The first step in solving a problem is to admit you have one.
I am an electronics geek. I LOVE gadgets! I can't help myself. I want the newest and latest and greatest of everything.
Computers, video games, you name it.
I cycled through several versions of Palm Pilots before switching to BlackBerrys. I'm currently trying to restrain myself from buying the BlackBerry Bold. I have an iPod Nano (the small 1 and half square inch one - before they made it bigger) and I just got an iPod Touch. The Touch was a compromise. I didn't want to give up a lot of the features of the BlackBerry phone for an iPhone but I wanted the iPhone for all the cool things it did. So I bought the iPod Touch to split the difference. OF course, a new one came out the next week. Such is life.
Now, a side note. I may be extremely conservative in my thinking but I'm also very "green". Old cell phones always get donated to charities that can reuse them and the BlackBerry company offers a trade-in program so I can send in the old ones to be refurbished and resold. I do not have a graveyard of old discarded gadgets lying around.
As much as I love my computer and my mini and all the other "toys", there is one thing that I don't think can ever be replaced in my world by an electronic substitute.
Books.
I love books more than just about anything. I get chills in a library. The quiet and the stillness. And all those books. Shelf after shelf, room after room.
Billy and I went into the world's largest bookstore in New York earlier this month. It was Heaven! I could have stayed in there for hours.
Books have always been my friends. I remember many, many Saturday mornings in Laman Library. I would pick out stacks of books and start reading as soon as I got home. Sometimes I would finish the books that afternoon but they were supposed to last until the next Saturday.
Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Bobsie Twins. Judy Blume, Stephen King (when I was older!).
There was just no end to where my imagination could take me.
I've tried books on tape. I've tried electronic books. I've seen the Kindle and I must admit that I'm intrigued. 1,500 titles in one place. Sure would be easier to carry. Definitely would take up less space than the hundreds I own now.
But I just can't bring myself to do it.
I love the way a hardback feels in my hands. Solid. I love turning the pages of good bond paper. I even pick out bookmarks that I think will "go with" that book. Sometimes the book itself is the story. I have first editions. I have old books that belonged to my greatgrandmothers, grandparents, my mom's friends and my dad. I have stood in line for hours to get books signed - Oliver North, Lewis Grizzard, Greg Iles, many others.
It all makes reading a book so much more of an experience. Its more that just a story to me.
I recently attended my 25th high school reunion and that included a campus tour. The library is now mostly computers. Very few books.
That was actually the saddest thing to me. There are over 2,200 computers on my old high school campus. Students just look things up online; Google it; internet searches.
I bet most kids haven't even heard of the Dewey Decimal System and the card catalogue.
If you don't love to read, you won't get this post. If you do, then you understand. A good story can keep me up all night. I wait very impatiently for authors to finish books. If I could stay home all day and read, I would.
Maybe someday.
Maybe someday.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Gotta Give Credit
OK, you all got my post last week about DirecTv and that customer loyalty is not rewarded.
Apparently, it depends on who you talk to.
After all back and forth last month with the package changes and upgrades and all our bill this month was a little confusing. Certain aspects of it didn't follow the notes I'd made during my conversations with all the customer service reps.
As his is manner, when Billy has a question about a bill I find it laying at my place when I come home for lunch. This month's bill was there late last week with a big question mark on the envelope.
That means I have a job to do.
I called today. Dreading it since I figured I'd have to go back through everything that had transpired.
But I got a good one. She started going through everything and reading all the notes from the prior calls. She asked once if we could skip over the equipment charge (the bill reflected the original $99 and not the $60 I had been promised) and went on to a few other miscellaneous items that appeared to be duplicated.
Then she asked if I would mind holding.
That "hold" always worries me, but I of course I agreed. I already had 20 minutes invested in the phone call - had to see it through.
