Stacey Simms Blog

Elmo Has Diabetes, Too

We've come a long way when it comes to changing my son's insulin pump inset.  That's the connection point from the pump to his body and we have to change it every three days.  Sort of like a more mild, shallow version of a shunt - better explained here.  It's like giving him a shot every three days.

A lot of people use a numbing cream, like Lidocain, so it doesn't hurt going in.  On the advice of our diabetes educator, we didn't use the cream at first.  You have to leave the cream on for at least an hour and it just seemed like a lot for something that (we were told) wouldn't hurt that much.  Truly, it seemed like a good idea at the time.  Benny hated the button (as we call it) but right after it was on him, it didn't hurt at all.  We thought he'd just get used to it.

He didn't and It was awful.  We basically held him tight and popped the button on for the first year.  That's not too hard with a two year old, but as he got bigger, it got tougher.  And it was just heartbreaking.   I spent about the next six months trying to convince him that the cream wouldn't hurt.  He wouldn't even let me put it on his skin.  Finally, one day, don't ask me why, he let me use the Lidocaine.  What a difference.

Benny still doesn't like when it's time to change the button.  He'll ask for one more story, one more TV show, anything to stall.  But it is night and day compared to our experience before.  We do all sorts of silly things to make it easier and distract him.  His favorite right now is having Slade hold him upside down while I pop the button on.

Recently, though, Slade wasn't around and it was button day.  I reminded Benny that upside down button placement is not a one-person job.  He said, let's have Elmo do it.

Benny's always loved his stuffed animals.  When we first got his pump, his Mickey Mouse doll wore one too.  Elmo is his favorite now and he's been helping us with diabetes for a while.  You see, sometimes Elmo has diabetes too and Benny has to check Elmo's blood sugar.  He gets a pretend juice box if he's low, insulin if he's high.  Benny will put a button on him and talk to him about diabetes.  It's great.

I wasn't quite sure how we were going to have Elmo help us out here, but I was willing to try.  As usual, my kids showed me the way.  Lea came in to see what was going on and she decided we'd play "Elmo says."  She held Elmo and had him tell us what to do.  Put your hand on your head.  Hop on one foot.  Let Mommy put your button on.  And it worked! Yay, Elmo (and Lea)!

The only time Benny complains about having diabetes is when we change his inset.  I think he's a pretty cool customer with all the finger pricks and glucose checks, especialy for a four year old.  But if we can get this button thing a little less stressful for him, I think it will be so much better in the long run.  We may feel a little silly playing Elmo says every three days, but if it works, bring on the silly. 

My "Lost" Theory

One more episode to go this season and then just one more season to go!

Here's my theory for how it all ends on Lost:

The whole "the plane never crashes" discussion is a giant red herring.  I can't imagine the show's creators would craft a story in which the plane peacefully lands in LA but all the passengers still have terrible lives and horrible problems.  They can't possible let stand: Hurley's bad luck, Charlie's heroin addiction, Locke's paralysis, Jack's daddy issues, Sun & Jin's bad marriage and Kate's arrest (okay, I'm fine with that last one!), etc.

The key must be a change before they get on the plane.  Who ties the most characters together?  He of the white sneakers and bad bedside manner - Dr. Christian Shepard.  Save the shephard, save the world!  Wait, wrong show.

If Dr. Shepard is a better man, he helps so many of the other characters become better people as well (or at least he doesn't mess them up).  Yes, this is a half-formed theory, but it feels right to me.  Check out Lostpeida's entry on the good doctor and see if it doesn't somehow feel right to you, too.

So Christian Shepard gets a kick in the pants from a younger Charles Widmore or maybe Smokey straightens him out off-island.  I have no idea how they do it, but I think Shepard holds the key.  The Losties become better people so when they get on the plane (and they absolutely have to get back on the plane so we can see that terrific airport scene redone) we get to see what their lives should have been like.  Then they all land in LA and go to Hugo's house for another Tiki party.

Salad this week

I think I ate more last week than I have all year. 

Double whammy of judging a catering contest and hanging out with the hospitality folks at the Quail Hollow Championship.  I know - heavy lifting!

I got a media pass this year to cover the golf tournament.  My beat?  The food.  I'm doing a new project on sports events and hospitality.  Basically, that means I get to go behind the scenes at some cool Charlotte events and eat well.  Oh yeah, and take lots of notes and interview a bunch of people. 

