Wrapped In Red

Thanks to my friend Nicole (you can check out her awesome blog here) I was inspired to do an outfit blog. With it being the last week at work before Christmas vacation I have been dressing as festive as I can! Friday is even Ugly Sweater Day.

Here is todays outfit...

My "Christmas pants" as I call them are from my favorite store, White House Black Market. Sweater is from Hollister, flats from Tommy Hilfiger and scarf is from Macy's. This scarf has been with me for 4 Christmas seasons! I actually purchased it with Nicole 4 years ago when we reunited for the first time after reconnecting just before Christmas.

My scarf through the years...

Who loves Christmas? Kim LOVES Christmas. :) What else do you expect from THE ELF?

Out Of The Woods

It's been awhile! Last time I blogged I was sitting under my palapa in my favorite place in the world. Now we are less than 2 weeks away from Christmas and so much has happened!

It has been difficult to keep up with the blogs because there have just been so many things going on which makes it difficult to really devote my time to write a coherent blog post. So with that said let's catch up!

Upon my return from Aruba I went on a few interviews and landed my first big girl gig after college. A permanent sub position at a local middle school! So far I absolutely LOVE it. I have even had the opportunity to teach the lessons when I sub for math which has been a great experience with no pressure. Working at the same building every day has allowed the kids to get to know my face so they are familiar with me. Plus I have met a lot of great coworkers!

Before starting my new job I was able to squeeze in 1 more trip to Naples...

The weather wasn't all that great, but I was mainly there for the food...

and to race...

I am just winding down from my first semester of grad school. I can't believe my days at SJC are long gone. Grad school is just... well grad school. Just trying to get it done. My program allows for an online option which works well for my learning style.

Since the last time I blogged I have gained a new title....

I am so excited to be the MOH for my best friend/twin Tanya! I cannot believe she is ENGAGED but I am so happy for her and JT (and also taking some of the credit!) T-minus 7 days until I get to see her. The last time we saw each other was when she made her big move down south back in June!

I also ran another race....

Got a new do'....

Wined, dined and danced for JDRF...

Went back to work as The Elf....

Lastly one of the biggest decisions I have made over the past 3 months was in regard to my T1D management. The decision to go on an insulin pump.

It has taken me 11 years. I am nervous and overwhelmed, but hopeful that I will see a positive difference. A big part of my decision was thanks to the incredible Miss Idaho Sierra Sandison. I will begin a little over a week! 

A lot of new things have taken place, but I finally feel I am making it out of the woods and adjusting to my new routine!

We'll Get There Fast & Then We'll Take It Slow

...Aruba is the only place I want to go... Don't need Kokomo...

I am already in Aruba over a week and like always it has been nothing short of a great vacation. The past 9 days have been filled with sun, relaxation, great food, great company and a little adventure also! It is a little weird to think how time goes so quickly and when I return here I feel like I never left... But actually a whole year has gone by (well except for this year when it was only about 10 weeks)! 

Check out some of what has been going on!

Couldn't take off without a pre Aruba selfie

After escaping the torrential rains in NY arriving to this view was definitely comforting

First morning on the beach

I am a winner!

This needs no caption

Just hanging out

Happy hour!

Tarzan and Jane went swinging on a vine

One of my workouts! 

True statement!

What a ride with Crazy Honey!

There is something about getting up early, getting a good workout and making it down by 7:15 to enjoy coffee when the hotel is just starting to stir

Although I am having a great vacation one thing that I will never be able to vacation from is T1D. It is never perfect at home so I don't expect it to be perfect here. Having a lot of lows right before bedtime which is probably one of the most frustrating times to have a low when you just want to sleep! (Although there is no "good" time). The highs seem to occur right after breakfast, but yesterday it didn't so yay! 

All I can do is take one moment at a time. 

Looking forward to enjoying my remaining time on One Happy Island! 