Much to my surprise, when she returned she just started apologizing. The whole thing should have been a zero dollar upgrade (just like the new customers get) and the technician should have deactivated the receiver being replaced which accounted for some of the extra charges. She asked at this point if I minded holding again so she could get me a revised total.
I was almost speechless.
No, I told her, I didn't mind holding. The only thing I minded was that I didn't get her the first time I called!
So, it total, it did take four phone calls but the company made it right and I believe in sharing the good and the not so good.
I'll actually enjoy watching TV tonight. It isn't costing me as much as I thought.
Apparently, it depends on who you talk to.
After all back and forth last month with the package changes and upgrades and all our bill this month was a little confusing. Certain aspects of it didn't follow the notes I'd made during my conversations with all the customer service reps.
As his is manner, when Billy has a question about a bill I find it laying at my place when I come home for lunch. This month's bill was there late last week with a big question mark on the envelope.
That means I have a job to do.
I called today. Dreading it since I figured I'd have to go back through everything that had transpired.
But I got a good one. She started going through everything and reading all the notes from the prior calls. She asked once if we could skip over the equipment charge (the bill reflected the original $99 and not the $60 I had been promised) and went on to a few other miscellaneous items that appeared to be duplicated.
Then she asked if I would mind holding.
That "hold" always worries me, but I of course I agreed. I already had 20 minutes invested in the phone call - had to see it through.
Much to my surprise, when she returned she just started apologizing. The whole thing should have been a zero dollar upgrade (just like the new customers get) and the technician should have deactivated the receiver being replaced which accounted for some of the extra charges. She asked at this point if I minded holding again so she could get me a revised total.
I was almost speechless.
No, I told her, I didn't mind holding. The only thing I minded was that I didn't get her the first time I called!
So, it total, it did take four phone calls but the company made it right and I believe in sharing the good and the not so good.
I'll actually enjoy watching TV tonight. It isn't costing me as much as I thought.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Come Fly With Me
This will be brief. More of a rant than a thought.
I believe, firmly, in keeping airline baggage handlers employed. I get really really aggravated at people that carry on a lot of bags on an airplane. They take up time and block the aisle. I carry on my purse and a book. If there is any more than that then it is my purse and small tote bag.
Both of which fit under the seat in front of me.
I thought maybe with the changes at security since September 11, 2001 that more people would check their bags since most toiletries and stuff won't go through.
I've been wrong before. Human nature hasn't changed. Folks just want to keep their stuff close. I know that airlines lose stuff. I've had it happen - once - in all my years of traveling.
But I still had hope and I stuck to my guns. Luggage should be checked!
Until this last trip.
Jet Blue, along with many other airlines, now charges for a second checked bag. Since I can't go anywhere without two bags - and that is a struggle at times - I was facing a dilemma.
We prefer not to incur any unnecessary expenses.
So, I actually carried on a bag. Billy did too. And since I couldn't take my normal tote bag (you can only have one carry on and one personal item) I had to figure out how to get everything wedged into those two bags. This trip requires lots of different types of clothing as well as all the accessories needed for watching outdoor sports (stadium cushions, binoculars, etc.) It was really stressful for me. I realize that sounds silly, but it was a big deal to me.
Now, I know many of you are just thinking, "pay the $25" but it really is the principle of the thing.
Airlines now charge you for just about everything - food, drinks, blankets, headphones. And they don't accept cash - credit or debit cards only.
It is almost as if we have to pay for the privilege of flying on their airline.
No one is that special!
Why do things have to be so complicated? Not only did I have the added stress of two bags, which was intensified on the return trip by the addition of purchases made while on vacation, but I had some of those confiscated at security.
I didn't realize that tomato paste, purchased from an authentic Italian grocery, was considered as "paste" under the TSA rules and the 4.3 oz tubes exceeded, obviously, the 3.0 oz limit.
I know, should have been apparent from the name. But honestly.....
Southwest Airlines is looking better and better to me. And they are expanding their routes to include more places we visit. (I've always enjoyed flying them but that haven't always been an option since we moved down South.)