I spent quite a bit of time with John Sergi, the local food and hospitality guru who's also the consultant for Citifield in NY and US Open Tennis.  He's set the table (so to speak) for the golf tournament since the beginning.  It was fun to trail him around the course but it was also pretty filling!  I'll keep you posted on the project - I'm including some NASCAR stuff and the Panthers, so it'll be at least the fall before I'm finished. 

I can tell you that the research and work behind what they serve at Quail Hollow is pretty amazing.  It not only influences what is served, but where.  They even put a lot of thought into what to serve the media.  And trust me, we're not picky.

The other event was the very cleverly named "So You Think You Can Cater."  It was a fun contest to help get the word out about the new Vintage Motor Club in Concord.  You can read about it here.  Nine entrees, nine desserts.  I think I gained five pounds.  My fellow judges were terrific - former Panther Mike Rucker, Chef Jim Noble, Robert Krumbine from Center City Partners and MC Lou Petrozza, the wonderful local chef who made it all the way to second place on Hell's Kitchen.

 

Do we all look really full?  This picture was taken just after judging finished.  Thanks to Colleen Brannan from Branstorm PR for all her help and for inviting me to take part.  Colleen and I are supposed to have lunch this week.  After all that food, though, maybe we'll just make it for coffee!

Walk for a Cure (and book coupon!)

Just wrapped up the Charlotte Walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Always an incredible day - more than six thousand people raised $1.5 million dollars!

Thanks so much to Carowinds for hosting the walk every year; what a great venue.  I also need to thank News 14 for their media sponsorship and for profiling my family last week.  You can click here to see the story.  It's only a minute and it's a pretty good look at what life is like for a four year old with type 1.

There are two more walks in our area, next Saturday. To celebrate all the good stuff that's going on with JDRF, I'm making a coupon code available for my book.  As you may know, I'm giving JDRF all the profits from I Can't Cook, But I Know Someone Who Can.  From now through May 1st, you can save $10!  That means the book is just $14.99.  Just enter the coupon code JDRFWALK at checkout (it'll be one of the last things you do before you pay).  Click here to get started.

If you're wondering where the money raised for JDRF goes, check out this article on the artificial pancreas.  Seems like this is going to be the next big development. 

Boys & girls, meet Bluto.

We gave my son a guitar for Chanukah.  No lessons, just a small guitar.  He and his sister fool around with it and have a lot of fun.  A couple of days ago, they asked me to play a song.  I haven't the slightest idea how to play a guitar, so I just started strumming it.

What song do you think popped into my head as I looked at my lovely children, ages four and seven?  Yes, you're exactly right -  a song from Animal House.  (You were expecting, He's Got The Whole World In His Hands?)

I don't know why it just popped into my head - probably the worst song ever.  "I gave my love a cherry..."  If you're not familiar with the song - click here to watch the scene from the movie.   If you're not familiar with the move, I can't help you.  But I'll wait while you go rent it and watch it.

Here's the funny part - my kids loved it.  They actually started singing it themselves, over and over again as kids do.  I finally had to show them the real thing.  We surfed it up at youtube (the clip above).  Benny loved when he smashed the guitar, but Lea was a little confused.  "The girls liked the song," she said.  They both wanted to know why the togas.  I told them it was a costume party. 

So yes, I exposed my kids to a (great) movie they probably shouldn't see for a few more years.  At least we didn't surf up the food fight scene.

Lights out at WTVH in Syracuse

Tough news from some friends of mine in Syracuse this week.  After 60 years of broadcasting, CBS affiliate WTVH is basically shutting the doors on local news.  They've laid off 40 people and merged the news operation with competitor (and my former station) WSTM.

You can read the whole story in the Syracuse newspaper.

Another sad economic story, but just a bit different.  When most companies merge, not too many people notice except those who work there or maybe some vendors and customers.  TV news is different - we get attached to those anchors and reporters.  Case in point, we just got an email this morning about Chris Suchan.  He's the local meteorologist who moved to Tampa six months ago.

It's actually an old story in Utica, NY.  The first TV station to hire me, WUTR, stopped their newscasts in 2003.  But that's a very small television market.  It's #169 out of 210 (which is Glendive, MT in case you're curious). Syracuse is 81.  Charlotte is 24.

