Life is a Highway

Life is a Highway… What a great driving song!

It is also a great metaphor for living life – and driving – with diabetes.

Despite the temptation, and except when we are driving on the autobahn, most of us try to stick to the speed limit, more or less – and some of us are better at it (or luckier) than others.

When you have Type 1 diabetes, one must take care not to ‘drive low’, by observing personal blood sugar limits. Just as any driver will put on a favourite driving song when hitting the road and putting the pedal to the metal. In doing so, risk factors are assessed – personal safety, risk to others, and if making poor choices, one ultimately can face fines, or worse.

It’s the same with blood sugars. There’s no room for error, because errors can end up with dire consequences – for yourself and for others.

For me, I won’t get behind the wheel if my blood sugar is below 5.0 mmol/90 mg. An additional rule that I observe – if I’m in that mid-5.0 area (100 mg-ish), and my CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) is showing a down arrow (telling me “Warning! Falling blood sugars”) when I am heading out the door, I won’t get behind the wheel then either. I’ll sit down, load up with carbs and/or sugar, and wait it out.

Work will have to wait.
Grocery shopping will go on hold.
Life is absolutely suspended until I’m in a drive-safe range.

Once I get behind the wheel, the checking doesn’t stop. In fact this is when I become more alert – to the way I am feeling, and also to be in tune to what my CGM is telling me. Although it is set to alert me at 4.4 mmol/80 mg, when it does alert me, it means that I’ll pull over without delay, and will sit there, scarfing down glucose, until my BG rises above that magical 5.0/90 mark, with an up arrow. I don’t ask questions.

There's no load, I can't hold

Road so rough this I know

I'll be there when the light comes in

Tell 'em we're survivors

From "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane

So driving with Type 1 diabetes. No excuses. No “I’m almost there”. And that's that.

Keeping it simple

This post might be a little early for Christmas but I didnt want to get too caught up in things before having the opportunity to write it because if you post this kind of thing in January, it's just kinda weird. We all know that it's so easy to get so busy that we miss all that is out there for us to appreciate - the sights, the smells, the sounds that surround us. 

For those of us who have diabetes, this is doubly true because we also deal with a disease that tends to dominate our time, and we count buckets of carbs, we rage bolus trying to get our blood glucose numbers in line, and we ride the famous glucoaster. We do all of this and we do all the things that regular folk do - the shopping, the baking, and all the things that go along with the holiday season. And some of us crash and burn. 

I was reminded on the weekend that simple things make me happy. As we took down our rather bedraggled but well-loved fake Christmas tree and put up a mighty fine Douglas fir, the smell of the tree scented air, mingling with a hint of apple cinnamon spice (alas compliments of Glade, not my baking).

The room has lit up from colourful tree lights, pretty garlands wrapped with more coloured lights, wrapping the room. As a twinkling wonderland emerged in our house, the room also filled with Christmas carols and songs, setting the mood, and throwing me back to sometime way back. I love Christmas music. And what better song to decorate the tree and my family room for Christmas than a little Vince Guaraldi and dancing to a little Linus and Lucy.

But I saw something else this weekend, that just made me feel happy. It made me happy because a 16 year old youth, who totally gets Christmas and what it's all about, created a wonderful video, performing the Little Drummer Boy - the drums, all the instruments, directing, shots - everything. Gotta love this dude!

He says, "I just want people to remember what Christmas is about. It's not about Santa, it's not about presents. It's about the birth of Christ, and that's what's important to me right now."

In an interview with CBC News, Sean Quigley, a high school student in Winnipeg, Manitoba, tells the story of how the video came to be. He was going to film it in front of the Christmas tree, but the lighting wasn't working, and he scrapped the idea the night before he was to shoot it. He said, "I prayed that I would get something awesome and woke up the next day and it just happened to snow all night and the beautiful scenery that you see in the music video."

He touches on what faith can bring - that sometimes that we are given the gift of what we need. And we can learn from that. 