They seem to be one of the few corporations that truly remember that without passengers/customers there are no flights.
No jobs.
No luggage to handle.
I believe, firmly, in keeping airline baggage handlers employed. I get really really aggravated at people that carry on a lot of bags on an airplane. They take up time and block the aisle. I carry on my purse and a book. If there is any more than that then it is my purse and small tote bag.
Both of which fit under the seat in front of me.
I thought maybe with the changes at security since September 11, 2001 that more people would check their bags since most toiletries and stuff won't go through.
I've been wrong before. Human nature hasn't changed. Folks just want to keep their stuff close. I know that airlines lose stuff. I've had it happen - once - in all my years of traveling.
But I still had hope and I stuck to my guns. Luggage should be checked!
Until this last trip.
Jet Blue, along with many other airlines, now charges for a second checked bag. Since I can't go anywhere without two bags - and that is a struggle at times - I was facing a dilemma.
We prefer not to incur any unnecessary expenses.
So, I actually carried on a bag. Billy did too. And since I couldn't take my normal tote bag (you can only have one carry on and one personal item) I had to figure out how to get everything wedged into those two bags. This trip requires lots of different types of clothing as well as all the accessories needed for watching outdoor sports (stadium cushions, binoculars, etc.) It was really stressful for me. I realize that sounds silly, but it was a big deal to me.
Now, I know many of you are just thinking, "pay the $25" but it really is the principle of the thing.
Airlines now charge you for just about everything - food, drinks, blankets, headphones. And they don't accept cash - credit or debit cards only.
It is almost as if we have to pay for the privilege of flying on their airline.
No one is that special!
Why do things have to be so complicated? Not only did I have the added stress of two bags, which was intensified on the return trip by the addition of purchases made while on vacation, but I had some of those confiscated at security.
I didn't realize that tomato paste, purchased from an authentic Italian grocery, was considered as "paste" under the TSA rules and the 4.3 oz tubes exceeded, obviously, the 3.0 oz limit.
I know, should have been apparent from the name. But honestly.....
Southwest Airlines is looking better and better to me. And they are expanding their routes to include more places we visit. (I've always enjoyed flying them but that haven't always been an option since we moved down South.)
They seem to be one of the few corporations that truly remember that without passengers/customers there are no flights.
No jobs.
No luggage to handle.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Membership Has Its Privileges - Right?
DirecTv was launched in June 1994. My husband and I became subscribers in August 1995. One could say we were on board almost from the beginning. While we don't subscribe to all the available programming packages, we're not cheap either. DirecTv has made a pretty penny from us over the years.
I thought I had learned my lesson in the 80s with VCRs and taping everything I couldn't watch. I thought I had finally convinced myself that if I didn't have time to watch it the first time then I most likely wouldn't have time later. I avoided the satellite receivers with the digital recorders for a long time.
Then I caved.
And I love it! Whole seasons of shows get recorded and I get little mini-marathons whenever I chose. After enjoying this "bliss" for several years I decided to upgrade our second receiver to a DVR also. The logic escapes me - how I think I'll get to recorded programming on two televisions when the first one stays about 65% full at all times - but I wanted to upgrade.
On television the advertisements said new customers could get a free DVR upgrade just for switching.
If new customers could get that then surely long-time, loyal, devoted customers like us could get the same deal. Right?
Wrong!
On the first phone call I discovered that the receiver costs $200 plus $20 shipping and handling and $149 installation charge.
After a little discussion they agreed to waive the shipping and handling and installation charge.
A second phone call revealed that we were entitled to one receiver just for having programming. When I pointed out that we had purchased a second receiver already a few years before then I should be getting the new receiver free to replace the current free one.
Long story short (or is it too late for that??) it took three phone calls and I didn't get it all for free, but I got it down to $60. A moral victory if nothing else.