I hope this isn't a trend in TV news, although I'm sure many stations will start cutting back on some newscasts.  They've got to make money just like any other business, but also have unique responsibilities.  Local TV stations (and radio, thanks!) are vital resources for safety issues, breaking news and for watching local politicians. 

Yeah, most of the time it's easy to make fun of them for sending reporters out to stand in front of empty buildings in the dark ("I'm standing here live where a few hours ago, City Council made a decision...") but those same reporters are watching out for us and our tax money. 

Let's hope the trend of completely giving up on local news stops here.

Are you Lost?

I may have an advantage when it comes to following the show Lost.  When you get up at 3:30am, watching a prime time television show is it's own exercise in time travel.

I've actually worked this shift 10 out of the last 13 years and I used to try to watch a lot more TV.  The DVR technology makes it so much easier - yes I used to set my VCR timer to watch ER and Seinfeld - but I actually watch a lot less.  Of course, 13 years ago, I didn't have children so I had a little bit more free time.

Right now, I'm only watching news and Lost.  My husband hates this show.  My mom and I love it.  She's watched since the very first episode; I got into it during the summer reruns before season 2.  I love that it's crazy.  I love that we've had very little idea of how the mysteries will wrap up and I absolutely love that the whole thing will end next year. 

One of the best things about Lost is all of the analysis on line.  You've got recaps and comments at Television Without Pity.  Entertainment Weekly has too many "star" stories for my taste, but also some  thoughtful analysis and predictions.  The smartest stuff is at the Washington Post.  The goofiest may be Lost Untangled, but it made me laugh out loud.  (There is a web controversy about that last one.  Check out The Fine Brothers' videos and decide for yourself whether ABC is paying homage or just ripping them off)

If you watch the show (and if you don't, are you still reading?) I'm with you if you're sick and tired of Jack and Kate.  I love Sawyer, I love Ben and I'm crazy about Sun and Jin.  My theory?  Sorry, don't have one.  Just hope they keep up the pace they're on this season all the way to the end next year.  And nothing better happen to Vincent. 

Snow Day, Crazy Week

This was already going to be a crazy week schedule-wise and now it snows!  No school for the kids today.  We woke up to 3 inches on the ground today - I think it's been at least five years since we've had that much snow!

Glad the snow came today, though.  Yesterday I had a fun photo shoot for Lake Norman Magazine.  They're running a story on my book and the photographer, John Simmons, wanted to play up the "I Can't Cook" theme.  Slade had just spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and getting it camera-ready.  We spent an hour messing it up.

I'll post the pictures when the article runs and I hope they let me use a bunch here even if they don't all make the magazine.  We took a set of pictures with the classic powder-on-the-face pose.  I didn't put enough on, apparently, so Slade took matters into his own hands.  He tossed a handful right in my face!  It was hard not to just crack up.  Hopefully the pictures won't be too goofy.  I'm sure the pictures will be fine.. it's me I hope that's not too goofy!

I hope the snow is all gone by tomorrow because I have something else to do.  Our public television station WTVI decided to broadcast a fundraiser for the Foundation for the Carolinas.  This is the group that, among many other things, is helping people in need this winter with an emergency fund.  WTVI asked me to help host the special which airs Thursday at 8pm.  Turns out a lot of the people I used to work with over at Channel 3 here in Charlotte are helping out.  Looking forward to seeing some old friends.

I don't have any TV clothes anymore.. I was going to go buy something to wear today.  Oh well.  It'll be home to play in the snow with the kids today.  Take advantage while we can - it's supposed to be 60 degrees by Saturday!

Catching up with the USO's Jack Ahart

In November, our good friend Captain Jack Ahart took on a new assignment.  He's the retired Navy man who started the Charlotte USO office and quickly built it into a huge success.  Jack's in Dubai now, starting up USO Chapters in the Gulf region.

 

Before he left, he asked me to join the advisory board of the Charlotte USO.  We've got our first meeting tonight and I'm excited and honored to be part of this great group.

 

Jack agreed to stay in touch with us through my blog.  I sent him a few questions earlier this month (you'll notice a little bit of dated info), so here we go:

 

How did you spend Christmas?  The aircraft carrier Teddy Roosevelt was in port at Dubai and I had Christmas dinner with the Troops on board the carrier.  I was able to raise some money and with the Director of USO Dubai, we bought a number of WIIs and PlayStations, games for them, and some Ipods.  The ship then put the names of all of the enlisted personnel, E-6 and below, in a hopper and during the day names were drawn for the prizes.  The ship was at the pier where the USO Dubai is located and besides having some Carolina sailors on your show, there was a live band for the Troops, cell phones to call home, and computers to e-mail home.  It was a great day watching everyone having fun and enjoying the holidays.

