I ever needed it :)  Now she is an endocrinologist!  

Later after college, I met another girl through a co-worker who was very active within the diabetes community and my co-worker sent me a link to check out her blog - www.irunoninsulin.com.  I met her a couple times and she actually planted the seed in my head for this blog!  She has great insight into the disease, the community and the advocacy of diabetes.  When we met, she actually asked me to make a guest post, to provide a male perspective for her readers. The title of my post was, "Bring Back the Fanny Pack" in September 2009.  One quote of hers really stands out (see below).  There are many stats that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, limb amputation, this/that and the other.  That is why I like the quote so much!  Don't be a statistic!