Why isn't customer loyalty rewarded? Why did I have to make 3 phone calls for something that common sense says should have taken place at DirecTv's initiation? Why don't satellite and cell phone and Internet providers actually call customers and tell them when there is a better plan or an improved service?
Why don't companies take care of those that take care of them?
In my world, we send out newsletters and emails with tax planning tips. I invite my non-profit clients to industry training to help them do their jobs better. I bake pies for my catering customers for their birthdays or other occasions without being asked. My husband cleans spots for his customers at no charge and hasn't raised his rates in 9 years - even when gasoline prices skyrocketed.
We try to take care of them because without our clients and customers we don't have jobs.
I know that the only way I could ever make a point with a service provider is to change. Money and actions speak louder than words. I could go to Dish Network or Verizon or T-Mobile.
But that takes time. Time I don't have.
Time I shouldn't have to spend.
These companies should not just assume that because I've been a customer for a long time that I will continue to be if not treated with respect.
I had originally planned to end this post here. As this rattled around in my head recently I realized that we, as people, often do similar things to those we love. We just assume that our family and friends will always so stand by or stand behind us without us asking or showing the proper respect, just because they are family. I can't just assume that my husband wants to help me with a project - I should ask. I should show the same appreciation for the value of his time as I expect others to show to me. We should use the good china for everyday dinners not just when company comes over or for a holiday. Aren't our loved ones special enough for the "good stuff"? I guess I can't expect others to do that which I'm not willing to do myself.
I thought I had learned my lesson in the 80s with VCRs and taping everything I couldn't watch. I thought I had finally convinced myself that if I didn't have time to watch it the first time then I most likely wouldn't have time later. I avoided the satellite receivers with the digital recorders for a long time.
Then I caved.
And I love it! Whole seasons of shows get recorded and I get little mini-marathons whenever I chose. After enjoying this "bliss" for several years I decided to upgrade our second receiver to a DVR also. The logic escapes me - how I think I'll get to recorded programming on two televisions when the first one stays about 65% full at all times - but I wanted to upgrade.
On television the advertisements said new customers could get a free DVR upgrade just for switching.
If new customers could get that then surely long-time, loyal, devoted customers like us could get the same deal. Right?
Wrong!
On the first phone call I discovered that the receiver costs $200 plus $20 shipping and handling and $149 installation charge.
After a little discussion they agreed to waive the shipping and handling and installation charge.
A second phone call revealed that we were entitled to one receiver just for having programming. When I pointed out that we had purchased a second receiver already a few years before then I should be getting the new receiver free to replace the current free one.
Long story short (or is it too late for that??) it took three phone calls and I didn't get it all for free, but I got it down to $60. A moral victory if nothing else.
Why isn't customer loyalty rewarded? Why did I have to make 3 phone calls for something that common sense says should have taken place at DirecTv's initiation? Why don't satellite and cell phone and Internet providers actually call customers and tell them when there is a better plan or an improved service?
Why don't companies take care of those that take care of them?
In my world, we send out newsletters and emails with tax planning tips. I invite my non-profit clients to industry training to help them do their jobs better. I bake pies for my catering customers for their birthdays or other occasions without being asked. My husband cleans spots for his customers at no charge and hasn't raised his rates in 9 years - even when gasoline prices skyrocketed.
We try to take care of them because without our clients and customers we don't have jobs.
I know that the only way I could ever make a point with a service provider is to change. Money and actions speak louder than words. I could go to Dish Network or Verizon or T-Mobile.
But that takes time. Time I don't have.
Time I shouldn't have to spend.
These companies should not just assume that because I've been a customer for a long time that I will continue to be if not treated with respect.