Doc Appointment Don'ts

I go to a lot of doctor appointments for a woman my age. Besides the usual internist for my annual physical there is the endocrinologist for T1D, the gastroenterologist for Celiac Disease, ear doctor, eye doctor and probably a few more I am forgetting. This is probably a big reason why I am really approaching 85 on the inside.

Is it annoying to have to go to all of these appointments? Of course, but it isn't the worst thing in the world. Rather go for the check ups and make sure everything is working the way it is supposed to (except for my pancreas) than face issues down the road that could have been prevented. With that said I have had my fair share of appointments and have come across a lot of ignorance from people in the medical field which is a little scary.

I just feel like there is a code that nurses/assistants should follow when dealing with patients. A lot of times I dread going to certain appointments more than others, but when I look at the big picture I realize that is because I am ticked off to no end before I actually see the doctor! Sometimes I give myself pep talks when sitting in the exam room waiting to be seen. "Ok just get through the dumb statements...they are ignorant...bar time coming after this..."

The first instance I will share usually takes place each time I go to the endocrinologist. Besides the usual height, weight and blood pressure the nurse tests my blood sugar. 9 times out of 10 it is high. Mainly because my stress levels are through the roof, I had just eaten before and sometimes it is just high because I wore a pink shirt instead of a blue one.

Now call me crazy, but I just feel like if I was a nurse I would say the number and write it down and continue on. (Which by the way is never looked at by the doctor so why must they test it anyway?) Obviously if there was a concern I would bring it up with the doctor privately. 

Not in this office. I usually get "Ohhhhhh it is high... did you take your insulin today?"

Like.... are you kidding me fool? Did you breathe today? Of course I took my insulin. Sometimes I really feel like just going along with the stupid comment just to humor myself. Maybe next time I should respond with "Nope not today... didn't really feel like it" or "Gee you know I thought I forgot to do something this morning... thanks for the reminder." 

I'm waiting for the day when she asks if I have the good or bad kind of diabetes. 

Trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, I am sure she means no harm and doesn't think twice how what she says annoys me, but I mean come on. Have a little more smarts.. you deal with diabetic patients on a daily basis try and familiarize yourself with the unpredictable nature of this disease.


Instance 2 comes from my visit to the eye doctor today. I learned my lesson that I will no longer schedule appointments after 2pm. At 3:30 I had just seen the doctor for my 2:15 appointment.

Before seeing the doctor the nurse performed my vision test and tried some different lens strengths. Now she had complete access to my whole medical chart. Call me crazy, but maybe we should read that before saying things?

The nurse goes on to tell me how I am the perfect candidate for Lasik eye surgery. I am young, have a decent prescription, no astigmatism and no major health issues.

I thought for a second maybe I was cured of T1D?!?!

When I mentioned T1D she then quickly says "Oh no, no... yes then you are not a candidate... sorry."

Not that it was a big downer or anything. It is not like I had any intention to get the Lasik... but again, COME ON. GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU ACT! I guess....

Enough ranting for the day. Again this is just something that is on my mind. Maybe if you are in this profession or know someone you can help pass the word along. 

Diary of the Mind

It has been a few weeks. With blogging you need to be in a certain mood or have an inspiration for a post. Lately I feel like my mind has just been all over the place that it has been hard to just sit down and write a coherent blog.

Here are some snap shots of what has been going on the past few weeks of summer. It is already August 8th... how depressing. However on the bright side that means Aruba is soon...VERY soon!

It's official

Stuffed after a Corry BBQ

Final visit with Dr. Pettei :( 

SJC reunion! 

Pretty much :( 

Who am I? 

Stepping up my workout game. Working out outside has been such a nice change! 

Ivank Trump suit!

Finished "The One and Only" by Emily Giffin. Then this happened. 

She favorited my tweet!

Loving my new conair curling wand.. Taylor Swift brunette version? 

Hopefully as I get closer to Aruba blogs will become better thought out. 