He also says, in a typical way that only a 16 year old can carry off so casually, "I just did it for kicks".

Yeah, Sean. You did it in the best way possible and you remind us what this is all about, and there is no better time than this as we get busy with the season. Whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever you celebrate, let this young dude remind us to take a moment, breathe deeply and remember that life is about the simple things. It's time to say to the people in our lives, thanks for being there. And as I get busy this season, buying gifts and whatnots for the people in our lives,I will once again immerse myself in the twinkling lights, hints of air freshener fresh baking and forest smells in my family room Christmas Wonderland, while enjoying some cookies Bailey's, listening to music and remembering that it's not the gifts that make this a wonderful time of year. I will remember what it's all about and just hang out with those that mean the most to me. (That, and I won't forget to bolus for said Bailey's!)

This season I resolve to subscribe to the KISS principle - Keep It Simple Santa.

She Deserves the Dough & the Glory

Have you ever heard a song where Elvis Presley and hockey scrapper Marty McSorley are both mentioned in the lyrics? Kathleeen Edwards, a singer/guitarist/song writer from Ottawa writes and sings with no pretense of super stardom, at least none that shows. But she's managed to welcome Marty, Elvis and a few other notables into one of her songs. Finally she's getting some of the attention that she deserves.

Rather than reading my thoughts about her music, check out a video of the song, I Get The Dough, You Get the Glory.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m69S1dfrak

While you're there, check out a few more of her songs. I freely admit that not a lot of today's artists catch my attention. With too many, for me it's a case of been there and heard better. But Kathleeen has my attention. See if you agree.

Contributed by Larry Naessens

A Good Rabbit Lesson

They're just so good they're bad. I mean really bad. But I think one just has to love the Moldy Peaches. Now this song is perfect for a sing along - forget my recent post criticizing sing-alongs and finding the new Maria. Maria just makes you feel bad because normal people can't hit those insanely high notes.

Now, the Moldy Peaches just makes you feel like you can really sing. And you've also got to appreciate the youthful honesty in Kimya Dawson's lyrics. Now follow that dancing ball, and sing along. I've even provided the lyrics below. Sing out loud (really, you will sound good!):

Anyone Else But You

You're a part time lover and a full time friend
The monkey on your back is the latest trend
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

I kiss you on the brain in the shadow of a train
I kiss you all starry eyed, my body's swinging from side to side
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

Here is the church and here is the steeple
We sure are cute for two ugly people
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

The pebbles forgive me, the trees forgive me
So why can't, you forgive me?
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

I will find my nitch in your car
With my MP3 DVD rumple-packed guitar
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

Du dudu du dudu du dudu-du
Du dudu du
dudu du dudu-du
Du dudu du dudu du dudu-du du

Up up down down left right left right B A start
Just because we use cheats doesn't mean we're not
smart
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

You are always trying to keep it real
I'm in love with how you feel
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

We both have shiny happy fits of rage
You want more fans, I want more stage
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

Don Quixote was a steel driving man
My name is Adam I'm your biggest fan
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

Squinched up your face and did a dance
You shook a little turd out of the bottom of
your pants
I don't see what anyone can see,
in anyone else
But you

Du dudu du dudu du dudu-du
Du dudu du dudu du dudu-du
Du dudu du
dudu du dudu-du du
But you

Just as unpolished as their sound is their look. I can safely say that this little indie band hasn't 'gone Hollywood'. Unfortunately the band isn't together anymore, but Kimya Dawson is still doing her thing, and doing it in her own style. One can only appreciate the charming youth and unabashed security in the Moldy Peaches though. Kinda reminds me of Bob Dylan in that way. We all should be so secure.





And not everyone will get up on stage dressed up as a bunny and sing off key. Gotta love anybody who is brave enough to do so.

Maybe there's a life lesson in there ... someplace.