I had originally planned to end this post here. As this rattled around in my head recently I realized that we, as people, often do similar things to those we love. We just assume that our family and friends will always so stand by or stand behind us without us asking or showing the proper respect, just because they are family. I can't just assume that my husband wants to help me with a project - I should ask. I should show the same appreciation for the value of his time as I expect others to show to me. We should use the good china for everyday dinners not just when company comes over or for a holiday. Aren't our loved ones special enough for the "good stuff"? I guess I can't expect others to do that which I'm not willing to do myself.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
No Promises, No Regrets
I recently returned from a vacation with my husband. It is an annual event and my absolute favorite week of the year. He and I go to New York City every August to watch Round 1 of the US Open Tennis Tournament. The other 3 days we catch shows, sight see, shop, relax, whatever we want to do.
It is just the two of us. No responsibilities. No pressures. No timetables (or not much anyway). And no one that we know. Billy has become very guarded with this week. It is our week. Even though I've had friends also travel to the Open and we know people who live in Manhattan he doesn't want to see any of them.
And that's OK. We need our time to be Deanne and Billy - no one's son or daughter or mom or dad or sister or brother. Just us.
The funny thing is, whenever I tell people where we're going I'm always asked if I play tennis. No one ever asked me that when I went to watch a football game, or a golf tournament, or a baseball game. Up until last summer I always said No. Even now it is a hesitant "I play AT tennis".
But people always seem amazed.
I'm not really sure why it matters. Don't all sports need spectators? Don't we all have different roles to play - some are athletes, some are fans? I've watched major tennis tournaments (on television) since I was in high school - even had the opportunity to go to Wimbledon in 1984 but 18 year olds don't always make good decisions - and my family used to go to the Dallas Cowboy game for Thanksgiving. I lived in Kansas City and attended many Royals baseball games. Sports are a big part of my life.
What tends to really bumfuzzle people, I think, is the lengths to which we will go to attend some of these events. For our 7th or 8th anniversary I gave Billy tickets to see Florida State play Miami. We lived in Kansas City at the time. I next wanted him to see Florida State play Florida. That entailed purchasing season tickets. So we did. Kept them for several years. Oddly enough when we moved back down South and technically closer to Florida it became more difficult to get away for the weekends so we had to give them up. But we had a lot of fun sitting in Doak Campbell Stadium.
I never really thought it was unusual. If you want to do something, do it.
Like most people, I have a "Bucket List". My objective, though, is to be steadily scratching stuff off BEFORE I reach an absolute point of Now or Never.
Because, technically, aren't we always at a point of Now or Never? We don't come with expiration dates stamped on our feet. There is no crystal ball that shows us the date of our final day.
There are no promises of a tomorrow. And, while some people fall ill and have some forewarning that they need to get busy on their List, a lot of people don't. Things just happen.
I have a couple of pictures from 2001 that I cherish. Both were taken in the courtyard of the World Trade Center complex. One is a shot straight up of the Twin Towers and the other is Billy and me standing in front of the globe with the fountain in the background. Less than 2 weeks later none of that was there anymore. The globe survived but was damaged and moved. I have a picture of that as well. The terrorist could have just as easily struck on the day I was there. The sky was just as blue and clear. There was nothing significantly different - but we were lucky. It was not our day.
No matter how I leave this world, or when, I want to have as few regrets as possible. I don't want to look at my List and think about all that I could have done if I had just taken the time.
Some people don't "get" that. They think you should wait until you retire to travel, or you should save the money rather than spend it on a trip, or a piece of art or whatever it is that you want. I say we may not have time to wait. We may not be around to spend the money we saved.
Anything is possible.
No promises, no regrets.
It is just the two of us. No responsibilities. No pressures. No timetables (or not much anyway). And no one that we know. Billy has become very guarded with this week. It is our week. Even though I've had friends also travel to the Open and we know people who live in Manhattan he doesn't want to see any of them.
And that's OK. We need our time to be Deanne and Billy - no one's son or daughter or mom or dad or sister or brother. Just us.