The "Don'ts" in My Opinion

This post is something that I've thought about blogging about for awhile, but went back and forth with it. It has nothing to do with T1D, fitness or being gluten free. It is about the world of online dating. Can be a touchy subject, but it is 2014 and now the internet is a part of everyday life for the majority of people so it is nothing unheard of. Plus I am sure a lot of people will be able to relate to some of my feelings and experiences.

Now these are just my own opinions and in no way is it meant to offend anyone. Maybe it will give a different perspective?

I have been a part of the online dating world for awhile now. Dating in the real world is hard enough and I have come to see that the online world is no better. However I feel that when one makes their online dating debut they should see it as an opportunity to sell themselves. After all isn't that why you go on there and depending on the site, make an investment to keep a profile?

With that said I wanted to share some of my biggest online dating pet peeves.

1. Spelling Errors

We are in the year 2014. We have spell check, apps for spelling, friends to ask and last but not least... the dictionary. On the other hand auto correct has gotten many of us in some awkward situations before. I get that, but there is no excuse for not proofreading. Double check, triple check, quadruple check if you have to! Your online bio is a persons first impression of you! If you cannot compose a decent paragraph or two and know the difference between there, their and they're we are not a good match.

2. Picture Selection

This is the first thing a fellow online dater sees when checking out a profile, so make it your best (and normal)! If all of your pictures are "selfies" with a kissy face, do you really think I am going to take you seriously? I am sorry, but I am not looking for a teenage girl.

Not even kidding.

Or if 9 out of your 10 photos are from the year 2008 I am going to be a little skeptical. Are you trying to get me to date your 2008 self? We are not going back in time. Find a friend, go outside, and get a nice normal shot (or at least try to). Less is more.

The majority of your pictures include other people. Whose dating profile is this? If I have to play a game of "Where's Waldo?" it's on to the next.

Oh and please, don't post multiple pictures of your cat/dog.


3. Sending an Email

This is where that lesson you learned in elementary school about how to write a friendly letter comes into play. Keep it short, but well thought out. "Hey" is not going to cut it. What are we back on AIM circa 2003?

Show that you took two minutes of your time to read the persons profile. Ask a question about the person, state something specific that you noticed you have in common. If you can't compose a coherent, proofread email what do you think a first impression of you will be?

4. Exchanging Numbers

After exchanging a few emails you realize whether or not this person is worth meeting. If they have passed all of the above criterion it is time to meet. This crucial step can really make it or break it. The texting world has had a negative impact on this generation to be able to communicate face to face. Do not rely on the texting before you actually meet. I don't know you yet. I highly doubt you care about my day just yet or want to see what I am up to. If you do that is very nice, but I doubt it. Pick up the phone (or text if you must) and make PLANS to meet. For example...

HIM - "Hey (Kim) it is (Prince Charming) from match. Does Tuesday night work for you to meet for coffee at Starbucks on Smith Street around 7?"

ME - "Hey (Prince Charming) yes that works great. Looking forward to it"

Plans are made, great! Please don't text everyday until then. I do not know you and would like to get to know you IN PERSON. I am not looking for a pen pal.

Obviously afterward if things go well and you continue to get to know each other texting is in the safe zone.

The following example is just a little too pushy for a first time text... just my opinion though.

After specifically saying "Here is my cell, contact me when you would like to schedule a time to get together." This happened: 

Are you kidding me? We have not even met yet. You are not allowed to flirt with me... Or try to. 

The conversation ended there. 

I mean really, "hot" what are you 16?

Also it was clear that this online dater confused two people. Nowhere in my profile did it say NYC. Get your facts before you act... or text in this case.


Some people argue that a young gal' like myself shouldn't rush my single years away. Understandable, but everyone feels differently.

I am in no way trying to rush my life away. I just figured I would share this to hopefully make this process a little easier for the newbie online daters (and hopefully give you all a laugh). I think I have had a fair amount of experience where I can put in my two cents. Maybe I should start being paid for putting up with some of these online offenses for as long as I have. :)