Contributed by Jamie Naessens

The Swedes Have Landed

This morning started very early, with the huge crash of thunder at about 6 a.m. Keeta isn't the biggest fan of thunder. She desparately tried to lobby her position that we should really check out what was happening out there. Maybe someone was trying to steal our garbage cans... or I don't know what. She was doing her working dog best to convince us to just do something!

A mumbled command or two later, "Keeta, go back to bed!!", she grudgingly lay back down, with another 15 minutes to go before the alarm.

But with the rain this morning, and the rain clouds not too far away, and the fact that it is the last day of May, I am in the mood to share some shiny happy Swedish music that I've found.

Now did you know that there is a Swedish Invasion in music out there? Who knew?! Today's music is brought to you by a Swedish group call The Charade. They have a happy blend of dark lyrics and Martha and the Vandellas doing Heat Wave (check out their myspace page at myspace.com/thecharadesweden for "The World Is Going Under" - I couldn't find that one to share with you).

However, I did find one song of theirs to share and I hope it will usher in a little late spring sunshine to scare away some of those unhappy grey clouds still hanging around after our morning thunderstorm. I'm sure Keeta will be grateful for that.



Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Do You See The Difference?

To invent an airplane is nothing. To build one is something. To fly is everything. ~~Otto Lilienthal (b.1848-d.1896), pioneer of human aviation, who became known as the German "Glider King"

Yves Rossy is our first jet-powered flying human. Elton's Rocket Man is the soundtrack. It's only right!

To infinity and beYOND!!!!!! ~~Buzz Lightyear, in Toy Story

Buzz Lightyear, my favourite jet-powered flying superhero. You also can't go wrong with Randy Newman's You Got A Friend in Me.

Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Remembering

I've always loved this song. Sort of a sad reminiscing thing, with a happy kind of sound. I didn't realize until a few moments ago, when I stumbled on the video, that Paul McCartney is a co-writer of this song with Costello.



Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Finding the Gems

I'm a YouTube Geek.

I don't upload videos, and I don't log in to see the latest upload from some college dweeb complaining that his dweeb roommate didn't pick his socks off the kitchen counter. I know many people blog via video, but I am enjoying my tiny niche here in the old-fashioned way (well, sort of old fashioned).

But what I see in YouTube is a forum for the talented - teenage kids, little kids, mothers, fathers, and yes, even those college dweebs, who spend hours practicing their guitars, pianos, violins and kazoos, and just oozing talent.

Some of them get their 5 minutes of fame on some show, like Ellen or Oprah, which are uploaded to YouTube for people like me to see. But most of these videos have been made with a single webcam or some other kind of miscellaneous home equipment. Some go to the trouble of a little production. Some of it is terrible, but every once in a while you find a gem.

I found funtwo's video some time ago. There was lots of buzz about funtwo at the time - was he a faker or was he for real. After all, how could anyone possibly play like this? Eventually the mystery was solved, and Jeong-Hyun Lim's identity was "discovered". He is indeed real.

And modest too. Jeong-Hyun is quoted in an article in the New York Times, "Some said my vibrato is quite sloppy, and I agree that so these days I’m doing my best to improve my vibrato skill."

By the way, he's had over 41 million views. With those kind of numbers, it's quite possible that you've already stumbled on this video. And if that's the case, I invite you to watch again.



Contributed by Jamie Naessens

My Guitar Hero

We saw a really good movie on the weekend, called August Rush, with some really cool music. I've never seen guitar played like this before. I recommend it highly if you are looking for something a little different. First here's a clip from the movie with that cool guitar playing.



But while surfing around today, I found Andy Mckee. I can't even really say how exactly I found him, but I wasn't looking for him. Never heard of the guy. And he's doing that very same guitar technique. Andy is the REAL deal! To top it off, this video has had almost 13 million views on YouTube... that's 13 MILLION. Pretty cool playing. You gotta see this!



Did I mention that way back when, when I was a Little Furball, I played classical guitar? No? Well I did. But nothing like Andy. He's my Guitar Hero.

Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Tropical Strings for a Snowy March

I'm a little bitter right now. I believe this is the end of March, right? So is it right that yet again, we wake up to sub-zero weather (-11C/12F) this morning, and had to brush the snow off the car, knowing that half my family is busy vacationing in Hawaii.

But really, I know Spring is around the corner. So to give it a little nudge, I thought I'd bring you a traditional and very underrated instrument, the ukelele. Now don't start rolling your eyes... I'm not going to be doing a Don Ho thing here. Bear with me...

Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro, plays "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", showing us exactly what this tiny 4-string instrument is capable of:


'Iz' Israel Kamakawiwo Ole
Iz does an amazing rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" with his beautiful voice and simple ukelele chords. This was recorded in one take, one night and on the spur of the moment. Although he passed away more than 10 years ago, he became a legend in Hawaii. Here you'll see why.

And while watching the video, we can dream of rainbows and of Spring. I hear it's coming soon.



Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Furballs ~ About Bunnies

If you happen to be one of those people who doesn't celebrate Easter, that's okay, because these rabbits are just so darned cute. Just being a furball fan is enough to make it worthwhile to watch.

And for those who do celebrate this holiday, Happy Easter.





Contributed by Jamie Naessens

The Saddest Story Ever Told

We all know that bunnies can be very busy creatures. Well some of them are anyway. Here's a very sad story as told by a rather desperate bunny.

Kinda sticks in the head, doesn't it?

Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Who Is That Knocking on Heavens Door?

If that statue of St. Michael that sits on top of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway, looks familiar but misplaced, it's because the model is more often seen playing a guitar, not waging a battle in the heavens.

This statue was created in 1969 by Sculptor Kristofer Leirdal as part of the cathedral's renovation. Leirdal admitted that it was created in the image of Bob Dylan, as "a representative of American opposition to the Vietnam war."

I wonder if Leirdal thought he sang like an angel too.

Bob Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door, from "Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid"


Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Angel Eyes Closed, But Not Forgotten

I was sad to learn that Jeff Healey has passed away. He was a musician who could rock with the best of them. He played onstage with some great musicians, including BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He recorded with George Harrison and Mark Knopfler. In recent years, he was able to devote his music to what he loved: jazz.

He was host of a long-running CBC radio series called My Kinda Jazz, and later hosted another show on Toronto's Jazz FM, and would feature long forgotten jazz songs from his collection of 30,000 (!!) vinyl records and 78s. I will always remember him as a rock musician. Healey was the frontman for the Jeff Healey Band (well, I guess that's obvious). He won a Juno award, had international acclaim and platinum record sales with his album "See the Light."

There is more to his passing than just another musician gone silent early in life. He was only 41. Although anyone who had seen him play, or knew anything about him, you would know that he was blind. Jeff had lost his sight at the age of one due to cancer. But blindness did not define Jeff. Cancer did not define Jeff. Blindness perhaps drew attention because of his unique playing style that he developed when learning how to play the guitar at 3 years old.

Instead of wallowing, Jeff got busy with life, making life work for himself with the talents that he was blessed with. He toured as a young man, got married and raised a family, ran businesses, played in a couple of bands, and probably a lot more that I don't even know about. He carried on with life, instead of letting blindness or cancer define him.

There's a lesson in that for both those struggling with disabilities, and for those out there who hold these people back based on their perceptions of what these people can achieve or become. Blindness isn't their biggest handicap, but given their own perceptions of self and by others, that can become the biggest handicap.

I leave you with Angel Eyes.



Contributed by Jamie Naessens

Song to Smile About

I just LOVE this song. It's apparently part of the MacBook Air commercial, which I've never seen, so really have nothing to say about that. But with all the doggie emotional upset and sickness lately, I thought I'd post this fun little song to send us off on our weekend. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.



And if you want to find out more about
"New Soul" by Yael Naim, just follow the link or visit her website.

Contributed by Jamie Naessens