The funny thing is, whenever I tell people where we're going I'm always asked if I play tennis. No one ever asked me that when I went to watch a football game, or a golf tournament, or a baseball game. Up until last summer I always said No. Even now it is a hesitant "I play AT tennis".
But people always seem amazed.
I'm not really sure why it matters. Don't all sports need spectators? Don't we all have different roles to play - some are athletes, some are fans? I've watched major tennis tournaments (on television) since I was in high school - even had the opportunity to go to Wimbledon in 1984 but 18 year olds don't always make good decisions - and my family used to go to the Dallas Cowboy game for Thanksgiving. I lived in Kansas City and attended many Royals baseball games. Sports are a big part of my life.
What tends to really bumfuzzle people, I think, is the lengths to which we will go to attend some of these events. For our 7th or 8th anniversary I gave Billy tickets to see Florida State play Miami. We lived in Kansas City at the time. I next wanted him to see Florida State play Florida. That entailed purchasing season tickets. So we did. Kept them for several years. Oddly enough when we moved back down South and technically closer to Florida it became more difficult to get away for the weekends so we had to give them up. But we had a lot of fun sitting in Doak Campbell Stadium.
I never really thought it was unusual. If you want to do something, do it.
Like most people, I have a "Bucket List". My objective, though, is to be steadily scratching stuff off BEFORE I reach an absolute point of Now or Never.
Because, technically, aren't we always at a point of Now or Never? We don't come with expiration dates stamped on our feet. There is no crystal ball that shows us the date of our final day.
There are no promises of a tomorrow. And, while some people fall ill and have some forewarning that they need to get busy on their List, a lot of people don't. Things just happen.
I have a couple of pictures from 2001 that I cherish. Both were taken in the courtyard of the World Trade Center complex. One is a shot straight up of the Twin Towers and the other is Billy and me standing in front of the globe with the fountain in the background. Less than 2 weeks later none of that was there anymore. The globe survived but was damaged and moved. I have a picture of that as well. The terrorist could have just as easily struck on the day I was there. The sky was just as blue and clear. There was nothing significantly different - but we were lucky. It was not our day.
No matter how I leave this world, or when, I want to have as few regrets as possible. I don't want to look at my List and think about all that I could have done if I had just taken the time.
Some people don't "get" that. They think you should wait until you retire to travel, or you should save the money rather than spend it on a trip, or a piece of art or whatever it is that you want. I say we may not have time to wait. We may not be around to spend the money we saved.
Anything is possible.
No promises, no regrets.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
For Spanky D
Fourteen years ago today our family expanded by one. A very special one.
Clayton Russell - Clay to his friends - made his appearance.
My second nephew.
That day was very special for me. Since Hayden was only 2 years old it was decided that his dad would stay at home with him overnight rather than with my sister in the hospital. Everyone else had other obligations so I got the very wonderful honor of spending Clay's first night in this world with him and my sister in the hospital.
Matter of fact, having previously had a big boy baby, my sister had learned a few things about trying to keep one fed - mostly she learned that bottles were not a bad thing. When the nurse came in with Clay during to night to eat my sister just looked at the nurse, pointed to me sitting in the chair, and said "hand him to her". So I got to hold that precious little boy and feed him his bottle. Despite having no children of my own, I didn't goof it up too badly. Even remembered to burp him! The next morning I had to drive back to Kansas City but as I said my goodbyes Clay did the one thing that babies do best - he threw up on me.
I still have that shirt. Cleaned up of course. Even in the massive clean out/give away last week I couldn't part with it. It holds a very sweet memory for me.
Of course, he isn't a little boy any more. He, like most of the family, is taller than me. He probably won't need my help carving the pumpkins anymore. But, to me, he'll always be that sweet little toddler who started every morning waddling down the hall, usually in little more than a diaper, arms outstretched to get a hug from his mom (I would do if I were in charge and Mom wasn't home) and start his day off right.
He is still sweet, still starts a lot of his days with a hug, very polite and a ton of fun. I am so glad he is one of us!
