One Lump or Two?
Like I wrote a few weeks ago, "Even though I do not like the disease, there are some diabetes-related simple pleasures that make me smile."
But on the flip side of that, there are some diabetes-related things that make me grimace. (Not Grimace, but grimace.) And when I'm feeling down about the hard parts of managing this disease, I often turn to humor to lift me back up. (For me, a little gallows humor goes a long way in keeping me from really falling into a depressive state. It seems like a counterproductive idea, but it really helps me.)
This is where Haidee Soule Merritt's book comes in: One Lump or Two? Her book more than resonated for a 20+ year diabetes veteran like myself. It's taken me a long time to build up this much amusement at a disease that's trying its hardest to take me out, but now I'm in the thick of the smirking-despite-the-chaos.
As I read through her book, I laughed. I laughed and nodded my head in agreement, thinking, "Oh hell yes, I hate those geyser fingerpricks."
Who hasn't this happened to? (Image credit: Haidee Soule Merritt)
I snicked despite trying to be classy when I saw the one about low blood sugars after sex. (Trust me, not fun. And also, awkward as hell.)
Been there. Done that. (Image credit: Haidee Soule Merritt)
Diabetes isn't easy. Neither is laughing at it. But laughter, finding something that alleviates some of the anxiety and fear that comes with a chronic illness, can make such a huge difference in health.
If you want to order your own copy of Haidee's book, visit her website (and enjoy the duck sounds on the buttons, because they quacked me up). As you thumb through your copy of One Lump or Two?, you'll find yourself smirking with understanding, too.
Comments
quacked?! You certainly never pass up the opportunity for a good pun, do you? :)
Posted by: Sara | July 2, 2009 12:05 PM
I too really enjoy her work, and hope to see more of her around! :-)
Posted by: Scott K. Johnson | July 2, 2009 12:43 PM
I second the recommendation for this book. I have a copy and it was worth every penny.
Posted by: Chris | July 2, 2009 01:14 PM
I read an article in Psychology Today about people's quirks, and gallows humor was included. It said it was fine, and I agree! Sometimes it's all you can have to get through the tough spots of life.
And geyser finger pricks are really cool in a bloody way!
Posted by: Clara | July 2, 2009 02:04 PM
I've got to get that book.
Thanks for sharing Kerri.
Posted by: CALpumper | July 2, 2009 02:18 PM
Ha, low blood sugar after sex isn't nearly as awkward as before it.
If I couldn't laugh at myself, I'd be in a sorry state indeed!
Posted by: Erin | July 2, 2009 03:00 PM
Had my first finger geyser at Christmas...hit my grandma...it's funny now, but it sure wasn't then!
Posted by: Karin | July 2, 2009 04:46 PM
After 6 years with diabetes, I had my first geyser! I didn't know it was possible. Shot myself in the eye which led to rolling on the floor with laughter.
Yes, the simple pleasures make the days with diabetes easier to handle!
Posted by: Kristin | July 5, 2009 03:00 PM
I'd like to add some of my own D simple pleasures
-at night when I check dd if I'm within 5 or 10 points of my guess, esp if I guess less than 180.
-getting the disability pass at Busch Gardens when we go-get to skip to front of line
-seeing stranger with pump.
Posted by: Fran Sara'stype1manager/mom | July 5, 2009 07:35 PM
I had my first finger geyser on a train to Vienna last summer... absolutely freaked me out - got blood in my eye! I think I really made a scene with my expressions of horror. God only knows what the other passengers thought!
Posted by: strawberry | July 6, 2009 04:50 PM
Hah, the geyser. I have proof in one of my Bibles of the spray that occurs.
And the low-after-(or usually in my case right-in-the-middle-of)sex thing... Oy! My fiancee likes it when I drink pancake syrup right from the bottle. He thinks it's hot. :op Haha
Posted by: Iana | July 13, 2009 02:04 PM