 

How did our Troops spend their holiday time?  Those in Dubai were able to go golfing, to the Malls, and just sight see.  I called all 8 of the USOs in Southwest Asia to wish them a Merry Christmas and each of them had a turkey dinner for the Troops and a place for them to relax.  

 

Are you settled in yet?  I am still apartment looking and living in the hotel, but hope to get an answer on an apartment I like this week-end.  Once I am all moved in, I expect all of you to come visit.

 

What are you eating?  The food choices here are pretty global.  There are the local choices, which are not bad, plus Indian food, Pakistani food, and a number of American restaurants, such as TGI Fridays, KFC, McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Tony Romas.  I have had to try them all so that I will know where to take Al when he comes over.

What has surprised you so far in Dubai?  The first thing that jumps out is the amount of construction going on.  There are large cranes everywhere.  The second thing is hearing English and Arabic being spoken at the same time at meetings or while shopping.  Dubai is a very interesting city and I am enjoying myself here.  I also think that I will be able to accomplish a lot here for the Troops.

Are our Troops talking about the change coming in Washington?  What seems to be the feeling as the Obama administration comes in?  When I visited the Troops at the 3 USO Centers in Kuwait last month, the underlying concern was pulling out of Iraq before the country is truly democratic and capable of defending itself. Many of them that I talked to fear that all they have done and sacrificed would end up being in vain.  Having been in Viet Nam, I certainly understand their concerns.  As for the Troops feelings about the Obama administration, I really did not hear it mentioned much, the big concern was for the Iraqi people and being able to finish their mission.  Having served under 6 Commander-in-Chiefs, I can tell you that the military will serve whomever it is to the best of their ability regardless of their political leanings or possible philosophical differences.

 

Are you following the Panthers?  Will you be able to watch the game Saturday night?  I am definitely following the Panthers and was able to see their last game.  With the 9 hour time difference, a 1:00 game on the east coast is on at 10:00 p.m. here.  What time do they play on Saturday?  If it is an 8:00 game in Charlotte then kickoff here would be at 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and indeed, if I can find a place to watch it, I'll be there!!  The problem is that for religious reasons, the week-end here is Friday and Saturday, so I would end up watching it a 5:00 a.m. on my Monday morning,  oh well, it is the Panthers and well worth it.

 

Anything you'd like to add?  I just wish to thank you, Al, Charles, and Jim for all you do for the Troops.  I would also like to thank you for agreeing to be on the Charlotte USO's Board of Directors.  I know that you will be a great addition.  Please give your family my regards and tell everyone hi for me.

 

 

Thoughts on Jan 20th

Al asked me during the show today what stood out most to me during the inauguration.  I hadn't thought about it before he asked, and my answer sort of surprised me.  It was the way in which Obama seems to have inspired young people to get involved and re-engage in our political process. 

My mom has told me that she was very much inspired by Bobby Kennedy.  That when he was killed, she didn't vote for years.  I've heard other people in her generation talk about being inspired by the RFK or JFK.  I don't think my generation has had somebody like that.

I'm 37, so I guess that makes me Generation X.  Watching the crowds watching the inauguration yesterday it occurred to me that people my age didn't have a larger than life inspirational figure like either Kennedy or FDR or even Reagan when we came of age.  Our first presidential choice was between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.  Our first political experiences mostly had to do with scandals and petty party fights. 

You could argue politics has always been that way, but every once in a while a politician takes the stage, seems to rise above it all and asks citizens to do the same.  It makes a difference whether you're 17 when that happens or 37.  If you're younger, I think it sticks. 

We've talked about the election a lot with our 7-year-old daughter, Lea.  She's been interested and curious since she realized "a girl" was running last year.   She ultimately voted for John McCain in her school's Kid Vote election - she liked that he had more experience. 

We had a snow day here, so when I got home from work Slade had the kids in front of the TV.  That was terrific. I walked in right when Obama was starting his speech.  Lea came over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream came true."  She sat down next to me and we listened to the new president.  Two minutes later, Benny had enough and that was that.  But I think Lea will remember this election and the promise of this moment.