Happy Birthday Clay! I hope you have a wonderful day and many, many more.
Dee Dee loves you!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Big Tobacco, Big Problem
I was mortified this morning when I heard of yet another enormous settlement awarded to a family of a smoker against the Big Tobacco companies.
I don't get it.
Is there anyone out there who doesn't know that smoking can kill you? Anyone?
The warning labels have been on the packages since the 60s.
Here is my take on it. I am diabetic. My particular version is that I am insulin resistant. If I engage in behaviors that cause my pancreas to overproduce insulin it doesn't know when to stop and then my body can't process all the extra insulin running around in there.
I have been very vigilant with my diet since I was diagnosed 7 years ago. I have in recent years become more vigilant with my exercise to also help keep things under control. The medication I take every night is just the icing on the cake - so to speak.
It was explained to me like this - if my pancreas keeps overproducing insulin and not stopping it could wear out. Then it produces no insulin. Making me an insulin-dependent diabetic. An insulin-dependent yet insulin-resistant diabetic.
See the problem there?
So I pay attention to what I do. It is a choice. My choice.
If I didn't and ate everything I wanted all willy-nilly and then died of diabetic complications some day I don't think that gives my family the right to sue Hostess or Little Debbie or Blue Bunny ice cream.
They may have provided the means but I took the action.
Millions of people don't smoke. I have never once in my life lit up a cigarette. Ever. (Being an asthmatic plays into that - I've always said if I was going to commit suicide it would be by a faster method)
The cigarettes are available to me same as they are to everyone else. I made a choice. And everyone who buys a pack makes a choice.
A choice based on facts and circumstances that cigarettes are harmful to your health.
The argument is that the tobacco companies put all this stuff in the cigarettes to keep people hooked on them. Food can be just as addicting. Ask anyone who truly has weight problems.
Comfort food is called that for a reason. It makes us feel better when we eat it. And some folks need a lot of comfort. But there are other options out there if we look for them.
Personal responsibility. Making the right choices. Accepting the consequences of those choices.
Apparently these are dying skills.
I don't get it.
Is there anyone out there who doesn't know that smoking can kill you? Anyone?
The warning labels have been on the packages since the 60s.
Here is my take on it. I am diabetic. My particular version is that I am insulin resistant. If I engage in behaviors that cause my pancreas to overproduce insulin it doesn't know when to stop and then my body can't process all the extra insulin running around in there.
I have been very vigilant with my diet since I was diagnosed 7 years ago. I have in recent years become more vigilant with my exercise to also help keep things under control. The medication I take every night is just the icing on the cake - so to speak.
It was explained to me like this - if my pancreas keeps overproducing insulin and not stopping it could wear out. Then it produces no insulin. Making me an insulin-dependent diabetic. An insulin-dependent yet insulin-resistant diabetic.
See the problem there?
So I pay attention to what I do. It is a choice. My choice.
If I didn't and ate everything I wanted all willy-nilly and then died of diabetic complications some day I don't think that gives my family the right to sue Hostess or Little Debbie or Blue Bunny ice cream.
They may have provided the means but I took the action.
Millions of people don't smoke. I have never once in my life lit up a cigarette. Ever. (Being an asthmatic plays into that - I've always said if I was going to commit suicide it would be by a faster method)
The cigarettes are available to me same as they are to everyone else. I made a choice. And everyone who buys a pack makes a choice.
A choice based on facts and circumstances that cigarettes are harmful to your health.
The argument is that the tobacco companies put all this stuff in the cigarettes to keep people hooked on them. Food can be just as addicting. Ask anyone who truly has weight problems.
Comfort food is called that for a reason. It makes us feel better when we eat it. And some folks need a lot of comfort. But there are other options out there if we look for them.
Personal responsibility. Making the right choices. Accepting the consequences of those choices.
Apparently these are dying skills.
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